#What he says in the final minute is heartbreaking on how he felt all those years needing that validation from the world

[jerrylevitch]

#Jerry Lewis #1981 #20/20 #What he says in the final minute is heartbreaking on how he felt all those years needing that validation from the world #Youtube

[alltheirdamn]

Killing Me Softly | (Joel Miller x teacher!f!reader)

Chap. 1 : Your Name

Series Summary: You've nursed a broken heart for two years. ‘Love’ felt like a foreign term, but maybe it wasn’t so far out of reach. Chap. 1 Summary: When you catch the eye of your students' dad at a school dance, he starts showing up everywhere. Rating: 18+ MDNI (for the future smut) Word Count: 6.8k Warnings: pre-outbreak AU, age gap (joel is 36 reader is 27), no smut (yet), sexual tension, flirting, pining, mentions of alcohol, language, angst, reader's last name is 'Smith' for no other purpose than the fact she is a teacher A/N: This will definitely be a slow-burn fic, so please hang tight!! Tropes include: second chance at love, strangers to lovers, secret relationship, etc. I'm actually so excited about this one, so I hope you guys stick around to see where it goes :')

Masterlist

PROLOGUE

You never thought you’d be the girl sitting at the steps of an abandoned altar with your wedding dress covered in mud from the rain.

 Just minutes before you were supposed to take your first steps down the aisle, your fiancé fled. You watched the blur of his suit in the distance as he ran through the rain and left your family and friends in shock. Motionless at the back of the rows of chairs, you dropped your bouquet and stood in heartbreaking silence as the cords of the violins faded into the air. Your parents and siblings swarmed around you, trying to break the paralysis that kept your eyes locked on the vacant spot under the archway and steps of what would have been the place you said your vows. You still had them in your hand; the words scribbled neatly on a folded paper torn from your journal. You’d never get the chance to say those words aloud; he never would have deserved them, anyway. 

The ring sat heavily on your finger now as you watched it glisten under the pelting rain. Your dress clung to your body in layers of silk and lace, a taunting reminder of who you had become for a man unworthy of your love and devotion. 

Five years together, all stripped away in a matter of minutes. 

You’d never love again. 

“Everyone’s gotta do it,” Maria sighed as she stood at the student drop-off with you.

By ‘it,’ she meant chaperoning the father-daughter dance later in the week, which you seriously wanted no part of. You had been through enough school dances in your three years working at the middle school, and you were tired of watching pre-teens grinding on each other to god-awful music. You had better things to do with your Friday nights, like sitting on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a horror movie playing in the background—you’d sworn off rom-coms long ago.

“Yeah, I know,” you grumbled, waving another line of kids across the road. 

You watched as they trudged across the crosswalk with their backpacks slung over their shoulders, eyes bright and broad at the realization school was over for the day. If only they were that chipper in class, maybe you’d have an easier time teaching them how to write three-point essays. 

Maria chirped goodbye to each one as they passed, her cheeks pinched with a fake smile only you could recognize. You knew she loved the kids but loved the final school bell even more. You, on the other hand, hated it. The end of school was just another reminder that you’d go back to an empty home and an empty life. 

Two years had passed since Bennett ran from your wedding ceremony—two years without closure or an answer. By the time you had pieced yourself together and returned home from the would-have-been ceremony, his things were gone, and the house filled with the ghost of his presence. Your in-laws went radio silent, avoiding all calls and emails from you until they eventually moved out of state and changed numbers. The hours leading up to the ceremony would forever be a mystery as to why he left, and you would spend the rest of your life fighting for an answer as to why you weren’t good enough to love. 

Dragging you from your thoughts, Maria bumped you with her hip, giving you a concerned look. You shook away the memories and returned her stare with a fake smile you had mastered over the last two years. You couldn’t even remember the last time you had genuinely smiled or laughed without feeling the force of a facade washing over you. Concealing the pain of it all made it easier; maybe if you believed you were okay, you’d start feeling okay. But you never did. Not even the countless hours of therapy had helped reconcile the person you once were. Bennett had left and taken every vulnerable part of you with him, leaving nothing but a raw and broken shell in his wake. 

“You’re doing it again,” Maria scolded. 

“Doing what?” You asked, already aware of the answer.

“Wallowing. You really should get back out there again.”

You focused on the next grouping of kids setting out to cross the street, your hand instinctively coming up to hold the passing cars at a standstill. You plastered on a fake smile as they waved goodbye to you, and you glanced back at Maria once they finally stepped foot on the next sidewalk.

“I’m not interested,” you stated. “I’m fine on my own.”

Her eyebrow lifted as if challenging your blasé response. Your answer always remained the same, yet Maria relentlessly attempted to change your mind.

“You’ve got to at least try. What if there’s already someone out there just waiting for you?”

“Maria, I promise no one is waiting for me.”

“I wish you’d just give it a shot. You deserve to be happy.”

You had heard that phrase often over the last couple of years; a pitying tone always accompanied the words. People loved to soothe you with words that held no weight or purpose. You learned to nod along to their sympathies and turn a deaf ear to their suggestions of what you deserved. 

The final round of kids made their way toward the line of parents waiting in their cars, and you followed Maria back to your classrooms to clean up before leaving for the day. Her words stuck with you on the quiet drive home; the radio wasn’t enough to drown out that taunting voice in your head reminding you that you’d never be enough. 

Your single-story house was nestled into an older neighborhood of Austin, only a handful of miles from the middle school. You’d argue that the house was the best thing to come out of the failed engagement; its personality stood firm against the other houses with a vibrant shade of blue painted over its wooden panels and wrap-around porch. You spent the last few months sprucing up the front yard, planting rose bushes and trees to liven up the house. It hadn’t fixed all your problems but pacified them temporarily as you dirtied your hands in the soil. 

It became second nature to shut your garage immediately after putting your car in park. You didn’t want the typical neighborly interactions or shallow conversations. You were content with living between closed doors and drawn curtains. The less of an interaction with the world, the better. 

Dropping your purse and work bag on the kitchen counter, you sunk onto a barstool, staring blankly at the fridge and knowing all too well there was hardly anything inside it. You’d settle for another frozen meal and glass of wine, a typical meal these days to satisfy a hunger you no longer had. Despite the colorful kitchen cabinets, the mustard yellow couch in the living room, and the obscure wallpaper…your life was dull. How could one person suck out all the energy from another human being? How could pain last this long? 

You stabbed a fork into the TV dinner meal before you and wondered if you’d ever feel happy again. 

**

You managed to survive another week of teaching, only to now be standing in the shadows of the school gymnasium, nursing an overly sweet fruit punch. The PTA had done a decent job of turning the space into a somewhat realistic dance floor: string lights hung corner to corner of the ceiling, a DJ booth in the center of the basketball court, and colorful balloons circled the air. You spotted a few of your students dancing with their fathers, their eyes squeezed shut from their too-wide smiles and bubbling laughter. A foreign ache in your chest reminded you how you would have had a father-daughter dance at your wedding. Your father even took it upon himself to brush up on dance lessons to sway you across the floor to some overly emotional song. As corny as it was, you had been looking forward to that moment throughout your engagement. 

“Look who got all dolled up!” Maria hollered as she strolled over, fruit punch in hand.

“I would hardly call this dolled up,” you said, tugging at the hem of your dress.

You only had a handful of dresses in your closet, this particular one being a flowy black cocktail dress with a halter top and ruffled skirt. It was barely passing the school dress code, so you decided to pair it with a low kitten heel to try and deter the admin’s scrutiny. You did, however, spend a little more time than usual on your makeup and hair, hoping if you looked pretty, then maybe you’d feel it, too.

“You’re too hard on yourself,” Maria sighed.

“You look great,” you said, sidestepping her lecture.

Maria had chosen a plum floor-length maxi dress decorated with embroidered blue flowers. Her curly hair was pinned in a bun, and several sparkly barrettes were clipped to the side. Her makeup was no different from usual: a rosy red lip and simple mascara with a hint of blush on her cheeks. 

“Really, Maria. You do.”

“Well, thank you,” she blushed, looking back toward the room full of bodies dancing.

Your eyes followed hers, settling on the duos as they swayed to a slow song. Every father was dressed up in some sort of button-up or the occasional suit except for one—the same one who happened to be twirling around your student, Sarah Miller. You nudged Maria, pointing secretly at them with a questioning glance.

“Is that her dad?” You asked.

He wore a basic cotton T-shirt, jeans, and dirty work boots. There was barely any thought behind his appearance as if he had rolled up to the school right after a long shift at work, forgoing any effort or care. Some part of you hated him for it. The least he could do was get dressed up for a silly school dance, especially when Sarah wore a lavender tulle dress that complimented her olive skin tone. 

“Yup,” Maria elongated the word. “That’s Joel Miller.”

“Sure looks like he doesn’t care to be here,” you grumbled.

Maria barked a laugh, looking at you through narrowed eyes.

“As opposed to you?” She questioned. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but weren’t you bitching about this dance all week long?”

“Well, at least I put some effort into my looks tonight,” you defended.

You glanced back at Sarah, seeing her father twirl her one last time. You caught a glimpse of his face for the first time in the flow of his movements. Messy dark curls framed his head, curling in every which way as if he’d run his hand through them a million times. Even from a distance, you could see the patchy beard and short mustache covering the lower half of his face, alongside the several creases around his eyes as he smiled.  And his eyes… They looked like big brown saucers under the lights, reflecting a genuine softness as he watched his daughter dance. 

And then they snapped up to meet your gaze through the crowd as if you had silently called out to him. Everything slowed around you for a moment as he studied you from afar, his eyes drifting down your body and back up with a hint of a smile teasing his lips. A rush of heat crawled up your neck, and you broke the eye contact between you. Maria cleared her throat beside you, tearing you away from the man holding your sincere interest. 

“What was that?” Maria chirped. 

You shook your head, glancing between her curious face and the dancefloor. Joel had since moved on, steering Sarah toward the refreshment table. He never once looked back at you, which left you unexplainably disappointed. For a moment in time, someone looked at you and saw you. 

“I–I don’t know,” you stuttered. “Probably nothing.”

“It looked like something.”

You turned to face Maria, a scowl twisting up your lips entirely. You were tired of her pushing nonexistent things on you, and that’s what this was— nonexistent. Whatever moment between you and Joel had gone as quickly as it came. You were done with the night and standing among so many cheerful people. You couldn’t stand it any longer. 

“I think I’m going to take off,” you announced, placing your half-drunk fruit punch on the table behind you. 

Maria was defeated, knowing you'd still leave no matter what she said. Stalking out of the gymnasium, you grabbed your purse from the teacher's booth and booked it to your car with your heels in your hands. You carefully walked along the sidewalk toward your car, catching a conversation drifting through the wind between the other vehicles. 

“...Dad, you promised we’d watch movies tomorrow!”

“I know, sweetheart, but Uncle Tommy needs help on the job sight.”

You hid between two cars, listening to their voices bounce back and forth. It wasn’t until you peeked out to see the two figures that you realized it was Sarah and her father, Joel. For fucks sake. You tiptoed around the car's bumper beside you, attempting to make a getaway before either of them saw you. You must have done a terrible job because Sarah called your name as you edged closer to your car.

“Miss Smith!”

“Shit,” you muttered to yourself. 

With your purse in one hand and heels in the other, you turned toward them with your rehearsed fake smile. Sarah was standing beside her dad—Joel—a small smile shining up at you. You knew her usual upbeat personality in class, always laughing and joking with other kids. She was an A+ student, too, and her work showcased her smartness. But in her father's shadow, a distinct sadness clouded her eyes. 

“Hello, Sarah! How did you like the dance?” You asked. 

“It was really fun,” she grinned, forcing her smile wider. You saw through it. 

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Joel cleared his throat, extending a large hand toward you. You blinked at his open palm, afraid of making that same startling eye contact as you had in the gymnasium. Shuffling your purse into your other hand, you took his into yours, focusing on the warmth of his grip crawling up your skin. His fingers dwarfed your own, tightening around your hand until you were forced to look up finally. 

“S’nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Smith,” he said, his thick Southern accent shining through.

“Miss Smith,” you corrected. It was hard to hide the bitterness in the statement. 

“Miss Smith,” he echoed. “I’m Joel, Sarah’s dad.”

His eyes still hadn’t left yours, their piercing stare making you shiver despite the September humidity. You pulled your hand away, overly aware of how his fingers lingered a moment too long. Shifting your weight from one leg to another, you were starting to feel the asphalt dig into the soles of your feet. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Miller,” you replied.

“Joel,” he insisted.

You nodded politely, giving him another faltering smile. Hauling your purse over your shoulder, you said a soft goodbye to them and bolted to your car. In the confines of the driver's seat, you rested your head against the wheel, inhaling deeply as you steadied the nerves inside your body. Why did such a simple interaction light up your body with emotions you had spent so long suppressing? And why did Joel’s smile haunt you even when your eyes were shut?

Forcing your keys into the ignition, you tore out of the school parking lot and back to the confines of your tiny blue home. 

The weekends were usually filled with nothing more than grading papers and lesson planning. The coffee beside you on the kitchen counter had gone cold hours ago as the morning sunlight faded into the afternoon. Through tired eyes, you glanced up at the oven clock: 2 pm. You needed a break from reading through piles of essays, and your fridge desperately required replenishing. Grabbing your keys off the counter, you forfeited any plans of changing out of your sweat set and headed to the supermarket.

The packed parking lot and crowded store were daunting reminders of why you typically decided to leave your fridge vacant. But as you pushed your shopping cart down each aisle, you had no choice but to comply with your basic human needs and stock up on miscellaneous food you would want throughout the week. Rounding down the next aisle, your eyes caught on a tall figure standing in front of the bakery section, his face scrutinizing every cake in the display case. Shit. 

You tried—and failed—to maneuver your way into the next aisle, somehow crashing into an older woman’s cart, forcing her carton of eggs to fall and smash onto the linoleum floor.

“Dammit,” you hissed, crouching down to try and help them clean up the shattered eggshells.

“S’alright, sweetheart,” she assured. “I’ll just holler for a worker to come clean it up.”

“No, I—I can help,” you stammered, fingers still running over the broken yolks spreading across the floor.

“Miss Smith?” You heard a deep voice above you.

Your head snapped up to see Joel standing above you; his forehead creased with concern. The woman you had crashed into was already down the next aisle looking for a store employee, leaving you alone with a mess you had caused. Joel crouched beside you, his hands folding over yours to slow your frantic cleaning.

“It’s alright, I got it!” You snapped, pulling your hands back.

“Just tryna’ help,” he said. “That’s all.”

“It’s my fault. I can fix it.” 

You had said those words to yourself many times before, and never once did they prove true. 

“Someone will come and clean this up; you ain’t gotta do all that,” Joel said softly. “C’mon.”

He offered a hand, which you took reluctantly, leaving you both standing awkwardly in front of the mess. You shifted your gaze downward, too afraid to meet those deep brown eyes that had plagued you the night before. 

“Hey,” Joel said in a soft tone. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” you mumbled.

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

You huffed a sigh, gripping the handles of your cart to start moving. Today was going downhill rapidly, and you only wanted to go home and hole yourself away…like you always did.

“I, uh, was tryna’ pick out a birthday cake,” he rambled. “S’my birthday tomorrow, and Sarah wants to make sure I have a cake, ya’know? Any ideas on what she might like? I’m not sure if y’all ever have parties at school with sweets and all that.”

Your eyes snapped to his, a scowl forming on your face. Sarah’s dad was asking you what she liked? He was proving to be worse and worse by the second. But you were her teacher and needed to hold your tongue.

“I’m sure she’ll enjoy anything,” you said, a tight smile forming. “Happy birthday, Mr. Miller.”

His eyebrows furrowed together, clearly seeing through the mask you put on. It was infuriating how easily he had wove his way through your bloodstream, even in just twenty-four hours. 

“Joel,” he insisted. “You don’t need to do all that formal stuff.”

“I kind of do,” you laughed. “You’re my students’ father; that’s how I’m supposed to address you.”

“S’all I’m sayin’ is that you’re free to call me Joel. No harm in it.”

There was a lot of harm in it. 

You didn’t know what else to say, so you dipped your head to say goodbye and pushed your cart past him. You weren’t being the kindest nor the most respectful person, but your anger was at a low simmer. Any longer around him, and you might explode. You weren’t used to someone getting under your skin like he was. And the worst part was that he wasn’t even trying. You couldn’t understand why you reacted so strongly. 

“Miss Smith!” Joel called, catching up as you moved down the next aisle.

You inhaled and stopped walking, mustering another fake smile to appease him. He gripped the side of your cart with a large hand, a simple gesture to keep you firmly in place. Clearly, he decided when the conversation was over.

“Yes, Mr. Miller?”

“Did I do somethin’ to upset you? ‘Cause I swear, I didn’t mean anything inappropriate by what I said back there. 

“No, no, you’re fine,” you lied. “Just having a bad day, that's all.” That wasn’t a lie.

Joel ran a hand over his neck, studying you quietly for a moment. Something about the atmosphere around him was intoxicating and so fucking dangerous. 

“Well, I’m sorry ‘bout that. Guess I was just tryna’ make small talk, and clearly, I ain’t doin’ a good job.”

“It’s fine—no need for apologies. I hope the cake and birthday celebration go well. I’m sure Sarah will tell me all about it on Monday.”

His eyes shifted over you again, lingering on your lips, set in a firm smile. You tried your best to hide the shiver that ran up your back as he drank you in. 

“Y’probably think I’m a terrible dad, huh?” He sighed.

“What?” You blinked away the thoughts swarming your head.

“I mean, I know you probably heard us arguin’ last night, and I’m out here asking her teacher what her favorite kind of cake is. You ain’t gotta be polite about it. I know I’m not doin’ the best job,” he confessed.

“Mr. Miller, I don’t think that at all. I just think maybe asking your wife would be more helpful than asking me.”

That garnered a laugh from him, a genuine and sincere laugh.

“Never had a wife to begin with. Sarah’s mom left us when she was only a year old,” he explained. “Been doin’ it all on my own.”

“Oh.” Dammit, you really were a bitch. 

“Trust me, I get it. I could do a better job, bein’ a dad and all that. I’m tryin’.”

“I think you’re doing just fine,” you said. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

He brushed it off, replacing the sad look cresting his eyes with a lopsided grin. You wanted to hate it, but your body reacted traitorously. You felt the softness in his gaze crawl over you, slowly replacing the anger coursing through your veins with something else…something you hadn’t felt in a long time. No one had looked at you that way since—well, since Bennett. Even if Joel was only being friendly, you were drawn to the charm he exuded. Dangerous, you reminded yourself.

“Anyway,” he continued. “I won’t hold ya’ up any longer. I hope your day gets better, Miss Smith.”

“Thank you,” you replied. “And Happy birthday, again.”

Joel’s eyes settled on your lips again as you talked, and you felt your cheeks warm under his gaze. His eyes flicked back up to yours, a flash of something behind them, and you were ready to bolt. He muttered a thank you and left you standing in a vacant aisle, your hands still covered in egg yolks and your mind reeling.

It was hard to maintain your good mood once Monday rolled around. Seeing Sarah sitting in class was an unwelcome reminder of your interaction with Joel on Saturday, and you had to refrain from overstepping boundaries and asking about his birthday. She didn’t need to know you cared, even though you struggled not to care. You wondered what kind of cake he decided on, how old he turned if he blushed when she sang Happy Birthday. Every thought burned a hole in your head that you tried to patch up and forget. 

The final bell rang for the day, and the kids began to pack up in a rush. You straightened out the papers lining your desk, avoiding eye contact with Sarah as she slung her backpack over her shoulders and lined up to leave. Grabbing your whistle and bottle of water, you followed them toward the front gates, taking your usual place alongside Maria—who was overly chipper for a Monday.

“Soooo,” she prodded. “How was your weekend?”

“Uneventful,” you lied, walking with her to the crosswalk. 

“You really need to go out and have fun! You’re young, and you need to enjoy your 20s!” She exasperated. 

“Maria, I’m 27,” you groaned. “My 20s are practically over.”

She folded her arms over her chest, leveling you with a heavy glare. Maria was in her late 40’s and clearly exuded a motherly-type attitude. You shifted your focus to the kids crossing the road, watching as they reunited with their parents. 

“We go out on Wednesdays for Happy Hour! Join us this week,” she suggested.

“I don’t know,” you sighed.

“Come on!” Maria pressed. “If you hate it, I’ll never ask you to go out with us again.”

There was no point in arguing with her, so you relented and agreed to one night out. A few drinks and hours of mindless conversation could be good for you. It would be better than sitting in front of the TV with a bland meal and another glass of wine.

You managed to evade all thoughts of Joel somehow the next two days, putting all your time and energy into prepping your students for their first test of the year. Lesson planning and preparation took up your free period and late evenings, leaving you little room to think about those brown eyes and disarming smile. It was Wednesday evening, and you were knee-deep in your closet, trying to find an outfit for Happy Hour. You had changed at least five times, discarding every top and skirt onto your bedroom floor. Eventually, you gave up, settling on tight jeans, a flowy red blouse, and black flats. You left your hair in wavy curls over your shoulders and simple makeup to balance everything out. 

The group took their Happy Hour rituals to a local dive bar on the outskirts of town, a row of motorcycles and trucks lining the entrance. You felt a bit out of place walking into a smoke-hazed bar, with the patron's wandering eyes crawling over you, but you quickly picked out the huddle of teachers in the corner laughing over a round of beers. They welcomed you with bright smiles and hellos, offering to buy your first drink. After about an hour and a few drinks, you felt warm and far more relaxed. Conversations about quarterly goals and admin meetings flowed over the table, each teacher complaining about something. You chimed in when necessary, keeping quiet when you had nothing to contribute. You were on your fourth beer when the girls around you started whispering low about a group of men entering the bar. You stole a peek over your shoulder, eyes settling on the last person you wanted to see. 

Joel Miller.

He had on his usual simple work attire, the fabric of his cotton shirt stretched out over his broad chest. His neck was tanned, most likely from working outdoors, and his hair was just as unruly as you remembered. The man beside him, shorter but with similar features, clapped Joel on the back and steered him towards the bar. You lowered your head, taking a longer gulp of your drink to try and steady your nerves. Of all fucking places, he had to be here. 

“He’s just so handsome, isn’t he?” Maria nudged you, tossing back a look towards Joel.

You shrugged, feigning disinterest. Joel was handsome, but no one needed to know how you felt. Because what you felt was very, very confusing. 

“He’s my students’ father, Maria.”

She rolled her eyes, swirling the contents of her drinks before taking a sip. 

“Okay, and? There’s nothing inappropriate about dating a student’s parent.”

“Yes, there is,” you snapped. “And I’m not even considering dating him.”

“But you think he’s attractive,” she stated.

You didn’t want to respond to that, knowing the warmth in your cheeks was already enough of a giveaway. If you shrunk far enough into yourself, you might go unrecognized the rest of the night.

Maria thankfully dropped the subject, returning to the conversation around the table. After another hour, the ladies started to trickle out of the bar and home for the night. You, on the other hand, still had to wait a bit longer until the alcohol phased out of your body. Which meant you were sitting alone in the same space as Joel. You could feel his eyes on your back the longer you sat there, and to your detriment, decided to steal a glance over your shoulder. Joel’s eyes raked over your body, returning your stare with a soft, welcoming smile. Shit.

You watched as he slipped off the barstool, waltzing towards you with a beer clasped in his large hand. You tried so hard not to notice his thick fingers wrapped around the bottle, and you most definitely tried not to think of what his fingers would feel like inside—

“Miss Smith,” he greeted, silencing your awful thoughts.

“Mr. Miller,” you said.

“Are all these formalities necessary in a bar?” he teased. 

“A couple of drinks won’t change my mind.”

Joel slid into the seat beside you without an invitation, his arm brushing against yours as he settled into the stool. It was instinct to flinch away, afraid of the reaction his touch would cause to your body. 

“What will change your mind?” he pressed, keeping a steady gaze on you.

“Nothing,” you shrugged, deciding to change the subject. “How was your birthday?”

Joel ran a hand through his hair, that stupid lopsided grin forming on his lips. 

“Can’t say I love gettin’ old, but celebratin’ was sure nice.”

“And how old are you, Mr. Miller?”

“Ripe age of thirty-six, Miss Smith,” he grinned. 

“What cake did you choose?” you asked, watching him take a long sip of his beer. 

“Vanilla. Everyone’s gotta love vanilla, right?” 

Was he… flirting with you? 

You’d blame your following response on the beers coursing through your bloodstream, but truthfully, you just wanted to play along, even only for a moment. 

“Hmm, I don’t know. I don’t always love vanilla, Mr. Miller.”

Joel’s eyes darkened, falling to your lips as you took another drink. It was bold and stupid of you to say that, but at this point, you didn’t care. 

“What other flavors do you like?” 

He leaned forward in his chair, his thigh pressing against yours. The heat of his body and the smell of smoke on his clothes was a dangerous combination for your self-restraint.  

“I have a few guilty pleasure flavors,” you smirked.

Joel’s hand damn near crushed the bottle when you said those words, his entire body tensing beside you. You couldn’t care at that moment about how you spoke; the drinks started speaking for themselves. You hadn’t dared to flirt with a man since Bennett left, too afraid of what falling in love again might do to you. But, for some reason, flirting with Joel felt so simple. He was older than you, and maybe that piqued your interest, knowing he was far more mature than anyone else you had considered. 

“Indulge me, Miss Smith,” he whispered. 

“I think I’ll leave it a mystery,” you whispered in return. “I’ve already said too much as it is.”

“I reckon you ain’t said enough,” he countered. 

Heat flared through your neck and face as he leaned in closer, his face only inches from yours. This had gone too far. You had broken any rules you had previously set in place, and now you were dancing on a fragile line between professionalism and indecency. 

Glancing at the clock above the bar, you watched as the hands ticked closer to midnight. Just like in the fairytales, your time was up. Back to reality. 

“It’s getting late,” you started. “I should get home.”

Joel’s demeanor shifted, and his grin faltered as he watched you rise from the barstool. He brushed his hand over your arm, barring you from walking away. 

“Not real sure if you should be drivin’ home yet, Miss Smith. Y’had a few drinks tonight,” Joel protested.

“How do you know? Were you watching me?”

“Gotta make sure my daughter's teacher is safe. Who else’s gonna make sure she gets straight A’s?” 

He was trying to make light of the situation, but you knew better. You knew he had been watching you since he had arrived; his attention had never been on his group of friends. 

“I assure you, I’m fine,” you argued. “You go enjoy your night with your friends, Mr. Miller.”

Joel’s brows furrowed as he considered you. His hand still lingered on your arm, thick fingers flexing against your skin. You glanced between his hand and his eyes, trying to make sense of his intentions. This was far past a coincidental run-in; this was a strange desire out of reach. 

“Can I drive you home at least?” He asked. 

“I’m okay. Thank you, though.”

“Can I at least drive behind you to make sure you make it alright?” He offered.

You looked back toward the bar, seeing the man he walked in with staring at you with an apparent scowl.

“I don’t think that’s fair to your friend,” you said.

Joel peered around you and huffed loudly. 

“That’s my brother, Tommy. S’all good, he’s probably ready to hit the road, too.”

“He doesn’t look too happy.”

“He’s fine,” Joel grumbled.

Tommy noticed you both staring at him and decided to join the mix. He walked up with a grin despite the scowl he had just worn and extended his hand to you.

“I’m Tommy. Joel’s brother.”

“Hi, I’m Sarah’s teacher.” You gave him a quick shake and tried to sidestep to leave.

“Wait!” Joel called out.

“I’m okay, Mr. Miller,” you tossed over your shoulder. “Be safe tonight.”

You made a beeline for the door, hoping to escape him before he reeled you back in. You let yourself float in his atmosphere for too long, testing the waters you knew were off-limits. There was still an alcohol-induced haze lingering in your head, but the sooner you could leave, the better. Tomorrow would come with a headache and a post-drunken clarity to put you back on the right track. You needed to steer clear of Joel before you slipped up and allowed another man inside the walls you built. 

You attempted to retrieve your keys from your purse, only to fumble them out of your hands and onto the dirt ground of the parking lot. 

“Fuck,” you groaned.

As you bent to pick them up, footsteps crunching on the ground grew closer. You already knew who it was.

“Miss Smith,” Joel’s voice sounded pained. 

“I’m fine!” you shouted, whipping your head around to find him nearly toe-to-toe with you. 

The moonlight above you illuminated his brown eyes, which darkened the longer he looked down at you. You shrunk away, letting your body hit the driver's side of your door while Joel stepped closer. 

“Please. You shouldn’t be drivin’ right now. Lettin’ you leave like this wouldn’t be right of me.”

Your only focus was on his lips as he talked. The plushness of his lips enticed you, leaving you imagining how soft they’d feel pressed against yours. Your control was slipping, and the alcohol was pulsing faster in your veins. 

“You’re not going to give up, are you?” You wondered aloud. 

Joel looked at you like he knew the layers of the question. He knew what battle you were fighting inside and saw the fear plastered on your face.

“No,” he whispered softly.

Your eyes bounced between his eyes and his lips, trying to grasp the moment's weight. You needed to be firm and say no; your future self would thank you for it. Gripping your keys, you exhaled and turned towards your car door. 

“Have a good night, Mr. Miller,” you tossed over your shoulder. 

The warmth of his body pressed against your back, the smell of smoke and liquor wrapping around you and enveloping you in a cocoon of temptation. Joel’s hands reached around to grab your keys from your shaking hand, dangling them between you and the car. 

“M’taking you home, Miss Smith. Ain’t gonna argue anymore,” he said as his mouth fell to the shell of your ear. 

“I’m—.”

“Don’t,” he interjected. “Go to my truck.”

He had the exact tone you did when you reprimanded your students, but the deep rasp of his accent made it all the more inviting. You didn’t want to listen to his demands, but you were getting nowhere successfully. Joel sidestepped to free you of the cage he had you in, watching you intently as you sulked to his truck. It wasn’t hard to know which one it was; only a few cars were left, and the truck exuded the same masculinity as the owner. 

“What about my car?” You protested, folding your arms across your body as you leaned against the truck. 

“I’ll give Tommy the keys,” he said. “He’ll drive it behind us.”

You were about to ramble another slew of protests when Joel yanked the passenger side door open and tilted his head toward the interior. 

“Get in.”

His tone left little room for arguing, so you did as he said without another word. Despite the anger radiating off his body, Joel shut the door softly before heading back into the bar. 

You fidgeted with the seatbelt, the press of it against your chest not strong enough to stabilize the rhythm of your heartbeat. You were in his truck, meaning you’d be alone with him for the next several minutes. It was enough to force a roll of nausea through your stomach. Leaning your head against the window, you watched him reemerge from the bar with Tommy in tow. There was a clear expression of annoyance etched on Tommy’s face, all at the cost of your own stubbornness. 

Joel tossed him the keys to your car before rounding the truck's hood and climbing into the driver’s seat. You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him, so you kept your eyes on the road as it blurred past with each passing mile. 

“Where do you live?” he asked, passing through another vacant green light. 

You rambled off your address, still keeping your gaze steady on the streetlights as they passed by your window. He didn’t attempt to make small talk after that, and the silence settled onto you like a heavy blanket. Your control of consciousness was slipping the longer you sat beside him, but you willed yourself awake. The streets started to become familiar, and you shifted in your seat. Taking a risk, you looked at Joel, finding him white-knuckling the wheel with his jaw clenched. 

“I’m sorry,” you muttered. “I—I don’t go out and drink normally. I should have just stayed home tonight.”

“S’okay,” he said, glancing at you. “Just don’t get why you’re so stubborn about askin’ for help. First at the supermarket and now at the bar. I don’t get it.”

A rush of tears stung your eyes, and you quickly looked away, trying to blink them back before he noticed. Joel’s hand fell onto your thigh, sending a jolt of shock through your body. You wanted to shy away from it, but there was no use in fighting at this point; you were already failing miserably. 

“Hey,” he prodded. “Shit, I’m sorry. Don’t cry, alright?”

You swiped away the tears running from your eyes, schooling your emotions back into a state of numbness. Your little blue house came into view, and you pointed a tired finger toward it to guide him in the right direction. 

“This is me,” you sniffled. 

“Big ol’ house, Miss Smith. Y’live here alone?”

“Yeah,” you exhaled. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Miller.”

“I really wish you’d stop callin’ me that,” he sighed, parking his car at your home's fence.

“It’s all formalities.”

“Yeah, I know. I just think after tonight, we’re far past all them formalities and shit.”

Your hand lingered on the door handle as you took one last look at him. Joel’s eyes looked over you with a softness you didn’t deserve. You deserve to be happy. Maria’s words rang out in your head the longer you stared at him. ‘Happy’ was a foreign word to you now, out of reach and out of your control.

“Can I just know one thing?” He asked. 

You nodded, your fingers wrapped around the door handle.

“What’s your name?”

Blame the alcohol…blame your vulnerability…but you told him.

#joel miller x reader #joel x female reader #joel x f!reader #joel miller x teacher!f!reader #joel miller fanfic #joel tlou #tlou #tlou fanfiction #joel miller #pre outbreak!joel

[justlemmeadoreyou]

a misfortune | (mechanic!harry part 1)

Okay, so here is my version of the grumpy!harry x sunshine!yn trope. I had midterms so this got a bit late! Sorry! I don't rhink you waited for my shitty writing, but here it is (forcefully)

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Summary: Harry is a grumpy asshole, but he is also a mechanic that you are in desperate need of. Sunshine!reader x Grumpy! harry trope

Word Count: ~2k

8 hours.

That's how long you've been in the backseat of your car, and chewing on your already swollen nails. All your belongings, from clothes to your oversized makeup bag, toiletries, blankets, bedsheets, and even your electronic gadgets, are crammed beside you on the backseat. Your life has spiraled into chaos because your landlord has kicked you out.

Tears well up in your eyes, blurring your vision as you recall the moments that have led you to this bleak situation. It isn't fair, which is something you think. That isn't true though. You haven't paid your proper rent in nearly six months, frequently stumbling home at obnoxious hours, blasting loud music when you were drunk and high, and you hadn't even bothered to check the 15-day eviction notice that arrived almost 20 days ago. So, yes, your landlord had every right to kick you out.

You were irresponsible, reckless, and didn't give two cares until you became homeless. With your car serving as an unwelcome shelter, you realize you should have been more responsible. You should have cared more about your living situation before it all came crashing down on you. If only you had taken your life more seriously, you wouldn't be stuck in your car on this cold, lonely night.

It was the beginning of November, and you had so many plans about decorating your small apartment. You had fetched out the Christmas lights too, planning on hanging them out the following weekend. The memory of those festive plans, the warmth of the holiday spirit, now feels like a distant dream.

You wipe away your tears, but they keep flowing. You shift some of your stuff down on the floor of the car to make some space to sleep in. You curl up into yourself in the small space, and after a few more tears, you're finally asleep.

You're woken by harsh knocks on your window. You try to open your eyes, but the sunlight pouring in through the window is so blinding that you have to squint and shield your face with your hand.

It's a man, who looks angry at you. You roll down the window a bit so you can hear what he's saying.

“Could you move your car out of here, please?”

You rub your eyes and finally get a look at your surroundings, and you see that you've basically parked at the entrance of a house.

“Yeah-yeah. I will. Sorry,” you grunt with a raspy voice, and he goes back inside.

You quickly fix your clothes and your hair, and grabbed the car keys from your pocket. Opening the door, you got out of the backseat and got back out front.

Pushing the key in, you turned it, but the engine didn’t start. You tried it again and again, biut all in vain.

Great.

Just fucking great.

Now even your car had given up on you.

You felt like crying all over again, this was all so heartbreaking. You had to get the car checked almost two months ago, when the check engine light had started to blink first.

You pulled out your phone and searched for a nearby garage. Hopefully, there was one that was 2 blocks away. But that meant you wouyld have to push your car two blocks.

You could also call a tow service, but that would take money, and money was something you were running short on.

With a loud sigh, you switched the handbrake on, and got out of the car.

Rolling up your sleeves, you started to push it. The car was so heavy, and you managed a good 200 meters, before you were sweating profusely, and almost gave up, putting your hands on your knees and breathing loudly.

A kind man offered to help, and thank lord he did. With lots of struggle and a good 15 minutes, you were finally able to reach the garage.

Quick Fix Auto

You read the garage name, before lockiong your car and walking in. It was still 8 pm, so you doubted getting any help at this hour.

“Hello?”

You called out tentatively as you entered the garage and walked further into the shop, past the cars and vehicles scattered out front. Hopefully, a second voice would call you back, or you would have had to wait for someone to come in.

“Yeah, I’m a bit busy. Be out in a minute,” the voice replied. It sounded British and thickly laced with an accent. You couldn't help but think that now a gorgeous British guy would see your horrible car, which was also your home, all wrecked up and messed up due to negligence. Bonus points to you for not even washing your face after waking up.

You briefly contemplated running away and finding another garage with an old mechanic. However, you realized you physically wouldn't have been able to do that. So, you took a deep breath, preparing to face the embarrassment and potential humiliation.

After a few moments, he came out, and boy, was he gorgeous. A white headband held his thick hair back, and below that was a beautifully shaped face with green eyes. His tan hands were covered in a bit of grease, and he had tools hanging from his upturned waistband.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, and you gulped hard, snapping back to reality from admiring his physique. Boy, was he pretty.

“Oh, um... I tried to start my car this morning, but it won’t start.”

“And what’s the issue? The battery is out, fuel is down?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I came here.”

“Jeez, your breath smells terrible. Alright, let me have a look at it. Keys?”

He extended his hand to take your keys while looking into your eyes. You squinted at him for his rude remark, then handed him the keys.

“You don’t have to be so rude, you know.”

He kept walking, ignoring your comment. As he reached your car, he stopped in his tracks when he saw your belongings inside it. He turned back to look at you, and you frowned. Eye bags, dark circles under your eyes, a sad face, and you hadn't even washed your face; you had to rush to get your car fixed. You were in bad shape.

He decided to draw a line and not throw questions at you. He opened your car and took a look inside, noticing that the check engine light was on.

“How long has this been on for?”

“Oh, that. Yeah, about... 2 months?”

He slumped his shoulders and came back out, walking to yhe front and opening the hood of the car. As soon as it went up, a big cloud of smoke escaped.

“Fuck. What did you do?”

He coughed a bit, taking a step back to let the smoke dissipate. You felt even more humiliated than before, but he seemed more focused on the issue with your car than making further remarks about your condition.

“Alright. So, this is not going to get fixed in a short while. It’s going to take atlest 2 days.”

“No! Where will I live?”

You exclaimed loudly, and his eyes widened.

You could book a hotel?”

“I don’t have money.”

“A motel?”

“How will I reach one? Most of them are out of town.”

“Right, so you could still sleep in it at night, but I lock the garage at 11. So, you will have to park it outside.”

She nodded her head, and he still felt bad for her.

“I’m Harry, by the way”

He extended the same grease-stained hand again, and she complied, shaking hands with him.

"I'm Yn." she said.

"There’s a bathroom at the back. You can clean up there if you want to. My staff comes in at 9, so you still have about half an hour."

She smiled at his kind offer. He might be rude and grumpy, but he wasn't a bad person.

"Thank you, Harry. I really appreciate it."

"Oh that's okay. But, you do have money to pay for your car, right?"

You did a quick calculation in your mind, and quickly came to the conclusion that you didn't have even that money.

"No, but- listen to me! My payday is here, so I'm gonna get paid soon. I have to buy few supplies first, and then I promise I will pay you as soon as possible. I'll borrow money from my friends."

"As long as I get paid, I don't care where you get the money from."

And the grumpiness was back.

"Okay! Can I go in?"

"Sure. Be my guest."

You got some stuff from the car and went inside the garage. walking all the way to the back, and finding the washroom. You locked the door and cleaned yourself up.

Meanwhile, Harry took a look at your car.

It was in a bad condition. it hadn't been serviced in over two years, and the engine oil hadn't been replaced in so long. The battery was old too. A lot of work had to be done. and he had no idea how he would manage when you literally lived in the car.

Meanwhile, you were happy to have gotten a place to brush and bathe. Initially, you thought you would have to go to a cafe or restaurant, and brushing and bathing there would’ve been embarrassing. Even though embarrassment and humiliation were your best friends now.

You walked out in clean clothes a while later. and saw your car standing at the same place, with no sign of Harry. You searched for him again, and found him at the back, working on the same car he had been in when you had arrived.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Why aren't you working on my car?"

He slid out from the bottom of the car, before replying, "I have other jobs too. First come, first serve. Plus, this one paid me in advance."

You frowned and flared at his words, and decided to deal with him later.

"So, can I take it, then? I have to go to work."

"No, I will work on it in the afternoon."

"Then how the hell am I supposed to reach work?"

"Many options, by foot, take the bus, order an Uber, Oh! Sorry! I forgot you didn't have money."

He mocked you once again, and this time, you seriously wanted to punch him across the face. Maybe you would, once your car was done. But right now, you have priorities.

"Alright, fine. But my stuff is in the car."

"Chill. Nobody's gonna take it. They might give things to you, though."

You rolled your eyes again, and went back to your car. Why did he have to be such a dick?

Gathering your bag, you stuffed your valuables, leaving only clothes and heavy articles behind. You shifted it to one corner, and draped a huge sheet to cover it.

"Okay, I'm leaving."

And once again, that grumpy asshole ignored you.

(next part)

divider by @firefly-graphics

okay, sorry if this sucked, i really don't know how to write l literally finished this at 2am, so really really sorry

taglist: @freedomfireflies @gurugirl @thechaoticjoy @styleslover-1994 @gem1712 @ellaorchard @bxbyysstuff @opheliaofficial07 @rafaaoli @tchlamqtsgf @the-mouse27 @indierockgirrl @vrittivsanghavi @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @drewrry @babyiamperfectforyou @whoreonmondays @avalentina

let me know if you want to be added or removed!

#harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles smut #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fic #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles x you #harry styles writing #harry edward styles #harrystyles #harry #harry fic #harry fanfiction #harry fluff #harry styles au #mechanic!harry #mechanic au #mechanic!harry styles #harry styles blurb #harry styles series #harry styles concept #harry styles fic rec #harry styles fan fictions #harry x yn #harry x you #harry x y/n #harry styles x yn #harry styles x y/n

[spqcebunsforever]

What we have in common

Pairings: Hazbin Hotel Adam x Angel reader, a Little bit of Lucifer x Angel Y/n at the start

Summary: Angel Y/n realizes that she and the first man Adam might have a little more in common than she thought.

Y/n's Pov (Before Lucifer fell)

(FLASHBACK)

I believed that when I had met him I had met the one. Me and Lucifer had met when I had bumped into him while we were both flying around. I was immediately charmed by his laugh his smile his way with words it was like speaking to someone who you knew was going to stick around and love you forever. Everything felt like it was going my way and I couldn't be happier he had told me that he loved me and that we were made to be together. I had never felt like I belonged more than I did at that moment believing every word that Lucifer had said like it was holy text but everything started turning sour when Lucifer started going down to the Garden of Eden. He had told me that he wanted to go down and just see how the humans were getting along and how different they were from us. And at the start, it was okay he would come back and tell me all about the humans and how fascinating they were and how much they looked like us just without wings, and how at this stage they were so pure and innocent.

But the more he went down the more I suddenly felt him drift away from me. He would come back and refuse to talk to me or just tell me he was too tired to talk it was hurting me and I started believing that I had done something to push him away. So one night after he had come back from Eden I decided that I wasn't going to leave him alone until I got an answer on what was going on. "Have I done something to anger you, Luci?" He just looked at me then he looked at the ground "No why would you think that" He tried to move past me but I stood my ground "Because you've changed we used to do stuff me and you but now we barely see each other your always down at Eden looking at those humans and when you come back you refuse to talk or look at me". He again looked at the floor but this time he took a deep breath and finally looked me in the eyes. "I can't lie to you anymore Y/n I've fallen for the human Lilith she just...completes me and I truly believe that we are soulmates". I didn't know what I was expecting to hear but that wasn't it. I felt tears well up in my eyes "But...you said we were soulmates, you said you loved me. you... you can't just leave me for this...other woman Lucifer we are supposed to be the ones truly in love".

Lucifer again took a deep breath clearly trying to stay as calm and collected as possible. "Y/n why can't you understand you are the other woman... I don't love you anymore please forgive me Y/n I... I never meant to hurt you but..." I let my tears fall down my cheeks out of anyone that he could have fallen for it had to be the human. "So what all the I love yous before you left every morning just meant nothing to you they were just empty lies and every morning after saying you loved me you would go see her and love her!". He again looked at the ground not saying anything I had loved this man more than anything and I thought he had loved me back. "Just go Lucifer please just...go". He tried to again apologize but I shut him down just telling him to leave I didn't even want to see him anymore I was too hurt. After a few seconds, he flew off and the minute that he had left my view I fell to my knees and sobbed I couldn't believe that in his eyes I had just been the woman that he needed to escape so he could be with the one he really wanted. I felt nothing but complete heartbreak.

(PRESENT DAY)

It had been a couple of months since Lucifer had left me for Lilith and to say I wasn't still heartbroken would be a lie but I had tried my best to move on. But I had heard through some Angels that Lucifer and Lilith had both been thrown down to a place called hell because they had convinced a human named Eve to eat a forbidden apple or something like that giving humans free will. I knew that the human Adam had recently passed away and had joined us up here in heaven but I hadn't seen him. But I wasn't sure what had happened to Eve lots of angels believed because she took the forbidden apple she was to be sent to hell but we were never really sure.

I had been sitting on a ledge in heaven that I normally sit on when I want to be alone and watch the sunset because not many people knew about it but that peace and quiet when I heard someone behind me clearly having some sort of trouble by the number of curse words they were using so I turned around to see what was happening and that's when I saw him. It was the first man who was clearly having trouble getting used to his wings but then I didn't blame him all of this stuff must be very new and confusing to him.

"Are you okay over there?". He jumped a little clearly he hadn't noticed me but he then put on an overconfident smile. "Yup I'm a natural at this babe so I'm completely fine just a little wind you know completely threw me off so technically wind fault that I mucked up". I couldn't help but smile at his explanation clearly trying to show off but I didn't mind. "Hmm yeah, I guess you're right the wind has been a little heavier recently" We both knew I was lying heaven has the perfect weather every day but he must have liked that I had played along because he started walking closer to me. "Yeah sucks but hey my name is Adam I'm actually the.." before he could continue I finished off his sentence for him "The first man yes I know I've heard lots of angels talk about you and how you got into heaven". He looked at me a little shocked but then sat down next to me. "It's so weird having people already know me before they've met me I feel like everyone is talking about me right now and it's kinda making me nervous you know like I just got here and people are bombarding me with questions and stuff".

"Well to be fair Adam you were the first man ever created you are special God created you so no wonder everyone is talking about you and until now we hadn't realized that human souls can get into heaven so now you are also the first human soul to enter heaven". He just sat there looking forward at the sunset muttering the words "Special" and "First man" but then he suddenly looked at me and gave me a small smile. "So what's your deal why are you sitting here all alone would think angels would be hanging out with each other and all that crap". I just shrugged my shoulder "I normally do but I come out here when I want to think and reminisce". He looked at me a little confused "reminisce about what?" I looked forward to the sunset not wanting to make eye contact with him "I had a love I believed that he was the one you know perfect fit but I soon found out that he loved a human and left me for her they got what they deserved but what can I say it hurt Lucifer his name was". Then that's when I remembered who I was talking to another human who knew Lilith and was also her husband but before I could turn around and apologize he stared talking.

"Yeah, she hurt me too I loved her I really did but yeah she left me for that fucker said that I wasn't good enough anymore and that she loved him more than I got Eve and then she cheated on me with him...it was like I couldn't win you know". For the first time, I had never really thought that Lilith would have had to leave Adam to be with Lucifer so I never had thought about how he would have felt about the whole thing but now seeing his face and the pain that was written on it I knew he was going through the exact thing I was going through. "It does hurt and I'm so sorry that happened to you, you never deserved that" We were now both looking at each other and I grabbed his hand wanting in some way to comfort him. "Meh well like you said they got what they deserved they are now both in a horrible place and it should stay that way what they both get for hurting us". I nodded agreeing with everything that he was saying. Continuing to hold each other's hand we sat and watched the sunset again in silence until I started talking. "You know if you would like I can help you get better at flying it will take a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it it's one of the best things to do". Adam nodded and smiled "Yeah I would like that just as long as you don't tell anyone because I don't want them to think that I can't fly". I put my hand on my heart and swore "I promise I won't tell a soul it stays between me and you"

Adam smiled "You know I think I get what you mean by sitting here by yourself it's nice and calming we should totally make it our special place". I just looked at him "Our special place?" He then sat up a bit straighter "Yeah you know only me and you can come here and we can tell each other stuff and if we feel shit we can talk to each other about it and look at the sunset with each other like our little getaway it would be so cool so what do you say me and you from now on no more sitting by yourself!" I just nodded while smiling he was definitely different but I liked that and it was nice to have someone who understood and wanted to spend time with me...I wasn't alone anymore and I felt happy.

But little did I know that later in the future I would be sitting alone on the ledge again but this time I would have a broken mask in my hands and I would again be sobbing.

#Hazbin Hotel #Hazbin Hotel Adam #Hazbin Hotel Adam x Reader #Adam x reader #X reader

[mintkookiess]

It's Always Been Her.

A/N before anything else: Hey there I'm Mint! I finally got the guts to actually post something instead of keeping it in my private blog sue me (╯•﹏•╰)

Felt a bit angsty today and I've been practicing more on my writing so, I decided why not post it

Please also note the characters here are aged up, none are minors, and Miles and our dear lovely fem!reader here are old enough to live together (Feel free to think up what age you want esp since there isn't really an age stated her). Plus, this has only been proof-read like twice and ran through grammarly once, hope it turned out okay still with the grammar and typos ಥ‿ಥ

Anyways enough about that, you can go ahead! Hearts and reblogs are appreciated

(Pls be nice ty)

Love,

Mint

P.S. AO3 saw it first here!

Summary: Y/n finds Miles comforting his ex girlfriend Gwen in their home.

Word count: 2.6k

Tags: Miles Morales x Fem!Reader Slight mention of blood (those are paper cuts I promise), angst (no happy ending babe), heartbreak, cutting up onions .°(ಗ д ಗ。)°.

"Y/n...?" Miles looked as if he had just seen a ghost, "How long have you been—" She hadn’t even realized how she stood by the door, crying with her mouth covered, her other hand clutching her aching chest, until he noticed her.

"Miles..." Y/n managed to choke out, her voice barely a whisper as she looked at her supposed lover Miles, comforting Gwen on the floor of their shared home's living room. Her eyes were filled with absolute sorrow, betrayal, hurt, anger, and anguish all rolled into one. She stood there helplessly, feet seemingly glued to the ground even if her brain has been telling her to run.

But she couldn't seem to look away or move a single inch as the tears continued to flow down like a stream down her cheeks that have turned pale from shock. Miles was rendered speechless, he had never seen Y/n like this, and he hadn't seen her cry much either.

"Y/n..." He said with a weak voice, his voice breaking ever so slightly as he slowly unwrapped his arms from Gwen, standing up to take a step towards her. He knew he should come to her, to hug her, comfort her, tell her it's okay but he couldn't seem to bring himself to do it. His hands trembled as he looked into her eyes. Y/n could see the fear and regret in them.

"What... What are you doing with her?" She croaked, still in a tone that made her voice sound like the harsh cold wind of winter. Y/n had watched Miles comfort Gwen for the past thirty minutes, and all she could do was see how vulnerable they were to each other, how Miles' comforting voice that felt so much like caramel soothed his ex-girlfriend who had been weeping like a deer in his chest.

It was another sense of betrayal and hurt, a whole new level of pain that Y/n couldn't even begin to explain. No words could describe how... broken she felt.

"She's... She's having.." he started, before pausing, trying to configure the right words to say to her—"She's having a hard time right now." He finally finished, his voice sounding weak. All Y/n did was stare right at him, tears still rolling down her eyes.

Seeing her cry made him want to do anything—to hug her, comfort her, and just say “Everything’s fine. I'm sorry, please stop crying, I love you." Miles didn't know what to do, it seemed as if he couldn't stop her from crying and it broke him.

Y/n started to let out small sobs from her lips that had dried and cracked from letting out so many tears. Her hands crept up to her face, trying to see if she could wake up from this dream that's become her new hell.

She was shaking her head slightly, shoulders sagging more and more as she felt all her patience thin out like paper. "You promised... You told me that you don't talk to her anymore." Y/n said slowly, her words slightly muffled from her hands.

Oh, how she tried so hard to not have her voice crack, even though she could hear her heart break into a million pieces per second.

Upon hearing her words, Miles visibly flinched. He looked down at his feet as if he was suddenly ashamed of himself. His head tilted back up to her, his eyes filled with shame. Miles stood there frozen, a few feet away from her, unable to bring himself to approach or move a single inch.

It was as if he wanted to make it up to her, but he was too scared, too fearful of what would happen. "Y/n..." The way he said her name was like it was a silent prayer, a plea. "I'm... sorry..."

After a few more tears, she removed her hands from her face. Her head hung low, but her eyes looked up at Miles with newly found determination and courage but still with a tinge of fear and hurt.

"You still love her."

Her words itself may have downright punched her heart as she could feel it gets beaten up and shatter, falling to the depths of her very soul. She didn't want to utter what she had been thinking since she saw the way Miles comforted Gwen with so much love that she thought was only reserved for her. Y/n feared that once she said it out loud, it would become real.

But deep down she knew that this had become her reality, whether she said it or not.

Miles felt like he was stabbed at every syllable, how deep her words wounded him. Yet he had to admit that the truth in what she said made them all the more gut-wrenching.

He looked away from her, trying to gather some little courage before facing Y/n once more. Miles' brown eyes bore into hers, two pairs of eyes containing remorse, regret, and betrayal. "Yes..." He finally answered, the weight of his guilt dragging every word down with him.

The second he confirmed her statement, it was as if her vision went black. "Thank you... for your honesty." Was all she could say.

Y/n's feet may weigh a thousand pounds right now, but she forced herself, dragging herself out the door. The only thing that she could think of was that she had to get away.

To run.

To hide.

To go to a place where Miles wouldn't find her.

His simple “ yes “ reply was enough to tell her that she was no longer wanted or needed. She felt herself to be a burden, someone holding back Miles from truly loving Gwen. Even though he had made promises to her, that he'd keep his and Y/n's relationship safe and out of harm.

As she started to walk away, Miles' heart severed apart with each step she took. He had never felt so lost, so scared, as he did right now. He hasn't even spared Gwen a glance behind him as he tried to take another step towards the direction Y/n disappeared to.

She walked away from him and he could only watch. All he wanted was to ask her to stay, to forgive him. He didn't want to lose Y/n, but he was too scared to act, fearing that it would make matters worse than it already was.

If that was even possible.

Y/n turned right towards their shared bedroom, her eyes sticking to the ground because she refused to take in the sight of the many pictures of her and Miles scattered around the walls and tables of the bedroom.

She made a beeline to the closet, pulled out luggage, and just threw in all the clothes she owned, every accessory in their shared drawers, and every perfume that decorated the vanity.

Y/n was slowly removing every trace of her in the bedroom.

Once she was done, she zipped the luggage close, and stomped to their framed pictures, their polaroids that were clipped to the walls, everything that had the both of them in it, and started throwing them across the tiled floor. She didn't let out a single scream, letting the picture frames break to make all the noise for her as she couldn't let out any noise.

Every time it shattered against the polished floor, her heart broke along with it.

Y/n continued to break and rip every picture, tears streaming hot down her cheek, dripping off her chin, and staining the dissipated pictures and smashed frames by her feet.

Miles stood there, his heart in his throat, hearing the sounds of glass smashing and wooden picture frames hitting the floor. He didn't move, though it hurt to hear that, and seeing the pictures being destroyed hurt even more.

He knew he should do something, he knew he should call out to her—but he was too much of a coward. He watched her destroy everything that held memories of their now-broken relationship.

Once everything was laid out on the floor either broken or ripped to shreds, Y/n fell to her knees, her hands covered in deep cuts as it started to bleed out from how hard her grip was while smashing the frames and destroying the pictures.

But she could only stare, her soulless eyes glazing over her two hands that had so much resemblance to her emotional and mental state. All wounded and cut up, bleeding for the whole world to see.

Her fingers shook ever so slightly, her perfectly manicured nails were now tinted a crimson shade from her blood, and all she could do was stare.

She didn't even feel any pain.

Miles finally snapped out of it, letting out a pained gasp as he sees her lacerated hands. He knew he had to do something and so he tried to walk to her, taking each step as if they were as heavy as lead weights. "Y/n... please... stop... you've hurt yourself..." He said as tears made their way down his face once again.

It was as if Y/n didn't hear him even though she did. She refused to respond, picking up the little pieces of the pictures she destroyed and examining them with her bloodied hands.

Every picture she saw, each one was of them that stared back at her with wide smiles. So much life, so much love and passion.

Now look at them. Look at how they ended up.

It was so pathetic that she thought it was laughable. How could their picture-perfect relationship turn into something so hideous, so ugly? Her mind was on constant replay of the way Miles' arms were wrapped around Gwen, whispering sweet nothings to her as she cried uncontrollably against him.

"Why did you do this to us Miles? We were doing so good..." She muttered. Y/n's face no longer held any sadness or... Any emotion. She was just there, kneeling on the floor with her cut-up hands and body staying still like she became a doll devoid of feelings.

"Y/n—" He started, his voice quiet and unsure. Miles continued to inch closer and closer to her, though it was clear he did so with caution. "I know that right now it may be hard for you to believe me, but... I'm sorry... I didn't mean for things to go this far I swear..." Miles whispered with quivering lips. He was trying so hard to remain composed, but he could feel his emotions overflow and take over his entire body.

He continued towards her until he was inches in front of Y/n, his heart practically beating out of his chest and with hands that were mad trembling.

"Y/n... Please don't leave me..." His voice convulsed in guilt. Miles knelt to be at her eye level, to beg for her forgiveness. He didn't care that the frame shards were probing his knees. He eyed her injured hands, reaching his hands toward her as if he was trying to stop her from leaving him forever.

But he could sense it. They both could. It was the end for the two of them.

Y/n was too tired, too exhausted to push his hands away. She remained in her spot as she felt walls around herself build-up, her soul fading further away from reality, causing her to be numb. Her eyes drifted to the hands that belonged to him, she couldn't help but remember how these same hands were the place she called her safe space for so many years.

Now, she thinks of it as the hands that had ruined her ruined them.

She sees the hands that had comforted someone who wasn't her, another girl who wasn't even supposed to be in their lives anymore. "Go to her Miles..." She whispered weakly, still refusing to look at him.

Miles' breath hitched, and his face paled at the words that came out of her mouth. "Y/n... no..." he tried to say something, to make her stay, anything. There were so many words on his tongue that he wished to utter out, but he didn't have the courage or strength to say a single one.

He wanted to say how much he loved her, but he knew that Y/n was drifting further away from him with each passing second.

So Miles did the only thing he could and stared at her, with a face frozen with shame and fear.

His words slowly snapped her out of her trance, like a spell that seemed to have awoken her back to reality.

She slowly pushed herself up, wiping down her hands on her skirt to remove the remaining blood that hadn't dried out. Her e/c eyes finally looked down at Miles, kneeling before her.

Y/n felt her blood boil at how pathetic he looked. She wondered how he could look in such a way when he was the one at fault, who practically shredded their relationship into pieces the moment he let Gwen inside their home.

"Go to her Miles," She repeated with a more stern voice. Her breathing started to become heavier with all the anger inside of her threatening to spill over. "That's what you wanted anyway right?" Y/n said a bit louder now. "It's her! It's always been fucking her right?!" She was yelling, each word leaving a strain on her throat and a bad taste on her tongue.

Her hands balled into fists, feeling the sting of her nails digging into her new cuts and wounds but she didn't give two shits about it right now.

The fire in her eyes scared Miles. He started to hyperventilate, his chest tightening and feeling his lungs scream in search of air. Her voice was laced with so much malice and hatred that it scared him. “Y/n, please... I—" His words were getting tangled, and they were sounding more and more like a mess.

"It's always been her. No matter how many fucking times I tried to be perfect for you, to be the best woman for you. It was never fucking enough because I WASN'T HER!" Y/n cried out, her hand clutching her chest so hard that she thought she would dig into her skin and her heart would bleed out.

She was heaving alongside him, their chests rising up and down in sync. Her every word tasted sour to her like each syllable was a dart of poison that was stabbing her insides and gutting her out. Miles flinched as her words pierced through him.

It was his fault, and he knew it. It hurt him to see the person he had come to love, hate him. He knew he deserved the anger, the hate, and he just felt himself hit rock bottom.

How could he do that to her?

To destroy her trust?

Gwen had wanted to talk to him about something and started telling him about her problems. He wanted to be there for her, but not realizing that he was jeopardizing his relationship with Y/n until it was too late. Some of his heart still belonged to Gwen, but god did he wish it didn't.

"Well, you should be fine now though, right? You can go back to her because I'm leaving." Y/n said with a newfound calm tone. She walked past him to grab her luggage, wincing in pain from her wounds as she pulled them out of their bedroom, leaving Miles in the heap of ripped-up pictures and broken frames.

She also walked past Gwen who was sitting silently in the living room.

She tried to approach Y/n, but the wounded girl was quick to walk out the door, slamming it behind her as she disappeared into the night, leaving the place she'd called theirs for the last five years.

But now, it wasn't her home anymore.

Fin.

See more of my Miles content here babes!

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#miles morales x reader #miles morales x fem!reader #miles morales fanfiction #ATSV fic #ASTV #miles morales x gwen stacy #Miles Morales x Reader #miles morales x y/n #miles g morales #miles morales x you #across the spiderverse #spiderman #miles morales angst

[cryinginmyroomsposts]

Stuck with me - Kim Seungmin

Pairing: Kim Seungmin x Reader

tags: fluff, clg bf Seungmin, popular singer boy seungmin, mention of previous breakup, oc gender not specifically mentioned, friends to lovers, puppy seungmin

a/n: not proofread, just trying to live my delulu through writing, Seungmin in glasses has been stuck in my head

masterlist

"You what?" Your voice comes out in a screech that turns many heads in the cafe you frequented often, like most other students from your university.

Seungmin, who stood in front of you, looking calm and gorgeous as ever stared back at you with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"You heard me." He says in a cool way that throws you off more.

"I- I need a minute." You manage to let out and cover your head in your hands. The embarrassment from screeching in the middle of the cafe and the shock of what had just happened was all too much to take in at once. You need to breathe.

It was yet another normal weekday filled with assignments, delusional romcoms and endless caffeine ingestion. After a rough summer filled with heartbreak and a depressing start to the fall semester, you had finally gained your footing. The fall had brought with it a lot of changes in you.

You found new classmates who had helped you through the rough times and cared about you. Amongst those classmates was also Seungmin, the menace of the group but surprisingly your favourite confidante. He had been nothing but a little prankster and a comedian who ensured the other boys- Hyunjin, Changbin and Jeongin, never got a single second of peace.

He went a little easier on you and Ryujin, the other girl in the group, and you figured it had less to do with your gender and more to do with the fact that he was positively scared of both of you. While he had been a little less annoying with you, it didn't mean you were entirely free of the classic Seungmin pranks either.

Which is why your first instinct on b being asked out on a date by the Kim Seungmin was to believe he was pulling a prank on you.

Seungmin might be a comedian amongst his friends but you were very well aware of his status as the golden boy of the university's band and the boy with the golden voice. On top of that angelic voice, the boy also had a face that could make everyone melt. That smile had made your heart skip beats on several occasions too.

You had met him on a very surly day of your class during the first week of the semester to discuss forming project teams. What began as a purely academic bond evolved into a sureshot friendship as his friend group got acquainted with you and your friend. You had grown very fond of the boys as they helped you forget your pain.

Seungmin was the first one to reach out and notice your melancholy and something about him made you open up about your struggles. It had been two months since then and he had been your source of support through the entire time. While the other boys were also sweet and Ryujin was your primary pillar of support, Seungmin gave you a comfort that felt worlds apart from the others.

You had your fair share of childish fun with him too. You started to notice how he let only Jeongin and you tease him. Changbin and Hyunjin never stood a chance against Seungmin and despite the latter's fear of Ryujin's brash honesty, he never let her off the hook easily either. It was not exactly a surprise to realise that Seungmin had a soft spot for you.

The surprise was that he had walked into the cafe on a random Tuesday afternoon and chose to utter the words "Will you go on a date with me?" in the most nonchalant Seungmin way with absolutely no warning.

And an even bigger surprise was how your heart was skipping several beats on hearing it and your brain was practically shouting at you to say yes even though you had never let yourself think about Seungmin in that sense.

Correction- you had consciously tried your best to not let Seungmin and his actions, smile, voice, hair or even his pranks affect you in a romantic way. You had just come off a horrendous romantic experience that should keep you sworn off romance for a decade at the least. But you would be lying to yourself if you said you hadn't thought about being with Seungmin at least a couple hundred times in the last month alone.

It had all started with that dream. One cold October afternoon, you decided to make the mistake of taking a nap and ended up dreaming of cuddling with Seungmin while watching the snow from your window. The dream threw you off balance and ever since you have been trying and failing to remove Seungmin out of your mind. The random blushes creeping up your cheeks and a pang of jealousy weighing down your mind every time he performed on stage and you had to watch all the girls drool over him. It was all really frustrating, to have to act normally around him while convincing yourself that you are better off as friends.

Especially since he had started wearing his new prescription glasses and smiling at you randomly. Everything he did got magnified and took up extensive real estate in your brain. Each night you convinced yourself you don't have feelings for him and each morning he would do something so small that would have you fighting for your life trying not to melt.

And now he had the audacity to prank you with something as big as a date and you had no idea how to react.

You parted your hands from your face to look up at him through the gaps in your fingers to find him missing. This made you sit upright and look around, part of you hoping he had left and another part sighing in disappointment at the idea of it being a joke after all. But no, there he was, waiting in line at the counter for his order- which you knew was an iced americano, no sugar and extra ice. You watched as he politely thanked the lady who handed him a drink, then turned around and smiled at the group of freshman girls giggling at him. An involuntary eye-roll escaped and you turned toward your laptop waiting from him to take the seat opposite yours.

"So?" He says, placing his drink on the table and placing his hands on the table as he leans forward.

God, that smirk on his face made your stomach do a backflip.

"So what?" You forced yourself to look and sound as normal as possible. And judging by the smirk that has taken on residence on Seungmin's face you weren't doing the best job.

"Y/N, come on. Stop playing hard to get with me."

"Seungmin what the hell! Stop trying to play one of your stupid pranks on me." This broke his stance. His face turned from playful to serious and it only made your heart beat faster.

"I'm not playing pranks y/n. I am serious." And he looks it too. You gulp down the ball of anxiety forming in your throat.

"You want me to go on a date with you? For real?"

Seungmin flinches at your tone. "Is that really such a weird thought for you?"

The doubt flashing on his face tugs at your heart and you immediately leap to say "no".

This brings the faintest hint of a smile back on his face. He takes a sip out of his drink and says "So it's a yes?"

You say the only thing that comes to your mind at that moment. "Why?"

"What do you mean why?" Seungmin's voice is barely above a whisper.

"Why me? Why now?" Your voice falters at the thought of being vulnerable only for him to end up calling it a prank or a mistake. But the way his face softens at your question removes the worry from your mind. He reaches out and takes your hand in his. The butterflies are doing a full ballet routine in your stomach and your heart thrums in your ears in anticipation.

"Y/N, I knew you were dumb but never thought you were this dumb!" You pout in response and he chuckles. "Okay okay, I was joking. But what I mean to say is... I've liked you for a while now. So I thought I'll ask you out on a date, see if it is an infatuation or something more and then figure out what to do."

It was very Seungmin of him to say that.

"What about my feelings for you?" You questioned out of curiosity.

"That's obvious. You're already head over heels in love with me." He says it with a shrug and you remove your hand from his in frustration. "Ya Seungmin, do you have a death wish?" you exclaim and roll your eyes. Of course, you knew he was joking but your stomach still churned in anxiety.

"Jokes apart, I really do like you y/n and I hope you give me this chance to show it to you. I was waiting all this while for you to take your time after your breakup and move on. Yesterday when you said you didn't even think of any of that mess or feel sad anymore I decided it is time to make my move. And of course, there is no force on you and I won't hold it against you if you reject either. But I really hope you give me this chance. The semester is almost over and we can go on one small date during the break and then figure out everything else. Please?"

Everyone called Seungmin a puppy and you were wary of the nickname initially but at that moment he was looking at you with the softest eyes, lips in a pout and a questioning look that made him look like the cutest puppy on the planet.

His heartfelt confession gave rise to a gazillion butterflies and everything beautiful in your stomach. The big smile formed on your face involuntarily.

"Seungmin that was... cute", you said chuckling. "Who knew you could be this wholesome!"

His pout intensified. "Hey, I am very cute always. But the fact that you haven't slapped me yes makes me hope I might get a yes?" The last sentence sounds more like a question even to Seungmin and you let out another chuckle.

"Yes, Seungmin. I will go on a date with you. Just one though." You feign nonchalance but he sees right through you.

"Y/N, please! I know you are squealing with happiness on the inside right now."

"Yea sure, like I am one of your cringe fangirls ugh! I am just doing this as a favour to you."

"Ahha I see. How kind of you ma'am." He says with a mock bow while his face is glowing with joy.

"Ya stop teasing me or I will back out." The ultimatum sounds like a joke even to your own ears but you keep up the act for the fun.

"No, you're stuck with me now. No backing out!" He said with indignance.

"Do you mean just about the date?" The question left your mouth before your brain could understand it and you regretted it the instant his expression turned serious again.

Seungmin looks into your eyes for a moment too long before responding, "You're stuck with me. That's all."

And just like he leaves for his next class, leaving you to smile to yourself like an idiot. A ping from your phone distracts you.

Seungmin: I'd be wholesome to you forever if it meant seeing you smile like that.

You didn't know what the impending winter would bring but for now, you decided to bask in the happiness and this new facet of Seungmin.

#boyfriend seungmin #kim seungmin #seungmin #stray kids #bf skz #skz headcanons #skz fanfic #seungmin x reader #seungmin x you #seungmin x y/n #singer seungmin #boyfriend kim seungmin #bf!seungmin #stray kids fluff #stray kids fanfic #stray kids fanart #stray kids kim seungmin #mong ong #puppym #seungmin fluff #seungmin fanfic #seungmin fanart #seungmin fake texts #seungmin aesthetic #seungmin scenario #seungmin imagine #seungmin scenarios #seungmin imagines #seungmin aesthetics #stray kids imagine

[onlyjaeyun]

𝐇𝐘𝐏𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐘

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄: 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲

࿏ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐢𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐮𝐧 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

࿏ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭!𝐀𝐔 (𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫), 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬/𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬!𝐀𝐔, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞!𝐀𝐔; 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, (𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞) 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭

࿏ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1.5k

࿏ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐉𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫...

← 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 — 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 — 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 →

Once you get your manager's okay, you quickly retreat to the back of the shop to get yourself changed and sneak out of the back door in hopes of the oldest Sim brother not even noticing your absence.

For a moment you feel your heart pounding in your throat from how anxious and nervous you are; the thought of having to face the man who you've been warned about definitely playing with your nerves and you can't help but imagine the worst.

You definitely regret only telling Heeseung about it, yet you're still convinced keeping it from Jaeyun for now is the best way to go with it. He's been dealing with this for the past two weeks and has finally felt calm enough to spend some time outside of his apartment, you definitely aren't going to ruin this for him.

Of course you thought about the possibility of his brother following you, yet you still hope he just drops it and leaves once you're on your way.

However, destiny doesn't really tend to be on your side in cases like this, which is why the first person you run into as soon as you walk through the back door happens to be none other than Sim Chan.

"Hello", he calmly begins and intentionally ignores your loud gasp and facial expression of surprise and shock.

Your first instinct is to just keep walking.

You don't know him, you don't owe him anything, not even the words of a greeting.

Yet, you seem to underestimate his persistence.

"Please, just a single minute", Chan suddenly says and takes off his baseball hat, reveals dark blonde hair and turns into the reason you start noticing the family resemblance to the other Sim boys.

The big, round eyes full of emotion, his slightly bigger yet straight nose and every single one of his sharp features.

You gulp harshly as the guilt takes over you, yet for some reason you can't seem to make yourself go away.

And as all those stories, the ones Jake, Sunoo and Heeseung have told you about him, the heartbreak the older brother has made his younger one go through and all the resentment in the young parent's voice whenever he talked about him comes to your mind, you take a deep breath and straighten yourself.

"Look", you sigh and run a hand through your hair, your phone vibrating in your pocket as you try your best to maintain the eye contact, "talking to you and hearing you out is not my place, in absolutely no universe. Please, don't bring me into this. Jae and Yunie mean a lot to me, I can't risk losing them."

Your words are honest and genuine, and from the way Chan starts nodding in defeat, you can tell he's actually understood just how serious you are about this.

"Yeah, that's what I thought", he replies calmly and lets out a deep sigh.

"Please, leave them alone", you whisper and try to swallow the knot in your throat at the images of a heartbroken Jake filling your mind and despite the sudden rage rushing through your body, you remain as calm as possible.

"Or at least give them time. Jaeyun hasn't healed from your betrayal yet because he hasn't had the time to actually cope with it. All these years he had to be strong and calm for Seyun , so please", you take a step back and let your eyes meet his for one last time.

"I'm sorry for following you like this", Chan mumbles and takes a deep breath, "I guess I really am desperate. This won't happen again and please don't tell Jakey about this."

"That's not going to happen", you reply quickly, the mere thought of betraying the man you've been losing your heart to sending chills down your arms, "I'm going to tell him about this because I actually owe him a lot more than I do you. Have a good day."

You don't wait for his response before you quickly make your way to the other side of the street and jump into the next taxi despite your destination only being a ten minute walk away.

As soon as you come to sit down and tell the driver where to go, you let out a loud sigh and reach for your phone, your heart skipping a beat as soon as you see Jake's name on your display.

Just as you're about to call him back, your phone starts ringing again and at the sight of the two Sim brothers on your phone, you can't help but feel your breath hitch in your throat from the actual adrenaline rush you just went through.

"Hey", you say and try to calm down the rapid beating of your heart to hide the nervousness from the young parent, knowing he'll catch up on your shift in emotional state rather quickly.

"Hey, pretty girl", Jake replies and you can literally hear the smile on his face, his voice almost instantly putting your soul at ease and you can't help but sigh again.

"I'm on my way to you guys!" You try your very best to sound as enthusiastic as you are but a million thoughts are rushing through your mind and you've never struggled to distract yourself from them as much ss in that particular moment.

"We know", Jaeyun chuckles and fills your chest with warmth, "and we're really excited. But why didn't you wait for us? You worked so hard today, didn't want you to make things even more exhausting for you."

His gentle and thoughtful choice of words makes you push your lips into a pout and the urge to just fall asleep in his arms slowly becomes absolutely unbearable.

"It's okay, my manager let me go a little earlier and this shift wasn't as bad as usual", you explain and start looking around for the group of boys as soon as the car starts driving along the beginning of the park, "and I took a taxi so no walking for me."

"Oh? Is that you then! At your left!" His sudden exclaim of excitement fills your ears and with wide eyes you try to follow his directions and just as expected you quickly spot a smiley Jaeyun making his way to you.

You start chuckling and tell the taxi driver to stop before you hand him the money and get out of the car once you've said your goodbyes and thank yous.

You start waving at the boys behind Jake's figure, your excitement growing as soon as your eyes fall to the tiniest of them and finally you feel yourself letting go of what happened just a few minutes prior.

However, it's probably also because of the way Jaeyun is quick to reach for your hand and pull you into a tight hug, his strong arms embracing your body almost instantly and the feeling of absolute security surrounds you just as fast.

You don't say anything as you bury your face in his neck snd return the tight hug, holding onto him a little longer and quickly stopping him from letting you go.

"Is everything okay, pretty girl?", Jake says and you hear the worry wavering in his voice, overshadowing the excitement easily.

You just nod and don't feel bad or ashamed for taking your time with the hug because it's exactly what you need and as if Jaeyun knew, he just sighs and gently caresses your back with his big hands.

After what feels like an eternity you pull away and look at him with soft eyes, his naturally excited gaze roaming your face attentively and before Jake gets the actual chance to analyse your facial expressions, you take his face into your hands and pull him into a gentle yet passionate kiss.

Despite his intial shock, Jake quickly reciprocates and pulls you even closer to his body, eliciting a soft gasp from your throat and you love how you can actually feel his cool skin slowly heating up underneath your fingertips.

You lose yourself in the feeling of his lips meeting yours, the way he sighs and even grunts into your mouth as well as his taste slowly coating your tongue and yet again leaving you completely lightheaded.

Jake lets out another loud sigh before he pulls away and lets his lips find your forehead, mostly to hide his flushed cheeks but also because he has to calm himself down.

"Wow", he chuckles and looks at you with slightly hooded eyes, nervously pulling his bottom lip between his teeth and kissing your forehead again before he comes to stand next to you.

"You're going to drive me crazy." His words make you laugh, which instantly dies down as soon as you're met with the sight of all five boys standing in a line just staring at the two of you with wide eyes, except for Yunie.

Little guy's just excited to finally spend some time with you after staying at his gran's most of the week to be with his cousins and you're more than just grateful when he starts running towards you.

"Hey, handsome!" You laugh and get on your knees with widened arms to quickly pull him into a tight hug.

"If anyone makes a comment I will shave your eyebrows off and wax your leg hairs when you're asleep", you press through gritted teeth to make it sound like you're joking, yet from the way you're actually glaring at them, the boys know to keep quiet. At least for now.

"Do you wanna play soccer with us, Noona? You can be on my and Jay Hyung's team!"

And who are you to deny a request as sweet as this one, so all you do is nod and take your bag off to place it on the little blanket the boys had brought along before you finally let your gaze shift to the older brother, who's still busy getting over what just happened.

"Let's go, losers", you say and make a run for the ball, your words finally gain the attention of them all and before any of them can even crack another shit eating grin, you and Seyun run towards the goal and unofficially start the next round.

Taglist: @writingmochi @raikea10 @moonlighthoon @ajayke-reads @bldelaine @rikisly @enhaz1 @ineedsomezzz @ikeu4life @theskzvibe @kpoprhia @jayzdaze @a-l-i-y-a @catnoirsbitch05 @thekinkpopstandsforkrackheads @end0rchans @ddazed-lhs @sunflowerbebe07 @heeverseblog @voidbeomgyu @heerinnie @vanillabeanwaffle @mimikittysblog @l0vee-l3tters @teawithbucky @fluerz @spilled-coffee-cup @3amstarlight @jungwon-xo @smg-valeria @elicheel @bobariki @beomgyusonlywife @sumarchived @aeminju @sprngfeverr @tya0

(No addition to the taglist without a visible indication of age on your blog!)

#enhypen social media au #enhypen smau #enhypen smut #enhypen fluff #jake sim #jake sim x reader #jake sim social media au #sim jaeyun #jake sim smut #jake sim fluff #jake sim angst

[flowersforchoso]

Making up with bi-han

this is the sequel to breaking up with bi han, which can be found here

even after he beseeched for another chance, you remained resolute in your decision. unwavering

though the rejection bruised his ego and badly, he was not going to act crazy over it. if you were expecting him to grovel, then forget it because he won't do that

however, his hurt this time directed inwards. he feels it deeply, marinates in it. the pain is immersive. like ripping the bandages of fresh wounds and dousing it with salt.

what he feels is defeat. which manifests as a sinister detachment. the shift in his behaviour is almost imperceptible but its hyper visible, to a keen eye. he would still lash out from time to time, albeit with less vigor. he's become much more... subdued. in mannerism. almost as if the lin kuei grandmaster was replaced by a clone.

as a man who hates showing emotions, he keeps to himself, unbeknownst that it was instead, a riveting display of it

and all because of a woman's rejection no less. not just any woman, but a woman whom he loves. someone he opened his heart for, a rare occurrence.

its at this point that kuai liang intervenes because something was amiss. and since nobody knows his brother better than him, he could tell he was hurting despite trying to mask it, or failing to do so.

so he comes to you acting as a mediator of sorts. a bridge connecting distant worlds. proposing you consider his brother's affections towards you.

the encounter shocks you to say the least, and you express your disbelief in bi han having to resort to cheap tricks such as this—sending others to beg on his behalf

to which kuai liang corrects, by telling you that this was out of his own volition. his brother had nothing to do with it and this concerns you for bi han was haughty. you never could've imagined you, of all people, got to him this way.

you think it through and decide that maybe, a change was due

so you took initiative and requested to see him. with kuai liang being the messenger, that puts hermes to shame, and to bi han's consternation. he didn't ask neither did he appreciate the meddling

you arrived at madame bo's. when it was sparse and dark. beyond closed hours. you felt this was too serious and solemn of a meeting as you entered the establishment. and she, madame bo herself, playfully scolded you for being such a heartbreaker. wait. how did she know this?

you stood in a corner. then began pacing, rehearsing all the things you wanted to say to him as the restaurant emptied out

few minutes later, there was an addition. bi han appeared and you heard your heart beat loudly. a tumultuous sound capable of rupturing your eardrums

he approached you. bore the familiar scowl that etched across his features. you imagined he thought the occasion ridiculous and juvenile. a tangle reserved for the school-aged

"you wanted to see me" he grinds out causing your eyes to dart upwards to meet his. searching for... only heaven knows, as you drew in shaky breaths. the air loathing you in the moment.

then you willed yourself into speaking, allowing the hurt and pain take over by pouring your heart out; telling the ways he hurt you, and how he maintained he had done no wrong, justifying himself. invalidating your feelings

you couldn't prevent the tears from falling as you recount those memories. letting out mournful sobs when you told him you loved him then, and still do now

bi han is taken aback by all of this. seeing you crestfallen, a side he had never seen, and being the reason was gut-wrenching. which propels him to envelope you in an embrace

he then apologizes, a first for him, killing the ugly need to defend himself. there's so much he wants to say, but lacks the linguistic flexibility to convey the emotions that welled from within him, with you, in the dark about his internal struggles

when you finally steadied yourself, you sniffed, "thank you. that's all i wanted to hear"

#bi han x reader #bi han x you #subzero mk1 #mk1 bi han #sub zero x you #mk1 sub zero x reader #subzero x reader #bi han sub zero #mortal kombat 1

[marvelsmylife]

Elain’s Lesbian Awakening

Pairing: Elain x reader

Plot: being too traumatized with how her engagement ended Elain decides to swear off men for the rest of her life and decides she wants to experiment with women instead.

a/n I had WAY too much fun writing this. Please send in more Elain requests. I absolutely adore her ! ! !

Warning: NSFW, smut, don't read if under 18, Elain being a shy angel

The day Grayson ended the engagement between him and Elain, Elain decided she was swearing off men. She didn’t want to go through that heartbreak again and shooed off anyone who showed romantic attraction to her, including her mate Lucien and Azriel.

While Lucien understood and never bothered her again, Azriel felt heartbroken because he thought she felt the same way about him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have any romantic feelings towards you. I just see you as a friend,” Elain informed Azriel after he confessed his feelings to her.

Because of that, he started distancing herself from her, saying he needed time and space so he could get over his crush on her. While Elain understood where he was coming from, she became lonely when Azriel stopped spending time with her. She became quiet and reserved for a few months until Rhysand hired you as his personal chef, and she started spending alone time with you in the kitchen. 

She was drawn to you not only because you were kind to her, but because you didn’t treat her like a child. You would talk about everything and anything and often gave each other advice on a problem either one of you was having.

Over time though, she started developing feelings towards you. It started off small, wondering what it would feel like to be held by you in a non-friendship way. Then she found herself staring at your lips and wondering how they would feel against hers. Finally, she’d end up fantasizing about what it would feel like to be intimate with you. Wondering how you sounded in bed and what noises you would get out of her. 

It wasn’t until one night when she stopped by your apartment to see how you were doing that she decided to find out for herself.

It was a cold autumn night when Elain stopped by. She only intended to stop by for a few minutes before making her way back to the river house. Those few minutes turned into three hours with you sharing two bottles of wine. 

Somewhere between her third and fourth glass, Elain finally mustered up the courage to tell you why she originally planned to stop by: “I think I have feelings for you, but I’m not one hundred percent sure,” Elain finally confessed; her cheeks were not pink from embarrassment.

She was ready for you to laugh at her for confessing this to you, but you never did. Instead, you gave Elain a reassuring smile before asking: “What makes you think you have feelings for me?”

Elain listed all of the reasons why she thought she had feelings for you, and by the end, her entire face was pink out of embarrassment. “Would you like to kiss me to see if anything is there between us?” you asked.

A stunned expression appeared on Elain’s face at your question, but nodded her head eagerly. “Yes, please,” Elain whispered. 

Elain’s heart was beating rapidly, watching you lean and kiss her lips. She felt herself getting lost in the kiss; her beautiful, delicate hands were resting on your waist as she found herself wanting more of you. 

You could smell Elain’s arousal from the kiss, so you lightly bit her lower lip and caused her to gasp at your action. You took the opportunity to slip your tongue into her mouth and found yourself smiling against her lips when Elain let out a soft moan. “So, do you have feelings for me?” you asked Elain when you finally pulled away from her and started leaving kisses down her neck.

“Yes,” Elain panted: “I definitely have feelings towards you.” Elain decided to look down and stared directly at your breasts.

The old her wouldn’t think much about them, but now, after sharing such a gentle yet passionate kiss with you, all Elain wanted to do was to look at them. Possibly touch them if you allow her.

As if you read her mind, you removed your shirt and revealed yourself to her. “You can touch them if you’d like,” you told Elain, and she immediately took you up on your offer.

Soft whimpers escaped your lips as Elain carefully caressed your breasts. “Oh my,” you gasped when you felt Elain’s mouth on your left nipple: “Ok then.”

Elain felt self-conscious about how you reacted and decided to pull away out of shame: “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Don’t apologize. I liked what you were doing. You just took me by surprise,” you pulled her into your lap: “Do I have permission to remove your dress?”

Not being able to trust her words, Elain nods her head enthusiastically but becomes shy once her dress is removed: “Don’t get shy on me now, little flower. Let me see you, let me see all of you,” you carefully removed her arms from her chest. “Gorgeous,” you commented when you got a glimpse of Elain’s small but perky breasts. 

You didn’t know if her nipples were hard from arousal or because of the weather. Either way, you found yourself skimming your thumbs over them and earned a moan from the female on your lap. “Do you like that?” you asked before placing a kiss between her breasts: “Am I making you feel good?”

“Yes,” Elain whines.

You began stare at Elain’s now naked body. “Gods, you are perfect,” you commented before your eyes landed on her glistening pussy: “This is really turning you on, isn’t it.”

“Yes-oh” Elain bit her lower lip when you ran your fingers up and down her folds.

“I’m really going to enjoy this. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this too,” you leaned in and kissed Elain one last time before you changed position, so Elain was now sitting on the couch, and you were kneeling on the floor in front of her: “You let me know if you feel uncomfortable with what I’m doing, ok?”

“Ok,” Elain managed to say as she watched you pepper her thighs with kisses.

Although she’s only ever in a relationship with one man, she never got intimate with him. She told him she wanted to save herself for their wedding night. So having your lips so close to her pussy made her shy all over again.

You could sense Elain’s nervousness and asked her if she was positive she wanted to do this: “Yes, I’m sure. I’m just- I’ve never done this with anyone before. The farthest thing I’ve done with Grayson was kissing and letting him touch my breast over my clothes.”

“Then this makes it even more special. Don’t worry, my sweet Elain. I’ll take good care of you,” you reassured Elain before parting her legs and placing them over your shoulder: “You smell divine.”

Elain let out a gasp when your tongue made contact with her folds for the first time. Her hands were instantly on your head and began to breathe heavily at the feeling of your tongue entering her. “Look at you, I’ve barely done anything, and you’re already a mess,” you teased and started massaging her clit with your thumb.

“I can’t help it. This is all new to me.” Elain panted, enjoying the sensation of your tongue inside her.

You found yourself smirking against Elain's pussy, working your tongue inside her before replacing your tongue with your fingers. “You taste just as good as you look. Have a taste,” you got up and kissed her while your fingers continued to move inside her.

Elain moaned against your lips as she tasted herself. You were right, she did taste good, and now all she wanted was to taste you as well. Elain tried to slip her hand inside your leggings, and that's when you decided to pull away: “No, my precious flower. Tonight is all about me bringing you pleasure.”

“But I just want to see yours too. Please,” Elain begged.

Not being able to deny her, you managed to remove both your leggings and your underwear with one hand while the other was still buried inside Elain. “Beautiful,” Elain beamed when she caught sight of your pussy: “Please let me touch you. I need to touch you.”

“Go ahead,” you allowed her to reach over and let her run her fingers up and down your pussy.

You squeezed your eyes shut and let out a drawn-out moan when Elain’s fingers disappeared inside you. She was imitating your actions and was grinning from ear to ear when you started rocking against her fingers. “I can’t believe I’m making you so wet,” Elain felt herself growing confident with what she was doing.

“You need to believe in yourself more often. You have no idea the power you hold over all of us.”

Feeling Elain tightening around your fingers, you decided to remove them and laid her on the couch: “Why’d you- oh ! ! !”

Elain shut her eyes as tight as she could when she felt your pussy rubbing up against hers: “Please don’t stop,” Elain begged, enjoying the new sensation she was feeling, and you were more than happy to grant her wish.

Not wanting to deny Elain’s pleas, you continued your action. Her cries grew louder and louder as her orgasm crept closer and closer. The moment you leaned down and flicked Elain’s nipple with your tongue, Elain let out a high pitch squeal and came against your pussy: “Y/n,” Elain arches her back off the couch.

“You look so gorgeous when you cum, little flower,” you grinned at Elain, who was now pinching her nipples while you continued to move against her until you reached your own orgasm.

You finally stopped moving and got up when both of your orgasms faded away: “Come with me,” you took Elain into your room and promptly laid on your bed.

After exchanging a few more kisses and letting Elain explore your body some more, Elain thought it was the perfect moment to tell you how she felt about the experience. “So, I’m definitely attracted to females now.” Elain declared: “You specifically. I want to be with you.”

“Good,” you laugh and brought her close to your body: “Because now that I’ve gotten a taste. I have no intention of letting you go.”

#elain archeron x reader #elain archeron imagine #elain imagines #elain x reader #acotar imagine #acotar x reader

[makkir0ll]

setting the past (part one/ prologue)

ukai x reader.

wc: 837

synopsis: you coach a volleyball team, one of the best in the country known for having mostly recruited players. you take pride in the fact that you have led your team to win a national championship title. And with the news of the rising team karasuno, your interest is piqued, mainly because that was your old school. you had known that they were nicknamed the "fallen crows" and such, so hearing about their fast improvement you decide you want to see it for yourself. you call up the school and takeda picks up. you organize a practice match for later that week.

but what you don't realize is that their coach is your highschool ex.

a/n: woohoo finally finished part one of idk how many. i haven't written since my wattpad days and i have so many good ideas for this fic so i hope y'all enjoy this. i just need to like collect my thoughts and put them in order because thinking about the plot my brain goes like 100 mph but then when i actually have to write it, suddenly im illiterate.

anyways enjoy this!!

Once practice concluded, and the clatter of equipment being stowed away subsided, the Karasuno boys formed a line in front of Ukai and Takeda, anticipating any last-minute announcements before dispersing.

".. and make sure you're eating well and getting enough rest. That's all I have to say for today," Ukai stated firmly, his arms crossed as he surveyed the team.

Takeda cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the eager players. "Yes, indeed. I know this is short notice, but the coach from Kozue Highschool reached out for a practice match later this week, and I accepted."

"HUH?" The boys chorused in a mix of surprise and excitement. A practice match against the reigning national champions was unexpected, to say the least.

"Didn't they win nationals last year?" Daichi questioned, his brows furrowing with intrigue.

"Did they? I'm not sure but you know more than I do." Takeda replies with a smile. "But apparently, their coach is an alumna of Karasuno," He glances at Ukai. "Y/N, I believe? Do you know her? She might be from the same graduating class as you"

Ukai's reaction to your name didn't escape notice. He knew exactly who you were—the pride of Japan's under-19 women's team and, to add a twist, his high school sweetheart.

"Yeah, I know her," Ukai replied, turning to the players. "That means this won't be an easy match. Not only because Kozue is a national champion, but also because Y/N is coaching them. She was- is one of the best womens volleyball player. So think expect nothing less from her team. Be prepared to face some formidable opponents."

"WOW! A NATIONAL CHAMPION TEAM! I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY WITH THEM!" Hinata exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "I won't lose to them!"

"Yeah, me neither," Ukai thought to himself, his expression unreadable.

After practice, as the Karasuno third years made their way home, Suga couldn't help but bring up the tension surrounding Ukai and you.

"So, Y/N is definitely Coach's ex, right?" Suga prodded, casting a knowing glance at his companions.

"Oh, absolutely," they agreed. They continued to discuss the possibilities as they walked home.

Ah, the history between you and Ukai. It was a tale of high school romance, filled with shared lunches, mutual support at games, and stolen moments in the clubroom. But graduation day shattered those dreams, as Ukai chose to explore college life, leaving you heartbroken and struggling to move on.

But some wounds never truly heal. Ukai remained a lingering presence in your thoughts, the memory of him etched into your heart as your first love, your first heartbreak.

Little did you know the storm brewing ahead as you prepared for the practice match against your alma mater, Karasuno Highschool.

The bus ride back to Miyagi was quiet, your team fast asleep behind you. As the bus slowed to a halt, you felt a surge of excitement—the familiarity of your hometown, the anticipation of facing your old school.

Karasuno High. The memories flooded back as you recognized the school's facade. Your stomach churned with excitement and nerves as you led your team off the bus.

"...twelve, thirteen, fourteen, yep! That's everyone," you counted, gently tapping your players as they stumbled out of the bus, still half-asleep.

"Why are we playing at a school two hours away again?" Haru, your team captain, yawned.

"Because, one, I used to go here back in the day, and two, I heard they're really good now. I'm excited to see what they look like. It'll be good practice," you explained, walking into the school towards the old gym where you spent multiple late nights after practice. you hear the familiar sound of volleyballs hitting the ground grow louder the more you walk toward the ajar door.

But what you didn't anticipate was a volleyball hurtling towards your face. Instinctively, you raised your arms, but it never struck you. A familiar figure stood beside you, his presence startling.

Ukai Keishin.

You were at a loss for words. It couldn't be him. Yet, there he was, saving you from a potential injury.

"Hinata, you can't be receiving like that!" Ukai's voice cut through the air, snapping you back to reality. His eyes met yours, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"What are you doing here?" you managed to ask, your tone sharp, eyes narrowed.

"What does it look like, Y/N?" he retorted with a teasing smirk. "Same reason you're here, I suppose."

You couldn't believe your luck—running into your high school ex at a crucial moment. Hoping to avoid any further interaction, you turned away and made your way to your team.

"Thank you for having us here," you bowed to the Karasuno team, your voice steady despite the turmoil within. As you started stretching with your team, your mind raced, your gaze occasionally drifting to Ukai. Your usual composure faltered, and your team couldn't help but notice.

This practice was shaping up to be far more challenging than you had hoped.

#haikyuu fluff #haikyuu scenarios #hq fluff #hq imagines #hq x reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu!! #haikyuu smut #ukai x reader #ukai keishin #ukai #ukai fluff #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu fanfiction #haikyuu #hq headcanons #hq fanfic #coach ukai #takeda ittetsu #karasuno #hq ukai #first fic scared for my life

[xetswan]

The Switch of Daylight-

Heartbreak and Wolves

(Alice? x Reader x Jasper?)

[two] [three] [four]

At the end of the school day, I watched as Edward takes Bella’s hand, guiding her to the woods. I knew he felt me there, watching him. I felt his relief as I didn’t go to stop it from happening. I should’ve but a part of me was extremely hopeful that Bella being upset would truly stop him.

Boy was I wrong.

I felt a gust of wind from behind me, my bedroom window open.

I slowly walk into my room, all there was, was a letter on the ground.

Not even the decency of saying goodbye in person. I get a handwritten letter.

I stare at it but I don’t go to it. I don’t move my legs to grab it. Instead I let it sit there. I turn out of the room and into the living room.

My body was hard as a rock.

Fragile like porcelain glass. It stayed still.

I knew what the letter meant. They were gone.

They left and I didn’t even knew what that meant for us.

Any of us.

I then realized that Bella was all alone in the woods. I quickly snapped out of my mood and ran out of the door.

I heard Charlie’s cop car speeding down the road so I rushed into the trees.

Listening for my sister. Once I locked into her whimpers of cries, tripping down to the ground I sped up.

Rushing to her.

How could he leave alone like this?

How could they do this to her?

“Bella…” I whisper out, hearing her but not seeing her. I start to freak out, not realizing she was behind a tree on the ground.

“Bella.” I fall down beside her.

“He left!” She hyperventilated. I grab her, and she clings onto me.

“They left.” She cries out, I stay silent, rubbing her back. Letting her cry it out. We sat together on the dirt ground.

After moments that felt like minutes, that I knew have been hours she finally sits up and looks at me.

“You knew?” She hiccuped and my eyebrows lifted a tiny bit.

“You knew didn’t you?” She pushes off of me, falling backwards. “I didn’t-“

“Don’t lie to me, [Name], you knew.” She states, not asking anymore.

“No, I mean yes. I did, but listen.” I stick my hands out trying to reason with her but she shut me out.

“Why didn’t you tell me? We- I could’ve stopped them. We could’ve changed their minds.” Her eyes start to water once again, I didn’t even know that someone could cry this much.

“Bella I tried.” I frown.

“Not hard enough, we could’ve done it somehow!” She argued. I just stared at her.

“We could’ve- we could’ve…”

“No, Bella.” I go to touch her but she pushes away from me. My hand freezes in the air.

“Go away.”

She lays down, I shake my head.

“I’m staying with you.” I sit still. “[Name], please.” She mumbles, getting onto her side and staying there.

“I can’t just leave you in the woods Bella.” I sigh.

“Just leave, [Name]! Please, go!” She screams, sitting up for a moment only to fall back down.

It reminds me of when we were kids and she pushed me away unintentionally. Being an older sister I guess it’s normal to push away the younger one.

Yelling at me to get out of her room, that I’m ruining her life by trying to hang out with her and her friends.

The flashbacks of us being little girls.

Then those flashbacks of my lives before rush into my mind. Always having older siblings, being brothers or sisters. Them shouting at me to go away. I stare at her, she doesn’t look up at me and as instinct I go away.

Not to the house but just away.

I go to the stores down by the reservation. Just wanting a minute to myself.

Not remembering the fact that my dad thinks I’m at home sick right now.

My mind getting flooded with all the memories I have of my past lives. My head starting to pound. I sit down on a bench outside of a library. I hold my head, remembering too many things at once.

Seeing the Cullin’s faces too many times.

Over and over again.

My child from one of my past lives.

My deaths over and over again.

My families as they mourned over my body.

Alice and Jasper that somehow got to me right before I died.

Or were almost there but it was too late.

Feeling the fear that inducted inside of me every single time my fate had came.

I should be dead right now.

I am dead right now but for some reason I still am living.

I hated the feeling of not feeling my heart beat or not having the warmth of living.

My lungs filling with air.

Instead I have cold dead silence.

It doesn’t even feel right panicking because my heart doesn’t quicken in pace.

It stays still. I grab onto my chest and I want to just grab at my heart.

“[Name].” A voice shocks me out of my phase.

“Hm?” I glance upward to see a man in a uniform. He looked familiar.

“You gave your dad a spook. Same with your sister. Can you come with me?” He lends a hand but instead of taking I just nod and stand up.

“Sorry, I needed fresh air.” I chuckled. “And for my sister, I haven’t seen her.” I lie. He nods.

“Ah, understandable. Well to me at least. I’m sure your dad is going to have a lecture waiting for you two at home.” He warns me, I smile at him, following him to his car.

“Hey, this is Erin, I’ve found the younger Swan sister.” He calls over the radio. I get into the backseat and he rushes to the drivers seat.

“Bella hasn’t been found?” I sit up straighter. “Yeah, I’m sure she’s just like you and needed some fresh air.” He assures me.

Pulling into my house’s driveway I see my dad on the porch sitting down. I get out of the car quickly right as someone opens the door.

“[Name], why weren’t you at the house?” He stands up, immediately bringing me into his arms.

“I’m sorry, I forgot to leave a note.” I apologize, he squeezes onto me just like he did when I came home from being missing.

I felt my shoulder go wet and I realized he was crying. Or trying not to cry.

“It’s like you girls love giving me heart attacks.” He sniffs. He wipes his tears before letting go of me.

Staring at him like this reminds me of how Alice and Jasper were just asking me to fake my own death.

Him reacting to us just going missing I could never do that to him.

“I’m sorry. Have you guys found Bella?” I ask quietly. “Not yet.” He clears his throat, standing up straighter.

Then at the edge of the woods, Sam Uley comes out carrying Bella. Sam, I haven’t seen him since I was a kid. I had the biggest crush on him when I was younger.

“It’s Sam Uley. He found her.” Billy speaks up.

Charlie bolts over to them, I’ve never seen him move this fast. He wraps his arms around Bella, lifting her from the attractive man.

“Thank you, Sam. Thank God.” I hear my dad say, Billy comes over to me and I give a small smile.

Charlie carries my sister into the house.

Harry and Billy give Sam and nod. He does the same thing and goes to back away.

I went to follow after him but Billy grabs onto my wrist.

Before I acknowledge Billy, I watch Jacob come into view of everything and he wants to chase after my dad and sister but he knows that it’s not time yet.

Charlie just got her in his arms.

I then watch him awkwardly make eye contact with Sam in passing, quickly looking away as fast as he looked at him.

“He knows. About you. He doesn’t like it.” Billy speaks up as he knew I was going to go after Sam, he shakes his head. I frown, glancing over at the man.

“But I- Please.” I pleaded with him. Billy sighs. “I can’t stop you.” He lets me go and I run after the bigger man.

“Sam! Sammy!” I call, now jogging up to him and I caught up.

“Go away, [Name].” He grunts.

“That’s no way to greet an old friend.” I lightheartedly joke. We were now away from everyone. No one could hear us.

“[Name]-“

“How come you know what I am?” I cut him off. His body freezes in place.

“You can’t smell me?” He questions me and I sniff the air, looking around.

“I smell wet dog but what does that have to do with anything?” I fold my arms.

“You really are clueless? The Cullin’s didn’t tell you anything about us?” He asks as if that’s going to make me know anything.

“Us?” I stammer, confused as ever.

“Werewolves?” He says. I furrow my brows and go to laugh.

“Werewolves?” I repeat him in disbelief.

“You can’t believe werewolves are real being what you are?” He rebuttals in a disgusted way.

“I can’t even believe what I am is real.” I sadly say, watching his face drop a little bit.

“You didn’t want to become what you are?” He tilts his head.

“Who does?” I strain out a laugh. “I didn’t have a choice. It was either this or death.” I inform him. He doesn’t say anything.

“You believe it should’ve been death. I understand.” I smile sadly.

“No, it’s not that.” He lets out a breath.

“I just wish this didn’t happen to you out of all people.” He steps closer to me, touching my shoulder, he jolts from how cold I am but he keeps it there.

“Sorry I didn’t come see you sooner.” He sincerely says. My eyes brighten, staring back into his own orbs. “I was in transitioning.” He explains.

“I forgive you-“ “[Name]!” Billy yells after me. I glance back.

“Can we talk another time?” I ask him, he was staring back at Billy and then at me. “I… don’t know about that.” He hesitantly responds.

“Please.” Wind blows past us and his scent hits me strongly. I didn’t even really notice it until he pointed it out. It really smells like a wet dog.

“Tomorrow night, come to the rez.” He takes his hand off my shoulder and then I notice the warmth that I felt went away. Now I’m back to the coldness.

“Okay, I’ll be there around 8:30.” I tell him as he starts jogging, kicking off into a run.

I go back to my house, Jacob comes up to me.

“Where did you two go?” He nudges me. “I uh, I needed some air.” I felt dazed.

“I’ll talk to you later.” I gently patted his arm, walking off into the house.

“[Name], can you get her dressed into something comfortable?” He asks, I nod, going upstairs to Bella’s room.

She was laying down staring at the window across from her bed.

“Let’s get you dressed in something not covered in dirt.” I tell her, going into her dresser and pulling out a sweater and leggings.

“Why didn’t you go with them?” Her voice rasps out. I take a breath in.

“I couldn’t leave you or dad.” I tell honestly. Shutting her door, I threw the clothes down next to her and I help her sit up.

“My body feels like collapsing.” She whispers.

“I’m here to catch you.” I say back.

Masterlist: A&J

Two and three are shorter than I’d like but the rest shouldn’t be. Heheh Sam is a fine man😻 love square???? LMAO

#bella swan #jacob black #twilight #twilight x reader #alice cullen #carlisle cullen #jasper whitlock #sam uley #sam uley x reader #alice cullen x reader #jasper cullen x reader #jasper hale x reader #jasper cullen #jasper hale #jasper #charlie swan #rosalie x reader #rosalie lillian hale #rosalie twilight #rosalie x emmett #rosalie cullen #emmett x reader #emmett cullen #billy black #carlisle x esme #esme cullen #embry call #seth clearwater x reader #seth clearwater #jacob black x female reader

[sunandmhoon]

Your lips my lips...

Genre: Comfort/Fluff/Mild-angst Pairing: Ni-Ki X Reader Summary: “You know what else I regret?” he finally spoke up. His eyes darting quickly to the countdown. 1 minute, It was now or never, he thought. w/c: 1473 MASTERLIST; OTHER WORKS A/N: hehe second story of the day!! I hope you like it ^^ -mari

In another world you would be happy. Maybe in that world you would be stood amongst the crowd in the Big Apple, adorning warm clothes, a scarf wrapped carefully around your neck–courtesy of your boyfriend, who just can’t help but bundle you up. Maybe in that world the count down would be for a new year. A new hopeful year full of new experiences, new beginnings, new worlds.

But you don’t live in that world.

In fact, the world you’re living in currently may not even be a world anymore after five minutes. The clothes that you’re adorning were not soft, nor comfortable. They were rough and heavy, but you had to wear them to survive. The scarf around your neck, covering your mouth was replaced with a mask to keep the smoke out. The countdown on the big building was not counting down to a new year, a new hope, a new beginning. It was counting down to an end.

In all your seventeen years on this earth, you never had a boyfriend. You never had the time to confess your love to the one you wanted, the one you trusted, your soulmate; Riki. Every moment spent felt like a race against time, cautiously hiding from any predators, always sleeping with one eye open.

Maybe the end of the world was more of a blessing than a curse. At least you won't be dealing with life like that right? It just all seemed unfair.

04:00 [1 minute down]

“What are you thinking about?” a voice interrupts your inner monologue. His eyes looked worried. It makes sense though, you thought, the world is ending.

“What is there to think about,” you laughed dryly. It was true, nothing can change in only five minutes. “We’re all gonna die. I think I’m just accepting it.” your eyes not moving from the countdown.

“That’s kind of depressing,” he chuckled lightly. That always amazed you about him, the way he made any situation brighter by simply being there. “I guess it’s true,” he adds, “But do you ever think that maybe, even if it's such a small chance, that maybe something or someone will save us?”

The hopeful tone in his voice almost made you believe him. But you’re past that. Believing.

“Nah, I don’t think so,” you shook your head, “that would be a miracle, and I don’t believe in those anymore.”

“Why not?” Oh Riki and your curious mind.

“Because,” you start, “Look at the situation we’re in right now. Even if the miracle happened, it won’t change the world.” you sighed. “Say, we got more time on this earth, we would still suffer either way.”

“I guess you’re right,” he nods. A part of your heart breaks at the sound of his voice losing its brightness, “I just wish I could have more time to do the things I’ve always wanted to do.”

03:45

“What are your regrets?” you asked, focusing your attention on him this time. You only had 3 minutes left on this earth so why not spend those last times admiring what could have been?

His jet black hair, overgrown and framing his face. Stray bangs are always moving untamed despite how many times he combs his hair back. The moles on his face, decorating it as if little chocolate chips on a cookie. His eyes, sharp and intimidating yet somehow always full of love and care. His lips….

“Well, that’s a loaded question,” this time he’s the one looking at the countdown. “Well, I wish I spent more time with my parents, maybe my siblings too. I wish I wasn’t such a bitch, you know,” he laughs. He looked at you, eyes focusing on yours. In his pupils, the image of regret, heartbreak and desperation.

“What else?”

“I also regret not being brave enough.” his eyes never left yours. Scanning and taking in your face as if he was carving it in his mind. “I regret being a coward. Not speaking up when I wanted to.”

“You’re not a coward, Riki,” you smiled softly, “you’re one of the bravest souls I’ve ever met. Look, we’re alive right now because of you.” you reached out for his hand. His soft, comforting hand. The hand that had held you on cold nights, fed you when you were sick, lifted you up when you fell, wiped your tears, tended to your injuries. His hand.

“No Y/N, I was a coward.” his eyebrows creased, guilt seeping through his veins, “you always stood up for me at school everytime someone said anything bad about me. Yet I never had the balls to stand up to those who talk shit about you.” his eyes looked so guilty and angry that you feared he was nearing tears, “I was so selfish that I put my popularity over you–my Best friend. And where’s that popularity now? In the fucking trash.”

“Hey,” you took your free hand and cradled his face, “We’re just kids, what did we know, hm?” you graced a small smile on your face in hopes that it would calm him down. “Sure, there’s so many things we could’ve done but, it’s all in the past now. What we can at least do is to think about all the good times.”

Your words left a silence in the air, a silence filled with silent wishes, longing looks, sad smiles. He had put his hand over where yours were on his face. He squeezed it three times, looking at your eyes, then your lips, then your eyes again.

You felt flustered under his strong gaze.

01:00

“You know what else I regret?” he finally spoke up. His eyes darting quickly to the countdown. 1 minute, It was now or never, he thought.

“Hm?”

“I was such a coward, I know I already said that,” he starts, “But It’s something I regret so deeply because it stopped me from telling the truth. Telling the people I love my true feelings. My mum, My dad, My sisters…” he took a deep breath. “You.”

Time stopped for you. The countdown was slowly ticking but for you it wasn't moving at all, the only thing in your mind right now was Riki, You and his words.

“Huh?”

“Yeah,” he squeezed your hand softly again, bringing it down from his face to his lap. Playing with your fingers, afraid of your eyes. “I feel so bad for telling you now, I’m sorry if its bothering you, but I can’t handle keeping it to myself anymore.”

“Riki…”

“It’s okay if you reject me,” he laughed dryly, “It’s not like anything will happen anyway. I just wanted to let you know.” his fingers worked softly against your hand as if it was a piece of glass. “I’ve loved you for the longest time. Everything you did, I always admired from the way you smile and even on your worst days. I don’t know how to sound poetic or deep around you because you make my mind go crazy, Y/N. It’s frustrating the way you make me feel, you know,” he smiled.

“Riki..” you took your hand from his fingers. This made him freeze. Had he crossed a line? Did you not like him back? His heart was already shattering in his chest when your fingers feathered his chin and lifted it up.

“I like you too,” you smiled, “for the longest time too.”

“We have such bad timing don’t we?” he smiled, the biggest grin you have ever seen. In the dark skies of the ending world, his eyes were the brightest thing to ever grace the planet. “We could have been a couple for all our life!” he whined playfully, hiding his face against your neck. “We could’ve,” you laughed back, “but let’s not waste our last time here, hm?” you took his head in your hands, bringing down his mask as he did yours.

“You’re so cute,” he pinched your cheek. You giggled as if the world was not ending. Because in your eyes, your world just started. It didn't matter that you were dying in a matter of seconds because at least you get to end it happily, in the arms of the one you love.

“Can i?” he looked at your lips, love flooding his eyes.

“Of course.”

10 9 8 7 6 5

In the other world, there would be fireworks as you kissed him. The clock would strike 12 and a new world would begin. In this world though, you don’t see anything but a bright light. Eyes closed, drunk in the feeling of his lips on yours. Lost in the feeling of his arms around you. The world may have just ended with you both with it.

You don't care though, you’re already in heaven in his arms.

3 2 1

boom.

#enhypen imagines #enhypen scenarios #enhypen #enhypen angst #enhypen x gender neutral reader #enhypen fluff #enhypen niki #enhypen oneshots #niki x reader #enhypen reactions #enha #enhypen nishimura riki #ni ki x reader #ni ki enhypen #ni ki fluff #ni ki angst #kpop angst #kpop imagines #kpop fanfic #kpop fluff #kpop

[xomakara]

No One But You

SUMMARY | One drunken night with Xiaojun gave you the most precious thing in the world, your son. Years later, Xiaojun returns from overseas and finally gets to reunite with you and his son. PAIRINGS | Xiaojun/Fem!Reader GENRE | non-idol au, daddy!Xiaojun, smut, unprotected sex, fingering, oral sex, slight angst, fluff RATING | Mature LENGTH | 6,813 words AUTHOR’S NOTE | Originally, this was supposed to be a fantasy with the whole isekai theme. But this idea had been swimming in my mind lately and so here you go. I hope this makes sense and that it flowed okay. I struggled a bit haha. Hope you all like it.

"Just give it some thought," Renjun, your best friend, muttered one day. You were both sitting in your favorite cafe, drinking your lattes and getting on each other's nerves with an annoying amount of frequency. It was a pretty standard Sunday afternoon to be honest - so you had just agreed to meet here.

Nothing special.

"And what do I get for this?" you asked, glancing up from your coffee. Renjun had been pestering you to join him at this new company your friends Mark and Johnny established. They promised it would be very profitable and the pay was good as well. And he was very persistent. Like never ending. He'd been talking about it nonstop since yesterday morning when you woke up.

You rolled your eyes and went back to sipping your coffee. "I mean it's not like I don't want to help them out, but they're not giving me any kind of perks."

"You get to see eye-candy all day long." Renjun snorted. "How is that not a perk? At least this way you can finally find someone who'll satisfy you better than-"

"Don't you dare say his name." You muttered under your breath.

"C'mon Y/N." Renjun patted your hand. "It's been years since you last dated Jungwoo. I’m sure he’s happily married and has kids. Besides, you have a son now, too. Does Xiaojun know?"

Xiaojun...

The father of your son.

You've known Xiaojun since your college days. He was a friend of Renjun, Mark and Johnny and he always tagged along whenever you hung out with them. Back then, he used to flirt shamelessly and his charm would always manage to make you laugh and blush simultaneously. You were in a serious relationship with your ex, Jungwoo, during that time, but that all changed however, when you ended your three year relationship with him. Your relationship just didn't work out. He cheated on you multiple times. You loved him with all your heart, though. But you couldn't be with someone who hurt you constantly. Your heartbreak left you feeling empty and lonely. Your entire world crumbled around you and you felt like nothing could ever go right again.

Your friends were there to help you through your tough times. To cheer you up, Renjun and the others dragged you out to the biggest Neo frat party of the semester, despite your constant protests. Of course, you had fun that night. It was a relief to forget about your troubles for a while. In a drunken stupor and clearly horny, you found Xiaojun dancing nearby. Without thinking twice, you walked over to him and grabbed his hands to sway to the music. And god, he was sexy in those leather pants and tight black shirt. It was hard to resist him and not give into temptation. After a few minutes, you decided to dance closer to him. And God, he smelled so good. Like fresh air, soft lips and spring flowers. That did it. Before you knew it, you were making out with him against the wall.

Things quickly escalated and before you knew it, the rest was history. It was just a one night thing between you two. And you never did date him. He left to study overseas a few weeks later and disappeared off your radar.

When you found out you were pregnant a month after that drunken night with Xiaojun, you were scared and confused. You never imagined that one drunken night with him could have changed your future so drastically. The urge to tell him that you were pregnant was overwhelming. You wanted to reach out to him, talk to him, tell him about the baby, apologize for what happened that night. But you also couldn't deny that your decision that night wasn't completely your own.

You'd been depressed and lonely since your breakup with Jungwoo and Xiaojun provided you with the comfort you needed. Was it wrong of you to use him that way? Or did you deserve something more? If you chose to keep the baby, who would take care of it? Where would you live? Who would be its father?

You had to tell someone and you eventually told Renjun, Mark and Johnny about your pregnancy, revealing that Xiaojun had to be the father since he was the last person you’ve slept with. Your friends reacted predictably: they offered their unconditional support and told you that you were strong enough to raise the child on your own. They were your best friends and they wanted to be the best uncles they could be to your son.

But even after that fateful night, you continued to think about what could have been if he had stayed. If you had found out you were pregnant if you were together.

You shook your head. "No, he still doesn't know about our son."

Renjun sighed. "You know he's back in town. He’s been asking me about you too. Its just a matter of time before Xiaojun talks to our friends and finds out he has a son. You should tell him before that happens."

"I know but I can't just tell him I got pregnant after one drunken night together. There are too many details involved."

Renjun ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "What are you going to do, Y/N?"

"That's the problem. I don't know what to do." You mumbled. "I don't want him to resent me or hate me. I want him to love my son and accept him. That's all I ask for."

"Then just tell him. I'm sure he won't mind if you told him the truth."

"But what if he does?" You replied, looking down at your cup. "Wouldn't that complicate things? Especially since we have a child together. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if he blamed me for ruining his life or something. I wouldn't be able to look at him or be near him anymore."

Renjun shrugged. "Who says he will blame you? You guys are adults, after all. Plus, we’re not children anymore. Our lives are different. It's not the same as back then. I think you're just being paranoid."

"Am I?" You looked up, frowning. "Do you really believe I am?"

He shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Not really, no. I know you, Y/N. You're more forgiving than most people. But sometimes, people need to face the consequences of their actions. And even if they don't, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. It's not like your son needs a man around to protect him."

Renjun waved away your concern. "So don't let your feelings towards him ruin your happiness. You deserve to be happy, Y/N. So tell him about your son."

“I’m home!” You called out as you stepped into your apartment.

You heard the pitter patter of small feet and a small figure ran out of the bedroom before launching unto you. “Mommy! Mommy!”

You cooed as you picked your son up in your arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around your neck and buried his face into your chest. "Hi Dongjun, my beautiful angel. Did you miss me?"

"Of course!" He squealed excitedly. "I missed you, mommy."

“You’re so silly.” You giggled as you planted a kiss on top of his head. “You don’t need to miss me because you’re going to see me every day. Right?"

Dongjun giggled excitedly and nodded his head. "Right mommy!"

"Good." You hugged him tightly. "Because I missed you too."

The two of you walked slowly down the hallway. Dongjun held onto your hand and grinned widely as he talked about his random adventures with Uncle Jisung, your younger brother. When you asked where Uncle Jisung was, your son pointed at your brother's room stating that 'Uncle Jisung is studying'.

“Hey Mommy, wanna watch a movie with me?” Dongjun asked, tugging at your shirt sleeve.

“Okay honey, but first, can I change into comfy clothes?” You questioned, pointing towards your bedroom.

“Mm hmm.” Dongjun nodded enthusiastically as he plopped on the couch and proceeded to watch TV.

After changing into sweats and a loose t-shirt, you settled down next to your son. You placed your hand on his head and smiled as you stroked his hair gently. It was nice being able to spend quality time with your son. Dongjun was so happy when he was with you. He loved watching movies and playing games with you. You could already tell that he was smart, mature and creative. If only you could turn back time, things would be different.

You wondered how life would have been if you told Xiaojun about Dongjun. Or how it would be if you got together with him. But looking at your son, you knew that whatever happened, you made the right choice. No matter what choices you made in the past, your son will always be yours.

“Alright, time for bed. Let’s snuggle.” You told your son as you pulled him close to your body.

“Yes!” Dongjun grinned happily.

You leaned over to kiss him on the forehead and you smiled as you closed your eyes. At least one good thing came out of that drunken night, you thought.

"Mommy?" Dongjun suddenly asked as he poked you in the arm.

"Hmm?" You opened your eyes and glanced at your son. "What is it honey?"

"Did you love daddy when you first met him?"

“Hmmm…now that’s a tough question to ask me, squirt.” You pinched his cheek. “How should I answer it?”

“I think you loved Daddy.” Dongjun said confidently. “Because if you didn’t love Daddy, then I wouldn’t be here today. So you must have loved Daddy when you first met him.”

You smiled as tears welled up in your eyes. Dongjun was such a sweet boy.

"Sweetie, you are the most important person in my life. And no matter what happens, I will always love you." You hugged him tightly. "I am very lucky to have a child like you."

"Aw, Mommy. Thank you." Dongjun wiped away the tear from your eye. "Now let's go to sleep, okay?"

"Yes." You nodded. "Night-night, Sweetie."

Dongjun yawned as he curled up in your lap. You kissed his forehead again and whispered good night in his ear. Then you watched as he drifted off to sleep.

You didn't expect that your life would turn out like this. You had always dreamt of finding true love and getting married someday. But fate decided otherwise. Now you were living alone, raising your son singlehandedly. A part of you wished that things could have been different. Maybe your son would grow up knowing his father. Maybe you could've dated Xiaojun or find another man to share your life with.

But all those questions went unanswered as you drifted off to sleep.

There was nothing you could do about it. The past is the past. And there was no point dwelling on it anymore. Your son was the only light in your life. Without him, you would have been lost in despair and misery. You may not have found love, but you learned to accept what fate gave you.

Everything else was secondary.

God damn, he's still handsome.

You couldn't help but bite your bottom lip as you watched Xiaojun put in his order with the waiter. Even after all these years, you still found him attractive. And he noticed you noticing him. His smile widened and he leaned towards you slightly. You held your breath as you smiled politely.

There was no denying that you felt some attraction to him back in your college days. If you weren’t dating Jungwoo back then, you would have jumped on the chance to get with Xiaojun.

But you never acted on those thoughts. There was no reason to start a relationship with him when Jungwoo was willing to be by your side. But that was before there were problems in the relationship. Before you broke up with Jungwoo. Before you found yourself alone.

Back then, everything was perfect. You were the happiest girl alive. Everything seemed so easy. You spent all your time doing fun stuff with your friends and boyfriend. As long as you were with them, you couldn't imagine a life without them.

It was an exciting time in your life. You were young, carefree and optimistic. Life seemed limitless. You had so much hope and dreams. What would you do now that all those hopes and dreams have faded away?

All that was left was regret and pain.

And now here you were, years later, sitting across from him as he gave you a sweet smile. That smile was one thing that always got to you. Especially after all this time. You tried to act natural, but the truth was you felt like you were caught in your own private show. And you weren't the only one noticing him. There were quite a few women gawking and flirting with him, although he seemed to not notice.

Xiaojun stared at you intently for a few moments before speaking. "So how are you doing, Y/N?"

"Eh, good, thanks." You shrugged. "How are you?"

"Glad to be back home." He said, smiling broadly. “I really missed Korean and Chinese food here."

You gave him a small smile. "It’s good to see that you were doing good overseas though."

"It was tough but it was worth all the experiences." Xiaojun grinned.

“I bet.” You nodded, trying not to look at his mouth. Jesus Christ, he still looked edible. You were tempted to lean forward and kiss him, but you managed to hold yourself back. "So Renjun mentioned that you've been asking about me. What's that all about, huh?"

Xiaojun blushed as he fidgeted in his seat. "Uh, well…" He paused. “I guess I just miss hanging out with you and the others."

"Life has gotten in the way, that's all." You sighed. "But I promise I'll try to spend more time with you now that you’re back home."

"Really?" Xiaojun raised an eyebrow. "Like, on a regular basis?"

"Maybe." You grinned sheepishly. "Or maybe not. Depends if you keep bugging me like Renjun always does. I wonder why I'm still friends with him..."

“Ha ha, you wouldn't trade him for the world.” Xiaojun replied with a laugh.

"True that.” You chuckled. “He’s my best friend after all.”

A small silence followed. Both of you simply stared at each other awkwardly. Finally, Xiaojun broke the silence. "Listen…I'm sorry about what happened in college. I never meant to hurt you. You're one of my closest friends and I don't want anything to ruin that."

"You never hurt me, Xiaojun." You shook your head, a faint smile on your lips. "I was heartbroken when Jungwoo dumped me and I needed a distraction from the pain. We were both drunk and horny at that frat party. I don't regret that one night with you. I don't blame you for it. None of it was your fault."

"You're a good person, Y/N." Xiaojun muttered quietly.

"Thanks." You replied sincerely. "Sometimes I feel guilty for using you to distract myself. And even after all this time, I can't bring myself to look at you without thinking about Jungwoo. It's a stupid reason, huh?"

"No, it's understandable." Xiaojun smiled gently. "People need distractions sometimes. Plus, that one night turned out to be pretty good for you. You enjoyed yourself, found comfort in someone's arms, and felt loved. It helped you get over your broken heart. Even if it was just for one night."

"Yeah. And thank you for that, by the way." You smiled softly. "For taking care of me that night. For listening to me cry about my ex."

"Don't mention it." Xiaojun said as he waved away the compliment. "You were hurting and I cared about you. You needed some comfort and I wanted to provide that for you."

"That makes me feel better." You laughed. You sucked in a deep breath. “Xiaojun, can I tell you something?”

"Of course." Xiaojun assured you.

You hesitated for a moment. It had been years since you talked to Xiaojun but you hoped that he would understand where you were coming from. After a few minutes, you decided to continue.

"It’s hard for me to say this but…” You took a deep breath. “Xiaojun, you’re a dad…”

“Wait, what?” Xiaojun gasped.

“We have a son,” You answered quickly. “His name is Dongjun.”

Xiaojun blinked several times. “Are you sure he’s mine?”

"You were the last person I had sex with before I found out I was pregnant." You nodded your head and pulled out your phone, scrolling through the pictures of Dongjun. “He looks exactly like you. Just look at the pictures.”

Xiaojun stared down at the photo of Dongjun on his phone. He took in the picture and blinked slowly. His expression softened as he looked back at you.

“Our son…” He murmured quietly. “Wow.”

“I know you might be mad or disappointed that I didn’t tell you but…” You paused. “I wasn’t ready to face you after I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to come back to Korea and take care of me and the baby because we had that one night together.”

Xiaojun shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Y/N, don't worry about that. I know our relationship is complicated but there is no way I would ever resent you or the baby. In fact, I feel happy to hear that you're raising our son well."

“I’m glad you think that.” You smiled. “I never really talked about you. When Dongjun asks where you are, I just tell him that you had to work somewhere far away. How do you tell a four year old that his mom and dad aren’t even a couple? How do you tell him that his mom and dad were drunk and horny one night and that’s how he was conceived? Telling him that you worked far away was the best option.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true.” Xiaojun sighed. “Can I meet him? Please, Y/N? I would love to meet my son.”

“Of course, I’d like you to meet him.” You agreed, nodding. “And knowing Dongjun, he already loves you very much.”

“I already love him too, you know?” Xiaojun gave a slight laugh. “I wish I had met him earlier. Things would have been different between us. I wouldn’t have gone overseas. I would have stayed and we could have explored if there was truly a connection between us.”

“Maybe things wouldn’t have changed that much.” You reminded him. “Even if you did stay, we were really never together. Not after that one night. All we did was sleep together. There was nothing more than sex going on. You flirted with me, sure. And I needed comfort from a broken heart. So there was nothing binding us together.“

“Yes, there was.” Xiaojun argued. “The first moment I met you, that first time you smiled so sweetly at me when Renjun introduced us, I knew I liked you right away. It’s like I could see you clearly for the first time. The way you walked, your attitude, your body language, everything was so perfect. But you were with Jungwoo at the time. I didn’t want to ruin your relationship with him, so I just tried to hang out with you whenever possible.”

He sighed, looking at you softly. “After you broke up with Jungwoo, I realized that I was in love with you. That one drunk night at the frat party made me realize how I felt about you. And I never stopped loving you since then.”

“But why didn’t you tell me?” You asked, suddenly feeling sad.

“I didn’t want you to rush anything. You were healing from a broken heart and I didn’t want to add more problems to your life. I just knew that you needed love and comfort even if it was for one night.” Xiaojun explained. “And I didn’t want to scare you off by telling you how I felt.”

“I understand.” You whispered sadly. “But you should have told me sooner. Maybe I felt the same way.”

“Well, I’m telling you now.” Xiaojun said, giving you a reassuring smile. “Did you ever felt anything for me? Like, was there any chance that you could have fallen in love with me?”

“Yeah.” You nodded. “If I wasn’t dating Jungwoo back then, I probably would have started to develop feelings for you too. Maybe even developed them into something more.”

“I’m glad you said that.” Xiaojun breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Xiaojun, now that you’re back for good…” You paused. “Do you think that we could give this another shot? Maybe see where things really go between us? If you just want to be friends or just in Dongjun’s life, then it’s fine with me. But I just thought…”

“I want that too.” Xiaojun cut you off. “I want to see where this goes. With you, and Dongjun. I can be the father that Dongjun deserves and I will make sure to devote myself fully to my son and to you.”

“Okay.” You agreed. You stood up and grabbed his hand. “Come. Let’s go see our son.”

It took you but minutes by car to reach your apartment. You reached your door and unlocked it, calling out, “Dongjun! I’m home!”

Dongjun ran out of his room with a huge smile on his face. As soon as he spotted you, he jumped into your arms and gave you a big hug.

“Mommy! Mommy! I missed you!” He exclaimed happily.

“I missed you too, baby. Where’s Uncle Jisung?” You questioned, wondering where your younger brother was.

“Uncle Jisung is watching TV.” Dongjun suddenly noticed Xiaojun by the door. “Mommy, who’s that?”

You and Xiaojun exchanged looks. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself.

"Well… Let's introduce ourselves, shall we?" You offered nervously.

Dongjun looked between you and Xiaojun curiously, wondering what was going on.

“He looks exactly like me.” Xiaojun muttered. “I can’t believe we made such a beautiful child.”

“Dongjun, this is your daddy.” You introduced the two of them.

“Daddy!” Dongjun squealed excitedly, jumping off your lap and running towards Xiaojun. Xiaojun hesitated for a second, still unsure whether he should accept Dongjun’s warm embrace. But after a brief hesitation, he leaned down to hug Dongjun with a big smile.

“Hi Dongjun. I’m your dad.” Xiaojun said softly.

“Dad! Dad! DAD!” Dongjun exclaimed loudly, unable to contain his excitement. He wrapped his tiny arms around Xiaojun’s neck, hugging him tightly.

"Oohh." Xiaojun gasped, surprised by Dongjun’s reaction. His body went rigid and he clutched onto Dongjun even tighter.

"Is everything alright?" You wondered, noticing the tension in the air.

"Uh… Yeah, it's fine." Xiaojun laughed. "Just caught me off guard, that's all. He’s just so energetic."

You nodded, chuckling. “Don’t worry, Xiaojun. You’ll get used to it.”

“I love him already.” Xiaojun breathed out. “This is the happiest day of my life.”

You smiled widely. You couldn’t help but tear up at the sight of Xiaojun being so affectionate with Dongjun. This must have meant so much to him.

"We're both so happy that you're here, daddy!" Dongjun exclaimed, planting kisses on Xiaojun's cheeks.

"Thank you for welcoming me, Dongjun." Xiaojun replied gently.

Dongjun giggled and wrapped his arms around Xiaojun's neck once again. Xiaojun laughed at Dongjun's enthusiasm. You grinned and looked at each other, sharing a small laugh.

“This is going to work out really well.”

It had been a few months since Xiaojun had moved into your apartment. Your brother Jisung had moved out and said that he and his friend, Chenle, found an apartment to share. You knew that Jisung didn't want to get involved in the love fest between you and Xiaojun.

Yours and Xiaojun’s relationship slowly began to blossom and develop into something more. It started with a few sweet kisses here and there. Soon enough, they became an everyday occurrence. At first, you were nervous and embarrassed. You wanted to wait until Dongjun grew older before letting him catch you kissing his father. However, you soon realized that letting Xiaojun seduce you was the most exciting thing you had experienced in a long time. And not only that, but seeing Dongjun's excitement while witnessing these intimate moments between you and Xiaojun, well…

It was adorable.

At some point, you started falling for Xiaojun. Hard. Your heart raced every time you saw him and every kiss sent shivers through your entire body. Soon enough, the longing to be with him outweighed everything else in your life. You knew that Dongjun loved Xiaojun as well, which helped ease your worries.

One night, the three of you were watching a movie when Dongjun asked you and Xiaojun a question.

“Mommy, Daddy, can I ask you a question?”

You looked over at Dongjun and he was eagerly awaiting your answer.

“Sure, honey. What is it?” You asked.

“Where do babies come from?” He inquired.

You and Xiaojun looked at each other, smiling awkwardly. After a few seconds of silence, you decided to take control of the situation.

“Honey, babies are actually made when mommies and daddies love each other very much.” You told him.

“Ohhh…” Dongjun stared at you and Xiaojun intently. “Then does mommy and daddy love each other very much?”

Xiaojun turned to look at you with a wide grin on his face. “Why yes, my little prince. We do.”

Dongjun beamed at the sight of Xiaojun's prideful expression. Then he looked at you and smiled.

“Does that mean I can have a baby brother or sister?” He asked, nodding vigorously.

You and Xiaojun exchanged looks again, smiling at each other silently. Finally, you pulled Dongjun into a tight hug.

“Of course, honey. One day, I hope that you'll have lots of siblings.” You whispered softly.

“Mmm. I'd like that.” Dongjun murmured, snuggling closer to you. "I love you, mommy. I love you, daddy."

You squeezed him tightly. “I love you, sweetie. So much.”

Dongjun eventually fell asleep in your arms. You glanced over at Xiaojun who was sitting next to you on the couch, playing with Dongjun's hair idly.

“Xiaojun?” You called out softly.

“Hmm?” He responded, continuing to play with Dongjun's hair.

“I've always wanted to tell you this.” You admitted, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “I love you.”

His eyes widened at the sudden confession. A few seconds passed before he spoke.

“I love you too.” He whispered, leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss against your lips.

Your heart fluttered at the sensation of his warm lips on yours. You felt yourself become flush as you pressed against him.

The moment was broken when Dongjun yawned, causing you to let go of Xiaojun's hands. You watched as he gathered his sleeping son into his arms. The two of them quietly made their way upstairs, leaving you alone downstairs.

Your cheeks were flushed red and your mind was filled with images of Xiaojun making passionate love to you on the sofa. Even though it was completely innocent, you found yourself feeling extremely aroused. You wondered if Xiaojun was feeling the same way.

After tucking in Dongjun, Xiaojun returned to the living room. He sat down beside you and looked at you lovingly. “I love you, Y/N. I want no one but you.”

“Who would have imagine one drunken night would lead to us being together again.” You sighed.

“That night changed everything for us.” Xiaojun agreed. “Our lives haven't been the same ever since.”

“I know.” You sighed, leaning against Xiaojun's chest. “If it weren't for that night, I wouldn't have had Dongjun or met you again.”

Xiaojun nuzzled his nose against your forehead. “Neither of us could have predicted how fate would bring us back together. And I am so grateful that it did.”

Your hands caressed his cheek. “I don't regret a single second we spent apart. I think our time apart made us realize how much we needed each other. Without you, Dongjun would never have existed.”

Xiaojun cupped your face in his hands and leaned in to press a tender kiss against your lips.

“Let's enjoy every minute we have together, okay?” He suggested.

You melted into his touch. Every kiss, every touch felt so right. For the first time in your life, you truly felt like everything was coming together perfectly.

"Yes, Xiaojun." You agreed, nipping his bottom lip playfully. "Should we give our little one a sibling?“

He grinned. “Definitely.”

“Have fun and don’t come back pregnant!” Renjun called out, Johnny laughing next to him.

“Dongjun, be good for the uncles!” Xiaojun called out, Dongjun excitedly chasing Mark.

“Yay! Sleepover with Uncles Renjun, Mark and Johnny!!” Dongjun shouted happily, throwing his arms in the air.

Renjun grabbed hold of him, swinging him around in a circle. “Yeah! We’re gonna have so much fun!”

You and Xiaojun exchanged hugs with Dongjun before getting into the car and driving back home. Both you and Xiaojun thought it would be good idea to have the guys take your son for the weekend so that you both can spend some time together alone.

Xiaojun held your hand as he was driving. His thumb gently stroked your fingers, sending goosebumps across your skin. Your mind drifted to thoughts of what would happen later tonight.

The only time you had sex with Xiaojun was that one drunken night all those years ago. Since you’ve officially gotten together, you’ve slept in the same bed but you’ve never touched each other intimately. You didn’t want Dongjun to catch the two of you if you were being sexual in any way shape or form.

But tonight was different.

Tonight you planned to surrender yourself to Xiaojun completely. This time you wanted to remember everything that happened and now that you’re together, it would be easy for you to recall all of the feelings and sensations.

As soon as you walked into your apartment, Xiaojun pulled you close and kissed you passionately. You groaned at the taste of his mouth on yours. His strong arms enveloped your waist, holding you firmly against his body. You slid your hands up his muscular arms and ran them through his hair. You savored the sensation of his scalp under your fingertips. His dark locks glistened with drops of sweat as he released his lips from yours and looked deep into your eyes.

“Do you want me?” He asked breathlessly.

“Always.” You breathed, closing the gap between your lips once again.

Xiaojun growled deeply as he pulled you closer to him, deepening the kiss. He moaned as your tongue met his and instinctively he slipped his hand under your shirt. You gasped as he traced the edge of your bra, your nipples hardening instantly.

"I need you. Right now." He breathed heavily.

Your breathing matched his pace. You peeled off your shirt and unhooked your bra, allowing it to slide off your shoulders and drop to the floor. Xiaojun smiled widely as he looked down at your naked breasts.

"God, I forgot how great they looked." He remarked, licking his lips hungrily.

He reached down and took your hands, pulling you closer to him. You stood before him, waiting patiently for him to make the first move. Suddenly, his mouth was on your left breast, sucking strongly on the nipple. Your hands immediately clutched his head, encouraging him to continue. You couldn’t help but moan loudly.

"You know..." He murmured between licks and kisses. "I've always wanted a repeat of that night. To feel your naked skin against mine... to kiss your body... to feel you come for me."

"Me too..." You gasped. "At least this time we're sober."

He laughed as he brought his lips back to your right breast, sucking and nibbling lightly. Your hands continued to run through his hair. You closed your eyes as his warm breath tickled your skin. When his hand finally reached your shorts, you grabbed his hand only to help him pull your pants off. Xiaojun slid his fingers underneath your panties and into your wet folds. You trembled as he played with your clit.

"God, you're so fucking wet." He muttered, chuckling. "And so ready for me."

He pulled away momentarily, to pull his shirt off. He slipped his fingers inside of you as you undid his belt buckle and zipper. Soon enough, his cock was freed from his pants and you wrapped it with your hand. As soon as you started stroking him, his hips bucked upwards.

"Fuck!" He grunted, removing his fingers from you and sliding your underwear down your legs and throwing them to the side.

His eyes met yours as he bent his head down and captured your mouth in a kiss. You moaned as his tongue found its way inside your mouth. You were still stroking his length as he pushed you towards the sofa.

You sat down, running your hand over his muscular chest. You looked at him with lust filled eyes. "Xiaojun..."

"Yeah baby?" He asked, brushing your hair behind your ear.

"Can I... suck you off?" You requested, leaning forwards.

"Oh god." He breathed. "Are you sure?"

You nodded your head.

"Y/N..." He groaned as you wrapped your lips around the tip of his dick.

You hummed as you sucked, using your tongue to flick it quickly across the tip of his shaft. Xiaojun slowly stroked your hair as he watched you work his cock with your mouth. His own eyes were half-closed as he basked in the pleasure.

You took more of him into your mouth, moving your head up and down slowly. You could hear him moaning in pleasure as you moved your mouth faster and faster. He gripped the back of your head, keeping you firmly in place. You could feel his member throbbing as you took him deeper and deeper.

You began to increase your speed, taking more of him into your mouth at a rapid pace. Xiaojun grunted as he reached his limit, jerking his hips violently. You kept going until he was completely spent, spurting his hot cum onto your tongue.

You swallowed his seed greedily, wanting to taste every last drop of it. After cleaning his cock with your tongue, you withdrew your lips from his member and rested your head on his thigh. You turned your head to look at him, a small smile gracing your lips.

"Good job, baby." He praised, running his hands through your hair. "You're amazing. But I'm not done yet."

He kneeled in front of you, placing his hands on either side of your head and leaned in to kiss you passionately. Your tongues tangled in a heated embrace as you moaned into each other’s mouths. Xiaojun began to stroke your inner thighs, eliciting a loud gasp from you.

"Xiaojun...please...inside me..." You whimpered, unable to hide your desire.

"Not yet." He whispered huskily. "You've been so good for me already. I don't want to stop just yet."

Xiaojun knelt in front of you, kneeling on the floor. He pulled your legs apart, admiring the view. Your pussy was swollen and wet, calling out to him. He bent down and kissed your inner thigh softly, his breath tickling your skin. You shivered uncontrollably. Xiaojun raised his eyes to meet yours.

"Open your legs wider." He commanded, gently pushing your knees further apart.

"Mmm..." You moaned. "Yes, Xiaojun..."

You were lost in ecstasy as he placed soft kisses on your inner thighs, one by one. You could feel his fingers spreading your moist lips apart, exposing your swollen pink flesh to his gaze. He lowered his head to lick your slit delicately. You could feel your juices beginning to drip down your thighs. Xiaojun lifted his head to stare at your flushed cheeks, grinning widely.

"Your body is perfect." He remarked, tracing the outline of your lips with his index finger.

With one swift motion, he plunged his finger inside of you, making you cry out. He moved his hand slowly, circling your g-spot while also stimulating your clitoris with his thumb. The combination of pleasure overwhelmed you and soon you were clawing at the sofa cushion in an attempt to grab onto something.

"Xiaojun, please...oh my god!" You cried, unable to contain yourself.

"Do you want me to fuck you?" He asked softly, trailing his tongue along your inner thigh.

You nodded vigorously, unable to find words.

"Say it, baby." He urged.

"Please... fuck me." You begged, panting heavily.

Xiaojun got up off the ground and looked at you. You had the cutest blush on your face as you gazed up at him. He cupped your cheek, smiling brightly at you. "Come here."

He walked towards the bedroom, dragging you behind him. Once he got there, he sat on the bed, grabbing your hand and pulling you on top of him.

"Y/N, I love you." He said, brushing your hair out of your eyes. "No matter what happens, no matter where we go, no matter what our life has become... I will always love you. Please believe that."

He looked deep into your eyes, watching as tears began to stream down your face. "I love you too." You choked, tears falling freely.

His eyes softened and he wiped your tears away with his thumbs. "Let's get married. Let's give Dongjun brothers and sisters to play with."

You closed the gap between you and planted a tender kiss on his lips. You felt his erection growing beneath you and slowly maneuvered yourself to sit atop him. His fingers wrapped around your waist as you settled yourself comfortably on top of him. Xiaojun caressed your face with his hands.

"I can't wait to make you my wife." He whispered, looking into your eyes.

He slid one of his hands down to grip your ass, lifting you slightly. You sighed as he pressed himself against you. The tip of his cock nudged against your opening, getting you excited once again. Xiaojun groaned, pressing forward slightly. You threw your head back and forth as you felt his member slip inside of you. Xiaojun leaned down and pulled your lower lip into his mouth, sucking gently on it. You moaned as you felt the fullness inside of you.

"God... Xiaojun, that feels so good." You panted.

He lowered you down and continued to thrust upwards, hitting that sweet spot every single time. His hands held tightly onto your butt as he pulled you harder and harder onto him. Your cries of pleasure echoed throughout the room.

"Oh shit... Y/N... baby, I'm gonna-" He started, but you cut him off with a kiss.

"Xiaojun...not yet..." You mumbled against his lips. "I don't want it to end just yet."

Xiaojun chuckled softly and kissed you deeply. You ran your hands through his hair as you pressed against him. He continued to thrust rhythmically into you, his balls slapping against your ass. You could feel your orgasm approaching rapidly and you moaned loudly.

"Cum for me, baby." Xiaojun ordered.

You dug your nails into his back as he picked up his pace. Xiaojun knew exactly when to slow down or intensify his movements. Every time he touched you in the most intimate of places, it sent chills all throughout your body. Your hands clenched the sheets beneath you, nails scratching against the material. You bit your lip hard as Xiaojun fucked you harder than ever before.

"Baby, I'm gonna..." Xiaojun warned. "Fucking... shoot my load inside of you."

"Fuck, Xiaojun...please!" You cried, grasping at his back. "Cum in me!"

"Ahhh fuck... Y/N!" Xiaojun cried out, losing control. He pulled your hips back to meet his strokes, burying his entire shaft inside of you. You screamed out in pure ecstasy as he filled you with his cum. His cock pulsated inside of you as he came, coating your insides with his warm fluids. Xiaojun fell limply onto the bed beside you, both of you panting heavily. You rolled over to face him, gasping for air. He grinned at you as you traced your fingertips along his jawline.

"That was incredible." You declared, giving him a passionate kiss.

Xiaojun pulled you closer to him and wrapped his arms around your body. You snuggled close to him as you let out a content sigh.

"So what do you say?" Xiaojun whispered into your ear. "Would you like to be my wife?"

"Yes." You whispered back, giggling. "Of course. I want no one but you and Dongjun. Only us. Always."

#nct #nct stories #nct fanfic #nct imagines #nct smut #wayv #nct xiaojun #xiao dejun #xiaojun #way xiaojun #xiaojun smut

[blingblong55]

Just a bet- Philip Graves

This is the part 2 to this

Based on a request: Can I make a request, please of a heartbreaker Graves x Naive/Innocent Fem!reader? (Am in need some feelings hurt to feel something) Prompts; - reader is a general’s daughter, whilst grave is an ambitious soldier who aimed to be a captain (or somewhere along the lines) - There were bets of who can f-ck the general’s daughter happening behind the scene among the soldiers, and Grave decided to join in - Unfortunately reader, fell in love with grave. Found out it just a bet, felt betrayed and heartbroken. I hope this is okay with you, also it's okay if you don’t want to do it 🫶🏻🫶🏻 tqsm!

F!Reader, angst, implied sexual relations

A/N: like any man would say "short but good", enjoy:)

There you stood in an empty hallway before reaching the mess hall, heartbroken and all hope lost.

It was absurd how much his words and actions had hurt you, you were never asked to be his girlfriend but it hurt very much to know all he wanted this entire time was to use you for some bet. In many ways, he humiliated you for money. You were the girl any guy would want to sleep with, that you knew about; But for the first time in so long, you did believe he wanted you for you, that for a long time someone was interested in who you were as a human.

To be honest, when he took you on those dates, held your hand at that park and put his coat over your shoulder that night, you felt like someone cared enough to do those little things. It was like you were 13 all over again, blushing and looking away when he did something cute for you. At times you did want to see past those dates, how it would be during summer, him and you at your parent's house for some party. He didn't leave any clues of what master plan he had during those dates, that he was smart about.

The voices of the men were muffled as you backed away, not daring to walk into mess hall. He of course thought you'd be okay, not once checking in to text you like how he would when he was trying to desperately win that money. Your eyes were teary as you walked back to your dad's office and you so desperately tried to blink them away. Unfortunately, your dad had been a man like Graves, although he would never admit to it.

In his young years, he too tried to get with the general's daughter, but when he met your mum minutes before he tried anything with said daughter, he backed away and let life takes its course.

The look in your eyes was something he had seen before when you found out your first boyfriend used you for your looks back when you were 17. So as any good father, he stood from his desk and walked to you, "alright, kiddo, c'mere." his arms open wide. Your face on his chest, like the time you rode a bike and fell, how much you cried and how much he comforted you.

"It's not fair," you began, his hand rubbing your back.

"I just wish this time someone liked me, Dad…just me" your voice soft yet filled with hurt. And for minutes he let you cry in his arms. Maybe he can't discharge Graves for hurting his little girl, but rest assured he would make the man pay for it.

After weeks of you finally going back to being quiet and reserved, Graves saw you again, walking with some female soldier. You and her making jokes and sharing something on your phones. He did feel bad after a while. He missed how you would talk about any new space discoveries and how your face would light up when you would get excited about it. To be clear, the money was a bonus, he did like talking to you.

The promotion wasn't so important when he started to think of you at night, were you asleep? Are you thinking of him like he is of you? Will you talk in the morning over text? Did you like him?

But after all, what is a man if not selfish and rude? Graves did regret not being the guy you'd take home for the holidays, whoever the next man could be, he would make sure that man knows how lucky he is to listen to you talk. After you and he lost contact and the sweet glances you'd give the other stopped, he started to look into any new space discoveries daily, just in case you and him talked again and he'd wanted to impress you.

For a moment, a soldier like him felt normal by your side, he did like how your hands always found a way to his and he did picture you going back home with him, meeting his folks and spending the fourth of July with him and how he'd kiss you as the fireworks went off.

Life is full of mysteries, you follow or chase them and if you are a fool like him, you'll end up sitting alone in an office by the age of 39. The girl he later realised was the love of his life with another, probably about to start a family while he commands Shadow Company. To be honest, at times he looks back at pictures of you and searches for you only to understand you have disappeared from the face of the Earth. What could've been a life full of fruition is now a life of misery and regrets as he sits alone, lights dimmed as he scrolls through old messages.

If only he would stop looking for your late father. If only he would stop asking questions to those who were close to you, maybe he wouldn't be standing in the grave of an unmarked soldier. A small petal on the tomb, like the nickname he had given you during those golden times.

When he later found out he lost a life with you to the enemy, he made sure to search the ends of the world to kill the man personally. Because how dare he take away the only delicate petal in his life that hadn't died so easily from his touch.

All he will do in this life is regret winning a bet on men who have since died in wars created by men. It was just a bet, he'd tell himself every time he would go for a picnic at your grave or at the park where he wanted to lean in and kiss you on your second date. Just a bet.

A/N: angsty enough? dunno, but I do hope you like it :)

Tags: @kiamewrites @casimodull

#cod mw2 #cod x reader #cod #mwii #cod x female reader #cod x y/n #cod x you #cod angst #mw 2019 #mw x reader #mw ii #mw 22 #philip graves x you #philip graves imagine #philip graves x reader #modern warfare #call of duty modern warfare #cod mwii #call of duty #philip graves smut #call of duty mw2 #graves mwii #graves mw2 #graves call of duty #Philip graves x f reader #cod x oc #cod mw22 #cod mw fanfiction #cod mw ii #cod mw x reader

[writersdare]

He Called Her a Fairy | Luke Hemmings

Pairing: Luke Hemmings x Reader (she/her)

Summary: No matter how excited Luke was to go on tour, it was always too heartbreaking to say goodbye to Y/N. However, that parting was worth going through to meet again.

Warning: hurt/comfort, angsty

Word Count: 1 004

Requested: yes

Author’s Note: It's been a while! Thank you for continuing to read my stories, it truly motivates me to keep writing. I hope you'll enjoy this a bit moody but in a way cosy story with our golden boy ♡

Six months away from the loved ones was not a joke. Luke was always certain he’d get used to it eventually. Sure, it wasn’t easy, but over time he adapted to the new changes, even the most difficult ones. At teenage age Luke thought he’d never be able to ignore hate comments, but there he was. Of course, it still annoyed him, not as much as when he was starting a career of a musician, though. Yet, every time it was tough, almost unbearable, to leave home. No matter how excited Luke was to go on tour, it was just too heartbreaking to say goodbye to her. He hated it, truly.

The very first time, when they had to experience it, was, probably, the hardest. The musician refused to say goodbye and mumbled a short "I’ll text you at the airport". Luke was scared to think even for a slight second that it’d be their last time seeing each other. Maybe for someone it’d sound overdramatic, but the problem was that it did happen in the past. Just few months were enough for a partner to message him "we aren’t working any longer" and "it’s better to break up". Squeezing Y/N in the arms and trying to memorise her perfume, Luke barely kept a phrase "please, wait for me" to himself.

"It will pass quickly," she promised, being cheerful as much as she could, although once Luke left that door, Y/N burst into tears. The girl trusted her boyfriend, and the tears were not a reflection of doubts about him or their relationship, no. It was only an expression of bitter sadness because of the simple fact that they wouldn’t be able to see each other for quite some time.

LA looked a little bit alien. The flight was long and tedious. Usually Luke couldn’t sleep normally on planes, but the last few concerts were so exhausting that the whole fight back home he spent dozing off constantly. Even when his bandmates woke him up, saying they finally landed, the golden boy needed a minute or two to figure out where he was and what actually happened. And then it came as a wave – six months had passed. He was finally home. 

It was the middle of the night, and Luke begged Y/N not to bother with driving to the airport. Even thought it could be romantic, in reality it was more of a torture for a public person. His girl was waiting at home. She did have a second thought to make a surprise at the airport, however, Luke was right, and there was no need to take a risk. The musician was too tired to deal with paparazzi as well.

Luke didn’t exactly remember how he ended up next to the entrance, waiting for Y/N to open the door. He was sleepy the whole way there, however, realising he was going to see her after six month being apart, it awakened goosebumps all over his body. The butterflies raised in the stomach once again. Suddenly, he felt cold, terrified by a pessimistic thought of her not being there. Or her, preparing a speech how she was not ready for that type of relationship, for that kind of difficulties. But ones Y/N opened the door, she jumped on Luke, cuddling softly, and the guy, lifting her from the floor, lost it, sobbing like a child and smelling her perfume, always the same, always so special.

"Baby…" Y/N had promised herself she wouldn’t cry when she’d see him, but as the girl heard a quiet sob, she couldn’t hold hers, too.

"Please, don’t go," the musician mumbled, letting out a phrase he had been holding since the day he left for the tour. Luke kept those words to himself, being scared they’d be prophetic, but at that moment the guy knew he had nothing to worry about. She was there. She was with him…

"What are you talking about? I won’t go anywhere," Y/N rested a palm on his cheek, smiling and glancing at Luke’s blue eyes. "You look so tired… You’ll eat and then have a rest, okay? You need to sleep a lot now, in few days it’ll get bett–"

"Hush, just kiss me," Luke chuckled, not being able to believe that the girl decided to give him recommendations how to survive jet lag. Him, travelling the world since he was a teenager! But that’s why he loved Y/N so much. She was caring from the very beginning, it was so unfamiliar and almost strange to him at first. The girl was never "too much"; Y/N always knew when Luke needed her and when he needed time alone. The musician called her a fairy, meaning Y/N certainly had magical powers, knowing him that well. "A witch" was too offensive by his taste, it didn’t suit the girl. She was a fragile soul that for some reason found a safe place in him. Luke couldn’t find the right words to express how actually thankful he was to her for choosing him. Him, with all the problems and flaws. Y/N would only laugh when he’d say that she was perfect. The girl would repeat that no one was, but that what was special about both of them.

"When you love someone, even flaws become favourites. I can get annoyed when you chew loudly, but when you were gone… Every time I had breakfast alone, it was too quiet," Y/N admitted, patting his golden hair.

Luke couldn’t get enough of her, so after late dinner, they lied together on a couch, and he cuddled Y/N tight, resting a head on her shoulder. The guy already warned that he wasn’t planning to let her go any time soon, but it’s not like Y/N was complaining. She didn’t mind a little battle who of them was more affectionate. And the silly competition has just begun. 

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All stories are original and written by me. Do not copy, trace and post anywhere without permission and credit. The stories are fictional, they do not correspond to reality and written just for fun ♡

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[boogiewrites]

Hindsight's Always 19/84 - Pt 1

Single Dad Eddie / Reader AU

You left Hawkins in 1984. You had no intentions of ever coming back. But life had other plans. You grew sick of the fake people and conversations, the classism and nauseating academic personalities of your past life. You craved life with its highs and lows, its triumphs and heartbreak over the beige monotony of white-collar progress. Now divorced and happy to be, you move back home. You run into an old friend, Eddie Munson. He was a memory that had haunted you for years. You haven't been the only one whose life has changed drastically. He's working two jobs and taking care of his son alone. You came back to Hawkins to find a new path, but you're faced with your younger self instead. Will you finally give her the answers she's always needed? Are you brave enough to say the things you couldn't before you left? With the growing connection between two broken adults, it looks like you never should've left.

You know what they say, Hindsight's always 20/20.

You walked down the stairs from your apartment onto the street. The sunset painted the town in nostalgia. Muted colors like looking back into your memories surrounded you. It all felt different and somehow exactly the same. You’d been back for about a month now. But with the exception of holidays, you haven't spent any time in Hawkins for over a decade. You didn’t even go to your 10-year high school reunion. You’d had no expectations of coming back here. Certainly not without an exit date firmly scheduled prior. But life is funny that way. You never expect to get divorced when you get married. You never expect to quit what once was your dream job. You never expect to move back to your hometown in some potentially pathetic, you hadn't decided yet, attempt to find yourself. Along with a lot of other lessons you were finally learning, expecting the unexpected was one being driven into your life hard.

So when you wandered the towns Main Street and saw the old record store you hadn't expected, but maybe you should have, the man standing behind the counter to be the boy who helped form most of those happy memories you’d come back home to revisit.

“We close in like 5 minutes. I can check you out if you know what you want but at 9 you’re getting kicked out.” He didn’t look up from the book of numbers he was staring at on the checkout desk.

“Oh shit. I didn’t look at your hours on the door. Sorry. I’ll leave.” You rush out, not even looking at the guy, his hair hiding his face as he leaned on the counter. You’d barely taken in the familiar space before feeling like a burden.

But then you hear your name called to your back as your hand sits on the door handle. That voice. You hadn’t heard your name said like that in so long. Not just from him but in a way that made it sound like someone was genuinely happy to see you.

“Eddie?” It leaves your slightly parted lips before you even verify the owner of the now much deeper, voice. It’s still cracked and popped when you heard it last. A young man with his training wheels freshly off was now grown before you. He looked so different. And just like the town… somehow exactly the same.

“Holy shit it is you!” his face lit up, it was a wonderful sight. Eddie was always a big emoter, being absolute shit at hiding how he felt on his face. And right now he was happy to see you. Your face was a bit more hesitant, only for the heavy smack of memories you were drowning in as you shared a silent smile, eyes very boldly meeting one another's.

“It’s me.” you held out your hands in a jazzy presentation of yourself that made him laugh.

“What are you doing here? Oh shit, is everyone okay?” His face went from curious to concerned in a flash.

“Oh yeah, the family’s fine.” you finally stepped forward and dismissed his concern with a wave of your hand. “I moved back.” he could see the way your jaw tensed when you said it. Last he’d heard you were married and working some white-collar job and doing just fine. He certainly hadn’t expected you to walk into his shop on a random Tuesday. He wanted to ask a hundred questions that had all poured into his brain but withheld.

“How long have you been back?” he got away with looking at your hands, checking for a wedding band as they ran through your hair nervously. There wasn’t one. That gave him plenty of answers to sate his intrusive tendencies. Little did he know you’d already looked at his ring finger to see the same.

“A few weeks. Not long. Just got settled into the apartment on 3rd street. Pure luck it opened up when I was looking.”

“An apartment?” he had a playful smile as he quirked his brow. “Would’ve pinned you for a house sorta girl.”

“Needed a change.” you wrinkled your nose, vague answers meant you weren’t ready to talk about it. Which he understood.

“I heard they re-did those recently.”

“Yeah, it’s way nicer than I expected. Overlooks the park which is very cute. And is a hell of a lot cheaper than my mortgage was.” a genuine smile graced your face, and the sense of relief wasn’t missed by him in your voice.

“Tell me about it.” he groaned and slapped the open book in front of him.

“Oh, doing the books?” you leaned forward curiously, intimately familiar with the layout of the paper before him. “Wait. Why are you doing the accounting?” you didn’t hide the confusion on your face as you looked back up at a smirking Eddie. His hair was the same save for the lack of bangs, a change with the times. He had a past 5 o clock shadow and light circles under his eyes. You knew you also had signs of wear and age on your face.

“Because I own the place?” he tilted his head to the side and chuckled. “You don’t have to look SO surprised.” he then broke into a laugh.

“Sorry! I just. Wow.” you shook your head.

“Give me a little credit. I’ve grown up since you last knew me.” a playful defensiveness was apparent in his shaking curls as he challenged your slack jaw at the news.

“I’m sure you have. Sorry. I didn’t mean to -”

“Shut up. I’m fucking with you.” the deepness of his voice bloomed out of a laughing chest. “I do own it but I agree I didn’t scream responsible business owner at 18.” he grinned. “I started working here shortly after you left and ten years later Mr. Orison wanted to retire and well…” he motioned to the room then let his arms slap to his sides.

“Good for you. Seriously. Running a business is fucking hard. People don’t realize it.”

“Yeah neither did I when I bought it.” he bent over and ran his hand through his hair, elbows to the countertop.

“I used to crunch numbers all day for a living so I get it. I’ll leave you to it. It’s past 9 anyway, I think you’re supposed to kick me out.” you smiled brightly, and you felt the strain in your cheeks. It’d been a long, long time since you’d smiled so big.

“You get to be an exception to the rule. You can wander around if you want. I don’t care.”

“No, no. I know you need to focus. I’ll get out of your hair.” you take a few steps back. “I could come back when you aren’t busy?” you offered, a raise of one shoulder to your chin.

“Yeah! Yes.” he cleared his throat and nodded enthusiastically, spooling out some blank receipt paper. “Since you’re back-back we should catch up.” he dabbed the pen to his tongue to get it to work, and a few shakes and grunts later he was writing his number down. “And I don’t mean in that fake reunion - oh my god let’s get coffee sometime kinda way.” he looked up, hang dancing over his papers as a fuller face than you recalled smiled at you.

“Glad we’re on the same page. I need some friends. Not gonna lie.” you chuckle nervously and give a purposely strained smile.

“Lucky for you, we are built-in friends.” he holds out the paper as you step back toward him.

“Good,” you say softly, ripping part of the paper and writing down your own information. “You’re busier than me right now so feel free to call me whenever and we can go not get coffee.” you joke and he accepts it heartily.

“You drink?”

“Not as well as I used to.” you laugh.

“That’sthefuckintruth.” he grumbled. “I’ll hit you up and we’ll go to the old Hideout. We’ll be two old schmo’s reminiscing just like the people we used to make fun of.”

“Sounds perfect.” the relief of something casual and easy flooded you. There was no pretentious pretext, no formalwear to buy, or people to schmooze. Beers, a dive bar, and an old friend sounded close to heaven after the way you’d spent the last decade. “See ya soon.” you wiggle your fingers in a wave before Eddie watches you walk down the street and out of sight, locking the door behind you.

“Well, shit.” he didn’t have to hide his smile now, chuckling to himself, rubbing his face as he walked back to the counter. “She’s back.” he talked to himself, no one else was around, and being alone was a rarity for him these days. He gathered up his books and looked at the mirror in the hall on the way to the back office. “And single,” he said to his reflection before looking over it and frowning at the sight. He looked fucking tired. In all fairness he was. “And you’re a struggling single dad with two jobs.” he sighed and looked away from the mirror. A reality check he needed was cashed to himself. He wasn’t exactly relationship material at the moment with barely any time for himself let alone dating someone. You were used to money and the city and some fancy-pants professor was your ex-husband. What’s a small-town mechanic with a sob story, a kid, and a treading water business going to offer you? He groaned, his annoyance clear on his face as he plopped into the old creaky leather chair. Little did he know, that craving a slice of real life, something raw and passionate, full of imperfections was exactly why you’d left your husband and old life behind. He had more to offer than old romantic nostalgia. He just didn’t know it yet.

Eddie arrived at the trailer he was pleased to call home. A double wide with a room for him and his son and for Wayne when he wanted to stay over. He didn’t live far from his uncle and he didn’t want to be away from him, truth be told. He’d landscaped the place, out in the field away from the clusters of other trailers, a little fence, and a bricked-in foundation. He was proud of what he’d been able to create for his little family.

Eddie was happy to admit now that the calling from his kid as soon as he noticed him walking into the door made every bit of worry fade away for a few minutes.

“Daddy!” a very active toddler ran and stumbled toward him, falling and ignoring the failure to get swept up in his dad's arms.

“Hey little man!” he tossed him into the air, a favorite pastime of his since he was tiny. “I see we had spaghetti for dinner.” Eddie laughed, grabbing a noddle from his shirt and eating it noisily to make him laugh.

“He’s as stubborn as you.” Wayne chuckled, a grunt as he raised from the couch. “Refused anything else. Remember when you’d only eat pickles and ranch with butter noodles for dinner for a while?”

“It’s still good.” Eddie grinned, shifting the kid to his hip.

“Your taste has always been questionable.” Wayne teased. It was always with love.

“It’s a point of pride.” Eddie smiled and shoved a fork into the pot of noodles left on the stove.

“We were about to get settled for bed. Someone had a long nap today and messed up his routine.”

“Did not!” a very adamant and incorrect claim came from the small version of Eddie.

“Terrible two’s.” Wayne glared and wagged his finger as he hunched toward the kid before grabbing his side to tickle him and make him scream.

“How about we go play sea monster?” Eddie suggested, the kid's eyes lighting up.

“YEAH!” his little fists clenched.

“You handle the bath I’ll clean up.” Wayne pats his adopted son’s arm.

Eddie was elbow-deep in bubbles, soap in his mouth, and water in his eyes as his boy thrashed in the water. A rouge rubber dinosaur bonked Eddie in the head.

“Asteroid!” he shouted, slapping Eddie with a wet ball in the face before slapping his hands into the water full of floating dinosaurs.

“I thought we were playing sea monsters?” Eddie asked, a washcloth rubbing behind his son's ears.

“Monster rock! Gahhh!” the little gremlin growled and slapped the ball down again.

“Ya know what? Fair.” Eddie nodded, a resigned purse of his lips as he scrubbed away at his slippery like an eel, arms. “You remember this one’s name?” he picked up a plastic dinosaur.

“Robert!” Eddie bent his head down and laughed, soaping the boy's hair into a little mohawk.

“He’s called a T Rex. Remember their science names?”

“Robert! Ahhh!” he slapped the toy out of Edie’s hand as he kept laughing. He was a bit biased but he thought his kid could be the funniest person to ever exist. He was aware that him having his DNA did make the chances of them having a similar sense of humor high but… he could make Eddie laugh harder than anyone else.

“So we’re choosing chaos over learning tonight.” Eddie nodded, accepting that his attempts to be a good dad who taught his kid things at every available opportunity were going to fall onto bubble covered ears tonight.

“Chay ossssss” he made a grumpy face, doing his attempts at a metal scream, having heard the word growled many times in Eddie’s music choices.

“Oh, it’s gonna be that kinda night, huh?” Eddie perked up. “You wanna sing Metallica?” He asked, soaked hands slapping out a beat on the side of the tub.

“BUM BUM BUM!” he banged his little head, mimicking his father.

“Sanitarium!” Eddie had never held back with his music and his little man. He seemed to love it.

“Leave me be!” he clapped.

“Sanitarium!”

“LEAVE ME ‘LONE!” his little chin jutted up as he declared it to the ceiling with the rage only a small child could deliver.

Sure Eddie’s parenting wasn’t exactly orthodox. But then again who in their right mind would’ve expected it to be?

After a very messy round of monsters in the tub, rubber toys are everywhere, and towels and washcloths are strewn and slapped to the plastic walls of the shower tub. Bubbles floated and faded, clumps in Eddie’s hair. He wrangled his son into his pajamas, reading him to sleep with Lord of the Rings, doing the voices, and living his DM memories in his performance. Soon he was sound asleep, worn out and content. Eddie dimmed the light, ruffling the dark soft curls that resembled his own before a kiss on his baby lotion-smelling cheek.

He came into the kitchen with a loud yawn, stretching before hitting the fridge for a beer.

“He had a good day today.” Wayne nodded, sitting at the kitchen table.

“Good.” Eddie sighed with a sip.

“How about my other baby? What day did he have?” Wayne smirked, sipping his mug of coffee.

“You’ll never guess who’s back in town.” Eddie shoved a fork full of leftover spaghetti in his mouth that Wayne had set out for him.

“Rude to leave me hangin’.”

“Remember that girl I used to run around with back in high school?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Seriously? You didn’t need any other information?” Eddie laughed, mouth full of spaghetti.

“No offense son, but you weren’t exactly surrounded by girls back then.”

“Harsh.” Eddie grinned. “But true.” he nodded. “She’s back in town.” he muffled out in bites.

“Her folks okay? I always liked ‘em I’d hate to hear something bad happened to ‘em.”

“That’s what I asked her.” Eddie smiled, being made more aware of Wayne’s influence on him every day since his son was born. “She said her family’s fine.”

“Oh, you talked to her?” Wayne said impressed.

“Walked right into the shop.” Eddie held out a hand in a surprised shrug.

“She married who? A teacher?”

“Professor of English.” Eddie rolled his eyes. “But!” Eddie’s eyes lit up in a way Wayne hadn’t seen in a long while. “She wasn’t wearing a wedding ring.”

“So you looked, huh?”

“I’m no homewrecker.” Wayne’s shoulder shook with a laugh at Eddie’s defensiveness.

“Since when?” he smirked.

“She didn’t say anything. Just said she moved back. But we swapped numbers and she wants to catch up.”

“Well, that couldn’t have gone any better for you could it?” Wayne said supportively. He’d always liked you. You were a bit wild, sure, but so was Edddie and he knew he was still a good kid.

“I mean it could have.” Eddie gave a little snicker and his cheeks turned a bit pink as Wayne snorted and threw a napkin at him.

“What’d she think of you? Business owner, two jobs, a kid. Big difference from when she knew you last.”

“She was surprised by the business. But that’s all I shared.”

“Ed…” Wayne chastised him.

“I know. I’ll tell her, obviously, I just didn’t wanna do that thing I do where I start talking and don’t stop. And next thing I know I’ve told her too much and she’s backing away.”

“Did she have any kids?”

“Don’t know. She didn’t say anything either. I don’t remember hearing that she did.” Eddie shrugged, shoveling the rest of the food into his mouth, bowl tilted up.

“Odd for a woman her age to not have a kid.” Wayne’s brow creased.

“C’mon Wayne. You’re more progressive than that.” Eddie grumbled.

“You know I’m all for people making their own choices, but she was married for a long time. Call me curious.”

“I’ll tell you everything when I talk to her.”

“When’s that gonna be?”

“When can you babysit again?” He smirked.

You were surprised but pleasantly that it took Eddie only two days to call you. You suppose he wasn’t lying about wanting to be friends again. Why wouldn’t he? You were thick as thieves in your teens. You got on like a house fire when you were together. You were hoping that you hadn’t changed so much that he’d find you boring now. You were still in the midst of figuring out who you actually were and how much beige you had unwillingly absorbed from your previous life path. Eddie was still spunky and lively with his alternative clothes and hair, free flow of swears as sentence enhancers without care behind it, and a heart that seemed to still be pinned to his sleeve. You envied that. You hoped it rubbed off on you.

You wore an outfit your ex-husband would hate out to the bar that evening. You’d been making a habit of doing things he hated. It was your new favorite pastime.

So it meant that much more when Edie greeted you with his full attention, pulling out a chair and giving you a charming smile that people took classes to learn how to do in the city. While he was naturally gifted and wholesome and genuine.

“Hopefully it’s okay for me to say this. If not- feel free to twist my ear- but you look really pretty tonight.” It was the wholesome version of what he was thinking. The maxi skirt was made out of some flimsy material that his fingertips itched to touch. It had some Asian-inspired dragons on the bottom, and a tank top matching the color of the trim of the skirt was paired with it. Some chunky sandals that made you almost as tall as him were hidden under the skirt. Little maroon-painted toes peeped out as you sat. He noticed they match your nails and lipstick. You hadn’t been so put together when you were younger. Jeans, the same beat-up sneakers, and a t-shirt were the rotation of choice. You never presented as particularly feminine, not like this anyway. He thought you looked great, but it made him wonder what else had changed.

“Thanks. I really liked this outfit.” Your smile was soft and sweet as you accepted his chivalry of pushing your chair in.

“The dragons are badass.” He gave an approving nod as he sat across from you.

“They’re really trendy right now.”

“Trendy?” He smirked.

“There’s currently an uptick of Asian-inspired ornamental detail right in teen fashion design. related to the rise in popularity of Japanese influence in youth counter-culture.” Eddie blinked a bit befuddled at the sentence that came out of your mouth. You could see it in his very readable face. You’d lost him. You wore the same look around your ex’s colleagues as they discussed the literature of old white men like it was written by God. you’d always been lost and you hated that you’d just done the same to Eddie. “Sorry.” You wrinkle your nose, frowning and Eddie leans in to give you an apologetic look. “We’re gonna be friends right?” Not the smoothest starting point but it’s what came out.

“Uhm. Yeah? I hoped so.” His eyes squinted, uncertain.

“Then I’ll start with being as transparent as possible with you.” You splayed your hands out on the tabletop. “I’m used to talking to people that demand that you constantly impress them with intelligence. It’s awful and I fucking hated it.” Eddie cracked a smile as he watched your face start to give over to emotion. “It’s a habit to say things in a way that’s unnecessary and academic sounding instead of talking like a normal person. I’m trying to break the habit. So sorry if I sound like I have my head up my ass when I talk sometimes.” Eddie was still for a moment, meeting your tired eyes before laughing.

“You did sound very smart.” He consoled you.

“Thank you. I hate sounding elitist. you don’t need to know how to cite references to be smart.”

“I don’t even know what that means.” He gave you a cheesy grin.

“Perfect. You’re exactly who I wanna talk to then.” You reached out to touch his hand before withdrawing it. “I should’ve said yes, dragons are badass. Having them on a skirt makes me feel cool.” You chuckled and tucked your hair behind your ear nervously.

“You still into that stuff? Fantasy? Dragons and Knights and Damsels?”

“I’ve always liked the aesthetic. I haven’t read much since I left here.”

“That’s a shame. You used to read all the time. I still do.”

“I started to hate it after I married someone who did nothing but read. And base their entire existence on it. Sucks all the fun out of it. He was very good at doing that with anything.”

“So… ex… husband then?” He boldly asked, motioning a finger to your naked ring finger.

“Very much ex. Excommunicated I wish.” You smiled. “Exterminated. Expelled. Ex…plodded.” You laughed.

“That what brought you back here?”

“Is it that obvious? I’m just some cliche of a woman now. Coming back home to find herself after leaving a bad man.” You put the back of your hand to your forehead playfully.

“Nothing wrong with leaving a bad relationship.”

“Thanks.” You say quietly. “So now you know I left my old life and moved back here. What’s your story?”

“I’ve been up to plenty.” He turned to laugh nervously. “You started with the biggest thing so-“ he grunted and shifted to pull his wallet out of his back pocket. “Here’s my biggest thing.” He pulled out a photo and handed it to you. It was a photo of Eddie holding a baby. “That’s my little Teddy bear.” He smiled proudly. Your hand shot out to grab his forearm.

“Ohmygod… you have a baby??” Your face lit up and relief washed over him in a chill. “Look at him! Babies usually look like little potatoes but he’s so fucking cute Eddie.” You whined, holding the photo in both hands as if you were cradling it.

“I know I’m biased but I think he’s the cutest baby to ever exist.” he took great pleasure in the fact that Teddy was part him. His sweet dimpled smile made that obvious.

“He could be. A front-runner for sure. He looks like he fell right out of your ass.” You laughed and touched the photo lightly. “I bet mom hates that, huh? All that work and he comes out looking just like you.”

You saw his demeanor shift, the brightness fading ever so slightly. You’d said something wrong.

“She’s not really uh-around.” His eyes wandered the tabletop for a moment.

“Oh sorry. My big mouth.” You wince and hand him back the photo.

“No, no. It’s just… I don’t ever talk about it since it’s a small town and everyone knows already. It’s a real fuckin buzzkill but it’s just facts and you shared with me so I’ll share with you.”

“You don’t have to if-“

“No, it’s fine. Me and Teddy are doing great now. She just uh- she had a heart defect that no one knew about and having Teddy well… it gave out on her.”

“Holy shit.” You let slip out on accident. “Sorry I don’t mean to be so crude about it I’m just surprised. I mean that’s… the worst.”

“We were together but not like-“ his nose twitched and he got the feeling he was about to overshare.

“I’ll answer any question you have if you want. But you don’t have to share with me unless you want to.” It was a heartfelt offer he appreciated.

“I do. We wanted to catch up so this is getting you up to speed.” He shrugged. “It’s been years ago now. Teddy wasn’t planned, we weren’t together when she got pregnant. But she wanted a baby and you know me, I wasn’t going to not be there for the kid after the upbringing I had so I did the right thing and proposed but she didn’t want to get married until after the baby but… yeah. So it could be a lot worse I guess? Is that bad to say? Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve talked about it. “He shook his head and laughed awkwardly. “Teddy’s none the wiser. I named him Theodore because that’s what she wanted to name him. So Theodore is his middle name and I went with what I wanted, which was Ronald. Well, I wanted Ronnie but Wayne wouldn’t have me naming the kid a nickname. So his official name is Ronald Theodore Munson. But Teddy ended up being what stuck. He’s an affectionate little guy. Also a lot of hair like his parents.” he added with a sad chuckle.”He’ll probably get tired of it when he grows up and go by Ronnie, I figure.” You were gazing at him with a soft smile, seeing him talk about his kid.

“Eddie and Teddy. It’s too cute.” You sighed out, a short-lived giggle making Eddie’s cheeks flush for some reason. “Please tell me you named him Ronnie after THE Ronnie James Dio.”

“Yeah.” He admitted and looked away before you burst out laughing and reaching out again for his arm. He really liked that you touched him so much. It made him feel a weird hopefulness that didn’t exactly have a target goal he was willing to admit yet.

“God that’s perfect. I love that. No sarcasm. It’s fantastic. A+ name choice. Highly approve.” You gave him a small clap. “I think you should name your kids something fun and interesting. I love that you did that.”

“You have any kids?”

“Nope.” You shook your head. “I never tried. Never wanted to with Chris.”

“So that’s the wet blankets name.” He smirked.

“Yes, it is. And a perfect description.” You commended him. “He’d be a terrible dad. I didn’t want a kid that looked like or acted like him.”

“If you don’t mind me asking. If you hated this guy so much why’d you marry him in the first place?” You gave him an out-of-place smile, grateful for real questions.

“Honestly? He was safe.” You shrug and sigh. “He had a plan and was smart and good with money. Well connected, good family, all that horse shit.” Your eyes shot to Eddie as he let out a chuckle. “I partied my first year and almost flunked out, realized I had to actually try to do well in college. I was having your standard identity crisis and met him. He seemed like he had his shit together. So I hitched myself to that wagon and rode it all the way to a degree and a life I didn’t really want.”

“So that’s why you never came back.”

“Yeah. I was being indoctrinated by WASP’s.” You grumbled. “Made me hate this place and look down on it. Which isn’t right at all. This place is more real than anything they have in their gated communities.”

“So money really can’t buy you happiness?” He lightened the conversation.

“Turns out it’s true. But man it helps.” You laughed. “I was able to deny how unhappy I was for years because of money. But it only lasted so long.”

“What made you finally leave?”

“It wasn’t really one thing that did it. It’s whatever the last straw happened to be. And… it’s stupid.” You looked down and huffed out a laugh.

“It’s you, I know it’s not stupid.” The earnestness in his words made you look away for a moment before a nervous smile appeared.

“He made fun of a book I bought.” you admitted with a monotone delivery.

“Not normally grounds for divorce but a dick move.” A playful judgment was in his nod as he side eyed you. “So he made fun of it but what was the actual reason?”

“You’re still perceptive.” You give him the same smirk.

“A blessing and a curse.” He put a hand to his chest.

“It was one of those cheesy romance novels. A bodice ripper. The guy with the long hair in the wind on the cover and his shirts half open and the woman has fainted in his arms and they’re on a mountain top or some shit.” Eddie laughed and nodded. “I wanted something to enjoy. Have a good time reading it and maybe get a little thrill or something in the meantime. And so we’re in bed and he’s got his notebook and whatever he’s reading and he notices I have a book, which was different and he asks me what it is and I tell him and he does this little face I hate where he’s pretending to be interested like he’s in a fucking infomercial all ‘hmmm interesting yes’” You rub your chin and nod exaggeratedly and it makes Eddie laugh. “Who’s the author? He asked, I tell him. What else have they written? I don’t know. ‘You picked up a random book and bought it?’ Yeah, it looked fun. And he LAUGHS. And this man doesn’t laugh. He asks if any of their work would’ve had articles written about it by his peers and I just snapped.”

“He was doing that shit on purpose.” Eddie poked a finger at the worn tabletop.

“Thank you!” You slapped the table.“He’s got all these stupid questions and I just wanted to hit him over the head with the book. The next morning I went to my lawyer.”

“You work fast.” Eddie sputtered out, surprised.

“I realized that was going to be every interaction for the rest of my life with him when I showed interest in something that wasn’t up to his standard. And I fucking had it. I was done.”

“Good for you.” He says back and raised a hand to the bartender. “I’m buying you a drink on behalf of real readers everywhere.”

“Thanks.” You smile and settle into your seat, calming yourself back down. The wound was still very fresh.

“The fact that you said you went to your lawyer has thrown me for a fuckin loop though.” He grinned. “Never thought I’d hear something like that coming from you. Unless it was for a DUI or something.” He teased.

“When you make money you realize the work that goes into keeping it and turning it into more money and that means lawyers and banks and reps and accountants and specialists and brokers and-“ you groan.

“What the hell kind of work did you do?”

“White collar business. Numbers. Money.” You nod. “The only good thing that came from that relationship was I learned how rich people use their money and I protected myself. Everything was kept separate and since he only had a part-time professor gig since he was on a never-ending quest for more degrees his folks paid some of the bills.”

“Oh god, a trust fund baby? Really?” He cringed. “You knew better than that.”

“I know I know.” You roll your eyes. “But you also understand how scary the world is when you don’t have money. And just a taste was enough to make me sell out. I’m not proud of it. But I’m proud of where I am now.” You sat up straighter. “In a small studio apartment in my hometown. Unemployed, single, and totally fucking winging it.”

Two long necks appear at the table and he raises a toast.

“Here’s to totally fucking winging it.” You happily clinked your bottles together. “Ever since Teddy came earth side and my tentative plans went all to hell with becoming a dad I feel like totally winging it is an understatement.” He sighs. “I worked at the record store forever then suddenly I owned it. I’ve got a loan and very little business knowledge and a new baby and I’m a future spouse short on support and income. And now I’m working days at the body shop in town and holding my breath.”

“I’m not gonna lie that’s a lot.” you gave him a sympathetic pout. “For anyone. Do you need like- help or anything? I mean I did help people run businesses in a past life.”

“Honey, you do not deserve to be dragged into my bullshit circus of a life.” the way he spoke reminded you so much of Wayne.

“Maybe I wanna be?” You shrugged and let the offer hang in the air. “I mean I don’t have a job, you’d be doing me a favor. I can look over your stuff and give you some advice and if you like it you can put me on retainer.”

“I don’t think I could afford you.” He smirked at the underlying double meaning to which your snorted at.

“Friends and family discount.” You nodded. “Or I can just… I don’t know… you need someone to watch Teddy?”

“You’d do that?” He seemed genuinely surprised and it shocked you.

“Yeah. Childcare is ridiculously expensive. I could cut a day or two off a week for you. Use him for ransom so you have to hang with me again?”

His face lit up and he wiped his smiling mouth with the back of his hand after taking another drink.

“Or just ask like a normal person.” He snorted.

“Sounds boring.” You muttered before taking a sip and sending him into another laugh.

“You sure you wanna get mixed up with me? You just got back, you’re dealing with your own stuff I don’t wanna add to it.” He offered you a chance to withdraw. You weren’t interested.

“I’ll come clean, Eddie.” You began and took a deep breath after a deeper swig of beer. “Coming back here, I had a few hopes. And being able to reconnect with you was one of those to be perfectly honest. It’s this new thing I’m trying.” He gave you a crooked smile, a dimple deepening in his cheek that lured your gaze to it. “And the fact that you’re willing and want anything to do with me after I left is more than I could hope for. I came back here to be around real people with real lives. I would love to help you with your business too. I’ll do it for free, I don’t give a shit. Because you’re a real person with consequences for your actions. Not some numbered entity of an LLC bought off a drunk golf game bet.” You took a deep breath and saw his face warm and open, shoulders a little slouched. “So short version- yes. I want to be involved in your bullshit.“

“Good.” A simple answer with a complicated proposition. “I want to be involved with your bullshit too.”

You’d been to six different businesses today. Your feet were tired, having not been accustomed to being in heels all day for months. Your suit felt stiff despite how much you knew the fabric cost. You’d found a few leads but mostly the role of bookkeeper was locked down by someone who should’ve already retired. Change was vital to business survival and these people didn’t seem to care if their taxes had been done the same way for the last 20 years. Small towns, man.

A whistle breaks your grumpy demeanor you weren’t trying to hide anymore since exiting the back office of the noisy Chuck E. Cheese. You blinked, head snapping to the sound of sucking teeth before seeing the playful lit up face of Eddie as the source.

“Sorry sugar, thought you were someone else. You’re clearly a business lady, my mistake.” he wheezed and coughed with his laugh, splayed out in a red vinyl chair among the scattered groupings of parents and kids.

“Fuck off.” you laughed, hissing it at him quietly to not become the witch in a witch hunt the barking of the word fuck in a place like Chuck E. Cheese would surely start. He pulls out the empty chair next to him and slaps the cushion.

“Take a load off fancy business pants.” he grinned deep, smile lines siking farther into his face than they used to. “Your feet have got to be killing you in those shoes. Christ, woman. What are you wearing those torture devices for?”

“Old habit.” you groan, wrinkling your nose as you plop down, crossing your leg over your knee toward him.

“Why are you in a kid’s pizza place in a suit?”

“Been going around cold calling about work today.”

“Old school.” he nodded in approval. “Any luck?”

“Some bites. Nothing concrete. Franchises like this have to get everything approved by corporate before they can even move around where the napkin holders are let alone hire someone.”

“Sounds like a ring of hell to me.” he muttered, leaning in toward you, his face facing the play area.

“Are you here with Teddy or out hunting for single moms?” you snort.

“I can do both.” he laughed, your chests moving the jabs at each other. “I was actually out hoping to bag a lady who can make me look even more like a deadbeat dad than I already do by simply sitting next to me.” he looked you up and down to sell the joke before you understood he was talking about you. “You look like you’re here to supervise a custody visit, man. What is this?” he tugged at the collar of your suit jacket.

“It’s call professionalism.” you sat up and wobbled your head. “But it is overkill in Hawkins.” you sighed and took off the suit jacket, hanging it and your purse on the back of the chair. “I look like I gather “protection” money.” you go ahead and roast yourself. “Do I look less like a narc?” you ask, fluffing your hair and in a button-up shirt with no stuffy jacket with a single button undone. “That better?” you slouched back into the chair, hands crossed on your stomach.

“Depends on the connotations of what you’re applying the word better to.” He didn’t look at you when he said it but the smirk was audible in his voice. Your head is noticeably tilted as you lean in toward him, shifting in the seat.

“You’re gonna give me war flashbacks to fundraising dinners talking like that.” you chuckled, looking out to the smattering of kids, seeing if you could pick out which was his. There wasn’t one screaming or chewing through the ropes so that theory was out. “Although they weren’t nearly as flirty as you, you scamp.” you snorted and watch his grin beam across his stubbled face.

“My main outlet for flirting is with women at the shop,” he admitted, turning his head back toward you. “And don’t get me wrong, it’s fun. A bit awkward with how heavy they’re willing to lay it on, man. You’d be shocked at the people that have offered to pay in other ways.” he wiggled his brows.

“You get rid of me and suddenly you’re swimming in p-” you stop yourself and look around with wide eyes, remembering where you are as Eddie cackles loudly and slaps your leg. “I’m not used to being around family-friendly environments.” you purposely wince and watch his laugh take over his entire demeanor. People turned to look at him but he still didn’t care. It was comforting to know that hadn’t changed.

“I’m no pro at it myself. Don’t worry. When we’re not in public you won’t have to hold your tongue so much. The first time Teddy swore I almost hyperventilated I laughed so hard.”

“Speaking of, where is he? Can I meet him?” Eddie turned to find your eyes bright, brows high and hopeful. “Or maybe not. Is that too soon? I should ask permission first, right? I don’t know how kids work, sorry.” Again, that now deep, gravelly laugh gritted out, the years of cigarettes still in his throat as he pat and rubbed your shoulder.

“You remind me of me when I first got him home. What do I do with this thing?” he mimicked fear and holding a baby awkwardly. “He needs to take a break and get a drink anyway.” he sat up, cracking his back and groaning. “Teddy Monster?” He shouted hands clasped to his mouth, startling the other restaurantgoers.

A small screechy roar is heard, a section of ball pit busting up into the air and a curly mop-haired little cherub-faced cutie pie flopped over the barrier with a cackle much like his dad’s. He rolled out onto the foam playmat-covered floor and stumbled a bit before finding his footing and booking it toward Eddie who was running at him full speed, hunched over, hands clawed both growling at each other. He yanked him up as he lept at him fearlessly, tossing him in the air, before pretending to eat his stomach, holding him sideways, raspberrying his tummy before so easily tossing him into one arm and plopping him down on his knee at the table.

You took in the funniest little gasp of air when you realized you hadn’t breathed the entire time you’d watched him. Gulping and regaining your senses, shocked at yourself. Your eyes dilated at the sight of Eddie with his kid. Oh god, your inner voice groaned. Was the biological clock thing actually real? Was this what that was? Did you just ovulate at the sight of your high school crush simply playing with his kid? Should you be ashamed? Because you sure didn’t feel ashamed.

“Get a drink, bud.” Eddie brought the plastic cup to Teddys grabbing hands. “You having fun?” he kissed his impossibly soft curls, slightly damp from sweat.

“Mnfg- yuh- mmffpptt” he spluttered trying to answer and gulp at the same time, he gained a chuckle from you and both the dark-eyed boys turned to look at you in unison.

“Hi!” he said with a wet face and a smile that looked so much like his father's it made your chest hurt.

“This is Daddy’s friend.” Eddie put his hand on your shoulder as he introduced you.

“Hi Miss.” he nodded and waved with one hand, the other still grasping the cup Eddie was balancing for him.

“He calls all the ladies at the daycare Miss.” Eddie explained.

“So polite.” You couldn’t help how you cooed at him. Eddie noticed. “I’m excited to meet you Teddy. Maybe me and you can be friends like me and your daddy are?” With wide eyes, he nodded in agreement.

“He’s super friendly. Never met a stranger. Didn’t get it from me.”

“Dad.” He gasped, raising his t-shirt to wipe his face. A habit he surely picked up from Eddie. “Can she play?”

“Ask her.” He chuckled, smoothing down his waves.

“Wanna play?” He perked up, leaning to put his hands on your knee.

“I absolutely do!” You couldn’t figure out how Eddie ever said no to that face. You reached down to slip off your shoes and a smile Eddie purposely held back on started to grow. “You like the ball pit? It’s my favorite.”

“Me too!” He clapped his hand together and started wriggling out of Eddie’s hold. You pulled your hair back again and gave Eddie a nod. “I’m gonna hurt myself so don’t make fun of me.” You said quietly before standing.

“I’d never.” He put his hand to his chest defensively.

“Come ON!” Teddy’s squatted form growls like a professional metal frontman as he stood waiting for you to catch up.

Eddie sat back, leg bent over his other, hands laced together to fit behind his head. He watched you get tugged mercilessly by his son into the ball pit in a suit that probably cost so much Teddy couldn’t even fathom a number that high yet. You looked expensive but it was clear you were priceless. You slid headfirst into the concerningly sticky ball pit. You were caught up in the cutest kid you’d ever seems energy and found yourself forgetting you hadn’t played in 20-something years and you’d be feeling the ache tomorrow. Eddie couldn’t take his eyes off you, getting jumped on by Teddy, mashed into the pit, and pelted and screamed at. Other kids joined in, happy an adult was getting on their level. Eddie was known to crawl around the tubes on the play area from time to time but got dirty looks from the other parents. Aware that his own reputation now affected someone besides himself he’d pulled back on the public displays of feral behavior.

As he watched he let himself hope for a moment. Seeing a best-case scenario play out in front of him, his worries that you’d be averted in some way from him because he had a kid we’re floating away, replaced with a shameful optimism it could be a pro instead of a con. He’d be a blatant liar to himself if he tried to say as soon as he saw you walk into his shop the thought of being with you again hasn’t popped into his head. However, sex at 17 is a lot less complicated than sex in your 30s, at least for him. Eddie had big feelings. Especially when It came to you. He had a kid and jobs and a life he’d worked so hard to create that bringing someone in without immense forethought wasn’t something he was willing to do. Sure he’d banged his way through some women in Hawkins to pass the time but he had no intentions of being with you physically unless that also came with the emotions attached. There was no you for him without emotion attached. And watching you with the most important piece of his life, slotting into their dynamic with ease made him let out a deep sigh. With the worry of you approving of being in his life in any capacity in relation to Teddy aside. It let the gates open for many other far deeper running concerns.

You had a good run, laughing as you hopped out of the ball pit and stumbled falling flat on your ass, the kids all pointing and laughing. A very sweet little girl came over to help you up but you were also too busy laughing at the situation. Your cheeks hurt from smiling, your knees ached from crawling along the bottom of the pit after a very rambunctious Teddy who really seemed to like hiding and popping out at you as you stalked him through the large rectangle space. Your muscle was awake with freshly pumped blood, cheeks rosy, and hair a mess, half out of its scrunchie as you tugged the rest out before dramatically collapsing into the chair next to Eddie.

“How?” You panted out, still smiling.

“How what?”

“Two things.” You hold up your fingers and steal a drink from his cup. “One, you must be in incredible shape to play with him like that. That’s crazy. And two-“ you took another drink, finishing it off and meeting Eddie’s brightly amused face. “We need to isolate what gives them that level of energy and sell it.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Eddie chuckled, half muttered and reminding you of his uncle. “A real answer, I don’t keep up.” He admitted willingly. “A true but more boastful answer is work keeps me in better shape than I’d be in otherwise. So that helps. And he slowly got bigger so it’s not like I could throw him around overnight. I’m figuring out what that dad strength people talk about is.”

“Man I’d like some of that if it made my arms look like that.” You blurted out the specific compliment without much thought, happy on endorphins from exercise. You and Eddie were always playful and flirty but you didn’t know where the line was between you now. Or where the line even was within yourself. Did you want to flirt with him? I mean really purposely flirt with bitten lips and side eyes and hushed tones? Because there were levels to this now. It wasn’t heh I like your Metallica shirt let’s make out in the back of your van about it anymore. You kinda wish it was though. Man, you had some good times in the back of his van.

“Oh you bought a ticket I see.” He said with no notion he was joking, rolling up one of his sleeves.

“What?” You blurted out with no flirt to be found in your scrunched face.

“To the gun show?” He asked as if you were stupid as he flexed and you groaned and threw your head back. You were split between two moments in time for a second. You were two obnoxious teens in the diner being loud and completely oblivious that anyone else was around again. He cackled and you slugged his defined arm. More tattoos than you left him with covered the planes that shifted as he ran his hand through his still unruly waves. You felt young again. There were more seen and unseen scars now, permanent tiredness under your eyes, more wrinkles, and less graceful bodies but something felt youthful about being around him. And Teddy now. There was some addictive spark they lit in you. They were the sort of people your ex and his lot would’ve mercilessly insulted and looked down on. And they were exactly the sort of people who seemed to be able to remind you that yes, you could feel happy and have fun. You weren’t broken. There was nothing wrong with you. You simply hadn’t been in the right place with the right people. And now- somehow in Hawkins- a place you’d been so dead set on leaving forever turned out to be that place. Maybe it wasn’t so much the where but the who.

“I can’t even insult you now by saying you tell dad jokes. Any joke you tell is a dad joke now!”

“Oh no she’s figured out my superpower!” He laughed and raised his hands like a cartoon villain.

“Oh no! He’s too powerful!” You coward back in your chair with raised hands as if to block a magic spell cast. He shoved your thigh and almost made you fall out of the chair which only made you laugh harder together. it felt right. You both knew it. It was almost malleable in the air between you as you sighed and wheezed coming down from the interaction. You were so caught up in the moment, cheeks flush and boldly gazing at each other, wondering which questionable thing to say aloud next you didn’t even see Teddy also noticing the chemistry.

“Is she your best friend?” Teddy asked with a tilted head, as calm as you’d ever seen him gazing up at your dad in a similar way that you were. “Cause me ‘n Wes. We do that.” Such an astute observation for the little man. He was observant and clever just like his dad.

“I’m not your best friend?” Eddie pouted and reached down to bring him into his lap.

“Duh.” His little eyes rolled and you held in a snort at the display of attitude. “At daycare dad!”

“Oh of course.” Eddie relented to his miniatures putting him in his place. “You’re my best friend, Ted, you know that.” He kissed his cheek and the kid pushed him away, making you grin.

“More than one bes friend.” He held his dad's stubble-covered cheeks and spoke to him as if explaining something to well… a child.

“You can have more than one best friend?” Eddie raised his brows.

“Yes!” Teddy said annoyed. “Tell dad.” he looked over at you with his demands and you wanted to do whatever he asked.

“You can have more than one best friend.” You gave him the same attitude his son was and he chuckled, his cheeks mushed by tiny hands.

“No!” A slap to his thighs. “Tell dad you’re bes friends!”

“Oh sh-nap.” You muttered in surprise. “You’re my best friend Eddie.” You said with no hesitation. And honestly… it was the truth.

“You’re my best friend too.” You held eye contact for a moment before Teddy moved his dad's face back to face him.

“Good job!” He pat his cheek and you wanted to puke it was so cute. “Love you!” He chirped and planted a kiss on his face.

“Love you too.” You knew I’d you could feel the truth in his words that Teddy could too. “Are you about ready to go?”

“Aw, man.” He slouched and pouted and you swear it sounded just like Eddie used to.

“We don’t have to go yet. Do you need to go potty or want more pizza?”

“No.” He shook his head hard. “Gonna play.” He stuck his little Tongue out in concentration as he dismounted Eddie’s long legs and went back at it.

“Have fun.” Eddie shrugged as he was left without so much as a second glance. “He’s getting so good at talking now it blows my mind. He’s so smart.”

“Of course he is.” Your tone clearly told him to not say what he was about to. “I’ve heard reading to them helps a lot. And I’d bet you do plenty of that.”

“Yeah.” A closed-mouth smile grew from his pride. “Almost every night.”

“He’s yours of course he’s going to be the smartest little gremlin. He looks just like you, he might as well act that way too.”

“He acts like Wayne sometimes and it’s hilarious. Old man stuck in a baby’s body.”

“You act like Wayne sometimes too.”

“Shit, don’t I know it. More now than ever.”

“I’d you’re gonna act like someone he is definitely one of the better choices.” Eddie nodded in agreement. “How is he by the way?”

“Still kickin’. He retired. He’s still in the park, not far from us. He watches him a lot. Too much. He’s taking away all his retirement but he insists it’s better he watch him than leave him at daycare.”

“Grandpa Wayne.” You smiled contently and watched the kids for a moment. “He’s always had papaw energy.”

“He oozes papaw energy.” Eddie chuckled.

“The offers still open to watch your hellspawn by the way.” You smirked. “Give Wayne a much-deserved day off from time to time. I could pick him up if driving him over is out of the way. I’d like to see Wayne actually.”

“He’d love to see you.” Eddie gave you a soft smile.

“Really?”

“He asked me 50 questions when I told him you were back.” He paused and glanced away for a moment. “He always liked you, you know.”

“I always liked him.” You added supportively. “I got you out of your room and out of his hair of course he liked me.”

“We spent plenty of time in my room when he wasn’t home.” It almost came out as a murmur, he didn’t dedicate himself to letting the small reminder of your past put into the current timeline. He’d toed past the line of friendly Flirting and had brought a slice of nostalgia into the conversation that hadn’t been breached yet. It had to happen eventually. You couldn’t act like you hadn’t spent a chunk of your time inside each other in the past. But saying hey remember how we used to fuck had seemed a bit heavy-handed.

He watched you huff out a laugh, almost embarrassed as you looked down and smiled, mouth opening and closing to figure out your response. Weighing what was appropriate and what would be best for two old friends with heavy lore.

“Yeah.” Your lips twitch and you let out a giggle he’s never heard before. You missed how soft his face got when he watched you hide your face. “Yes, we did.” A slight blush filled your cheeks as you smiled.

“Do you remember… back then?” His voice was quiet, soft as if tip towing around it might make it feel less in your chest. He held his arms crossed over his front like it might shield him from the consequences of his question.

“I do.” Your voice also fell to an almost whisper, unlike you both to be subtle or timid with one another. A smile that tightened your lips, almost a purse appeared, eyes still not meeting his that was far too forward for you to meet just yet. “Do you?” you asked with a jutted-out chin. You weren’t really trying to hide the way his stare made you uncomfortable. You were too busy trying to analyze why it was. His soft laugh answered you before he did with his words. Oh yeah. He remembered.

“Oh! Hey!” you heard feet head your way and were startled. Eddie cleared his throat and shifted in his chair, the tension of the moment broken. “What was your last name again? They couldn’t find you in the database?”

“Oh right.” You said to the person you’d spoken with in the office. “Recently divorced. Might not be updated yet.” You explained and handed them two business cards. “Here’s both versions.” Eddie side eyed the worker, unnoticed a bit miffed she’d brought up your ex. Way to totally kill the mood.

“Thanks! You’ll hear from me soon.” They said rather convincingly.

“Let me see one of those.” He asked with a nod and a wiggle of his fingers.

“You want one?” You gave him a kind smile and handed him a lovely embossed rectangle. He smiled softly, crow's feet deepening at the edges of his eyes, just visible past the fluff of waves.

“It’s got your name on it.”

“No shit. It’s a business card.” You whispered and he snorted out a laugh.

“I mean your real name.” He said with conviction. “You changed it fast.”

“Not legally yet but I wanted to separate myself from his name as fast as possible.”

“I like this version better.” He said with a nod, flicking the card. “I’d hire this lady, I wouldn’t hire the other.”

“Does that mean I’m gonna get all up in your books?” You grin and nudge his foot with yours, still bare.

“Do you have to put it that way?” He snorted out a laugh.

“Yes! I get unrestricted access to Eddie Munson.” You pinched his knee and he kicked you in response. “I’ll need bank statements and your monthly, and yearly records as far back as you’ve got them and your tax returns.” He could see the excitement in your eyes.

“I take it back you’re way too into this.” He pushed your chair away with his boot and you scoot it back again with a playful back and forth.

“I’m in my element, man. And I’m dealing with you, not some rich asshole!” You both giggled as you quickly lowered your voice and hunched over from the looks thrown your way.

“We aren’t meeting here next time you’re gonna get me banned from Charles Pizzaria. Fine Italian Dining.” He pinched his fingers together and did a horrifying attempt at an Italian accent.

“God you still suck at that.”

“You suck.” He bit back and kicked your chair. Another flicker of a time jump, both snorting and laughing in his van, high as hell, shoving each other with insults thrown that never had any malicious intention.

“You wish.” Your 17-year-old self came out of the woodwork. You’d said it so many times in response to his poorly thought-out jab. It’s always ended in more shoves, which led to rolling around and wrestling which led to Eddie on top of you which led to a cocky remark which led to… you could guess. Your ears ran hot at the memory. “I guess I shouldn’t say that to someone I’m working for.” You let yourself snort and shake with a laugh.

“Extremely unprofessional.” He tsked.

“You gonna leave me a bad review?”

“Horrible.” he smirked.

“Can I earn a good review or have I ruined my chances?”

“Make me a millionaire and I’ll consider it.”

“I mean I know a guy. Recently divorced. Millionaire family. He would suck Hemmingway’s dick for SURE so I mean you might stand a chance.” you both sputter out a laugh.

“Oh, tell me more.” Eddie crossed his legs and put his hand to his chin.

“He only has three topics of conversation, you know, like a pull-string doll. He’s only had sex in two positions so you know - consistency right? And he does whatever his parents tell him to!”

“Who would leave a catch like that?” Eddie wiped the beginnings of a tear from his eye.

“Some dumb bitch.” you leaned in and whispered, sending you into another shared laugh.

“I don’t know I think she’s really smart. Whoever she is. Especially for leaving him.” his eyes were sincere, but the smile still weighed heavily on the spectrum of giving you shit about marrying such a douche.

“She’s made a handful of good decisions in her life.” you nodded, a more thoughtful smile falling into place. “More as of late. Maybe she’s getting less dumb.” you shrugged.

“I don’t know.” he shared the same subtle shoulder movement. “I think she made a few good decisions in the past.” A lump in your throat grew and you quickly swallowed it down.

“Yeah?” you tucked your hair behind your ear and felt so hopelessly obvious. “Maybe…one… or two.” Your words sunk to nearly a mumble. You looked the same to him in these fleeting moments he got under your skin, in your head. He knew it was selfish to want to hear it from you that you remembered who you two used to be. Especially so soon. But the memories were still so strongly imprinted on him that he had to know if you’d thought of him as often as he’d thought of you over the years.

“That’s a short list. Must’ve been something really important.” he leaned in so subtly, slowly, smoothly. His elbows to his knees, long fingers, still in rings just like he was still 17, laced together. You stuttered like a fool under his gaze. His eyes were even prettier than you’d recalled. Molten chocolate, honey, and caramel. Just as sinfully tempting and potentially bad for you as the sweets. Your lashes felt heavy and obvious as you slowly blinked, licking your lips, finding yourself as short on words now as you ever had been when he directed his attention solely on you.

As children always have, Teddy decides that now is the best time to get his foot caught in a rope net, interrupting the precious moment. A squawk and scream, unsure if it was pain or amusement carried across the brightly colored space.

“Oh, Jesus Christ.” Eddie muttered as you both bolted toward the little monkey hanging upside down.

The brief scare had triggered his neediness, refusing to be looked at or held by anyone but his dad after he slipped his ankle out of the soft braided thread. Eddie prayed no one cared that Teddy was attached to his front as he drove home. A little snore and blub from time to time as Eddie kept his large hand on the child’s back, rubbing it soothingly as he drove.

“C’mon Teddy Bear.” a name he used when he was feeling particularly soft for the wild little creature he’d helped create. A small grunt of disapproval was released as he was lifted and brought into the dark house. Eddie didn’t bother turning on the overhead light, a lamp would suffice. “You wanna wake up? Get ready for bed? We could do a bubble bath? You want a story?” he offered things to the smushed face with barely open eyes adamantly shaking his head, refusing to lift his head from Eddie’s chest. “You want daddy to hold you and you sleep on me?”

“Yeah.” the first nod of the nap. With a resigned sigh Eddie managed to kick his boots off and get his jeans on the floor, left in unevenly slouched socks, boxers, and a t-shirt. He switched on the radio, a quit afterthought as he took Teddy’s ensemble off piece by piece, having purposely chosen every piece. With a new set of matching jammies, a dinosaur print that he’d nearly had a meltdown over when he saw them in the store. Eddie set his notebook and the book he was currently reading on the nightstand. He sank into the small bed, propping himself up with the pillows, setting an alarm on the clock radio just in case. Teddy still clutched to his chest, already back asleep. A lazy hand pat to the beat of a fading song on his butt, the other with Eddie’s fingers in his mop of curls, mouth, and nose nestled into the nest and taking a deep inhale. His eyes looked out the window, the sky was navy, a calm sky, and a slight sway to his shoulders, not purposely, as he rocked Teddy back and forth.

“And next we have a hit from the year 1984. She just came out with another album but this one from her 1983 release of She’s So Unusual is still one of her biggest hits. This one brings back some great memories for me, maybe it will to other listeners out there tonight. Here’s Cyndi Lauper with, Time and Time.” the typical radio announcer's voice echoed in the small room with the slightly crooked wallpaper Eddie had hung himself. He let out a sigh, not needing to hide it from anyone, the back of his head against the headboard covered in stickers and markers. The year 1984 haunted him for plenty of reasons. The first time he failed senior year. The main one on his mind tonight was that it was the year you’d left Hawkins. You’d said you’d hated the school dance fodder songs as much as he did. Which couldn’t have been true because neither of you actually did. He thought Cyndi Lauper was weird and hot. Much like you were. The song was catchy, heartfelt, and now a nostalgia bomb of memories. You in a second-hand prom dress, dancing with him. You both swore you hated it. Again. Not true. The way you’d looked at each other was proof of that. The way you’d scrapped together enough money for a dress was even more proof. You were just as soft and terrified as he was. A smile crosses his face, feeling a warmth in his chest at the thought of the full-cheeked and big-haired you in your youth. Flashes of smiles, of fights, and long nights running away from your lives together. The memories had kept him company often through the years. He’d thought about you a lot. Wondering if you were okay. If you’d felt the same way he had. He’d go back and kick his own ass for not telling you how he felt before you left if he could. But those thoughts, that anger was pointless now. Learning to live with the choices you make when you didn’t know any better was something Eddie had to quickly learn to accept. His smile deepened at the prospect of knowing you now. Of getting that second chance of closure. It was a messy can of worms to want to open. Sometimes memories were viewed with rose-colored glasses and weren’t as they truly were at the time. But bless Eddie’s soft heart he couldn’t help himself. He’d never been one for making smart decisions.

PART 2

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