#anyways yeah i was grocery shopping and a worker approached me saying that he thought i was cute and if i was single; and if he could have | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

symphonicmetal101 · 3 years

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MC Struggles With Obsessive/Compulsive Behaviour

Ok, just to be clear.

I haven't been diagnosed with anything, which is why I refrain from writing "OCD" in the title. I've always known I'm a perfectionist- please be aware that there are some major differences between OCD and perfectionism, (despite what Youtube videos may say)- however I have had instances in which I have taken it too far and paid the price physically, mentally, and emotionally. Please be aware that these are all very real things that not only myself, but other people go through. I haven't had one of them in a long time, but my current circumstances make me feel like I might soon, so bear with me while I write another self-indulgent thing.

Or don't.🤷‍♀️

TW: compulsive/obsessive behaviour, a little self-deprecation as seasoning👌

Lucifer

At first, he's very happy to see that you are very organized and neat

One less thing for him to worry about

However, one day he walked past your room and saw you organizing your desk

He respected that, and continued on

The next day he passed by around the same time and saw you organizing your desk again

Odd, but perhaps one of his brothers had interfered and interrupted you, meaning you hadn't finished yesterday

It had been five days now, surely you weren't still cleaning your desk??

"MC, if my brothers bother you, you should close the door. Perhaps then you would be able to finish cleaning your desk properly. Unless you would like some direction in time management instead?"

Lucifer glanced behind you. To his surprise, your desk looked immaculate. He then saw your blushing face.

"Ah... well that's very kind of you Lucifer, however I'm afraid it's not an issue of time management or your brothers. Well, sometimes Mammon comes in and moves the pens around, so then I have to start over..."

"Start over?"

"Y-yeah." You explain your process to him, how you completely clear off your desk, to the type of cleaner you use, how many sprays, to how you like to stack your paper, to how you always have to have three paperclips to your right, and how the black pen is always in between the blue and the red.

"And when Mammon moves the pens...you start over?"

"Yeah. I do."

Lucifer has sympathy for you, put also struggles because it seems like a waste of time if he were to do it.

But he doesn't do it, and it seems to make you calm, so instead he buys you proper gloves for cleaning and a few more bottles of your cleaner

Mammon

"Come on MC, I wanna show ya something in my room."

Oh no

Nononono

You could feel yourself panicking a bit. Mammon's room was messy

Not messier than Levi's but still

But he looked really excited, so you reluctantly followed him

"TA-DA!!!"

Oh wow. His room was spotless!

"I-uh, noticed ya only seem to be comfortable in yours or Lucifer's room. It-it took a while for me to figure out why, but...whaddya think? Will it work for ya?"

He smiled at you and you could see a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

"It looks great! You even picked up the water bottles that were by your bed!!"

He instantly became more confident, his smile growing wider and his cheeks slightly flushed.

"Of course it looks great! Why wouldn't it?"

You gave him a withering stare

"Uh..yeah. Y'know, if ya had just told me ya didn't like it being so messy I woulda tidied up sooner. J-just make sure ya let me know if it gets too messy again. I want ya to be comfortable in more places than just your room, so my room seemed like a good idea."

His face was incredibly flushed

"Thank you Mammon. It really means a lot.

Levi

You had only been in Levi's room twice

But dear god

You really really really wanted to tidy things up for him

But you also knew what it was like to be very particular and have things "just-so"

Aksjsjshdgjak

"Hey Levi, can I make you deal?"

He took off one of his headphones to listen

"What's up?"

"This might be kinda weird. Can I take pictures of your stuff so I can reorganize and clean your room? That way if you don't like it, I'll put everything back?"

You could see confusion and slight panic that crossed his features.

"I'm sorry, I know it's weird, you don't have to say yes I-"

"Um, what exactly would you be doing?"

"Uhhh.."

He stopped his game to sit and talk with you for a bit.

"O-ok. Just that shelf is off-limits. And I'll stay in here to let you know if something isn't ok with me."

He watched in awe as you carefully rearranged his figurines by rarity as well as colour.

You crawled under his desk with velcro ties and made all the cords under there much more organized

You rearranged the pillows on his couch so that they were symmetrical on both sides, fluffing them and squishing them as you saw fit.

His manga was pretty organized, so you just straightened out the pile.

You organized his games in alphabetical order

The whole time you had been dusting stuff off as well

"There. That's better....what do you think Levi?"

"WOOOAAHH!!! I love it!! It looks really good MC!"

"Thanks for letting me do that."

"No problem...but w-why did you want to do it?"

You shrugged. "It calms me down? No, that's not quite it....I don't really now. As it is, I need to cut myself off otherwise I'll clean until I can't stand. Mind if I join you for a bit?"

He nods at you and hands you a control. As the game boots up he says, "Y-you're welcome to do that again if you need to...but that shelf is still off-limits."

You nod, grateful for his understanding.

Satan

He said he had a surprise date for you

So you followed him

To the Cat Cafe

Now, you love cats

And you love food

But the two of them together don't sit well with you

But Satan looked so eager and happy that you didn't hesitate much to go inside.

Everything was going really well until Satan asked if you wanted something to eat or drink.

You politely declined his offer, but he insisted on getting you something

You reluctantly chose a hot drink.

But as you watched the worker prepare your drink, you were horrified to see them carry a cat out from behind the counter, and then without washing their hands, snap the lid on your cup.

"Satan..I need to step outside for a bit."

He watched you in mild concern as you walked out the door and he waited for your and his order to be complete

You were pacing outside, trying to calm down.

Why did that upset me? I haven't even touched it yet. Besides, normal people don't usually care about stuff like that. And I can clean it??? Or grab another lid?? Fuck! Why am I like this?

Your train of thought was broken as Satan tapped on your shoulder, concern and curiosity apparent in his eyes.

"Are you alright? I noticed the worker didn't wash their hands after handling the cat, so I grabbed a couple lids on my way out. I was going to put it on for you, but I believe it would be best for all parties if you did it on your own."

You almost started crying as he handed you a paper towel with two lids in it.

"Why are there two?"

"Although it never particularly bothered me, I thought you may have wanted some solidarity. I can understand where you're coming from." He smiled sympathetically at you.

From that day forward, he paid extra attention to things while you were around to make sure you wohld feel comfortable. You two also managed to tackle the daunting task of properly organizing Satan's books so that you could spend more time in his otherwise clean room.

Asmo

"Darling, you look wonderful in that outfit!! And it's so hot outside, it's perfect!! I was just about to head out, do you want to join me?"

"That depends. Where are you going?"

"Oh, I'm just gonna do a little shopping. There was a cute top on sale at the mall yesterday, I just want to see if it's still there."

You told him you'd be right back.

When you got to your room you threw on a sweater, and then made sure you had your wallet and your phone.

You walked out of your bedroom, checking again, wallet, phone

As you approached Asmo, you checked again. Wallet, phone

"Are you ready to go?" You nodded and followed him out the door.

He made idle gossip with you until he noticed you were looking a little pale

"Oh my goodness, love are you alright? You should take this sweater off, you'll get much too hot!"

"I can't!" You panicked a bit, and he was caught off guard by your reaction.

"I- I'm sorry. But I use the sleeves to open doors and hold bags and stuff. I don't like touching that stuff. Even groceries are hard for me to touch, so I wash the groceries before I put them away when I get home. I enjoy shopping with you though, because you always know what kind of stuff I like just by looking at it, or feeling it for me. It's the same thing I explained before, where it's difficult for me to model the clothes for you until after they've been washed."

"Aww honey, I'm sorry. Next time I'll see if Mammon or Beel can come and help with your bags, m'kay? But you cannot stay in this sweater in weather like this. What about gloves? Would you be ok wearing gloves? I know a place where there's some really cute ones!! And I'll handle the doors for now, ok?"

You took off your sweater and tied it around your waist.

"Huh. I actually do feel a little better....thanks Asmo."

You two laughed lightly as he held open the door for the next shop.

Beel

You had waited for Beel to get out of one of his extracurriculars to walk home with him

You two were planning to eat together

However when you walked into the kitchen, you were greeted with a sink overflowing with dishes, and a sleeping Belphie on the island.

"Oh, uh, before I eat Beel, I'm going to clean that up. You go ahead though."

Belphie piped up, "Just throw what you can in the dishwasher....I'll do the rest later."

Beel looked concerned. "We were late getting home. Are you sure you're not hungry?"

"Oh...uh" you contemplated lying when your stomach gave you away.

"Just eat. I'll take care of the dishes. It's my turn anyways. I'll get to it soon."

"It's not a big deal Belphie, I'll just do them."

"But you're hungry, aren't you? Just eat first? Or did I do something? Is it something I can fix? I can go if it makes you more comfortable-" Beel looked disappointed. Of course it wasn't his fault.

You shook your head. "It's not you. It's me. I just- I don't know- ugh." You felt close to tears.

How the fuck were you supposed to explain yourself?

Beel pulled you into a hug. "Hey, it's ok. You don't have to tell us what's going on, but if you do it'll make it easier for us to help you."

He let go of you enough for you to step back and wipe tears from your eyes.

"I-I don't know what it is! But whenever I know there's something to be done, especially if I can see it, I have to do it before I do anything for myself. That includes eating, getting a glass of water, even going to the bathroom! And if I find another thing to do half way through he first thing, I'll just continue to postpone the thing I need to do for myself until I'm done or I forget about it..."

Silence settled across the kitchen.

"We'll help you do the dishes so it gets done faster, then you have to eat, ok?"

You smile and nod graciously as the twins helped you feel more comfortable

Belphie

"Come cuddle with meeee."

"Belphie, I need to study, please."

Belphie pouted. He was going to cuddle with you one way or another, even if he had to annoy you into it

Only what he didn't realize what he saw as "mildly annoying" was actually triggering for you

So he started messing with the postion of things on your desk.

"Stop it Belphie, I need to study."

"Yeah? Don't let me stop you, I'm just playing with your pen jar."

"But I asked you. To. Stop."

He huffed and put the pen jar down

But then he started to mess with your three pencils you had laid out, smallest to tallest.

"Why do you need three pencils?"

"Because. Now leave them alone."

He grinned.

"Because is hardly an answer and you know it. What would happen if I just took this one?"

"BELPHIE NO!" Your voice sounded between laughter and tears, butbhe figured it was just your way of begging.

"Belphie, please? I need that!"

He just grinned as he shifted into his demon form and passed the pencil to his tail and lazily flicked it back and forth.

Until he saw your face.

"Whatever. Do what you want, I'm done dealing with you." You walked out of your room, angry tears filling your eyes.

"W-wait! Shit! No, come back! I didn't-ugh." He groaned as he picked himself up to go after you, finding you on the outside steps of HOL.

"Hey, why're you crying? It was just a pencil. I put it back."

You pulled your head out of your hands.

"Yeah, but did you put it back right?"

Belphie looked at you perplexed...right? What the fuck was that supposed to mean?

"Look, I'm sorry for using that tone with you. It's really hard for me to focus unless I have things a certain way. It may seem ridiculous to you, but that's just how I am. I don't know what causes it, I just know that it's a part of me. I'm working on it, but if I say stop, I need you to stop. Please."

"....okay. I'm sorry."

Masterlist

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me headcanons #obey me thoughts #obey me scenarios #comfort fic #tw mental health issues

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biscuit-buddy · 4 years

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kuzumochi. (18+)

Endeavor x Reader (Smut, Birthday Fic, 3.1k)

A/N: holy shit guys this got so much longer than expected i’m sorry if it drags at all i just had so much i wanted to get out! Also its 11:22pm so its technically still his birthday. ha.

What do you get for the man who could already have whatever he wanted at the snap of his fingers? Being the number one pro hero meant that Enji already received truckloads of expensive things, tickets to exclusive events, and the newest technologies simply because of his status. You knew this because everything he received went through you after being thoroughly checked at security. Eight months as his personal secretary offered you a glimpse into his extravagant world and honestly left you with a small bite of bitter jealousy. Some of the things that passed over your desk could pay the rent in your measly apartment for the next year, and you were sure he never gave most of it more than a second glance.

Your pen tapped lightly against your bottom lip as you stared at the pad of sticky notes on your desk, nothing more than illegible lines, dots, and scribbles covered the top one. With a sigh of frustration, you detach it from the stack, crumple it and toss it in the trash. Today was the first day of August, and the mental countdown to your boss’ birthday plagued your thoughts. While your job was comfortable as is, the cold treatment from the man you worked for grated on your every nerve. You’d think after nearly a year in his employment he’d begin to warm up to you, maybe even bother to remember your name. This was your chance to finally stand out to him if only you could think of something that the hero could possibly want for his birthday.

As much as he’d probably like a break or a vacation, you were in no position to provide that for him. He obviously didn’t want for anything material either. Does he even have a sweet tooth? You wondered silently as the tapping of your pen resumed against your face. I can’t even imagine a guy like him eating a cupcake. You know what? Actually I can and it’s hilarious. I bet his mustache would burn the frosting and-

“Ahem” Well, speak - or think- of the devil and he shall appear. Endeavor himself stood at your desk with an impatient look on his stern face. The goofy smile you’d been developing at the thought of the massive man eating sweets was quickly wiped off and your back straightened at an uncomfortable pace.

“Daydreaming on the job?” he asked, but you got the feeling he didn’t really want an answer, so you just bow your head in apology. In an embarrassed mumble, you replied, “Sorry sir, won’t happen again” and he gave a huff in response, not unlike that of a great dragon. You held back another smile at the fleeting thought of smoke puffing out of his nose in discontent, as he handed you a manila envelope stuffed to the brim with some kind of paperwork.

“I need this hand-delivered to the Hawks Hero Office immediately. This is sensitive information I’m trusting you with.” You gingerly accepted the packet, but couldn’t avoid the brief touch of his massive hand sliding past yours. You noted briefly just how warm they were, though you shouldn’t really be surprised. Courier work isn’t exactly in your job description but lately, you’ve been desperate to suck up anyways, plus some fresh air couldn’t hurt. You stood and gave one more quick bow, “of course sir, I’d be happy to deliver it” He seemed content with your answer and turned to walk through the frosted glass double doors that led into his office without so much as another word.

Honestly, that had gone better than most of your interactions in the past. Pleased with the slight development in your relationship you gatherers your purse and the envelope and headed for the elevator. Floors passed monotonously as you continued to float gift ideas around in your head, this was looking to be harder than you initially thought.

Once the lift reached the lobby you made your exit, pushing past a crowd of workers who seemed to just be returning from lunch. They laughed boisterously and made no notice of you squeezing around them. Finally, you made it to the front door of the Endeavor Agency and swiped your employee ID badge on the terminal next to the front door alerting the system that you had left the building. Fresh warm air tickled your skin as you made your way onto the sidewalk and began the trek to Hawks’ Agency. It wasn’t particularly far, only a few blocks away and the route was dotted with storefronts boasting all kinds of wares from cake to clothes to flowers.

In theory, one of the displays you passed should have given you an idea but once more you found yourself coming up blank as you approached your destination. The young man at the front desk smiled politely when you entered “Hi there, do you have an appointment?” his eyes flickered between you and the computer screen in front of him.

“Actually I’m here on delivery for Endeavor” you waved the yellow folder a bit to accentuate your statement “something about sensitive information?” This really wasn’t part of the job you signed up for. Face to face interactions with strangers is so damn awkward. Luckily the receptionist probably dealt with people like you all day and didn’t bat an eye before saying

“Of course, his office is on floor 22 but if he’s not in there, try the roof. I’ll let security know you’re heading up” and he began tapping at the keyboard with one hand while making a ‘go on’ gesture toward the elevator with the other. You thought about boarding but instead made your way to the staircase. I already walked this far, might as well make it a cardio day, and give myself a good excuse to order takeout for dinner. You were truly a genius, maybe it was time to apply at NASA instead of working your ass off for Mr. Hothead.

Twenty-two floors was a bit more of a workout than you thought it would be, and when you finally arrived at the top you were mildly sweaty cheeks ruddy and more out of breath than you’d like to admit so you take a moment to calm down before opening the doors and walking past the security guard. He gave you a sideways glance but kept his mouth shut as you knocked twice on the office doors.

The lack of a verbal response clued you into the fact that he was likely on the roof just as the receptionist had said, so you hung a left and let yourself sprint up one more flight of stairs. Once you made it through the door marked ‘rooftop’ you spotted the winged hero perched near the railing. You announced yourself so as not to startle him,

“Excuse me, Mr. Hawks? I’m here on behalf of Endeavor, he asked me to deliver this to you as soon as possible”

He wheeled around at the sound of your voice, and his eyes lit up with amusement at your disheveled appearance. “Hey, thanks! I was kind of expecting the big man himself but you’re certainly a nice surprise” he winked and took the folder from your hands “Nobody told me Endeavor hired such a cutie to be his secretary, ya think I have any chance of poaching you from him?” Despite your earlier thoughts about NASA, you had no intention of leaving your current position so you just laughed.

“I’m flattered but unfortunately I’ve got some oddly placed sense of loyalty for him”

“Oh I get it” he cocked an eyebrow “I would too if I was you, the guy’s a size queen’s dream after all. Gotta love the whole naughty secretary dynamic too”

You sputtered at his bluntness “Oh god no nothing like that I-”

“Aw, I’m just teasing kid, how couldn’t I when you come up here looking like that” He gestured to your flustered appearance and you immediately regretting taking the stairs moments ago “Besides, I’d be surprised if you got him to warm up to you enough to remember your name let alone bend you over his desk” He was spot on, you had to sigh at that.

“You’re right there, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t even notice if there was an entirely different person sitting at my desk tomorrow”

“Heh, yeah, sounds like him. But you know, his birthday is coming up maybe a gift will put you in his good graces” another effortless wink was shot your way and despite him being the one with wings, the attention really ruffled your feathers. It’s like he had a secret mind-reading quirk or something.

“I thought of that, but I have no clue what a guy like him would even want. It’s not like shopping for your mom, where you can just give her a picture frame that says ‘Live Laugh Love’ and she cherishes it forever ya know?” Hawks snorts in amusement at your comparison. You’re right and you’ll defend that if he asks, but he doesn’t.

“In that case, I’d be willing to let you in on a little secret, some little known Endeavor lore, a true exclusive if you ask me”

“I’m not a tabloid Hawks, just tell me already” this guy messes around a lot for being the number two hero, its an incredibly stark contrast from his only superior.

“Okay, okay, you gotta lean in though, he’d kill me if I leaked something so personal” you lean in closer as instructed and he whispers into your ear, “his favorite food... is kuzumochi” You pull back in visible disappointment.

“That’s it?”

“Yeah, he goes crazy for the stuff. Honest to god I’ve seen him inhale an entire batch in like five minutes. You want him to notice you? Then this is the best possible way, trust me.” and for some crazy reason you do. This could actually work, if it’s really as much of a secret as the blonde claims, you’d certainly stand out among the other gifts he’s sure to get.

You thank Hawks and turn to leave with a newfound confidence in this new plan, but not before he makes you promise to tell him how it goes after the big day. As you exit the winged hero’s agency building the work phone you were assigned chimes with a new email letting you know that you can go straight home after the drop-off, and your grin widens. Even better, now you have time to stop at the grocery store on the way home, the decision already made to go big or go home. You were bound and determined to make the kuzumochi from scratch, and it was gonna be the best damn thing your boss had ever tasted.

*******************************

The rest of the week dragged on in a painfully average way, the only thing keeping your mood afloat was the surprise dish you had been working on every night. You’d gone through multiple test batches, determined to get the flavor and consistency just right. The work paid off on the night of the 7th, just in time when you completed your best batch yet. With a content sigh, you washed your hands and packaged up the kuzumochi like a damn professional. Finally, you were able to take a long hot shower and climb into bed early with the anticipation of tomorrow bubbling in your chest.

Morning came quickly and your daily routine was done with care, then you grabbed the gift and began the short commute to work. Brain on autopilot, it seemed like no time at all until you were seated at your desk and logging in to the company’s computer system. The pristinely packaged gift was nestled into the corner of your desk, waiting for the perfect moment.

This moment came just before lunch when a mildly scuffed up Endeavor breezed past you in a huff and headed straight into his office. This is it you thought Sure, he’s a little pissy at the moment but this’ll cheer him right up. And with that, you knocked once on the office door and peeked in. The sight of him slumped in the leather office chair in front of the massive floor to ceiling window, eyebrow cocked at your intrusion made your heart jump just a little. How can one man be so damn intimidating? You cleared your throat and began to speak with entirely false confidence.

“Sorry for barging in sir, I just wanted to give you a birthday gift. It’s not much, but I hope you’ll accept it” the whole situation reminded you of confessing to your crush with a box of chocolates in middle school, and it’s funny how some things never truly change. You presented the box to him and to your surprise he actually reached out to take it.

His scrutinizing glare never let up as he untied the silky ribbon and lifted the lid, but once he recognized the contents his expression shifted quickly to one of surprise.

“Is this... kuzumochi?” His gaze fell on you and it had nearly physical weight.

“Yes sir, I have it on uhm, good authority that it’s one of your favorites” should you admit that Hawks told you this bit of information?

“Why?”

“I’m sorry? Its… well, it’s your birthday, right? I wanted to get you something that would stand out.” It felt silly to admit to his face.

“And why would you need to stand out, Y/N?” You had to keep your jaw from hitting the floor when he so casually dropped your name, the name you were sure he hadn’t even known. He decided to let you mull over the question as he took a bite of your carefully crafted treat, you could hear a small satisfied hum in his throat and it gave you chills. He beckoned you closer, “it’s delicious, would you like a taste?” when you hesitated he added, “it would be awfully rude to refuse your boss on his birthday, especially after all the trouble you’ve gone to making these”

A heavy step carries you over to his desk, like lead weights attached to your ankles. As you approach he rises out of the chair, a new unreadable look replaced the one of irritation you had been so used to all these months. “Come closer,” he said when you stopped just short of the desk. He’d never spoken to you like this before, and it sent chills down your spine. A few more steps took you around the desk to where he stood, and you barely flinched when he placed a large palm on the side of your jaw, the other held a piece of kuzumochi near your mouth. His intent was clear, he was going to feed it to you by hand. “Open” he commanded softly and you couldn’t deny him if you wanted to, so you complied.

The sweetness melted over your tongue, you truly had outdone yourself here. And once the piece was securely in your mouth, a warm thumb brushed over your bottom lip where his eyes also happened to be resting, completely content in watching you chew and swallow. The intimacy of the situation wasn’t lost on you. You recalled something that Hawks had said about a ‘sexy secretary dynamic’ and once again he was right. When the taste had completely faded from your senses, you looked up to finally meet your boss’ eye. The intensity in them shook you to your very core.

“I’ll ask you again, why do you think you need to stand out?” at this, his hand dropped from your lip down to your waist “Were you hoping for some kind of special attention?” the depth of his voice made your thighs clench, knowing full well where this conversation was heading. He noticed the action and quirked his lips into the faintest smile, one full of mischievous intent. One large step forward for him pushed you back onto the sturdy wooden desk. “I can’t possibly disappoint my favorite little employee then, can I?”

You barely had time to brace your arms behind you before his hand moved over again to res on the top of your thigh, and the one that remained on your jaw guided you into a kiss. It began soft, Endeavor was no fool. He tested the waters, your willingness, before jumping right in. The second you started to kiss back it was full speed ahead. The man was experienced for sure, he knew exactly how to coax your mouth into a dance with his own. Once his tongue pushed into your mouth it was all over for you, you’ve become a slave to the feeling.

All too quickly he broke the kiss, and you had half a mind to whine at the loss of contact. When you opened your eyes you noticed he was leaned over towards the box of kuzumochi that started everything. Odd time for a snack but okay. And when he returned to face you he did have another piece in his mouth, as well as the red ribbon you used to tie it in his hands. Your mouths met once again, this time he pushed the food into yours with his tongue. While you’re distracted with the odd sensation of kissing and eating at the same time you hardly notice the way he pushed both your arms up above your head and deftly tied your wrists together with the ribbon. When he was sure they were secure he let them drop and find a home around the back of his neck.

You swallow the kuzumochi just as he turns up the intensity, completely claiming your mouth with his own. This time, he pushes you even further back until you’re laid completely flat on the desk. His fingers rake up and down your sides while his hips press against yours. You can feel his growing excitement pushed up against you and the feeling has you nearly moaning. Nearly isn’t good enough got the number one though, and he starts trailing kisses down your jaw and further until he reaches the junction of your neck where he bites and sucks like his life depends on it. This finally brings forth the noise he was chasing, and when you go to cover your mouth from embarrassment is when you finally realize that your wrists are bound.

Your boss’ attention is directed elsewhere though, as he reaches a hand under your skirt, past you panties, and begins to stroke your folds. You both realized how wet you’ve become at the same time, and now it’s his turn to moan. One large digit enters you as his mouth travels further south, now nipping at your collarbones and chest. Your wrists slip from around his neck and his free hand strokes upwards from your side to push your arms up over your head. Completely exposed to him he continues to ravish your skin and curl his finger in and out of your cunt. Quickly you come undone around his finger and he removes his mouth from you long enough to drag the digit along his own tongue.

“You’re even sweeter than the kuzumochi, here” he pushes the finger into your mouth and you diligently suck the rest of your juices from it. “Good girl.” The praise itself makes you moan once again. When he’s satisfied with your work he begins to remove his pants and you finally get a glimpse of what you’re working with. You nearly get up and walk out right then, because the man is massive.

“Just relax, I’ll start slow” he reassures and stays true to his word. After a long moment of adjusting he’s fully sheathed inside you and you swear this is what heaven feels like. The moment he begins to move you know you were wrong. If that was heaven you must have finally ascended even further, to wherever gods go when they die. Endeavor fucks you hard and slow against his desk until your eyes are rolling back in your head and you can see every constellation on your eyelids. And when it’s over, you’re shaking like a leaf.

He pulls out, not giving a second glance to the fluids leaking out of you and onto the floor, and begins to untie your wrists. Both of them are red and raw from the friction of the ribbon, and he places a tender kiss on each of the marks. One more kiss on the bruised patch he left on your neck, then he’s hoisting you upwards in a sitting position. Still unsteady but slowly coming back down to earth, you feel a soft tissue wipe at the mess between your legs while a strong hand continues to keep you upright rests at your side.

When you look up to meet his gaze, your confidence is no longer an act. “Happy birthday,” you say and for once he breaks out a genuine smile that makes him look ten years younger.

As he rests his forehead against yours he replies, “It’s not over yet” but before you can question his meaning the intercom system next to his computer rings and a voice announces “Mr. Hawks is on his way up, sir” and you choke. You did promise you’d tell him how things went.

#endeavor x reader #endeavor #enji x reader #enji todoroki #bnha #mha #happy birthday endeavor

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annaraebananawriter · 3 years

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Chaos While Shopping

*Breaks down door* Heya, I’m back. Didja miss me?

Anyways...Happy Valentines Day! Or it will be in about ten minutes my time, but I’m posting this now before I go to bed so I don’t forget.

In the morning I’ll make another post announcing my return and what I’ve gotten done while I’ve been offline, but enjoy this oneshot in the meantime! I hope you have a laugh at it as i couldn’t stop smiling while writing it.

Fandom: Undertale, but specifically the UTMV

Characters: Ink (Who belongs to Comyet), Dream (who belongs to Joku) and Blue (Who belongs to P0pcornPr1nce)

Pairings: Intended queerplatonic Drinkberry, but it’s kind of ambiguous, so you can read it as that, platonic or romantic, whatever you want!

Warnings: None, but let me know if I missed anything!

Word Count: 1560

~oOo~

Blue turned from the cart, only to lock eyes with a grinning Ink and the eggplant he was holding up.

"No."

Ink pouted. "I haven't even said anything yet."

"You were going to." Blue shook his head, ignoring the smile twitching at the ends of his mouth. He wasn't going to give Ink the satisfaction of making him smile at a stupid immature joke.

Again.

For the fifth time already.

He gave Ink another look and his squish sighed, a drawn-out Fiiiine. "Thank you." With the threat of the joke out of the way (for now, at least. When they move aisles he was sure there would be another one), Blue glanced at his list. They still needed to get lettuce—but that was right beside him, so he grabbed it now and placed it in the cart, crossing it off. Now all they needed was cheese, milk, apple juice and...that's it.

Great. Then they can all go home, put the groceries away, make Dream drink some water and rest so that he gets sober, maybe even watch a movie before going to bed tonight. That'd be nice. Although, they'd have to find a balance of horror and comedy elements for Ink, romance and sadness for Dream, and adventure for Blue. It'll be tough but—

Hey, wait a second.

Dream was in his thoughts, but a glance around proved that he wasn't in his sights.

Blue froze for a moment. This was like a nightmare becoming reality for him. He should never have let Ink persuade Dream into getting drunk, even if it was funny to watch. If he hadn't, then they wouldn't be out this late getting groceries and one of them wouldn't be wandering off drunk, not thinking rationally and in a very, very vulnerable state—but also.

Ink was supposed to be watching Dream.

...He must've cursed them all when he asked that of him, knowing that his squish didn't have the best memory and was definitely not the best person to put in charge of another living thing.

"Ink."

Ink looked up when Blue called his name. "Yes?"

"Where'd Dream go?"

Ink froze, a deer caught in the headlights vibe coming off of him. "Uh...well...he may have said something about being bored and he may have, perhaps, disappeared out of the aisle?"

Blue stared at Ink.

Ink stared back, sweating.

"So Dream said he was bored and left?"

"Yes."

Blue put his hands together in front of his mouth and inhaled. "Okay, let me rephrase that." His hands fell to point at Ink, palms pressing together harder as his frustration grew. "Dream, who may I remind you is drunk, thanks to somebody, said he was bored, walked away with you knowing he was drunk and that leaving him alone in a store is probably a bad idea...and you let him??"

Ink looked away, rubbing the back of his head. "Well...it sounds bad when you say it like that."

"It's bad no matter how I say it!"

"Okay, fine!" Ink threw his hands in the air. "I'm sorry for letting Dream out of my sight, is that what you want?"

"...it's a start."

"Well, there you go. I'm sorry." Ink crossed his arms, rocking back on his heels. "Don't see how that helps right now. Dream's still missing."

Blue blinked. "Right, yes." He turned to grab the cart and started to walk towards the end of the aisle. "Let's go find him." At the end of the aisle, there was still no sign of Dream. Other people were browsing around, but no yellow-clad skeleton with a crown on his head. And a golden blush. And visibly drunk.

Blue turned to Ink. "Are you sure you didn't see where he went?"

"I'm sure. He left my sight when he rounded the corner."

Blue sighed. "Alright." He looked around a bit more before pointing to a random aisle. "Let's start over there—"

"BLUE!" Dream suddenly shouted, making Blue whirl around, only to be met with a mouthful of fur as something was pressed into his arms. He stumbled under the new weight, but wrapped his arms around it and pulled back, meeting the orange eyes of a cat, one that had a distinctly happy expression on its face.

"Where'd you get a cat, Dream?" He heard Ink ask.

Lifting his head, Blue watched as his other squish giggled, replying "At the Pet Shop, silly." As if it was obvious. Which, well...it kind of was. But...

Blue frowned. "The...the Pet Shop down the street?"

Dream nodded happily, seeing no problem with what he was saying.

Blue just stared back.

Ink picked up his thought process. "You left the store? Dream, you weren't supposed to do that."

Dream blinked, tilting his head. "Why?"

"Because you're drunk."

"Yes. But it was only down the street."

"Maybe, but you still shouldn't be walking around by yourself when you're drunk."

"Wait," Blue said, cutting into the conversation, even though he was grateful that Ink took over his lecturing duties for now. "I agree with Ink about you leaving the store, but how did you get the cat, exactly?" With the cat in one arm, he pointed to himself. "I have the wallet."

"I walked in, found Arson, and left."

Ink blinked. "Arson?"

Dream glanced at him. "Yes. That's his name."

"You're naming a cat Arson?"

"The most beautiful thing in the world is watching fire burn." Dream said seriously, reaching to take Arson back.

Blue let him. "But Dream." He waited until his squish looked at him. "I have the wallet. How were you able to leave with Arson if you never paid for him?"

Dream didn't give him an answer, just looked at him blankly while scratching Arson under his chin.

"HEY!" Blue startled at the shout, again whirling around as a woman with two security guards approached. She had an angry look on her face. When they reached the trio, she pointed at Dream and Arson. "That's the guy that stole one of our cats!"

The guards moved to step forward.

Blue raised his hands, stepping between them and Dream. "Whoa, hold on!"

"Don't hold on!" The woman hissed. She was wearing one of the vests the workers at the Pet Shop wore. "He walked into the store and completely ignored us when we tried to tell him he couldn't just walk out without paying."

"I'm sorry about that, but there seems to be a misunderstanding here." Blue stepped forward again as the guards tried to move past him. "My friend here is drunk, and before you say anything, I know it was a bad idea to let him go off on his own, but I'm sure that he didn't mean to steal one of your cats."

The woman sniffed. "Well, if that's the case, if he gives our cat back, or you pay for it, then I guess I can let you go with just a warning." She glared at Blue. "But if he comes into the store alone again, he will be arrested on the spot."

Blue nodded, letting his arms down as soon as the guards stepped. "Okay." He turned to Dream. "Dream, pass me Arson—"

"No."

Blue paused. "What? Dream, we only came to get groceries. I know you know this. Maybe in a few days, we can go back and get him but for now, he should go back."

"No." Dream shifted, clutching Arson back to his chest defensively. "I'm not giving him back. I already took him out of the shop, so he probably thinks he'll be staying. Giving him back would break his heart."

"Dream—"

"Blue." Dream stared at him, eyes looking watery and big, and was his mouth trembling at the corners—

Oh no...not the puppy-dog eyes.

Blue quickly looked over to Ink in a panic, asking him silently to do something. Ink shifted and scratched at his neck, glancing from Dream to Blue to Arson and back to Blue. "I mean..." He smiled sheepishly. "...I wouldn't mind getting a pet?"

Blue's face fell to a neutral position. "Not. Helping." He glanced back to Dream, whose puppy-dog eyes had doubled. Clenching his teeth, he looked down to Arson, who looked to be reflecting his carrier's eyes. Muttering a curse under his breath, Blue broke.

He turned back to the worker and her security.

~oOo~

That night, when they were all back home and Ink and Dream were in bed already (Dream had fallen asleep in the ride home and Ink crashed the minute he laid down), Blue sat down on the side of the bed. He smiled at his two squishes sleeping and looked over as Arson jumped up and settled in between the two.

Dream shifted, subconsciously reaching up and placing a hand on him.

Arson looked over at blue, a smug look on his face.

Blue glared at him. "Yeah, yeah. Don't look at me like that."

With that, he joined the pile and turned off the lights.

~oOo~

The next morning, Dream was sitting on the couch watching a show with Ink and Blue when Arson jumped up and settled in his lap. He blinked down at the new member of the household.

"Hey, when'd we get a cat?"

He was very confused when Ink started laughing, Blue just sighed, and Arson started purring.

#my writing #my fanfiction #oneshot #utmv #undertale #dream sans #blue sans #swap sans #ink sans #queerplatonic drinkberry #drinkberry #fluff #this makes...two oneshots i've written be fluff #which means i clearly need to try and balance that out #with all the angst ive done

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pedros-mustache-main · 4 years

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when your love reaches me (iii)

summary: 1978 is decidedly not 2020. nor is your life ever the same when you meet a guitarist, curly haired, soft spoken, and true.

word count: 7.5k

warnings: angst, language, yearning for a man in his 70s (c’est la vie, i guess), over-describing a moment i’m very passionate about (sorry, not sorry! ten points to the person who can tell me what moment it is LOL)

a/n: wow—this gif? yeah, match made in heaven. thank you all so much for indulging me in this mini-series. i really am very proud of this silly little thing & i’m sad that it’s over because i enjoyed writing it so much. thank you to @im-an-adult-ish & @deacyblues for helping me work out the rough spots in this one. would love to hear everyone’s thoughts because i’m very ~emotional~ about this mini-series!! xoxo.

part i, part ii

in this final chapter: you must adjust because it’s not in your cards to be with him, is it?

you run your hands down your face, feel the ring on your finger catch along the end of your nose, and sigh. two months—two months without him. two months to adjust to world you once knew but happily left behind. two months to gather the pieces of the life which cruelly slipped through your fingers like water.

each day is the same. you rise early and take your coffee on the postage stamp terrace outside your flat. you watch the sun climb higher in the sky with each passing moment and let the warmth of your drink soothe the ache in your soul. you wash your breakfast dishes, mumble a good morning to rachel when she exits her bedroom to make her way to the shower, and dress for the day. you walk to campus if you have a class or take the underground to the museum if you have a shift. you come home, eat dinner, go to bed. repeat.

if rachel notices a change in you, she doesn’t say anything. in her mind, no time has passed between the morning where she asked you to come to the pub and the same evening you tumbled into the flat, drenched and sobbing.

but you—you’ve lost a year of your life. there’s no getting it back, and the only thing that proves it really truly happened is the ring on your middle finger, the necklace hanging by your heart, and the undeveloped rolls of film in your bedside table.

there are few words to describe the unbearable pain in your chest. anything and everything reminds you of brian: the whisper of the breeze in the autumn-heavy trees; the feeling of your warmest cardigan around your shoulders; the sound of someone laughing in the museum.

but there’s more:

the scent of cigarette smoke reminds you of roger. the sight of two friends ribbing one another in a grocery store reminds you of crystal. a colorful jacket makes you think of freddie, a whispered snide remark takes you back to john, and two girls giggling reminds you of giddy moments with anna.

around every corner you turn there’s a memory you cannot avoid, and it hurts—desperately, keenly, deeply.

so you push it all away and soldier on, quiet and downtrodden. it’s easier that way. maybe, if you forget, you can move on and make it through life without him.

six months after you’ve left brian behind, you’re approached by your boss at the museum with an opportunity you’d only ever dreamed of: the chance to create and prepare your own exhibit.

monica is firm when she offers you the south wing to reshape as your own. “blow this out of the water, [y/n], and there will be a job as assistant curator waiting for you after graduation. i want something fresh and exciting. think you can manage?”

you agree without hesitation.

for the first time in a long time, you can’t help but smile to yourself. this is your chance to put everything you’ve learned to good use, to put something tangible in your portfolio, to make a name for yourself.

you’re buzzing with excitement and have to practically hold rachel hostage as you spout your myriad of thoughts and ideas. she’s your sounding board, even if she doesn’t want to be, but she’s honest where it counts most, and you’re grateful for that.

she glances over the kitchen table, laden with open magazines, cutout photos, and history books. her brow puckers. “this is... really boring, [y/n],” she says with a cringe, looking up with her blue eyes and freckled face.

your shoulder droop. “that’s it? that’s all you have to say?”

she shrugs and reaches for a photo, inspecting it with a critical gaze. “i mean, ancient textiles might be interesting to you and maybe five other people, but it isn’t exactly blowing me out of the water.”

dropping to the seat across the table, you huff. “well, we’re a photography museum, rachel. it’s not like i can whip up a few outfits and put them on mannequins.”

“excuse me, but fashion design is just as artistic as curating a museum—if not more so.” she sighs and puts the photo of a thirteenth century chinese table linen on the table. “there must be something else you’re interested in? something that other people will like just as much?”

you don’t mean to, but you let your eyes trail to the camera sitting on on the tv stand. you’d left it there after your return, uncertain where to put it. sometimes you catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of your eye and then you remember the tubes of film in your bedroom, undeveloped and unseen.

rachel follows your gaze. “you know, you never told me where you got that.”

“it was a gift.”

“oh really? from who?”

you’re slow to answer. the truth sits on the tip of your tongue—the man i love, the man i was going to marry—but you bite it back. “my great-aunt. she left it to me... in her will.”

you aren’t sure what compels you to retrieve the six rolls of film from your bedroom, but you do. the tubes feel heavy in your palm and clang against the table as you put them down. rachel looks at them then back at you, waiting.

“she gave me these, too.”

“i didn’t know you had a great-aunt.”

“we weren’t close.”

“obviously you were close enough to get these things.” rachel lifts one of the tubes, turning it over in her palm. “wonder what the pictures are.”

“i’m not sure,” you lie. “maybe they could make an exhibit.”

“i think you’d have to develop them first then make that decision.” she rises from the table and shrugs on her coat. “i’ve got a date, so don’t wait up. and try not to let this consume you too much? you’ve been down and out lately. i think the work will do you good, but don’t let it take over, yeah?”

you nod and wish her well on her date. she leaves the flat in a flourish, leaves you to the tubes of film and the growing curiosity in your stomach.

you really should get them developed. if not for an exhibit, then for yourself. an entire year of your life is in those tubes, and you deserve to see the photos you’d taken to preserve that time.

it’s been six months. you’ve purposefully distanced yourself from anything and everything related to queen, be it a simple news story, a song on the radio, or any of roger or brian’s social media posts. it hurts to see them, to know that they’re so close yet so far away, that they have no idea what became of you all those years ago in japan.

still, it’s been six months. developing the film might be your first step toward a sense of closure. you don’t want to stay in your rut forever. though you’re comfortable with the idea that brian might be your great love and you’ll never find another, you know you can’t stay as you are, sullen and despondent. it’s like a break-up, really. you’re sad, heartbroken over the loss, but you know it’s time to step out of the hurt and into something different.

before you can stop yourself, you grab the rolls of film, your purse, and your jacket, and you head for the nearest photo shop.

a few hours later, you return with a heavy packet of freshly-printed photographs and a usb drive full of digital scans. there’s over two hundred photos to sort through, and you’ve yet to see one.

flipping on the light to your living room, you sit down beside the coffee table, a glass of wine at your side, the table cleared of any lingering books or empty teacups. before you open the packet of photos, you open your laptop and type your search into the search bar. if you’re going to quell your curiosity tonight, you might as well quell all of it, and you’re dying to know what happened after you left.

a simple internet search confirms what you already know: your presence within the group on the jazz tour did not alter any significant events. freddie still passed away, john still retired. a further search yields at least one previously nonexistent queen song written by brian may: “into thin air.” it was released in the album following jazz. you can’t bring yourself to listen to it, not yet. a deeper search unearths an interview brian gave a year or so after you left. the interview was published in a magazine editorial covering of each of queen’s band members and their lives when not on tour or recording. after freddie’s bit, there’s a photograph of brian at the top of a new page. he’s smiling, but he looks weary and he mentions you only once: “i was engaged for awhile, but that ended in an unfortunate circumstance, so to answer your question: no, i’m not looking for love. not right now, anyway.”

you close the laptop and lean back against the sofa. the ring on your finger feels heavy. your eyes fill with unshed tears, and you decide the photos can wait to be seen until tomorrow.

the packet of photos ends up sitting on the coffee table for two weeks before you invite your co-worker, shamik, over for wine and cheese and museum gossip. shamik is kind, a first-generation immigrant from india with personality to spare and an exuberance for all things american. he claims it’s his greatest curse that his parents brought him to britain as a baby instead of america, and it’s something he can never forgive them for. you’ve only interacted with shamik at work, but when you mention your exhibit project, he’s eager to offer his help. with no new ideas outside ancient textiles, you’re willing to take whatever advice or ideas he has.

sitting beside him on the couch, you spread your collection of papers and pictures on the table to explain your vision. he listens dutifully, nodding along, his eyes scanning the 3-d projection you’ve made of what the exhibit might look like once completed. when you’ve finished your spiel, he sets his wine glass down and nods to the packet of unopened photographs on the edge of the table.

“what’s that?”

you frown, shaking your head at the sudden turn in conversation. “sorry?”

he reaches for the manilla envelope. “oh, it’s hefty! what’s in here?”

you sigh and take the packet from his hands. it feels solid in your lap, like a brick. “photos from my great-aunt.”

he points to the sealed flap. “it’s unopened.”

“i haven’t gotten the chance to look through it yet.” setting the packet to the side, you raise your eyebrows. “well, what do you think? about the exhibit?”

“honestly? it’s dull. monica won’t be impressed.”

you throw yourself back against the couch with a groan. “what the hell,” you whisper. “i’ve got no ideas then.”

you know ancient textile photography would not be the most enticing exhibit, but it’s been an interest of yours for some time and would be easy enough to complete. shamik and rachel’s reactions do not bode well, you have to admit. having a job as an assistant curator right out of the gate would be beyond marvelous, and you desperately don’t want to screw it up with a boring first exhibit.

“let’s have a look at these pictures from your aunt!” before you can stop him, shamik reaches across your lap for the photo packet and rips open the top. “maybe that will spark some ideas?”

you lean forward, blush already rising to your cheeks as he pulls out the first picture. “oh no, shamik, i don’t know if—”

“holy shit!”

you shut your eyes, wincing.

“that’s fucking freddie mercury!” shamik grabs your shoulder, his fingers digging into your flesh. “did you know about this, [y/n]? that’s your aunt with freddie mercury!”

forcing your eyes open, you look at the photo trembling between his fingers. it’s a picture of you sitting beside freddie on the tour bus. (you think john took the photo in an effort to get you to stop taking photos of him when he was asleep while roger and crystal placed as many items on his head as they could before he fully awoke.) your head is against freddie’s shoulder, your eyes droopy with sleep. a lump rises in your throat, and all you can do is shake your head in feigned disbelief as shamik continues to shuffle through the photos.

“oh my god, your aunt was a groupie,” he cries, passing you another photo.

“i guess—” you clear your throat. “i guess she was.”

“you know”—shamik sets the pile of photos down and spreads them across the table, obscuring your vision of an ancient textiles display—“this would make a great exhibit.”

“shamik—” your voice is a warning, a sudden surge of anger rising in your chest, but he continues.

“no, really, [y/n]! there are so many photos here that tell such a cutesy little story. i mean, come on? freddie and this cat?” he lifts the photo in question. “it’s stuff people have never seen before from a totally different side of queen. it’s a fucking goldmine!”

“absolutely not,” you say. “i will not put my aunt’s personal affairs on display.”

“think of monica, [y/n]! think of the job!”

“no, shamik!” you stand from the table and drop your plates in the kitchen sink with a resolute clatter. “i barely knew my aunt, but i know enough to gather that her time with queen was private. she didn’t say anything about it until she died. that’s got to mean something, and i don’t want to air it all out for everyone to see and speculate and gossip about just for my own personal gain.”

you’re shouting, fists clenched at your sides, by the time you finish. shamik just stares at you, his face blank and unreadable. he glances down at a photo.

“she looks a lot like you,” he says, his voice even.

you huff and take the wine glasses from the table. “we’ve got strong family genes. now, please, i’d appreciate it if you just drop the whole queen thing. we can find some other idea.”

you gather the photos, shove them back in the folder, and toss the envelope in the nearest drawer you can find. the drawer slams shut, and you leave the photos there to gather dust.

you mull over shamik’s idea of an exhibit based on your photos for a month before you finally relent. monica’s riding your ass daily with questions about your progress. you need to get something down on paper for her to give to the contractors, so you begrudgingly type out a response to her most recent email:

monica,

i’ve landed on an exhibit topic at last. took me long enough, right?

i’ve recently come into possession of a series of photographs taken by my late great-aunt. turns out she was a groupie with the band queen in the ‘70s. my exhibit will be centered around those photos. i’m thinking the exhibit will be titled “queen: unfiltered.” do with that what you will. :)

monica, much to your dismay, loves the idea and sends you right to work on gathering and laying out your vision while she begins the necessary promotion.

it hurts at first—looking at all the photos you took, remembering the way you felt so unearthly happy during that year. you cry each time you sit down to sort out the best of the pictures. the ones which capture a moment of levity amongst the band or are particularly well-shot go in a pile on the left. the ones which didn’t develop well or are too intimate for you to ever consider putting on display go in a pile on the right. your bedroom floor is a mess of drafted captions written on slips of printer paper, photographs with notes scrawled along the back, and used tissues. more than anything, you wish you could step into the world behind those photographs. you want to be back there—with him, with them—until you grow old and gray. knowing you can’t, that you won’t ever see him again, tears you apart inside.

but it helps. the exhibit forces you to acknowledge the time you spent with brian, with queen. instead of leaving the photos in a drawer, they confront you everyday as you sit down to work, and everyday it gets a little bit easier to face your past. as the tears subside, you find yourself laughing whenever you find a new photo of roger’s antics. your heart doesn’t clench as much when you run across another photo of you and brian. you can smile now when you look at his face. he really was so handsome...

you go so far as to frame your favorite photograph of your time together and place it on your dresser. he’s got his arms wrapped around you from behind, his chin settled on the top of your head. you’re laughing, your hands folded on his arms, legs crossed as you tilt to the side. he’s making a face, his tongue stuck out at the camera, and every time you pass by the picture, you can’t help but chuckle.

you love him still. you’ll love him always.

with three weeks before the opening of the exhibit, the stress is starting to get the better of you. you’ve bitten your nails down to the quick, there’s heavy bags under your eyes from lack of sleep, and you can’t remember the last time you consumed something other than coffee. despite the stress, you feel lighter. working through the photos, laying them out in order, writing the captions, pouring over the faces of the ones you love so dearly—it’s all helped ease the burden in your heart. for the first time in a long time, you slip out of bed in the mornings with a newfound sense of energy and purpose.

life will go on. just as you did when you fell into the past, you will find a new future.

arms laden with exhibit proposals and mock-ups, you brush into your local coffee shop—pretty bird—intent on getting some real work done on choosing the final photographs before you send them off to be printed. you order your usual and take a seat by the front. the air which wafts through the open window at your side is warm with spring and rebirth, and you breathe deep, cracking open the lid of your laptop. you manage to pick a total of twelve of the seventy-six needed photographs before you’re interrupted.

“whatcha workin’ on?” matthew, barista extraordinaire and casual acquaintance, sits down on the bench across from you. he has his own cup of cold brew poised between his lips, and the piercing in his eyebrow wiggles as he moves his brow up and down.

“an exhibit for the museum,” you say, pausing to roll your tight shoulders. “it’s my first.”

“do tell!”

you explain, briefly, how to came to acquire your dead aunt’s photographs and the general theme of the showcase. he nods in approval then snaps as if he’s remembered something.

“hold on. stay right there. i’ll be right back.” he puts his coffee down, scoots off of the bench, and darts to the back of the coffee shop. you wait and listen to the sound of the birds twittering outside before he returns with a framed picture in hand. “i just learned about this,” he says, taking his seat again. “this building used to be a disco back in the 70s.” he hands you the frame and points to a collection of people in the middle of a disco bar. “that’s queen. they came here once and somebody had the smarts to take a picture.”

your hands shake around the photograph, eyes darting from one corner of the picture to another.

matthew keeps talking. “the place was called climax. can you believe that? the 70s were fuckin’ wild, mate.”

you nod, lips parted, and skim your fingers over the incredibly tall and recognizable form of brian in the center of the photo. you can see your shoulder, jammed between freddie and crystal, but the rest of your body is obscured. you lift your eyes from the frame and glance around the coffee shop, at the exposed metal beams and vaulted ceilings, at the disco ball still hanging in the center of the room.

makes sense now. why the building had felt so eerily familiar back then.

handing matthew the picture frame, you sit back in your chair. “wonder if my aunt ever came,” you say.

“maybe? sounds like she was in pretty tight. you know who you could ask?” you shake your head, uncertain of matthew’s question. “chris taylor. he was a roadie back then. he’s a regular here. comes in at least twice at week.”

you can’t stop the hand that flies to your mouth in surprise. you try to smother your gasp with a cough, but matthew still stares at you like you’ve sprouted another head.

“you okay?” he asks warily.

nodding, you take a sip of your drink. “yeah, yeah, sorry! wrong pipe.”

“so, do you want to meet him and ask about your aunt?”

everything in you screams to say no. it’s too dangerous. you will surely break the moment you see him. crystal became your lifeline apart from brian during that year. he was your brother, your partner in crime, the one who kept you grounded when things got too wild. just knowing that he’s frequented the same coffee shop as you for the last six months brings tears to your eyes. you could have run into him. hell, you might’ve already. still, you aren’t sure if you’d be able to make it through a proper meeting without spilling your guts and apologizing for the way you left.

“[y/n]?” matthew pulls you from your thoughts. “what do you think?”

you hesitate before shrugging. you speak before you can stop yourself, before the rational and reasonable part of you can take over. god, you need this. if it’s your only opportunity for true closure, you’ll take it. “if he’s up to it then... sure.”

matthew grins. “come in tomorrow. i’ll introduce you!”

that night you toss and turn. you’re plagued with anxiety. will crystal recognize you? if he does, what will he say? will he be angry? what if he tells brian and then—

your bedside alarm goes off just as you fall asleep. it’s a struggle to drag yourself out of bed, but you must. there’s closure somewhere around the corner, and if you just move your ass, you’ll find it. you have one class this morning then your meeting with crystal. you’re jittery by the time you leave class, but you chalk that up to drinking two cups of coffee before leaving your flat and one in class.

it’s drizzling as you make your way to the coffee shop. you hasten your steps, head bent against the rain and fingers curled around the strap of your bag. when you enter the shop, it’s nearly empty aside from a few lonesome students studying in far off corners. you can hear the faint thrill of music over the loudspeakers, but the blood that’s rushing to your ears blocks out most of the melody.

crystal’s already here, leaning against the counter, in conversation with matthew.

you stop in your tracks. he’s bald now, slightly pudgier with age, but he looks every bit as devilish as you remember.

you swallow past the fear in your throat and the anxiety in your veins and step forward. you voice wobbles when you speak. “matthew?” you direct your entrance to your friend because if you come right out and say crystal’s name, you will surely fall over in a puddle of emotion.

“there you are!” matthew jumps over the counter in one easy leap and lands to the floor beside you. he drapes his arm around your shoulders and motions to crystal. “[y/n], i’d like you to meet chris taylor. chris, this is [y/n], the girl i was telling you about.”

crystal’s staring at you through his blue-tinted glasses like he’s seen a ghost. his jaw has gone slack, his mouth opening and closing as he tries to formulate a sentence.

you shove your hand into the space between you. “nice to meet you, mr. taylor.”

looking between matthew and yourself, he gathers himself, clearing his throat, and shakes your hand. “you too.”

“should we sit?” you motion to the same table you occupied the day before. “i can buy you a coffee for your troubles.”

he shakes his head and lifts his cup. “already got mine.”

“all right, well...” you glance at matthew.

“do you want your regular?” he asks.

“yes, please.”

“comin’ right up.”

crystal follows you to the table and sits down, his movements slow. for a moment, you sit in silence and allow his eyes to roam your face. you can’t tell if he knows it’s you or if he thinks it’s just a coincidence. you want to reach out and take the hand he rubs across the bridge of his nose, but you fold your fingers in your lap.

“thank you for agreeing to talk with me,” you finally say.

“you aunt,” he starts.

“yes, my aunt.” you pull a photograph out of your bag. it’s one of the few you took with crystal all those years ago. he’s got you in a headlock, his opposite fist grinding into the top of your skull. you slide the picture across the table. “you knew her?”

crystal lifts the photo, inspects it, before putting it down. he sighs, shaking his head. “i loved that woman. broke my heart when she left.” his gaze lifts from the table. “you look like her, have her name too.”

you look away, out the window at the side. there’s bird fluttering in a puddle on the sidewalk, and you watch it for a moment before turning back to him. “i think my mother loved her a great deal. i didn’t get the chance to know her, though. we only just found these pictures recently.”

his eyes narrow. “i mean, you really look like her.”

you force a smile. “thank you. that’s kind of you.” shifting, you tap your finger on the table. “i know her leaving wasn’t exactly...” you struggle to find the proper word, but he jumps to assist.

“natural?”

“well, i was going to say easy, but—”

“she fuckin’ disappeared! excuse my language.” huffing, he drops back against his chair. “one minute she was there, the next minute she was gone. i swear, i’ve never seen anyone skip town that fast.”

“she didn’t say anything about leaving?”

“why would she? she was engaged! she had no reason to leave that i know of.”

“was she happy?”

“hell yes. her and brian—i’ve never seen two people more fit for one another. brian just about lost his mind trying to find her, but it was like she never existed. strangest thing.” he pauses to take a sip of his coffee, looking askance, before his eyes whiz back to yours. “oh my fucking god.”

you look up, fear sparking in your belly. “what?”

“[y/n]?”

you blink. your head feels dizzy with the way he’s looking at you, like he’s about to jump across the table and throttle you or hug you so tight your insides might squeeze out of your body.

“fuck,” he breathes. “it is you.”

“i don’t know know what you’re—”

“don’t play dumb with me!” he leans across the table and lowers his voice. “i was the one who got you that phony passport, remember? i always wondered why i couldn’t find your credentials. had to lie my way through it until i got the damn thing. you’re lucky everything was so lax in the 70s.” he shakes his head. “how’d you do it?”

there’s part of you that wants to deny, deny, deny.

but it’s crystal. you can’t lie to him any more than you already have.

“i had no choice in the matter,” you say plainly. “one minute i was here, the next minute i was there, and the next minute i was here again.”

his jaw works back and forth as he processes the information. “does brian know?”

“no—and i’d like to keep it that way.”

“i thought we might lose him after you left.”

you twist the ring on your finger. “if i’d had the choice, i would have stayed. i hope you know that.”

crystal nods. “yeah, i do.” he holds your gaze then motions to your bag. “so, this exhibit matthew told me about. you’re publishing all those photos you took?”

“yes. there are some pictures i’ve saved for myself, but my boss, monica, she got permission from the record label to go ahead with the others. it opens in three weeks.”

“i’ll be there if i can. i’d like to see those pictures.”

you smile, your first earnest smile of the day. “you feature many times.”

he ducks his head like an embarrassed schoolboy. “we were thick as thieves, weren’t we?”

“you and roger were thicker, but i’d like to think i had a part to play some of the time.”

he lifts his head and heaves a heavy sigh. “you know, when i said i loved you, i meant it. not in the way brian did. you were like a kid sister to me. i cared for you a great deal.”

before you can stop yourself, you slip your hand across the table to grasp his worn fingers. his shoulders shake on another sigh, and he lifts his opposite hand to wipe at his eyes beneath his glasses.

“oh, crystal. i’m so sorry,” you whisper. it hurts to see him cry, to know that you’re the cause behind his pain.

he waves your apology away, sniffing hard. “i’m just glad to know you’re okay. we thought you might’ve gotten picked up or—” he shakes his head and pats your hand over his, meeting your eyes. “you’re okay, though. that’s what matters.”

“will you really come to my exhibit?”

“anything for you, kid.” he thumbs the underside of your chin with a lopsided grin. “even after all this time, i’m putty in your hands.”

you grin and hand him a business card, which he tucks in the folds of his wallet. rising from his seat, he opens his arms and you practically trip into his hug. he holds you tight for the briefest of moments before pulling back. he pats your cheek.

“i’ll see you in three weeks, yeah? if i stay any longer i’ll end up a sobbin’ mess on the floor.”

you nod. “yeah. and, crystal?” he turns at the door. “don’t tell brian. please.”

he leaves without another word.

the day of the exhibit opening you are equal parts thrilled and a nervous wreck. everyone’s here—your family, rachel, shamik, even matthew. you haven’t seen crystal amidst the crowd mingling in the lobby, but you trust him to show. he’s always been reliable, and you doubt he’ll fail you now.

monica squeezes your shoulder as she passes you by in the staff hallway. “it looks wonderful, [y/n]. consider yourself hired,” she says and hands you a keycard. “i’m going to give you a piece of advice i got when i completed my first exhibit: go have a moment by yourself. look at your work, be proud of it. you deserve it.”

with trembling fingers and a racing heart, you make your way down the corridor to the south exhibit hall. due to a celebratory lunch with rachel the day before, you hadn’t gotten the chance to see the room in its final state. in retrospect, you’re thankful for the chance to see it for the first time alone. at least this way, if you cry, no one will have to know.

the door beeps as it unlocks, and you slip inside the room. you descend the handful of stairs which lead into the showroom floor and suck in a deep breath.

before entering the exhibit, there’s a wall to the side with a simple explanation written in a white font:

queen: unfiltered — this exhibit preserves and presents never-before-seen images of the popular band, queen, through the eyes of an unnamed woman who spent a year traveling the world on queen’s jazz album tour. her images are intimate yet distinctive and offer a personal glimpse into the lives of one of britain’s most well-known bands.

at the far end of the room hang four banners spanning floor to ceiling. the banners wave gently in the air blowing throughout the room, illuminated from lights on the ceiling and floor. each banner hosts an oversized photo of one of the band’s members in an image that best captures their personality. it took you hours to find the right photo for each man, but you stand by your choice for each one.

there’s john on the far left, head bent as he strums the bass across his knee. his lips are pursed in thought, a line of concentration on his brow.

there’s freddie next to him. he stands in a spanish alley way, cradling a stray cat in his arms. he looks serenely on at the camera, a rare moment of simplicity.

there’s brian sat in an overstuffed armchair, his gangly legs crossed, a book open on his lap. he has the corner of his thumb in his mouth, and if you squint you can see the edge of his tongue.

there’s roger on the far right. he’s smiling at the camera, his eyes bright with mischief and joy. there’s a party hat snug on the crown of his head, pulling the skin of his forehead taut.

on opposite sides of the room, two parallel rows of twelve photos hang in neat order. you decided to have every photograph in the exhibit printed in black-and-white and, in all, you painstakingly picked the forty-eight photos featured in their simple white frames. you walk along the wall, hands clasped at your waist, eyes running over the memories you hold so dear.

the afternoon crystal taught you ride a bike in barcelona: you’re sat on the handlebars after a hard fall, mouth open in a squeal of delight as crystal whips toward the camera.

roger and john tossing an apple back and forth in an ottawa grocery store: john’s smile is broad, the apple caught on film midair.

brian sitting on the floor of your hotel suite: there’s a tray of sushi at his feet, and he’s smiling at you, his hair wet from a shower.

freddie playing the piano in the airport in yugoslavia: he’d been so excited to see one, his shoes had slipped on the slick floor as he ran to it. he’d played dramatically, conducting those around him in a horrible rendition of “god save the queen.”

your eyes sting with tears as you glance about the room. you’re proud of your work. it looks good, professional and elegant, but more than that, you’re proud of yourself for the work you’ve done in mending your broken heart. though you will never live the life you’d once dreamed of, you will always have the memories—and that’s got to count for something.

when the double-doors open and monica ushers the first of the patrons in, you slip into the closest bathroom to wipe at the makeup smudged under your eyes. you’re happy, truly so, and you want to celebrate—celebrate both of your lives as they finally come together.

the room is crowded when you reenter, conversation and gentle laughter mingling in the air. you accept a tight hug from rachel when you see her and the congratulations of your parents. you can’t stop smiling, and you’re sure your face will hurt come morning, but it doesn’t really matter, does it?

your parents float away, hand in hand, and you find yourself alone in the center of the room, watching in awe as people you’ve never met look at your photos, at your memories, and nod in appreciation. your chest swells with an emotion you can’t place.

“i think this calls for a congratulations. you’ve outdone yourself, dove.”

you whirl on your heel, lip caught between your teeth in a poorly-concealed smile. “you came.”

crystal grins. the tie of his suit is rumbled and askew, and you reach out to straighten it. old habits die hard. “i said i would.”

“what do you think?”

“i think it’s fantastic. the lads would be proud.”

“maybe.” you shrug. “guess we’ll never know.”

“are you really so intent on staying hidden forever?”

you nod. “yes. it took everything in me to even talk to you. i don’t want to ruin their lives again by popping back up, especially because i’m not exactly old, am i?”

crystal laughs, shaking his head. “you must think you’re hot stuff if a simple hello could ruin a life.” his laughter fades into a simple smile. “now, i know you’re going to hate me and i’m willing to take that, but i did tell a certain someone about the exhibit.”

you can feel the blood drain from your face. “crystal, you didn’t.”

he winces. “i might’ve.”

you slap his arm and curl your fingers into his bicep. “you bastard!”

he holds up his hands in defense, decent enough to plaster a look of contrition on his face. “look, i didn’t tell him the context or what tipped me off. i just told him there was a new exhibit about queen and he was eager to come see. that’s all!”

you swallow hard, uncertain how to respond. “i—” your head twists back and forth in utter confusion. “i don’t know what to do.”

crystal’s face softens, and he nudges your shoulder. “go talk to him. he deserves that much, doesn’t he?”

you can’t argue with that.

giving crystal’s arm a grateful squeeze, your legs shake beneath you as you turn and see him—brian—across the room.

you don’t know how you didn’t see him before. even now, forty years later, he’s still unmistakeable: still tall, still gangly, but his hair has gone white and his strides are slower. the overwhelming urge to tear across the room and curl yourself around his back nearly overpowers you, but you shove it down and manage to cross the floor in slow, even steps. you keep your eyes glued to his back, your hands twitching at your sides. when you reach him and catch a faint whiff of his cologne, the same he wore all those years ago, you have to push back the tears that rise unbidden to your eyes.

you tap his shoulder. “dr. may?”

he circles around, as does his wife anita, her arm snug in his elbow.

brian blinks hard, his brow furrowed in confusion. for a moment, you let him stare at you as you stare right back. his eyes are the same. you’d thought they’d be different, but they aren’t. the realization stuns you silent.

anita glances between you both before smiling sweetly. “good evening, sweetheart,” she says, and her voice is so kind you can’t even summon the slightest bit of jealousy. “i’m afraid i didn’t catch your name.”

“oh, i’m sorry!” you laugh and find that smiling at anita isn’t hard. “my name’s [y/n] [y/l/n]. i created the exhibit. i thought i might come and introduce myself.”

“oh, how lovely!” anita claps her hands together. “what you’ve done is so beautiful, [y/n]. it’s nearly brought a tear to my eye.”

“that’s very kind of you, ma’am.”

“brian likes it too. don’t you, brian?”

he still can’t seem to formulate any sort of response. he’s frozen in place, and your heart lurches for him. to see the woman he’d once asked to marry him, the one so cruelly ripped away, while standing next to his wife... precisely why you never wanted to meddle in his current affairs.

finally, he seems to collect himself. he sucks in a deep breath and nods in agreement. “yes, i do. very much.”

“that means a lot,” you say, easing your smile back into place. “thank you.”

“i’ll leave you two to talk to for a moment. i see crystal hovering in the corner over there, and i’m sure you both have many questions for one another.” anita presses her hand on your arm as she passes. “lovely job, dear.”

she leaves, and you’re left alone with the greatest love of your life.

you wait for him to speak.

“you’re... alive?” it’s a question, not a statement.

“yes.”

“you’re the same age?”

“yes.”

“how did—” he shakes his head. “i don’t understand.”

“neither do i.”

his chin quivers slightly, and he looks away. “i thought you’d been taken or decided to—”

you dare to touch his arm. a spark jolts through your fingers at the slightest touch, but you hold firm. “nothing happened,” you explain. “other than nature righting her mistake.”

“i think—i think i need to sit down.”

“yes, of course. my office is down the hall. it’s quiet there.”

he nods and leans against your arm as you lead him down the hall. in the silence of your dimly lit office, he collapses to the loveseat beneath the window and drops his face to his hands. you hesitate in the doorway until he looks up. tears shimmer in his eyes, and you swallow hard, your smile wavering around the edges.

he stands then, crosses the floor, and cradles your face in his hands. “my god,” he breathes. “it really is you.”

with a laugh, you hold his wrists. “in the flesh.”

“how long’s it been?” his thumb works over your cheekbone and, though you know he should stop, you can’t bring yourself to step away from his touch.

“about seven months.”

he snorts. “try forty years.”

“you seem like you did well for yourself, though.”

he shrugs. “i suppose.”

“you’re happy?”

there’s a heavy pause before he says, “yes.”

“that’s all i want to hear.”

slipping out of his grasp, you put a modicum of space between you both. the air is thick with emotion, and your heart beats wildly against your chest. the love you thought you’d put to bed flares at the mere sight of him, even after all this time.

you drift your finger through the sand of your tabletop zen garden. “i told crystal not to tell you about me,” you admit.

“he didn’t—not in so many words.”

“i know. i’m glad he said something, though.” you pause, meet his gaze. “it’s so good to see you, bri.”

quiet falls over the room as he stares at you. you don’t squirm. you’re comfortable under his gaze, always have been.

“i hope you know i never stop looking,” he says. “even after anita, i kept trying to find you. just to know.”

“and i hope you know that i would do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant i got to be with you even for a time.”

your phone vibrates on the desk, skidding across your oversized calendar. you reach for the phone and flip it over before slipping it in the purse hung over your desk chair.

“i’ve got to go,” you admit, crossing to his side. “i’ve actually got a date.”

to your surprise, his eyes crinkle with amusement. “i’m happy to hear it.” he lifts a hand and smooths back the hair from the side of your face. he looks at you with all the love he did forty years ago, and you wish you could take a picture to remember forever.

but then you remember: you have dozens of photos at home, and it doesn’t seem too hard to let him go now. not after the work you’ve put into mending your heart. you can face this, face saying goodbye for good. you have to, for his sake and your own.

rising to your tiptoes, you place a hand on his shoulder and kiss the corner of his mouth—one last touch, for you both. you wind your arm around his neck and whisper in his ear, “i love you, brian may. i always will.”

he squeezes you hard against his body, sucking in a ragged breath. “i love you too, [y/n].”

dropping back to your heels, you huff a breath and smile wide. “well, i’d better go.”

“yes, you’d better. don’t keep the lad waiting.”

you bite the inside of your cheek, your hand lingering on his. “okay, well... goodbye, brian.”

he smiles, and it’s the loveliest sight you’ve ever seen. he brushes you cheek with the back of his hand, whispering, “see you later, love.”

dipping out the back of the museum, you walk down the street, purse slung over your shoulders. you think you’ll be able to sleep well for the first time in a long time tonight.

you hope he can, too.

~*~*~*

taglist: @bhmay @grigorlee @teenagepeterpan @just-my-sickly-pride @perriwiinkle @ubernoxa @anunknownnebula @coincidence-ithinknots-blog @captvinswaan @ineloqueent

#brian may #brian may x reader #brian may fic #brian may x you #queen #queen fic #queen x reader #j writes

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lucybronzey · 4 years

Text

missed you - paul mescal

author’s note: it has been AGES since i have been on tumblr and actually written something! so as i wanted to take my anger out and take a break from my uni work, i thought why not write a little imagine? forgive me, i’m also a bit rusty at creative writing right now. furthermore, thank you lovely anon for the idea and maybe this one will have many parts, you never know! feedback is always welcomed!

pairing: paul mescal x female reader

warnings: strong language, lowercase letters (i think i have explained it before but this warning is mostly for readers who have dyslexia and it can trigger them quite often so yeah), grammar mistakes (note that, i am using geordie slang in this story), mention of blood and alcohol

somewhere in london, england. 9:04am.

the morning sunshine peaked through between two sheets of curtains. the morning hustle, buses passing, cars beeping their horns in the city of london was not a new thing. but it was much more different to the quiet and elegant sounds of dublin where you had spent your university years beforehand. london was a city where you found the first career path - although you had studied media with communications and society and finno-ugric languages aside, you had found job in music production area. you studied finno-ugric languages because of your parents as your mum is estonian and your father is estonian-born irish man. 24 years of being alive, never in million years you had thought of having a career in the area but oh well, it suits you more than perfect.

you groaned when the rays of the sun started to shine on your face. “bloody hell,” you muttered to yourself. you checked your phone to check time: 9:04 am. it was not too early or late to wake up but you thought to yourself, is it worth it to wake up that early on saturday morning? nevertheless, you had few plans in your mind that needed to be done, such as calling your brother tristan as he and his boyfriend william wanted to meet up with you.

you dragged yourself out from the bed and wiped away the sleeping dust from your eyes. yawning, you took out a pair of trousers from the closet and put them so you would not feel the cold morning breeze coming through the window cracks. as if every british apartment was never made of steel but fragile wood. you walked into the kitchen, filled the kettle with water and turned the electric thing on. while taking out a mug and throwing in some coffee grounds and sugar, you were lost in your thoughts, again.

“is it weird but am i being delusional if i say it in my head but like i fucking dislike tea? the minging taste of it, disgusting. i would rather down a bottle of sambuca before i drink some tea with milk again.” to add a note, not all people like tea.

the kettle stopped boiling, you poured some hot water into the mug and stirred the ingredients together. after shaking up the stuff in the mug, you took a relaxed position to sit on the sofa. the great aroma coming from the cup made you feel a bit soothed and more relaxed.

after finishing your cuppa, you came up with an idea to buy some groceries. it sounded very dull to-do but you couldn’t leave your guests starving and craving for some shit quality of tap water. you were in a need of wine and good cheese and crisps. you did your light makeup - some mascara and eyebrow pencil lines here and there - and dressed into better clothes - sea blue coloured hoodie, (un)comfortable bra and underwear, grey joggers (the most british thing ever) and black socks - and you were ready to leave to get some scran!

living in the big city for 2 years now, you were lucky enough that you had a huge food shop around the corner from your apartment. tesco extra was the best shop, no lies there! sometimes you were very lucky to meet up with your co-workers because they could not be arsed to shop in waitrose or sainsbury’s and grab some expensive as hell stuff from there.

taking the basket, you took the way to alcohol aisle. you can imagine how many liters of alcohol were “laying” on the shelves and how versatile the choices were. you scanned through the white wine shelves, grabbing three bottles of good pinot grigio and chardonnay. you read the labels of pinot grigio from the bottle, the text was describing the variation of tastes that the wine has. you were knocked on your shoulder for some reason. taking your eyes from the label and looking at the person who tipped on your shoulder, you squinted your eyes for few seconds, trying to put the picture together of the person who was standing next to you. you recognised the familiar face from teenage and uni years.

“hi y/n, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!” the man smiled at you.

“oh my, paul! nice to see you,” you hugged him. paul was your brother’s best friend. “i haven’t seen you for ages although i have managed to peak now and then the telly and see you on there! how are you doing?” you placed the wine into the basket.

“haha, i’m glad! it’s been hectic roller coaster ride so far but looks like i’m doing alright. how about yourself? weird to see you in london, though,” his piercing blue eyes were absolutely gorgeous that made you get butterflies.

“yeah, not too bad - been here for two years now, thought tristan told you,” you giggled silently “which reminds that i’m meeting with him and william today. you know his boyfriend, right?”

“of course, i remember them, such great lads! well, i didn’t know that they were meeting up with you because he told me that we are going to visit someone but he didn’t tell me so i assume, for now, that we are coming to your place,” paul smirked, putting back the wine that he had already took. “i guess, we don’t need more that then.”

you told me him that it was absolutely fine, “you can take it! the more, the merrier and messier,” you laughed. “but yeah, as they wanted to give a little visit before they head back to newcastle, they though let’s give a lil sis a knock on the door and get her drunk.”

paul was very amused by the chitchat talk as he was very much enjoying that. he hadn’t lost the irish charm in him.

“anyways, i believe, i will see you later then?” you needed to buy some scran as you had to clean up the mess in your apartment before the people arrive.

“definitely. it was so lovely to see you here, in the middle of tesco though haha,” paul gave you a hug and let to finish your food trip. you hugged him back and let him to do his own stuff. this literally made your day already. not lying to your true self but you and paul had been very good friends thanks to tristan but both of your ways went in different direction. paul took up the acting, landed on various tv shows and films that are now worldwide known and highly appreciated by the critics and you were a music producer for many singers who are touring all around the world.

man, the man paul was a hot mess. to elaborate your thoughts, you couldn’t lie to yourself that you did like paul more than as a friend but you never thought you would meet with him again.

still in london, england but the time is in the evening, 5:07pm.

you managed to overcome your laziest fear - cleaning - and bring up the squeaky clean apartment of yours. you added some decorations, such as candles and led lights on the wall, around the room to give out the good vibes. the wines were in the fridge, getting cold. different sorts of cheeses were set aside on plates, some grapes, strawberries, crackers and crisps were waiting to be eaten off on the coffee table. your apartment was not that big as you can imagine, it was standard, average size.

the doorbell rang. you jolted a bit, it is a never-ending joke for you how frightening the sound of the bell is. you took a quick look from the mirror, flattening some pieces of your hair, and gave yourself a little smile with a small sigh. you opened the door and the excitement level just rocketed into the sky. seeing your brother after a few months, it just made you the happiest sibling, well, included tristan, too.

“oi, you g, give your brother a hug!” tristan approached with the sassiest walk into the hallway and gave you the best sibling hug ever. after that, you hugged william who is literally the most fashionista lad ever. the irish lad himself, paul, appeared from the corner of the entrance, looked up and down while you were hugging william. you gave a hugging position so paul can approach you and lean into the hugging as well.

“so, y/n, i heard you saw paul in the shop today,” tristan gave you a bouquet of tulips, your favourite flower, and their bottle of wine.

“jokes on you, i did, surprisingly. although, i never thought that living here for two years i would meet him again. it was a lovely surprise though,” you explained the meeting with him. paul was chuckling, putting his bought wine bottle next to the food plates. you could notice that he could not stop blushing. it was something that made you blush as well.

tristan was too desperate to open the first bottle of wine so you took out of the glasses and let him to open the alcoholic drink. he poured the glasses to the fullest, knowing that tristan absolutely loved to see you being drunk and spill all the truth out and banter stuff. it was the truth - the youngest sibling was being the alcoholic of the family.

you all took a seat around the coffee table and set aside your wine glasses. william was leaning his head on tristan’s shoulder to feel some comfort from him. it just seemed so cute and adorable to you. you admitted to yourself that you wanted to do that with paul but it would have been so damn awkward because you two were just friends.

“so, y/n, spill some tea then! i heard that you and sam fender are thing or what?” tristan had to bring out some bullshit banter that was not true at all. paul did not look very pleased to hear it and his facial impression just looked so frustrated.

“nee, man, this is canny bullshit story that goes around! i would never date a lad who i am producing the music for. but hey, lad has a great potential and shit to show out, he is an absolute class lad, always having a good banter with him. few pints there and then whenever i hop by the toon.”

tristan took a sip to it, paul just stared outside the window. you drank another glass of wine and poured more into it. as half estonian, you had a very high tolerance for alcohol but you could already feel the wine hitting you in the head.

you took a huge gulp and could feel the liquid going down in your throat.

“so, paul, we are all very interested to know how is your acting career is going on,” your interest grew more and more as the wine was really doing things with you. tristan was just laughing at you because he knew that what kind of fucked up mess you would become if you have had so much. in addition, the weird geordie side of yours started to appear and the words started to get lost in the translation. you never had the irish accent in your language, for some reason, it sounded more like very midlands-ish.

“very funny, y/n!” his irish accent just sounded like a melody to you. “well, currently, i’m working on this new project that will come out, hopefully, next year but as we know, the lockdown last year just did some fuckery with the production so we are waiting on some other stuff right now. other than that, been just trying to go to the gym and hang out with my family.”

you nodded and listened peacefully, although you did not seem to feel and see it, your face was grinning really bad. it almost looked like you were about to pass out. paul was just giggling at that. tristan and william were just nipping the cheese and throwing them into each other’s mouths. it was like a circus, their relationship was just endearing.

william was starting to get very annoying with tristan and wanted to leave as they had to catch their train back to newcastle in the morning. paul wanted to help you to clean the plates but you insisted that he did not have to do it. well, obviously, you were pretty much in your tipsy state so washing and polishing the plates would have been a bit hard work for you.

you took the empty glasses and as wonky as your walk was, you dropped one of the glasses and of course, broke it. in addition to that, you managed to cut your feet with it.

“for fuck’s sake!” you slurred out your shout. the blood was dripping slowing on the floor and you just sat down, watching it to slide down your skin. paul squatted down and put pressure on it with a clean towel. it was matter of time when the bleeding stopped. you looked at him, absolutely in awe.

“thank you! i am so clumsy, i am sorry!”

“don’t worry, you might have had a bit of overdrinking but happens to best of us,” paul cleaned up the floor from the drops of blood and tried to put on a pressure again on your feet. your body tilted a bit which gave a warning sign to paul. he gently placed your head on his shoulder so you could support yourself.

“you are such a gentleman, paul! i might be very drunk, i will remember everything i say,” you hiccuped between the last words, “but i am being very honesty here. i truly missed you. i never understood nor will understand why you did not think that we will not work out. it just baffles me to this day. am i really that ugly bitch, that ugly piece of fat shit?” tears were running down your cheeks. you knew that alcohol was not the best thing to you because it hyped up your depressive side and that was not good.

“why would you ever say words like that? y/n, you are not ugly piece of fat shit or bitch. i think i was just very stupid that i chose elizabeth to you. i realised it after you had already gone to london or i don’t know to where but i lost you. and y/n, you are so beautiful and i missed you too. i’m glad i saw you today,” he gave me a kiss on my forehead. he took the towel off the skin and put some plaster on it. furthermore, he cleaned up the pieces. you took your way to your bedroom to get changed. while changing into more comfortable clothes, paul was admiring the view that he saw - a beautiful female goddess standing in front of him.

“do you maybe want to stay? i would not mind that at all,” you shuffled under the cold sheets. paul sighed but agreed to stay. “come next to me, please?”

“yeah, sure,” it was a short answer but it was something that you wanted to hear. paul laid down next to you, taking you under his arm and cuddling with you. you slowly drifted into a deep sleep as the alcohol did its work.

#mine #my edit #masterlist #paul mescal #paul mescal imagine #normal people #connell waldron

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harryskalechips · 4 years

Text

Too bad I’m attracted to you Part 2

A/n Hello I am back with this fat update. You know reading part 1 made me feel a bit bummy, I thougt it was poorly written. I hope this one isn’t as shitty. Anyways, enjoy today’s post has smut, fluff and a lot of angst hahaha

Part 1

Word count: 7336

2 years later.

Winter

“Large Iced Caramel coffee for Adeline!” The barista yells out in the busy coffee shop. I make my way through the busy crowd to pick up my order.

“Thank you.” I smile sweetly as I head straight out the door. Today was a busy day, I had just finished my 2nd lecture and I knew I had to make my way home now to study or else I’m going to fall back down in a rabbit hole of binge-watching my favourite show on Netflix.

I gather my phone and coffee in one hand as I rummage through my purse to find my keys to the apartment I lived in. I wouldn’t say I came from a rich family but my parents were hard workers who had very comfortable positions in their careers that they were able to get me an apartment near campus. The only con about this place? It was a constant reminder of the man who changed me.

He wasn’t able to help me move in here but he sure was with me when I first visited this empty place. He inspired me and helped me picture how this place would come alive. He left small details of himself everywhere in my life that it was hard to not notice them.

“Do you need a hand?” The soft brunette smiled at me as she watched me try to open the main door. I was guessing she was a visitor since she didn’t have a set of her own keys. I nod my head silently as she lets out a small laugh. She takes her hand out as I pass her my coffee and try to slip my phone in the backside of my jeans. I swiftly find my keys and open the door for us.

“Thank you!” I give her an embarrassed expression as she hands me back my coffee. “I’m sorry, I’ve opened the door many times this way I guess today was just not my luck.” She laughs and takes her purple beanie off and shoves it in her trench coat.

“It’s alright, my financé thinks he can multitask all the time too yet he’s only lucky once in a while.” I laugh at her comment out of politeness. Just as she mentioned her engagement, I noticed the simple diamond resting on her finger.

“So do you live here?” I ask to kill the awkward silence as we walk into the elevators.

“No, I’m actually just here to visit my friend.” I nod my head silently, waiting for the digits on the wall to reach 11.

“This is my floor, I got to go. It was nice meeting you though!” I wave at her as I walk out. She probably thought I was a teenager living with my parents considering how I was dressed. I had my own beanie on, with the maple leafs logo on the front. I had my dyed blonde hair in braids as I carried my thick tote with my laptop inside. I also forgot to mention how I was wearing my doc martens and my teddy coat. Yes, I definitely still dressed like a basic white girl.

Some days I feel lonely in the apartment when it’s late at night and I’m studying or if I want to watch a movie before bed. I try to talk to my friends as much as I can. My best friend from high school Mya was still my best friend but it’s hard to keep in contact with her when she’s at another university living her best life. I talk to Rachel and Sam but they’re both in and out of their houses and I only really get to catch up with them if we were in class or if we were studying together. It’s not like I’ve always been the type to be a social butterfly, I always preferred a tiny circle of company than a big one. Things did start to change however after I decided to cut the attachment I had with the man I once knew. I tried to numb the pain and isolation by going to parties. I tried hooking up with guys and I did but I know full well now that I regret it…. I regret everything.

Sometimes I wished I never asked the man for help, to be mentored. Maybe, I wouldn’t feel so fucked up as I am today.

After my relationship with him ended, I felt undesired as if I was unlovable. My parents didn’t notice a thing but my sister, Marla did. Coming home from his place that night made me scrub my skin in the shower until it was fiery red, until my body and my mind screamed at my heart to stop. I began to wonder about my last moments as a senior in high school.

Did I feel violated? No.

Did I feel regretful? Yes… no… I don’t know

Did I feel used? Yes. Definitely yes.

I know you can’t force one to love you the way you love them but that night when he told me he didn’t expect us to be together as I entered University, I knew I had to leave. Why? As a young naive teenager, I believed he was the one man in my life who would ever make me feel this way. Yet, all he did was fail me and show me that our relationship wasn’t worth jack shit. Funny thing was I had no clue that the girl I met in the foyer was going to link me back to him.

“Hi! Excuse me, I don’t know if you remember me?” The voice of a familiar girl calls out my attention as I enter the building. I stomp the snow off my boots to look at the girl. She was standing in front of the couches with the pretty abstract paintings on the wall. I walk over to her and smile as I take my left airpod out and put it back in its case.

“Yeah, I do what’s up?” She had an anxious look on her face. Should I keep talking to this girl or was it kind of suspicious how very approaching she was to others? She seems really nice though.

“I’m sorry to bother you but is there any way you can sit with me until my fiancé arrives to come and pick me up?” I give her a confused face. “Here sit down I’ll explain.” I take my tote off my shoulder and sit beside her.

The unnamed girl today was wearing a sleek leather jacket while I sat next to her in just my tights and my parka. “My name is Valerie by the way.”

“Adeline,” I reply back shortly.

“My fiancé has been calling me for hours and I thought I left my phone at my house so I never bothered to check my bag to see it in there. I stayed here at my friend’s place and my fiancé found out. Let’s just say he’s angry because he knows my friend here isn’t a good friend at most times to me.” As she continued to ramble on, I was so confused as to why this girl was in such a messy position. “Is there any way you can pretend to be my friend? I promise I have good intentions, I just don’t want my fiancé to know I was here with Kacey. That’s the friend I’m talking about.”

“Um, sure?” Her fiancé was mad about her hanging out with her friend? Seems like a bad fish that needs to be let back into the sea, in my opinion.

A familiar range rover pops in front of the glass doors at the same time I look up. I notice the unfamiliar guy barely parking his car as he tries to catch the door of the person who unlocked it to get in. He had a beanie on and the hood of his jacket was on, I couldn’t see what he looked like.

“Valerie.” The familiar voice called out, my ears perking up to the sound, knowing how I once was so in love with him. I used to remember the way he spoke and the way he sounded. I listened to it all year long.

He seemed angry as he marched his way in determination towards us. What the fuck did I get myself into? I keep my gaze on the floor as I watch Valerie in my peripheral view stand up to go hug him.

“I’m sorry honey, My friend Adeline and I went on a walk around the area, I left my phone in her apartment.” With that, I look up to see him as I catch him already looking at me.

It’s been two years and he looks so different. He seemed more broader now and he was growing a little scruff. He looked older yet he seemed to carry that aura that I once found security in. His arm was wrapped around Valerie as his other one just laid against the side of his body. I try to mask my face as I stand up to walk towards him. I give a fake smile and glance at Valerie… his fiancée

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Adeline.” He gulps and nods at me.

“I’m Harry.” He pauses and glances at Valerie. “How did you two meet?” I stand there, dumbfounded. Little did he know I was covering for his finacée.

“Adeline and I met down at the coffee shop a block from here!” Valerie interjects and moves her weight onto Harry. “Anyways, Adeline it was nice spending time with you and getting to know more about your brother in the military. I think Harry and I should get going though.” The humour in all of this was both Harry and I knew I didn’t have a brother. Just a sister.

Yeah Valerie, good luck digging yourself out of this one.

I nod my head silently and watch as they both walk out. He opened the door for her, the same like he used to do for me. I noticed how fidgety he became as if the anger he felt for Valerie was no longer important. I’m pretty sure he’ll deal with her lying another time. As he makes his way around the car, he glances once more time at me to see if I was still there. I was. He started the car and drove off in a flash leaving me alone with my heart beating so fast

In my apartment now rushing in without a care in the world, I toss my bag onto the floor and rummage through the drawer of my nightstand looking for my inhaler. Fuck, where was it! Freshman year of university was tough for me. I was going through a heartbreak, the anxiety of exams were weighing on me, and I couldn’t get myself to trust people after a long time. This time, I saw him again. What did I expect? I mean I live near him too. I’m just surprised that I never caught him in the local grocery store or something. Now? He’s engaged. My first love is engaged. He found someone to love and it wasn’t me!

As I continue to toss things out onto my bed, I find my inhaler in the depths of the drawer, I pull it out and without another second, I press the button letting the air blow into me. I sit on my bum and rests my back on the side of the bed, taking in deep breaths as I unzip my jacket. Why am I broken?

…

My buzzer wakes me up as I try to snuggle more into my white sheets. I wasn’t expecting anyone who could it be? Still dressed in my tights and a loose tee, I get up and press on the mic of the electronic pad.

“Hello?” I can’t help but yawn.

“It’s um Harry.” I pause for a moment to think. What is he doing here? We haven’t talked in 2 years but how does he remember which apartment I was in? Why is he here tonight?

“Yeah, What can I do for you?” my voice turned more cold.

“Can I come up and uh talk to you?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I rest my forehead on my wall.

“I have to talk to you.”

“You had 2 years to do that.” One part of me knew he wasn’t going to come up here but another part of me was begging to see him, that maybe I can get closure and move on with my life. He is engaged after all, it’s not like he’s here to seduce me.

“Adeline, please.” The softness in his voice made my mind go crazy. I remember the days when he used to use that tone with me all the time. How special I felt knowing none of my classmates knew that behind the teacher who gave us endless papers to write, there was a real softie, a real hopeless romantic.

“Alright, come up.” Without another moment, I cleaned up my tiny place as fast as I could. It was easy since I was pretty neat but tonight will be his first impression of me after 2 years. After fluffing my living room pillows, I sprint into my room to toss on a UFT sweater and brush my hair as I let it down from the messy bun it’s been in all day. The expected knocks scare me as I set my brush down and make my way to the front door. Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was just about 9 pm.

“Hey.” I smile softly as I open the door wider to let him in. Don’t show him how fucked up you are. My brain screams at me as I get a whiff of his cologne. It’s been two years and you don’t care about what happened! I try to chant to myself as I observe him looking around my apartment.

“Wow, your place is just what I’d expect it to be.” He unzips his jacket and rests on the futon beside my door.

“Yeah, would you like some tea? You can just sit on the couches.”

“Alright, thank you.” I move quickly into the kitchen making his tea, trying to ignore the feelings I have after making eye contact with him once again.

As I walked back into the living room, I noticed he was sitting while holding a frame of me with Rachel and Sam during orientation day. I place the tea on the coffee table in front of him and sit beside him, making sure to keep my distance.

“So orientation camp huh?” He smiles still looking at the picture.

“Yeah.” I smile as I look at it too. That smile was real, it was one of the first moments in my life where I didn’t care about what happened at the end of high school graduation. He sets the picture and mumbles a thank you while taking the blue clay mug and taking a sip of it.

“Still remember how I like it.” He compliments and sets the mug back down. “Did someone make this for you?” I glanced at the detail he was looking closely at. It had a handwritten sentence on it. The days have always been dark in our favour but I would change that for you.

“Yeah, my friend Chase did.” It was a gift he made me after I decided to cool down our friends with benefits status. He was willing to give me more but I wasn’t ready. I’m still not.

“He seems like a poet.'' The man bites his inner cheek and clenches his jaw, not too noticeable but I caught on.

“He has a way with words.” Not like you though, my mind had thought as I went through a mini flashback of listening to his love letter for me the first time.

It was summer and just as the days grew longer so did my time with Harry. Lying to my parents I was going to sleep over at Mya’s but instead I was at my teacher’s house. He seemed to be too focused on a letter he was writing while I laid on his couch playing a stupid game on my phone. His soft voice called me to get my attention.

“Baby,” He looks up to see me sprawled in my short shorts and a tank top. “I wrote a letter and I was wondering if you can tell me if it sounds good.”

“Who’s it for?” I sit up and toss my phone onto the couch as I make my way to sit in his lap.

“For you.” He holds onto me lovingly as he starts to read the letter. I close my eyes and rest my head on top of his, trying to remember this night.

“I’m sure you do too.” The man interrupts my thought as he looks at me. “How’s the university life, you’re in the second year right?”

“Yeah, two more and I’m out of school.” I shrug my shoulders and play with the split ends of my hair. “Still teaching at Clement’s?”

“Yeah. I'm not teaching English anymore though, I’m teaching history.”

“Oh, that’s something new. At least you get to use your history minor.” He laughs and shakes his head. I just began to observe what he was wearing. He was wearing a grey long sleeve and blue jeans. Guess some things stay the same.

“Valerie lied to me today. I came here because I wanted to know the truth before confronting her.”

“Ha-” I pause, he looks uncomfortable as I continue on. “Never knew you were the type to be possessive. You shouldn’t be like that, especially to your finacée.”

“You don’t understand, whatever she told you, I have a reason to act this way.”

“Why then?”

“First tell me why she was here.” Harry pleads. We both sit up more as I let him know.

“We met in the coffee shop and we became Fri-”

“Adeline, please tell me. Have you seen her in this building multiple times?” He asks as I can feel his frustration seeping through.

“Yes, why?”

“Fuck!” He mutters as he stands up abruptly. “Fuck!”

“Ha-... What’s wrong?!” He looks at me immediately as he sits back down beside me.

“You can’t say my name.” He calls me out. “Adeline, say my name!” I give him nothing but a blank look. He rubs his face in desperation.

“It doesn’t matter, I’m just petty. I don’t feel-”

“Why do women always lie to me!” Harry interrupts me. “Did I fuck you up so bad, you can’t even say my name?” He looks at me with tears in his eyes. “Please tell me.” I nod silently as he closes his eyes. “Feels like karma you know? After letting you go, I thought I would never be happy again until I met Valerie last year at a club.” He glances at me as I sit there quietly, letting him continue. “Want to know a funny thing? I caught her in this apartment two months ago sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. She had her locations on and when she called me, I was so confused so I searched for his name on the list downstairs. Stood outside for hours until she came out of his apartment with hickeys all over her.”

“I still don’t know why I asked her to marry me last month. She begged me to stay with her and I just thought that maybe we deserved each other because we both like to sabotage our own relationships.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper to him as I move forward to rub my palm on his back.

“She’s still cheating on me.”

“I know.” And without another moment, he turns towards me and hugs me into his arms. All the anger in me dissolving because of his story, because of this moment. “I’m sorry.”

Spring

The club was very busy tonight and after waiting in line to get in, all I wanted to do was go back out and probably sleep in my bed.

“So you couldn’t hang out with us yesterday because you and Harry had dinner?” Rachel asked me earlier while we were in line going in. All Rachel and Sam knew were that Harry was my ex-boyfriend and we dated for 6 months.

“Yeah.” They didn’t know that Harry and I have been spending a lot of time together after he ended his relationship with Valerie. Valerie didn’t know anything about us, which was nice. I didn’t want her to get angry at me but I also knew she deserved it. My newly formed friendship with Harry, however, as beneficial as it was strictly platonic. It’s been two months and I feel like my mental health has improved. Maybe if Harry decides to leave my life again, I’ll be okay. I also learned how to say his name again without feeling my heart hurt. The times now have been good, I’ve been good

“Still can’t understand how you felt so in love with him, only after dating for 6 months,” Sam called out as we entered the club. She didn’t know what Mya knew. I ended up telling her at the end of summer when the break up happened. Mya told me I was 100 percent reasonable because I was involved in a serious relationship for the first time in my life.

“Hey, that guy has been eyeing you for a while,” Rachel smirks at me as she points discreetly at the cute blonde guy glancing at me while talking to his friends. I make eye contact with him and smile. As the night was still young, he made his way over to me. After a few more drinks, I knew my mission was to bring him over to mine

...

As I wake up in my sheets alone, my head pounds making me groan. Sitting up, I noticed I was in the unnamed boy’s polo. After brushing my teeth and using the toilet in my ensuite, I headed out to realize the ruckus was coming from my living room.

“Good morning beautiful.” The blond boy smiles as he sits at the dining table eating breakfast take out. “Your friend is here by the way.” He nods his head to the kitchen. As I walk into the room, the tiles sting the bottom of my feet. There, I see a pissed Harry making tea.

“Hey.” I tuck my hair behind my ear as I’m surprised he’s here. He looks at me and passes the mug into my hand without another word. “Thanks. How did you get here?”He looks behind him to see the boy eating while watching something on his phone. The unnamed boy seemed to be around my age.

“Thought I would get us some breakfast since I hadn’t heard from you yesterday but Jamie here buzzed me in without a word. Came here then he took your breakfast so he could eat. You can have min-”

“Thanks.” I smile and take a sip of the tea. “I think he should go though I didn’t even know his name until you mentioned it.” Together, we walk out and I notice Jamie finishing his container or mine.

“Thanks, Henry! Breakfast was delicious.” Harry widens his eyes then nods quietly.

“Jamie, is it alright you leave now? Harry and I have somewhere to be.” I ask nicely as he stands up and cleans up after himself.

“Yeah angel, just let me get my shirt back then I’ll be out doing my walk of shame.” He smirks as he watches me. I glance at Harry who seems to be angry again.

After Jamie leaves and Harry and I sit together on my couch using two forks sharing his bacon and eggs, he speaks up. “So that’s what you were doing yesterday huh?”

“Yeah.” My cheeks flush as I purposely only eat the yolk of the eggs, knowing Harry hates that part.

“I know it’s not my business but do you have one night stands a lot?”

“Um. last year I only had three then Chase and I had benefits until this year, after that Jace… I mean Jamie has been the last one.”

“Oh.” He says silently. “That’s cool.”

“Don’t you have one night stands a lot?” I tease as I take a sip of his coffee since my mug is empty.

“You know I'm not really keen on those. Before you, I wasn’t really into it. After you, I fell into some deep hole so yeah I did. Valerie’s my last.” I nod and glance at the quiet TV. “You know the year when you left, I was a really mean teacher. Mrs. Raisell had to speak to me and ask me to pass all my students because ⅔ were failing.”

“Maybe they deserved to fail?” I shrug my shoulders and laugh.

“No, I was purposely marking hard.”

“Are you still hurt about Valerie?”

“If I’m being honest with you, I was waiting for something to break us up. I couldn’t imagine marrying her.”

“Why not?”

“Always pictured it would be you.”

Summer

Today was going to be my first day entering Harry’s house again. I was nervous but the thing that kept my spirits up was that I was going in with Harry and the broken part of me was fixed once again. To me, it didn’t matter that Harry broke me because he fixed it, at least I have his presence here again and I don’t feel lonely anymore.

“We’re here.” Harry smiles as he steps out to open my door. I glanced at his house that seemed to bring comfort to my heart as I saw Harry nod his head for me to follow him. After locking his car, we enter his house. It smelled the same and looked just a bit different. I noticed how there were fixed holes in the wall, some of his books were missing from the shelf, and he had new windows and a new TV.

“Did Valerie change some things around here while you guys were together?” I ask as I take off my shoes and sit with him in the living room. I used to remember staying in here and cuddling him. Sometimes, I would ask him to edit my essays. He would tell me all these tips but I would drown him out, pretending to listen yet my attention was on the TV show he was watching.

“Actually, No. Valerie and I were only together for 4 months plus we were never really here. We spent most of our time at hers.” He sits down and turns the TV on.

“What’s up with the holes and missing books in here.” He looks at the holes I was staring at. He lowers the volume and speaks to me.

“Mind if I get something upstairs.” And with that he sprinted upstairs, leaving me on the couch.

As he made his way back, he handed me a mini leather journal. It was a bit torn up but it seemed to be in good condition.

“Um,” he pauses as he sits down. He turns towards me and keeps his eye contact on the closed journal. “You can read that when you get home but I can tell you what happened here.” I nod my head and take the journal and hug it into my arms. “When you left, I uh... felt like that was a bad moment for me. I just- you know why we broke up. I just didn't expect you to love me.” he looks at me while I stare at him breathe a bit heavier. This was the closure I was asking for.

“Addy, I was so excited that night and when you told me you loved me, the insecurity I had for the past 9 months just buried me. I don’t know how to explain it. I just- I was scared you would take that back later when you realized how much potential you have and how you can have a better relationship with a boy that was going through the same stuff you were. I’m sorry.” He looks at me and bends down to wipe a tear down my face.

“I always thought about your parents’ reaction if they found out about us, I thought about your friends, I thought about my parents. It was so messy in my brain. Then when you left, I realized that I loved you too but you were gone in an instant. I got so angry at myself for letting fear take over me. So um I decided to punch the walls and throw my TV through a window. Decided to take each romance book out of my shelves and pour alcohol on them.” He laughs to himself. “I even remember crying so hard, trying to tear out the pages of my favourite book, you know a copy I gave you for Christmas. Anyways, I was really mad at myself that I didn’t try to get you back. I mean I took your senior year away from you. You should experience Uni and I guess that’s what made me decide to let you go.” I cry harder and look at the almost bookless shelves

“You fucking ruined me, Harry. I tried to have fun but all I was fucking looking for was something to numb the pain you left me!”

“I know baby and I’m sorry okay! I’m sorry for not being strong enough! I’m sorry for fucking doing that! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m fucking sorry!” He yelled as we both cried on his couch.

“I fucking loved you and you threw that back in my face. I rubbed my skin so hard that night when I left this fucking place. Do you understand that? I had- my skin peeling for days after trying to get you out of my skin, trying- to … rinse your.. Scent off m-”

“Baby, are you okay?” Harry’s eyes alarmed as he watched me hyperventilate. “Fuck, Addy, you don’t have asthma!” I grasp onto his shoulders as he quickly lets go of me and runs to his kitchen, as he walks back he has his own inhaler in his hands. “Here, it’s alright, baby. I’m here now, it’s okay.” As I take in a breath, I fall into his arms and hug him.

“I love you, Adeline. I love you. Two years or not, I don’t give a fuck. I love you.”

…

The night was quiet as we cuddled together on his couch. We were both speechless about what happened earlier and now we have been watching infomercials for the past hour. Harry was petting my hair as I laid on his chest playing with the journal he gave me. “Want me to read that for you. It’s just little lines I wrote about you.” I nod my head and he takes the journal into his hands. He soon began to read each page out loud. I closed my eyes on his chest, trying to remember this night. The same way I did when I first listened to him read out his love letter.

I know you were way too bright for me

I’m hopeless, broken, so you wait for me in the sky

All the lights couldn’t put out the dark

Runnin’ through my heart

Don’t you call him “baby”

We’re not talking lately

Don’t you call him what you used to call me

Forget what I said

It’s not what I meant

And I can’t take it back, I can’t unpack the baggage you left

Sunflower, my eyes want you more than a melody

Fall

“Ahh, Harry let me down!” I scream as I feel his arms engulf me as he lifts me off my feet. “If I don’t unpack my things then I’m going back to mine!” I tease as he laughs putting me back down but not without stuffing his mouth in between my neck so he can leave kisses there.

“You can’t, you sold it already. You’re living here with me forever!” He murmurs against my jaw as he turns me around and leans me against his counter. “You’re here with me now.” He smiles as I kiss him on the nose.

After rekindling our relationship, I decided to sell the apartment and live with him since I’ve spent more time at his place than mine. When I told my parents about Harry, they were happy and they agreed with me moving out. Little did they know that I was dating Harry back when I was still his student but I think that’s a story for another time.

“Oh no, what did I sign up for! I’m living here with you… forever!” I pretend to sigh but he pinches my hips and lifts me onto his dark blue counter.

“Promise baby it won’t be too bad. We’ll redecorate the place just how you want it. We can spend so much more time together and… we can have sex anywhere you want.”

“Hm, I like that.” I kiss him on the lips as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“I know you do baby.” He laughs. He kisses me harder then pulls away. “Are you done unpacking your mugs or should I organize the bookshelves myself?” He smirks as he watches me pout. I tug on my pigtail and hop down the counter.

“I want to help you, of course!”

That night we spent hours reorganizing his book collection. I even added some of my own since I’m an English major too. The shelves that were once empty were now filled with many genres of books but I made sure that the majority of them were romance.

“Baby, are you almost finished?” I knock on Harry’s office as I see him marking his last stack of history papers.

“Mmm, I don’t think so.” He looks up at me and sighs as he glances back at the hill of papers that don’t seem to shrink.

“I was hoping you and I could spend some time tonight since I just finished my homework.” I walk inside the room and close the door. I make my way onto the couch that I’ve grown used to and sit down. Harry was wearing his glasses with his grey sweatpants and a plain white tee. I was wearing his polo and just my panties. Tonight though, no funny business. I’m here to keep him company yet let him focus on marking. “You know I took AP history, maybe I can help you with the marking like old times.” I lick my lips as he glances at me from the paper he was reading, he took a bit too long to respond since he was too focused.

“Yeah, alright, go grab a paper. The research question should revolve around world war 1 and Canada’s involvement.” With that, I took the paper from his stack and picked out a pen from his mug. I got him that for Teacher Appreciation Day when I was still his student.

A couple of hours after, I didn’t realize I fell asleep on his couch as I watched him finish the last few. All I remember is him carrying me to our bedroom.

“Oh, I’m sorry I fell asleep?” I yawn as I watch him beside me getting settled into bed. The fairy lights around our room set the vibe since I decided to hang them up because Christmas was just around the corner again. “You should’ve woke me up instead of carrying me to bed.” He looks at me and laughs, bending down to kiss my forehead.

“It’s okay baby, plus you could be awake and I’d still carry you to bed. Thank you for helping me mark tonight. It reminds me of the old times.” He hovers over me and intertwines both of our hands on either side of my face.

“It’s alright.” I smile as I watch his eyes look at me. “ You know I was thinking, if we don’t count the two-year break, we’ve been together for about 15 months.” He licks his lips and kisses me on the lips.

“Feels weird huh? Feel like I’ve known you forever.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” He kisses down my neck even though we both know we’re both very tired. “I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you so much more,” Harry whispers back as we finish the night with sloppy, slow sex.

Winter

“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Harry, Happy birthday to you.” I sing softly as I carry a stack of pancakes with a lit candle on top. Harry was just waking up, surprised at the view of me in just his shirt. I carefully crawl on the bed so he can blow the candle out. He reaches out and closes his eyes for a moment before blowing the flame out.

“Thank you.” Harry murmurs as he comes closer to kiss me. “I love you, Addy.”

“I love you too.” I kiss him back. “Here’s your fork, let me just get your coffee downstairs!” I was just about to get out of bed but he holds onto my hand.

“Stay, I can get some coffee later.”Since it was a Saturday, we were very lucky to stay in bed and watch TV all morning. Harry was feeding me a couple of bites while I would let my fingers massage his scalp for hours.

“You know I don’t know how I got so whipped for you, Ms. Chastain.” He murmurs against my jaw after he sets the plate down on his nightstand. “Saw you standing there, the first day in class and I knew I just had to get to know you.” I laugh and sink myself more into the sheets so he can hover over me.

“You know I didn’t know we would get back together. Thought I would never see you again.” He rubs himself on me as I let my fingers graze over his newly shaved chin.

“Are you happy to be with me?” He asks seriously as he kisses my jaw.

“Mhm.” I moan.

“You love me yeah?”

“I do.” He looks up and smiles at me. He kisses my forehead then lifts up my (his) shirt off my stomach. “Harry.”

“I love you, Addy. So fucking much I do.” The wetness of his tongue teases my stomach as he makes his way back to the top of my chest so he can suck on my nipples. “So fucking beautiful you are.”

“Harry.” I pant as I watch him take a nipple into his warm mouth. His other hand playing with my panties and teasing my core.

“Can’t believe I let other guys touch you. You should’ve been mine only. To touch, to love on, to moan for.” He inserts his fingers in me as I scratch his back. “Moan for me baby, scream my name.”

“Daddy, fuck, oh my god. Faster please!” he gropes my boobs and slaps my wet pussy.

“Too bad I’m attracted to you yeah? Don’t give a fuck what you do, who you sleep with. I just want to love you all day long.” He whispers in my ear as I touch his hard dick and try to jerk him off too.

“Love you, you’re so big, daddy!” Without another moment, I come undone as he moans too at the sight of me. He takes my hands off his dick and teases my entrance a bit before putting it in.

“Remember that time I gagged you with your panties and blindfolded you with my tie.” I nodded. “Fucked you so hard and bent you over my desk that day. So difficult after you left me to mark homework on that desk. I couldn’t stop hearing your moans in my mind baby. You fucked me up so hard.” And with that, he thrust into me so fast as he reached forward to choke my neck.

“Daddy!” I open my eyes to see him, biting his lip watching himself fuck me hard.

“Open your eyes love, want you to see me tear you apart.” He helps me sit up and rests my back on the headboard as I watch him fuck me over and over again. “Fuck, don’t look at me like that, I might just have to turn you over right now and spank you.” He takes his thumb and puts it into my mouth so I can suck on it.

“Then turn me over daddy, spank me while I feel you in my stomach.” He bends down to kiss my lips and just as I was about to kiss him back he turns me over on all fours. Slapping my ass twice before putting himself back in me.

“So wet, baby.” He pulls my hair out of my face as he thrusts faster. I clench my fingers around our pillows, trying to also hold onto the headboard. “You fucking like that when I fuck you hard? Such a slut for my cock baby. So wet, you’re fucking leaking for me.” He teases his finger around my other whole. “Look at this one, I might have to try and give this one attention next time what do you think?” As I moan, attempting to reply he cuts me off, “Maybe now is a good time.” He spits onto the hole, teasing his finger around it. “Are you okay with this Addy, do you like how it feels?”

“Mhm.” Harry pulls onto my hair a bit harsher.

“Answer me correctly, say it properly. Let daddy know.”

“Yes!” He slips his thumb into my now wet hole as he fucks me faster.

“Fuck, I wanna put a baby in you so bad baby.”

“Put one in then.” I moan and reach down to rub my clit.

“Get off birth control and I won’t doubt for a second to put one in.” He grits his teeth and flips us over so I’m riding him. “Be a good girl, show me how good you are.” He whispers and slaps my butt. I watch his face turn into pleasure as I roll my hips onto his, trying my best to fuck him well. My moans were seemingly uncontrollable as I feel him deep in my stomach.

“Come for me daddy please fill me up!” I whine and without another second, we come together. Harry reaches quickly for my neck, choking me as he thrusts his hips upwards. His seed fills me up as I un slide myself off him and reach down to taste us. He watches me with a smirk as I lay back down beside him. I feel him move his arm underneath me, as he searches for something. As I lay beside him looking at the ceiling, I watch his hand open a black velvet box in front of me.

“Harry,” I whisper, turning to look at him.

“I know it’s my birthday but the only wish I had in mind was if you said yes to the question I’m about to ask you.” He sits up a bit as I mimic his position.

“Adeline Chastain, I knew you ever since you were 18 and I’ve loved you ever since then. You would make me the happiest man in the world if you would marry me?” I watch him as we both cry so happily together.

“Yes, Harry, I will!” He takes the pear-shaped diamond engagement ring and slides it onto my finger. He kisses me softly as his fingers touch the necklace he bought me for graduation.

“I’m very much in love with you and I promise to take care of your heart, to protect you, and make you the happiest woman in my life.” and with that we kissed again, leading us to the never-ending hours of activities in the bed.

When I was 18, I was naive. I thought Harry would be the only man in my life who would ever make me feel this way.

And I was right.

#too bad I'm attracted to you #Harry Styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles smut #harry styles angst #harry styles imagines #harrystyles oneshots #harrystyles fluff #cute #teacher!harrystyles #love #harrystylesimagine #onedirection

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yuna-dan · 4 years

Note

12. I'm going to try to fall in love with you again – Arms Unfolding for moceit? thank you! 💛💙

I hope you like it! It’s the first time I write Moceit!

Warning: Recreational drug used. Overdosed of said drug. It’s really quick though

---

Damien regretted a lot of things of his teen years. He wasn’t okay with himself at that moment and that lead him to do horrible things, it was any kind of justification since he should’ve known better.

It wasn’t until he broke his heart that Damien realize that he may need a change. He still remembered the party where he realized he needed a change, how the overdose got him to a hospital bed and none of those fuckers he called his friends didn’t care.

He remembered waking up in the hospital bed and wishing for Patton to came back and kissed his forehead softly I’m here, please get better, but Patton left him. You made him leave.

So, once he left the hospital, he went straight to get help from D.A.A and get his life straight. Patton always wanted to go to his graduation, and the day he graduated from law school he wanted nothing more than to make Patton proud.

He was a horrible boyfriend back then, and he regretted nothing more than the way he treated the love of his life.

He was at coffee shop, his client just left, and he didn’t really want to go back to his office, so he was just sipping on his black tea and he felt someone touching his shoulder.

He looked up and what he saw took his breathe away.

“Thank goodness it’s you, it would’ve been too awkward if I accidentally touch a random guy.” He smiled, too bright like always. “Hey, Dee.”

It had been almost ten years since the last time he heard that nickname, and god he wanted nothing more than to cry in the spot.

“Patton…” He breathed out, and awkwardly tried to stood up, but his shoe got stuck in the chair and he only stumbled.

Patton grabbed his arm, preventing him from falling, “Hey, there. God, it’s been so long…”

“Fifteen years.” Damien said. He didn’t know what to do, his hands moved to grabbed Patton’s hands but stopped himself, and if he noticed, he didn’t say anything. “Ho…How have you been, Pat?”

Without saying anything Patton sat on the other chair, and just started babbling about his life as a social worker, how he was currently working on a specific foster home, and how he just adopted another cat.

“How about you, Dee?” Damien could see how Patton was scared of asking.

“I am a lawyer now.” He said softly, “I was just talking with a client who wants a divorce…” Patton’s big eyes were staring at his souls, “I-I uhm, I have been clean for ten years, actually.”

Patton smiled so happily, “Oh my god Damien! I’m so proud of you!” He smiled.

Another guy approached them, and Patton waved at him, “Hey Remus.”

Remus gave him an odd look and Patton shrugged, “I have to go now, Dee. It was so good to see you again…”

“Uh. Yes, you too.”

Patton hugged him, and when he left, Damien started crying.

Patton was doing groceries with Virgil when he felt a look on his back. As a social worker, he was pretty used to those, since sometimes parents took their angriness with him. He grabbed his 6-years-old hand, he was ready to scream when he felt someone bumping him.

“We meet again, huh?” Dee said, softly.

Patton almost laughed, “Hey, Dee.”

Dee was looking almost shy, and that was something he was used too. Then again, they dated back when they were seventeen. Patton was on his early thirties, of course things have changed so much.

Virgil was staring at Dee face, and before Patton could prevented, he asked.

“What happened to you face?” He even pointed the burnt side of his -ex? Friend? -

He expected of Damien to start screaming just like when they were young and someone pointed out the scar, instead he just smiled and kneeled to Virgil’s side.

“I fought with a Dragon Witch a long time ago.”

His son gasped, “No way! Papa, was it like the Dragon Witch Roman tells us about?” He asked.

Dee sent him a questioning look, “Papa, huh?”

Patton, “Yeah, I adopted him three years ago, isn’t that right Vi?”

The kid smiled and nodded. “Yup.”

Something flashed through Dee’s face, but before he could pinpoint it, he was smiling again, “Well, I better leave you two alone. I bet someone is waitin’ for you.”

“The cats.”

“Huh?”

“It’s just the two of us, Dee.”

“Oh… Oh.” The side of his face that wasn’t burnt was suddenly blushing, “I just thought you and the guy who was with you the last time.”

Patton knew exactly what was going on, and before Dee embarrassed himself more, he just shook his face and laughed softly. “Virgil, why don’t you go the cereal aisle and pick something. I’ll look you there, okay?” Vigil sent him a questioning look but nodded anyway, “Don’t talk to stranger, cookie.”

Once the kid was away, Patton turned to Damien with a more serious face. “Damien.”

“I wasn’t stalking you I swear to god this was an accident.” He said before, “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be…”

“I missed you, Pat.”

“Please, don’t Damien.” Patton took his glasses off, and stared at the lawyer face, “Don’t do this to us…”

“Yes, right. I am sorry. I should leave…”

Patton didn’t want him to leave, “You can give me your phone number?”

“Can I?”

“I- Look I know what you are thinking, Dee. We are not teens anymore, and I know that look on your face. I can’t promise we’ll be together again, but I can give you my friendship, for now.”

Dee smiled softly, “I am okay with that.”

They message each other every day, they even started hang out again.

Dee sometimes would babysit Virgil.

Patton would wait for Deceit’s hearings to be over.

They spent so much time together it was scaring both of them.

It was nice again.

When Damien asked Patton on a date he was actually shaking. He had been putting criminal on jail for almost eight years of his career and he was more terrified of Patton’s rejection.

Patton, in exchange smiled, “Dee… I- Yes.”

That night, when Damien drive Patton back to his house, they were standing in front the door when Patton hugged him.

“I'm going to try to fall in love with you again.” He whispered into his ear, Damien hands where on his waist, “This time would be different, right?”

“Of course, I am not the same person I used to be.”

Patton smiled, and pecked his nose, “Virgil would always come first, though. You should know that, Dee.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They didn’t kissed that night, but the promise was floating in the air.

And for that moment it was more than enough.

In my mind Deceit’s face is burned just like Zuko’s face lol.

Tag List Under Read More, if you wanna be added to the list please interact ONLY ONCE with this

@awkwardkindanerd @just-some-gt-trash @cas-is-a-hunter @underthesea73 @mariita-2006 @prinxietyforever

#yuna's fic #ts fic #ts fanfic #sanders sides fic #sanders sides #moceit #ts moceit #morality sanders #patton sanders #ts morality #ts patton #deceit sanders #ts deceit #virgil sanders #anxiety sanders #ts anxiety

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quirky-quizzical-queer · 4 years

Text

My Trip to Wonderland

CW: This is about my own experience with epilepsy. It’s long, it’s raw, and it’s real. Read on if you wish.

Lewis Carroll, the author of the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland series, is thought to have had temporal lobe epilepsy. Although there is little physical proof of such, due to the time period, his works of fiction have been taken as an allegory to what we now call auras. Even today, epilepsy is a condition that lacks understanding. This was the case even more so in the 1800s. Depending on culture, epilepsy was either thought to be divine, or a product of witchcraft for quite a while. During my diagnosis and subsequent events, I often described my auras as falling into a dark hole. I suppose I’ve spent a bit of time in Wonderland myself.

I wake up in an unfamiliar room. The lights are bright. They sing like high pitched crickets. Can anyone else hear them? Is anyone else here? Where am I, anyway? I try to move, try to speak, but I can’t. I must have made a sound of some sort, because I see someone’s face approach me. “Don’t try to talk. You had a seizure. We’re going to move you to a bed.”

A seizure? That doesn’t make sense. I don’t have seizures. Before I can tell this stranger that, I’m being moved by 3 people. I still can’t form words. I still haven’t figured out where I am, or who I’m with. I hear sirens. One of the girls has a stethoscope. They start asking me questions. I know the answers, but I can’t put the answers into words. I don’t understand what’s happening. The sirens get closer, and the larger group of girls starts to panic. Five of them still surround me, and they refuse to tell anyone else why sirens are approaching. These five must be characters in my own wonderland. The one telling me what happened is the Cheshire Cat. The girl who carried me to a more comfortable place must be the White Rabbit. The quiet one is the Caterpillar. The other two seem nice, but they’re giving me king and queen of hearts vibes. That can’t be a good sign. Now, the paramedics rush in with a bunch of equipment. They attach sticky pads to my chest and head. They poke and prod me with needles. They ask me the same questions as the girls. I still can’t answer them. I still don’t understand what happened. It’s frustrating. I know these are the good guys, but they really like to push my buttons. They’re the Mad Hatter. They rush me into an ambulance and out of the strange, bright building. I look out the back of the ambulance. I seem to be in the woods. How the hell did I get here?

The ambulance rushes me to a hospital that looks like something out of the 50’s. I’ve visited family and friends in hospitals before, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The five girls who were surrounding me at the cabin are still here. The only thing separating me from the psych patient in the next “room” is a thin curtain. I can hear all of her business, and I know that she can hear all of mine. The doctor asks me the same set of questions the girls and paramedics asked. This time, I can form one to two word answers. I still have no idea what happened that morning or the night before. Or why these five girls have taken such an interest in me, when I only know the names of two of them. I’m told that the sticky stuff on my head was for an emergency electroencephalogram. I don’t know what that means, but I’m falling in and out of sleep. My body hurts. This headache is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. And I’m hungry. I’ve been here for hours. Wait. I’ve been here for hours. Where is my family?

I hear the doctor whispering to the girls who came with me. He mumbles something about a psych transfer. I’m confused. Finally, my mom walks in. I don’t know where my dad is. She’s with her friend. They tell me they’re taking me to another hospital. I’m still confused, but too tired to argue. I just need food, first.

After a stop for food, my mom and her friend take me to another hospital. This doctor asks me the same set of questions, along with another set. He wants to know if I’m a danger to myself. I don’t think I am. Did I say something wrong? Had I told these girls something I didn’t remember? I don’t know. They tell me they don’t feel that they need to keep me for observation.

I leave the hospital around midnight. I have texts from strange numbers asking if I’m okay. I have a feeling I’m not okay. I’m not okay, and I won’t be for a long time. But I don’t really know how to answer that question yet.

It’s been about two months since I was given the official news. My EEG was abnormal, and I am classified as having “juvenile myoclonic epilepsy”. This wonderland is not one I’m accustomed to, yet. The name is misleading, because it’s not something I’ll ever grow out of. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. I still don’t remember what happened that weekend before I fell into the rabbit hole. I still wake up twitchy every morning.

The insomnia is the worst part. I wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, shaking. I’m not having a seizure, but I dreamt I was. In the dream, I was in a pool. Floating down the lazy river, when I began to seize. The pool was too crowded, and no one saw me. This is why I don’t sleep anymore. It’s easier to just stay awake. I’d rather not return to Wonderland anytime soon.

Another month, and I’m told I can drive again. This is a sense of freedom that had been stripped away after my first seizure. I’m ready for it to return. I’ve just returned from camping. I’m a bit tired, but I feel okay enough to go shopping. I think. I drive to pick up my friend, and we head to the mall. And…. into the rabbit hole I go. I remember nothing from arriving at the mall, to being awakened by paramedics. For some reason, I’m never wearing pants when these sons of bitches happen. The paramedics know me by name now. Their favorite question to ask me is, “who is the president?”. Depending on my level of lucidity, I usually make them laugh with my answer. At least I can be of comic relief to the people who save my life. My friend tries to tell them not to take me to the hospital, that I have a seizure disorder, but they won’t listen. My friend is quiet, but tries to help. She doesn’t visit Wonderland with me, but she’s there to hear about it afterwards. In my own wonderland story, she plays the role of Alice’s sister.

It’s another three months before I can drive again, but this time I can drive for quite awhile. It’s a feeling of freedom I haven’t known for a long time. That is, until I get myself into a situation at a swim meet. Maybe I have psychic dreams. Who knows. I can not stop twitching at the meet. I twitch so hard that I break my “Coach” clipboard. I’m lucky my iPad is still intact. I drive myself home, and remember nothing from there. I must have gone into the rabbit hole. My family greets me once I return from Wonderland. The good news here being, since I’m home, everyone knows not to call a paramedic.

After this, the seizures become more frequent and less life threatening. I was given rescue meds, just to be safe. They’re used once. And improperly. I sleep like a baby that day. And night. And the next day… and the next day. A seizure in Kroger, a seizure at the state fair, a seizure at the amusement park, seizures at work. They become a frequent occurrence. Simply a part of life that I would have to deal with. Luckily, my pants remained on for most of these. Despite the medic-alert bracelet I wear, so many people insist on calling paramedics. When four medications failed, surgery became a question. After all, why was I healthy for nineteen years, and suddenly I can’t walk out my own door safely?

One day in November, a year and a half after diagnosis, I walk out of my apartment door to go grocery shopping. I don’t know how long I am in Wonderland for this time. I am alone. No one familiar greets me when I return. This trip to Wonderland was different. I awake in an ambulance. These guys look familiar. The Mad Hatters. I try to talk, to no avail. I’m wearing a neck brace. This is not a good sign. I check. I’m wearing pants. I make noise to try to ask what happened. They inform me that I was found unconscious in the snow by the construction workers outside of my apartment, and I may need stitches. “Where?” I utter. They point to a bandaid on my chin while they take my blood sugar. Being curious, I rip the bandaid off. Yeah, I was going to need stitches. And some new clothes. At least I knew that was melted snow, and not pee. I notice that my glasses are nowhere to be seen, and my tooth is cracked. Great. I was nowhere near driving, but this is a major setback.

The less dangerous seizures continue. Falling in and out of Wonderland. It exists not only in seizures, but also in dreams, and in memories of seizures. Only being able to piece together events based on what I was told. Seizure on Christmas Eve, seizure at the zoo lights, random seizure here, random seizure there. The meds are not working.

January, I fall into Wonderland for a longer time. I’m there for three days this time. The actual seizure lasts thirty minutes, but the paramedics have to push meds to make it stop, otherwise I would be risking permanent brain damage. They rush me to a hospital, where I fall in and out of consciousness. They won’t let me get out of bed for any reason. I remember visitors, but I don’t remember who. I remember a lot of machines. I remember them finally changing my meds. This was another very different trip to Wonderland. No White Rabbit. No Cheshire Cat. Just me and the Mad Hatters.

After the med change, I only have one more seizure. I’m on my way to work, in the passenger seat, and I fall into the rabbit hole. It’s a quick trip. Uneventful.

And suddenly, the seizures stop. With one med change, they’re gone. No more rabbit holes. No more scaring the people I’m around. After three years of constant, terrifying, seizures; they’re gone. Alice has left wonderland. So to speak. Wonderland still exists. The nightmares are still ever-present. The memories are there. The twitches. I doubt those will ever go away. My journey in wonderland has been an adventure, that’s for sure. If I could change it, would I? Truthfully, I don’t know. It’s made me who I am. It’s made me mad, but after all, “we’re all mad here”, aren’t we? And I think the best are. I suppose if Wonderland is what it takes to gain perspective; just call me Alice.

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skytressmc · 4 years

Text

How Can I Help You? || Swapfell!Sans X Reader ||Chapter 2

(Again thank you so much @inutoaluv for proofreading)

Sans was just supposed to go to the grocery store. That was it. Just get what he and Papyrus needed and go home.

But, no. Here he was, standing in front of that damn bookstore again. He wasn't even sure why he was here. He didn't need any books. He didn't read a lot like Papyrus. Then again, he could use another cookbook. So maybe going in wouldn't hurt. He wasn't on a time limit for his shopping anyway.

The bell on the door rings as he walks in. The store smelled like paper and coffee. It was a better smell than honey and smoke. There was only one person in the store, a cashier upfront. They smiled at him. It wasn't the same warm smile you gave him when he last came in.

"Welcome. What brings you in today?" He wasn't sure how to answer that, honestly. Was he in here to get a book, or was he in here to see you? "Is Someone Named Y/N Here?" He asks. Why is he even asking? You were just some human that helped him find a book for his brother. "Not yet, but she'll be here in 20 minutes for her shift."

For some reason, Sans was happy to hear that he would see you again. He wasn't sure why. It just made his soul beat faster. Well, he had some time to kill until you came in. He could find a new cookbook, maybe one with more elegant cuisine, something that had dishes that would go well with a bottle of red wine.

When he finds a book that he finds to his liking, the bell on the door rings making him peek out from behind the shelf. There you were, greeting your co-worker.

Sans felt his soul thump as he stared at you. You wore a lilac, oversized sweater and leggings. His first thought was how good you looked in purple. Sans shook his head at the thought.

He hid back behind the shelf as you walked past him to the backroom. Why was he hiding? He was The Maleficent Sans! He could talk to any human without any problems!

...Well, almost any human.

The thought of talking to you made his soul do flips and his hands sweaty. Maybe Papyrus could help. He's more friendly with humans than Sans was. Sans took out his phone and pulled up his messages.

You: PAPYRUS, I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO TALK TO A HUMAN FEMALE!

Papyrus: you just talk to them?? ain't much more than that.

Sans growls in frustration. Of course, Papyrus would be no help. He couldn't even put his damn socks away. Why would he help him with this?

Papyrus: wait Papyrus: its that girl from the book store isn't it? You: MAYBE. Papyrus: ok, just talk to her bro. find out what she likes. don't go rushing into asking her for a date. ask for her number first. You: I WOULD NEVER RUSH INTO SUCH A THING Papyrus: yeah, sure. good luck bro.

Sans pocketed his phone and waited for you to come back out. When you did, he noticed you had a pair of glasses on top of your head. Those just made you cuter.

As you approached him, he moved into your line of sight. As soon as you saw him, you smiled. "Hey!" Sans swallowed. "Hello, Y/N." He felt so nervous. Why was he nervous?! "Back for more cookbooks?" You ask, interested. He nods. "Yes. The Book I Last Got Had More Baked Goods In It. I Prefer More Savory Foods." "Yeah, I know how you feel. I only have sweets on rare occasions."

Sans stood there trying to find the words to ask you for your number. "Was there anything you needed help with?" You ask. He stares at you. "Sans?" You ask. "CAN I HAVE YOUR NUMBER?!" You look at him surprised. Oh, god, he went into caps. Oh, stars dust him now "I-I!" You laughed. Why were you laughing? Did you think he was a fool? Of course. Why would you ever give him your number? "Sure." You smiled. "What?" He asks, making sure he heard you right. "Sure! You seem like a great guy. I think we could be friends."

He felt his eyes turn into stars. It's been a long time since he's done that. "Here, give me your phone and I'll put it in." You held your hand out. He fished out his phone and placed it in your hand. You typed your name and number into his contacts. You hand him back his phone and he places it back into his pocket.

"I'll text you once I get off of work." You smiled. He couldn't wait. "Are you ready to check out then?" You ask. "Oh! Um...Yes," he says. He walks with you up to the register. You check him out. "Doing anything fun today?" You ask, making conversation. He sighs "If You Call Grocery Shopping For The Second Time This Week ‘Fun’, Then Yes." You raise a brow at him. "My Brother Eats Everything In Sight Within Minutes." He explains. You laugh. "I mean, he must have to eat a lot. He doesn't have any meat on his bones." Oh, god, can you get any better?

A look of realization was on your face. "I'm sorry. That was probably in poor taste." "No, I Liked It." He smiles. You bag up his book. "Well, I hope you enjoy this book better." He takes the bag. "I Will. Have A Good Day, Y/N." You wave as he walks out the door.

Sans takes out his phone.

You: I DID IT. I GOT HER NUMBER. Papyrus: congrats bro knew you could do it. You: SHE MADE A SKELETON JOKE. Papyrus: oh god Papyrus: she's perfect for you. You: WE'RE JUST FRIENDS. Papyrus: uh-huh sure bro. You: KEEP THAT UP AND I WON'T GET YOU ANY HONEY Papyrus: don't be cruel bro. You: YOU KNOW I CAN BE CRUELER THAN THAT. Papyrus: true.

Sans stares at his phone thinking.

You: THANKS, BROTHER. FOR THE ADVICE. Papyrus: no prob bro.

Sans pocketed his phone and headed to the store. Maybe he could have you come over for dinner one day. Friends come over for dinners, right?

That’s all you were, a friend.

#swapfell!sans #swapfell sans #swapfell #swapfell!sans x reader #sans #sans x reader #undertale x reader #undertale #How Can I Help you

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ninliane · 5 years

Note

Could you do a scenario with Noya, Suga, and Daichi with a chubby fem s/o? She’s insecure about her weight and they comfort her

Thank you so much for requesting! I could only do Noya and Suga for the time being cause I couldn’t think of much for Daichi, but I’ll promise I’ll get better at writing him!

——-

Comforting a Chubby s/o

Sugawara Koshi

- It was a really rough day at your dream job

- You’ve always been working hard ever since high school to be a model

- You knew your body type wasn’t ideal for models, but that didn’t matter you still wanted to try anyway!

- And mid college you finally got the job!

- You were able to keep it for around 6 months now, but each day in the studio gets even harder

- You were sitting in your dressing room deep in thought, that you didn’t notice the door open

- “Mind if I come in, (y/n)?”

- You looked up and saw your boyfriend, standing there smiling. You couldn’t help but chuckle

- “You’re already inside, Koshi.”

- “I suppose so,” he grins while closing the door and takes a seat next to you, “now what’s wrong?”

- You scrunched your face in reply “What do you mean?”

- “Don’t even try to hide it, (y/n). I know you too well” he winks

- ‘Why does he have to be so charming in a time like this..’ you thought

- You took a deep breath and began, “Well, it’s the whole job basically, the other models..they-”

- “What did they say.” His face immediately turned serious, “I swear if they said anything about you so help me I will-”

- “No no! Koshi no!” you frantically waved your hands, “they didn’t say anything! My co-workers aren’t rude, they’re really supportive of me!” - And that was true. Once they saw you enter from day one, they were astonished and overjoyed that you would be working with them, and so eventually you all became friends

- “So, what’s the problem then?” he asked

- You looked to the side and began to explain

- Even though you were at your dream job, it was still not as easy as you imagined. Even though you tried your best to keep your chin up and tell yourself “you’re you”, sometimes it’s just hard to keep doing that by yourself. Even though your co-workers were very supportive of you, you couldn’t help but keep comparing yourself to them.

- After you had finished Sugawara was silent

- “Uhm, Koshi?” You looked at him

- “Yeah you are different.” he started at you

- You frowned and furrowed your eyebrows. “That wasn’t really the kind of answer I was expec-”

- “Sure you may be different, they have stuff that you don’t have, but all the more reason! You have stuff that they don’t have!”

- “Besides, if anyone puts so much emphasis on what your body is like, it just makes it seem like they don’t value your skills and talents!”

- You tilted your head, “Like what?”

- “Like showing off that cute Autumn dress, or the way you pose while effortlessly walking in heels!” he smiled “It’s amazing!”

- You almost stumbled on seat from his words

- “(y/n), they’re ready for you!” you two heard a voice call out

- Sugawara stood up and pushed you off to the door. “Now go show them your talent, princess.”

Nishinoya Yu

- You exited the Ukai’s convenience store with the snickers of high school girls being heard

- “Look, her blouse looks like it’s almost gonna pop.”

- “And her thighs look as if she could crush someone just by sitting on them!”

- You clutched the shopping bag and sped your pace up as you walked home

- You felt so miserable, it’s not your fault you were like this

- Reaching the door you wanted to get inside as quickly as possible before you broke down

- As you got to the door you fumbled with your keys and ended up dropping them on the floor, your grocery bag slipping out of your hands as well

- You never had good control of this stuff

- Just as you watched the cans of juice spill, you fell to your knees and started to cry in front of your door

- You were crying so hard you didn’t even hear a certain libero approaching your house

- His eyes immediately widened to the pitiful sight of you on the ground

- Nishinoya wasted no time running towards you and engulfing you in a hug

- The sudden familiar scent of his hair took you by surprise

- “Yu-” “It’s okay (y/n), it’s okay..”

- You stopped crying and instead just buried your face on his shoulder, hugging him in the process

- After a few minutes, you finally let go

- “You wanna tell me what happened?” he asked

- You stayed silent for a bit before speaking up, “These girls were talking in Ukai’s store about me,” you sped up, not wanting to cry again. “and they were saying things about my body and my-”

- “Don’t listen to them.”

- Nishinoya had put his hands on your shoulders “Look at me (y/n).”

- “The girl I see has no imperfections.”

- “But-”

- “I’m not done.” he put his finger up and you stayed quiet

- “I see absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, I really don’t get it why they’re saying those things? You’re a human, you can talk and walk like them, and you can do just as many things they can do. Maybe even more!” he smiled

- “(y/n) it doesn’t make sense for them to say those things because you’re you! And you’re amazing!”

- Your eyes welled up, you had never heard him say anything this sentimental

-“Now c’mon!” he pulled you up, “let’s go get some new groceries for you, my treat!”

#haikyuu!#haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu x reader #sugawara koushi #nishinoya yuu #sugawara x reader #nishinoya x reader #haikyuu!!

105 notes · View notes

ankkalinna · 4 years

Text

My Duck Comics Secret Santa2019 Gift for @paperino-protection-squad who wanted Tamers of Nonhuman Threats and X-Mickey crossover and some stuff about Donald’s different identities. I hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 4600

Donald had been in a bad mood ever since he woke up, and hearing the voice of the person he hadn't really thought of in years really didn't make his trip to the grocery store any better.

”Donald! Hey, it is you!”

Donald turned towards the mouse. ”Hey. It is you.”

He shuffled in place a bit, awkwardly regretting the blatant unenthusiasm in his tone. ”So. Long time no see.”

”Yeah.” Mickey nodded.

An awkward silence fell.

”We should do lunch sometime,” Mickey said. ”To catch up.”

Before Donald could reply he continued: ”Why not right now, actually?” He looked at his watch. ”I'm free. Do you have anything?”

Donald did not. He was, as one might say, between jobs at the moment.

But telling Mickey that...

He paid attention to the mouse's suit. It wasn't expensive, nothing that made it look like he was trying to overcompensate, or that he was throwing money away.

It was neat, well put together. Paired with a nice watch that implied he had a bit of an extra money to get himself something nice. Not too expensive. Then again, Donald's idea of expensive was 'I could not justify spending money on this when there are three sets of school supplies to buy'

The mouse had always radiated self-confidence and had this annoying successful aura to him...

He is probably doing well, Donald thought bitterly.

Out loud he said: ”Sorry, I'm really really busy now.”

He couldn't help adding: ”An important career... thing. A thing. Yeah. I got opportunities. Bye.”

…

Donald woke up to an alarm.

He struggled up. ”Not now Uncle Scroo-”

Wait.

That sound was his TNT alarm.

He pulled it out of his closet. It had been a long time. He even sometimes forgot he had this gig. His life was so full of being The Duck Avenger, and Doubleduck, and Scrooge's slave, and a parent-

But this job had a big difference compared to all of those.

It paid.

And it paid well.

Donald saluted the image on screen. ”What's up I'm awake!”

…

In half an hour Donald had dragged Fethry out of bed, shaken him awake with a ”The world needs us!” and gotten him into the TNT headquarters for briefing.

”Welcome, Agents,” The Head started. ”We have measured outstanding levels of extradimensional portal radiation somewhere around or near Duckburg.” He pointed at the image on screen. ”We have reason to believe this person is involved-”

”I just ran into him!” Donald pointed at the screen at the file image of Mickey Mouse. ”Now that you mention it he was maybe acting a bit odd.”

”I'm sure it's fine,” Fethry said. ”And what do you mean portal radiation anyway? It's all fine...”

”Really?” Katrina Kolik said, ignoring Fethry and focusing her attention on Donald. ”Maybe it'd be for the best if you tried to dig up some more information.”

Donald saluted. This sounded like an easy job.

”Okay,” he said.

It might even be nice, seeing an old friend and reminiscing a bit.

…

Donald smiled at the mouse sitting in front of him in the small cafe. ”So, it's nice to meet up like this-” He took a sip from his latte. He wasn't sure why he had suggested an overpriced coffee shop.

It had felt like something Mickey would fit in, he supposed.

”And so lately I have been doing more work at the paper, writing a column on bee-keeping,” Mickey said. ”Of course I keep being pulled back in but at the moment I really would prefer a more stress-free life with everything going on. Maybe I will return to being a police consultant at some point.”

”A-ha.” Donald lifted his drink to his beak and pretended to drink. The cup was tiny and he was dreading the bill already. He had to make this one cup last for as long as possible.

”I remember you being a reporter too?” Mickey asked.

”Not in a while,” Donald sighed. ”Uncle Scrooge outsourced his clickbait journalism to some trained ferrets. I was shining coins for him but-”

He hesitated. He had fallen asleep at the job after a hard night's work patrolling the city as the Duck Avenger. A row had happened. Donald couldn't remember if he had been once more sacked or if he had quit. Not that it mattered. He'd grovel back there at some point anyway.

Not that Mickey would have to know any of that.

”I had other opportunities, so I quit.”

That was basically true anyway. His work as the Duck Avenger took a lot out of him and without having to get up for work he had been putting even more hours in crime fighting.

Mickey leaned in. ”An exciting job?”

”Nothing big,” Donald said. ”I can't talk about it much. Because uh- I still don't know if it will actually happen.”

But he seemed a bit... Impressed.

Donald smiled, feeling a bit better.

Now then-

”So, I don't know how much I should be talking about this gig I got,” Donald said. ”I had to sign a non disclosure agreement. It's big.”

He had technically signed a contract for TNT. Or less signed anything and more had his biometric data scanner into the system with the implication that if he let anything slip the Organization would 'deal with him' presumably in a way that'd include being teleported into space.

”Say no more. I get it.”

Donald frowned, hoping Mickey would have been a bit more curious and tried to dig up more information out of him. Probably he didn't think it was actually anything cool. Nothing that could measure up to his interesting life.

”Yeah it must be pretty important job you do. With the police and stuff,” Donald said.

”Like I said, not in a while. I'm taking it easy now. Anyway, I'm good at keeping secrets, so if you want to talk-”

Donald was just trying to think how to approach the subject or try to find out anything when he was interrupted.

”Hello!” Fethry popped up from behind a potted plant and patted Donald's shoulder. ”Here you are, my dear colleague. Have you taken a good look at the charts?”

Donald stared at Fethry. And the obviously fake beard he was wearing.

Fethry winked.

”No,” Donald told him. ”Anyway I was bu-”

Fethry pulled up a chair and joined the two. ”Say no more, pardner!”

He winked at Donald again, batting his eyelashes at him. Donald glared.

”Nice to meet you...” Mickey said.

”Doctor... George.” Fethry shook his hand. ”I'm Donald's colleague. Nice ta meet ya'll mah dude.”

So now he was also doing an accent of some kind. Great.

”Yes and I'm sure Mister George is very busy!” Donald said.

”Nono, not at all.”

”So?” Mickey asked. ”Is this Doctor George from your new job?”

Donald got up.

”Yes. And he was just leaving.” Deciding Fethry would not take the clue he took his arm. ”In fact we are leaving.”

…

”What was that about?” Donald asked.

”I thought I'd help you,” Fethry said. ”To sneakily get information out of him. I once saw this documentary on interrogation. The trick is to spot things called 'micro expressions'”

He poked Donald's bill.

”For example right now your macro-expressions are saying 'I am angry' but your micro expressions are saying 'wow cool.”

”And tell me, is being dressed as a hobo santa part of the process?”

”I told you what I was doing! I was getting a whole bad cop good cop thing going on!”

”You told me? When?”

Fethry looked at him like he was pulling his leg. ”Just now. Come on I used Morse code.”

He winked again. ”See? Come on now Don, we have a system. I think I explained it to you.”

”You were... blinking Morse code at me..?”

Fethry patted his back. ”I knew you'd catch on! Eventually. It's great this connection we have. Almost makes it okay I have to keep quiet about the secret mission Katrina Kolik gave m-”

He slapped his hand over his mouth.

Donald gave him a glare. ”A what?”

Fethry fidgeted. ”Nothing!”

Donald took hold of his shoulders and shook him. ”What did she give you? Some assignment I'm not part of?”

Fethry glanced around. He leaned in conspiratorially.

”Top Secret.”

”Fethry...”

Donald crossed his arms.

”Okay so. Remember when we were kids and we used to climb this tree and that one time you threw my favourite hat on the roof?”

Fethry looked at Donald expectantly.

Donald stared at him. ”I have no idea what you are talking about.”

A relieved smile spread on Fethry's face. ”That was a test! I had to test it was really you. Of course you never threw my hat onto the roof you wouldn't be mean like that-”

”Fethry I am losing my patience here!”

Fethry looked around and slapped his fake moustache on Donald.

”Here, wear this just in case as I explain. So, the TNT organization maybe thought, just a bit, that you might have been replaced with a clone or be unreliable for some other reason.”

”What?”

”Shhh!” Fethry shushed him. ”Apparently Mickey got involved in something weird. And not just him. Someone else you know-”

”Who?”

”The Duck Avenger.”

…

Donald never had done something like this before.

He was very good at compartmentalization. He just had to.

He was Donald Duck.

A single parent, minimum wage worker, the nephew of the world's richest man, a boyfriend, a rockstar, a reporter, a Caballero, a superhero, a tamer of nonhuman threats...

And the top agent of The Agency.

He usually did his best to keep all of the different facets of his life far apart.

But TNT was looking into the Duck Avenger and Donald Duck's connection with him.

Boundaries were starting to break.

He had to know what was going on.

So Donald locked himself into his closet and pulled out his Agent Phone. The one he only ever took from its lock box for Agency missions.

The mechanical voice spoke out. ”Please identify yourself.”

Donald stood a bit straighter and spoke into the device, slipping into this role. ”Agent Doubleduck.”

”Scanning. Please hold still.”

After the face and fingerprint scan the phone opened.

”Welcome, Agent Doubleduck. Please state your inquiry.”

”I need to get into the TNT organization database.”

”Scanning. Please stand by.”

”Hurry up...”

Finally the files from the TNT mainframe were pulled up on the tiny screen.

”As we cannot be certain of the level of personal involvement Agent Duck has with Mr Mouse it is recommended Agent D.Duck is not informed of the details and instead is let to interact with Mr Mouse under supervision from Agent F.Duck while our other Agents track down the anomaly- I knew it!”

With shaking hands Donald clicked the folder.

He sighed in relief. Apparently they weren't aware he was the Duck Avenger. The document focused on his superhero persona as a separate entity.

And they weren't even all that interested in him as a person it seemed. Apart from a few cases where he had interacted with otherwordly threats TNT didn't seem to much consider the Duck Avenger. Not their jurisdiction.

Except-

The file mentioned Fantomius. It seemed TNT was very interested in the connection between the two.

Donald clicked on his file.

”Warning. Security level insufficient.”

Donald frowned.

Giving up on that he pulled up the details on the latest briefings instead.

Contact 'M' has informed us about the possibility of a Level Omega threat.

Donald skipped the paragraph that got into the technical details he had no hope of understanding. It was big and spooky just like everything TNT dealt with (also apparently 'adularescencent'). He skimmed over the report until something caught his eye.

Fantomius's aka John Quackett's connection to the painting 'Land of the impossible' must be investigated further.

Land of the impossible... Donald had seen that phrase before-

“Doubleduck? What are you doing?”

Donald bit his bill. He had been careless.

The image of Kay K filled the screen of his phone. “You better have a good explanation for this.”

Donald looked her in the eye. “I do.”

“Is it Agency business?”

Donald had a feeling she already knew the answer. “No.”

“I should report you trying to use the Agency resources for personal reasons.”

Donald looked her in the eye. “You should. But I am asking you not to. This had nothing to do with the Agency.”

Kay examined his face. Eventually she nodded. “I'll pretend I didn't see anything. Be more careful this time, Agent Doubleduck.”

The image cut off. Donald sighed in relief.

A hand grasped his shoulder.

Donald let out a surprised quack before his secret agent instincts caught up with him and he pinned the other figure to the wall.

He stared at the intruder.

”Fethry?”

”Hey, you never told me you were a secret agent!” Fethry sounded hurt.

Donald let go.

”Sorry. I really need to go.”

”Well me too actually I'm still busy with things like distracting you-”

Fethry slammed his hands over his bill.

Donald sighed. ”TNT told you?”

Fethry shook his head. ”No but I can't tell you who. It's a secret.” He mimed zipping up his beak. ”I promised.”

Donald was about to call him out as a terrible liar. Of course it was TNT. But he wasn't too keen on bringing it up again when he himself had been caught up in a compromising position.

Deciding he could explain it away later as a job he had gotten from Uncle Scrooge, Donald pushed it away from his mind for now.

”It's okay. You stay here and keep up the good work of distracting me.”

Fethry gave him a look.

Donald smiled. ”I'll be fine.”

He opened the closet door. As he did so it only then occurred to him the door had been locked and somehow Fethry had gotten in anyway.

No time to think about that.

…

The Duck Avenger stared at the familiar ruined manor. Villa Rosa. It had been so long...

He shook his head. No time to dwell in nostalgia.

He jumped to the ruins. Once this mansion had belonged to the gentleman thief. Now it lay in ruin. (Thanks Gladstone)

The Duck Avenger had returned there for a few times. He had thought he had solved all of the mansion's mysteries.

He wasn't alone.

The Duck Avenger hid in the shadows as two TNT agents walked past.

One of them pulled out a scanner. “I lost the trace again. I don't think it's nearby.”

The other one examined a crumbling wall before kicking it. “Let's keep at it.”

The Duck Avenger frowned. They better not destroy the mansion any further.

He shook his head. At least it seemed like he was on the right track. TNT knew Fantomius had hidden something supernatural nearby and had decided to keep their Agent Donald out of it.

A smile played on his bill. Unlike those guys he had a pretty good idea where to actually look.

He returned to his car and pulled out his scanner. He should have done this sooner. Done a thorough search. Well, no time like the present.

He turned the scanner Gyro had made him on and watched as an image was drawn onto the screen.

If he remembered correctly, large parts of the mansion were hidden underground...

But those were pretty thoroughly searched. But if he had been Fantomius he would have had other hideouts nearby.

He pulled up the satellite image. He had come to Villa Rosa before but this time he had more information.

Remembering the 'Land of the Impossible' had been mentioned in Fantomius's diary he had re-read it. And yes, the last entry mentioned Land of the Impossible, something Donald had previously assumed referred to maybe an another country John and Dolly had fled to once their situation had turned too dangerous in Duckburg.

But with the knowledge he now had it all made so much more sense.

The details mentioned in the last entry were not veiled references to their new home across the globe.

It was instructions for finding something much closer to Villa Rosa.

Duck Avenger moved swiftly through the night.

The mansion grounds had been searched both by him and uncle Scrooge in search of Fantomius's secrets (and treasures) before. Most of what Dolly and John had stolen had never resurfaced, and Duck Avenger knew there had been some other secret vault for stolen artwork. A hidden gallery. Both he and Scrooge had searched it before but had found nothing.

But if he was right the diary was pointing him towards the countryside surrounding the mansion.

Eventually he spotted an overgrown well and landed his car. He looked down. According to the scanner the well was surprisingly large. The Duck Avenger set his rope onto the ledge and started to descend into the darkness only lighted up by his belt-buckle lamp.

There was a sudden snap and he plummeted down-

And landed in a puddle.

He struggled to the dry land. He looked up, the night sky visible from the well. Had his rope cut off accidentally..?

He dried up his cape, surveying his environment. It seemed the bottom of the well was attached to a large room with a door on the other side.

He moved there and opened up the door.

And barely managed to avoid the net coming down.

Duck Avenger nudged the decrepit old net with his foot. Traps.

So he was on the right track.

He opened the door and gasped at the collection in front of him.

So this was where Fantomius had collected his loot. The paintings and statues were arranged in the vault- no, a private gallery.

So, where was the painting he was looking for?

When he saw it he knew immediately he had found it.

The Duck Avenger had never considered himself an art critic. If he saw a portrait that looked realistic it was Good Art as far a he was concerned.

But as he looked into the painting he felt... He supposed it was like seeing something for the first time.

The artwork was rough and definitely not realistic.

But the winding mountains and forests that were painted with merely the implication of a brush seemed so much like something more. Like it was a twisted mirror of the world itself. Even the colours on it seemed to shift in the light, as if alive.

He tore away his gaze and turned the frame around. On the back there was an envelope.

And in the envelope, a letter.

To whom it may concern.

I fear everything has its end and our adventures as the Phantom Thief and his dashing partner in crime are not different. Now after our identities have been leaked I fear it's best for us to go. So, we will put everything in order, leave my inheritance as Fantomius behind, and step into the new unexplored world.

-John&Dolly

The Duck Avenger examined the painting.

Had they really-

”Donald!”

The Duck Avenger turned to see Mickey.

”What are you doing here?”

And how did he know?

Mickey took a step forward. ”You don't know how dangerous that thing is! Please quietly set it down-”

”Why would I?”

Duck Avenger suddenly had the strongest feeling he was being watched.

Swiftly moving the painting under his arm he pulled out his Freeze-gun and pointed it at the mouse.

”Did you come alone?”

Mickey hesitated.

”Please, Donald. That painting is a gateway to a different world, it has been active lately, and we don't know if-”

Duck Avenger could feel the energy radiating from the painting before he saw the portal open.

It was as if the reality itself shifted, the painted landscape stretching out until the chamber surrounding them was indistinguishable from the artwork.

”Donald!”

He was tackled into the dusty floor just before the insect-like leg could spear him.

Duck Avenger recovered fast, pushed Mickey away, and aimed his Freeze-gun.

But he hesitated. Would it work?

No time to wonder. He had to act before whatever that was could get through the painting. He pulled the trigger.

The creature did not freeze.

Instead it let out a screech that made both him and the mouse fall down.

Duck Avenger could see more of the spider-like monster emergence. It turned its hungry eyes to him.

”Hey! Over here!” someone called.

The gaze of the monster left the Duck Avenger and he took the chance to kick at the creature.

“Go for the eyes! It's a Shadowland Arachnobeast they don't like it when you poke them in the eye!”

The Duck Avenger acted fast and threw his Freeze-Gun at the eyes.

As it connected, the monster wailed.

It retreated back into the painting, reality bent back into the shape.

And then it was over.

Duck Avenger turned to the tall figure who had come to their aid.

A figure who seemed to be some kind of a hairy beast man.

Mickey lifted his hands up.

”So, I think everyone here owes someone an explanation.”

…

Mickey sat next to Donald. ”So.”

Donald nodded. ”So.” He finished putting away his Duck Avenger costume in the trunk of his car. If he was going to Car-can memory erase Mickey he had to appear just the normal old Donald Duck.

”Have you been involved in this kinda stuff for long?” Mickey asked finally.

Donald shrugged. ”I keep busy.”

Mickey patted his shoulder. ”Don't worry buddy I will keep this a secret.”

Donald looked him to the eye.

”I know you will.”

He thought back to the Car-can in his pocket. It would be easy...

But no.

”So, are you planning to wipe his memory?”

Donald turned around to face the tall hairy creature. ”No!”

Mickey gave him a look.

”I did maybe think of it,” Donald admitted. “-but I decided... Maybe not.”

Donald eyed the tall man. ”Anyway, I don't think we have been introduced. Are you related to that Archeologist guy Mickey hangs out with sometimes?”

”The name's Pipwolf.” He offered a hand.

Donald shook it.

”I'm a werewolf.” He tapped his nose. “That's how I helped Mickey here track you down. Scent. I was looking into this missing portal painting stuff and asked for my good friend Mickey for help.”

“The only lead he had was this Fantomius guy who had likely stolen the painting from the previous owner,” Mickey said. “And Duck Avenger who Pipwolf suspected was a rogue occupant from the Land of the Impossible. He asked my help in tracking him down and some research pointed me to his 'best friend'”

Donald nodded. “Me.”

Something dawned on him. “So you didn't run into me in Duckburg by accident?”

“No,” Mickey admitted.

Pipwolf sighed. ”This will be such a mess. I want to give Manny my report and then head off as far away as possible. I mean, she likes her bureaucracy... Two unaccompanied guests? Who have been loose in the Land of the Impossible for decades?”

”Poor guys,” Mickey said. ”You don't know the kinds of creatures there are, Donald. Two unprepared people? I fear they didn't stand a ghost of a chance.”

”I wouldn't be too sure of it,” Donald grinned.

Mickey gave him a look. ”Maybe you're right. And yes. Maybe you do know what it's like...”

Pipwolf clapped his hands. ”Anyway! I will head off. And no it's not just because I want to avoid Manny. I have a real reason. I need to check up on a Guest. He keeps wandering off. Nice duck though.”

And then, before Donald had time to ask more questions, he was gone.

”Let me guess, Pipwolf headed off before I could ask him to explain what was going on.”

Both Mickey and Donald turned to face the speaker.

She turned out to be an albino mouse.

Accompanied by Katrina Kolik and The Head of TNT.

Donald quickly saluted.

”At ease, Agent,” Katrina said. ”I want you to meet Manny. She is something of a colleague.”

”Oh?”

The albino mouse nodded. ”Even in our world, the Land of the Impossible, there needs to be rules. And people who enforce them and take care of...” She eyed Donald. ”Problems.”

Donald gave her his most innocent look.

”He won't be a problem,” Mickey said.

”We will vouch for him,” Katrina stated briskly.

Manny reached out her hand. “The painting.”

Donald looked at Katrina.

She nodded. “It's her jurisdiction. Better give it to her.”

Donald did so. Manny examined the painting.

“Ah yes. Just like I thought. It's a stable two-way portal. It seems some creatures wandered to the other end in my world and activated the portal.”

“Something tried to get through,” Mickey said. “Luckily it was too big to fit.”

“I see. By the way,” Manny turned to face Mickey. “How did you find this so fast?”

Mickey shrugged. “Donald here had a hunch.”

“Good job, Agent Duck,” Katrina said. “Although I wonder how exactly. I could swear that was classified information.”

“Uh. I was lucky?” He couldn't help adding: “I did sort of hear you thought I was unreliable.”

The Head of TNT looked embarrassed. “Maybe we jumped into conclusions. We got a tip from our contact in the Land of the Impossible here.”

“Perhaps I could have been more specific,” Manny admitted. “Our two organizations tend to avoid stepping on each other's toes. I didn't give out much information since I figured it was none of your business. I told them Mickey had a connection to us and that was all they needed to know.”

“Well, no harm done, eh?” Donald said. “You really should talk more. Communicate.”

Mickey patted his shoulder. “You're right. For starters, you might want to start by telling me what this whole TNT thing is.”

The Head turned to him. “TNT or the Tamers of Nonhuman Threats is an organization dedicated to keeping Earth safe.”

“And you're a member?” Mickey asked.

Donald nodded. “Yeah.”

He sighed. No use trying to keep things secret now. ”I guess saying I live a double life would be underselling it.”

”It's really amazing. That you can do that all. I am barely even involved with detective work and this... And I feel I'm overly stretched a lot... I don't even have custody of my nephews full-time.”

”You don't know the half of it. I have tried so hard to keep everything separate...” Donald sighed.

“That sort of a thing seems to cause more problems than anything,” The Head said. “Perhaps TNT and Manny's people should work together more. Cultivate a healthy working relationship.”

“Sounds good,” Mickey said. “Hey Donald, how about we meet up every now and then and share information?”

He saw Donald's expression. “I'm not going to drag you in into anything new. No new duties, just friendly banter between friends.

Donald wasn't all that certain. He had a suspicion this wouldn't be the last time he'd be dragged into trouble relating to this Land of the Impossible business.

But, he supposed, that was what it was like being Donald Duck.

He sighed. “That would be lovely.”

#donald duck #mickey mouse #fethry duck #fic #hmmm there's quite a lot of characters in minor roles #ducksanta2019 #i hope you enjoy

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atinychai · 5 years

Text

Contest Entry #5

Paring: Platonic! Saitama x Winner! OC, Crush!Genos x OC

Gere: Comedy

Despite having visited the heroes association numerous times in the past this was the first time Nakiyah had felt nervous to actually attend one of their meetings, though this was probably because in the past she’d attended private meetings centered around predicting any god level disasters-now she was attending a meeting with Genos and Saitama, the two people who still didn’t know about her powers and who’d become such an important part of her life.

She knew they wouldn’t fear her the same way her parents had but despite that she still worried. It’s not like that was her only concern though. Even if (and she was certain they would) did accept her powers, they might still be mad she kept them a secret or mad that she’d joined the heroes association without telling them. Though in her defense after being kicked to the curb by her parents with little to no money just because she was honest and open about her abilities, she was-at least in her opinion-completely justified for being so secretive.

“Hey Genos, it’ll be okay with the two of us tagging along right? Last time I remember that green haired kid got mad when it was just me. You’re not going to get into trouble or anything?” Saitama asked.

Not putting all that much thought into it Genos simply responded, “I shouldn’t.”

“Ah, okay then.” Saitama replied, completely satisfied and no loner concerned.

Nakiyah couldn’t help but smile at how easy it was to convince the older man things would be fine-though Genos was right. Maybe if you were a normal civilian they’d show some concern but considering the only real guest here was Saitama, who was arriving with you and Genos it was unlikely they’d say anything though the same couldn’t be said for the other S-ranked heroes. Softly laughing at the older man who’d quickly become like an older brother to her, Nakiyah looked away from him and over to Genos. Per usual his face was serious and somewhat impassive but despite that her smile didn’t falter. In fact since meeting Genos she’d become quite fond of Genos’ stoic look, though she did prefer the occasional confused look that’d make it’s way onto his face from time to time. He often made it when she used her abilities around them, often trying to work out exactly what just happened. Secretive as she was, she couldn’t help herself from time to time. When Genos was in danger she’d often use her abilities(Saitama never needed her help considering the man’s power was unbelievable), she also found herself using them when the three were cooking and something was about to spill. As a fellow cheapskate she couldn’t allow anything to go to waste because of a dumb mistake on their part. Feeling her cheeks heat up as she continued to stare she turned away and looked forward up at the incoming black building. After the last attack on the association they’d been forced to rebuild though appearance aside not much had changed. They used the same material and the layout was quite similar to the last despite the change in architecture. Honestly it was kind of like they just stretched and widened the last building. Not the most creative bunch though she supposed they weren’t really going for that anyways.

‘It looks stupid though.’ She thought, scratching the back of her neck and looking away from the building.

“It doesn’t look like there’s any security or anything.” Saitama commented as the three approached the building.

“Well, when you think about this should be one of the most secure places.” Nakiyah responded.

“Yeah but that didn’t stop the last place from getting destroyed.” Saitama retorted.

“..Well…that’s true.”

Shortly after the three arrived only to be promptly greeted by an association worker immidately after stepping into the building.

“Welcome back demon cyborg Genos and Prophet Nakiyah.” Despite how warm the greeting sounded the mans face was devoid of any real emotion, “During today’s meeting your guest will have to remain outside as we’re discussing top secre-“

“Prophet Nakiyah?” Saitama loudly questioned, “Hey Kiyah how come they’re calling you a prophet?”

“Ah..that’s-“

“Because she is a prophet, idiot.”

“Tornado Tatsumaki, as always it’s a pleasure to see you.” The man said completely ignoring Saitama’s question.

“The angry child is back…” Saitama muttered before focusing back in on the prophet comment and questioning her again.

“I believe they’re confused, the current prophet that works with the hero’s association is Shibabawa. She has amazing psychic abilities that far surpass any esper or psychic however unlike Kiyah..she’s very old and wrinkled.”

“Conf-“ Tatsumaki sputtered, “The only confused ones here are the two of you!” Snapping and pointing a finger at Nakiyah she continued, “She works alongside Shibabawa because she’s able to predict things too!”

“That’s not all she’s able to do, she has a many other mental abilities that make her a powerful ally to the hero’s association which is why she’s been given clearance higher than most S rank heroes have however the association has requested she not actually work as a hero-the potential of loosing somebody with her abilities is too high of a risk.”

‘Not that it really stops me.’ Nakiyah thought.

“Does she get paid?”

“Sensei!” Genos snapped, “It’s impolite to ask about a person’s pay!”

“Yeah but if she gets paid more she needs to pitch in more for group groceries!” Saitama argued, “We’re splitting everything evenly right now but that’s not fair!”

“Is it really splitting it evenly if you make Genos pay when you can’t get the deal?” Nakiyah asked.

“Well then it’s not fair to Genos!”

“I don’t mind.” The cyborg quickly said, because truthfully he didn’t. He paid no rent at Saitama’s despite practically living there and he’d much prefer that Kiyah save her money for herself, “Though I am bothered by the fact you’ve never mentioned working with the association or having abilities befre.”

“Ah, well..that..I was nervous.”

“Hmph, I can’t believe the two of you..Well, I can’t believe Genos couldn’t tell. You’re supposed to be an S ranked hero but you can’t tell when somebody you spend so much time with is so powerful? No wonder you always get destroyed by-“ Feeling the murderous intent from across of her Tatsumaki froze and kept her eyes glued to the wall. She could feel the prophet daring her to finish her sentence. ‘She’ll kill me, definitely she’ll kill me.’

“Nervous?” Genos questioned, “Well, I guess with sensei’s reaction it makes sense but you could’ve at least told me.”

“No, there’s no way you would’ve been able to keep it a secret from me.” Saitama quickly retorted, “You. Tell. Me. Everything.”

Genos’ face flushed slightly and he quickly looked down, away from all the others in the room for a few moments. He kept his gaze downward for a few minutes before looking back up and rejoining the conversation, though not much had changed. Saitama was still lecturing Kiyah about holding out on them, Tatsumaki was frozen in place and the man who greeted them was simply standing in place ignoring the current conversation taking place.

“Con artist!” Saitama said holding an accusing finger in Nakiyah’s direction.

“Shouldn’t you be more upset by the fact you didn’t notice her power?!” Tatsumaki snapped.

“No, this is more important!” Saitama said.

“But I’m the one paying.” Genos finally said.

“That doesn’t matter!”

“It does!” Tatsumaki and Kiyah replied, both now irritated by the mans logic.

“It’s not like we even spend that much anyways!” Kiyah added.

“That’s not the point!”

“What is?!”

“That she’s a grocery con artist!”

“I’m not!” Nakiyah defended, “I cook a lot too if anything you’re buying the ingredients so I can make dinner for us!”

“Actually I cook more.” Genos said finally chiming in.

“Traitor.” Nakiyah hissed.

“If it’s any consolation your food is better.” Genos said, regretting having said anything at all, ‘Am I really the traitor when you’ve been keeping something so big from us though?’ For now he’d keep that comment to himself.

“Liar.” Nakiyah hissed.

“You’re one to talk!” Saitama grumbled, “We could’ve been getting better quality food when there weren’t sales going on.”

“We only ever go shopping when there’s sales.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

“He gives up so easily after throwing such a fit..”Tatsumaki muttered, “But more importantly what’s with you always bringing him with you anytime there’s a meeting called?”

“He’s my sensei.” Genos responded looking down at the esper, “He’s the strongest man I know.”

“I doubt it.” She replied, “But whatever the three of you work out your lovers quarrel, I’m heading to the meeting room-make sure you’re not the last one to show up again, Demon cyborg.”

Waiting until she was gone Saitama huffed, “Bratty child.”

For a few moments the three simply stood there, the doorman having disappeared at some point during the scene they were causing. Maybe to get help incase they got into a fight but far more likely he just had no interest in what they were arguing about and decided to take a break. Nobody could blame him.

“Hey, seriously you should’ve told us.” Saitama said, “What if the association got attacked again while you were here and we didn’t know where you went or disappeared to? We’d worry you know.”

“It’s..kind of long to explain.” Nakiyah awkwardly replied, “At first I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t know you, and then because we were friends..and then I just never got the opportunity and kind of forgot.”

“How do you forget to tell somebody something so important?” Saitama dully asked.

“You’ve forgotten things before too!”

“Not that big!”

The two stared each other down for minute before snapping their heads in Geno’s direction and simultaneously shouting, “Genos, back me up here!”

Said cyborg froze as the two urged him to pick a side. Their argument continued throughout the meeting and despite being so far from the actual room the rest of the heroes were located in their yelling could still be heard but at the very least they weren’t the last to arrive at the meeting having never made it.

#lil contest #contest winner #omp #omp imagine #one punch man #one punch man imagine #genos imagine #saitama imagine

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watchmegetobsessed · 5 years

Text

Shawn Mendes // Boundaries Part 3

just look how great i am, bringing another part for you so soon hehe thanks for the likes and reblogs, keep it up, you are making me sooo happy!

Part 1 - Part 2

Tuesday. Shopping.

Today I’m expected to go shopping with Shawn and it’s a 2 in 1 event. Because Andrew sent me a text on Monday evening letting me know that during this meetup I get to shop anything that I might need during the month, of course, everything paid for by Mr. Mendes. And in the meanwhile, we can be seen out again, swirling the gossips even higher about Shawn and his Mystery Girl. That’s right, my name officially became Mystery Girl as no one has any information about my identity and hopefully, this will stay the same.

Elisa returns home just when I’m about to leave. She is smiling, but I can see the bags under her eyes and she has a sticker on her forehead. The triplets must have been on full mode. I wonder how big they are now! The last time I’ve seen them they couldn’t put a decent sentence together and they were running around the house all day. But it has been months, they must be so big by now.

“Good luck for today, I’ll get some sleep before my class,” she scoffs as we basically change places and I leave the place.

This time Shawn is waiting for me in a black Range Rover and he is the one driving, so I get in next to him to the passenger seat.

“What’s with the change?” I ask as he looks around and enrolls to the traffic.

“I don’t always run around with a driver and we are going to a mall, not the White House. No need for Nick.”

So the driver’s name is Nick. I nod and stay quiet. A few minutes later Shawn reaches for the radio and he puts on some light country music. This is another first time, I was getting used to sitting in complete silence in the car.

I keep my comment to myself and just enjoy that finally I’m not stuck in my thoughts and there is something I can listen to.

When we roll into the parking garage of the mall a security team is already waiting for us, three muscular, suited men will follow us around as we stroll through the shops. Just a usual Tuesday, I guess.

“Everything is set and clear,” one of the guards informs us as we head to the elevator side by side.

“Thank you,” he nods and opens the glass door for me that leads us to the area where the elevators are.

I don’t set a timer on my phone, but I’m pretty sure less than ten minutes pass by until a group of teenage girls start following us around from the distance, because the three guards look terrifying for sure. But I see them with their phones in their hands and though we do nothing, just walk next to each other, I can almost hear them talk about us as a couple.

When we go into a store the guards stand at the entrance and don’t let anyone in until we are done. I use the opportunity to expand my wardrobe and buy the things I think I’ll be needing during the month (or even later on). We usually split at first, both of us collects what we need and then meet for a show and tell kind of part. We basically just discuss whether we should buy certain things or not. Shawn has a great sense of style, he is not the type of man who just nods when you ask him something about a dress, he really tells you his opinion and I find it very honorable.

I don’t offer to pay when we are at the cash register. Not even once. One, I’m aware that he can afford pretty much buying the whole mall and two, it’s in the agreement and I don’t question anything that is included in it.

Soon the small group of girls grow into a smaller crowd and they start coming closer and closer to us. I’m not an anxious person when it comes to crowds, but it’s starting to get crazier with each passing moment. Some girls are braver and they run up to us and I jump every time I see someone approaching me from the side.

Shawn keeps stopping and it just causes even bigger hysteria because the girls see the chance of getting a photo or touching him, and they get more and more aggressive. But I don’t say anything for a while, right until we are in a shoe store and one of the guards tells us that we need to wait there while the mall security tames the crowd that is waiting in front of the store or we have to leave at the back.

“Is it that bad?” Shawn asks looking in the direction of the entrance where there are people everywhere, totally blocking the view from us.

“I suggest to wait a little and if security can’t do anything we leave at the back. But either way, we need to leave as soon as possible.”

The guard walks back to his team as they stand at the door, making sure no one gets inside.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have stopped for pictures,” I let a comment slip and I already know it was a mistake to speak up when the last word rolled down my tongue. Because I immediately see his eyes darken hearing my comment.

“I always stop for pictures, it means a lot to these girls.”

“And I don’t doubt that, but it’s not the smartest thing to do in a closed area. You can easily get stuck somewhere,” I say and show around as I’m talking exactly about our situation.

“You know nothing about these situations, because you have no idea what it feels like to live in the spotlight.”

“I don’t, but I’m a rational person and I can count on consequences based on the information I have. And I saw it coming,” I reply and now both of us is getting more and more worked up, though this was in no way my intention. I’m just really scared something will go wrong and I’ll be suffocated by teenage girls at a mall. Not the kind of death I imagined for myself.

“Why don’t you stay with what you do well. Look nice and smile for the people, because this is all you have to do to get money, it’s easy. And I’ll take care of the stuff you have no idea of,” he snaps at me and with that, he leaves me standing there and he walks to the guards to discuss something with them.

It hits me in the chest, because we are back at square one, he is an ass again and talks to me like shit because I’m an escort. I stare at his back and for a moment I think about leaving without a word. I feel humiliated and pretty much in pieces after his words, though they shouldn’t even hurt this much, I thought my skin is thicker than this. I guess I was wrong.

Leaving is not an option, I would break our deal, so I do the only thing I can. Stay still, do what I’m told and not say a word.

About ten minutes pass by, I stay at the back so people can’t see me through the windows while Shawn keeps wandering around the store until we are told that we can’t use the entrance, we must use the backdoor and go straight to the car. I keep my mouth shut as we are being walked out through the back and down the hallways only workers should use. Shawn doesn’t try to say a word to me and it stays the same even when we are in the car and about to leave the mall.

This time no music is played, just the deafening silence is sitting in the middle, shadowing over the both of us, just like at the beginning.

Nothing is said when he pulls over at the café and I exit the car as fast as possible. I’m so upset I don’t even care that he sees me walk away in the direction of my real home, I just want to get as far away from him as possible, curl up on my bed and forget today happened.

It might sound crazy, but as an escort you get used to being worshipped. The men who hire us desires our company, they want to spend time with us and use every minute of our time together so their money doesn’t go to waste. And I’m used to being wanted.

Shawn’s rigid and cold behavior is so strange and unknown for me that it makes me feel extremely anxious and self-conscious, like never before. So now I’m facing a new problem.

How to deal with being unwanted and hated for a month.

The moment I finally get home I don’t waste time with changing, I just jump into bed, pull the blanket over my head and let myself drift to sleep even though it’s only one in the afternoon. I need to get away from reality and hopefully in my dreams I don’t feel as shitty as in real life right now.

I doze out pretty fast and not setting an alarm I only get up when I hear Elisa arrive home. I hear him move around in the flat and I force myself to wake up. Checking the time I see that it’s four pm, I slept for three hours straight. Best three hours of the month.

I’m still in jeans and my oversized knitted sweater, so I quickly change into sweatpants and a jumper that I don’t wear it anymore just at home. I find Elisa in the kitchen as she is unpacking her grocery bags.

“Hey! Did I wake you up?” she asks holding a bottle of milk to her chest.

“It’s fine, it was time to wake up anyway,” I wave in dismiss as I let a yawn slip my lips.

“How was today?” she chimes finishing up the packing. I sit down to the couch and since our small kitchen is built together with the living room, the conversation can go on with no stopping.

“Um, horrible.”

“What?” Her eyes widen. Her last info was that we are starting to get along well, tagging my day as horrible is a surprise to her. It was for me as well, but whatever.

“Yeah, shopping got a bit problematic and I was basically told to shut my mouth and just be pretty, because this is what I get my money for.”

“That asshole! Is he bipolar or something?”

I laugh at her comment though it might be the truth. I don’t know.

“Fame is ruining people, I always knew it,” she adds pointing at me with a carrot before throwing it into the fridge and joins me on the couch. “But are you okay?” she asks in a more serious tone.

“Yeah,” I nod weakly. “I just… I hate when people label me as a stupid slut because of what we do.”

“But we know it’s not true. You are a smart girl and this is why you won’t stay an escort for long.”

“I still have to do it for at least two years so I can pay my debts,” I sigh doing quick math in my mind. If I quit, my past will catch up with me. If I do this until I cover everything up I can finally leave everything behind and the moment I pay for my last debt I’ll be out of that business and I hope to never see another client again.

“That two years will go by fast. I’m more worried who will I live with when you are done with our business?” She pouts her lips at me making me smile sadly.

“We have time to figure it out.”

Just as I say this, I hear my phone buzzing in my room. I get up and grab it from somewhere under my blanket and I see that Andrew is calling me. Oh God, is this a three hour notice? Do I have to see Shawn again?

“Hello?” I answer it holding my breath back.

“Hi Fleur, it’s Andrew.”

“Hi, what’s up?”

“Um, we have some extra work for you tonight. There is a party Shawn was invited and we decided last minute it would be great for the two of you to show up. The car would be there for you at nine, if it’s fine by you.”

I check the time and damn, they gave me even more than three hours, I don’t have an excuse to say no though I have no intention of leaving the apartment today.

“Yeah, sure. What’s the occasion? Just asking for the outfit,” I say with a sigh.

“Just casual, it’s a friendly gathering at a producer’s home.”

“Okay, got it.”

“Thank you. Have a nice evening.”

“You too Andrew,” I say with a forced smile and the call ends.

“Who was it?” Elisa asks standing at my door.

“I have an extra event tonight. A party at some producer’s house.”

“Oh wow, a real celebrity party! Nice!” She smiles happily, but then she realizes what it means. “Oh. I’m sorry your evening got ruined,” she apologizes and I just shrug my shoulder.

“It’s fine.”

“Text me if it’s that horrible, I’ll be out on dinner, but my client this weeks is not too strict, I can do whatever I want when I’m with him.”

“Okay, thank you,” I smile at her sadly before she leaves me alone.

To say that I’m uninterested in this whole party is a huge understatement. I’m like a grumpy child and I basically drag myself over to the café when it’s nearing nine. I have a cape coat on with a hood so my face can’t be seen. My disappointment and embarrassment from today’s shopping tour has turned into plain hate and disgust towards the guy I’m now waiting to pick me up, take me out and spend the night with. I had time to get myself worked up and build a wall around me so he can’t get to me emotionally ever again.

When I see him pull over in his Range Rover I hold back a growl and walk over to get into the passenger side and we leave immediately, before anyone could recognize us.

No hi, no hello, no nothing. We sit in the dark and…

The country music is playing again. Does this mean he is a good mood? What changed during the day? I’m dying to ask, but instead I do what he thinks I’m only good for. Do what I’m told and look pretty.

“You don’t live there, do you?” he suddenly asks when we stop at a red light. I slowly turn to him and I only see half of his face from the lights on the dashboard.

“I don’t.” The words slowly roll down my tongue and I keep a straight face, not letting him read anything from my expressions.

I turn my head so I’m looking ahead of me, but I see him from the corner of my eyes. He stays turned to me for a moment, but then the light turns and he has to turn back to the road.

“You don’t have to walk, I can pick you up at your house.”

“No you can’t.” I immediately say.

“What?” he asks with a surprised and confused chuckle.

“You can’t pick me up at my house, because I won’t let you.”

“But why wouldn’t y-“

“Because I’m an escort, Shawn!” I snap at him and words just slip my mouth before I could stop myself. “I spend time with people, I look pretty and I entertain them. Therefore, sometimes they get obsessed with me and start stalking me. I can’t give my private address out for them so they can’t come to my home, harass me, wait for me when I step out or leave creepy gifts at my door or to my neighbor so they can give it to me. It’s not safe, so I rather just walk a few blocks to a neutral place where they can pick me up and never find out where I live.”

My sudden outburst surprises me and him as well, but I quickly recover so he can’t see it on me. I take a deep breath and accept that I can’t take back what is already said. I’m waiting for a smartass comeback or some mumbled comments, but I get nothing. We sit in total silence until we reach our destination.

Photographers are waiting on the sidewalk and the flash their lights at the car as Shawn slowly rolls into the underground garage of the building and disappear from their sight. Our silence continues as a guard welcomes in the garage and walks us to the elevator that takes us up to the very top. So I’ll be spending the evening in a penthouse, not bad.

Stepping into the place a whole different opens in front of my eyes. Everything is modern, luxurious and screams power. I don’t know who the owner is, but I’m sure their career worth more than my whole life.

I almost shake Shawn’s hand off of me when I feel it on my waist, but I remind myself that I’m working right now, and my task is to look like I’m in love with him. Or at least I’m dating him.

Walking through the place people keep stopping us and Shawn greets everyone happily, even introducing me as well, calling me his date for the night. I guess we are not at calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend yet.

I just smile, shake hands and do my job. I try to remember as many names as possible, but I get introduced to too many people at once. I meet many influential people and some of them I already heard of, this is how I get to shake hands with models, singers and actors even I know, which is a huge thing.

Shawn seems to be enjoying himself, chit-chatting with old and new friends while I stay by his side, like a trophy. After a while I don’t feel the need to stay there and listen to them talking about music, so I excuse myself and go to look for the bathroom.

I succeed and for my biggest luck it’s not occupied, so I quickly lock myself in and decide not to leave for at least ten minutes. I sit on the edge of the huge bathtub for a while and observe the room. Everything is white, it’s almost too sterile for me, but it’s still not too much. Just this bathroom seems bigger than our whole apartment and I think my bed is smaller than the bathtub. Incredible.

Does Shawn have a similar home? Full of luxurious furniture and rooms the size of a country? I bet he does, he has the money for it. Just for my work, he will pay me 20 thousand and the extra, of course. For me it seems like a fortune, for him it’s lunch money.

A knock brings me back from my thoughts about Shawn’s fortune and I wonder how long I was zoned out, maybe there is a line already, waiting to get in.

Who am I kidding? I’m sure this place has at least three bathrooms.

“Almost done!” I call out and wash my hands to pretend like I was really using the bathroom instead of just sitting here alone.

I dry my hands and quickly unlock the door, not expecting to see a familiar face, but I jump back a bit.

“Sorry, I didn’t- Oh hey there! It’s been a while!”

I stop myself from grimacing and manage to keep a straight face as I look at the man at the door. He is towering over me with a vicious smile that can make me vomit.

“Excuse me,” I say trying to walk past him, but he puts his arm out and stops me from escaping. I stand there, staring up at him. “Not now, Eric,” I growl at him hoping he will let me go seeing that I’m not interested in talking.

“What, are you not allowed to talk to old, honored clients anymore? I thought I deserve a decent welcome after the time we spent together.”

“You are not a client, Joshua made it clear for you not to ever contact any of the girls. So please, let me go now before I do something I might regret later.”

“Oh, hold back, little girl,” he chuckles, but it reminds me more of a snarl. My palm is itching for a slap. “I heard you got Knox banned from the Nook as well. Nice work.”

“He stepped over the boundaries, it was necessary. And now you are stepping them, do you want to even though you aren’t supposed to be in the same room as me.”

“You were just here, I didn’t plan this.” He lets go of the doorframe and I almost think he will let me go, but boy, was I wrong. He pushes me into the bathroom so we are not out in the hallway, but luckily he doesn’t close the door so I still have one last chance for the escape. My thoughts are racing as I’m trying to find a way to trick him and run away. “I think you are a bit too full of yourself. We paid quite a lot money to earn your respect and homage for us. I don’t think I deserve to be talked to like this. Is this the way you talked to Knox too?”

“Don’t.” I whisper and when I see him lifting his hand and it’s approaching my face my disgust turns into fear. Is this it? Am I going to get raped now?

“You all try to make yourself feel better, telling people you are an escort, not a prostitute, but I see through the façade. You all want this, just try to act tough. You are just a little slut.”

I shut my eyes closed and I feel his finger touch my cheek, but only for a split second. I immediately open my eyes and I see Shawn standing there, pushing Eric back to the wall.

“I think she made it clear she doesn’t want you anywhere near her,” he hissed at him as he held him against the wall, his muscles bulging through his shirt. I never noticed how strong he really is, I know Eric spends hours in the gym every week, but now he seems like a kid compared to Shawn who is not only taller than him, but can definitely win in a fight against him.

Eric tries to fight him off for a few seconds, but then he realizes he has no chance, so his lips turn into a vicious smile again.

“I see, you are working to him now, right? I thought young men have it easy these days, I guess I was wrong.”

“None of your business,” Shawn barks at him and he seems like he is ready to hurt him, but I don’t want to cause a scene.

“Shawn, let him go. Let’s just go, okay?” I try to pull him back, but he doesn’t move, just stares at Eric deadly in the eyes before finally letting him go.

Eric bounces back from the wall as I pull Shawn out of the room while he is still watching him.

“Don’t come near her again,” he fumes before we finally leave that damn bathroom.

He catches up with me and taking my hand now he is the one pulling me. I don’t really see where we are going, I’m just trying not to fall in my high heels, but then we finally reach the terrace, where he leads me to a corner that is quite out of sight. He then turns to me and examines me from head to toe.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” I sigh shaking my head.

“Are you sure? I can get security and have him removed.”

“Please, don’t make a scene. That wouldn’t do well to our plan,” I plead and I can tell the plan is the last thing on his mind. I haven’t seen him this ready for action before, but I can’t let him get into trouble for me.

“Who was that?” He asks after a while and he is now much more relaxed than earlier.

“Just… Just a previous client,” I shortly say not really feeling like getting into the details.

“Was he… like one of those you talked about in the car? Did he stalk you?”

“He didn’t stalk me, but he wanted… more than what was in the agreement and wasn’t happy when I denied it from him. But he is now banned from the club because apparently, he was violent with some other girls. They were just afraid to tell the boss.”

“Unbelievable.” He shakes his head in disbelief, this scene really did upset him and it’s confuses me. He didn’t seem to care about my wellbeing or feelings when he snapped at me earlier at the mall. Maybe the bathroom incident made him realize that my job isn’t as easy as he thought.

“Do you still think my job is easy?” I ask and my voice is barely more than just a whisper. My intent wasn’t necessary to make him feel guilty, but as I see his face change…

He opens his mouth to say something several times, but closes back every time.

“Let’s get you home, okay?” he nods towards the door and he doesn’t have to ask twice. I’m more than happy to leave this hellhole.

We say goodbye to the host and most of Shawn’s friends before getting into the elevator and leaving the party. The photographers are still there when we roll out of the garage in the car and I try to cover up my face as much as possible. I can’t smile, not after this night.

The ride is dead silent though I feel like it would be one of those country music filled rides, but he respects me and lets me alone with my thoughts. I’m mostly just trying to forget it and already thinking about the phone call I’m going to have with Joshua about Eric’s behavior. I’m sure he’ll have him observed for weeks after this.

I don’t even realize we arrive to the café, I just realize the car is not moving anymore, but I don’t know how long we’ve been here.

“Thanks for the ride,” I quietly say as I’m getting ready to leave the car.

“Fleur, wait,” he calls after me and my hand stops at the door handle as I turn back to him. He then takes his phone out and starts tapping on the screen, but I don’t understand what he wants. Then suddenly my phone starts buzzing in my bag and I reach for it, but it immediately stops. “It was me. Save my number and… call me if something is wrong. I don’t want tonight to happen again.”

My lips part as I stare at him. I definitely wasn’t expecting this. This is truly one of the nicest things someone has said to me in the past weeks.

“Thanks. I’ll see you soon,” I smile at him and he nods returning the smile as I finally get out of the car and put my hood on and start walking without looking back.

s h o o k

follow me for updates and posts about Shawn’s holiness and me ranting about how much I love him lol

#shawn mendes #shawn #mendes #mendes army #shawn mendes fanfiction #shawn mendes fanfic #shawn mendes fanfictions #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes imagines #magcon #magcon fanfic #magcon fanfiction #magcon imagine #boundaries #shawn mendes x reader

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minyoongijjangjjangmanboongboong · 6 years

Text

The Parting Chapter Four

Description: The only certainty in life is death, and it seems to follow Park Jimin. All his life, the icy shadow of death has hung closely by his side, along with the shadow of…something else. Reapers exist to guide the souls of the living to the world beyond. But what happens when a particular Reaper tampers with the natural order and saves a mortal boy’s life? What will they do once their fates become inextricably linked?

Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Fluff, Angst

Pairing: Jimin x (f) OC

Word Count: 9.9k

Tags: Flower Shop Owner!Jimin, Reaper!OC, Non-Idol!AU, Cop!Yoongi, Supernatural!AU

Warnings: Death, swearing and mentions of alcohol, although infrequently

A/N: Alright, it’s real emo hours since Epiphany dropped. I’m consistently amazed with their work. Anyway, I hope you guys are doing well. I’m a wee bit stressed, but it’s nothing major! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. As always, I will respond to all asks received within a day of receiving them, so feel free and feel comfortable sending me anything! And please send feedback, criticism, comments or concerns my way so I can address them.

- Mercury

Previous Chapter – Next Chapter

Chapter One

Masterlist

Weekly updates: Sunday, 1PM (PST)

Something was wrong.

Something felt very very wrong.

Namjoon continued chatting beside me in the patrol car, but my focus was missing, drifting elsewhere. Possibly deliberately, Namjoon had avoided mentioning the arrest for the duration of the drive. He seemed quite shaken about the issue back at the cafe, but he was careful to collect himself as soon as we were alone in the car. I wondered vaguely if he was being conscious of me, trying not to upset me. But then a new, more uncomfortable thought occurred to me; what if he wasn’t talking about it because he’d grown suspicious of me?

He parked the car and I exited quickly. Regret began filling me up. I had revealed too much needlessly. Yoongi had already gotten the information from Jimin by the time I’d told it to Namjoon. The only thing I hadn’t gotten the chance to mention was-

“Namjoon,” I said, leaning back inside the car to stare at him seriously.

He turned to give me a big smile. “Yeah?”

“As Jimin left the bar, one of the boys with him stood to leave. I didn’t see which one,” I said, meeting his eyes seriously as his smile fell.

His eyes went wide. “Wait-uh,” he started, then struggled with his seatbelt.

“No, it’s okay. You don't need to get out,” I said, shaking my head. He stilled and looked at me. “Just…just make sure you catch the right person, okay?”

He shook his head. “I will, but…,” he began, then sighed. “I’m sorry, but it’s gonna be a lot harder without your testimony.”

I inhaled long and slow. “I…Namjoon, it’s not that I don’t want to tell you. I desperately want to,” I said, searching his face. I wanted him to trust me. To believe me. His eyes were foggy with worry. “But it’s not as simple as that. There are things I simply cannot explain.”

He nodded. “I understand. And I won’t push you,” he said. “But…in the future, you might be the only thing that stands in the way of a criminal getting justice.”

My brows furrowed and I gnawed on the inside of my cheek. “I see.”

He reached out and patted my hand as it rested on the dashboard, my body hovering halfway inside the car. “Don’t worry too much, okay?” he said, then smiled brightly. “Nothing you said today will be used. I’ll keep it to myself, okay?”

I nodded. “I’m trusting you.”

“I’m happy you are.”

Again, I nodded before pulling myself out of the car. I waved over my shoulder as Namjoon pulled off onto the road, quickly racing towards the police station. I sighed after him and turned towards the shop. The flowers in the front of the shop were beginning to droop slightly. They needed tending. With a quiet sigh, I pulled Jimin’s keyring from the big front pocket of my dress and, as I did, I noticed my empty hands. I groaned.

“Dammit,” I mumbled to myself, unlocking the door to the shop and propping it open so the place could get some fresh air. I’d left the bag of groceries at the cafe by the beach. Namjoon and I had left in such a hurry that I hadn’t thought to grab it.

I wandered around the shop, running my fingertips along the countertops atop which pots of flowers and various plant life sat comfortably. Beside each were hand-written price tags. I couldn’t help but smile at the way Jimin’s handwriting curved here and dipped there. It was animated and bright, like him. With a quick sigh I turned towards the workroom and walked inside. I walked to the back and grabbed for the old yellow watering can, filling it quickly in the large sink by the window. I glanced outside. The very same window where Jimin’s father had placed those delicate, wilting peonies four years ago. It was strange, even nostalgic staring at that space. I glanced towards the ground, my sneakered feet sitting right beside where his father had fallen. Unconsciously, I inched closer to the sink’s wide basin. The windowsill, now empty, now gathered dust. It remained unopened. I watched the world outside, winding streets, swaying trees vibrant with springtime life, children playing on the sidewalks, weaving all the way down to the beach.

And this window was closed to it all.

“Ah!” I exclaimed as the watering can overflowed into the sink.

I shook my head and grabbed its slippery handle, finding it quite heavier than I expected. I walked carefully back into the store and gingerly lifted the weighty can, dousing each plant along the walls with water. How Jimin managed to reach those high planter baskets overhead was beyond me. I stood cautiously on tiptoe to tilt the can towards a row of daisies on a chest-high shelf and slipped a little, water sloshing over the side and splashing onto the dusty floor. I righted myself quickly, but before I could give it another attempt I felt the weight of the can lift in my hands and, amazed, stared at it for a while before noticing an extra pair of hands on the handle.

I gasped and jumped backwards, colliding with the stranger behind me. Gracelessly, water spilled out from the top of the can and drenched my face, dripping down towards the dress.

The dress!

I slipped out from beneath the stranger’s arms and rushed to the workroom, grabbing for a clean towel. I dabbed the water from the collar of the dress and, thankfully, found that it hadn’t stained. Such a precious dress should not be damaged by the likes of me.

Slowly, I exited the workroom and found a tall, broad-shouldered man watering the plants which were too tall for me. I watched him from the doorway for a long moment, eyeing him. He seemed rather…odd. He hadn’t spoken a single word as long as he’d been in the shop, hadn’t greeted me, hadn’t even apologized for startling me.

I approached him and he turned only his eyes towards me. “Hello,” he said.

I blinked up at him. “Um…,” I began, then shook my head. “Hello. Who are you?”

He halted his watering and turned to face me properly. “I’m Kim Seokjin. I work here,” he said, then bent at the waist to look me in the eye. “And who are you?”

I swallowed something uncomfortable in my throat and glanced away, towards the daisies. “I’m…I’m Nari.”

“No last name?”

“I’m afraid not.”

He nodded and returned to the plants, gently guiding the water over them. “You’re the one who they found with Jimin, right?” he asked.

“Oh…yes, I suppose,” I said, following him closely as he continued watering diligently.

“Did Jimin give you the key? I’ve been trying to meet up with him for the past few days, but the hospital says you have to be on the list and the little shit didn’t put me on,” said Seokjin with a begrudging sigh.

I nodded. “I’m staying here for a while. I have-,”

“Amnesia, right?” he asked, turning to me. “It’s all over the paper.”

I raised my brows. “Really?”

He nodded and gave a light chuckle. “Small town.”

He turned to walk towards the flowers in the window, giving them an extra spraying of water. I kept close to his side, watching his every move. He rolled the sleeved of his pink shirt up to his elbows, passing the watering can from one hand to the other. He pushed his hair from his face and continued.

“You’re a good worker,” I observed, once again unable to stop myself from speaking. I needed to be more mindful about allowing my inner dialogue to become outer dialogue.

He glanced at me and raised his brows. “What makes you say that?” he asked. “I’m just trying to take care of things so he doesn’t have to.”

“That’s what I was doing too,” I said, then glanced towards the open door. “Is that why you came in?” I asked, pointing to it.

He followed my finger and nodded. “Yeah. I was walking by on the way back from my other job,” he said, then sighed. “I kinda freaked out when I heard about it all. Like…why would someone target him?”

I recalled something in my distant memory. A phone call Jimin had taken on the day of the incident. He’d called someone. Someone named Jin. “Jin…,” I repeated, thinking on it.

He turned to me with wide brown eyes. “Hey, that’s my nickname,” he said, shaking his head. “Only friends call me that.” He began watering again and, again, I kept close. He tossed his head this way and that. “I mean, I guess we can be friends if you want.”

I furrowed my brow and crossed my arms. Something was weird about it. I tried to remember the call. “So you work here?” I asked, trying to pry for information.

He nodded, turning from the plants on the walls and turning towards the ones in the center of the shop. “Yeah, part-time. I was supposed to work on the night he was stabbed, but he called and told me not to.”

That was it! Jimin had said something about being a target…

“Ah,” I said, summoning all my tact to attempt a subtle question. “Do you feel guilty, perhaps?”

He nodded. “Yeah, pretty bad,” he said with a sigh. “I told him to be careful since the weather was bad and he seemed like the killer’s type.”

“Is the killer that well-known here?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Like I said,” he said, turning to me with a half-smile. “Small town.”

“Ah.”

“Things like that don’t happen here. Nobody can figure out why now, of all times, this place is getting so scary,” he said with a shrug. “We’ve never had a serial killer before.”

I nodded. “I suppose it’s shocking.”

“It’s been hard on the whole community,” he said. “Lots of people are blaming the kids.”

“What kids?” I asked, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

“The local kids. Taehyung and his friends,” he said.

I glanced at him. He was very well-focused on his task, eyes trained on the leaves as they dipped under the pressure of the water. “Taehyung,” I said, nodding. That was the other one at the bar, wasn’t it?

“They’re just dumb kids. Doubt they’d do something like this,” he said, then looked at me with a laugh. “Not quite smart enough.”

I raised my brows. “Does someone have to be smart to be a killer?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not to be a killer,” he said, then paused to think over his words. “But to be a killer and not get caught.”

“Were you worried about Jimin?” I asked, peering at him.

He nodded, rubbing his forehead with a long exhale. “So worried. I felt like I should have done something more.”

“What could you have done, really?” I asked, thinking back. “He’s your boss.”

“I know,” he said. He set the watering can on the table beside a bouquet of pink and yellow tulips. “Still, I wish I’d come to work anyway.”

I nodded. Truthfully, I wished I’d done more myself. I wished I’d simply stopped the assailant before he could attack Jimin. I wished I’d been able to solve the problem cautiously, without risking myself. I wished I’d been able to spare Jimin from pain.

A low groan rumbled from my gut and I glanced down to it in shock. The area began contracting in light aches and my eyes went wide. Seokjin laughed and leaned back against the table. “Hungry?” he asked.

I stared at him. “Is that what it is?” I asked.

He laughed again and nodded. “Yeah. You should go eat something.”

I shook my head. “I can’t. Jimin has no food.”

Seokjin’s brows raised and he shook his head. “Oh, well let’s get you some groceries then!” he said.

I grabbed his arm as he turned towards the open door. “No, really. It’s okay. I don’t want you to waste your money.”

“My money?” he asked, furrowing his brows. “I’m not paying. I expect you to buy the ingredients, plus an hourly rate for my time.”

“H-Hourly rate?” I asked, feeling around in the pocket of the dress for the rest of the money Namjoon had given me. Not much.

Seokjin nodded and held his hand out to me palm up, crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side. “I’ll accept the federal minimum wage.”

“Minimum wage…?”

He nodded again and shook his hand a little. “Mhm.”

We locked eyes for a long moment, his serious and mine panicked, before his expression broke and he laughed, shaking his head and turning on his heel. “I was teasing you.”

My heart which had begun to race settled and I followed him. Something in me was a little…upset? “That wasn’t very kind,” I said.

He turned over his shoulder and, smiling brightly, shrugged his shoulders. “I thought it was funny. You should’ve seen your face. All-,” he paused to offer a horrified expression before laughing again. “It was great.”

I crossed my arms but followed nonetheless, locking the front door behind me.

Seokjin focused keenly on the stove, watching the fish cook on a searing pan. I sat at the table, watching him just as keenly. “Why is Jimin letting you stay here?”

I kept my eyes trained on him and thought a moment. “Because he is kind.”

“Yeah,” said Seokjin with a laugh. “But there’s gotta be another reason for him to take in a stranger with amnesia, right?”

“I believe that would be a question better directed toward him,” I said, nodding.

But the more I thought about it, the stranger it was. From the years I’d been watching over him, Jimin had never been the naively kind type. He was thoughtful and compassionate, but never at the expense of his safety and good judgement. Like that night with Jungkook. He’d done the right thing telling him to stop smoking, but mostly for the sake of his own shop. Perhaps there was another reason I hadn’t realized yet…

I sighed, resting my cheek in my hand. “I got a text earlier,” said Seokjin. He peeked at me over his shoulder. “They arrested Jungkook.”

I stiffened. Had he read my thoughts? “I…yes.”

He nodded, poking the fish with his spatula. “Doesn’t seem right, does it?”

“Do you know him?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Of course,” he said. “Everyone knows everyone here. I watched Jungkook go from a quiet student failing math to a delinquent dropping out of school altogether.”

I laced my fingers and rested my chin atop them. “Was that what he was like?”

Seokjin nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “But Jimin…somehow, Jimin seemed to be a good influence. When Jimin graduated high school was when Jungkook started to spiral.”

“They were good friends?” I asked, something uncomfortable nestling in my stomach. I rubbed it.

“More like a mentor-mentee relationship,” he said.

I exhaled slowly. In the hallway, I heard the distant tumbling sound of the washing machine at work. Another thing Seokjin had helped me with. Still, having him in the apartment felt strange. I wasn’t sure why, but he made me uneasy. Perhaps it was the way he seemed to see through me. I had many things to hide, after all.

“Jimin has lots of friends right?” I asked, more for my own peace of mind than anything.

Seokjin nodded. “Friends, acquaintances, loved ones…he has a few,” he said. “But none are all that close. That’s why it’s…kinda hard to hear that Jungkook was arrested. It would be hard for Jimin to accept if it’s true.”

Nobody close…

“Why is that, do you think?” I asked.

Seokjin shrugged, placing the fillets onto two plates atop freshly cooked rice. He approached and placed a plate in front of me, setting the other one in front of his seat as he sat down. “He’s lost a lot of people.”

I nodded. “Is that the reason?”

“I’d say so,” he said, then met my eyes as he stuffed a bite of fish in his open mouth. “Imagine loving someone deeply only for them to disappear?”

“Isn’t that…the nature of life? Transiency?” I asked, furrowing my brow. I’d never given it much thought before: the pain of grief on those left behind.

He chuckled. “That’s too simple,” he said, sipping some water.

“How do you mean?”

“People are really complex. We can’t just experience devastation and think: huh, yeah that’s just life I guess! Ho hum,” he said with a laugh. “It’s easy to say it when you haven’t felt it before.”

I nodded. “I didn’t realize it was that complicated,” I said.

He smiled. “I’m glad I could teach you,” he said, returning to his food.

But I began to worry. Jimin was much more isolated than I thought he was. He was sadder than I thought too. Smiling brightly…the longer I lived among humans the more I realized the artifice of it. How many people did Jimin have, really? How many people cared for him? How many people did he care for?

“Family,” I said, rubbing my neck as my fish began growing cold. “Does family make the pain easier?” I asked.

Seokjin nodded. “Sure,” he said. “Having a family means having a place.”

A place…

Jimin’s place…I’d always thought it was this shop, this apartment. But perhaps it was more difficult than that. Perhaps he had no place. “It’s good that Jimin has Injung,” I commented.

Seokjin met my eyes and scanned them. “His uncle…?”

I nodded. “Yes. It’s good at least that he has someone.”

He smiled. “It’s better that he has someone worrying about him as much as you do,” he said. “Family doesn’t always have to be blood. Sometimes, it’s forged. We can make our own family.”

“Make our family…?”

He nodded and pushed my plate towards me. “I wonder why he’s letting you stay here,” he repeated with a small smile. “Eat up or you’ll get skinnier.”

Seokjin left after cleaning up the kitchen and hanging my laundry up to dry on a rack in the living room. Night fell and so did I against the plush bed. As I fell asleep, Miso curled up beside my nose, her whiskers tickling my cheeks. I opened my eyes and stared at her for a moment. The room was navy blue, nearly black, but her eyes were shining bright in the shafts of moonlight that stretched through the window. She stared at me, her pink nose twitching as she began to rest.

I reached out and smoothed my fingers against her small head, petting her lightly. “Miso,” I said, to which she shut her eyes and began purring. “Thank you for looking after him.”

She continued purring, leaning into my hand. I’d always found it strange that Jimin would assume responsibility for a cat when he was struggling to care for himself, but after speaking with Seokjin…I felt understanding beginning to take root in my mind. I’d never realized how important companionship can be when loneliness hits. Seokjin was right. Jimin had lost a lot of people in his life. Perhaps because the full scope of grief was becoming clearer to me, or perhaps because I was tired, but I felt a stinging in my eyes before a few stray tears wetted my cheeks. I continued petting her soft head as she purred. I stroked her head until her purs turned to deep, long breaths. Inhales coming more slowly, exhales lasting longer.

And at some point, I fell asleep with scarce tears drying on my skin.

“Oh! A new dress,” remarked Jimin as I entered his hospital room.

Injung turned to me and smiled, in the process of packing Jimin’s clothes into a backpack carefully. I nodded at each of them with a soft smile. I’d cautiously rifled through the dresser in my bedroom that morning, having touched the freshly washed clothes only to find them still heavy with water. It would take a good while more for them to dry. Instead, I reached inside the drawers and found an old black pinafore, something reminiscent of older times, and a blouse that fit too loose. Jimin too had changed out of his uniform, replacing his pastel hospital pajamas with a comfortable pair of jeans I recognized and a shirt I was sure didn’t belong to him. Like me, it was too big for him.

“I brought a peach,” I said, reaching into the canvas bag I’d found on the coat rack and handing it to him.

Jimin glanced down at the fruit and smiled. He turned it over in his hands and chuckled. “You get me lots of gifts,” he commented.

My cheeks flared. “Well…,” I began with a shrug. “Peaches are good for your cells. They have thiamin and-,”

“Thank you,” he interrupted with a laugh, taking a hearty bite. “Where’d you get it?”

I crossed my arms and thought. “Your employee came by while I was watering the plants. We went to the store together. Seems he is a fairly good cook,” I said.

“Jin?” he asked, brows raised. He thought a moment. “He didn’t say anything embarrassing, right?”

Injung laughed and clapped his nephew on the shoulder. “Are you nervous? Scared he told her you used to read those girly comics?”

“Injung!” shouted Jimin, quickly clamping his free hand over his uncle’s mouth. He glanced at me before smiling quietly and laughing a soft laugh. “He’s joking.”

I blinked between the both of them. “I don’t really see why that would embarrass you,” I said, then shrugged. “Seokjin only had good things to say about you.”

Jimin’s cheeks flushed and he removed himself from Injung’s side. He chuckled and ruffled his hair which had gone fluffy with the humidity. “That doesn’t sound right,” he said, then smiled my way. “Anyway, I’m glad you got a proper meal. Once I get home today I’ll make the place a bit nicer for you.”

I shook my head quickly and grabbed for his arm. “Absolutely not! You are still recovering. No strenuous activity,” I said.

He glanced down at the place where my fingers met the exposed skin of his arm before meeting my eyes with his wide ones. “Uh…,” he began, then laughed, eyes nearly disappearing. “You don’t need to be so worried about me. I’m pretty strong.”

Injung scoffed. “He’s only saying that because he wants you to think he’s cool,” he said, a teasing lilt to his voice.

Jimin whipped his head towards his uncle, but as he did I placed both hands on his cheeks and felt carefully. With furrowed brow, I focused on the sensation in my palms. Jimin turned back to me and a pinkish blush bloomed across his cheeks. His eyes scanned me from above, endless pools of deep brown. I focused my gaze on his skin, then sighed and pulled away, crossing my arms.

“But he doesn’t feel cool at all,” I said, shaking my head. “If anything, he’s a little warm. Jimin, do you feel feverish?”

Jimin smiled and shook his head, a bashful warmth in his eyes as he quickly swept them away from me, glancing towards the wall with a breathy laugh. “No, I’m okay. Don’t worry.”

Injung looked as if he was struggling to contain laughter and nodded, slinging the backpack over his shoulder. “Come on, you dorks,” he said, jerking his head toward the door. “I already took care of the paperwork.”

We left the room together, but in the silence I watched Jimin become pensive. He seemed to have something on his mind and I could venture a guess about what it was. He wrung his hands and sighed slightly, eyes on the linoleum floor. I was certain his guilt was tearing him up. But as he caught me watching him, he simply offered a painfully bright smile and ruffled my hair slightly. And I could do nothing but smile in response and let him be alone with his complicated thoughts.

Jimin and I followed Injung down the hallway. As we approached the lobby, Doctor Jung and his son stood, lingering by the checkin desk. “Ah! You’re discharged today,” remarked Doctor Jung with a bright smile.

Hoseok glanced at the three of us and nodded, bowing his head slightly. “Thanks to you,” said Jimin, returning the smile.

Doctor Jung patted his shoulder. “You’re lucky to be alive, Jimin.”

He nodded. “I know,” he said. “I plan to live every day like a blessing.”

Something hot and bitter and unpleasant knotted in my chest. I knew what it was. Guilt. “Good, then,” said Doctor Jung. “I hope I’ll see you around, then.”

“Just…not as a patient,” added Hoseok with a soft smile Jimin’s way.

He laughed and nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

The three of us walked out into the street and began the walk towards Jimin’s apartment. The sky was an edgeless blue dome above us, dotted with clouds and a few jet streams. Living every day like a blessing… I wasn’t sure what that meant. But I knew that, walking beside him, staring up at the sky, feeling the breeze against my skin…I supposed it did feel like a blessing after all. I watched the sky for a few steps until my toe caught on the uneven sidewalk pavement and I lost my footing. I reached out and my hands clamped on both Jimin’s sleeve and Injung’s arm.

Jimin placed a hand on my back and, worriedly, scanned me. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Jeez, you gotta look where you’re going.”

Injung chuckled. “Be careful. If you’re distracted it’s easier to get hurt,” he said, meeting my eyes.

I nodded. “I’m sorry. I should have watched my step,” I said, then sighed. “I was just…I guess I never realized how beautiful the sky was.”

Jimin watched me and a smile teased the edges of his lips. “Nari, were you always sentimental?”

I shook my head. “Oh no. This is…I think this is new,” I said with a nod. “I was just caught off guard I suppose.”

Jimin chuckled and removed his hand from my back, choosing instead to level his eyes with mine and smile gently. “I hope you find more things that catch you off guard.”

Oh no, what was that? A fluttering in my chest? Another heart palpitation? I stared at him for a long moment and as time passed his easy, confident smile morphed into a slightly awkward one, a few terse chuckles escaping him as he cleared his throat and continued walking down the way. The air was soft and warm and the breath entered and exited my lungs comfortably. We passed sun-bleached buildings the color of bone that had become familiar to me in the past days. Perched atop the cliff, overlooking the beach and the water and the endless expanse of ocean beyond I found the walk…

Pleasant.

“Who’s outside?” asked Injung, brows knitted as we approached the flower shop.

I hadn’t noticed before, but he was right to take note. A small crowd of people was congregating outside the greenhouse beside the shop. Here and there I caught plumes of smoke floating into the air. The last person I’d seen smoking was…

I turned to Jimin and raised my brows. “I think it’s-,” I started, then stopped and crossed my arms, glancing away.

Jimin stared down at me, confused for a moment. “Nari, do you know those guys?” he asked, pointing to the group of five who, upon closer inspection, resembled Jungkook not only in age but in blasé demeanor.

I shook my head. “No. I…I don’t know what I was saying,” I said, tossing my eyes seaward.

Injung watched me for a moment before sighing and patting Jimin on the chest as he began walking towards the group. “Don’t provoke them, alright? Let’s just call that cop.”

“Call Yoongi?” asked Jimin with wide eyes. He shook his head. “Definitely not. He told me he’d be busy once he arrested Jungkook-,”

“You don’t think they’re here to retaliate, do you?” asked Injung.

I raked my hands through my hair and, as we walked ever nearer the crowd noticed us at once and began to jeer. “Oh here he comes!” called one, singsongy.

I glanced at him, arms crossed, and scanned his face. Nothing remarkable. Just a young guy with a bandana tied around his bicep. We walked closer, but Injung edged away, seeming uncomfortable. “Poor Jimin,” shouted another. “How’s your chest, buddy?” he asked, taking a wide step forward and shoving Jimin’s chest hard enough to knock the wind out of him.

“Hey!” I shouted as Injung grabbed Jimin by the shoulders, helping him regain his footing. “Is this some sort of show of bravado? Retribution for one of your own?” I asked.

The one with the bandana around his arm gave me a look up and down before scoffing. “Alright, whose girl is this?” he asked the guys with a laugh. “Looking like The Grudge.” The boys behind him chuckled.

Save for one.

I noticed, taking up the edge of the small party was a face I recognized. Handsome, tan, with smart eyes and heavy brows. It was the boy from the other night. Taehyung. He and I exchanged a look and something passed between us that made me shudder. He had his arms crossed over his chest, eyes cast low, mouth clamped shut. It seemed he wasn’t participating.

“I think it would be best for you to leave immediately,” I said, taking a step towards the ringmaster. I raised my brows. “Unless your group wants more trouble with the law.”

He rolled his eyes with a laugh. “Oh come on,” he said, looking over my shoulder at Jimin. “Having a girl fight for you? You too scared to face us yourself?”

He moved to step towards him and I placed a hand on the stranger’s chest, lifting my eyes slowly to meet his. As I did, I caught a brief flash of something in his eyes and I watched goosebumps raise on his skin. “Leave,” I said, voice low.

The others chuckled behind him. “Hyungwon, looks like you’re getting pushed around by a girl too,” teased one of them.

I peeked around this boy, Hyungwon’s, chest and furrowed my brow at the rest. “What is it about my being a girl that bothers you all so much?” I asked.

They were silent for a moment before Taehyung chuckled and rubbed his forehead. “This is stupid. Let’s just go,” he mumbled.

Hyungwon turned to him and crossed his arms. “What’s stupid about defending Jungkook from this bullshit liar?”

Jimin approached my side as Taehyung and Hyungwon went back and forth bickering. “Stop, okay? Injung is gonna call the police,” he said carefully from beside me. “They’re not gonna leave until they’re forced to.”

I shook my head. “And what happens in the meantime? Just stall them and hope they don’t hurt you? I’m sorry, but I won’t let them affect your health.”

He sighed and gripped his nose bridge. “Jesus, why do you even care? What’s it matter if they hit me?”

I turned to face him seriously and he wouldn’t meet my eyes. “I care because you did nothing wrong. And furthermore, you’ve been through a trauma. You have a basic right to safety.”

He scoffed. “Can you just knock it off?” he asked, pulling his hair between his fingers and shaking his head. “They have every right to be upset. Jungkook didn’t do it. I’m certain.”

“Did you ever say he did?” I asked.

He sighed. “Doesn’t matter. The result is the same,” he said, then met my eyes with a heavy frustration I couldn’t recognize. “Now stop it,” he whispered, voice stern. But as he leaned away, with an exhale that shook slightly, he added in a mutter, “Haven’t you caused enough trouble for me already?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words emerged. Simply silence. I blinked up at him as he took a few steps away from me, standing with arms crossed over his chest beside the entrance to the greenhouse. I glanced back down the sidewalk where Injung once was, and found it empty. He must have left to make the call to the police. I supposed that was the reasonable reaction. But I hadn’t been able to remain reasonable. Not when it came to Jimin.

But in the end, had my care become a burden?

My chest hurt.

Hyungwon turned back to us after conferring with Taehyung and pointed at Jimin. “You gonna come clean or what?”

Jimin nodded, bending to their intimidation. “I told the police that I was out with Jungkook the night I was attacked,” he conceded, eyes shut.

I watched him, unable to intervene, as Hyungwon approached and knotted his hand in Jimin’s baggy shirt. “Look at me when you’re talking,” he ordered, shaking Jimin slightly.

He opened his eyes and nodded. “I sold him out.”

Hyungwon’s eyes flared as he stared down at Jimin. “You’re admitting it that easily? Not even ashamed?” he asked.

Jimin’s shoulders slumped. “I’m not happy about it either.”

“He probably got strong-armed,” said Taehyung, sensible, from over Hyungwon’s shoulder. The other guys, still engrossed in the action, acknowledged Taehyhung’s words with various grunts. “You know that detective? Min Yoongi?”

Hyungwon rolled his eyes and spat at the ground beside Jimin’s feet. “Who cares? A rat’s still a rat.”

“I say we teach him a lesson,” said one idly from the sidelines.

Horrified, I looked towards the source of the voice but as my gaze swept across them, none of the boys would look at me. I inhaled sharply and bit hard on the inside of my cheek. I felt my toes digging into the bottoms of my shoes and as I uncrossed my arms I noticed reddish half-moons in my forearms from my nails pressing into them. I clenched my fists instead and set my jaw, watching Hyungwon carefully.

“An excellent suggestion,” he remarked with a laugh.

Jimin exhaled slowly and looked down to the ground. I’d never seen him so hopeless. Too much had happened to him recently, perhaps. The shock of it all might have finally gotten to him. But why was he so resigned? Why did it seem as if he felt he deserved the punishment?

Hyungwon poised his arm in the air, angling it down towards Jimin’s face. Anticipating the impact, Jimin squeezed his eyes shut and turned his cheek to the oncoming strike. A tight ball rose in my throat as if I may cry and I bit my lower lip. This was what Jimin wanted. He wanted me to stay out of it. He wanted me to watch passively as I always had. He wanted me to stop interfering.

But as the bandana around Hyungwon’s bicep strained against the coiling of his muscles, I really couldn’t help it any longer.

I hopped from foot to foot for a moment, begging my body not to do what I knew it was going to do. With a frustrated grunt, I sighed and ran towards where they stood beside the greenhouse and, without a single thought, pushed my way between them, wedging them apart. Hyungwon watched, shouting at me, as I shoved him back by the chest with all my might.

“Nari!” yelled Jimin, voice deep and sharp. I felt a fear creeping into my body. Would he scold me more?

Would he hate me…?

“What the fuck is up with your girl, Park?!” screamed Hyungwon, fighting against my hands on his chest.

But I was stubborn, forcing him back with everything I had. “If you’re gonna talk about me, then say it to me!” I shouted, giving his chest one last hard shove, sending him stumbling only slightly backwards.

He fumed down at me, eyes alight with rage, and took a deliberate step towards me. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

“You’re not involved, Nari! Jesus, just go inside!” called Jimin from behind me.

I glanced back at him and saw something in his expression that sent a cold sadness through me. Disappointment. His brows were knitted, head tilted to the side, lips parted and arms limply laying at his sides. He shook his head as we locked eyes, and despite his clear discomfort, I couldn’t bring myself to stop.

A vision suddenly flashed through my mind. Jimin’s face, contorted in such a way, an identical way to the one before me now. Disappointed, frustrated, upset…with me. Had I indeed seen this face of his before?

Hyungwon shoved me slightly out of the way, making a clear path towards Jimin. But before he could reach him, I grabbed onto his arm tightly, holding it close to my chest and leaning as hard as I could backwards.

“Can you please fuck off?!” he yelled down at me, shaking his arm.

I glared up at him. “You won’t hurt him,” I said. My voice was strong and steady and…frightening.

Again, something passed through his eyes. He continued pushing against my force, but as he remained relentless I began growing angry. The thought of Jimin hurt, Jimin in pain, Jimin attacked…it sent an icy shiver of rage through me. As Hyungwon shook me, I quickly clamped my teeth down on his upper arm, biting as hard as I could.

“Agh!” he screamed, stumbling away from me as I pulled away, the faint taste of blood on my tongue. Stunned, he turned to look at me, eyes wide.

“Hyungwon, just leave them alone,” said Taehyung, almost sounding bored.

I never broke eye contact with Hyungwon as he scoffed down at me. “You gotta death wish?” he yelled, fists clenched.

I nodded. “I won’t allow someone like you to hurt him,” I said.

At this he fumed, nostrils flaring. Without so much as a warning, he came down on me and struck me hard on the side of the head. Fist on bone, brain jostling, pain immediately radiating from my left temple. I lost my balance and with the force of the punch I was sent flying down towards the ground. I tumbled onto the concrete, my head colliding with the facade of the flower shop. I sat stunned for a painful moment, hands touching my head. My vision was blurry, spinning. I could hear only muffled shouting, arguing. The pain was horrible, but I’d felt far worse. The day I’d awoken…

Compared to that, anything was bearable.

But damn, it didn’t feel nice.

Soon, my vision returned and so did my hearing. Disoriented, I stood to my feet unsteadily and saw an unexpected scene unfolding on the sidewalk. Hyungwon, restrained by Taehyung who was shouting reprimands over his shoulder.

“Why the hell would you hit her?!” Taehyung yelled in Hyungwon’s ear.

Hyungwon, however, hadn’t had his fill of violence and was thrashing against Taehyung’s grip. “Nari!” Jimin called as he slid to his knees beside me. He took my cheeks in his hands, brows furrowed, and tilted my head side to side. “Are you okay? Oh my God, I’m calling the hospital. Oh my God-,”

I brushed his hands away and shakily stood to my feet. He joined, hands touching any part of me he could grab and examining it. I shook him away as I walked carefully towards Hyungwon who, still thrashing about, spat at me. Luckily, because of the restraint his saliva couldn’t reach me. He looked like a an animal in chains, ravenous and insatiable. I swallowed the iron-like taste of blood and wiped some more off my brow. He laughed down at me, still wildly moving around trying to escape.

I simply stood before him, locking my eyes on his. He met them, but the longer our gazes remained steady on one another, the stiller he became. First it was his hands, going limp. Then the arms. After a moment, he had stopped moving altogether. Jimin approached behind me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I couldn’t look at him. I stared at this boy, into the core of him, the angry, flaming, red, insecure center. I could see it all in his flashing eyes.

I felt my hair falling into my eye, sticking to the bleeding spots on my forehead. I couldn’t even bother moving it. “If you even think about touching him again,” I spat, voice low, leaning up towards his face, now only centimeters away, “I’ll kill you myself.”

I watched a shiver run from the bottom of his spine to the crown of his head. His dark eyes went wide as he realized there was no hyperbole in my words. I meant it. And he could feel it. Goosebumps on his skin, irises shaking, mouth ajar.

He was terrified.

I smiled.

“Oh Jesus! What happened?” called Injung from behind us.

I gave a final nod to the frightened boy and turned away. “Let’s go, Hyungwon,” said Taehyung quietly.

This time, Hyungwon didn’t fight. He didn’t do anything, really. Simply walked back with his friends and disappeared down an alleyway beside the greenhouse.

“Do you have any idea how stupid that was?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know how bad that could have been? God, not to mention you already have amnesia.”

“I know.”

“Do you even care that you were hurt?”

I blinked, sitting atop the counter in Jimin’s kitchen, sweet afternoon light streaming hazily through the window. Injung sat in the living room, ear pressed to his phone, still explaining the situation to Yoongi on the other side. Jimin insisted that Injung tell them not to come once things deescalated, but nonetheless Yoongi demanded that all information be relayed to him for record-keeping.

Jimin stood before me, standing between my knees with a wet rag pressed against my forehead. Peroxide, he had said. To disinfect the wound. I knew he kept it handy for the times when thorny plants gave his skin a knick. He exhaled, still staring over my shoulder into the apartment. He hadn’t looked me in the eye since we’d gotten upstairs.

I felt a strange hollowness in my stomach. Dread perhaps. I knew I’d done something to upset him, and the thought of him hating me was horribly uncomfortable. I preferred it when he didn’t even know I was there.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t especially care,” I said.

Finally, he met my eyes and what awaited me was pure disbelief. “How can you say you don’t care? We don’t even know each other and you’re acting like this,” he said, shaking his head with a sigh. He removed the rag and examined it. “Look at how much you’re bleeding…”

“But I do know you,” I insisted.

He sighed once more and turned toward the opposite counter, waving his hands. “Sure, sure. Whatever,” he said. He grabbed a few bandages from his first-aid kit and returned to his spot between my knees. Why did my heart flutter? “You’re so weird.”

He lifted his hand to my forehead, blowing gently against my skin. But I felt…frustrated. Hurt. How could he become so cold after I’d defended him? Was that fair? As he approached with the bandage, I swatted his hand away and hopped onto the floor. Shocks rain up my legs from the impact. I paused to give Jimin a glare.

“Sorry for trying to help you,” I said quietly, brushing him off as he followed me with the bandage.

He groaned. “Jesus, no! No, come back. I shouldn’t have acted like that,” he said, grabbing for my arm and shaking it slightly.

I turned to him and shook him off. “I’m fine. I’ve stopped bleeding so don’t waste your supplies on me.”

His expression fell and he tilted his head back, seemingly exhausted. “Why are you being so difficult?” he asked.

I scoffed and pulled my arm from his grasp. “Weird and difficult,” I said with a nod. Where was this frustration coming from? When had I ever been upset with Jimin? “I’m fine. I’m gonna go take a shower.” When had I learned to say things like ‘gonna’?

I walked briskly past Injung who, still locked in dialogue with Yoongi, paid me no attention. I heard Jimin exhale sharply with a humorless laugh as I exited the scene. As I shut the bathroom door behind me, I clutched my chest and struggled to control my breathing. I was so frustrated. And I was frustrated with the person I’d risked everything for.

Why did it feel so familiar?

I’d never noticed it before, but the ceiling in my bedroom resembled very fine popcorn. It also had a slight indentation, a sagging, in the corner beside the bed where it had been damaged by rainwater. I’d never noticed it before, but the ceiling in my bedroom was horribly, dreadfully, painfully boring. I sighed, arms and legs splayed out as I lie on my back like a starfish, beached on a drying rock. I couldn’t bring my eyes to close and, as time passed, the injury on my forehead was growing more and more painful. It was aching, dull but noticeable.

More than that, however, my brain was busy. As a Reaper, I’d been able to wander and think all night. But now, my human body was exhausted, longing to rest. My limbs felt heavy, sinking into the bed below me. My eyes kept slipping shut, but my brain simply would not keep quiet long enough for me to fall asleep. I’d heard humans complain about insomnia plenty of times, but experiencing it myself made me feel almost sympathetic towards them.

I sat upright and ran my fingers through my clean hair, releasing the scent of strawberries which, strangely, stimulated my appetite. Hadn’t I heard about something called a ‘midnight snack’? I glanced at the clock beside my bed and saw the sharp numbers bleeding into the inky darkness. 12:54 AM. Close enough, right?

I sat upright and pulled my soft shorts up. After I’d finished showering, Jimin had been missing. Injung told me he’d left to care for the shop, but I knew he was simply avoiding me. Had I always been so pessimistic? Nonetheless, when I’d returned to my bedroom I’d found a set of pajamas laid out, folded at the foot of the bed. They seemed to belong to his mother, as the dresser drawer was left slightly ajar.

I sighed as I felt the pajamas now. Why was he so inconsistent? Did he like me or find me burdensome? I shook my head. These thoughts had plagued me all night. There was no use in lingering on them. I padded quietly out into the living room and, silent as a mouse, crept behind the sofa on which Jimin slept. Miso slept comfortably atop his chest, curled up into a small crescent. I stepped into the kitchen and pried open the refrigerator door, mindful to keep the light from reaching Jimin by placing my body in between. I rifled through the shelves for a moment before grabbing a cup of strawberry yogurt with a sigh.

I turned around, shutting the refrigerator on my way, but gasped when I bumped into Jimin’s chest. I grabbed my nose and stared up at him with wide eyes. “What are you-,”

“Can’t sleep?” he asked.

I blinked a few times before shaking my head and shuffling around him. “No,” I answered.

“Me either,” he said, mimicking my previous position in front of the refrigerator. He grabbed the same brand of yogurt, shutting the door and grabbing two spoons. He settled onto the counter. Wordlessly, he patted the spot beside him.

I glanced at him for a moment before, with a sigh, I joined him and grabbed the spoon he extended my way. “I’m…I am upset with you I think.”

He chuckled. “You’re very honest.”

“I don’t really know how to be anything else right now,” I said, letting my posture slump as I spooned bites of yogurt into my mouth. “I’m not used to anything yet.”

“I know,” he said softly. “Which is why I should apologize to you.”

I peered at him. “You should?”

He smiled and nodded, moonlight glowing silver in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have gotten so mad. I’ve got…a lot on my mind and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair,” he said.

I felt my eyes welling up with tears. What was this? Relief? “I thought you hated me,” I said quietly, rubbing at my dry eyes before the tears could fall.

He laughed lightly and gave my knee a squeeze. “Not at all,” he said. “I’m really sorry I made you think that.”

I nodded. “Good,” I said. “Live your life being sorry to me.”

He laughed again and nodded. “I will.”

I glanced at him, brows furrowed. “What would have happened if I didn’t step in? You would have been hit. Maybe you would have ruptured your stitches. Ended up back in the hospital, bleeding. You would have had to have another lengthy stay. More interviews with policemen. And for what? For…penance or something? Why would you-,”

He interrupted me with a laugh, placing his hand over my lips. “I know, okay?” he asked with a smile.

I felt my skin heat up and glanced away from him, nodding. “If you know, then that’s enough.” His hand fell back to his thigh.

“How’s your head?” he asked.

I shrugged. “It aches,” I said. “But it’s expected.”

He sighed. “I should have given you some ice.”

“I’m fine,” I said, then rested my head back against the cabinet, taking another hearty bite. “In exchange for hurting my feelings, tell me what’s on your mind.”

He laughed lightly, stirring his yogurt with a soft smile. “You’re kinda cute, you know?” he asked.

I stared at him before giving his leg a smack. “Tell me.”

He laughed again before shrugging. “Just…I had to put an old friend of mine in a difficult position,” he said.

“You mean telling Yoongi about Jungkook asking you out for drinks that night?” I asked.

He turned to me with wide eyes. “Huh? How did you know?”

I pursed my lips. “Namjoon told me yesterday, and Jin explained that you two used to be close,” I said with a nod. “I figured you were having a hard time.”

He scoffed. “I know you say you know me, but just how well do you know me?” he asked, laughing. “I just…I feel like I betrayed him.”

I shook my head. “Jimin, what else could you have done?”

“Yoongi already knew we went out together, but I kept saying I couldn’t remember anything,” he said with a sigh. “It’s true, but I did remember Jungkook asking me to go out. That much I really did remember the whole time.”

“You didn’t have a choice, did you?” I asked. “If Yoongi knew that much already, then all he needed was your testimony. I’m sure he pressured you quite a lot.”

Jimin nodded. “But in the end, I’m the one who sold him out,” he said. “And now he’s at the police station, probably getting grilled by Yoongi and Namjoon for a confession that he can’t give because it wasn’t him.” He raked his fingers through his hair, yogurt forgotten as he shook his head, brows knitted. “And it’s all because of me. I’d come after me too, if I was his gang.”

I turned to him quietly and watched his features as he gazed at the floor, expression contorted with guilt. “It must have been hard,” I said. “Holding onto this feeling all alone.”

He stared down at me, eyes round, skin glowing in the soft moonlight. He scanned my face for a moment and again my heart raced. “Nari you…really, why do you care about me this much? What did I do?”

I swallowed hard. “That is…a difficult question to answer,” I said with a nod. “I suppose…well, if you really need an answer it is probably…because I’ve seen in you something very…pure.”

“Pure?” he asked.

I nodded, thinking back to the first time I’d seen him, crouched over his father’s body. I remembered watching the life drain from his eyes as he watched the man collapse onto the ground in a heap, watched him convulse, watched him die. I remembered that horrible sorrow. That loneliness.

“Something pure…,” I repeated, recalling that loneliness in particular. That eternal isolation. “Something that…I could understand.”

“What do you mean?”

I glanced at him. “Alone and cold and frightened and terribly small in a world that’s terribly big,” I said with a nod. “I guess I’ve felt that for a long time. Longer than I even realized.”

He stared down at me as his gaze softened, brows lowering and eyes growing warmer. He inhaled slowly and nodded even more slowly. “I’m sorry I called you weird,” he said quietly. “You’re not weird at all. You’re just sincere, that’s all.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded, taking another big bite of yogurt. “I accept your apology.”

“And…well, I guess…I hope that you don’t feel so alone anymore,” he said, taking a peek at me out the corner of his eye, the gesture almost shy. “I feel bad that the thing that ties us together is something that sad.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not sad really,” I said, then shrugged. “I think…seeing that you felt that way too made me feel less alone myself. It’s counterintuitive, but…”

He smiled gently and, his touch featherlight, guided a strand of dark hair behind my ear. “Having you around makes me feel less alone too.”

I met his eyes and smiled despite the jittery nervousness that seemed to occur whenever I looked at him too long. “I’m happy you have people like Injung and Seokjin in your life.”

He chuckled and hopped down from the counter, holding out his hand to help me down. I grabbed it, but as we stood he didn’t release it. I felt flush. “Yeah, me too. Except when Injung’s in my bed and I have to sleep on the couch.”

I blinked at our touching hands and clenched my free hand into a small ball. “Ah…that must be uncomfortable.”

He shook his head. “No, I’m just teasing,” he said, smiling. Then he noticed where my eyes had fallen and he gasped a little. “Ah,” he said, loosening his grip on my hand so it fell to my side. “Sorry.”

“No, uh…it’s fine,” I said, smiling up at him. “I think I feel better now.”

He returned it and nodded. “Me too.”

“I’ll go to bed now then,” I said. “Goodnight, Jimin.”

He grinned and tossed the yogurt cups into the trash. He turned to face me fully and offered a soft, tender smile that bloomed, fresh in the dark night light. “Sweet dreams, Nari.”

Again, I felt flush and instead of staying to chat longer I simply bowed my head and hurried back into my bedroom. My heart, while much more at ease after reconciling with Jimin, was now racing in my chest. I shook my head and shut the door behind me, running my hands through my hair. How shameless this heart was. What was it that it wanted desperately enough to hammer this loudly in my ears?

“My…seems you’re adjusting just fine,” remarked a voice I recognized too well.

I sighed and turned towards my bed where Zero sat, legs crossed, tabbing through The Book under the dull glow of my bedside lamp. “Hello, Zero.”

“Hello, Nari.”

I cringed. “It is…strange for you to call me by that name.”

He glanced at me, deathly smile on his lips, and tilted his head to the side. “Oh, but isn’t it nice that you’re becoming comfortable enough to even adopt a human name? Isn’t that just…nice?”

I sighed and sat beside him. “I apologize. I simply…cannot do as you’ve asked.”

He nodded. “I understand, my dear. Entirely,” he said with an easy shrug. “This boy’s life is just too important.”

“Yes.”

“Much more important than the balance of the very universe itself,” he said with a smile my way. “I understand entirely.”

“Zero, please-,”

“Why is your beloved friend sleeping on the couch tonight? I wanted to get a proper look at him, but found a fully-grown adult in his bed,” he said with a laugh. “Gave me a fright.”

I sighed, gripping he bridge of my nose. As I did, I realized how silly and human that gesture was and returned my hand to my lap, clearing my throat. “That is his uncle.”

“Ah! He has an uncle. Marvelous,” he said, rolling his eyes. “As if this web wasn’t complicated enough.”

I stared at him. “Really, Zero. Can you be this apathetic? These are real, human lives.”

He smiled and nodded. “Precisely. Human lives, just like any other. If I allowed myself to become attached like you have well…,” he paused to laugh. “Well, you’re proof of how well that works out.”

I crossed my arms, frustration again taking hold. When had I ever been this brazen with Zero? “Why are you here, Zero? To tease me?”

He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “No, dear,” he said. “I just noticed something quite odd in The Book that may be relevant to our predicament.”

I glanced at him. “Odd?” I asked, suspicious. He’d proven himself to be quite impetuous since I’d arrived in this human body. I wondered if he was simply toying with me.

He nodded and opened The Book to a page somewhere towards the middle. “Let me quickly find it,” he said under his breath before smiling with a long, “Ah.”

I followed where he pointed and saw a clock running down at an alarming rate. Each second was doubled, two seconds lost for every one second lived. Realization struck me quickly and I turned to Zero with wide eyes. “This is…”

“The person whose time your friend is stealing,” he said with a nod. “Precisely. How clever of you to catch on so quickly.” He grinned and patted my head, however unlike when Jimin did it the feeling was condescending rather than comforting.

I sighed. “So then…this person’s life is being cut short.”

“Yes,” he said.

I scratched my head and watched the numbers fall. 59 years, 363 days, 24 seconds. A long life…

Cut in half.

I rubbed my forehead. “And nothing else is strange in The Book?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not a thing,” he said, then snapped. “Ah, unless you count the clock stuck at zero which…well, I suppose we have spoken about this at length already.” He laughed and flitted his hand.

I sighed. “What is it about this person then?” I asked. My eyes grew wide as I glanced to the side to read the name. Icy chills ran through my body as horror overcame me.

No.

Anyone but him.

Anyone but this person.

Beside the rapidly decreasing clock was the name Ahn Injung.

#bts #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #bts jimin #jimin #park jimin #jimin fanfic #jimin fanfiction #jimin fluff #jimin angst #bts horror au #bts reactions #bts imagines #bts scenarios #the parting fanfic

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hiei1300 · 6 years

Text

An Avenger’s Secret

Chapter 6: Meeting Aero

Pairing: Loki x Female Reader

Summary: Being the epitome of professional, you have one rule that must be followed to the T; Never mix business and personal. But how will your integrity fair against meeting the Avengers, or better yet, a certain Avenger’s brother?

A/N: I hope the pace of the story is working for everyone. The pictures aren’t mine and belong to their respective owners.

Word Count: 3380

Warnings: None

Chapter 5

No…

Slowly pulling your hand out of the box, you didn’t dare reveal what was inside. The small sense of false security that if you didn’t physically see it, it wasn’t real. Stepping away calmly as possible, you ignored the look the god gave you. Pulling a bag from your closet, you started packing extra clothes for the week to come.

“(Y/n)?”

Ignore it.

“(Y/n), what happened?”

Don’t.

Looking at the opened box, he eyed you carefully, you were excellent at hiding your emotions. He figured that the first time he met you. But there was something wrong and you weren’t going to tell him, question was, what was it? He saw the hesitation at the door, noticed that you were being subtle about looking for something when you entered your apartment. And he wanted to know.

“(Y/n), could I trouble you for a glass of water?”

His question stopped you in your tracks, snapping you back to reality, like a switch was turned on that someone was in the room with you.

“Of course.” Setting the clothes on the bed, you exited your room and went to the kitchen.

The moment you turned your back, Loki checked what it was that made you freeze without warning. Pulling the contents of the package out, he revealed a small blue velvet box and a sealed envelope with your name on it. Opening the box, he looked down to see a silver ring with a fairly large pink colored diamond. A simple leaf like design and smaller white stones on either side.

An engagement ring, setting in back in the box he pocketed the note as he heard your footsteps approach.

“Thank you.” Taking a sip, he watched you pack up. Your expression making it hard to decipher what you were thinking.

“I’m going to do some grocery shopping before I meet up with E today.” you informed him, slinging the bag over your shoulder. “Nothing too exciting.”

“Preparing to feed all of us? How generous.”

His smirk was effortless as always. You didn’t bother to answer, just started walking out. Locking the door behind you, taking mental note that you did in fact lock it, you began your trek out the building. The walk wasn’t comfortable anymore, the thought of all that at your apartment was weighing heavy on your mind.

She won’t be back until Friday, that’s five days to figure out how to keep this from escalating. She can’t know…

Your composure was wavering, if just slightly, it was noticeable by the man walking beside you. He didn’t comment on it further, you wouldn’t talk anyway, he simply kept a close watch on you. It brought you some relief once you entered the supermarket, to busy yourself and your mind with the task at hand, temporarily forgetting your concern.

“Is there anything in particular that you won’t eat, Mr. Laufeyson?”

“Something tells me that I’ll be quite satisfied with whatever you make.”

Nodding, you started taking note on your phone of ingredients as you walked around. “What about your brother?”

-Tch- “He’s a black hole, my dear. He’ll swallow anything you put in front of him.” He commented in disdain.

“That’s good to hear, now I know nothing will go to waste.”

That new welcomed comfort started to form around you as you walked with this man. Even if you didn’t look at him, his presence was welcomed and it was nice to have the company. You shopped for nearly an hour and a half longer than you expected. The thing you liked about this store was that they delivered, sure you could have ordered online, but then you couldn’t ask about their products and see the quality first hand. Being here in person was easier and you liked the control you had over the situation. All the while, Loki followed in calm silence, inspecting in his own light.

“Is there anything here you would like, Mr. Laufeyson?”

“Mm, there is.” A sly smile pulling at his lips as he looked at you. “Tell me, my dear, what do you recommend for someone craving something sweet but not overbearing?”

Thinking for a moment, you wrote something down in your phone, shutting it quickly and continued on. After talking with the store manager, you had your order filled and he assured you it would be delivered to the address you wrote before 5 that day.

I know this pretty rave girl, always think about her, when she says hi to me butterflies right through me~

“Morning E.” you answered your phone with a smile, one that was becoming more appreciated and anticipated the more Loki was around you.

“(Y/n), lets grab breakfast! After, we can collect everything for Aero!”

“Alright, where do you want to go?”

“That little café down the road from the tower.”

“I’ll head over now, see you there.”

“You’re meeting up with her?”

“And you’re coming with.” You stated quickly. Simply smiling, he didn’t argue and continued to follow you back in the direction you came. People were starting to emerge from their holes, the sidewalk becoming busier as you walked. Every now and again you would catch women giggling in your direction, stealing glances your way and huddle with their friend as you walked passed. As strange as that is, you couldn’t figure out what it was that had them doing that.

“You seem perplexed.” He mused with a smirk.

“Just observing the people.”

“What about them?”

“Nothing.” You said flatly. “Human behavior is just fun to observe every now and again.”

“I will have to agree with you on that one.”

It wasn’t long until you came upon a quaint café, there was a fenced in outdoor dining area, large windows for viewing, and sitting on top of one of the tables, was the person you couldn’t be happier to see.

“Hey, E.” you laughed, seeing her perk up at the sight of you, even more so that you brought company. Launching herself off and onto the floor, she sprinted to you.

“(Y/n)!” she laughed when you managed to catch her this time. “Good morning!”

“Morning.” You smiled, setting her down. “Hope you don’t mind.” Gesturing to the man next to you, her smile widened.

“Not at all! I’m so happy to see you again!”

“The pleasure is all mine.” He smiled, ushering to follow her you all took a seat inside next to a window.

When the waitress came to give you menus, you noticed how color quickly painted her cheeks as she looked up. All at once realization hit you, all the women that you passed were merely fawning over this man. You caught how her voice raised in pitch, her eyes dilated and how her breath hitched ever so slightly. You couldn’t help the grin that came across your lips, glancing across the table at the god holding the poor girl’s eye as he spoke.

Guess I’m not the only one that finds him attractive. -!?- Wait…what?

Brushing the thought away, you took a sip from your coffee, enjoying how animated E was as she spoke to your guest. She was talking about her work and her newest client in Paris, she’s so excited to go. You were happy for her.

“You don’t catch me as the mother type.” Loki mused, sipping from his tea. “How many children do you have?”

Giving him a confused look, her smile never wavering, she looked over at you, seeing how you were avoiding eye contact and biting your lip to stifle your giggles.

“That’s very mean of you, (Y/n).” she nudged you, laughing when Loki looked lost. “You didn’t tell him?”

“Now why would I do that?” you teased, relaxing into your seat. “He’s going to find out regardless, besides, it’s fun to see their reactions.”

Raising a brow to your response, he didn’t comment more. Finishing up, as E got up to pay and Loki joining her to continue their conversation, another employee came over to your table.

“U-Um, excuse me?” noticing the new figure, you turned your attention to the staff member. A young man with chocolate brown eyes and short black hair, freckles, a slim strong build, adorably handsome. He looked nervous as he stood there. A light pinkish hue dusting his cheeks.

“Hello, do you need me to move?” you asked in a polite manner.

“O-Oh n-no, I actually, I uh I wanted to ask if- what I mean is- uh” it was a little awkward to say the least, “Hi, my name is Mark.” He greeted with a shy smile.

“Hello, Mark. Was there something you needed?”

“Yeah, uh, your…name and…number...?”

His request caught you off guard, widening your eyes a bit in surprise, you tried to process what was asked. Before either of you could stammer a response, Loki came up behind the male.

“Is everything alright, dear?” he asked innocently, peering down at the worker. “Elli asked me to fetch you so we may depart.”

Sneering a bit at the man’s flustered fear, he offered you his hand to help stand you up. Taking it without hesitation, you turned to Mark.

“I apologize, I must get going. I hope you have a good rest of your day.” Walking to meet with your friend at the door, Loki made himself comfortable by gingerly placing his arm over your shoulders, glancing back at the workers with a grin. The male and female that approached you and your group looked deflated to say the least.

“Ready to meet Aero?” E asked, a hop in her step as you walked along the road.

Pinching the god’s hand off, you smiled at her excitement.

“Wanna introduce him to the other while we’re at it?” you suggested.

“YES!” she jumped, picking up the pace a bit.

Hailing a cab, the three of you made your way north to E’s home. After a good half hour of driving, the car was pulling onto a large plot of land, a high stone wall surrounded the property. Entering the security gate, the curiosity was beginning to build with the man sitting next to you.

Her house was large and welcoming. Even with the size, it wasn’t intimidating in the least, a wide driveway and front yard where the house sat perfectly in the middle.

“Welcome to mi casa!” she shouted as she jumped from the back. After paying the cab, you joined Loki and E at her front door. Inviting you both in, the ebony haired god found himself stiffen, slightly panicking, clung to his face holding for dear life was a small fluffy critter.

Plucking the bundle of fur from his face, his hair slightly a strewn, Loki got a very good look at his attacker.

“Mr. Laufeyson,” you smiled sweetly, “we’d like you to meet Aero.”

In your hand sat a snow-white rodent of sorts with bright red eyes. Gripping onto your fingers with its little paws, Loki had a fairly blank expression on his face with wide eyes.

“It’s a rat.” He finally said flatly.

“She’s a sugar glider,” E laughed, “and she’s a marsupial, not a rodent.” Correcting his proclamation.

Leading him further into the building, he started noticing odd shelving and perches on the walls. There was an extremely large cage in the corner of the living room with branches, pouches, and ladders.

“She roams the house on her own when I’m not home.” She explained to his questioned gaze. “My house is modified to help her easily traverse in and out of the rooms without touching the ground.”

Seeing the little cotton ball scurry up your arm and nestle under your hair, Loki seemed to recall what you said.

“She’s the one you will be babysitting?”

“Sugar gliders need constant care and attention. They’re social creatures that if deprived of social interaction will not thrive. They will become depressed and lonely, which can cause them to die.” You explained, rubbing the little thing’s head affectionately.

“Wanna see something neat?” E pressed happily, walking over behind you. “Stretch your arm out with your palm up.”

Smiling at his hesitation, you walked a bit further from him with E clung to your side.

“What am I doing?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Just watch.” You laughed. “And don’t flinch.”

Taking Aero into your hand, being taller than your friend, you lifted the little fluff high in the air. Upon seeing what was being requested of her, Aero launched herself from your palm, gliding and effortlessly landing on Loki’s hand.

“Oh.” He was impressed surely, the little thing can fly, sort of.

“Go ahead and try to send her back.” E called.

Holding her up in his hand as you had, his perch was a lot higher than your own, it was easier for Aero glide back into your palm.

“How much do you know about earth animals?” E asked, walking over to the sliding glass door, beckoning him to follow.

“Other than horses and dogs, not much if these are the norm.” gesturing to Aero, watching the little creature climb up your hair and make herself comfortable on your head.

“If you like horses, then you’re going to love Ebony.” Walking out onto the large porch, a wide and open field of grass glittered under the morning dew.

With a soft and serene whistle, the young bluenette called over her next “child.”

Trotting up to the three was a grand solid black stallion, Loki’s eyes widened at the sight before him. He stood tall and proud next to his owner, taller still even to the god, a large breed, thick with muscle and his mane and tail cast down like a wave. His shiny black coat was well groomed and soft, turning to look at Loki square in the eye, a small white heart shaped patch rest in the middle of his forehead.

“This is Ebony,” you introduced, petting the horse lovingly on his muzzle, “he’s a Clydesdale.” Seeing the horse nuzzle into your touch, bringing his head down to nudge you softly when you stopped giving him attention, Loki couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face.

“Would you like to ride him?”

Looking at Elli, Loki did want to, it had been quite some time since he rode, and to ride a magnificent beast such as this?

“He prefers bareback.” She encouraged, ushering Loki to stand next to Ebony. The stallion looking over Loki carefully before turning his attention back to you. “That means he’ll let you ride him.” She laughed.

Running his hand over his coat, the muscles reacting to the touch, Loki eagerly leapt onto his back. Ebony didn’t move a bit at being mounted, he waited for his new rider to get settled before shifting away from you.

“Just a fair warning,” you spoke up, “he likes to jump. So, hold on tight.”

Before the god could respond, Ebony was already trotting away at a steady pace. You watched as Loki rode like it was second nature, fully entrusting himself to the animal. The further away he went, the faster Ebony got. Before either of you knew it, the two were at full sprint across the land.

“He’s cute.” E commented, bringing you back to her. “I approve.” She laughed.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You said, turning away and walking back inside.

“I’ve never seen you act like this with someone.” She mused further, seeing you enter her bedroom to gather Aero’s stuff. “I almost thought I’d never see the day you would like someone.”

“I don’t like him, E.”

“And yet, he’s here.”

“That was his choice.” You countered.

“One you didn’t protest.” She pointed, her smile becoming sweet instead of teasing.

“He’ll be staying at the tower, I’m simply getting used to the idea of always seeing him.”

“You’ve never looked at anyone like that though, not even- “

“Say his name and you won’t be leaving for Paris.” You threatened, your eyes never leaving the task at hand.

“(Y/n), it’s been three years.” Feeling her hand gently on your back, you relaxed to her touch. A heavy sigh escaping through your nose. “I know it’s hard, but you need to learn how to trust people again.”

Her voice was low, careful, she knew your hurt all too well, at least, the hurt you shared with her.

“I trust you, E. I don’t need anyone else.”

“You need more than one person in your life.” Hugging you from behind, she rested her head against your back. “Tony is a good start, and Loki would be good for you.”

“I work for Mr. Stark, Mr. Laufeyson is his colleague.”

“But he trusts you.”

“Because he doesn’t know me.” Turning to face her, cupping her face in your hands to look her in the eye. “Our history doesn’t need to be known by others, he doesn’t need to know mine.”

“You can’t shut yourself away forever…” her eyes were somber, her expression loving, you hated that you relied solely on your friend. She had her own life; her career was taking her all around the world. A world you turned away from. “You can’t keep hiding.”

“I’m not hiding.” Turning to finish packing, tying Aero’s carrier pouch around your neck, you both heard the sliding door close. Walking in, Loki saw you heave a large carrier off the bed.

“Did you have fun?” E beamed, asking the god that came into view with a bounce to her step.

“He’s a remarkable creature.” He said with a smile.

“You looked good with him.” You commented, walking passed the two and into the living room. “His brother will be dropped off tomorrow from his check-up.”

“You have another horse?”

“Yup!” she exclaimed proudly. “I used to foster animals for a long time. Ebony and Ivory were the last two and when I heard they would be separated, I decided to keep them.”

“He’s the exact opposite of Ebony,” you stated, “Ivory is picky with his riders, he likes the attention but will openly seek it from people he likes.”

“I’d like to meet him.”

“Well, you’ll be helping (Y/n) watch the house for me, right?” glaring slightly at your friend, she simply bounced over and hooked her arm with the man. “This is a lot of work for just one person, after all.”

“I’d be happy to accompany her, if she wishes it.” The gaze he gave you had your chest tightening again, his smile was something else.

“Do what you want.” You said flatly. Picking Aero off your head and placing her in the little pouch sitting nicely on your chest. “We’re ready to go.”

Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay Let It Rain Over Me!

“Good morning, Mr. Stark.”

“Hey, (Y/n). So, stupid question, but is Loki with you?”

“As a matter of fact, he is.”

“Oh…! Good, good. Um, why?”

“He came to help me collect Aero. We’ll be heading back here shortly, also I should inform you that I placed an order and it will be arriving sometime today before 5.”

“Sounds good, we’ll see you when you get here then.”

Hanging up you looked to your friend.

“Mind giving us a lift?”

“Not at all!” Sprinting to the kitchen, you calmly walked to the exit, Loki following close behind.

“Do you get motion sickness, Mr. Laufeyson?”

Raising a brow to you, he answered. “No, I don’t.”

“First time for everything.” You grinned, seeing E running to the garage.

Safe to say that Loki did not ever wish to ride with Elli ever again after that. What took the cab 40 minutes to get to the house, it took her 17 to get you back in front of Stark Tower.

“Call me when you land.” You instructed to your driver.

“I will, love you (Y/n)!” waving a goodbye, she sped off down the road.

“How you feelin’?” you mused with a smirk, rolling the carrier into the building.

“I may have lost my stomach somewhere along the way, but other than that, I’m fine.” He huffed, smoothing out his ruffled hair.

“Be glad she was taking it slow.” Not missing the fear that crossed his features, you couldn’t hold the laugh from escaping your mouth as you entered the elevator.

Chapter 7

@harrymewmew @themes87 @pieceofhamiltrash@trashyemonerd@haven-in-writing @jj-trickster @southside-serpent-princess @craftersdust @gravity-9-8 @blazefire2012 @alina-barnes

#loki #loki x reader #tony stark #avengers

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