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joonsytip · 1 year

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Anonymously Yours || Joshua Hong

Pairings: Joshua x Fem!Reader Genre: Fluff, Angst, Humour (broken coz mine), high school au, enemies to lovers au, strangers to lovers au, anonymously yours au. Synopsis: After an accidental text message turns into a digital friendship, you and Joshua start crushing on each other without realizing you both see each other frequently in real life. Notable Mention: You both hate each other's guts.... Word Count: 18.6k Inspired By: Mexican Flick - Anonymous yours. Warnings: profanities, Joshua acts dumb one big time, mentions of periods, tears and tears but mostly fluffy, protagonists don't know how to act around each other (lmk if I missed any) Banner credits to my baby @wannabeyourshua . Also, it's your birthday present from me, hope you like it! Taglist: @wannabeyourshua @hoeforhao @kimmych @chocolatekdramakpopfreak @starlight-night0 @alyssng @imsjane @i-dont-give-a-fok @gaebestie @meowmeowminnie @hanniehaeism

Please heart, comment and reblog, would really help to keep me going <3

[SVT Flick : Fic Masterlist] [SVT Masterlist]

Unknown Number:

[3:05 AM] Hey!

It was great meeting you! Maybe we should meet again sometime soon :)

What do you think?

You:

[3:09 AM] It's 3am for god's sake???

You got the wrong number!

Unknown Number:

[3:10 AM] Haha, not funny! It's me.

You gave me your number at the party :(

[3:12 AM] They gave you the wrong number obviously.

Now stop right there & let me sleep!!!

The blaring sound of the alarm is hurting your ears and adding to your headache.

"Ugh, I can't even sleep without getting interrupted.", you groan but manage to lift your body to do two trivial things. One, stopping that goddamn alarm. Two, checking your phone.

8 AM. The time glares back at you.

You have a class at 9, well assignment submission to be more precise and you're still in your bed, half awake, half grumpy.

Next half an hour goes in a blur as you gobble down your breakfast and smoothie that your mother makes daily, it's almost like a tradition and good part is that you don't hate it. The only bad part is that the same conversation that follows everyday of them insisting you to join the family business and you dismissing them because you have a passion that you want to turn into profession.

Currently you're waiting for your best friend, Hyerin, who's never not late to pick you up.

Some insights on Hyerin, she's your best friend, have been your friend since when you knew could pronounce that term. She's pretty, easy going, quite popular and star player of the school's tennis team.

Hyerin Calling....

You don't have to pick up that call so rather you are running straight down the block knowing that she's waiting there with her jeep.

"Babe, I'm late because of her.", she says as she points at her younger sister, Hyejoo who is seated in the backseat.

"I admit. But you know the other 99 times of 100, we're late because of whom", she immediately quips back in her defense.

You roll your eyes, bored of their banter and turn on the radio to have a vibe to jam to till you the reach the school.

As soon as you cross the threshold of the school, Hyerin is hijacked by Jeonghan, her tennis partner and Hyejoo situates herself with basketball teammates when she spots them.

And you're left alone.

And you're used to it.

The final bells rings indicating that you should be now sprinting to the class to avoid the grudges of your literature teacher.

You are with your full concentration tangling the wires of your earphones around the phone while climbing up the stairs when you suddenly bump into someone.

Your head whips up to see the other person, glaring at you having his shirt stained in coffee which he was supposed to drink.

"Sorry, very sorry", you take out your handkerchief and just as try to dap on the shirt, that person backs away.

"Please give your number, I'll pay for the dry cleaning.", you say politely.

"No need, I can pay for myself", that person grumbles, "Do me favour and from next time keep your eyes open while walking."

He says and walks away leaving you speechless and infuriated.

"What an ass, I was trying to nice.", you mutter before sprinting to the class.

Joshua is already having a bad day so when the only thing he was looking forward to, coffee from his favourite café got spilled on his shirt because of some girl who can't walk straight, he is vexed.

Fortunately, he doesn't have classes within next hour so he goes straight to basketball ground. He has been enrolled into this high school recently so he has no friends, neither he intends to make any.

He fishes out his phone and taps on a contact who's name he doesn't know and proceeds to send a text.

Joshua:

[9:35 AM] Hey, sorry for waking you up last night.

Stranger:

[9:36 AM] No worries, I fell asleep right back.

Joshua:

A heavy sleeper it seems lol.

Stranger:

[9:37 AM] You can say that. And whoever did this to you is so mean, they could have told you no instead of doing this.

Joshua:

[9:37 AM] Ikr. I was at this party last night when my best friend insisted me to ask her number coz according to him I was checking her out.

Stranger:

[9:40 AM] Didn't work out for you :(

"Hey cutie, are you new here?", Joshua who is now quietly watching the match is called out by Hyejoo.

"I am.", he responds right away.

"Wanna play with us?", Hyejoo asks twirling the ball on her index, a sly smile set on her lips.

"Yes.", Joshua simply says and jogs down to the play arena.

"Before we get started, I'm hosting a party today and you're invited.", Hyejoo says, her expecting eyes staring at him.

"Thanks for the invite but sorry I won't be attending.", Joshua replies and extends his hand, asking for the ball.

Hyejoo immediately backs down, tossing the ball , "Then you don't get to play."

"What?", Joshua's face twists in a mix of confusion and rage.

"You heard it right.", Hyejoo taunts him further.

"Are you being serious?", Joshua chuckles in disbelief, "Such a spoilt brat."

Hearing this, Hyejoo's friend Jisung walks upto him and grabs his collar in aggression, "What did you say?"

"Exactly what you heard. You're her bodyguard or what?", Joshua smirks.

And the next second a hard punch lands on his face. Just as he was about to retort the sports coach shouts, "The group over there, you're all going for detention."

A series of groans are heard.

You look around in utter disappointment. Well, detention room could and should never be appealing to anyone.

It's your fault you're here because you couldn't cure your curiosity when you saw a text from the familiar unknown number and your hands immediately to had respond back even after getting two warnings from the teacher.

Sitting idle never does you good, so you deck your bag on the desk which is going to act as a makeshift pillow and next you rest your head on it.

Joshua enters the room and the first person he spots is you, who had deprived him the privilege of drinking morning coffee.

With a scowl set on his face, he walks past you and sits on the corner most seat.

Next, a smile plasters on his face as he takes out his phone goes through the conversation between him and the stranger.

Mrs. Yoo walks in with all her glory knowing she's very much despised by the students not because she's an ass of a person but for her detention projects she puts everyone through.

You heave a sigh, unbothered to greet the teacher.

Her heels clanks sharply against the floor as she walks to the teacher's desk and taps her finely manicured nail against the table with a sickening sweet smile plastered on her face, sweet enough to make everyone else present in the room barf out.

"I'll get to the point straight. Block your calendars for Saturdays & Sunday, 2 to 5, every week.", she orders, unphased by the string of protests coming in.

You exchange glances with Hyejoo, who looks equally terrified.

"But I have classes", you speak up, "And I guess everyone has some or other sort of commitments as well."

"That's for you and everyone else to manage. Should have thought before.", she points her eyes at you and moves on, "I'll create a gc and add everyone of you. So the venue of next meetup will be shared across. And I want full attendance.", her voice holds the authority and every single being present there knows that they would be attending otherwise the wrath of Mrs. Yoo is not something anyone would like face.

Sundays are no more Fundays.

Hyerin's are rich rich. So whenever her parents are out of town for business, both the sisters throw parties and invite the whole town, okay not whole but they'll be almost there soon.

And you are present in each of them, as a pure obligation and to be a good friend to Hyerin.

Parties are not your thing, it never was and it's safe to say it will never be. Because your social batteries are weak and that's why while everyone is doing beer pongs or fuzzy duck or whatever questionable things, you sit by the pool, in calm, legs dipped in the cold water.

"Oh there's my girl!", you hear Hyejoo as she sits beside you.

"Congrats, you found me.", you shrug and swing your legs lightly in the water, making a brief eye contact with her.

"Thanks for coming.", she says leaning on her shoulders, "I know parties are not your thing but your presence matters. And thanks for these dresses? Like I don't know how you do it everytime, you have magic in your hands ."

"Don't go all sappy on me, Joo.", you chuckle and lay your head on hers, "But thanks for the words."

"Anything for you, love.", she smiles and closes her eyes basking in your presence until she hears a call of her name.

"Gotta go.", she immediately gets up and sprints to the hall as she yells, "Tell me whenever you wanna leave, I'll drop you off!"

You shake your head and take out your phone.

You:

[9 PM] You there?

Unknown Number :

[9:01 PM] Hey!

Just pulling a marathon of Victorious.

[9:02 PM] Cool! Cat Valentine my love.

Do you like parties?

Unknown Number:

[9:04 PM] Depends on the people, both accompanying and hosting.

What about you?

You:

[9:05 PM] I don't exactly like parties.

I'm that miserable wallflower :(

Unknown Number:

[9:07 PM] Come on, you're not miserable, it's just that you don't feel it, you're not into it.

You :

[9:09 PM] Maybe....

Joshua stares at the phone screen a little longer before chucking the phone on the bed. He sighs and his thoughts drift away to the same old wistful thinking.

There's a knock on the door and he hums in acknowledgement, allowing the person to enter.

"Make space for me, I'm tired.", Mingyu is already nudging Joshua who lets out a grunt but shifts anyway.

"If you're tired, go to your home and sleep on your bed.", Joshua remarks in an agitating tone but both of them know that he's actually far from that.

Mingyu laughs and snuggles closer to him, "That's not how you treat your best friend.", he playfully quips, "I have a match on Sunday, you're coming right?"

"When have I missed any of your matches?", Joshua rolls eyes, "Mixed Doubles?"

Mingyu nods, "The practice is thinning me tired.", he then taps on Joshua's arm and the later extends his arm so Mingyu can lay his head on.

"How's new school?", Mingyu asks.

A bit of silence before Joshua answers, "It's okay."

"Made new friends?", Mingyu asks with concern.

"No. Don't wanna.", Joshua says, "I'm just doing it because I have to."

"Tried talking to your mom about this?"

"Gyu", he trails off even though he has so much to say.

"I'm all ears Josh. Even if it's the same old talk, I'm willing to listen. Please tell me.", he insists.

"I had promised dad, that I'd become like him.", Joshua stills when that exact memory flash in front of his eyes, "After his death, I have fully devoted myself to studies so that I can get accepted to the best law academy. My mom always keeps on encouraging me and I know she wants to keep my dad's profession alive through me because she thinks I'm as much interested She's not at fault for doing so but..."

Mingyu waits with all the patience in the world, just for his friend to pour out everything, so that it hurts him less, so that his suffocation lessens even if in miniscule amount.

Pouring out is always better than bottling in.

Joshua relents for a moment but he knows that the listener is never going to judge him, that he's always there to share the burden so he continues, "When I was younger it was fascinating, I wanted to become lawyer but in recent years I don't feel the same. Heck, I don't even know what I like or what I'd like to have in as a career but it's definitely not something in law."

Mingyu listens and he worries a lot about his best friend because he knows that Joshua isn't particularly vocal and impulsive. He's neither outspoken nor indecisive.

If it had been him, Mingyu would have relayed his thoughts to his parents and worked a way out but it's not him.

It's Joshua.

It's Joshua, who would never willingly hurt his mother, even if it costs his mental health and choices.

It's Joshua, who on Mingyu's fifteenth birthday gifted him a Yonex Racket because Mingyu wanted one from long time but his parents weren't interested to invest in such an expensive racket. It had costed Joshua all his savings. It also costed Joshua his ears for all the scoldings he got from his and Mingyu's parents.

Mingyu is perceptive.

Joshua is also perceptive except for times when it comes to himself.

"Take your time Josh. We're too young to be worried about stuffs.", Mingyu says and turns to the other side, "Set the alarm at 6. I have practice."

"You're so bothersome.", Joshua quips with no seriousness instead setting the alarm on his phone but only after kicking Mingyu on his shin, "Go change into something comfortable atleast."

Mingyu just hums and Joshua pulls over the comforter.

Mrs. Yoo stands patiently and all the students wonder why in the world they are standing outside an abandoned playground.

"I am gonna divide everyone in teams of two and you're gonna paint the walls of this playground.", Mrs. Yoo smiles wide as she sees the distress showcasing on the faces of her students, "and do gardening."

"What's the meaning of us doing all this?", you voice out in genuine concern.

"To make you all aware of the privileges you have been availing all your life.", Mrs. Yoo answers, "And I decide when the detention will be over so behave accordingly."

As if it wasn't already nauseating, Mrs. Yoo decides it's best if you pair up with Joshua Hong.

The same Joshua Hong who can't look at you without glaring.

"So let's start with making the soil bed", you say not looking at him as you two manage to gather some wooden sticks and tie the ends together.

Joshua hums disinterested and suddenly pours the bag containing manure into the bed without soil.

"Stop! what are you doing?", you scream as if facing a mid life crisis and he glares at you again.

You sigh, "That's not how it's done. We'll have to put a layer of soil and level it first --"

"Fine.", he cuts of you and starts pouring the soil bags one after one.

Your eye twitches and you think Joshua Hong can't be this dumb. He is definitely trying to stress you out.

"You're not helping at all, if you're doing it wrong.", you relay your mind to him and it irks you more when Joshua's response is same, it comes in form of his glare.

You glare back at him and he finally says, "Okay, do it yourself then."

He walks away and you're actually relieved because being in his vicinity is becoming the bane of your existence.

Suddenly your phone dinges and you smile looking at the notifications.

Unknown Number:

[3:26 PM] I'm having a really bad day ಠ_ಠ

You:

[3:28 PM] Yours wouldn't even compare to mine.

There's this boy whom I really can't tolerate but we keep on meeting.

Unknown Number:

[3:29 PM] Lol Same! There's a girl and I don't want her to even breath in my direction.

You: [3:30 PM] Damn, we're in same predicament huh.

Unknown Number:

[3:31 PM] Guess so... Gotta go, bye.

You:

[3:32 PM] Bye bye! He's coming towards me again, gosh ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

Unknown Number:

[3:32 PM] Goodluck, I guess...

Joshua laughs as he sends the text. The lingering smile on his face immediately vanishes when his eyes lands on you.

"Do you prefer to paint with brush or rollers?", you ask Joshua who's busy watching something on his phone.

He presses pause button on the screen and looks at you, "First of all, I can't paint to save my life.", he states, "So brush or rollers doesn't matter. It's same for me."

You nod and hand him a roller, "You won't be much help here too, so please do a favour and with start painting the walls these rollers, roll up vertically please. Don't change the direction."

"Who are you to order me around?", Joshua glares at you.

You think you are going to get hernia because of stress he's giving you lately.

"I'm someone who knows how to paint so instead of running your mouth why don't you try utilising those hands of your?", you spat out and turn around walking to the opposite side.

Joshua sees red.

He thinks he's going to have appendicitis because of the stress you're causing him.

You smile looking at the beautiful hues in the paint buckets.

Atleast something is able to calm your nerves.

"Don't you think he's handsome?"

Suddenly an arm is thrown over your shoulder that almost causes you to topple to the front.

"Who?", you quirk your brows questioningly at Hyejoo.

"Duh, who else your partner. Joshua Hong.", she answers and turns you around so now you have to look at Joshua again.

You squint eyes at him, "He definitely looks good but he's an asshole."

Hyejoo smirks, "Really? I thought he's a cutie. Anyways, I like him."

You make gagging noises, "You have had not less than thousand crushes and that's totally cool but please not him."

"As if I'd listen to you."

"Yeah whatever. Maximum a week and then you will get to a new guy as always.", you mumble, "So fine."

Hyejoo leaves after Mrs. Yoo warns her to not pester anyone.

You sigh in relief and take out your phone.

You:

[4 PM] Whatcha doing'

Unknown Number:

[4:01 PM] Something I don't know how to do...

You:

[4:02 PM] Lol why?

Unknown Number:

[4:03 PM] Pure Compulsion.

You:

[4:03 PM] Ugh sucks.

Unknown Number:

What sucks more is when you have no one who understands you.

You:

[4:04 PM] Know that feeling.

I feel like no one understands me as well.

Unknown Number:

We have been talking for few days now and we don't even know each other names.

So may I know your name?

You stare at your phone screen, re-reading the text that had just appeared. Suddenly a pleasant idea pops in your mind and you happily type that away.

You:

[4:08 PM] I have an idea.

We won't share our names, any personal details, voices messages or pictures.

We'd be anonymous and get to know each other for real.

What say?

Joshua's face morphs into something that's both confusing and amusing. He doesn't think much finding it fun to try something new.

Joshua:

[4:10 PM] Let's that do.

Anonymous, saved.

Anonymous :

[4:10 PM] Anonymous, Saved :)

Joshua stands up holding the roller and tries to follow what you said. He dips the roller into the paint bucket containing orange paint and starts rolling it up vertically section wise.

He is having fun, too much fun that he accidentally spills the colours on the white tee shirt he is wearing underneath the jacket.

"What the hell?", he grunts, looking at his now stained tee, "Why doesn't anything work out for me?"

He feels emotional all of a sudden. He feels vulnerable, every thoughts that were pushed at the back of his mind starts to resurface.

He remembers the day he lost his father.

He remembers the moment when the girl he liked left the city one day and never came back.

He remembers --

"Hey, are you okay?"

Joshua hears you and falters at the tone of concern in your voice.

He simply nods and faces the wall.

"I can help you", Joshua stiffens but immediately relaxes when you say further, "to fix your tee."

"Do you have spare clothes?"

Joshua turns to face you and nods.

"So go get changed now and give me this tee.", you state and he throws an incredulous look.

"Are you planning to ruin my tee?", he asks, "What are you gonna do with it?"

"You'll see.", you say rolling eyes, "Hurry up, we don't have forever."

Joshua gets changed and hands you the tee.

You search your bag and take out your sewing kit.

Joshua sees your hands skim through the bag again and this time you fish out a bunch of cloth patches.

Next hour passes in a blur as you cut the ends of threads with scissor.

"It's done I guess.", you sigh and look at Joshua, "Manageable? Looks descent?"

He gapes at the tee in your hand and then he gapes at you.

You think he's cute with those bambi eyes resembling that of deers.

He is shaken out of trance by your light nudge.

"Woah, you're....", he manages to speak out, "so good... You gave this tee a whole new look and it's obviously trendier then the previous one."

You smile at his compliments. A smile that doesn't reach your eyes.

"Glad you liked it." you hand him the tee and start to assemble all the scattered tools and clothes putting them in your bag.

Then without another word, you get up and start to walk away.

Joshua ponders as he sees your figure diminishing from his sight, "Why did she look sad even if I was complimenting her?"

"Damn, did you see that!!", you scream absolutely astonished when Hyerin & Jeonghan won the break point of the game, leading the first set 5-3.

"That's my sister!", yells Hyejoo and looks at you, "She's so good, if she wasn't my sister, I'd have been a fan."

The next game starts soon with Jeonghan doing the first serve and that ends quickly both of them sweeping the game with 40-0. Mingyu and his partner Seji are down by a set.

"Come on Mingyu! You can do better than this!"

You heard a very familiar voice not from far and crane your neck to see Joshua cheering up the opponents.

Must be his friends from previous school, you think.

"Oh my god, Josh's here too.", Hyejoo squeals and you roll eyes choosing to ignore her.

You are recording the match when you feel Hyejoo fleet from your side and it doesn't take a genius to figure out she's going to Joshua.

With the camcorder still recording you turn and through the lens you see a very agitated Joshua who's constantly ignoring whatever Hyejoo is saying.

A smile creeps upon your face.

Joshua suddenly turns and your gazes meet through the lens.

And you freeze.

Joshua squints his eyes at you before walking away and towards the players resting area which makes you realize that the opponents won the second set and you should be doing the same.

You hurriedly run over only to see a pissed off Jeonghan which is scary because the guy is always full of mischiefs and is a moodmaker.

"What happened Han?", you ask and the stare he gives you is enough to regret speaking up.

"Seji, she's his ex Y/N.", Hyerin explains further, "They used to play together and since they didn't end up on good terms it's kinda hard for him to see her and play against her." That clicks, why Seji seemed so familiar to you.

You give a nod of understanding and next you're crouching in front of him and he looks at you in confusion, "Whatever that happened must have happened for a reason and it's all in the past Han. I think it's an opportunity for you."

Jeonghan perks up, "Opportunity?"

"Yes opportunity.", you pat his arm, "For you to get over her and to discard all those lingering feelings. Also to get the cup and lift that trophy. You could have it all sorted Han, it's your now or never moment."

Hyerin listens to you mesmerized and Jeonghan cracks an all toothy grin.

"Thanks Y/N.", he acknowledges, "For making me see things clearer."

You get and huff, "I don't want your thanks. Just win this match and treat me to BRs."

"Okay deal.", Jeonghan extends his pinky and you hook yours to his.

"There's still time, strategize your play", you say looking at the timer, "All the best guys!", and you run away.

"Thank God, Seji has gone to washroom.", Mingyu sighs in relief, "She's already pissed off since she knew we're playing against Jeonghan and if she heard all this, I'd be in trench because you can't motivate the shit to Seji like that girl did."

Joshua glares at his best friend, "Why is this falling on me? Neither I'm playing with you, nor I'm the ex boyfriend. So keep me out of it. If Y/N impresses you that much why don't you ask her for motivation directly."

Mingyu smirks, "Oh Y/N it is. Joshua Hong why do I get this feeling that you're not on good terms with her? I mean your tone says that."

Damn Kim Mingyu for knowing his best friend so well.

Joshua scoffs, "I think you have better things to worry about.", he gets up, "If you loose today, I won't allow you crash at my place for a month."

Mingyu dramatically gasps, "Are you in your right mind? You're scaring me Josh, please don't do this."

"So win this match.", Joshua smirks, 'Think this as your motivation to win."

Mingyu and Seji loose the match.

While you are celebrating with your Hyerin, Jeonghan and Hyejoo, Joshua is getting pestered by Mingyu.

"Are you serious right now?", Joshua asks in disbelief, "You just lost to them and know you want to know if Hyerin is single?"

Mingyu nods quietly liked a kicked puppy but he has no shame at all.

"Really?", Joshua asks again to confirm and when Mingyu doesn't respond he kicks his shin, "Fine. I'm going."

Joshua trudges through the crowd to find someone.

He finds you.

"Hey", he greets and you just nod at him.

"Uh can you help me with something?", he tries to sound as polite as possible, "I just wanted to know something."

"Go ahead."

Though he's cursing at Mingyu in his mind, nonetheless he asks, "You're good friends with Hyerin right?"

"Yeah we are best friends.", you say proudly looking at her as she holds the trophy and chats with Jeonghan.

"Is she single?"

The smile drops off your face and you throw a death glare at Joshua.

"Why do you wanna know that?"

Beads of sweat accumulates on his forehead as Joshua stumbles upon his words, "I-I, well-- It's..", and he finds this sudden urge within himself to explain it you before you misunderstand further, "Mingyu, my best friend, he wants to know about her."

"Didn't he just loose a match?", you ask him while your questioning gaze is fixated at Mingyu.

"Exactly! That's what I told him", he explains, "But he's like that only so if you could tell me.."

"She's single.", you respond to shut him up.

Joshua quietly cowers away.

"She's scary.", Mingyu laughs, "I thought she was going to bite off your head."

"Asshole.", Joshua quips, "She's single. Go shoot your shot."

Mingyu's eyes twinkles and skips away immediately.

Later, Mingyu manages to get Hyerin's number.

Mingyu and Hyerin are dating.

"Please Y/N", Hyerin literally corners you in your own bedroom, "It's just a double date--"

Your face contorts in distaste, "And with whom? Joshua Hong. No. Never. We both can't tolerate each other."

"Oh come on darling", Hyerin tries to persuade you, "I have talked to him, he seems good. Plus I've heard he was the star player of his previous school's basketball team. A heartthrob, you can say."

"He's good to you, because you're his best friend's girlfriend.", then you declare, "Otherwise he's an asshole."

"He's cute.", Hyerin corrects you.

"You know Hyejoo has been crushing on Joshua for sometime right? Why don't you ask her?", you sort to your last resort.

"Please, I don't her around when I'm chilling or on dates.", Hyerin sighs, "You know she's hard to handle and we both get her but other people can be uncomfortable sometimes. Last time at practice she said something ridiculous to Jeonghan, ofcourse as a joke but it was really off.", she shudders at the memory, "Jeonghan's always laid back so he let it pass."

"Okay. But why do you need us? Go on dates alone, spend time with each other."

"Because I want you to know Gyu and Josh better and same for Gyu.", Hyerin says grabbing your hands and sighs when she sees confusion written over your face, "Look even though we have just started dating but I think I like him. So I want you to know my boyfriend and his friend, you know, so you it's fluid between the four of us."

You understand. You are happy that you're her confidant. Everything makes sense except Joshua.

But when Hyerin gives you those puppy eyes, who are you to deny her.

"Fine. I'll go with you."

Mingyu gapes at Joshua in disbelief.

"What?", Joshua almost mewls and chucks a pillow at Mingyu, "Stop staring okay?"

Mingyu sits up on the bed, "So you have been talking to someone you don't know and what if that person turns out a psychopath."

"She's not a psychopath, Gyu", Joshua is immediately retaliates.

"She?", Mingyu is amused, "What if it's a he and a 50 year old weirdo?"

That sends Joshua off. After some moment of contemplation he says, "Whatever. They don't even know me and it's fine we just share our minds with each other."

"Dude you always that I'm crazy but I think it's you. You're the crazy one.", Mingyu pouts and scoots over to where Joshua is seated, "So about the double date...."

"We're not having this conversation again.", Joshua retorts.

"Why?", Mingyu now lays on Joshua's lap and looks at him, "Y/N is such a cool person Joshy. You'd love it. She's definitely better than that person you're chatting coz we know her."

Joshua rolls his eyes and places a hand over Mingyu's mouth, "We don't get along at all so no."

Mingyu bits his hand lightly and Joshua flinches in pain.

"Do me this favour Joshy, please.", Mingyu pleads, "We'll have a lot a fun I promise."

"I'm seeing her everyday Gyu, courtesy detention class. I have no will to see her more."

Mingyu's phone dinges a notification and his eyes narrow into slits as he reads it and Joshua knows it's definitely not something beneficial for him because--

"Y/N agreed to it.", Mingyu announces almost shoving his phone to Joshua's face as the later read the text from Hyerin saying the same.

He slaps away his friends hand, "Still a no."

"I thought we are best friends.", Mingyu says sadly as he gets up and takes his bag, "But seems I was wrong. Anyways, I'll get going."

Joshua knows Mingyu is pulling the best friend card yet he let's himself indulge into it once more.

"Fine.", Joshua hollers, "If I don't have a great time, I'll really cut you off Kim Mingyu."

Mingyu grins from ear to ear.

"Y/N, we got a call from your school.", your mother says. You don't like where this conversation is going.

"They informed us about your detention.", your father adds, "Why didn't you tell us?" "It's just a detention dad which will be over by the end of this week.", you say taking a bite of your sandwich even though your appetite was gone. "Y/N", your mother places her hand on yours, "You need to be serious about your studies. Your grades gonna decide your university. Remember that you'll have to take over your father's Pharma company because it's for you. This is our legacy." You are tired of the same old conversation. "I don't want to", your voice cracks as tears prick at the corner of your eyes, "I want to study fashion technology. I want to be a designer!" "We already had this discussion Y/N.", your fathers alerts and you are getting off the chair. "Getting late.", you say slinging your bag over, "Bye." Your parents look at each other solemnly. You can't pinpoint which part of the day went fine for you till now. Because everything was going wrong. First the conversation with your parents during breakfast, second Hyerin informing you about not attending classes today at the last moment over a text, third being late in the class and hearing a earful from the teacher and lots more to account for. Now, as you got some free time before the detention class starts, you decide to sew the remaining series of sequences on the piece of cloth you are currently working on.

You are pulling the needle from the backside when it pricks your index finger.

You're immune to this, it doesn't even sting much but your eyes are teary and you curse out in mumbles.

The tears start to roll your cheeks, you sob silently hiding your face behind your palms.

"Why did you agree to this double dating thing?"

You could see Joshua towering over you but don't raise your hear.

"I could have managed Gyu but just because you agreed I couldn't do so.", Joshua says angrily, "You are so annoying you know--"

"I'm sorry", you stand up, raising your head and your gazes meet.

Joshua instantly freezes when he sees your bloodshot eyes and hears your body racking sobs.

"I know I'm annoying. I'm sorry.", you cry out, "I-I'll just do something."

"Y/N--"

"I'll cancel out on them last minute with some excuses. I promise.", you are wiping your never ending tears as you continue, "So that from next time if they propose something you can always shut them up by saying that I bailed out last time."

"Hey please stop crying.", Joshua gently holds your arms as he crouches to look at you eye to eye, "Please tell me what do I need to do so that you can calm down?"

You don't respond and Joshua renders in panic as he feels you shaking under his touch.

Before the gears in his head could start turning he pulls you into embrace.

And when you still don't stop crying he gently rocks you and hums a soothing melody. His one hand strokes your hair and the other firmly hold you to his chest.

Your cries reduce to sobs until it stops.

"It'll all work out.", he says still rocking you and your hands fist on his shirt at the back.

"But it never works out", you whisper meekly.

"It will. I promise.", his says softly and with so much sincerity that it makes you want to believe him.

You pull away and ask, "You think it will?"

Joshua smiles as he wipes your tears and cups your face. His response comes in form of a soft smile and a firm nod.

"Now sit right here", he backs you and sits you up on the chair, "I'll be back quickly. Don't leave!"

He runs off halfway and calls Hyerin to know what's your favourite food or drink or anything that you make your mood shift even a bit.

And around 20 minutes later he returns with a bag full of cheese puffs, strawberry juice cans and butterscotch flavoured ice creams.

He pants but is relieved to see that you are still there and most importantly not crying.

But your rummaging through your bag.

"What are you searching for?", Joshua asks and sits beside you.

"Band-Aid", you sigh in defeat, "Of course I don't have it today. What a shitty day to be alive."

"I have it, wait a minute.", he fishes out one strip and asks, "Did you get hurt?"

"I pricked my finger with the needle.", you say extending your hand and he looks at you in concern as he applies the ointment and then wraps the Band-Aid.

"Don't worry, I'm used to it.", you try to lessen his worry, "If you do sewing with hands, you're gonna get a lot of it."

Joshua's wide eyes meets your as he realises what you're saying is correct and you find him adorable.

"Here", he hands the bag, "I got these for you."

You tear the seal and a broad grin sets on your lips.

"How did you manage to get all these?"

"Called Hyerin and run to nearest convenience store."

Your heart swells a bit, "You really didn't have to but thanks. I really mean it."

"I hope this helps you get through the day.", Joshua says and takes the ice cream stick you're offering him.

"It definitely will.", you thank him again, "I'll repay you by cancelling the double date. I promise."

Suddenly the idea doesn't sit well with Joshua.

You rack your brain hard to come up with an excuse so that the double date gets cancelled.

Looking at the time, you're about to pull your hair in frustration when your phone rings.

Hyerin calling ...

Panic surges within you causing you miss her call. You immediately call her back.

"Hey love, meet you at the arcade. I'm loving this dynamic between you two.", her suggestive tone confuses you, "I wanna know what's going on between you and Josh. Start getting ready, Josh will pick you up at 7 sharp. Bye."

"Wait what?", you squeak out, "Hello?? Rin?? Hello??"

What does she mean by that, you thought.

It was already 6:30 PM and you don't even have Joshua's number.

"Let's get ready Y/N.", you say to yourself, "If Joshua comes then fine, if he doesn't come the possibility of which weighs more, still fine you get the wear the dress you have made."

Your mood instantly lifts and you search through your wardrobe for that one dress which you have been meaning to wear for a while now. You had completed stitching the dress last month. It turned out really pretty, more than you had expected.

You had cried tears of pride and finished two tubes a butterscotch flavoured ice creams that night.

When you spot it, you caress the dress with gentle hands before taking it out and laying it on the bed.

It's a simple wrap dress, except for, you have recreated the whole dress using some torn out velvety clothings from your mother's old garments. You favourite part is that tie around which you reconstructed from a bodice and put the sequencing overall.

Green always looks good on. You're confident this one also would.

Putting on the dress, twirling around in pure joy and after being done with the makeup and pairing it with your favourite shoes you waited for Joshua.

Sharp at 7, your doorbell rings and you sprint down the stairs grabbing your sling bag to open the door.

"Wow", Joshua blurts out, eyes wide and mouth agape.

He's enchanted.

Your soft giggles breaks his reverie and he curses himself for being so obvious.

"You clean up nice too.", you actually word out the complement because Joshua is really damn good looking.

With his hair brushed back, you can see his exposed forehead and fine lined brows. The blue polo shirt that has been half tucked under the white chino pant is definitely enhancing him.

He's glowing under the strip light and you're sure he'd glow even more under the moonlight.

"Thanks", Joshua breathes out.

"Don't you have something to tell me?", your lips curl up as you say stepping out and close the door, "I was surprised when Rin--"

Joshua doesn't step back.

So when you turn you're words stuck in your throat as you almost bump into him.

But you don't bump into him. Rather there's hardly an inch of gap between you both as you stare at each other wordless.

You think he has kissable lips.

Joshua thinks you have beautiful pair of eyes.

You think his cologne smells nice.

He thinks no one ever did justice to any shades of green as much as you.

You think he has beautiful pair of eyes.

He thinks you have kissable lips.

So he leans down slowly and you don't back off. His breathes fan over your face and your hands find his.

He entwines his fingers through yours and you close your eyes.

He dips down further and is within the cusp of having luxury to put your lips together when the shrill ringtone cuts the atmosphere.

You open your eyes wide and Joshua yanks his hands backing off. You are frozen in place for a few seconds until Joshua's call of your name shakes you up.

He clears his throat and scratches his nape when you look at him.

"Gyu called.", he looks at everything and anywhere except your eyes, "They have reached and waiting for us. Let's go."

You grimace at the sudden change in atmosphere.

It's awkward and suffocating.

You both don't talk to each the whole time Joshua drives you to the arcade.

"Hey love, hey Josh", Hyerin greets as soon as you enter followed by Joshua.

You clinge to your best friend's arm and wave at Mingyu. He waves back with a huge grin.

"Guys", Mingyu calls out, "I checked the bowling ally and booked us the next slot. Let's go."

You have to unwillingly let go her arm when Mingyu extends his for her to hold.

But just before she goes, she whispers in your ear, "Did something happen between you two?"

Your eyes go wide for a moment but before she could catch up to it, you deny it. Her gaze lingers on your face trying to find any inconsistency but thankfully Mingyu ushers her away.

You and Joshua are left behind.

Joshua isn't looking at you at all and you ponder over the fact if you're going to have a good time it has to be with Joshua and this dynamic between you two has to change immediately.

"Do you want to go there?"

Joshua perks up and follows your gaze to the bowling alley where both of your best friends were having fun.

"Well.... actually no. Don't wanna interrupt them", he says, "I want to try basketball though."

"That's my favourite!", you are grabbing him by his hand, "It's that way."

Joshua smiles and he thinks that he could get used to your presence.

"You try first.", you say as you buy the tickets.

"Fine. Next round's on me.", he say taking his position infront of the machine.

You take your camcorder out and just out hold the device when Joshua scowls, "It's illegal to shoot without permission."

You realise that he's right and you mutter a quick sorry before switching off the device and shoving it into your bag.

When you look up again, Joshua is rolling of the sleeves of his shirt and while doing it he's looking damn hot for some reason.

You gulp nervously and look away.

When you're courageous enough to back at him, he's brushing his hair with his hand.

Again, for some reasons he's looking damn hot.

You think you'd combust if you stay there another moment so you say, "I'll be waiting there", and fleet away.

No matter how much you try, your straying eyes lands on him and you get a whiplash from his chiseled jaw. He must have had his side profile sculptured.

You wonder if Joshua had been always this easy on eyes or it's your hormones talking all of a sudden.

Trying a way out of distraction you decide to text Anonymous.

But before you could apprehend your fingers type away a text that makes you groan upon reading it.

You:

[8:07 PM] How do you know if you like someone?

The lack of response comes from the other side makes you ponder if you had asked an invasive question.

Did you come out too cringey, you sigh in defeat and rest your phone on the table.

"Y/N!", you hear Joshua yell, "You gotta come here."

You would have waved him off if not he had that cute little pout set across his lips.

"Don't tell me you're not able to cross level 2", you laugh straight at his face.

"As if you're the highest scorer.", He retorts.

"So naive", you tsk taking your position in front of the machine.

Joshua goes to recharge the card and returns quickly to tap it on the scanner.

You swiftly pull him beside you and he looks at you startled.

You think he's startled because he's clueless.

He is startled because of the proximity between you both.

"W-What are you doing?"

"Obviously, we're both gonna play.", you say casually, "Otherwise there's no way to crack this unless you climb on this keep on keep ducking the ball in & out."

"Wait what?"

"Look as soon as the balls start rolling, keep on picking and throwing them up.", you set aside your sling bag and tie your hair up in a messy bun, " One thing try to aim when the basket slides to your side, I'll aim on mine otherwise other balls would collide with each other and fall off."

Joshua blinks.

You wait.

Joshua is still confused.

"Look, I have wanted to try this with someone for so long.", your pleading tone resonates with Joshua.

"You haven't tried it before?", he asks, "The way you gave the instructions I was pretty much sure you're a pro at it."

"I did try it with Hyerin.", you lament, "But given she's into sports, her arcade skills are zero."

Joshua snorts at this and gets ready to fulfill your wish.

"We're gonna beat this machine today.", he raises his fisted hand for a fistbump and you gladly reciprocate.

Your cheat key fails at Level 5 but you are happy.

Same for Joshua because he couldn't recollect when was the last time he had this much fun.

"Are you sure they don't get along?", Mingyu asks with a huge grin set on his lips.

"I don't know about Y/N but Joshua upped himself by delivering himself at her door today.", Hyerin smirks.

Mingyu rolls eyes, "Don't you think I didn't notice Y/N literally giving hearty eyes to Joshy."

Hyerin doesn't comment anymore, she just smiles.

That night after dropping you off at home, when he basks in the memories of the spent evening, Joshua realises he has got a text from Anonymous.

Anonymous:

[8:15 PM] How do you know if you like someone?

Joshua:

[10:45 PM] Sorry, had a busy day today.

Do you like someone?

Anonymous:

[10:47 PM] I'm not sure???

I think I like him, the same boy whom I used hate.

Joshua:

[10:48 PM] Should I be happy? What about me?

Kidding! Feelings works funny because I think I'm starting to like the girl I told you about before.

Anonymous:

[10:49 PM] Oh? Should I be happy?

We're really in same boat lol.

Hope we can sort it out.

Joshua:

[10:50 PM] Touché.

Detention classes are going to end today.

You should be feeling ecstatic but you have a glum aura around you as you splash the paint on the wall for one last time.

"You're amazing you know."

A small smile forms on your lips but Joshua doesn't need to see that.

"I just complimented you, are you seriously gonna ignore me?", Joshua bumps his shoulder to yours but you don't budge.

"You are gonna keep doing that?", Joshua let's out a sound of annoyance, "Fine, just remember I had no other choice."

Before you could ask or ignore, you are being turned around in a moment, in the next you are being dragged you have no idea where.

Mrs. Yoo smiles as she watches you both. She just wanted you both to stop hating on but what seemingly she's a getting a lot more than she bargained for.

Hyejoo glares at the two of you and though she isn't sure if she's serious about her feelings for Joshua, a green monster of jealousy starts to invade her mind.

You are pulled inside an empty room which you never knew existed and now you're being cornered by the guy who's causing your hormones to react horrendously whenever around him.

"W-What are you doing?", you gulp nervously, looking everywhere but at him.

"Why are you ignoring me?", he says in a desperate tone and it makes you feel bad.

Because I get nervous around you, I think I like you.

You want to say it all loud and get everything off your chest but you don't.

"I-I'm just being moody", you lie partially, "I have gotten my periods."

Joshua looks relieved, "So you're not particularly being hostile towards me? Oh that's fine. I get it."

You sigh in relief.

Then, his worrying gaze is scrutinizing your face, "Are you in pain? I shouldn't have dragged you here, really sorry. Do you need me to buy to anything? Do you want to eat ice creams--"

You hush him by putting your finger on his lips, though you wish if you could put your lips on his instead.

"I'm fine Josh.", you tell him, "Since today detention classes are ending do you wanna go somewhere with me afterwards?"

Joshua agrees in a beat.

Mrs. Yoon has a teasing grin across her lips when you both stand side by side waiting for her to give you the slips which marks the end of detention.

"I'm impressed how you both went from almost plotting murder to gardening together real quick.", she says with an underlying tone, "Oh, painting too. You've learned to breathe in each other presence, that's what I wanted. You're free to go."

You both quickly mutter a thanks to her and head towards the exit.

You wait for Joshua as he goes to where his bike is parked.

And he groans when he see Hyejoo waiting for him there.

"What do you want?", he asked bluntly, as he pulls his bike and wears the helmet.

"I want to sit on that bike of yours.", she says coyly, "Can I?"

"No.", Joshua says as he prepares to flee, "As I have told you before I have no interest in you. Please stop seeking attention from me all the time."

Her gazes turns shearer as she asks, "So who do you have interest in? Y/N?"

Joshua stiffens for a moment before deciding to ignore her wholly and riding away.

"He didn't even deny it, wow", she scoffs, "Fine, let's see how this goes."

"Such a beautiful place exists and I didn't even know about it?", Joshua laments, "How did you find this place?"

You smile looking ahead, sound of the waves calming you in an ineffable way.

"Accidentally.", you say after sometime, "But this is where you'll find me if ever you couldn't get in touch with me."

Joshua's heart tightens within his chest as he asks, "Why are you showing your safe place to me? Who else knows about this place?"

You don't respond right away and Joshua waits patiently.

"Hyerin, Hyejoo and someone I used to know, knows about this place.", you look at him with warmth in your eyes, "Now you know it too."

Joshua had never imagined that a person who got his coffee spilled, became his detention partner would also be the one who would cry in front of him because of having bad day to be cheatmates at an arcade game.

Joshua never got the slightest intuition that the person whom he hated the most would also become the person he'd be liking the most.

"I want to become a fashion designer. But my parents want me to manage our family business of pharmaceuticals.", your words, tone, aura, everything is emitting sadness, "I have tried to convince them since the day I found out about my passion but they won't let me. The discussion goes nowhere."

Joshua listen, not entirely but somewhat relating to the situation.

"Tell me about you, Josh."

Joshua finds you staring at back him.

He thinks for a while, trying to put together the words for you to make sense and then speaks, "My dad was a lawyer. And I respected him a lot, so I think because of that I found law intriguing.", he pauses and heaves a sigh, "After his death, I promised mom that I keep his profession alive through me. It was an impromptu decision I had made. I was barely 12 years old then."

You listen and empathize with him. You could take a guess where this is going and if not entirely, you can also somewhat relate to him.

"As I grew up, the realisation gnawed at me. I didn't find law intriguing anymore, I don't wanna be a lawyer anymore."

Joshua sounds so dejected that you wanna put his head on your shoulders and wrap your arms around him in an embrace.

But you only caress his back.

"I have tried to tell mom about it but I didn't yet have the courage to actually tell her yet because she's still so immersed in dad and the memories he left. She doesn't even change the old television we have which barely works coz it was one of dad's favourite possession."

He suddenly blinks almost comically, bambi eyes getting rounder and lips parted in awe.

"You're really cool you know!", he emphasises on the adjective for you to get the sincerity of it, "You already have a passion and you know what you want to do. Unlike me."

"You realize it's never too early or too late to find one's passion. We are too young for figuring out our entire life. There's time. There always a right time.", you too emphasize, "Maybe you don't know today but maybe you'll know it tomorrow or someday."

Joshua finds your words oddly comforting and true.

"You can try to make your mom understand little by little. Like how about convincing her to replacing the television or anything else that could be replaced. When and if she agrees find the right time to bring in the topic and get it to her slowly. She'll understand, after all she's your mother."

What you just say, tastes bitter in your mother maybe because you wished for your parents to understand you as well.

Joshua must be knowing how to read minds, because he says, "I would like you to use your advice to yours as well. Show your parents what you wanna do and why you wanna do it. Show them your dedication."

"I'll try.", you smile at him.

"I'll try as well." he echoes you.

When he left home today, he had a mission on his mind that was to get your number.

Because when he asked Mingyu for the same, he quoted something along the lines,

"You need to get it yourself. How long until you don't suck at getting numbers?"

Infuriating, cocky of a best friend Joshua has.

When he drops you at your doorstep, Joshua had those words on the tip of his tongue until you pull of his helmet and kiss his cheek.

Joshua.exe has stopped working.

It's too late when Joshua comes back to this realm because he hears a door slam and you're have successfully sprinted into your house.

Next time definitely, he promises to himself.

You:

[6:30 PM] shared a playlist

Anonymous:

[6:35 PM] I just went through the songs list and I must say you're a music nerd fr.

You:

[6:37 PM] That I am. This playlist represents me so I just gave you a glimpse of what I am.

Anonymous:

[6:39 PM] FYI your playlist has many of my favourite songs as well. We're so similar.

"Are you texting that random stranger again?", Hyerin grimaces as she situates herself between your legs, trying to take a peek at your phone.

When you ignore her she asks again, "What's going on between you and Joshua?"

"Nothing.", you answer simply, knowing Hyerin won't buy a penny of it.

You shift so that Hyerin falls flat on the bed and you lay beside her.

"Rin, even though I have been talking this guy--"

"Don't have no idea whether you're talking to a guy or a girl or a bot or whoever!", Hyerin huffs, "Look I know you like talking to them, share interests and all but can you seriously think about Joshua. You like him, don't you?"

You sigh in defeat, nothing goes past your best friend, "I do like him, Rin."

"I freaking knew it! You both are so obvious!", Hyerin laughs, "And cute."

"I'm going to tell him someday maybe.", you say, "Even if he rejects me, I can console myself saying atleast I tried."

"Before you do that, why don't you meet this Anonymous.", Hyerin suggests, "I mean look, I know you have crated an attachment towards them. So meet them in person, get to know each more and do tell them that you like Joshua."

You blink at her owlishly.

"What I mean is, sort things out. First go meet Anonymous so you know they're not some weirdo and if they're not great you got another friend. Then confess to Josh about your feelings.", Hyerin expectant gaze falls on you hoping you got what she's trying to say.

"Okay!", you say and she can almost see that see a lightbulb going off in your head, "I'll meet anonymous first, then... then we'll see."

"Then you'll confess to Josh, if he doesn't do it first.", Hyerin scoffs, "Please we know the amount of time you're both spending."

"What about Hyejoo?", you ponder, "Doesn't she also like Josh?"

"Look, I'm very much surprised Joshua made it past a week okay? But I really want her to see Jisung's the one for her. That poor boy, I don't know how many heartbreak he suffers everytime my sister chooses a new crush, chooses someone who's not him."

"And tell her to spend a day without Jisung, she'll go berserk.", you continue to add points, "I wonder how long until she realises it's been him all this time."

"I know right, she's so goddamn stubborn.", Hyerin laments, "Hope she doesn't pull something stupid to get to Joshua because he doesn't even have an ounce of interest towards her."

"Good for me I guess?", you shrug and get an 'aww' on return.

You immediately pull up your phone and send a text.

You:

[7:25 PM] I was wondering if we could meet up?

Anonymous:

[7:30 PM] What about your rule of not knowing each other personally ?

You:

[7:31 PM] The one who made the rule is trying to break it, so .....

Anonymous:

[7:32 PM] Ok cool, let's meet.

You:

[7:33 PM]

Okay day after tomorrow, 5 in evening at Crimson Café. Sounds good?

Anonymous:

[7:33 PM] Fine by me.

How are we going to recognise each other lol?

You:

[7:34 PM]

I'll be wearing a purple beret hat with a bear logo on it.

Anonymous:

[7:35 PM]

I'll be wearing a green sweatshirt with Los Angeles written on it.

You:

[7:36 PM] Noted. See you on Thursday!

Next day when you cross the threshold of your school canteen, it's not Hyerin who gets hijacked by Jeonghan.

He hijacks you.

"What does the school heartthrob want from me?", you quip nonchalantly, "And you have a treat pending so...."

Jeonghan rolled eyes, "Oh my god, fine. After classes end, let's go to that bakery shop nearby. I heard they sell the best black currant cakes."

"Deal!", you bump his shoulder, "I'll be waiting by the exit. Will drop a text."

Jeonghan gives a nod, pats your head and part ways to attend the class.

Joshua has been occupying mostly of mind nowadays and you wonder if he was just a mere crush anymore. You also realise that you could have texted him asking if he's attending school today or not but you don't have his number.

You ask him for it next time, you take a mental note.

As promised, Jeonghan takes you to the bakery and after placing your orders Jeonghan finally ask a favour from you.

"It's the final project and I have no clue how to design the cover.", he tells you, "So could you please help me with it?"

Jeonghan knows you would definitely help him.

"Han, look to be honest, I have a lot of assignments and project to deal with", you explain, "So there's a limit on my end to provide you support. It shouldn't be taking long, we need to decide specific days and anyhow get it done by that."

Jeonghan sighs in relief, "Y/N you could have literally said no but you're an angel.", he grabs your hands and expresses his gratitude, "I'll mail you all the details and you have a look. Then we can decide on the rest."

"Sounds like a plan and you know I'd never not help you if I could.", you assert, "You are a good friend."

Jeonghan would never admit but his heart swells with emotions. For him too, you have been a good friend. Not always in touch maybe, but the one he can confide to anytime.

You let out a yelp when your pulled against his chest, as Jeonghan gives you a side hug.

"Dude what's gotten into you?", you scrunch your nose looking at him with pointed eyes.

"Well definitely not someone who goes by Joshua Hong.", he teases.

You gasp, almost scurrying away from him.

"Hyerin that little snitch!", you gruff in disbelief and Jeonghan laughs.

Joshua doesn't see you in school. He searches but you're neither in the canteen, nor with Hyerin or any of the classes he thought you'd be.

"Looking for Y/N?"

He hears a familiar voice and doesn't like it at all.

Hyejoo stands in front of him, her lips curled up in a smirk, arms crossed over her chest.

"If you know then tell me or mind your own business.", he deadpans.

Hyejoo definitely knows where and with whom you are because she had overhead you two while passing by and the absolute joy she got because that would definitely be a fuel to fire.

Joshua decides to walk off but what he hears next cause him to halt.

"Be careful Josh. Y/N maybe not be all what she seems to be.", Hyejoo says.

She continues on realising she has successfully garnered his attention, "I'm only saying because I care for you."

"What are you trying to imply here?", Joshua asks.

She chuckles, a mocking tone cutting through which Joshua fails to notice, "Did she ever breakdown in front of you?"

Joshua stills. A moment later he nods.

"You'll often have to handle that, not a big deal", her lips curl down as if in worry, "But as days goes she'll be blaming every irrelevant things on you. You won't be able to tell her that things are not working out for her because she's not trying."

Joshua is rooted to ground, he only listens.

"I assume you already know about her safe place."

Joshua feels like someone had poured a bucket of ice water on him.

"Your face says you know it.", Hyejoo taunts, "It's always like this. She's difficult to handle."

"What do you mean by always?"

"It was same with Junsik, her ex.", she utters hurriedly.

Joshua doesn't know what he's gonna do with all these information he just acquired.

"Let me take you where she is now."

That's how Joshua finds himself standing outside the bakery. Through one of window walls he sees you laughing at something Jeonghan was saying.

His hands balled into fists as he watches Jeonghan pulling you into his embrace.

You look so happy that Joshua's mind lingers back to the memories shared between you two and he doubts if you were ever this happy when you were with him.

When he sees Jeonghan feeding you, his heart constricts too tightly in his chest.

He realises that he doesn't like the intimacy between you and Jeonghan.

He realises he wants to swap places with Jeonghan, that he should be the one who gets to hug, to feed you or hold your hands.

He realises that he likes you.

He likes you a lot.

"You like her, it's so obvious", Hyejoo says impassively, "But does she like you back?"

Joshua has his minded clouded with all sorts of nonsense Hyejoo fed him with that anger seeps through his veins and clutters in his heart as pain.

He blames himself for believing that you would have some sort of liking towards him and he is indignant because you acted as if you would reciprocate his feelings.

Joshua leaves with a heavy heart and he might not have noticed the tears that were pooling his eyes.

Your eyes stray in anticipation everytime you sense someone passing by your table.

You wait for Anonymous as decided at the Crimson café with lot of expectations and only one hope for the person to be not any weirdo.

You:

[7:10 PM] I'm already in here.

Took the table nearest to the counter, the view looks good from here :)

You quickly send the text and rest the phone on the table as you take out your sketch book and start doodling.

Joshua is still heartbroken for which he really looks forward to meet Anonymous.

Today, he just wants to forget everything and have a good time.

To get you off his mind, to push back the career choices, he only wants that.

He heaves a deep breathe standing outside the café and his lips curl up as he reads the text he just received notifying that the one he's going to meet has already arrived.

Joshua pushes the door, walking in.

All hope dissipates instantly when he sees you, wearing a purple beret hat with a bear logo, sitting at one of the two tables nearest to the counter, other one being empty.

Joshua doesn't think anymore, he just sprints out of the café.

You sigh bored, finally getting your head out of your sketchbook and check the time.

You:

[7:24 PM] You didn't forget about meeting me today right??

Are you stuck somewhere?

It's 8 now, neither do you get a response of your texts, nor does Anonymous shows up.

You:

[8:03 PM] Are you still coming?

Did something happen? Are you okay?

Please just drop a text whenever you get this, I'm worried...

The clock strikes 9 and you're dragging your body out of the café.

You are worried. You are exhausted.

Not trying to read much into it, you coax yourself into believing that there must be a valid reason for Anonymous to take a raincheck on you. That you'll get a response and may be an apology later.

Next day when you wake up, the first thing you do is check your phone.

No messages.

You huff in annoyance but don't let it ruin your mood because today you have a mission.

To get Joshua's number.

Not a big deal, you could have easily gotten it from Hyerin but you believe it's best to be a little brave and get it from the person himself.

Generally, you have often bumped into him for the past few day but today, somehow it's hard to find him. You even doubt if he's attending school today.

But that doubt dissolves when you see him in the canteen, snacking on a snicker bar and scrolling through his phone with a bored expression.

A grin sets on lips as you walk up to him and occupy the seat across him.

He lifts his gaze from his phone and his heart drops when he sees you.

"Hey", you say, "I have been searching for you."

Suddenly, there's a screech and Joshua is dragging out his chair as he stands up.

Your curious eyes try to meet his but he doesn't look at you.

"Josh--"

"I have a class now.", he says and leaves.

You are confused and you are worried.

If he's having a bad day you want to help him, as he had done for you.

If he's bothered by something, you want him to eat up your ears by ranting it all out.

If he's tired, you want to put his head on your shoulder.

"I'll let him have his space for today.", you mumble in distaste, "But I miss him. I'm so miserable."

Next day you bump into him in the hallway.

"Hey Josh", you greet, smiling wide.

Joshua is stoic and you notice it.

"I have some work at library.", he says and just as he was about to take a turn you grab his wrist.

"Did something happen?", you ask with uncertainty, anxiety creeping in you slowly.

"Can you unhand me?", Joshua quips sharply, "If you haven't noticed it, I'm feeling uncomfortable."

You immediately release his hand and take a step back "I-I'm sorry --"

"Save it.", he says, "What do you want anyway?"

Your mind runs thousand miles on the memory lane to come up with anything you could have done to upset Joshua.

But nothing comes up. Absolutely nothing.

"I just want to get your number."

There you just had to say it when Joshua is vexed at you.

A scoff leaves his lips and he glares at you, "What are you playing at? Don't you already have my number. Stop messing with me."

You think you're hearing everything wrong. You look at him as if he has grown another head and a pair of lips which are uttering absolute nonsense.

"How could you do this to me?", he asks, his gaze peering into your soul and wrenching at your gut, "I feel like you're always breathing into in my neck. And it's suffocating."

"What did I do, please tell me." , you plead in helplessness, eyes glistening with unshed tears and you all get in return is a condescending look.

"Stop pretending, oh my god", Joshua whispers in a threatening tone, "I don't want to see to you anymore.", with that he leaves.

You suck in a sharp breathe and close your eyes letting those tears fall. A sob throbs out of you and you are unbothered with the looks you're getting from those passing by.

Your mind only reels the words Joshua had spat out, the bitterness and hatred from them getting to you.

Joshua is the only good thing that has happened to you in a long time so you refuse let him go just like that.

Whatever it is, you're going to fix it.

"Mrs. Hong?"

"Y/N?"

You chest tingles in mirth as you ask, "How have you been?"

"Been good dear.", she answers in her calm voice, "What about you?"

"Okayish, I'd say.", your voice wavers, "Just stressed with finals and career choices."

"You should do whatever you feel like doing.", she advices, patting your head.

"My parents want me to handle the family business which I don't want.", you ramble, knowing that ranting about it to everyone won't change anything.

"Then fight for it", Mrs. Hong says, "Go to hell and back, take all of it. It's always better to try than to have regrets for life."

You nod, somewhat finding new confidence to have the conversation with your parents again.

"Your son must be lucky to have you as a parent, Mrs. Hong.", you comment with sincerity, "You know there's one thing I have always wanted. For my parents to ask me what do I want."

You place all your items on the checkout counter and solemnly tell her, "Mrs. Hong, you should also ask your son what he wants. You know as we grow up, we discover new interests, our choices change. You're a sensible parent so I want you to be the cool mom and support his descisions, whatever it maybe be."

Mrs. Hong stiffens for a moment. Her mind reels back to a lot of things and she has been complacent with Joshua on this matter.

"Mrs. Hong?", your concerned voice reaches her, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything."

You are suddenly pulled into her embrace and she thanks you.

"You might have unknowingly done me a huge favour.", she whispers on the top of your head.

"He has been cranky lately", Mingyu hums as he recollects, "Mostly cooped up in his room, doesn't even open up to me."

You and Hyerin grimace at his words.

"Did he shout at you?", you ask in hopes that it's only you but it's just a phase and Joshua is mad at every one.

Mingyu pouts because he knows the answer he's gonna give you is nowhere going to make you feel better.

"No, actually we went to arcade yesterday. He blew off his steam at that poor basketball machine but we're good. Like normal, just he's a bit more serious nowadays."

You slouch down and Hyerin glares at her boyfriend.

"It's okay, love. I think you should confront him asap.", Hyerin wraps her arm around your shoulder as she throws pointed eyes at her boyfriend.

Mingyu seems to take the hint and says, "I'm there to help you, just tell me what I need to do."

"For the starters, give me his number.", you insist, almost on verge pleading, "If I can't get through him, then help me to meet him alone."

"Okay ma'am!", Mingyu immediately takes his phone and sends you Joshua's contact.

"Thanks Gyu", you say and getting up sweep a glance at the couple, "Gotta go, I need to help Han to design the cover."

"Keep us posted Y/N."

You nod in acknowledgement at Mingyu's words.

Walking down the alley, you contemplate a lot of things, life is tough, yours is toughest.

Nothing seems to work out for you.

You want a career, your parents don't resonate with you.

You like a guy, he suddenly starts to hate your entire existence.

Taking out your phone you open Mingyu's chat to save Joshua's contact.

Just as you proceed to add it to a pops up appears.

Do you want replace the contact name from Anonymous to Joshua?

Your eyes go round like saucers as you re read the sentence again and again.

You trace back and confirm that it's actually Anonymous.

Joshua Hong is actually Anonymous!

"What are you playing at? Don't you already have my number. Stop messing with me."

Joshua's words ring in your mind and everything made sense to you now. That also meant he had come to the café and left without meeting you, misunderstanding the whole situation.

You immediately call Jeonghan only to cancel on him.

Next, you're calling Mingyu and as soon as he picks up you say, "Gyu, please anyhow bring Joshua to that old park, I need to talk to him, it's urgent."

Joshua is startled when Mingyu suddenly barges into his room and starts tugging on his sleeves.

"I need a help from you Josh", he says and Joshua could sense the urgency in his voice, "We have to be somewhere."

As an unsuspecting and good friend he was, he immediately agreed on it.

Suddenly he is dropped off outside the park with Mingyu saying, "Go inside and you'll know it", before riding away in his bike.

Joshua stands there for a moment, utterly confused but anyways walks into the park.

You wait for him, biting off almost all of your nails.

You figure out his silhouette approaching and you could also see his face morphing from confusion to distaste on seeing you.

"Is this some kind of prank?", Joshua yells out, "Very irritating."

You are prepared to hear all the harsh words and off word gazes you're gonna get.

You are also adament to dissolve the misunderstandings and confess your feelings for him today.

"I think there's a misunderstanding, you need to listen to me.", you speak stepping ahead.

Joshua doesn't respond and you take it as your cue to continue.

"I asked Mingyu for your number today.", you continue carefully, "That's when I came to know you are Anonymous."

Joshua scoffs, "You really think I'm gonna buy it? What do you take me for Y/N?"

"I'm not lying --"

"Oh so you're telling you bumping into me right after I texted you that night is pure coincidence? Pairing up for detention classes was also a mere coincidence? Don't you know it's quite weird, how I got to see you each and everywhere, often, more and more just after I hit you up with those texts.", Joshua's gaze is enough to cower you down, his words just added to his condescendness towards you.

"What are you getting at?", you ask bracing yourself for another set of insults you knew that are going to come your way.

"You clearly knew that it was me the whole time.", he spats out, "You just wanted some attention because of the petty princess you are. Oh did I mention attention seeker too?"

"You're not in your right mind Joshua.", you warn him, "Don't say anything you're going to regret later."

"I'm not gonna regret anything. The only thing I regret is meeting you. Do you always do this?", he asks rather accuses you and you shot him a look.

"Do what?"

"Make guys believe that you like them and them tangle them into a trash relationship?", he chuckles bitterly, "I almost believed that you like me until I saw you with Jeonghan. Are you gonna take him to your safe place too? Were you gonna treat us the same as you treated Junsik?"

You freeze on hearing that name.

"How do you know about Junsik?", your eyes sting and voice falters, "What do you know about him?"

"Does it matter now?", he disregards you totally, "You are really sick for playing me like that because I really liked you..."

You perk up at his words, the pain in your heart never subduing but tearing it into infinite pieces.

"But fortunately, it isn't too late.", his words are venomous, more than he could realise, "I want to see you ever again. So do me a favour and never show your face again."

Your sobs doesn't stop until you're biting your tongue to the point where the metallic taste fills your mouth.

You lift your gaze to look at him past your wet lashes, "I also liked you Joshua, like a lot. Gosh I might be in lov-", you fist your hands focusing on them to not break down, "But your wish is granted."

You only say that much before walking past him.

The door to your heart, through which Joshua was making his way is cemented now.

"He said what?", Hyerin is raging and you are the one actually keeping her in check instead of getting comforted.

"Kim Mingyu what kind of bastard your best friend is?", she yells at her boyfriend, "Why are you even friends with him?"

"I still can't believe Joshua could say all this.", Mingyu mumbles, "I was quite sure that he liked you back and he obviously liked talking to Anonymous which turns out to be you."

"Leave it guys", you speak meekly through your sore throat, "It's all over--"

"It's not over, how dare he bring up Junsik?", Hyerin is sure she's going to commit manslaughter today, "What does he know about him?"

"I wonder", you sigh and lean against her shoulder.

"And he thinks, you were gonna double time him and Han?", she throws Joshua another punch at the gut in her head, "Who does he think he is? That bastard I'm-- I'm gonna ugh!"

Mingyu breaks into cold sweat on looking at his girlfriend, grimaces on watching you and fumes in anger when thinks about Joshua.

"Something must have happened, he ain't always like this.", Mingyu comments and is met by a death glare from Hyerin but he continues, "We need get it out of him."

"Whatever guys", you climb on your bed, laying down, "If you want me as your friend then never bring up Joshua ever again. I'm being serious right now.", you pull over the comforter and point your index towards the door, "Thanks for coming but now you both please get out."

Once the door slams shut, all the tears you've been holding stream down as you indulge in self dejection and that broken heart of yours bleeds in scarlet red. A colour so beautiful yet vicious.

A colour that Joshua gave you so brutally.

Joshua Hong was cruel to you and you pledge you're not going to give him the luxury to hurt you again, you're going to be unbothered, apathetic and indifferent to him.

Joshua Hong is a just stranger to you now.

Joshua doesn't immediately leave from the park. He takes a seat on one of the rusty swing and cools down. And while doing so his mind lingers back on the recent episode he had with you.

Joshua is generally a calm guy, a bit cranky but mostly calm. So when his own voice echoes in his mind saying those words to you, he topples with guilt.

He knows he went overboard and he was the actual sick one for bringing up your ex into the conversation.

But words once said cannot be taken back.

Letting the emotions get consume you is never a wise choice and Joshua made that mistake today.

His heart constricts when he remembers your tear stained cheeks, hurt eyes and maimed demeanor.

"I also liked you Joshua, like a lot. Gosh I might be in lov-"

He laughs. He is humored at how sincere you sounded when you were lying.

A Jack of Fools.

You are watching an interesting movie on your phone when someone taps you on your shoulder.

You crane your neck to see Jeonghan, seriousness ghosted over his face.

"What happened?"

He heaves a sigh and takes the sit across you.

"Before you start", you say getting up, "Let me bring something to eat."

Joshua enters the canteen and is displeased to see it extremely crowded. He searches and gladly he finds an unoccupied seat which he quickly takes.

On sweeping his gaze he finds Jeonghan occupying the table in front to his so he seats with his back faced to the later.

That's when he sees you passing by and hears a screech of chair. You place the food tray on the table as you take the seat opposite to Jeonghan's, and behind you is where Joshua is seated.

You don't notice Joshua.

"Spill.", you say, passing him a plate.

Jeonghan relents. He stays quiet for a moment before he's speaking, "It's about Seji."

You nod and wait for him to continue.

"We've been talking again.", he says and he wants to say a lot more but he cuts it down to, "My feelings are resurfacing."

"Your feelings for her were never gone.", you shrug poking the food on your plate you continue, "Look I don't get what the concept of being on & off is, so either you both get back or cut each other off. Otherwise I'm sorry but this looks very toxic to me."

"You're always so brutally honest", Jeonghan mops, "and have a clear conscience that's why I always confide in you."

"Oh, it's nice to hear that, someone just called me liar, sick and all sorts of synonyms it could go for.", You say meekly.

Joshua who has been eavesdropping, in his defence he had no choice as they sat behind him, it was all audible.

Jeonghan gasps in disbelief, "Who do I need to chain on? Tell me."

You give him a knowing smile and Jeonghan understands.

"Joshua berated you?", he ask gently, "I thought you were going to confess your feelings to him?"

Joshua freezes.

Then he hears a sob.

"Please, please don't cry. I don't know what happened but he doesn't deserve your tears.", Jeonghan rushes over to you as he hands you his handkerchief, "Gosh, I can't believe someone could hurt you so much. Promise I won't ever bring him up again, stop crying please."

You shake your head, wiping your tears, "I-I liked him a lot Han. And he said I was gonna double time with you and him."

Joshua hisses, he's ashamed.

Jeonghan sees red when he hears this, "He said what? No, I need to find him and beat the shit out of him. What a jerk, good riddance Y/N. Curse him all out now."

"Please Han", you tug on his sleeves, "He doesn't deserve any of this attention. I don't even want to hear his name anymore."

Jeonghan seethes but he decides to let it go for now. He would definitely deal with Joshua later.

"How about I take you that bakery? We can have everything you want!", he tries to cheer you up.

But you shake your head in protest, "You already bribed me so much for a mere cover design Han. I shouldn't rob you anymore."

Jeonghan rolls eyes, "Please it's not a mere cover, it requires so much effort and even though you're crammed with your tasks, you decided help me diligently."

"Fine.", you say, "You better sort things out with Seji and I'll text you when I work over on what discussed on before."

Joshua is this close to turn around, the apologies being on the tip of his tongue.

But you are leaving and Jeonghan follows you not before throwing a glare at the back of the person about whom you both just had a conversation.

Jeonghan knew about Joshua sitting exactly behind you this whole time.

"Hey mom", Joshua greets as he sits on the tool, "You wanted to discuss something?"

Mrs. Hong is standing by the kitchen counter, your words have been ringing in her head since that day and she wants her only son to know that he doesn't need to feel burdened if at all he has been feeling so.

"I want to ask something and I'm expecting an honest answer from you."

Joshua straightens in his seat as his attentive eyes fixates on his mother.

"What do you want to do Shua?", she elaborates when she see creases on his forehead out of confusion, "As in your choice for a career?"

Joshua's eyes goes round, as this was totally unexpected to him, something he had been meaning to bring this topic but never had the courage.

It suddenly felt like a blessing as he collects his thoughts and frames the sentence in his mind before speaking out.

"Mom, I don't want to be a lawyer.", he says and waits for his mother's reaction.

Mrs. Hong falters a bit but she quickly regains her composure.

Joshua notices, it's natural and expected, so he continues, "I don't know what I want to do but it's definitely not law mom. Just for clinging onto it because it was dad's profession, I don't wanna regret it later, have depression and blame everyone for it."

Mrs. Hong walks over to her son and pulls him into her embrace, "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I wanted to mom but I didn't have the courage to break your heart, knowing how much you treasure everything related to dad.", he whispers, voice wavering, "But won't dad be happier if I follow my passion and live in content?"

"Yes, he'd be so happy. I'm sorry for being so ignorant", Mrs. Hong sobs, "I should have been more attentive. You're allowed to do whatever you want Shua."

Joshua smiles in relief, a big weight being lifted off his chest.

"Thanks mom.", he say sincerely, "Thanks a lot."

"We both should be thanking that girl.", Mrs. Hong laughs, wiping her years and also patting her son's back.

"Who?", Joshua quips up.

"Oh you wouldn't know her." she says, "She made me realise that parents often take matters related to their children for granted and for providing them expect something in return."

"Please thank her on my behalf.", Joshua requests.

Next day, Joshua reaches the classroom as soon as he could because it's the only class he shares with you.

He just wants to see you.

You enter the class minutes after he does. Joshua's gaze is on you, you are aware but your gazes never meet, not when you walk past him and sit in the back.

In today's class, you are gonna get to know the project topics and will be assigned partners for completing the same.

Joshua hopes he get paired with you.

You pray to get assigned with anyone but Joshua.

"You can choose your partners.", the teacher announces, "In groups of two."

You groan, definitely luck not your side because you knew no one except one and the one you knew you'd never pair up with him.

Joshua is sure that universe is giving him a chance and with his new found confidence, he walks upto the walks to your desk.

When you see Joshua walking your way, you think he's gonna pass by but instead he halts infront of you.

You are going to be unbothered, apathetic and indifferent to him.

"Hi Y/N..", he says with hesitancy.

You don't even spare him a glance.

Even though he's sweating and up on his toes, he asks, "Will you be my partner for this project?"

"No.", you say resting your face on the palms of your hands, still not looking at him, "Thanks for asking though."

"I'm sorry Y/N.", he just wants you to look at him atleast but you don't make any effort to do so, "I went overboard that day. Said many things I shouldn't have. I just--"

"You have said all the things you wanted to say because you wanted to hurt me.", you crane your neck to lips curl up in a mocking smile, "You don't have to apologise to look good to yourself specially when you don't mean it. Don't be a hypocrite and let's pretend to not know each other from now on."

You are standing up, grabbing your notebook as you continue, "Since you don't want to see my face, don't talk to me."

Joshua's words are coming to bit him back as pure venom.

You take out your phone, "Look here, I'm doing this infront of you so that you can get assured."

Joshua's curious gaze falls on the screen and his heart drops when he gets your intention.

"See I'm blocking your number.", you press on the block button and your thumb hovers over the delete button, "And now I'll delete your contact. Rest assured, you won't be bothered by me."

Joshua stays rooted to the ground until the teacher calls his name.

Fortunately, you don't get paired with Joshua.

"I don't want to see his face, let alone talk to him", Hyerin barks, literally barks, "You're calling in for your best friend's murder, I'm warning you."

Mingyu agrees that he's hypothetically plotting a murder by letting his girlfriend meet his best friend.

"Babe, when I said we need to get the root of this, we are gonna do so.", Mingyu warns Hyerin, "Now, when Joshua walks in through the door, I'll talk to him. You only speak when needed."

Hyerin huffs, "Lucky that I love you."

Mingyu grins and pecks her lips.

The door creaks open and Hyerin scoffs, "Here comes the idiot."

Joshua doesn't have a good feeling, specially seeing Hyerin who's constantly glaring at him and he thinks that's enough to drill holes into his skull.

"Hi guys", he tries to initiate a conversation, "Why did you wanna meet?"

"First, what you did Y/N was very lowly", Mingyu says, "I'm very disappointed in you."

Joshua sits quietly, hanging his head low.

"What do you know about Junsik?", Hyerin interrogates, "How do you know him?"

Joshua fiddles with his fingers and sits wordless.

"We're not here to look at your face, you better open that stupid mouth of yours like you had done that day.", Hyerin barks again, her patience wearing thin.

"Hyejoo told me about him.", Joshua says and looks up at her.

Hyerin stiffens, all the words she was about to gurgle gets stuck in her throat.

Joshua finds an opportunity and he relays everything that happened to the couple.

"You should have asked me about Jeonghan atleast.", Mingyi sighs, "And how could you bring up Junsik when you don't even know a thing about him?"

"Junsik was Y/N's first, well only boyfriend till now", Hyerin reveals, "who had dumped her over a text because he fell in love with a new chick in the school he just got transferred to. He just threw away a relationship of two years just like that."

"She has been aloof since then. Always reluctant to make friends, didn't show interest in other guys", she looks dead in his eyes, "Until you came along. But it's her bad luck, you also turned out to be a douche. And she was so excited to meet Anonymous until you intently stood her stood. I hope karma to be an actual bitch to you."

Joshua feels like he has been pushed into the trench, like what he deserves.

Hyerin feels humiliated because she had never thought that her sister could be so much of a menace.

She gets up and Mingyu looks at her alarmingly.

Placing her hand on his hand in assurance she tells, "Hyejoo needs to be taught a lesson so I need to go. I'll drop by Y/N's to apologize to her."

"Babe, don't blame yourself okay?", he says affectionately as he wraps his arms around her waist, "It's not your fault. Just go & handle the things your way."

She turns to look at Joshua, "I wonder how long you have known Hyejoo to believe all the shit she uttered that day."

The door slams and Joshua breathes out.

"I like her a lot, Gyu.", Joshua says in distress and Mingyu scoffs.

"Who, Hyejoo?", he counters, "Because that's the only plausible option I can think of."

"Right, I deserve to be mocked.", he admits, "You're so dumb Joshua Hong."

"Stop being miserable than you already are and if you are ready serious about Y/N, then make it up to her and confess your feelings.", Mingyu suddenly grins as he says, "I hope you get rejected five times before she accepts you."

Joshua could only grimace at his words. You couldn't pinpoint since when it started but you have been receiving some items with a cute note everyday. First time it was a mini bouquet that was kept in your locker with the note saying-

Like a bouquet tied with twine, I can be yours if you will be mine.

From, Your Anonymous

You didn't read much into, thinking someone must have mixed up the locker numbers. Next day, you found a miniature panda with another note saying- In a room full of basic brown bears, you are my panda.

From, Your Anonymous This time the gears in your brain turn harder when you reread the note. A lightbulb goes off and you find the literal meaning of the words at the end.

Your Anonymous means Your Anonymous in literals who is none other then Joshua Hong. That note and the teddy goes straight into the trash can. Third day, you find a strawberry juice can and a note which makes you snort.

You're the grenadine in my tequila sunrise. Without you, I'm just this strawberry juice.

From, Your Anonymous. "Now he's playing on my weakness.", you mumble eyeing the can, not having the heart to chuck it into the trash can.

Joshua watches as your stand there in dilemma with a grin set on his lips. The strawberry juice can ultimately doesn't show up in the trash can.

One day, you are climbing up the stairs reading an article on your phone when you bump into someone.

Very surprising, you find Joshua in front of you.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?", he asks and you dismiss him immediately turning to go on a seperate way when he says, "It's urgent, please."

You tail behind him as he leads to you a random empty class. You lean against the wall, Joshua stands at a distance.

"Tomorrow is my mom's birthday and I bought her a dress.", he starts explaining, "I accidentally tore a button...."

Silence fills in the air and Joshua watches you intently for any reaction. He watches your eyes go wide in absolute disbelief and next you're hitting him on his arm, "Such an idiot", another hit, "Where's the dress? We need to fix it soon." Joshua is overjoyed but he doesn't show. "It's at home.", Joshua says, "Do you want me to bring it to school?" You roll eyes, "Have you thrown the remaining 1% of your brain in gutter?" Joshua nods, resembling a kicked puppy. An adorable kicked puppy. Your heart twists abnormally in your chest, no he's not the guy you like anymore, get a grip on yourself, he can be all cute but it doesn't effect you anymore-- "Y/N?" "Yes?" "So..."

"Oh yeah-- I don't have classes anymore so if it's okay with you then we can go now.", you offer curtly, "Since her birthday is tomorrow, we don't have time." You awkwardly stand in the middle of the hall as Joshua goes somewhere seeking for his mother. You hear their voices, not able to make anything coherent out of it as the padding sound of footsteps against the floor increases. Joshua walks in followed by his mother so when you see her you almost shriek in shock, "Mrs. Hong?" "Y/N?", Mrs. Hong, pushes her sone aside and runs to hug you, "Oh my, what a pleasant surprise!" Joshua stands as confused as ever as he watches you both gush about each other. "Shua", his mother calls, "I was talking about her, she's you were seeking for. Thank her yourself." Joshua feels all the air leaving his lungs at once. It's you, again. The same girl who he had trash talked straight on her face. The same girl who is present in his house just to help him. The same girl who he likes loves. He leads you to his room and the entire time you could sense the sudden shift in his aura. Crossing threshold of his room, hits you with a surge of Joshua. You look around, watching a large poster of LeBron James pasted on the wall adjacent to his bed. A huge stack of books about economics pilled up on his study table and a neatly made bed. "Here", Joshua lays the dress on the bed and hand you detached button, "How long will it take?" You deadpan, "Hardly 5 minutes." His face falls like tons of brick and it's so obvious that you had to stiffle a laugh. The dress is beautiful, you think but it's plain, too plain for your eyes and your hands itch but you should have no business with dress apart from stitching that button back. Joshua notices and he knows what's going on inside that mind of your. He trusts you, he wants you stay longer so he plays it down, "Don't you think the dress is simple. I bought it because that colour is beautiful and rare." You perk up at his words and Joshua swears he could melt into puddle if he'd stare at your doe eyes one more second. "I could stitch a flower towards the left flange of the dress.", you ponder over and ask, "What's her favourite flower?" "Daisies", he answers. "Oh that will be comparatively easy", you clasp your hands in excitement, "A simple satin stitch would do." Joshua looks at you with all the attentiveness in the world. His heart swells and he realises that it's been long he has stopped crushing over you. His heart yearns for you and maybe that's the reason he was hurt and raged seeing Jeonghan with you. He admits to loving you, he hopes that you'd give him another chance just to show that how much you mean to him. "Give me the dress", you are already searching designs on your phone, "It will take around 4-5 hours. Come and get it by 9." "Can I be with you?", he asks and you shot him a look. "What are you gonna do, except for bothering me?", you quip back, "Don't you hate me?" "I lov-- I won't bother you promise. Just let me be with you." His underlying tone resonates in your ears and heart does flips when you look him in the eyes. Brimming with emotions (read: love) "I don't have any other choice, do I?"

"Can you stop staring at me?", you finally blurt out, "Also, if you could not breathe on my neck!" Joshua doesn't bother listening to you, he's just having the time of his life watching you closely, basking in your presence. You are almost done with stitching the embroidery and Joshua yet again raises his hand to your mouth urging you to eat the pastry, one of the enormous amount of items he bought for you, emphasizing it's his way of saying thanks. "I can eat it myself--" "But both of your hands are occupied." This reasoning would take you nowhere. He has been acting as a lovesick soul, touch starved body and happy fool around you. And it's certainly not helping your heart in keeping check. You have finally embroidered the daisies and it turned out prettier than you had expected. "You can work magic on fabrics you know.", Joshua sincerely complements you, "Thanks a lot Y/N." "No big deal.", you smile, "Mrs. Hong is an amazing woman, she deserves all the love." Joshua gleans but suddenly remembers the purpose of crashing in your place. "Hey, there's a basketball game at my previous school on this weekend and I'd be playing, would you like to come?", Joshua asks. You look at him with a scowl on his your face, "Why don't you ask your Hyejoo to come with you?" Joshua almost scurries but it will be a lost battle if backs down now. "Am I not being obvious?", Joshua asks all seriousness ghosting over him. "What?" "Am I not being obvious with my feelings?", Joshua asks again. "What are you insinuating?" "I want you, only you, and no one else to come to my match. You matter to me because..", he breathes in, breathes out, shuts his eyes, open them just to say-- "I love you, Y/N." He does it. Says the words he had been meaning to tell you, the words those set themselves on the tip of his tongue whenever he saw you. "Josh..." He smiles at the slip of his nickname from you and leans in to you. "I was so mad when I saw you with Jeonghan, because I was jealous.", he admits, "I wanted to be the one feeding you, wanted to be the one hugging, to be the only one to closely watch that beautiful smile of yours." You are rendered speechless. But Joshua has so much to say. "The outburst I had, it was only because I realised I have been in love with you and the possibility of you not reciprocating, was hurting." He rummages through his bag and you see him taking out a jersey. "You don't have to say anything now.", he smiles and pats your head, "Think through and", he hands you the jersey, "Let me know on the match day." You lay the jersey on your bed and see a 17 imprinted on white below the name Joshua. Joshua is by the door when he calls your name, "Whatever your decision is, I'll respect it.", and he's out of your room and house. You don't know much about basketball but you know when a player gives their jersey to someone prior to a match, what do they want and what can the indications be. You let out a scream and immediately fetch your phone to dial a number, "Hello, Rin...."

It's matchday. Joshua is nervous. Partially because of the game, partially because of you. When Seungcheol, a good friend and teammate of his from previous basketball school team had requested him to play one last game before they officially strike out his name from the team list, Joshua agreed instantly. A farewell game, he thought. The team does warm ups and stretches before the game starts. Joshua steals glances at the courtside every now and then but fails to find you. He's afraid that you won't come at all and his heart would shatter into millions. "Hey, looking there often won't make her magically appear.", Seungcheol knows and he teases, "I never thought our best shooting guard would be playing shooting hearts too." "Oh juicy juicy", Soonyoung, another teammate, who's also the centre of their team quips in when he overhears the two, "Joshua Hong is in love!!!", he shouts a little too loudly out of enthusiasm and now the whole team knows. The warm up is over and the game starts in twenty minutes.

Joshua checks his phone for one last time to see no notifications of your name and remembers you have his number blocked and contact deleted. Dejected, he switches off the device and deposits it to the collector, heading to change into his jersey. The game is already into the second quarter and Joshua's team is leading by only four points. Soonyoung slips causing his dribble to be cut and the opponent's point guard steals the ball and scores a two pointer. Soon the whistle blows and both the teams head to their respective locker rooms. As soon as Joshua enters the room, he's slammed against one of the locker by Seungcheol. He groans in pains at the sudden impact. "Listen dude, I get you're vagued but please don't let the team down. Coach is already contemplating on substituting you.", Seungcheol is frustrated, but he cares, "I want the best shooting guard within the entire school to score points. Stop being diverted and focus on the game." "Sorry", Joshua gruffs out, "I will--" "What the hell? Unhand him right now Mr.!" The whole locker room pivot their attention on the source of the voice. Joshua thinks he's hallucinating when he sees you standing in front of them, hands crossed over and brows cocked. Wearing his jersey and having his jersey number, 17 painted on your left cheek. Seungcheol looks at you, then he looks at Joshua to get the confirmation he needs. "It's her guys.", he announces with a huge grin as his hands free Joshua. Suddenly the locker room fills with whistles, hoots and hollers. "Hi! Thanks for coming. I'm Soonyoung by the way.", a guy with questionably dyed hair greets you. "Hi, I'm Y/N...", you greet him back and gulp nervously when you realise all pair of eyes are on you. "We don't need to be here anymore it seems.", Mingyu tells Hyerin and the later nods, the two leaving to occupy their seats at the courtside. "Thanks in advance for saving the match.", Seungcheol comes to you and says, "And I'm Seungcheol, the captain." Then he looks at Joshua, "You have 10 minutes", and announces, "Clear out the room guys!" Everyone follows, all of them greeting you with huge grins making their way out. Now the two of you are left and the atmosphere turns heavy. You walk upto Joshua and grab his arms to shake him out of the trance. "Hi", you giggle. "You came...", Joshua whispers. You are about to say something but suddenly you feel yourself loose a footing as you are slammed against the locker, hands pinned over it. Joshua hovers over you, his body pressing yours and if you entire focus isn't on his lips, you could have heard both of your hearts beating rapidly. "Can't believe you agreed to be all mine, I don't deserve you ", he whispers leaning closer. "Just kiss me & seal the deal.", you bite your lips, gaze flicking to his eyes. "Gladly.", he smiles and closes the gap. Your lips are just touching when the whistle blows. You laugh, giving him a slight push, "Times up." Joshua tries to get back on you immediately but you manage to run out his grip and the room yelling, "Earn your kiss, babe!" And Joshua takes it personally. You never knew basketball matches could be this exciting and you regret not attending them previously. Oh the man, Joshua Hong is, your eyes are glued to him as he runs around the court with that sweat glistening glow on him. The game is now into it's last quarter and you squeal as Joshua scores a two pointer extending the lead. Everytime he scores, his teammates cheered looking at you and you're sure that the whole arena knows that Number 17 of home team is either trying to woo you or you both are already a thing. It's a few seconds until the game ends and opponents foul Joshua. All the players stand behind the three points line and the free line extension. You are brimming in anticipation as you see Joshua taking position at the base of the line. The home team needs their shooting guard to score the three points from the long shot. The long field goal which would seal the win. The referee blows the whistle, a cue for Joshua to shoot his shot.

Joshua takes a deep breathe, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The arena is pin drop silent all eyes on the man on the line. You breathe hitches when Joshua raises his hands holding the ball and looks at you. "This one's for you!", he yells and releases the ball looking forward. You swear the time slows down as the ball revolves on the ring, you admit dramatically, before it falls into the basket. The arena blasts with cheers and Joshua is already hurled over on his teammates' shoulder as they hail his name. You see him. He sees you. Then you're running down the stairs and jumping over the partition to reach him. The team hollers when they see you in the court. Putting down Joshua, they push you to him, circling the two of you as they chant in delight, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" You grin looking at him which turns into a gasp when he suddenly grabs your hips and lifts you up. "Am I worthy of getting a kiss now?", he asks, smiling cheekily. Your response comes in form of you dipping down and placing your lips on his. You feel him smile against your lips as they slot into each other perfectly and he holds you to him tighter. "Get a room!" You both hear a yell, knowing it came from Mingyu. You are the one who breaks the kiss but Joshua pecks you one more before putting you down. The teases never simmer down for the rest of the evening.

"Thanks for all backing me up the whole time I was talking to them, my parents even started looking for universities for fashion technology courses.", you sigh in content, resting your chin on your palm. "You did a lot more for me. Talking to my mom, making me signing up for the varsity training program and whatnot.", Joshua makes sure you know how grateful he'll always be. "Oh by the way I changed your contact back to Anonymous.", you inform him. "You can't do this your boyfriend!" Joshua props beside you, with pouty lips and doe eyes. "I can. I already did.", you deadpan. "Why should my contact be saved as Anonymous?", he tries to snatch your phone, "Change it to babe, love, sweetheart anything. "You glare at your dramatic boyfriend, "Because that's where it started. You are my Anonymous." Joshua grins, finding it somehow cute and romantic at stance. "Anonymously Mine.", you say. "Anonymously Yours", he echoes.

Do not copy, re-post, translate, or share any of my works on other platforms! All stories are copyrighted, joonsytip. ©️

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billsjum6ie · 8 months

Text

"Run away with me."

Tom Kaulitz x fem!reader

Requested from @ichbinichtich !

It was late afternoon when you were still in your room getting ready for your date. It wasn't a usual date. Not since you started going out with Tom. He may have this bad boy exterior, always presenting his bad habits like smoking and fighting when something gets in his way (and even being a womanizer but that was until he met you) as his best and only self, but in reality he's a sweetheart. Always taking care of you, paying for you most of the time even if you do your best to prevent it, and always making sure you're safe no matter where you are or with who. He's the best one you've ever had and you are not planning on breaking things up soon or ever. Your parents don't have the same opinion though. Their old-fashioned mindsets are stuck on his bad reputation, that facade, so every time they hear his name in the house, they always try to make you "see straight" and "notice who he really is", trying to change your mind about the man you've come to love after all this time. And, besides all that, they're stuck on that ex they chose for you because they thought he was the one, something that didn't work out because you couldn't even stand him (that's why he was an ex after two months of "dating"). And whenever they get the chance, they never lose the opportunity to belittle him (or at least they try to) in your eyes, to no avail of course. Today was gonna be one of those days, since he was coming over to pick you up. But you couldn't imagine how bad this fight would get. You were still in your room when you heard the door bell ring and you felt your heart clench in your chest.

"I'll get it!"

You shouted from your room, making your movements faster but you were too late.

"I'll get it for you, honey, don't worry. Who can it be?"

You heard your father say from downstairs and you already knew this is not gonna end well. You sighed deeply before giving up. There was nothing you could do, so you continued fixing your hair in front of the mirror. But you left your door slightly open to be able to hear what was happening downstairs.

-------------------------------☆---------------------------------

He was right on time. You two would meet up at 8, at your house. It was one of the few times he'd come to pick you up. He knew very well that your parents didn't like him and he used to do anything in his power to change that, but after months of his tries going to waste he stopped. He tried to hold back every time they spoke with a higher tone to you or when they tried to bring him down. But today was going to be different. He rang the bell, waiting impatiently for the door to open. He hoped that you were the one to answer but when he saw your father, he knew where this was gonna go. He put on a fake smile, just like the man in front of him.

"Hi, Mr. Y/l/n."

"Oh hi Tom. What a beautiful surprise. "

He tried to sound genuine but couldn't even pretend. He felt like he wanted to throw up. Silence filled the room as Tom started tapping his foot anxiously on the ground. He wanted this conversation to be over soon. But your father just stood there, his hand still on the door handle, looking at him with his fake smile.

"So, I uh, I'm here to pick up y/n?"

He said hesitantly and your father took some minutes to remember what Tom was talking about.

"Oh yeah, right, she told me you would come."

He just said before nodding his head towards the stairs.

"She's still upstairs getting ready. You want to wait?"

Tom just nodded, putting his hands in his pockets. Everything on him screamed he was uncomfortable but your father didn't care. On the contrary, he enjoyed it.

"Sure, why not?"

What else would I do, you asshole.

"Great! She'll be ready any minute now"

Your father answered before awkwardly standing there once again. Almost 10 minutes had passed since Tom came and he didn't even suggest to him to come inside. Tom didn't want to do that, nevertheless, but at least it would make his kindness seem more real. Some more minutes passed in complete silence before your father decided to speak again, and not for good.

"So uh, when do you plan on cutting your hair a bit? And maybe shave?"

He asked doing some movements with his hands towards his own hair and beard to emphasize his words. Tom laughed awkwardly, kinda annoyed as your father had started to piss him off.

"Well, not soon. I like this look and think about keeping it."

Now it was your father's turn to laugh, tilting his head back a bit.

"That's pretty funny, thank you for the joke."

He said before looking at Tom with one of his looks.

"If you want to be with my daughter you should do so. I want her to be with someone decent and not one that looks like he's homeless. "

He added, emphasizing the words "decent" and "homeless". And now Tom was actually screaming inside. He clenched and unclenched his fists at his sides trying not to fight back. But he knew he wouldn't be capable of doing so for long.

"Your daughter seems to like me the way I am. I don't see any reason why I would change my appearance just to look the way you want me to look."

He raised his brow. He couldn't keep his mouth shut on this one.

"And besides, you are not the one dating me."

He was sure this was a hit below the belt. And he was happy about it. He saw your father's fake smile slowly fade from his face at his words. And he was fucking proud of himself.

"I wish my daughter was still dating Nick. He was the perfect guy for her and she seemed to like him more than you."

His words weren't true but hurt. Tom knew that you didn't like Nick. Nick was a guy your parents chose for you because they thought he'd be the one. And to try to take your mind off of Tom, something they didn't manage to do. Tom knew you didn't like him at all, but he still was jealous because he had you and Tom didn't, no matter how much you wanted, you needed each other. And since you and Nick broke up, and you openly started dating Tom, your parents never stopped comparing the two. In fact, it happened so many times, that Tom started to believe it. He started to believe that you truly deserved better. Tom was the bad guy of the story, always smoking, drinking and fighting and Nick was the good guy, always dedicated to his studies, staying away from trouble, whether that was a fight or a cigarette. So when he, once again, heard his name, it was beyond his limits.

"The whole thing with that asshole was a failure! Y/n hated him, and forcing her to be in a relationship with him, made her hate you too."

Tom said, raising his voice. Something your father didn't like.

"How dare you talk about my family this way?!"

Tom let out a sarcastic laugh at your father's reaction.

"What fucking family? You call this a family? That's sound more like a prison to me!"

He knew he was making the situation worse, for him and for you, but he couldn't stop. He was furious and when it has to do with you and your well-being, physical or emotional, he'd do anything and not think about the consequences.

"Y/n is fine in this household! She lives under some rules and it's normal! I can't see anything wrong with it! You have no right to comment about my family when yours is the way it is!"

That was it. That was enough, he couldn't take it anymore.

"You leave my family out of your fucking mouth, you asshole! Learn to be a father first!"

They were now inches away from each other. The hate in both sets of eyes was too much. The fire burning in them too.

"At least I am present in her life!"

Tom's heart sunk at that. He's playing this card now? What the fuck. Before Tom could give another good answer, they heard footrests coming their way from the stairs.

-------------------------------☆---------------------------------

You heard everything. You heard both of them trying too hard to seem nice to each other. You heard your father's words go from mean to hurtful in a matter of seconds and of course tom had every right to react the way he did. But at your father's last sentence, you knew you had to support him in this.

"What are you doing, dad?!"

You asked, annoyed and afraid as you skipped the last step and went closer to them, on Tom's side.

"What? It's the truth!"

Your father tried to reason with you, acting like a damn child.

"You have no right to bring that up! It's ridiculous what you're doing right now!"

You said, trying to not lash out as well. But your confidence was gone when he slammed his hand against the wall.

"You're not allowed to talk to me this way, young lady! Go to your room, now! You're not leaving this house until I say so!"

He screamed in your face, tears forming in your eyes. You couldn't react, but Tom was there.

"That's enough!"

He screamed himself,looking your father dead in the eyes, the look in his deadly also.

"If you talk to her that way again I won't hesitate to fight for her! There's nothing holding me back!"

He said, and you knew he meant it literally and metaphorically.

"If you believe I'm that bad, then let's confirm those fucking rumors!"

He added before your father managed to say anything else. But he didn't wait for an answer. He lightly took your hand in his.

"Let's fucking go, y/n. It's no use."

He said, calm now. It's insane that anytime he talked to you he had this soft tone of voice, being so sweet and all, no matter what happened before. Without saying anything, and without giving a shit about your father screaming to you to come back from the door, you followed Tom to his car. He made sure you were safely inside and went to the driver's seat. He didn't hesitate, even a minute to start the car and get away from your house as fast as he could. After some minutes you passed from your local store, and after he got you your favorite candy and for himself a beer, you ended up in your usual spot: a desolate beach. It's always so calm, so quiet there, you both love that place. It's where you had your first kiss, where you had your first sex, where he asked you to be with him. This beach meant so much to you. And without you knowing, it was gonna change your life one more time. After some minutes of complete silence, you turn to him, to ask him what's wrong, why he's not talking. And you noticed his gaze going over the sea, enjoying the view even in the dark. He was lost in his thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?"

You dared to ask. Kinda hesitantly since thoughts were running in your head too. What if this fight was too much? What if your father's words got into his brain and made him think all of that was true? What if this was your relationship's end? So before he could answer, you tried to reassure him.

"Listen, Tom, I'm so sorry about my father. You know how he can be sometimes. But nothing that was said is true. I don't want his words to get inside your head and give you the wrong impression. But after all of that, I'll understand if you-"

"Run away with me."

Was all he said, catching you by surprise. Your lips parted slightly as you turned to look at him, stunned.

"What?"

You asked, shocked. But he seemed oddly calm. He took a drag from his cigarette before letting the smoke from his lips, turning to look at you too. He shrugged his shoulders in a way that told you this was the most usual thing he could suggest.

"You heard me. Run away with me."

He repeated, as serious as before, but with a hint of a smile on his lips. Deep down he knew you'd agree, he knew you loved the idea, but this was buried deep inside his fear of losing you. His fear that you'd think things are going too fast and you'll end up leaving him, something that he wouldn't be able to get through. You took some seconds to answer him that made his heart skip a beat, but you weren't that late in the end. You nodded.

"Yes. I want to run away with you, yes."

You said lightly and you saw that faint smile grow to a big, bright one. He threw his cigarette in the beer can, a small sound being heard as it was put out.

"I fucking love you so much. And I promise to get you away from this shithole the sooner I can."

He lightly said, taking your face in his hands. You kissed under the moonlight, a new hope for a better life together being born in your hearts. Away from everything and everyone. Besides, he's the only one you need. You knew it from the start.

#kaulitz twins #tokio hotel #tokio hotel fanfic #tokio hotel imagine #tokio hotel x reader #tom kaulitz #tom kaulitz imagines #tom kaulitz x reader #tom kaulitz fanfic #tom kaulitz angst #tom kaulitz fluff #tom kaulitz x you #tom kaulitz x y/n

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pixqlsin · 10 months

Note

hi jaebae :> (kill me) wait that's not my req WAHAHAHHAHAHA ok

so what if a fic of you and miles passing notes to each other in class, and miles just keeps trying to rizz you up but it's not working (it's actually quite pathetic in your opinion) so he just straight up asks you, forgetting the fact you two were in class, "damn man how can i get you to say yes to go out with me?"

the whole class stares. and he's a deer in headlights. and you're laughing, and in love, and considering a date with him :>>>

rizzless notes ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-

pairing: earth 1610 miles morales x fem!reader

summary: miles trying to rizz you up during math class

authors notes: i assumed 1610 miles as he as broken rizz (no offense i love him) and also i feel like 42 would have hella rizz. anyway this wasn’t my best writing but i hope you enjoy it!! ty for the request <3 this was also a little short so i’m sorry 🙁

the girl sat in class, next to one of her classmates she was kinda friends with. meaning they would talk at times but never hung out he was cute n all but way out of her league

she let out a small huff as she stared at the clock tapping her foot awaiting the moment the bell would ring, the silence broke as she heard a crumble of a paper pass over to her.

the girl turned her head over to see a paper crumpled up next to her. she looked around quickly to assure no teacher was looking, snatched the paper and read the note.

the note revealing: “hii do u have the question for number 8?” the note read with an ending part saying “—miles” so it was from miles.

the girl sighed realizing she hasn’t even started on the paper that was given approximately 10 minutes ago, the girl picked her pencils up before writing back. “no but i’ll figure it out”

she handed the note back to miles, occasional crumple were heard as some students turned around to discover the noise was from miles.

she got thrown back the note and opened it discovering neat handwriting saying: “oh okay, you doing anything tonight?” the girl giggled a little causing a domino effect of students to glance at her.

the girl silenced herself as she realized she was being watched and quickly wrote back: “do you want the answer or not” in messy ish handwriting.

handing back the paper earned a chuckle from the boy next to her. “sorry :( and please” he wrote back before passing it back.

the classroom was silent as they watched the two pass notes back and forth, not bothering to snitch as this was a cute moment.

“it’s 60 ♡” she wrote back, smiling a little at her final touch of the heart, you know why not? she didn’t like him? she just didn’t it for fun? right?

the boy was FLUSHED when he saw just the heart, everyone in the class knew he was head over heels for the girl he sat next to. except the girl. she was clueless to say the least.

the nervous boy wrote back, “thank you i owe you. how about a movie tomorrow movie?” he said trying again for atleast a hangout or even a date.

it felt like lover by taylor swift was playing dimly behind this moment, everyone was staring even the teacher was kinda listening.

the girl hummed at the note writing back sloppily, “nu uh” she wrote quickly sliding it back like she didn’t even interact with him.

she heard a series of groaning and sighing before being slid back a paper saying, “damn ma, how many times am i gonna have to ask you out?” he wrote putting a ;) at the end to be cocky you know?

the girl opened the paper back up and giggled a little smiling also. “alright fine we can go see a movie :))” she wrote back, blush hinting at her cheeks as she passed the note back nervously waiting on a response.

a quiet “yes” was heard next to her. success. he wrote back “okay here’s my number and we can talk about it from there?” he wrote putting his number next to the sentence.

the class was relieved something happened, they couldn’t go another day with Miles gawking over his table mate.

idk how to end it so end 😫

please do not steal or repost on another platform. reblogs are appreciated

taglist: @zalayni @fictarian @jrrantss @luvstarrstruck @laylasbunbunny

#miles morales x reader #across the spiderverse #miles morales #miles morales appreciation #miles morales x y/n #miles morales x you #earth 1610 miles fluff #earth 1610 miles morales x reader #earth 1610 miles x reader #earth 1610 miles angst #into the spiderverse

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solarmorrigan · 4 months

Text

Hands Where I Can See Them, part 11

Pt 1 | Pt 2 | Pt 3 | Pt 4 | Pt 5 | Pt 6 | Pt 7 | Pt 8 | Pt 9 | Pt 10 | Ao3

[Warnings for: open discussion of sex, brief sexual situation. Nothing explicit happens, but there is an optional explicit continuation to the chapter linked at the bottom if you're into it]

Eddie grabs the plastic-wrapped bouquet of flowers from his passenger seat before hopping out of the van and slamming the door behind him, heedless of the pocket of suburban silence that is Loch Nora. While Steve had insisted he be allowed to plan their next date (“It’s not because the last one got fucked up,” Steve had promised. “It’s because I like planning dates, too, and it’s my turn.”), he hadn’t said anything about not bringing him gifts.

Eddie heads up to the front door and rings the bell, even though it’s probably unlocked, and he could probably just walk right in – Steve might be expecting him to, even. They’ve started hanging out again, just spending time being together, like they had before, and Eddie’s pretty sure that means his “don’t bother knocking” privileges have been restored, but all the same, something about waiting at the door just feels right.

When he can hear Steve’s approach on the other side, Eddie holds the flowers up, obscuring his face just as the door swings open. There’s a moment of silence before Steve asks, “What are these?”

Eddie snorts, dropping the bouquet a bit and sidling around Steve and into the foyer. “These, my dear Steve, are called ‘flowers.’ They grow out of the ground. Sometimes out of pots. Although, full disclosure, I procured these from the grocery store.” He holds the flowers up again, presenting them to Steve.

“And… they’re for me,” Steve doesn’t quite ask, a slow-dawning smile crossing his face.

Eddie grins right back. “Everyone deserves to get flowers once in a while.”

Not even bothering to tamp down his evident delight, Steve accepts the bouquet, gesturing for Eddie to follow him back through to the kitchen.

“You know,” Steve says as he pulls a vase from a high cabinet, “if you were really being romantic, you’d have brought roses.”

“What?” Eddie asks, affronted as he glances at the flowers where they lay on the counter. “How are these not romantic? They’re pink!”

“They’re daisies. Those’re friendship flowers.” Steve smirks, filling the vase from the tap before bringing it back over to the counter. “You give them to your friends or, like, your mom. Roses are romantic.”

Eddie scoffs. “Roses are twice as expensive as every other flower because the greeting card industry told people that’s what they need to get to prove their love, and now they have every poor schmuck who can’t think for himself buying roses to conform to some predetermined, soulless notion of romance.”

Steve is undeterred. He pulls the daisies from their plastic and drops them into the vase before turning around to face Eddie, leaning back against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. “Am I not worth a little conformity once in a while?” he asks, brows raised.

The noise Eddie lets out isn’t one he would precisely call a whine, but he’s not sure he can call it anything else. He leans into Steve’s space, trapping his arms between their chests, and pecks a kiss to his cheek. “Once a year. I’ll be a conformist once a year and buy you roses on Valentine’s Day,” Eddie promises. “How’s that?”

“Deal,” Steve agrees, unfolding his arms so that he can wrap them around Eddie’s waist, pulling him closer until Steve is caged against the counter, his mouth pressed soundly to Eddie’s.

They stand there for a long minute, exchanging slow kisses with no other objective than to feel each other, to revel in the closeness, and even when the kisses end, they don’t quite pull apart, foreheads pressed together and noses brushing as they catch their breath.

“Hi,” Steve says, going almost cross-eyed for a moment in an attempt to meet Eddie’s gaze.

“Hi,” Eddie says back, smiling again.

He’s been doing that a lot lately.

“So where are we going tonight?” Eddie asks, pulling a little further back to give Steve more room to move.

“The couch,” Steve says, ducking out from around Eddie’s arms and scooping up the vase in two careful hands.

Eddie’s brows scrunch down in confusion. “What?”

“Yeah, c’mon.” Steve tilts his head to indicate that Eddie should follow him.

And follow him Eddie does – as if he’d do anything else.

Apparently, Eddie hadn’t heard him wrong; they go into the living room, where the smell of pizza is strong now that Eddie’s paying attention. Steve situates the vase on one end of the coffee table (and Eddie allows himself to feel smug about it, because whatever bullshit Steve gave him about roses, he definitely likes the daisies); the other end of the coffee table is covered with napkins and sodas and pizza and a few VHS cases.

“So… what’s all this, exactly?” Eddie asks, glancing from the setup to Steve.

“It’s date night,” Steve replies, sitting down on the couch and holding his arms out in a little ‘ta-da’ motion.

“Okay.” Eddie nods slowly, feeling a bit lost. “Not that I’m complaining—because I’m not, this looks great!—it’s just that this… looks like what we do together normally. Like movie night, or something.”

“Yeah, because I like what we do together normally.” Steve shrugs. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I really like the creative dates and the candles and flowers, but I also like just getting to be a slob on the couch with you sometimes, you know? I was never unhappy just hanging out with you, Eddie. It’s one of the things I liked– I like about being with you. I can just… exist around you.”

“Oh,” Eddie says, because he’s not sure he can say anything else.

He’s not sure how to tell Steve that he’s probably ruined Eddie for anyone else. That no one else could possibly live up to the standards Steve is setting. That he keeps surprising Eddie in ways that challenge him, that make him think, that make him grow. That Eddie can barely even comprehend the enormous amount of good fucking luck that had managed to land Steve in his life even after he’d fucked his first chance up. He doesn’t even know where he would start.

“Is… is this okay?” Steve asks, his expression dimming a little at Eddie’s lack of reaction. “Should I have–”

Whatever question he’d been about to ask is lost to Eddie’s lips, pressed firmly, reverently to Steve’s.

“I love it,” Eddie promises when he pulls away, giving him one more quick kiss. “I love you.”

Steve’s smile probably couldn’t get any bigger, and god, if it’s this easy to make Steve happy, Eddie still can’t understand why he hadn’t been doing it all along.

“I love you, too,” Steve says, and– actually, yeah. Eddie can understand exactly what makes Steve happy, hearing that.

Steve does eventually slide out of Eddie’s grasp to put one of the movies in (he’s been smuggling new releases out of the video store, insisting that no one will notice if they disappear for a night or two in between holds – apparently he and Robin have this down to a science), but Eddie reels him right back in as soon as he sits down, pulling him back into chest as Eddie leans back against the corner of the couch, arms around his waist.

“Can’t eat pizza lying back like this, Eddie,” Steve says.

“Sounds like a challenge to me,” Eddie declares.

They do make an effort, but Steve insists they sit up and eat like normal human beings when Eddie nearly spills soda on his head, and Eddie has to concede the point. It’s fine, though; he gets what he wants once they’ve finished, sliding the box and empty cans out of the way (mindful, still, of the flowers) and reclining back against the cushions together.

By the second movie, Eddie is laid out across the length of the couch with Steve on top of him, his head pillowed heavy and comforting on Eddie’s chest while Eddie runs an absent hand through his hair.

His attention is half on the screen and half on Steve, his fingers wandering down out of his hair and mapping out territory they had missed feeling for weeks. He brushes around the shell of Steve’s ear, distantly registering the shiver it causes, sweeps across the apple of his cheek, and runs one gentle fingertip down the slope of his nose, like he’s trying to commit it all to memory.

Eddie is running his thumb over the soft swell of Steve’s bottom lip when Steve, who has until now seemed content to let Eddie do as he will, presses a kiss to the pad of Eddie’s thumb. Eddie presses back, a mimicry of a kiss, and Steve opens his mouth and takes Eddie’s thumb inside.

Eddie freezes, but Steve does not experience the same problem. He closes his lips around Eddie’s thumb, sucking just for a moment before running his tongue up the length of it, swirling it around the tip, and then releasing Eddie.

For a long moment, Eddie stares, unseeing, at the TV. He has one hundred percent lost track of what’s happening onscreen.

“…Steve?” he finally ventures.

“Mm?” Steve lifts his head, looking up at Eddie, and Eddie is forced to pull his eyes away from the screen to look back down.

Steve’s bottom lip is still shining a little wet where Eddie’s thumb had slid out, and his eyes are blown dark and wide in the low light of the living room (or maybe for other reasons), and Eddie feels he has no other recourse but to kiss him.

Steve seems to agree, meeting him halfway when Eddie leans down towards him.

These kisses are nothing like the ones they’d exchanged against the counter earlier; these quickly grow heated and hurried and slick, mouths sliding fervently against one another. Steve is wriggling a little against Eddie’s front, trying to gain enough of a foothold to push himself up so their mouths are level, and the feeling of his tongue still sliding wet against Eddie’s, his hands around Eddie’s biceps, his belly pressing into Eddie’s pelvis, has Eddie ready to pull back and tell Steve that if he wants to finish the movie, he absolutely needs to stop pretty much all of that – but then Steve manages to push himself up further, straddling Eddie’s hips and making it clear that he’s in exactly the same condition.

And he seems to have no inclination to stop.

Eddie’s hands go immediately to Steve’s waist, quickly sliding down to his hips and gripping, encouraging him to rock against him before–

“Mm – wait,” Eddie manages, lips brushing Steve’s in a half-breath between kisses. “Stop.”

Steve pulls back, brows drawn in worry. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing– nothing’s wrong, exactly, I just – like,” Eddie nods between them, his hands tightening almost unconsciously around Steve’s hips, “is this okay?”

“What part of me climbing on top of you made you think it’s not okay?” Steve asks. “Because clearly I’m doing something wrong.”

“No, I just mean–” Eddie forces himself to gentle his grip, sliding his hands back up around Steve’s waist instead, stroking slow circles with his thumbs. “We don’t have to do this. If you don’t want to, we don’t have to.”

Steve, for some reason, has the audacity to look offended. “I am actually capable of making my own decisions,” he says, tone going a bit sharp. “I’m not just doing this because I think you want to.”

“That’s– I know that, I do, I just want to make sure you know this isn’t all I want, okay?” Eddie rushes out, before the situation can spin entirely out of his control (if he’d ever had it to begin with; he’s actually not quite sure right now).

Above him, Steve softens a bit. “I know.” He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Eddie’s mouth. “I’m glad it’s not just sex between us. I seriously am. But,” he bites his lip, staring down at Eddie with a little smile that catches somewhere between earnest and mischievous, “I also really like have sex with you. And I miss it.”

“Oh, thank god,” Eddie groans, letting his head fall back against the arm of the couch. “Because I would respect your decision if you didn’t want to fuck after all, but I would have to go hide in the bathroom and cry for a minute. And possibly jerk off.”

Steve laughs. “Well, we wouldn’t want that,” he says. “But I figure this is as good a time as any, right? I mean, this is the third date.”

“You know? I have honest to god lost track. I have no idea what’s going on anymore,” Eddie admits, and Steve shrugs.

“Fuck it, forget counting, then,” he says, smirking down at Eddie. “You wanna go upstairs?”

“Fuck yes.” Eddie nods, scrambling to get up off the couch the moment Steve is no longer pinning him down.

He follows Steve back through to the foyer, and they aren’t quite running, but whatever they’re doing is a little too excited to simply be called walking. Steve makes it to the base of the stairs first, and Eddie is right behind him, about to go up, when something occurs to him.

“Wait!” He grabs Steve by the wrist, stopping him in his tracks. “Wait, wait, hold on.”

“What?” Steve wheels around, wide-eyed as he searches for the source of Eddie’s urgency.

“I just remembered something important,” Eddie says, and then he drops to one knee.

Steve blinks at him. “What are you doing.”

“Steve Harrington,” Eddie begins, grandiose and a little ridiculous as he clutches one of Steve’s hands in both of his own, “will you do me the honor of actually dating me?”

For a long moment, Steve just continues to stare down at Eddie – but Eddie isn’t worried. He can see the warmth in Steve’s eyes, and the way he’s pursing his lips like he does when he’s trying hard not to laugh. Eddie’s pretty confident in the answer.

Finally, Steve nods, losing the battle against his grin the moment he’s no longer biting down on it. “Yeah, alright.”

“Yes!” Eddie pops up off the floor, reaching out to cup Steve’s face in his hands and leaning in for one hard, excited kiss. “I officially have the hottest boyfriend in town,” he declares when they part.

“Oh, yeah?” Steve asks, mouth curling into a smirk. “And what are you going to do with him?”

Eddie mirrors the look, taking Steve by the hand once more and tugging him along. “Come upstairs with me, and I’ll show you.”

And that seems to be the right answer, because Steve seems perfectly willing to let himself be led and find out.

Smutty Continuation; explicit, click through at your own discretion (This is entirely optional, you will not miss any plot if you choose not to read!)

Part 12

Tag List (Currently full! Message me if you'd like off the ride): @bushbees @y0urnewstepp4r3nt @gleek4twd @hellfireone @westifer-dead @anne-bennett-cosplayer @starman-jpg @mugloversonly @swimmingbirdrunningrock @alycatavatar @y4r3luv @rhapsodyinalto @vinteraltus @lilpomelito @tillystealeaves @noctxrn-e @pearynice @giverobinagfbrigade @novacorpsrecruit @hotluncheddie @strangersteddierthings @alongcomesaspider @theheadlessphilosopher @jettestar @rajumat @garden-of-gay @jamieweasley13 @dam28lh @oldwitcheshat @lololol-1234 @perfectlysensiblenonsense @salty-h0e @r0binscript @mavernanche @back2beesness @a-lovely-craziness @paintsplatteredandimperfect @redbullgivescaswings @emmabubbles @heartstarstar-blog @thesuninyaface @thatonebisexualman @fruitandbubbles @erinharvelle @m-owo-n @theystoodandplayedwithsilence @surroundedbyconfusion @luthienstormblessed @3ldr1tchang3l @pansexuality-activated

#steddie #eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things #look at them. nature is healing #one more part after this!#solar wrote #eddiesteve

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planetflorxa · 1 year

Text

Trash Magic

CW: Hyper-femm reader, Mommy kink, Lesbian sex, Choking, ass slapping. Spitting, Squirting, name calling just once though, scissoring, overstimulation, oral reader receiving.

a/n: ALL RACES ARE WELCOME! The picture is just for the shoes. just realized most of my fanfics and wips have have mommy kinks….That says a lot about me. I also have a dina fanfic that’s almost done it’ll probably come out s week after this on so stay tuned.

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Your friends hated it. They hated the way you always had to sit on her lap when you guys would hang out together. They hate how you two would excuse yourselves to your bedroom and all they could hear was a loud banging against the wall. They wish they would get away from it but they lived with you. They’re just happy Abby doesn’t live there because they’d never get sleep with the way you two are always touching, But they were lucky because abby was on a trip and wasn’t set to get back until a week from today. So it’ll just be you and your friends. Well that’s what they thought anyways.

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

“Draw 8” your friend casey told you. You guys were all sat around the coffee table seated on the floor playing games and drinking. “NO” you said laughing which caused your friends to laugh with you. “That’s cheating why does uno have a custom card.” You said bouncing up. “I’m gonna go get something to eat shuffle the cards and let’s play stacks” “NOO youre such a baby” Your other friend jess said “Oh well” You said scurrying to the kitchen. “Nobody told casey to cheat that was so unfair” you said as you went on your mission to go get snacks

You were in your own world looking through cabinets to something to eat so much so you didn’t hear your friends talking to someone at the door and on top of that you didn’t hear them ring the bell. “Who’s at the door guys” you said walking to the door seeing your girlfriend come into view before they could even tell you. “ABBY WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” you said running up and hugging her almost missing how your friends rolled their eyes in disgust almost. “Hi princess, I’ve missed you” She said grabbing under your ass so she can lift you up “You’re not supposed to get back for like 2 more days” You said kissing her cheek “I’m got bored and i missed you so much” “Really?” you giggled as she walked you to your couch to sit down with you on her lap facing her. You almost got lost talking to her before you remembered your friends.

“Oh sorry guys” you said getting off abbys lap much to her dismay but she still kept a hand on your thigh. “Abby how about you play cards with us” you said awkwardly looking between your friends and her. “Please do much better than going in the room” casey said “For real you guys are so loud” jess chimed in which caused abby to blush a little turning away from you guys. “Okay enough let’s just play” you and abby both took your seats around the table just like the other two.

You guys played for around 10 minutes before you realized they were straight up targeting abby. “First me now Abby what the fuck” you said throwing you cards on the table. “What are you talking about now y/n” jess said throwing his cards on the table as well. “You guys just made her draw 15” you huffed getting up “this is why customs cards are BULLSHIT well me and abby are gonna go watch a movie” you said reaching for her hand so she could stand up with you

“NO GOD PLEASE NO” casey screamed dramatically. You just ignored her “casey please stop it nothings gonna happen just a movie okay” you said grabbing abby’s hand and walking towards your room

You lied

“Ahhhh mommy fuckkkk~” you screamed on your knees back arched the side of your face pushed against the pillow so you can breathe while she used your hands for leverage to pound into you hard. “Take it princess f-fuck i know you can” she let go of your hands instead grabbing the fat of your hips pace not faltering “Do you like the way i fuck you? You like how deep mommy’s going or you want more” you couldn’t breathe she WAS fucking so deep aimed straight at your sweet spot and she knew that. You were gushing and creaming all around her and she was so hypnotized by it. She couldn’t stop herself from going faster

Before she could think she was spitting in your asshole she then start rubbing it in with her thumb before pushing it in. “a-abby it hu-” she didn’t let you finish before smacking your ass once, twice and then three each time you squealed louder and louder. She took her thumb out your ass grabbed you by your hair to bring you closer to her then switched from your hair than throat choking you as you bended backwards. “What did you call me” she said in a stern voice “I-i’m-fuck i’m sorry” you whimpered out “Okay so what’s my name” she said not letting her hand loosen on your throat or not stop the assaulting pace she had on your pussy.

“Mommy” “that’s right fuckkk~ look at how much of a good girl you are for me” she said letting you go placing her hands back on your hips. “I want you to cum all over me okay princess” “mhm” you said barely even able to keep yourself up “words baby” Abby said whist pushing herself deeper “Aahh- yes yes okay” abby’s hasn’t fucked you in what feels like forever with each drag of her dick it felt like heaven on earth. It felt like eating your favorite meal for the first time. She fucks you so good and so deep making you cream over and over again like the only think on her mind was making you cum and it was. “Mommy i’m gonna come” you said as steady as possible.

You’re voice was probably the most steady think on you right now. Your brain was just filled with you cumming, your legs and arms were shaking from the stimulation definitely not steady and plus you were sweating all over. But she listened you and heard you. She snakes her hand over to play with your clit to make you cum faster and to make it more powerful. “Fuckkkkk mommy” You moaned coming undone squirting all over her pelvis and lower torso “Shhh it’s okay princess” she said fucking you through it trying to make it last as long as possible. It sounded so disgusting the splashing of your cunt. The sound of your moans and abby’s heavy breathing everything about this moment was so erotic she couldn’t help but to keep this going.

She stepped away from you once she worked you down. She had you flip over so you were on your back and you were looking forward to the Aftercare she always seems to bring but on boy were you wrong. Abby slipped the strap off taking her underwear and shorts off rubbing the slick that accumulated from her fucking you across her throbbing cunt. She then went up to you on the bed slotting your legs in between each others placing her pussy on yours. “FUCK ABBY NO NO IM SENSITIVE PLEASE” “shut up bitch” tears starting brimming in your eyes the pleasure was so painful but you didn’t want it to go away your toes were curling as she rubbed her pussy across yours your slick making it so easy for her or slide across you.

You were cumming quicker than you wanted to but abby wasn’t gonna stop until she came so you tried your best to hold yours in. ”fuck y/n your pussy’s so warm” She moaned. You couldn’t even respond to her you just laid there and took it back arching your arms reaching out for her. You couldn’t stop the screams from comming out you wanted to cum so bad you just need her to say those words and your prayers were answered. “Fuck y/n i’m cumming” she moaned so loud and you quickly followed her. Abby’s body was twitching on top of yours she was shaking from not being able to use your body in forever if felt like it was too much almost. “Fuck princess you’re such a good girl” She said looking down at your trembling figure that was covered in sweat that gave your skin a glow. Your eyes were filled with tears as you looked up at her she wanted so much to give you a break but she couldn’t get enough.

Abby untangled your legs from each other she then placed both your legs on her shoulders. “Mommy i can’t” you said pushing her head away before she could even come into contact with your cunt. You knew deep down you couldn’t take anymore so why were you so achy down there. You wanted her to give it to you over and over and over again probably until you passed out. She licked a long stripe up from your clenching hole to your swollen clit before going in a suckling on it. “f-FUCKK ab-Mommy i’m gonna cum” you felt like a slut but the thoughts didn’t linger too long because you were cumming fast and hard but that’s doesn’t mean abby was gonna stop she wasn’t doing it for you she was just addicted to the way you tasted but she knew she had to stop though. She give you a few more licks and slurps cursing herself for not having the heart to keep going.

“How do you feel princess” she said rubbing your head and laying beside you “Tired” you mumbled “Let’s get you cleaned up then you can go to sleep okay”

“okay mommy”

#lesbian #abby anderson #tlou x reader #TLOU #Khywrites #abby anderson x reader #abby smut #mommy #tlou smut #wlw smut

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lilacmingi · 7 months

Text

LIVING WITH 8 VAMPIRES | PART 3

My works are 14+ ONLY. If you’re under 14 DO NOT interact with me or any of my works

Pairing: ATEEZ x fem reader (they’re not dating, but they flirt with her)

Word count: 7,913

Note: Alright. We’re all caught up now. This is the most recent part which was published earlier this week on my Wattpad. From here on out, any time I post a new part for this series on Wattpad it will be cross-posted here :)

You sat at work, bored out of your mind, fingers tapping on the nearest surface as you stared off into space. Your phone began to ring, catching your attention—it was a FaceTime call from Seonghwa.

Upon seeing his name pop up, you were confused. You accepted the call, watching the screen until the top part of Seonghwa's head showed up. All you could see was the top of his raven-colored hair and his eyebrows.

"Seonghwa, how did you—" You began to ask.

"Mingi taught me how to Face... Time." He explained.

You immediately begin to panic because of all people Seonghwa was the one FaceTimeing you.

"What's wrong?" You asked, knowing immediately that there had to be an issue back at home.

"My sanity is slowly leaving me." He answered.

"What? What's going on?"

"The boys have turned to savagery."

"Oh no."

You then hear a scream, and because Seonghwa is only showing the top of his head, you see Hongjoong in the background running past shouting, "Give it to me!"

He then pummels Wooyoung, tackling him to the ground, a loud thud resonating on the other end of the line.

"I have lost Hongjoong to the others." Seonghwa stated abruptly.

"Oh jeez." You muttered. "What happened?"

"I wish I could tell you."

"Listen. I have a lunch break in 10 minutes. Let everyone know I'm expecting a group FaceTime."

"Very well."

Seonghwa then attempted to hang up, his strong brows pulled together in concentration as he tapped the screen a few times before finally hanging up. You let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose.

•

When on your break, you went somewhere you could be alone because you knew the call you were about to make would be a messy one.

You FaceTimed Seonghwa, praying that he knew how to respond to a video chat call. It took a while before you got an answer. Yeosang's face popped up on the screen, his lips pressed together and brows scrunched in worry.

"Yeosang?"

"Seonghwa is a little... busy right now." Yeosang informed you as he propped the phone up somewhere, stepping back and taking a seat on the couch with the others.

Wooyoung's hair was an absolute mess. It was sticking up everywhere and looked as if it had been grabbed a few times, presumably by Hongjoong. The vampire kept his eyes focused on his hands that were clasped together on his lap. Hongjoong looked similar, his gaze stayed focused on the floor as his face showed immense guilt and shame. Mingi seemed shifty, his eyes looking everywhere but the phone. Jongho had his head resting against the back of the couch as he stared at the ceiling, letting out a long sigh. San's shirt appeared to be ripped and hanging off his shoulder, and Yunho had a rash on his cheek and upper neck.

You took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly as you stared at the seven boys on the couch. Yeosang looked rather worried as he stared into the camera, his leg bouncing nervously.

"Why am I so far away? You could've propped me up on the coffee table." You told the boys.

No one said a word and that made alarm bells go off in your head.

"Guys." You spoke, warningly.

"About that." Hongjoong stood up, slowly picking up the phone and showing you the broken coffee table.

You could see Seonghwa in the background pacing back and forth in a distressed manner.

You then heard a faint, "Oh no, our table. It's broken."

You didn't have to see the group on the screen to know it was Wooyoung.

"Shut up!" Hongjoong snapped.

You let out a long sigh, trying to keep your cool.

"I would like to enjoy the rest of my lunch break, because unlike you guys, I need food to survive. I expect a full explanation of this when I get home."

"Yes, Y/n." You heard some, if not all of the boys mutter collectively.

"Now, clean this mess up and let me talk to Seonghwa."

The phone gets handed back to the eldest. You assure him that you'll be home in a couple hours.

"Just please try not to kill them before I get back." You tell him.

"I shall try." He responded, his tone unnervingly even.

•

You stood in front of the eight vampires with crossed arms, eyeing each of them.

"Alright. Who's gonna tell me what happened?"

"We decided to play mafia." Yunho answered.

"That doesn't explain why the table is broken."

"Mingi was so upset about losing, that he broke the table." Yeosang spoke up.

"Hongjoong won, but amidst Mingi being so upset and breaking the table, Wooyoung took the prize back and tried to run away with it." Yunho added.

"A prize?" You asked.

"Yeah. To make things interesting, we decided to play for a prize." Yunho explained.

"What was the prize?" You asked, knowing you'd most likely regret it.

"A photo." Answered Wooyoung.

"What kind of photo?"

Wooyoung slowly pulled out a Polaroid photo of you sleeping. You quickly snatched it up.

"This is going with the rest of your contraband." You snapped.

The boys knew right away where that photo would be going. Inside your room, you had a drawer in your nightstand that had silver handles, so none of the boys could get inside.

"How come she always gets to touch that drawer and we can't?" Yunho asked when you left the room.

"The handles are made of silver, you idiot." Jongho muttered.

"I am so ashamed of myself." Hongjoong dropped his head in humiliation, wallowing in his own self-pity.

•

You made your way down the hall after putting some laundry away, pausing when you saw Yeosang standing in his room, staring at something. Out of curiosity, you poked your head into the room, checking out the situation. Yeosang stood, his eyes focused on a large painting of himself hanging on his bedroom wall. He wore an extravagant Victorian-style suit with a ruffled shirt and tailcoat; you know, typical vampire attire.

"What are you doing?" You asked aloud.

Yeosang glanced over his shoulder at you before answering.

"I want to update this portrait. It's outdated."

"You look exactly the same."

"No. My hair is different." He pointed, pulling at the long strands of hair in the back.

You chortled, shaking your head.

Gazing up at the portrait, you noticed a pinkish splotch next to his eye, tilting your head slightly in curiosity. You never noticed him with that mark before.

"I didn't know you had a birthmark." You commented.

"Ah." Yeosang reached up to touch the spot next to his eye where you assumed the birthmark was. "I started covering it up."

"Why?"

"I didn't like it."

"Well, I like it."

He gave you a timid smile. "You do?"

"Yes. You should stop covering it up. Based on this painting, I think it makes you unique."

"Do you know any painters?" Yeosang asked, trying not to show how flustered he was.

"No, sorry. I don't think portrait painters are very common these days."

Yeosang hummed to himself.

"I do have an alternative idea. You have a cell phone, why don't you just take a selfie? Or even better, we can have a mini photoshoot. What do you think?"

"I quite like that idea." He smiled.

After that, you both got to work, making a small set for the photoshoot. You took sheets and tacked them up for a background, then moved a fancy winged-back chair in front of it. Yeosang grabbed a few of his favorite trinkets and placed them on a table that he positioned beside the chair. Once everything was all set up, you instructed him to choose a nice outfit for the shoot. You offered to leave the room while he changed, but he said it wasn't necessary. Then, in the blink of an eye, he was in a completely different outfit, this one was a bit more modern than the previous one in the painting.

"Vampire speed." You muttered mostly to yourself.

The setup you'd thrown together looked incredible. You had found some red fabrics to drape along the white sheet background that really made the props stand out. It almost looked like a professional set. Before getting seated, Yeosang grabbed a handkerchief from his dresser and wiped away the makeup that concealed his birthmark, turning to you for an opinion.

"How do I look?" He asked.

"You look great." You smiled. "Now it's time for the fun part. We'll use my phone to take the photos and I'll send them to you if you want."

The vampire took a seat in the chair, figuring out a good position.

"Wait!" You exclaimed. "That pose is great. Stay like that."

Yeosang was situated slightly sideways in the seat, his right hand resting on the arm of the chair, the left resting in his lap. You made sure he was centered in the photo before snapping it.

"That one was good. Try another pose."

Yeosang positioned himself differently, trying out different poses as you took pictures.

"Wow. You look so handsome." You praised.

Yeosang seemed to get all flustered at your praises, muttering a small, "Thank you." as he moved around into another pose.

You then began shouting positive words of assurance like a real photographer.

"Perfect! That's it, that's it. Beautiful! Just like that!"

Yeosang really seemed to enjoy it because he kept chuckling and getting giggly.

Once you wrapped up the photoshoot, you made some adjustments to the photos before showing them to Yeosang, who was eager to get a look at them.

"I think there's a company that will make these pictures really big and put them in a nice frame." You told him as you scrolled through the photos.

"Really?" Yeosang asked, intrigued by this new information.

You nodded. "All we have to do is send whichever photo we like to them and pay a small fee."

"Let's do it!" He urged, excitedly.

"You said you wanted it to look like a painting, right?"

He nodded.

"I did a little something." You told him, swiping to one of the photos you edited to look like a painting.

He gasped. "Y/n, you're incredible! You created a painting from a photograph within seconds!"

"Actually, I just opened the photo in an editing app and put a filter on it that made it look like a painting." You explained.

"Ah. A filter. That's so cool." He grinned.

After Yeosang marveled over the magic of editing, you got to work placing an order for him. He was so excited, and unfortunately didn't quite understand shipping; he kept asking every thirty minutes or so if the picture would be here.

"Yeosang, it'll take a few weeks. Maybe even a month. They have to process the picture, print it, frame it, then send it."

"Ah. That's alright. I can wait."

•

You went outside to check the mail like you normally did, spotting a huge box on the doorstep. After getting the mail, you dragged the box inside. Yeosang just so happened to be standing in the living room when you stepped back inside the house. As soon as he saw the box he appeared at your side, his eyes glimmering with excitement.

"Is that what I think it is?" He asked.

"It is. Should we unbox it?"

"Yes!" He clapped, excitedly.

You removed the giant frame from the box, setting it upright so he could look at it.

"How does it look?"

Yeosang gasped. "It's magnificent."

"It is?"

"Yes! I have to hang it up right away." He took the giant photo from you with ease and hurried up the stairs.

You followed him to his room where he flew up to remove the old photo, setting it aside. He picked up the new one and ascended up to hang it on the wall in place of the former painting. Slowly, he lowered to the ground, stepping back to admire the new piece.

"I love it." He smiled, brightly, his tiny fangs on display. "Thank you, Y/n."

•

You looked down at the brand new table sitting in the living room, a proud smile on your face.

Seonghwa was devastated that his prized mahogany table had been destroyed, so you took it upon yourself to buy him a new one. It wasn't from the 1800s, but it looked pretty similar to the original. You scoured the Internet for the exact table, but deep down you knew you wouldn't find it. The piece of furniture was practically ancient, there was no replacing it. At the very least, you found a table that was similar.

"Seonghwa?" You called his name, heading up the stairs.

"Yes?"

You heard his voice behind you, causing you to spin around. He stood at the foot of the stairs, patiently waiting to see what you needed him for.

"Ah." You smiled softly. "I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?"

"Yes. Follow me." You walked past him leading him to the common room area, gesturing to the table with a grin.

"What is this?" He asked, running his fingers along the table's surface.

"I know how much that table meant to you, so I replaced it... sort of."

"You are not the one who broke it."

"I know."

"Then why?"

"Well, we needed a replacement. The living room looked empty without a coffee table. Also, like I said earlier I know how much you loved that table. Sorry this one isn't the same. The original was irreplaceable, but I did the best I could."

Seonghwa's lack of response was beginning to worry you, so you glanced over at him only to find that he was smiling.

"Thank you, Y/n. This means a great deal to me."

•

You stood outside the front doors of the mansion, feeling a bit on edge.

"My roommates are a little... strange. So if they say or do anything weird, just ignore them." You told your new friend, Chan, wanting him to know what he was possibly getting into.

Last time you brought friends over, San got jealous and ended up having an allergic reaction to the garlic bread you made.

"They can't be weirder than my roommates." Chan chuckled lightheartedly.

"They are." You responded. "I can almost guarantee it."

You pushed open the front door and all eight of your roommates were gathered in the living room, which wasn't unusual. They often spent time in the large gathering room doing their own thing, unless San or Wooyoung was off causing mischief.

"Y/n!" Yeosang piped up, a smile on his face, his eyes shimmering with joy.

That smile quickly dropped from his features when he saw Chan.

The rest of the boys turned towards you, their eyes immediately locked on your new friend. You paused for a moment, glancing back and forth between your roommates and the man beside you, noticing the very obvious tension in the room.

This happens every time I bring a guy friend over. You sighed internally.

"Who is this?" Asked Hongjoong, his sharp gaze pointed at the man standing awkwardly beside you.

"This is my new friend, Chan."

"Where did you meet... Chan?" He inquired, his voice dripping with annoyance when he uttered the name.

You'd never heard Hongjoong speak that way before, which made you wonder what was actually going on. He was one of the few respectful vampires in the house and was always so polite, but now he was the complete opposite.

"I met him last week when I went on a walk at the beach."

"I knew I should've accompanied you that day." You heard Hongjoong mutter under his breath.

Shuffling awkwardly, you announced that you and your new friend would go hang out elsewhere in the house, but Yeosang stopped you.

"Stay in here." He told you sternly.

Yeosang was yet another person you'd never really seen get angry or agitated. This was your first time hearing him speak so firmly.

"I suppose we can stay in here." You responded. "Come on, Chan. Make yourself at home."

"I wouldn't get too comfortable." Mingi commented in a low voice.

"Mingi." You scolded him quietly, surprised by his remark.

Chan seemed to pay no mind and took a seat beside Jongho. As you go to sit in the empty spot to the left of Chan, Wooyoung scooted over, sandwiching your new friend between him and the youngest vampire, leaving no room for you.

"Sit here." Yunho gestured to an empty spot beside him on the opposite end of the couch.

Suppressing a sigh, you head over, taking a seat between the arm of the sofa and Yunho.

"So," You started, glancing around the room. "what did you guys do while I was gone?"

"Nothing." Jongho answered without looking your way.

The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife and it was beginning to make you uncomfortable.

"Um." You cleared your throat. "I'm gonna go get something to drink. Chan, would you like anything?"

"I'm fine. Thank you, though."

You stood up and excused yourself from the room, needing to get away for a moment. The tightness in the space was so palpable it made you feel suffocated.

After you stepped out of the living room, the boys' eyes still lingered on Chan, not moving from him at all.

"So, this is a nice place." Chan smiled softly, wanting to ease the tension in the air.

"Don't make small talk with us." Snapped Yeosang.

"Jeez. I'm just trying to be polite. And you guys say I'm the dog."

"You are." Seonghwa remarked. "We are dignified and classy gentleman. You are a mutt."

"A mutt?" Chan turned to Seonghwa. "Real clever."

Chan knew they were just trying to get a rise out of him. They wanted to see him lose it and he wouldn't allow that to happen.

"You're not going to provoke me."

"We'll see about that." Hongjoong said.

"What's a human doing living with eight vampires anyway?" Chan asked, eyeing the group.

"She's our roommate." Yunho responded.

"And we take very good care of her." Mingi added firmly in a matter-of-fact manner.

Meanwhile, you had stepped outside on the back patio to get some fresh air for just a couple minutes. You only used getting a drink as an excuse to take a few moments to gather yourself. You'd seen the guys jealous before, but this was a new kind of jealousy, one that was almost possessive—territorial, even.

Once you felt a little less suffocated, you went back inside, hoping Chan was alright being left with your eight roommates. As soon as you stepped foot in the living room you were met with utter mayhem.

Seonghwa had his arms and half his body stretched over his new table, protecting it while chaos ensued around him.

"If any of you barbarians break my table I shall stake you myself with the remnants!" He hissed.

You stared in disbelief as you watched seven vampires battle with Chan, who you noticed looked a bit different. Amidst the mayhem and disorder you managed to spot bright yellow eyes and claws.

That's when it dawned on you.

You totally brought a werewolf into a house of vampires.

You unknowingly stood and watched it all go down with your mouth hanging open in disbelief, unable to process much of what you were witnessing. You had only left for three minutes maximum, how did this happen?

Yunho lunged forward, tackling Chan to the floor, both of them hissing and growling at each other, tumbling along the wooden boards. They barreled towards Seonghwa who lifted the table off the ground just as the two hit the floor. You didn't miss the way San and Wooyoung were off to the side cheering on Yunho.

Not a second later, Mingi came running into the room with rubber gloves on and a pair of tongs, holding a piece of your silver jewelry with it.

"Everyone stand back! I'm gonna French fry this sucker." He shouted.

"Look who you're calling a sucker, sucker!" Chan snapped, still trying to fight off Yunho.

"Oh yeah, real mature." San scoffed.

"Rip his throat out, Yunho!" Wooyoung shouted from beside his counterpart.

You'd had enough, you couldn't take it anymore. This behavior was absolutely barbaric and uncivilized.

"Enough!" You bellowed, causing the room to fall silent.

"Y/n!" Yeosang gasped, his eyes wide as he not-so-discreetly placed an old sword back onto its spot on the wall.

Jongho, who had picked up a lamp, was quick to drop it, the object clattering to the floor.

"Don't worry, Y/n. I'll protect you from this beast." Hongjoong stepped in front of you with one arm protectively held out.

"No." You shoved his arm away. "What's going on?"

"Y/n, I can explain." Chan pushed Yunho off him, getting to his feet. "I know this looks bad and you're probably really scared, but-"

"You're a werewolf. I can see that."

"Well, yes, but you're living with-"

"Vampires." You finished.

He paused, visibly surprised by your knowledge on that fact.

"You... you know?"

"Of course I know. They spilled the beans before I even moved in."

"And you're okay with it?"

"I am. What I'm not okay with is how uncivilized they are when it comes to guests." You eyed all of them sharply.

"Did they brainwash you? Did they bite you?" Chan stepped over, pulling your shirt collar down slightly to examine your neck for any bite marks, this causing all eight vampires to hiss at him.

You gently took his hand, pulling it away.

"No. They're all very respectful—for the most part." You eyed San and Wooyoung after saying that last part. "And they're all good at controlling their thirst."

"That's right." Yunho piped up.

"Butt out."

"Sorry." He murmured, lowering his head like a puppy that had just been scolded.

You sighed, turning to Chan once again.

"Are you alright? You didn't get hurt or anything, did you?"

He gave you a small chuckle. "I'm fine. A little banged up, but nothing that won't heal in a few minutes."

"Good." You nodded. "Sorry to cut the visit short, but I think it's best that you head home."

"I agree."

As you led Chan outside you glared at the boys, giving them the I've got my eye on you gesture before stepping out the door.

"I'm sorry I brought you into this." You apologized to Chan, who you noticed had returned to normal, no longer sporting yellow eyes, pointed ears, or sharp teeth.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it." He gave you a warm smile, dimples making an appearance on his cheeks.

"Had I known what you were, I wouldn't have brought you to my place. We would have gone somewhere else."

"Again, it's fine. You didn't know." He smiled, softly.

He got attacked by your vampire housemates and he's still being so understanding.

"I'm still sorry you had to experience that."

"Maybe next time I could take you to my place and you can meet my roommates." He offered. "They're a handful, but I think you'd like them."

"Yeah, like that'll ever happen." A muffled voice said from inside the house.

Glancing over, you saw Wooyoung with his face smushed against the window, the others standing behind him. Once you spotted them, they all scrambled away from the window. Suppressing a sigh, you turned back to Chan.

"I live with those doofuses, I'm sure I can handle a few werewolves."

"If you say so." He laughed softly.

After apologizing again, you bid Chan goodbye, agreeing to stay in touch and maybe schedule a day to meet his friends.

You made your way back inside to address the troublemakers, eyeing them as you paced around the room.

"What was all that about?" You questioned.

"He was going to take you away from us." Yunho pouted.

You sighed, walking over to the sullen-looking vampire, pulling him into a hug.

"He was not." You told him. "We're just friends."

"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice muffled as his face was buried in your shoulder.

"Yes I'm sure."

"You can only be friends with one supernatural species." San frowned.

"Says who?" You challenged.

"Me."

"Well, I say you guys need to start trusting me more and stop being so territorial. I thought that was more of a werewolf thing anyway."

"As much as I hate being compared to those mutts, vampires are territorial too." Jongho stated. "If someone means a lot to us, we don't really like other people hanging around them."

Ignoring the heat in your cheeks, you pressed your lips together, choosing to look past the comment.

"I'd still prefer it if you guys would let me have other friends."

The eight vampires exchanged glances and though Jongho tried to put on a stern face, you could tell he was about to cave. Even Hongjoong, who was poking his tongue against his cheek in an agitated manner looked as if he were about to break.

"Please." You added.

And that's all it took to make them crumble. Hongjoong's form deflated and Jongho rolled his eyes begrudgingly as all eight of them grumbled collectively in agreement.

•

Seonghwa's brows were pulled together in frustration while his fingers tapped the screen of his iPhone. He hated the retched thing, but at the same time he was curious to know how it worked, but only a little. You had mentioned once about all the things you could do on the device besides texting. As he scrolled, he came across a video that grabbed his attention. He got to his feet right away and headed directly for your room making sure to knock first before he entered. He may have been in a hurry, but he didn't forget his manners.

"I have an inquiry."

"Okay."

"What is this?" He held his phone out to you.

On the screen was an ad for Disney+. It was flashing different clips from some of the movies offered on the platform.

"That's a streaming service like Netflix and Hulu."

Before he could tilt his head in confusion or ask what any of those things were, you continued.

"You can watch movies and shows on it."

"I desire to have it."

"You're in luck because I have a subscription." You smiled. "You'll need to download the app first."

"App." He murmured, trying to recall what that was.

"Here." You took his phone from him and opened up the App Store, letting him watch you from over your shoulder.

He didn't think he would ever download any of these "apps" but he would at least like to know how to do it just in case he changed his mind.

Once the app was downloaded you put in your login information, allowing him access to your account.

"There." You handed the device back to him. "You can watch whatever you want."

"What is the one with the spaceships?"

"Hm?"

"I saw spaceships on the video for this application."

"Oh. That was probably Star Wars."

"Star Wars." He repeated. "I want to see that."

"Scroll through the movies."

He hesitantly placed his index finger on the screen, sliding it along the surface so he could browse through the list.

"There it is." You pointed. "Those are all the movies right there. There's also a few spin off shows which are like side stories, but you don't have to watch them. Not unless you want to."

"Ah." He nodded. "Which film do I start with?"

"They're all in order, so you start right here." You pointed on the screen. "And end here."

"There are nine?"

"Yep. But hey, you're a vampire. You don't really need sleep so you could binge watch all of them if you wanted."

"Binge watch?"

"It means to watch a series in one sitting wether that be a TV series or a movie series."

He nodded, making a mental note to jot that down in his notebook later.

"I will be going now. Thank you."

"Alright." You chuckled. "Have fun."

•

"Alright everyone." You announced giddily as you descended the stairs. "Who's ready for Medieval Times?"

You wanted to have a group outing with the guys and had been looking forward to the trip for a while, so much so that you decided to dress the part, decked out in renaissance wear with a corset and everything.

"I wonder what that corset looks like without the dress." Wooyoung whispered to San.

He received a swift elbow to the gut from Hongjoong, causing the younger vampire to double over and groan.

"Do not speak that way about a lady."

"Sorry." He wheezed out, clutching his stomach.

"Wow." Mingi gaped. "You look so pretty."

"You think so?" You asked, glancing down at your dress, smoothing out the fabric.

All eight boys nodded eagerly in agreement.

When you first pitched the idea of going to Medieval Times and watching a jousting match, everyone was on board, except for Seonghwa who made some comment about it being unrealistic. Of course, he ended up agreeing to tag along, albeit reluctantly.

"Come on." You beckoned, jingling the car keys.

As soon as you stepped foot in the establishment, after letting the guys take a few moments to marvel at the realistic castle exterior of the building, you made a stop at the gift shop so they could look around.

"Wow." Mingi gaped at a light-up sword, his eyes sparkling.

"What's that?" Yunho asked, looking over his friend's shoulder.

"A magic sword."

"I want one." Yunho reached forward and took one off the shelf.

Unbeknownst to the duo, Seonghwa was standing off to the side, his eyes widening.

"A saber of light." He whispered in awe.

In seconds, he was standing by Yunho and Mingi, his gaze stuck on the plastic light-up sword.

"Do you have any idea what you possess?"

"Yeah. A magic sword." Mingi stated.

"No. That is a saber of light."

"What?" Yunho snorted. "No it isn't."

"Yes it is."

"It is not."

"It is."

"Is not."

"That is a saber."

"It's a sword."

"Saber."

"Sword."

"Saber."

"Sword."

Meanwhile, you stood by Yeosang as he pulled a velvet cape off one of the display racks, examining it.

"I like this." He commented.

"Do you want it?"

He nodded.

"Well, if you're getting a king's cape, you need a crown too." You reached over and pulled a plastic gold crown off a stack, placing it delicately on Yeosang's head.

He gave you his signature small, closed mouth smile.

While you were preoccupied with Yeosang, Yunho and Seonghwa continued their arguing.

"Have you watched Star Wars?" The eldest inquired.

"No, but I know what a lightsaber is and this is not it."

"Yes it is."

"It is not."

Mingi, who had been watching the two go back and forth, walked over to you with the plastic toy that had caused so much commotion.

"Can I get this?" He asked.

"Of course."

Once out of the gift shop, Mingi and Yunho had the light-up swords they wanted so badly and of course Yeosang had on his royal ensemble, wearing it proudly. He looked very princely and seemingly more dignified than usual, fully embodying the princely persona you see him as. You couldn't seem to look away from him, mesmerized by his beauty.

"Are you sure you weren't a prince back in the 1800s?" You joked.

"Yes." He chuckled, his small laugh sounding so melodic. "I was just a simple townsperson."

"Y/n, please come and settle this quarrel." Hongjoong requested, rubbing his temples. "I've had enough of all the back and forth."

Trailing behind Hongjoong was Seonghwa and Yunho, both of them arguing about weather or not the light-up sword was a "saber of light" or not. It seemed as if the two of them had dragged Hongjoong into it.

"What's going on?" You asked the two.

"Yunho is infuriating. That weapon he wields is a saber of light."

"It's not." You told him. "That's just a light-up sword. Lightsabers don't have little plastic skulls on the hilt." You mentioned.

Seonghwa looked visibly disappointed.

"I told you." Yunho remarked.

Your footsteps came to a sudden halt as you realized there were only seven boys with you.

"Guys, wait." You glanced around. "Where's Yeosang?"

Before you could go into panic mode, he appeared, walking back over to the group.

"Where have you been?"

"I got offered a job."

Your mouth dropped open.

"I declined."

After purchasing tickets, you and your group proceeded to the entrance of the jousting hall, a couple employees standing by the opening with paper crowns.

"They're giving out crowns." Yunho nudged Mingi.

"Those are pathetic excuses for crowns." Seonghwa pointed out.

"Stop being a buzzkill, Seonghwa." Wooyoung muttered.

"A what?"

"C'mon guys." You gestured, entering the arena and going to find your seats.

Mingi wore his paper crown proudly, holding his light-up sword with a grin so large you thought his face might split in two. Yunho had accompanied him in wearing the paper headpiece, pretending to be a knight as he jabbed at the air.

"Human things are so fun." Mingi commented. "Back when I was human they didn't have cool swords like these."

You ended up sitting in between Hongjoong and unfortunately Wooyoung. It seemed as if the group had split themselves up and you were directly in between the calm group and the chaotic one. Yeosang, Seonghwa, Jongho, and Hongjoong to your left, Wooyoung, San, Mingi, and Yunho on your right.

You were in for a wild evening.

A staff member came by and informed you all that your knight would be the blue one and that booing the opposing team was highly encouraged, which seemed to excite San and Wooyoung greatly.

"The people in the different colored areas on either side of you are your allies." The staff member stated.

Seonghwa's face scrunched up. "What do you mean allies? It is every man for himself."

The employee chuckled, thinking the comment was made as a joke. "Enjoy the show, guys. By the way, I love that you all dressed up."

Hongjoong and Seonghwa shared a confused glance, but before the latter could speak up, you thanked the staff member and he walked off.

The show began shortly and it wasn't long before one of the staffs came walking by to serve you each some tomato soup that had been referred to as dragon's blood. Seonghwa looked at the server in disgust as the man poured the soup into the small bowl provided.

"Surely you do not expect me to consume this."

As if that wasn't bad enough, a slice of garlic bread, aka a dragon scale, was served with the soup which caused a lot of discomfort for the group. Seonghwa had visibly taken offense and started to accuse the server of trying to kill him while San discreetly pushed his plate away.

"I'm not doing that again." He shivered.

"Um. Would you like my garlic bread?" Hongjoong asked you, holding his plate out.

"Sure."

There was no way you were turning down extra garlic bread and since all eight of them couldn't consume garlic without breaking out in hives, you got eight extra pieces of the delicious bread.

The actors dressed as knights sat upon their horses, prancing around the arena and putting on a show while you ate. At some point, the queen came out, waving to the crowd while riding around. After the introduction ceremony, a man stepped out into the middle of the arena with a falcon on his arm. Everyone in the stands was advised to stay in their seats by the announcer. The falcon took to the air and flew around the arena, narrowly missing the tops of everyone's heads.

"Wow." You gaped in awe. "So pretty."

"I can catch it for you." Jongho responded without missing a beat.

The show proceeded and you were each served the main course, which Mingi and Yunho devoured, even if it didn't taste the same as it would have if they were still human. Mingi and Yunho were two of the four vampires that would indulge in a meal every once in a while, but they liked to have a glass of blood with it.

"How was it?" You asked the two, leaning forward so you could speak to them across San and Wooyoung who were seated to the right of you.

"Delicious, even if it doesn't provide any benefits to me." Mingi smiled. "Though I wish I had some blood. That would've made it taste better."

"You do." Wooyoung picked up his small cup of tomato soup, wiggling it in front of Mingi. "Dragon's blood."

The slightly older vampire laughed in response to Wooyoung's light humor.

"Well, if you really wanted blood, there is another option." San not-so-discreetly gestured towards you with his head.

Your jaw dropped and your hand immediately landed on his upper arm, delivering a stinging smack to it. Hongjoong, who had overheard San's comment stood up from his chair, ready to pounce on the younger vampire for being so disrespectful.

"Woah. Woah. Woah." You got to your feet and placed a hand on Hongjoong's shoulder, slowly lowering him back down to his seat before things could escalate.

"If we weren't in public I would rip your head clean off your body." He seethed.

"He's made that threat a hundred times. He's never done it." San whispered to you.

"Hm." You hummed. "I hope he follows through this time."

San's mouth fell open in shock.

Two knights stepped out onto the dirt flooring of the arena to battle, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Oh, this is where it gets good." Wooyoung nudged San.

They drew their swords and began swinging, blades clashing as they battled relentlessly. Impressed by their acting skills, you watched in awe while cheering on the blue knight.

Throughout the entire battle, Seonghwa was complaining about the reenactment not being accurate which you couldn't help but laugh at.

"Seonghwa, it's just for fun."

"They could at least make it realistic." He remarked.

"You weren't even alive during medieval times. How would you know if it's accurate?"

"You act as if I have never witness a sword fight."

"Have you?"

"Yes. Swords were still used in the 1800s."

At some point, you leaned over to check the right side of the group and make sure they were behaving. San, while continuing to watch the arena, tugged open the collar of his lace up shirt to expose more of his chest in hopes that you would notice—you pretended not to. There was no way you were giving him attention after that comment he made earlier.

Finally, after a few more brief performances and skits, the jousting began.

It wasn't long before Seonghwa began complaining again while Hongjoong and Jongho were in deep conversation. Even though you were all seated in the blue section and were told to cheer for your section and the colors on either side of you, they were speculating who would actually win, even if it was knights on the opposing side. Hongjoong even brought a pair of opera glasses, using them to observe the jousting match below, occasionally passing them to Jongho to point out different things about the knights.

"His form is off." Hongjoong commented.

"You're right. He's not gonna get a good hit with posture like that." Jongho shook his head in disapproval.

"Give me those." Seonghwa held his hand out.

He held the small binoculars up, gazing through them. "This is horrendous."

You turned to check on the other side of the group to find Wooyoung and San losing their minds, both chanting your section's designated color while pumping their fists in the air.

"Blue, blue, blue, blue!" They chorused.

"Destroy him!" Wooyoung shouted.

"Rip him apart!" San added.

Yunho looked like he wanted to join in, eventually yelling out, "Skewer him!"

On your way out, Mingi lightly grabbed the sleeve of your dress, tugging on it to get your attention.

"I want to be knighted. Can I?" He asked excitedly.

It wasn't often that the boys got to leave the house, so you agreed to let Mingi get knighted.

You watched in amusement as he stood behind a couple kids in line, the six foot tall vampire towering over them, his eyes sparkling with unadulterated joy.

He came back to the group with a bright smile on his face, talking about how he was officially a knight.

"Alright, Mingi. Are you ready to go now?" You asked.

"That's Sir Mingi." He corrected, puffing out his chest while holding his flashing light-up sword proudly.

"Oh, I see." You chortled. "Sir Mingi."

"That was the worst thing I have ever witnessed." Seonghwa commented as the nine of you left the building. "In today's words, it sucked."

"Woah! Look at you talking like a normal person." You chuckled.

"It was the only word adequate enough to describe the atrocities of which I just witnessed."

•

(The following scenes occurred before the boys got cell phones and were able to see themselves)

Since Hongjoong had become so interested in new mirrors that were made without silver, he wanted to buy one for the mansion. On an overcast evening, the both of you set off to a nearby household store.

"This way." You gestured, leading him to the back wall of the store where all the mirrors were displayed.

His eyes widened when he saw his full reflection for the first time in decades. His first thought was that he looked incredibly well-dressed in his black waistcoat and ruffled blouse, momentarily smoothing the fabric.

"You okay?" You asked.

He nodded, slowly approaching one of the mirrors, a large one with a black, metal frame that had a detailed design cut out of the material.

"This one."

"You don't want to look around some more?"

He shook his head. "This one is perfect."

As soon as you got home, Hongjoong started trying to figure out where to put the mirror, carrying it around the sitting area and holding it against different places on the wall. The new object caught the attention of some of the others who had been passing through.

Yeosang was one who stopped to watch, Mingi following after.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Mingi asked quietly to Yeosang.

The latter nodded, his large eyes staring widely at Hongjoong, who's reflection he could see clearly in the mirror.

"Here." Hongjoong finally announced.

You got to work right away, helping him to secure the mirror to the wall. Once in place, the both of you stepped back to admire the new piece decorating the living room. Hongjoong turned to Yeosang and Mingi, excitedly beckoning them over.

"Come look."

Mingi was downright terrified, his eyes staring warily at the mirror, brows furrowed and lips set into a pouty frown. Even Yeosang seemed hesitant. Despite that, he stepped up first, moving over to the mirror, jumping slightly when he saw his own reflection.

"What is this?" He inquired, stepping forward to tap the glass.

"Mirrors aren't made with silver anymore." Hongjoong told him.

"So we can see ourselves now?" Yeosang asked softly, staring at his reflection in awe.

"You can." You nodded.

"Mingi, come here." Yeosang beckoned.

In the most apprehensive manner, the vampire stepped forward, leaning forward just enough for the top of his head to appear in the mirror.

He gasped, jumping back.

"There's no need to be afraid, Mingi." You assured him with a light chuckle. "You can't be scared of your own reflection."

He seemed to toughen up after that, stepping directly in front of the mirror. His eyes were blown wide in disbelief. He hadn't seen himself in so long he had forgotten what he looked like. His look of surprise was quickly replaced with a prideful grin.

"I don't remember being so handsome." He smoothed his hair back.

Hongjoong and Yeosang were quick to shove him away from the mirror, rolling their eyes at his arrogance.

•

You passed through the living room, moving towards the stairs only to come to a stop when you saw San standing in front of the mirror. It had only been there for a few days and everyone seemed completely enamored with it at first, but San was the one who seemed to have the biggest attachment to it.

"What are you doing?"

"I can't stop looking at myself." He responded.

"How narcissistic of you." You remarked.

"Y/n, I don't think you understand. I haven't seen myself in centuries. This is weird."

"I'm sure you look exactly the same."

"I do."

"Then why do you keep standing in front of that thing?"

"Because I haven't been able to see my reflection in so long, I'm not used to it. Plus, I look really good. Don't you agree?"

You decided not to answer, exiting the room without turning back, not even when San called out to you, begging for a response.

"Come on!" He whined. "Just say yes!"

•

You cut away the tape excitedly, opening up the package you had been waiting for. Since giving Seonghwa your Disney+ password, he had become obsessed with Star Wars and wouldn't stop talking about it and trying to explain the plot to the guys.

Since he loved it so much, you thought it would be fun to surprise him with a little gift. He had shown a lot of interest in Darth Vader and mentioned how he was his favorite character, so you went online and bought him Darth Vader's lightsaber. You weren't sure if it was something he would enjoy or not, but considering any Star Wars fan would love a lightsaber, you figured it'd be a nice gift.

"Seonghwa!" You called for the oldest vampire.

He appeared before you in seconds, something you had gotten used to.

"I have a surprise for you." You beamed.

"What is the occasion?"

"Just because." You shrugged. "Close your eyes and hold out your hands."

He did as told, his palms facing upright while waiting patiently for your surprise.

Ever so carefully, you placed the lightsaber into his hands, telling him to open his eyes.

His brows were furrowed at first, however, it didn't take long for him to realize what he held.

"A saber." He murmured.

"It's Darth Vader's lightsaber." You pointed out.

"I know."

You were about to ask him if he liked it, but he turned around and started walking away.

Curious as to where he was heading, you moved behind him, following him to the living room. He reached for the sword that hung on the wall in the living room, removing it from its perch and replacing it with the lightsaber.

"There."

"So, you like it?" You asked.

"Very much so."

•

Jongho stepped into the large sitting room, finding Seonghwa removing one of the many swords that decorated the walls. Taking a glance around the room, he noticed all of the swords displayed had been replaced with what he could only assume were lightsabers. Seonghwa hadn't shut up about the things since binging the Star Wars movies.

"What are you doing?" Jongho asked.

Seonghwa placed the last lightsaber into its holder before stepping away to admire his work.

"We are now a modern household."

Part 1 | Part 2 |

Masterlist ᝰ

Do not steal, plagiarize, copy, repost, alter, or translate my works in any way

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gallifreyanhotfive · 4 months

Text

Random Doctor Who Facts You Might Not Know, Part 17

The Valeyard told the Sixth Doctor that his Seventh incarnation was full of schemes in order to play a game that was never his to win and that his Eighth would never shake the shadow of death.

When separated from the TARDIS, the Doctor's memory usually begins to fail him.

Agatha Christie was a companion of the Eighth Doctor.

Tania Bell was placed in 107 Baker Street by Torchwood, her employer, to keep an eye out for the Doctor.

Rose was once turned into a vampire. She attacked the Ninth Doctor.

When the Eighth Doctor lies to his friends, it's obvious he's doing so because he gets a "terrified and guilty" expression on his face.

Handrel once said a single incarnation of a Time Lord can live for 10,000 years.

The Eighth Doctor once appeared on and won a television show called You Either Know It or You Don't.

The Curator likes pigeons.

The Seventh Doctor is sometimes terrified of the Third Doctor, particularly by the realization that the Leader of the British Republic in the Inferno universe is his counterpart.

In the Seventh Doctor’s mind, the First Doctor plays the role of the librarian and the keeper of the gardens. The Fourth Doctor is the ferryman. The Fifth Doctor represents the Doctor's conscience, but he is enchained in a pit in their mind. Ace eventually frees him though. He thoroughly locked the Sixth Doctor away due to Valeyard-related drama.

The Seventh Doctor manipulated Mel into leaving. This would allow him to go on as Time's Champion without her morality interfering.

Before Logopolis, the Fourth Doctor passed through a period of dense time, causing him to age rapidly. Even after restored, he remained greatly weakened and was unsure of if he would be able to regenerate. Because of this, Milady put in a request to the Department of Watchers to help him prepare for that regeneration. This weakness could potentially also explain why the Fourth Doctor regenerated after falling a shorter distance than the Tenth Doctor did when he jumped out of a spaceship.

The Fifth Doctor could "swim" through the time vortex.

K9 Mark I could not climb stairs, but K9 Mark II could.

The First Doctor helped design the Privy Gardens.

The Doctor speaks fluent dolphin.

The Master has been recorded to have 470 known incarnations in total.

The Master's personality has always been influenced by the Assemblage, an organic computer made by all those incarnations.

The First Doctor likely made Susan's wedding ring, having planned to get gold for it from Aristea.

The Fifth Doctor eventually realized he had mistreated Adric because the boy reminded him of his own self as a child, but this realization came after Adric was already gone.

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

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crepuscularious · 6 months

Text

candy

this short imagine is something inspired by wildest dreams (taylors version) as well as nanami and that baker girl, rip nanami

miguel o'hara x reader (mostly woman)

fluffiest of the fluff there is

"you see me in hindsight, tangled up with you all night"

you owned a small candy store down the block. It wasn't much, but it was enough to pay for rent and good food. You always had a sweet tooth, ever since you were young so growing up and starting this business was healing your inner child.

you were fixing the fake flowers on the display by the windows, fake because flowers are too expensive and die easily. a bell rings, alarming you that someone entered the door.

"good day!" you said with a smile, as always.

"hi, just looking around" a tall man said, quite intimidating with the poker face plastered on his face, a buff man too, wearing sweatpants and a gray hoodie with his hands on his pockets. you almost thought this man was a thief, but nonetheless there was still that heartwarming smile on your face, like the sweet girl you are.

you nodded at his answer and dusted off a your apron as you return to your usual spot behind the counter.

"what's your best seller here?" the man ask

"well, are you planning on giving something to a certain someone? or just something to munch on when you're craving something?" you asked him. he crosses his arms *good god those biceps*

"just something i can eat when on the go" he says, admitting his need for sweets every now and then.

"well you could always get a bag, 1/4 of a kilo is only 2 dollars" i said

"let me get a kilo" the man said, you widen your eyes and giggle

"is there something wrong?" the man asks as he raises his eyebrows, hands still crossed as he looks down at your small figure.

"nothing, its just a lot of my customers would also get a kilo. and they're really huge sugar addict" i smiled "i'm glad to have another fellow sweet tooth, first time to see a guy who does too" i said giving him a bag and a scooper

"pick whatever candy you like and ill weigh it out for you after" i said as i give him the space to choose.

"i've been wanting to visit this for months now, but i keep getting busy" the man said "what's your name?" he asks

"y/n, you?"

"miguel, what are these?" he asks

"candy belts, theyre like gummy strips that are coated in sugar. personally i like the sour ones that the original" i said

he finishes picking the random mix of candy, you see an assorted variation of both gummy candy and hard candy.

"there you go. here, i got you a cookie. on the house" i smiled as i hand him a bag and put the cookie wrapped in pink inside and hand it towards him

"your total is only 8 dollars" i said as he gives me a 10 dollar bill, i open the cash register and pick out his change until he stops me

"keep the change" he says

"really? you sure?" i asked, my eyes sparkling. it has been a long time since i heard those words.

"yeah. thank you" he says as i smiled and waved goodbye.

"thank you! come again!"

i look at the bill, feeling something behind it. it was his number and address "wanna know you more, call me?"

i giggled, "wait till he finds the note in that cookie"

end

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littlxpxtal · 1 month

Text

Therefore I Am

TYRANTS || STORY MASTERLIST PAIRING: rafe cameron x fem!reader WARNINGS: MDNI 18+ Content, swearing, sexual content, drug and alcohol use, violence WORD COUNT: 3.7K

Don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how I feel

Top of the world, but your world isn't real

Your world's an ideal

So, go have fun

I really couldn't care less

And you can give 'em my best, but just know

I'm not your friend or anything, damn

You think that you're the man

November

“Okay so I made this cute ass invite on this website and you can send it out as a text blast.” Sabrina explains to me as we walk to first period together.

“Sab who are you planning on inviting?” I ask. She was keen on throwing me a huge blowout for my 18th. I had gotten better at making friends on Figure 8 but there was a pit of doubt inside me that anyone would actually show up.

“We have to invite everyone whos anyone. Adn they’ll forsure come cus we haven’t had a big rager since Halloween. Everyone is fiending for a party. And everyone is talking about how cool you are.” I roll my eyes at this last declaration.

“No they are not Sab what are you even talking about.” I ask before we walk into the classroom.

“You’ve really impressed everyone at all of my pregames, and even Rafe’s friend group thinks you’re cool. Everyones obsessed with your style, and are dying to know why you’ve spent the last three years wasting time on the cut.” she whispers as we take our seats.

“How do you even know Rafe’s friends like me?” I pull out my history book and homework, feeling my face flush at the thought of them talking about me.

“Just trust me I know.”

“You know, I’m inviting my friends from the cut.” I say with a straight face, dreading her response.

“Y/N … Why would you do that?” she asks, pulling out her supplies.

“Cus they’re my friends. If it’s my party I should be able to invite whoever I want.” I state matterof factly.

“That may cause some problems.” she mumbles before the bell rings. “Im sending the text blast out at lunch. If there’s anyone you dont want there let me know, or else its going to my entire contacts list.” she hisses to me before the teacher starts taking attendance.

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

I adjust the strapless black mini dress on my chest, fidgeting with the zipper on the side before Sabrina walks into my room.

“People are going to start coming in 10 are you ready yet?” she asks, holding a red solo cup out to me.

“Yea, just gotta put on my lipstick. Whats this?”

She smirks and walks over to my full length mirror.

“A concoction just for the birthday girl.” she teases, pulling out her phone to take a picture.

“Get in this with me.” she says. I pose in the mirror with her and take a small sip of the drink, practically choking.

“What the fuck is in this Sab?” I ask, stuggling to keep myself from yakking.

“My version of a tequila sunrise. Mostly tequila.” she says sweetly, taking a sip form her own cup.

“Yea I can tell.” The doorbell rings and my eyes widen.

“I’ll get it. Hurry up!” she exclaims, running out of my room. I take a deep breath and take the berry shade of lipstick I bought for tonight out and start applying in the mirror. I decide to take a selfie of myself, admiring the way the dress fit around my curves.

Somehow Sabrina convinced my parents to let me have this party at my place and got them out of town for the weekend. They were easily convinced by her sweet talk, and were encouraged by the fact that I had been making friends at Kildare Academy. They were more than happy to give Sabrina and me their credit card to buy decorations and even allowed us to use some of the liquor from their cabinet.

I made my way up the stairs to see the living room was starting to fill with familiar faces I had seen in the hallways. I admired my house filled with helium balloons and silver streamer curtains. The room was illuminated with a large disco ball and LED lights. The DJ started playing music in the backyard.

“I think we’re gonna have a big turn out.” Sabrina says when she finally reaches me.

“Do these people actually know what they’re even here for?”

“Of course they do. I even made a card box for people to give you gifts.”

“Sabrina, I don’t want any of these peoples money.” I say confused.

“These people come from old money its practically tradition. Plus theyre drinking the booze we bought so its like an entry fee.” she says giggling and grabbing my hand, leading me to the backyard.

“You got the playlist I sent right?” she asks the DJ. I recognized him immediately, he was a barista at the cafe I always went to when I used to hang in the cut. He smiles softly at me and I thank him for being here tonight.

“There’s the birthday girl!” I hear someone shout from the backdoor. I turn around to see Topper, Kelce, Rafe a group of random girls surrounding them. He’s holding a handle of Titos up in the air.

“TOP!” Sabrina exclaims, dragging me over to greet them.

“Happy birthday Y/N” he says, greeting me in a hug. “This is for you, from all of us.” he says handing me the large bottle. I stare at in shock and laugh.

“Thanks guys.” I respond. Before I can greet Kelce or Rafe, Sabrina takes the bottle from my hands.

“Shots?” she asks the group. The guys cheer in response and she leads them back inside the the kitchen where the cups were.

“Happy birthday.” Rafe whispers in my ear, trailing right behind me. I feel goosebumps rise on my arms. “You look good.” he murmurs as we reach the counter.

“TO Y/N” Sabrina declares and we raise the shot glasses up to the cieling

“TO ME!” I Cheer before downing the shot. I hiss at the burning in my throat and squeeze my eyes closed.

More people fill into my living room and start piling into the backyard. I’m greeted with hugs and fist bumps from people I vaguely remember, they thank me for inviting them and I have to pretend like I’m the one who even made the invite in the first place.

I finally check my phone for the first time since people started arriving.

Sarah Cameron

We’re pulling up in a sec

I smile at my phone and scan the room to see if they’ve arrived.

“You waitin on someone?” I hear Rafe ask from behind me.

“Yea Sarah’s comin.” I say without looking back at him.

“I assume that means the clowns will be making an appearance as well.” he asks, finally standing next to me, his arm brushing against my shoulder.

“Play nice it’s my birthday.” I remind him, taking a sip from my birthday concoction.

“Long as they play nice too.” he responds before walking off. I roll my eyes and scan the room again. They still weren’t anywhere in sight, so I walk off to mingle with my guests.

I find a familiar face in the sea of people and make my way to him.

“Hi Noah.” I say, interrupting his conversation with a girl I had never seen befroe.

“Hey Y/N . Happy birthday!” he says before pulling me into a hug. It lingers for a little too long and I feel my cheeks blush when he finally releases me.

“This is a great party. Much better than my 18th.” he says, standing close and leaning down to be eye level with me.

“Whadid you do for yours?” I ask, trying to hide my disgust as I take another sip from the drink Sab made me.

“I had the flu. I had to go to the hospital and everything.” he says shurgging his shoulders.

“Damn that sounds awful. You can pretend tonights your birthday if you want.” I say, trying to cheer him up. I feel his eyes scan my body up and down and he inches closer.

“Well I know what I would want for my present.” he whispers. I bite my lip and giggle.

“Cute” I say in response. From the corner of my eye I spot JJ and I run towards him.

“JJ!” I shriek, throwing myself into his arms. He lifts me up and spins me around.

“Happy birthday doll. You have hella friends now huh?” he asks giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I dont know half of these people. Sabrina just invited them.” I say in response. He smirks and scans the room.

“Whos the dude who was practically eye fucking you?” he says, I glance over to see he’s giving a death glare to Noah.

“Kid I know from Kook academy.” I shrug.

“BIRTHDAY GIRL!” Kiara shouts, popping up from behind JJ.

“Kie!” I squeeze her with all my might. I feel a rush of excitement fill my body as people I actually knew and loved were finally here. John B and Pope pile into our hug.

“Where’s Sarah?”

“She went looking for you. Looks like she ran into her brother though.” John B says, nudging his head over towards the back of the kitchen. I direct the group to follow me, leading them through the crowd of people stuffed into my living room. I trip over a ballon on the floor, and feel an arm reach out to help me gain my balance. I look up to see its Rafe.

“Thanks” I mumble, pulling my arm away from his grip. I direct my attention away from him and smile at Sarah

“Happy birthday girl! I heard Rafe got you a present and I think it’s only appropriate that we indulge.” she says, wiggling her eyebrows and holding up the half empty handle of titos up at me.

She fills up shots enough for everyone including Rafe. His body is blocking me from being in the circle, so I shove past him, forcing my way into the center.

I look at Kiara and smirk, “arriba! abajo! al centro! pa dentro!” We cheer. The group finishes the shot and I find myself brave from the liquid courage I had just been given. I pull a chair out from behind the counter and stand on top of it.

“THANK YOU FOR COMING AND CELEBRATING MY 18TH WITH ME!” I Shout to the crowd of people in the kitchen and dining area. “LETS GET FUCKED UP!” I shout.

Pope hands me a Natty Lite from his book bag and I tip it to its side, cracking the bottom open with my teeth. For a second I realize my inner pogue is coming out. But I decide I didn’t give a fuck. It was my fucking birthday.

I crack open the can and inhale the beer in 3 chugs. I crush the can with my hand and toss it out into the crowd. The room erupts in cheers and I turn around to my friends seeing their shocked yet excited expressions on their faces.

“Lets fucking dance.” I say. JJ walks up to the chair and puts out his arms.

“Lets go dance princess.” he says, pulling me down into his arms, placing me softly on the ground. I grab his hand, leading them to the backyard where the DJ began blasting the Pursuit of Happiness remix.

The backyard area is filled with people already dancing. I squish us into the center of the crowd and notice that Rafe and his friends decided to join.

I feel my body moving along to the beat, not giving a care in the world, sticking my hands up in the air and letting the crowd's movements take me around the circle. Dancing face to face with Sarah, her back against John B’s.

Our bodies are squeezed together and I slowly grind against hers before I’m pushed to the side and end up in front of Kiara. She’s dancing against Pope and I remember I need to ask her how that situation is coming along. Before I can lean into ask, my body is moved again to be in the center of the circle. I take a few steps back to the beat and spin around.

Losing my balance, I end up with my back pressed against a tall figure. His arms softly grab my hips. If I didn’t know any better I would assume it was JJ. But I look over to see him standing in between John B and Pope. I crane my neck to look and see its Rafe, with a slight smirk on his face.

I decide to play along, turning my body to face his. His hands move furth up my back, running them up and down as I grind my body against his. I keep my eyes closed, refusing to make eye contact with him, trying to show that I would dance with literally anyone like this. I wrap my hands up around his neck and jump around to the beat before the song stops and there’s silence amongst the crowd. I drop my hands from his neck and whip my head towards the DJ, and see Sabrina standing up there with a lit up cake.

She grabs a microphone from the DJ and begins singing Happy Birthday to me. I feel my face get hot and body tense, realizing that everyone was staring at me, singing along in unison. My worst nightmare. She makes her way through the crowd, everyone making a path for her to reach me.

When she finally does the song is almost over and I feel tears brimming in my eyes. Mainly becomes I’m so drunk and overwhelmed with anxiety from what was happening.

“Make a wish!” I close my eyes and blow the candles out. The crowd erupts into a cheer and the DJ starts up a new song, everyone returning back to where they were before the serenading.

“I hate you.” I say, as we walk to the kitchen.

“Noooo you love me. And look at all these people here for YOU.” I give her side hug as she places the cake on the counter.

“Thanks for doing this for me.” I say. She turns to face me with a large grin spread across her face. “I’m glad we met.”

“Stop being sappy and go back out and dance.” she says, pushing me towards the back door.

“I have to pee first” I say, making my way towards the basement door. I make my way down the stairs to my room. After finishing my business I walk back into my room and see Rafe inspecting my bookshelf.

“What the fuck are you doing in here?” I ask, startled at his intrusion.

He doesn't respond, just glances over, eyeing my body up and down before picking a book off of the shelf.

“You read a lot of fiction.” he states.

I walk over and grab the book out of his hand.

“I asked you a question.” I place the book back in its place and turn to face him.

“I was curious.” he says, shrugging.

“Okay, well I’d like you to leave now.” I say pointing towards the door.

“No you don’t,” he says, stepping closer to me. So close I can smell his cologne. It was woody yet musky. Dior Sauvage I would guess, making a mental note to check it out at the mall next time I got the chance.

“You say that like you know what I want.”

“Cause I do.” he says, staring down into my eyes.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“I’m Rafe fucking Cameron. And you’re just some girl who has a birthday party with kids she doesnt even know. I see right through you.”

“Im not just some girl, who do you think you are talking to me like that?” I feel rage flowing through my body and I take a step closer, our chests practically touching. His chest is rising with deep breaths and I glance at his hands that are balled into fists.

“You think you’re hot shit now that you hang with kids on figure 8. But they won’t forget where your loyalties lie. You proved it tonight by inviting your fucking pogues.” I roll my eyes.

“Is that what this is about? Cus I invited my best friends? They’re just people Rafe. You and your loser friends only care about labels. We’re not even fucking friends why are you here if you’re so hung up on who I invited?”

“You think anyone would be here if I wasn’t?” I scoff at his arrogance.

“God you’re so full of yourself. Get a grip.”

Everything happens in an instant. His body moves forcefully against mine, pushing me into my closet door. I wince at the abrupt force. His arms are planted on the door above my head and he dips his face to meet mine.

“You're not as cool as you think you are pretty girl. You can stand on a table and shotgun all the beers you want. You can dance like a fucking slut at any party but that’s all anyone gonna remember you by. A party girl with no personality.” I feel tears well in my eyes at his bitter words.

“You act like your entire personality isnt partying. You live in a fucking fantasy world where its cool to do coke and fuck random girls like its a well respected hobby. You don’t know shit about my personality because I would never let someone like you know anything about me.” I spit back.

He stands silent for a second, his breathing hard and heavy. My eyes meet his, tears no longer threatening to spill over. All I feel is hot rage and red staring into his blue eyes. His right-hand moves from above my head to grip the back of my neck. He pauses as if he's second-guessing his next move.

Before I can think of a response his mouth collides with mine. I melt into his touch, tasting the liquor shared between our breath and his cool tongue grazing over my bottom lip. Reluctantly I let out a groan, frustrated that he was a good kisser. He moves his mouth aggressively against mine, pushing me hard against the wall. My hands finally move from my sides up into his hair giving a slight tug.

He finally releases his grip from the back of my neck and I gasp out trying to catch my breath when I hear screaming from outside. I decided it would be quicker to get to the back through the sliding door in my room that leads to a small patio on the side of the house. I run out and around the house to see a commotion happening on the dance floor.

My breath hitches and goosebumps rise across my body as I realize what is happening. Rafe trails behind me as I get closer to the group of people fighting, seeing JJ and Pope getting kicked around on the ground

“WHAT THE FUCK” I screech, pushing through the crowd, trying to pull the guys off of my friends. I turn around to Rafe.

“HELP ME” I ask, He runs his hands through his hair, contemplating on what he should do

“Please” I beg before turning around to try and pick JJ off the ground. I turn around to see Rafe grab the idiot off of Pope and help Pope stand up.

“PARTYS OVER” He roars across the crowd. The DJ instantly turns off the music and I see Sabrina running over to the scene. I’m holding JJ up with my arms as he limps over with blood smeared across his face.

“JJ what happened? Where’s Sarah and John B?” I ask. I then realize JJ is drunk out of his mind and cant even look straight.

I turn around to see Pope is sitting on a chair with Rafe standing next to him.

“Pope what happened, where is everyone?”

The crowd starts to clear and I tug JJ along to sit next to Pope.

“They went looking for you and some kooks started talking shit about us being here and…” he trails off. “Sorry to ruin your birthday Y/N”

“I know its your birthday n all but I really dont think these people wanted us here.” JJ finally says.

“No shit.” I hear John B saying behind me.

“There you guys are. What the fuck happened I left for 5 minutes and these fools are getting curb stomped?”

“These are your new fucking friends lets remember that” JJ Says, finally standing. “Look, we love you Y/N. But its not a good idea for us to be comin to any of these events again.” he says harshly.

“But I wanted you guys here.”

“And we wanted to be here to support you but, JJs right Y/N. Its never a good outcome for us to be in Figure 8.” John B says, pulling Pope off of the chair. “Lets go guys.”

I stand there feeling hopeless. I wasnt allowed back on the cut, and if my friends wouldnt come to my side of the island, I would never see them.

“But- but” I stammer.

Sabrina interrupts the moment tugging my arm to face her.

“Hey, I’m gonna go but I’ll be back in the morning to help you clean okay?” Sabrina says, nudging her head over to the top of the patio where the DJ was standing there, with all his stuff packed up. “He’s gonna walk me home.” she says with a smirk.

“Okay I’ll see you.” I turned to realize my friends were making their way towards the front door.

“Guys please dont leave.” I plead catching up with them.

“We gotta get them home Y/N,” Kie says, holding Popes hand.

“I’ll text you when were back okay? I hope you had a good birthday.” she says, giving me a kiss on my cheek and opening the front door.

“I’ll see you soon okay?” Sarah says, giving me a tight squeeze before walking out with the rest of them. I watch them walk down my driveway, feeling defeated and angry.

I turn around and slam the front door shut, looking around the room to see a mess of red solo cups, streamers and popped balloons all over the floor. I rip my heels off my feet and walk towards my basement door before I hear the back door slide open.

“I don’t think we were finished.”

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cosmicanamnesis · 1 year

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everybody loves a coffeeshop au

[part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7] [part 8] [part 9] [part 10] [part 11] [read on ao3]

October 10th

The first time the cute metalhead came into the Waystation, Steve was on bar and didn't catch his name. His order wasn't complicated, but it was long. Three medium black coffees, one small London fog, a large half sweet vanilla latte with soy milk, and a small hot chocolate. He'd paid in cash, leaving the change in the tip jar, and left in a hurry balancing the drink carriers on top of each other. If it hadn't been in the middle of a rush, Steve would've run around the counter and offered to hold the door for him.

Fortunately for Steve, he came in the next day, at the same time, with the same order, and Steve was on register this time.

"And can I get a name for the order?" Steve asked, punching the drinks into the computer.

"Eddie," the man said.

"Awesome. We'll have that all at the end for you," Steve said with a smile. Eddie dropped his change in the tip jar and wordlessly walked away.

One of Steve's favorite parts of the job was getting to talk to beautiful people. Not everyone was, of course, but a few times a day a customer would come in with long curly hair or beautiful eyes or a charming smile and Steve would fall in love with them for thirty seconds and then usually never see them again and it was fine. It was fun. It was harmless.

Eddie had all those things, all the things Steve was a sucker for, but unlike all the others, Eddie kept coming back.

It took a month or so, but eventually everyone in the shop had either taken or made Eddie's order so many times that they all knew what it was and could start making it before he'd even reached the counter. Or rather, immediately abandon Steve and force him to make it.

It was fine with Steve, though. He didn't mind making long orders, and it gave him a chance to chat with Eddie, not that he ever did. If he were a little braver, maybe he would talk, maybe ask where Eddie works, maybe get the story on why he comes in alone every day to carry an entire office's worth of drinks out.

Maybe get his number.

But Steve wasn't braver, and instead of talking to him, he contented himself to just make the drinks and sneak glances whenever he could to admire the way Eddie's hair fell over his shoulders, the way his rings glinted and drew attention to his hands, the way he would sometimes stick his tongue out, just a little, if he was really absorbed in whatever he was doing.

Steve really wanted his number.

December 3rd

“Steve!” Robin yelled from the register. “Your boyfriend’s here!”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Steve huffed, but came up front anyway as the bell on the door chimed. “Hey Eddie. Usual?”

“Yeah, thanks,” Eddie nodded, handing Steve a wad of ones and fives. He dropped the change in the tip jar, like every day, and went to the end of the counter to wait. Steve watched him as he made the order. He wasn’t doing anything, just looking at his phone, but the cold outside had flushed his cheeks bright red and Steve couldn’t help but stare.

“Is it snowing out there yet?” he asked, putting lids on the plain coffees and popping them into a carrier.

“Huh? Oh, no. Is it supposed to?” Eddie seemed surprised that someone was talking to him, but he looked up anyway, slipping his phone back in his pocket.

“That’s what I’ve heard,” Steve shrugged. “Pretty much every old lady in here this morning has complained about their arthritis and the weather, so I just assumed.”

“Oh, yeah?” Eddie laughed, leaning on the counter. Steve wanted to listen to him laugh all day.

“Yeah,” he smiled. “Perks of the job, y’know? Never have to check the weather, just wait until somebody with a bad knee comes in.”

“I always thought that was a myth.”

“I dunno, man,” Steve shrugged again, sliding the drink carriers onto the counter. Eddie was smiling at him, wild curls framing his face. “They only had to be right a couple times to make me a believer.”

“Well,” Eddie said, carefully stacking the drinks on top of each other. “If it starts snowing later, I might start believing it too.”

Steve could’ve sworn Eddie winked at him on his way out.

“Oh my god, that was pathetic,” Robin said, reemerging from the back. “If you’re gonna flirt with him, just flirt with him. Is it snowing yet? Fuck off.”

“Wait, did Steve finally talk to that guy?” Chrissy, their assistant manager, poked her head out of the kitchen.

“Yeah, sorta,” Robin chided.

“I honestly don’t know what you see in him, Steve,” Chrissy said, bringing a tray of pastries up front to put in the case.

“What? What do you mean?” Steve crossed his arms.

“Nothing! Just… He’s kinda weird, isn’t he? Like, standoffish?” She looked to Robin, who nodded. “I mean, you do you, but…”

“Wait, is this why you guys always shove me up front when he’s here?”

The girls looked at each other and then at Steve.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Chrissy admitted.

“You’re the only one that doesn’t mind him, so… He’s your problem,” Robin agreed.

“Proud of you for actually working up the nerve to talk to him, though.”

“Yeah, even if it was just about the stupid weather.”

Sure enough, it started snowing within the hour.

December 30th, Afternoon

Robin had begged Steve to swap shifts with her so she could go on a date. Normally Steve was an opener. He liked it, because he was naturally an early riser and opening meant more time after work to get shit done. But she had begged, and she was his best friend, so even though taking her closing shift messed with his whole routine, he agreed to swap. Plus, it meant he would have all of New Year’s Eve off, and that was pretty cool too.

It also meant accidentally finding out where Eddie worked.

Steve lived close enough to the cafe to walk there, and the walk took him past places that were usually still closed when he came in in the mornings. Antique store, jeweler, boutique, boutique, hair salon, tattoo parlor…

Steve took a couple steps back and looked in the front window of the tattoo place. Eddie happened to look up from whatever he was doing at that exact moment and gave him a confused sort of look. Steve just smiled and gave Eddie a small wave before going back on his way.

Well, it could’ve been more awkward.

#steddie #steddie ficlet #i mean it wont be a ficlet when i'm done with it but w/e #stranger things #stranger things 4 #text

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teddi-bearly · 2 months

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Rating Klinger Outfits on Flamboyance Because I’m Bored: Part 1

This is in no way an exhaustive list, nor is it meant to imply any of Klinger’s outfits are not fabulous. Because they are. It’s more of an excuse to talk about Klinger’s outfits and how much I love them. Also I don’t have any fashion training whatsoever, so this is just for fun.

I’m going to do a part 2 because I don’t want this to be giant and it already is pretty big

Anyway

one of the ones I see the most often

Iconic

The pose. The sass. Amazing

Honestly one of his more practical outfits

I love any outfits where Klinger has flowers in his hair argue with the wall

I’d wear that to a spring picnic

6/10 the flowers in the hair give it more points, but overall I think I’d see a woman wearing that at church on Easter Sunday

MORE FLOWER

And the fur coat? The ring? THE FEATHER?

Right this way madam

Stunning

I don’t think I’d wear this though, red may be Klinger’s color but it is sadly not mine

And the pose? He’s such a ham and I love him for it

11/10

Scarlett O’Hara who???

The yellow is lovely

And the parasol?? Incredible

And the gloves? And the hat?

It’s so much it’s so much

The hoop skirt? WHERE DID HE GET A HOOP SKIRT

It’s giving rich southern belle

1000000/10

The tiara is beautiful and so is the dress

Very similar to the first one though, but feels more like evening wear while the other one is church wear

The mink? (I think it’s mink??) Lovely

He looks like a princess who is undercover and trying not to be recognized as the princess but is failing

8/10 gains points because of the fur and tiara

Simple but nice

Looks like the kind of dress I would’ve worn to a middle school dance though I’m sorry

I love it though, and coupled with the army boots and helmet makes it much more unique

Also the low cut?? Ok I see you

7/10 because of the skirt volume

Again, red is such a great color on Klinger

Cute, not crazy but definitely cute

The blouse is my favorite part, it’s so cute

The hat pulls it all together I think

4/10 for flamboyance, the chances of me seeing someone wearing a similar outfit in the wild are decent

Another good spring outfit

The dress is pretty practical, and nice

It kinda reminds me of a hospital gown though

Which is topical

Klinger definitely slays every outfit he’s in, but I’m not actually super big on this one

It’s nice, but it doesn’t stick out to me

5/10, kinda looks like something a great aunt would wear

I just realized this dress is going to return in part 2

But it’s two different outfits technically and I have two different opinions

The fur coat definitely makes this one more flamboyant

Also I’m not gonna lie, that coat looks so comfy and warm like I want it

And the matching hat?? Incredible

His stance is also so powerful

Like ok gorgeous

8/10 solely because of the coat and hat

I know this isn’t a dress, but it’s a Klinger outfit

And you know what? I love it

He rocks dresses AND suits, what an icon

I want that hat

However? Not flamboyant at all

Business man core

1/10, the only reason it’s not a 0 is because the hat makes it a little unique for me

Carmen Miranda!! Yes!!

The sparkles? The red fur trim? THE HOOPS??

I wish we’d gotten more of this outfit it’s so amazing

Definitely not very practical though, especially the (incredible) fruit hat

Take it from someone who had to wear a fruit hat for theater, those things are SO top heavy

Very hard to secure, you constantly feel like it’s going to fall off

So props to Klinger

15/10 it’s so much and I love it

All images are from Pinterest

#m*a*s*h #mash tv #mash 4077 #max klinger #maxwell klinger #jamie farr #mashposting #corporal klinger

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cosmerelists · 5 months

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Cosmere Christmas Carols

If Cosmere versions of Christmas carols existed, here's what I think they'd be.

1. "All I Want For Christmas Are Hues" (To the tune of "All I Want for Christmas is You")

Origin: Nalthis

They sure do love their colors there, at least in Hallandren.

2. "Grandma Got Run Over By a Highstorm" (To the tune of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer")

Origin: Roshar

It's still a jaunty tune, still a horrifying concept. Just imagine the Stormfather wearing a Santa hat.

3. "Grandma Got Run Over By a Giraffe" (To the tune of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer")

Origin: Scadrial

Weirdly, this is one of those songs that exists on multiple worlds! Since Scadrial has giraffes, how could they not be a in a Christmas song?

4. "Away in a Chasm" (To the tune of "Away in a Manger")

Origin: Roshar

I imagine the Bridgemen singing this while in a dark humor, doing their work in the chasms on the Shattered Plains. There really is no room for a bed down there.

5. "Silver Dust" (To the tune of "Silver Bells")

Origin: Threnody

With the well-known lyrics, "Silver dust, silver dust / It's time for Shades in the forest / Make a ring / Safety bring / Let's have no with'ring today."

It's, uh, more jolly in Threnodite.

6. "Ironeyes is Coming to Town" (To the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town")

Origin: Scadrial

This one is less jolly and more of a terrifying threat: "He sees you when you're sleeping / and he knows when you're awake / He knows if you've been bad or good / so be good for goodness' sake!" I'm already shaking and crying.

7. "Seagulls Roasting Over An Open Fire" (To the tune of "Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire")

Origin: Lumar

They just...they sure did eat seagulls in that Tress book.

8. "Hark! The Herald Heralds Sing" (To the tune of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing")

Origin: Roshar

Who could forget that lovely number about all of the great advice that the herald Heralds left behind for mankind? "Hark! The herald Heralds Sing / Wash your hands / so you don't die / Sanitize your instruments / Rotspren wait to take your life." It, uh, rhymes in Rosharan.

9. "O Misty Night" (To the tune of "O Holy Night")

Origin: Scadrial

Ah yes, that classic opening: "O Misty Night / The stars are barely shining..."

10. "Wrapped in Red" (To the tune of, well, "Wrapped in Red")

Origin: Nalthis

If you don't know this song, check out the lyrics. It is all just about colors, colors, colors. No change necessary, really. Awakeners would love this one.

11. "Xisis Baby" (To the tune of "Santa Baby")

Origin: Lumar

The dragon in Tress granted wishes, after all. I'm sure there's a sultry number asking him for everything you can think of.

12. "Baby, There's Nightmares Outside" (To the tune of "Baby, It's Cold Outside")

Origin: Komashi

I mean, if you want to get your SO to stay inside a while longer with a creepy song, what better way than to point out that there are literally deadly Nightmares outside!

13. "Here Comes Ironeyes" (To the tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus")

Origin: Scadrial

Once again, this is not a happy song. It is a threat. Run! He's coming! He's coming RIGHT now!

14. "We Greater Good" (To the tune of "We Three Kings")

Origin: Canticle

The three old ladies who rule Beacon are called the "Greater Good." Hence this song, which naturally begins, "We Greater Good from Threnody are / On flying ships we travel afar..."

15. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Dalinar" (To the tune of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus")

Origin: Roshar

Well...this one isn't really a Christmas song as much as it's something Elhokar quietly whispers to himself alone at night, crying.

#cosmere #cosmerelists

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tired-teacher-blog · 3 months

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Characters : Tattoo artist Aizawa/ Florist fem reader

Featuring : Eri/ Hizashi Yamada/ Nemuri Kayama/ Oboro Shirakumo/ Emi Fukukado

Warnings and Genre : Fluff/ Romance/ Smut and Angst in future chapters/ Multi Chaptered Story

Summary : In a desperate attempt to get closer to the tattoo artist dominating every speck of your brain, you decide to pay him a visit one evening as a client seeking his service. This encounter will prove to be the beginning of something much bigger between you two, but will this new found passion be enough to stand against the difficulties your future holds?

Notes : Loosely inspired by this/ Art below is by the wonderful @/ael-draw who gifted me this gorgeous piece.

Masterlist|Second Masterlist|Third Masterlist

Chapter Count : Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Part 5 • Part 6 • Part 7 • Part 8 • Part 9 • Part 10 • Part 11

Mature content ahead so please be warned : 18+

It's well past seven and the studio has started welcoming its clients, everyone is here, even the one who's always late -Mr Shirakumo- has already walked in hurriedly moments ago, however your boyfriend is nowhere to be seen.

It's weird and worrisome, he has never missed a day's work and to top it all off, he's not even picking up his phone to respond to your calls.

You only want to make sure he's alright, even if your plans fall through, it's totally fine as long as he reassures you he's alright.

You look up the dark wintery sky and breathe out heavily while wondering what to do, should you wait for him in the studio? Or should you just go home? In any case, you cannot keep standing outside your shop in this freezing weather.

How ironic, this was supposed to be a pleasant evening that you've been awaiting for the whole day, but now you're alone, cold and miserable, and worst of all you are clueless as to what's keeping him away.

Maybe you should drop by his place, that would be totally fine right? But, doesn't him not responding to your calls mean he wouldn't prefer seeing you now?

In the end you decide to gather up your courage and walk into his studio to see if the others have heard from him.

_ "Oh yeah! He just called to say he won't be coming because he's busy with something." is what Mr Yamada responded to your question.

Well, at least he's alright..

You drag yourself home and go straight to bed because today has been exhausting, first it was that mind twisting encounter with the mysterious lady, and now your boyfriend's inexplicable avoidance of you.

You're too tired to even feel bad for yourself, your brain is fuzzy and your limbs are aching and all you want to do is fall asleep and forget about everything that happened today..

A knock, and another, and a persistent ringing of the door bell..

You cannot hear anything though, not yet at least, since you're deep in slumber and curled up under the covers, but the knocking doesn't stop, and neither does the ringing, in fact they get much louder and more urgent that your body jolts in surprise and you're instantly sitting up with terror stricken face and a trembling frame.

It's almost 11 o'clock, that's what you read on your phone as soon as your vision is focused, so who might this be?

You wobble your way to the door hurriedly, watching your steps in the dimly lit hallway until you reach the blaring pounding on the poor door.

_ "Wh.. who is it?" you're frightened and will not open to anyone blindly.

_ "It's me."

It's him, you can recognize that voice among million others, "Shouta.."

You clumsily struggle with the door lock that refuses to budge, cursing under your breath and almost whining at the device until it's finally undone, and as soon as you pull the door open and look up at him with eager eyes, total darkness engulfs you as he bolts in to hug you tightly.

_ "Shouta, wait, hold on." your words are muffled against his chest as he slams the door behind himself with a swift kick of his foot and steps inside with you still in his arms.

You hug him back and give in to his wishes, walking backwards as he hastily guides you to your room and practically throws you onto the bed before climbing on top of you and proceeding to remove your delicate sleep shirt.

It's all happening too fast that you're unable to keep up with him, what has gotten into him? Why is he being so forceful and impatient? He hasn't even utter a single word yet and it's worrying you sick.

_ "Shouta please.. just.. talk to me." you struggle between sloppy kisses but he doesn't seem to actually hear you.

He has never been this way before, and it's making you suspect that something might have happened, so could him not showing up this evening be the reason for his strange behavior?

He's still not talking, and is instead gnawing at the soft skin of your chest while his hands are squeezing your thighs scarily tight, that you're positive to gain bruises by morning.

When did he manage to tear away your panties? And how could he discard his own clothes when his hands have never left your body?

Is this what he wants? Sex, right now? You wouldn't have opposed to it, certainly, but you wish you could at least understand what's troubling him.

_ "Shouta wait, wait please talk to me," not a response still, as he is now drawing his saliva coated fingers from his mouth to bring them to your cunt.

_ "Please stop! Shouta you're scaring me!" you didn't mean to sound loud and whiny, but doing so seems to have finally snapped him out of it.

_ "I'm.. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry please forgive me." he sits up at once, kneeling between your legs while pleading with a sorrowful voice and a regretful expression that break your heart.

You can understand his reaction perfectly though, he has never been rough with you, and the idea of accidentally mistreating you frightens him, but what he miserably failed to realize, is that you're actually concerned about what's troubling him and so, you rush to explain.

_ "No, no that's not it," you shuffle around the blankets and sit across from him, knees touching as you gently lift up his head and cradle his cheek, "what scares me is this look on your face," you force a reassuring smile before continuing, "something's wrong isn't it? Can't you tell me what it is?" you try carefully to make sense of the situation.

_ "I just want to be with you tonight." he's obviously not ready to open up yet, and that's fine, you don't want to force an answer out of him, you're just glad he came to you.

_ "Me too Shouta, I want to be with you tonight and every night!" and the giggle you let out afterwards is genuine, and it reaches him as he visibly relaxes at last, "so, you want to lay down with me?" you suggest and he instantly nods before pushing you down on your plushy mattress and collapsing on top of you.

_ "I'm sorry for missing our date tonight, and for being so forceful just now." he mumbles faintly against your chest but you catch every word perfectly.

You are aware of the compromising position you're in right now, fully naked and pressed underneath him, but it's okay, you don't mind it at all, you're perfectly comfortable even like this.

_ "No, don't apologize that's totally fine, you're here now and that's all I want." you kiss the top of his head while threading your fingers through his raven locks as he nuzzles you deeper, "oh by the way, what about Eri? Where is she?"

_ "She's home, I asked her nanny to spend the night with her 'cause I didn't want her to see me like this."

_ "You're right, she's really smart and she would have known that something was off." you respond fondly and hug him even closer to yourself, "just get some sleep okay? I'll be right here when you wake up."

It doesn't take much longer after that for his breath to even out and deathly clutches to loosen up, however, the same thing cannot be said about you as you spend the rest of the night fighting with endless questions that didn't seem to have any logical answer.

What happened to him? Why does he look devastated? Why can't he open up to you? And.. and, does this -in anyway- have anything to do with the mysterious lady who visited your shop earlier?

You feel useless and defeated while your beloved is clearly suffering, you wish there was anything more you can do than offering him a shoulder to lean on, but that's all you're allowed to do now.

You sigh heavily and kiss his head again before closing your own eyes and trying to forget about it for now, but sleep eludes you as expected, and you know that it's going to be a long night..

To be continued..

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wardenparker · 10 months

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The Viper's Bride - ch 11

Oberyn Martell x female reader x Ellaria Sand x OC Co-written with @absurdthirst

The second Prince of Dorne has lived under the illusion that he would not be forced to wed for his entire life. He has enough lovers and illegitimate children to make him a legend across Westeros, and the love of his soulmate Ellaria Sand to content him. But a contract between his brother and a lord from the north will catapult him into a match that may prove to be as complicated as it is intriguing. Especially when he learns that you already have a soulmate of your own.

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12.8k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: terrible parents, age gap 10+ years, arranged marriage, classicism, cursing, food and alcohol, internalized homophobia. Reader is described as having hair long enough to braid* Discussions of pregnancy, abuse (parent to child), murder/conspiracy to murder. Plenty of judgmental moments and classicism. Summary: A trip to the Citadel with Cal proves most successful, but dinner with your parents is worst than you could ever fear. Notes: Thank you to everyone for bearing with me through even more Tumblr technical difficulties. We made it! I hope everyone finds this chapter worth waiting for.

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10

The streets of King's Landing are filled with merchants, servants and peasants alike. All hustling and moving through the streets with the purpose of completing tasks for their masters, for coin, for survival. A group of urchins play with sticks, pretending they are swords as they race through the crowds. Even with the day-to-day bustle of the people, there is a tension that fills the streets. Whispers in the shadows as people converse. Everyone knows that the trial has begun and they are wanting any little piece of gossip they can muster, true or not.

Cal is barely two steps behind you as you walk, conscious of the difference in your statures but also of the fact that you came to him for protection. It had stuck in your head that both of the men you love – who love you as well – had mentioned keeping him close by and so you doubled back to your chambers to find him and ask him to accompany you. The walk to the Citadel does not take long, but when you arrive you brush the dust from your dress and ring for entrance with a jitter running all the way down your spine. The most you can hope is that Maester Rhodestone will be at hand and that he will remember the woman he married to his former pupil. If not, you may have to be rather grand about asking entrance and access to the books that lie within.

"Your highness, if I may ask, where are we?" You had asked him to accompany you on an errand and had not elaborated. Of course, it was nothing short of an honor to be asked and he had dropped what he was doing to aid you. His dagger is close and he glances around carefully, knowing that both Lord Stone and the Prince would be very displeased if he allowed any harm to come to you.

"This is the Citadel, Cal." Pulling the rope outside had wrung a bell in the building, you are sure that you heard it. All you can hope is that it will be answered in a timely fashion. "The Prince studied here when he thought to become a maester, but that was many years ago." His eyes widen slightly and he stands a few steps behind you and tries to reason the Prince that he knows, that he has been in bed with, with a maester. "Obviously the lifestyle did not quite suit him," you murmur, glancing back at Cal over your shoulder and shooting him an amused smile. The man has spent as much time in your husband's bed as you have over the weeks that Oberyn has been in King's Landing and you are sure he cannot imagine the prince as a maester any more than you can.

There is a long pause between your pull of the bell and the large wooden doors being unbarred and the creak of one twenty-foot door being slowly wrenched opened. Blinking owlishly at the bright midday sun, Rhodestone peers out and then opens the door wider as his brow pulls together in confusion. "Princess?" He asks, looking over at your servant and then back at you.

"You remember me? How kind." And how utterly relieving. You feel you can actually take a breath again. "It is good to see you again, Maester Rhodestone. I was wondering if I might beg your help this afternoon? The prince has sent me to seek certain volumes on his behalf."

"The prince?" His face lights up and he nods, opening his arms in welcome. "It is not every day that I marry a prince to his princess. Are you wishing to know if you are carrying?" He asks with a small smirk. "Knowing Oberyn, he has undoubtedly planted his seed well. An heir for him! How exciting. Although I know he is well versed in the symptoms of carrying a babe."

"Is that something you could check for so soon?" After all, it has only been a few weeks. Suddenly there is more than one piece of information you hope the maester can assist you with today.

"There are ways to determine if you are already carrying." He promises with a smile, reaching out and taking your hand. "Books, you say?" He asks. "What kind of volumes are you seeking, princess? It will be my pleasure to assist you."

"We are interested in any information you may have on soulmates." Beckoning Cal into the hall behind you, the scent of bound volumes drifts from somewhere deep inside and relaxes you further. "This is my husband's man, Cal. He can be trusted with any information or materials you might entrust to myself or the prince."

"Soulmates?" His eyes flash and he hums as he reassesses you. "Yes, we have several volumes on soulmates. What a curious subject to be interested in." He guides you further into the building and pats your hand that is still between his. "As I recall, Prince Oberyn was interested in many subjects, but soulmates was not one of them."

"It is a topic which has recently piqued his interest," you tell the old man honestly, although you bend the reason with a coy, indulgent smile. "I think he thinks of the future happiness of his children, now that he is happily anticipating another baby."

"I know you are properly wed." He chuckles. "Your mother was quite insistent to see the record of your marriage when she came to the Citadel." He had found the woman to be quite belligerent and cross, although he had assumed it was because she feared for your reputation.

"My mother is a rather forward sort of person." A fact which makes you nearly cringe in distress of how she might have acted to the maesters. "I do apologize if she caused any commotion."

"Nothing that could not be handled." He promises with a small wink. There have been several women that could compare to your lady mother over the years. Maesters have seen a lot and know how to handle them. "It is a testament to your maester that you have turned out so...well rounded."

"The septa and the maester that had the duty of raising me were patient and attentive." You shrug in amusement and lend the old man a smile. "They had to be. I have three older brothers."

He chuckles knowingly and nods. "I was the youngest of five." He admits with a grin.

"Then you know precisely the patience that would be necessary." As the three of you walk into the Citadel together, you smile. "Your family must be very proud of you."

"My family is long dead." He hums, a little melancholy about it, but that is life. "Not to worry, they were proud to have a maester in the family when I forged my links."

"My youngest brother contemplated the study before he met the girl who was to become his wife." In fact, it was a source of great conflict for him before he decided that his heart wished for marriage more than great study and service. "We are very proud of him regardless, but to have a maester in the family would have been a wonderful accomplishment."

"Technically, Oberyn would qualify." He hums in amusement. "He had not taken his vows, obviously. He was bored easily and could not keep out of people's beds." He glances towards you and wonders if you know of Oberyn's other proclivities.

“My husband’s desire to have a bed full of all sorts of women and men alike does not keep him from assisting his brother in running the country, thankfully.” A fact which might not be true in other parts of the continent, and at that you merely shake your head. “He values the time he spent studying with you, Ser.”

His pat of your hand turns slightly fonder and he basks in the compliment with delight. "He was always a curious mind. Intrigued by the most unusual things. Poisons were a specialty of his. He sent me a raven once." He guides you towards the large library of the Citadel, maesters in training hunched over books as they copy them carefully, the script neat and precise. "Sent me a formula for a tonic that helps a mother with her birthing pains. Marvelous thing. Unlike other tinctures, the lady kept her full faculties without the torturous pains."

"I am told he developed it for his paramour," you explain with obvious pride. "Ellaria has born him four daughters and he takes every chance to see to her comfort. Most especially during the pains of delivery."

"Yes, I thought it was something like that." He muses, smiling at you as he guides you towards a large section of books that are roped off. "If there ever was a man who needed a tonic for a woman birthing him a child, it would be Oberyn. I have no doubt you will give him many more."

"That is the hope, ser." For the first time, your hand instinctively floats over your midsection at the idea of perhaps already being with child. It would seem a miracle if the maester could tell so soon, but you would not think the knowledge impossible to achieve. After all, you have nothing like their vast knowledge, no matter how many books you have read.

Noticing the gesture, he smiles, sitting you down at a table and motioning Cal to another chair. "I will gather the volumes you seek." He promises.

"My thanks, Maester Rhodestone." The chairs and tables are nothing of luxury but large and ready for use, and you breathe deeply as you sit back amongst the innumerable volumes. "I do not know how long we will be, Cal. I hope this will not be terribly tedious for you."

“I do not think so.” He looks around the room in interest and bites his lip as he looks towards the books that are on display.

“Would you like to read, as well?” From conversations with Leyth you know that both she and Cal have a basic ability to read and write, but were not given the opportunity to learn anything beyond a child’s level while working for Petyr Baelish. The fact that you used to call him Lord of anything is disdainful to you now. “I am sure not every volume here is complicated.”

“That—” his eyes spring back towards you and widen in surprise. “You would allow that?” He asks in awe. He has not had much experience with being allowed to read.

“I encourage it.” Suddenly all the more grateful that you had heeded the wishes of your lovers and brought him with you, you nod to Cal emphatically. “There is a wondrous wide world of books to explore, Cal. Reading can be as pleasurable as it is educating.”

“I should like that.” He nods eagerly. “I wish that I could explain it, I feel like I am elsewhere when I have been able to read.”

“I know that feeling very well.” In fact, it has been your constant companion these many years. “My brother calls it my ’great escape’.”

He smiles and nods, happy that you understand him. For a long time, life was dreary and yet even now, he wishes to read. To learn. “Yes Princess, it is very much like that.”

To see him light up with it makes your heart glad, and you nod as well. “Then we will ask the maester when he returns, if there is not something for you to read as well.”

“Thank you, your highness.” He gushes gratefully. “Leyth and I have been considering buying some books we can read. If there is room to take them back to Dorne, that is.”

“I will make sure of it,” you promise him without hesitation. “No one in our household will ever lack reading materials or books of their own if they wish them. If you wish your own collection in your own room, then you shall have them.”

“Thank you, your highness.” He knows he is incredibly lucky. Most lords and ladies would not encourage learning amongst the servants.

“I am very glad you came with me today, Cal,” you hum as you see the maester approaching again. “Very glad indeed.”

“It is my greatest honor serving you and the prince.” He bows his head respectfully. “And your lovers.”

“What is an honor is not always a pleasure, and so the opposite is true as well. But thankfully we all seem to get on together quite well.” Or at least the growing pains have not begun yet, with the entire situation being still so new to you all.

“Leyth and I are very happy, possibly for the first time in our lives.” There is a sense of security that they have never had before and the fact that their bodies aren’t being demanded for any and all uses has sweetened their days. Cal wishes to be brought back to the Prince’s bed, but that is because he knows there is pleasure to be had there.

“I hope that continues.” You promise him sincerely. “I truly do.”

He smiles, knowing that you mean that just as Maester Rhodestone brings two heavy tomes over to the table. “These are to start you.” He grunts, setting them down with a thud.

"A very big start." The small joke makes the older man huff and half-chuckle, and you turn to him as you run your fingers down the binding of one large volume. "I wonder, maester, if you might have any volumes of children's stories or for beginning readers in your collection? The prince's man is eager to become a better reader and I would like to afford him every opportunity to practice."

Surprised by the request, the maester hums thoughtfully. “I believe we do.” He nods. “Let me go get them.”

"We appreciate every moment of your help, ser." The volumes that he has brought for you bear long and elaborate titles that speak to centuries of scholarship, and the heavy metal clasps on the edges click satisfyingly under your hands. Long bookmarks of lavish material have been left behind by nobles or royals past, but you are less concerned with what people of the past may have read and more concerned with the things that have remained secret. To have two soulmates at once is considered impossible - and until yesterday you had believed that. And yet here you are, with two sets of marks besides your own. Now you need to know if others before you have had the same.

“Is there anything I can help you with, your highness?” Cal asks quietly. While his reading skills are nowhere near yours, he would like to assist you in any way he can.

"I desire only your company, Cal." You had agreed with Oberyn this morning that you should keep the exact topic of your research a secret for now, lest word get out amongst the maesters and people start asking questions. There is no telling what might set the people of King's Landing on their prejudice against the Dornish or any of your party, and it is best not to arouse any suspicions during the trial.

“As you wish.” Cal wishes to ask another question, but then decides that it must not be important. If you or the prince wanted him to know, you would tell him.

It is abundantly clear, as you start to read, that returning to the trial this afternoon is going to be difficult. There are so many theories from various people throughout history on the origins of soulmates, how they are achieved, and how they are chosen, that you feel you may drown in the ink of these pages. Page after page of reading is all-consuming, and yet nothing so far has spoken about a person having more than one set of marks.

The maester returns with books for Cal and he settles down to read them eagerly. “Is there something you are looking for, Princess?” The maester asks curiously. “I’m sure I can assist.”

“Unusual cases.” Affecting an air of academic curiosity rather than betraying how much the research affects you personally, you offer the maester a smile. “The prince and I are rather intrigued by the unusual in every aspect of life.”

“Unusual cases?” His brow lifts and he hums. “Then there is a different book you wish to see.” The links of his chain clank as he stands.

“Is there some sort of record?” A listing of unusual soulmate cases would be remarkable, and ultra-rare. Exactly the sort of thing you would want to tell Oberyn about.

“Stories.” He tells you. “From the time of the dragons. Back when magic seemed to be everywhere and the old gods ruled the world.”

“The old tales often have a kernel of truth to them.” Rising from the table to go with him, you place a hand on Cal’s shoulder. “Guard our belongings, Cal. I will return in a few moments.”

“I must admit that I have not been back here in some time.” Rhodestone admits as he takes you back behind the ropes.

"Is it not a topic that interests most maesters?" You can understand if it does not. Abstaining from that part of life must mean that many do not think about their soulmates.

“Most that we council do not have the joy of knowing their soulmates.” He murmurs. “Rarely do political alliances match scars.”

"That is true enough." And what a miracle it is that your own life has suddenly broken free of that mold. What an unlooked for blessing.

“Here we are.” Rhodestone stops in front of a section of books and looks back at you. “Stories of soulmates.” He offers, plucking a volume from the shelf. “This should be what you are looking for.”

Anomalies of the Soul pronounces the unexpectedly poetic title, and the deep green velvet fabric bookmark lying between the pages sticks out near your hand eagerly. Its clasps are tarnished and neglected, speaking to untold years on the shelf, but it smells as welcoming and comforting as any other book in the realm. "Thank you, maester," you murmur, running your fingers over the delicately embossed leather cover.

“Would you like to take it with you?” He asks, eyes alight with mischief. “Technically it is not allowed, but I know Oberyn will not molest a book in his care.”

"The prince's love for books rivals my own, I assure you." Cradling the volume close to your chest, you have to wonder at its size. How utterly small it is compared to the enormous tomes that were first brought to your table to be poured over. Compared to the one in your hands now, those seem encyclopedic. "It will be returned to you in the exact condition that it is lent, ser. I promise you that."

“Then it will be our secret.” He smiles at you fondly, happy to aid the wife of the man he had secretly admired for blazing his own path. His intellectual abilities had also impressed him. Whatever he is researching, he must have good reason for.

******

Managing to take your place beside Raeden just before trial began again for the afternoon was a feat in and of itself, and you still have the small volume from the Citadel wrapped in cloth in your reticule when you join him. Cal had returned upstairs with your recommendation that he search the keep’s library for something to read, and the safety of knowing he has his mistress’s permission for the errand.

“Did you clear your mind?” Raeden leans over and whispers quietly as Tywin starts to speak again.

“I did. And gave myself more pleasant things to think on,” you murmur back, at the same time slipping your hand into his to lace your fingers together. Even a brief moment of courageous intimacy speaks volumes between the two of you, and you will take them all when they can be found.

His eyes flash with surprise and it takes extreme self-control to not glance around, to make sure no one had seen the intimate gesture. Instead he squeezes your hand and curls your arm around his further. “That is good, my love.”

“I brought Cal. To stay safe.” He should know that you needed his words and concerns even after seemingly being so confident, and you squeeze his arm gently under your fingertips. “Let us be attentive, love.”

Despite the fact that you are safe, curling close to him, Raeden is proud that you heeded his concerns. His eyes sliding towards your husband and he catches the dark, watchful eyes of the prince. Making him squirm slightly and lick his lips as he nods ever so gently towards him. Assuring him that all is well with you.

To say the trial is an unromantic place would be a gross understatement, but you sit arm in arm with Raeden for the duration. It is not intimacy you crave with the gesture but safety, and Raeden will always keep you safe. The sun has nearly fallen from the sky by the time poor Tyrion Lannister is drug back to his cell and court dismissed, and you stretch perhaps more than is ladylike. Even more unladylike is how you shrug at Raeden when he stands with you. “A grim business indeed.”

“Indeed.” He agrees as he steers you towards the doors. “Are you going back to the chambers? Spend time with Ellaria?” Oberyn catches his eye and motions him towards the front of the room where the small council is huddling together, obviously eager to convene.

“Only to change.” By the sun outside, you judge it to be very near supper time and frown. “I am to dine in my parents’ chamber tonight.”

He winces and immediately frowns. “My love…”

"We have nothing to fear from them any longer," you remind him softly. "You are a lord of Dorne and I am one of its princesses. They may talk until their faces turn blue, but they no longer hold power over our lives."

“Your mother is evil.” He reminds you quietly, knowing that he cannot stay long, but he needs you to be careful.

"She is exceptionally unkind." Is the way you rephrase it, but your lips curl into an amused smile. "Neither you nor the prince, nor even Ellaria is required to attend with me. I will weather the storm alone and return tonight to the arms of those who mean the most to me."

“I like that even less than the enduring her presence.” He frowns even more, nodding when he sees Oberyn impatiently motioning him over to his side again. “I must go, but you leave if she mistreats you.”

“I will do what I must,” you nod to him as he hurries away and you make your way for the staircase after nodding to your husband across the crowd. Leyth will be waiting for you in your rooms and then you are off to battle with dragons of your own.

******

“My lady?” As soon as the door opens, Leyth hustles forward. “Are you hungry? The kitchens have some partridge pies or some fresh roasted boar.”

“Unfortunately, I will have to abstain.” A shame, considering partridge pie is one of your favorites. “Will you help me to change, Leyth? I am expected to sup with my parents and do not wish to start a war over wearing a day dress to their table.”

“Of course.” The frown on her face accompanies a nod as she rushes towards the wardrobe where your dresses are hanging. “The blue or the yellow?” She asks you, wondering if you prefer to wear your husband’s colors.

“The yellow.” It will do well to remind them that you belong to a different House now. That you have your freedom.

“It will look beautiful on you. I have been working with Ellaria on her hair and there is a style that would complement it beautifully.” She tells you.

“I put myself entirely at your mercy and trust you implicitly.” While she is rummaging in your wardrobe you slip the book into the bedside table next to where you sleep, knowing it will be safe there until later.

Leyth preens at the chance to style you how she wishes, hustling over to you and helping you out of your day dress quickly. “There is a cup of wine here too.” She offers, having heard stories of your mother from the other servants in the keep.

"You are a blessing, Leyth." The wine is most welcome, once you are in your gown, and you sit down at the slim vanity to let her do her work. Leyth's own hair has always been beautiful, as is Ellaria's, and you trust her ability to style your own locks. "Have you had a pleasant day?"

“It has been rather serene.” She admits with a small smile. “The other servants were gossiping so I spent time with them, Ellaria was resting and did not require anything.”

"What was the gossip about today? I relish any news that has nothing to do with the trial." In fact, you would probably pay good coin to think of anything else right now.

“Apparently, there is a rumor that the Queen – Cersei, my lady, will be wed to Ser Loras.” Leyth shakes her head and scoffs slightly as she works on your hair.

"That seems..." The shock on your face is surely enough and you manage not to startle and interrupt Leyth's work. "An unlikely pairing, I admit..."

“Tis only a rumor, but it might be due to some other gossip.” Her voice drops into a whisper.

"Oh?" Your eyebrow ticks up at her in the mirror and you put your glass down right away. "And what would that be?"

“That the queen has been said to share a bed with…her cousin.” Leyth confides.

"I see..." That is a bit more than you expected, and yet it is not altogether outside of the realm of other rumours. You fold your hands in your lap and chew your lip for a moment before looking back up at Leyth as she does your hair. "You know well not to repeat such things to anyone outside myself, the prince, Lord Stone, Ellaria, and Cal. We keep each other’s council here in the Keep."

“I will not breath a word of that gossip.” She assures you. “Or any other. They are too quick to talk here. While I find it useful, it is also very dangerous.” She is used to hearing whispers in the brothel, but she knows the value of keeping her lips sealed.

"You have seen quite a lot in your time working elsewhere, I am sure." The brothel could not possibly be less talkative than the Red Keep. "The lives of nobles and royals are fetter for every conversation everywhere."

“Yes, especially now.” She hums. “They have asked questions about you. About the prince, but Cal and I have not said a word.”

“I am sure there is much curiosity about the prince who never intended to marry.” She works steadily as you watch her in the mirror, both knowing that you have to ask even though you trust her. “What is being asked?”

“Everyone is aware of the Prince’s…preferences.” She tells you quietly. “They have been asking about who has been coming and going from the Prince’s bed and if you share those same proclivities.”

“I know that you know enough not to answer.” While you had been the most frequent occupant of Oberyn’s bed since your wedding, you were certainly not the only visitor. Raeden’s reputation in the north could be damaged severely and his House undermined in its infancy if others decided that he had been given the title as a sexual favor. “You have my trust and the prince’s. We know you would not contribute to gossip.”

“I would not see fit to give them anything on anyone in your party.” She promises softly. “Lord Raeden and Lady Ellaria as well.” She might argue that she is not a lady, but in Leyth’s mind, she is.

The title does not miss your attention, and you smile softly at Leyth in the mirror. Ellaria might dispute it, but she is the only one. All the rest of you truly believe she deserves to be a lady. “You are very loyal and very clever, Leyth. I know you are more than capable of redirecting someone’s mind when they seek to be invasive, or distracting them when they get too close to something they should not know.”

“Of course, your highness.” She looks positively bemused by the idea that someone could get information from her that she did not wish to share. “While all the other servants are eager to share their lord’s and lady’s misdoings, I wish to protect you.”

"I know I speak for all of us when I say that we are grateful for that." It does not escape your notice, the kind of relationship that most nobles tend to have with those who serve them, and it has never made any sense to you. The people who help to take care of you day in and day out should be appreciated and valued, not stepped upon.

“Would you like me to accompany you to your dinner?” Leyth asks quietly. She has heard of your mother and knows that there might be trouble. “She will not notice a servant slipping away if you should require some assistance.”

"She would probably not even notice you entering the room beside me." You admit honestly, even if it is mortifying. "You would not mind it, Leyth? The whole ordeal sounds entirely more manageable with a friendly face nearby."

“I would be more than happy to help, your highness.” She promises, her hands falling away from your hair and she squeezes your shoulders gently. “You are a very kind woman and do not deserve any ill treatment.”

"I—" The earnestness of it brings warmth to your cheeks, and you lower your eyes shyly from the mirror, unused to hearing such a direct compliment. "...Thank you."

Leyth doesn’t respond, just nods and gets back to work. Making sure her lady looks like the princess that she is. There has been much change for her and she is determined to prove that Oberyn had not chosen wrong in wanting the couple to be bought from the brothel.

****** The walk to your parents’ chambers should not feel like such a funeral trudge, but each step feels horribly heavy as you approach. It will only be a single meal, something so relatively simple, yet you still find yourself offering Leyth only the meekest of smiles as she reaches to open the door for you. Inside you sweat nothing has changed from the day that you fled with Raeden at your side, and you cannot help but feel slightly bolstered to see that they have received absolutely no special favor for being the parents of a princess. “Good evening, Father.” He is sitting at the fireplace and catches your eye first, so he gets the first greeting.

“Pumpkin!” Your father groans as he stands from his chair, a delighted expression on his face as he rushes towards you. “I feel like it has been years since I have seen you. Given you a hug.” As oblivious to his wife’s machinations as he might be, he has missed his daughter from his table and has looked forward to tonight with eagerness.

“Affection makes you say so, I think.” But still you sweep forward to give him a hug, glad to hear the door gently click shut behind Leyth, you give the only parent who holds an ounce of your affection a warm embrace. “I am only in the suite just below you, you know. You could always come and visit any time.” The invitation would never be extended to your mother, but him? Certainly.

“I am sure that your husband would not wish for me to intrude upon your time.” He squeezes you tight and wishes he was brave enough to ask if the man was treating you right. “His elevation of Stone was a surprise.” He offers instead.

“Not entirely.” When he offers you the other seat before the fire you take it, motioning for Leyth to come into the room with you as well. There are plenty of places for her to sit politely nearby that are not right beside you. “Raeden has been deserving of a title his whole life. Noble blood runs in his veins, Father.”

“Yes.” Your father fluffs himself out and leans back with a sigh. “But he was born on the wrong side of the bedsheets.” He reminds you. “Bastards cannot be acknowledged in regards to title. The boy’s father could not give him his name.”

“And so Oberyn has given him reason to be proud of his own name.” You will not point out that it is something he could have done himself years ago, but you will not start a disagreement so early in the night. “They do not feel the same way about bastards in Dorne that the North does.”

“Yes…well, we know why your husband has a fondness for bastards.” He taps his finger on the edge of his chair and stares into the fire, wishing to ask a question but not knowing how. “Is he treating you well, daughter?”

“Yes,” you reply simply, unsurprised that your father has opened his mouth and your mother’s words have fallen out. “It is the entire nation of Dorne that feels differently than the North, Father. Not only my husband. His daughters are not a topic to be quarreled over.”

“I am not speaking of his daughters.” He murmurs quietly. “That woman is still here. Roaming the halls.”

“Ellaria.” Tonight is not destined to go well, you can feel it and it disappoints you more than you can say. “Her name is Ellaria, and she is a remarkable woman. More than that, she is my friend. So please keep any ill opinions you might have to private company.”

He frowns for a moment, unable to see why you would befriend your husband’s lover. It is not the way things are done. “Are you happy?” He asks finally, more concerned with that than your mother’s endless nagging complaints about the unusual issues with your marriage.

That, at least, softens you. And you end up with a dreamier smile on your face than you intended. “Extraordinarily,” you promise him. It is not for your parents to know what you discussed with the maester before you are able to talk about it with Oberyn, but you are feeling happier in this moment of thinking about it than you have in hours.

He smiles, watching you and he doesn’t miss the way that your hand slowly slips down to your stomach. Making his breath catch slightly and he nearly tears up. He’s seen woman do this enough to know what it means, even if you aren’t saying the words. “That— that is good.” He manages.

“How have you been spending your days in the keep?” Wanting to turn the conversation to something pleasant, you cannot imagine that your parents have been engaging in anything particularly high-profile so the topic should be safe enough.

“I have made some good trades.” Your father offers. “Met with other lords and discussed issues.” He shrugs. “I am missing home, but your mother wishes to see the trial.”

“With any luck the trial will resolve itself quickly and justly, and you will be able to return home again without incident.” Your own pang of jealousy for his ability to return to the Vale is tempered. There is nothing in the world now that would keep you from journeying on to Dorne, even if you may be a bit homesick in the beginning.

“Yes.” He can heartily agree and nods. “I miss the Vale. The crisp morning air.” He hums and slides his eyes over to you. “I do not suppose there are many of those in Dorne, but I know you will find a breeze.”

“I am looking forward to a warmer ocean. One I can swim in and not only view from my windows.” The frigid waters of the Vale are not for the faint of heart, and you never went to the shores with your brothers. Freezing yourself to death for a few moments of entertainment never sounded like fun.

“I enjoyed the waters when I visited when I was a boy.” Your father smiles fondly.

That makes you tilt your head, and you sit up a little in your chair. “I did not know you had ever visited Dorne.”

“When I was young.” He acknowledges, not sure why he had not told you this. “My mother went back to her father’s funeral. I was allowed to go, since I was not in training yet.”

“It must have seemed very exotic to you there, as a young man from the Vale.” The two climates and cultures, you are starting to understand, are entirely different. To the point where you cannot understand why anyone would willingly leave the warmth and freedoms of Dorne to live in the strict and cold North. But perhaps – you think with chagrin – none of them did come willingly after all.

“It was. Mother was happy to see her sisters again. The food and the dancing was such that I had never seen before.” He sighs softly. “Dorne is a beautiful place and you will love it as much as you loved the Vale.”

There is something sad in him at that confession, and you reach over to touch his arm gently. “I may settle into my new home admirably, but that does not mean I will not miss you.”

“Perhaps one day I will visit you.” It is unlikely, especially with the unrest of the kingdom, but he could wish for it. “I had always hoped to go back, perhaps find – well, never mind.” He had told his father that he wished for a Dornish bride, but he had made a deal with your mother’s father instead.

“You will always be welcome.” While you know Oberyn would have no tolerance for a visit from your mother, the difference between that and a visit from your father or brothers would be monumental. “Perhaps you would enjoy Dorne again with the same wonder you felt when you were young.”

“Perhaps.” He knows that he will never set foot in Dorne, although he would love to meet the child you carry one day. His grandchildren are the light of his life now that his children are grown. “I am glad you are well married, settled.”

“I think the prince is very different from what you and mother expected.” The sadness closing his face unsettles you, and you glance back at Leyth for a moment, glad to have the security of a supportive face nearby. “But he is a good man, and as upset as I was to have this marriage arranged for me, it has turned out to be a happy situation.”

“Your mother—” your father starts to explain how your mother had convinced him that strengthening the strong ties with Dorne was an advantage.

“Decided it was time you marry.” Your mother announces as she sweeps into the room. “You had been far too spoiled for too long.”

The warmth being sucked out of the room on her arrival is not a new or unexpected sensation, but it does make you sigh heavily in disappointment. The moment with your father had been very nearly sweet. “Good evening, Mother.”

Her eyes narrow on you, deciding if your tone was insolent or not and then remembers the way that bastard you are married to made her bend the knee to you. Her face brightens and she comes over gracefully, expecting you to stand. “I am delighted you could join us for dinner. Your father and I have missed seeing you at our table.”

“Have you?” Though you truly doubt it, you offer her a thin smile from your seat. “I would have thought you should be glad to have your spoiled youngest child taken care of by someone else for a time.”

“Your husband sees you to care, but we can enjoy your company.” Her gaze slides around the room and she tuts. “Although I see that your faithful hound is no longer at your side.”

“Lord Raeden is attending to small council business with the prince.” The fact that she immediately attacks your soulmate – one of your soulmates – should not be a surprise but it still makes you frown. “As the Prince’s Hand, he has many more responsibilities than he once did.”

“Prince’s Hand?” Her brows shoot up and she looks as if this is news to her. “I cannot imagine why a prince would need a Hand.” She looks to your father to see what he knows.

“Why does a king need a hand? Or a queen?” Your father postulates from his seat, when it is clear that the question is directed at him. “From what is said, Prince Oberyn seems to do as much ruling of his country as his brother does.” A fact which was new to him entirely when he heard it, and not necessarily a welcome surprise. He dotes on you, yes, but he has no idea how you will fare on the arm of an active ruler.

That was not the answer that your mother was looking for and she huffs in annoyance. “From what I hear, the prince has little time from his own interests to do anything.” She snorts.

“And what is it that you hear, Mother?” Expecting another jibe about Ellaria, your head tilts in her pointedly in her direction. “Please. I find myself most interested to know.”

Her eyes narrow at your challenge and her lips twist in anger. “Nothing, Princess.” She coos in a mocking tone. “If you can stand the servant’s whispers about who is coming and going from his bed, it is not my place to say anything.”

“Whispers are nothing when they are false.” It is easy to be serene about this particular topic, considering the only bodies that have been in or out of Oberyn’s bed since coming to the Red Keep are yours, Ellaria’s, and Raeden’s. And even then it has mostly been you. “You knew the man’s reputation when you betrothed me to him, did you not? So you could not have been too concerned.” The look you give her suggests that you know very well her true motivation was to make you miserable. It is only too fortunate that she has failed.

“I did not think he would bring his whore to King’s Landing!” She hisses. “Do you know what that does to our family’s name?”

Your father snorts and shakes his head. “Nothing.” He tells his wife. “She does not affect you at all.”

"Did you think that Oberyn would simply banish the woman who has born him four children after decades together, simply because I am a new and shiny toy to play with?" You scoff in a nearly identical sound to your father's and the shake of your head is the very same. "If he would be willing to give her up so easily then what would stop him from throwing me over when he found someone new again?"

“Men take their pleasure where they will.” She tells you dismissively. “But they do not flaunt it.”

"And you are upset that my husband remains loyal to his paramour because you consider that flaunting his pleasure?" For some reason, rather than making you angry, this turn of events does nothing but amuse you. A fact which you communicate to Leyth with a silent half-smile. "I suppose it makes no difference to you if I remind you that my marriage is not any of your concern."

Her spine stiffens and if looks could kill, you would be dead. “Someday you will have need of a place to land when he bores of you.”

"I have no doubt that you believe that." After all, how could she have any idea that you would gain his marks? That you would come to mean so much to each other so quickly? She was surely counting on the opposite.

Clearly dissatisfied with the way the conversation has gone and this air of confidence you have, she sniffs and snaps her head around. “Where are those no good servants?” She hisses.

"Savoring their free air, no doubt." You murmur aloud without thinking that the sentiment probably deserves filtering.

“What did you say?” Nearly breathing fire like a dragon herself, your mother spins around.

“You there!” Your father springs to his feet and points at Leyth. “Find where our dinner is.” He demands, hoping to dispel the tantrum about to come.

“Please, Leyth.” It was definitely not wise to say out loud, and you look to your maid with an apologetic expression. It will be best if she does not witness your verbal whipping so she can’t relate it back to Oberyn late, should he ask. “If you would.”

“Daughter, what does your husband say about the trial?” It’s a desperate tactic, but your father is interested to know.

“Nothing.” The question itself surprises you, but at least speaking to your father does not make you wish to throw things. “He is a judge and cannot express his opinion either way until it is time to pass the verdict.” Privately, of course, you know Oberyn believes Lord Tyrion to be innocent. But that is his private opinion.

“I admire a man who does not spread his thoughts to any and all who would hear.” He admits, smiling and nodding in approval.

It is a commendation, or at least an attempt at one, and you nod. Conversation is the only thing that keeps the room from falling into the quiet fury of your mother’s breathing. “There are times to make oneself heard, and times to keep things close to the vest, as they say.”

“Yes.” He agrees, ignoring your mother and focusing on you. “I am sure that he has dealt with things he would rather not since he’s been here. His animosity towards the Lannisters, for example. Yet from what I hear, he treats the little Baratheon girl like one of his own.”

“The child should not be punished for the sins of the parent,” you find yourself echoing your husband’s sentiment easily. “It is not Myrcella’s fault that the two families do not get along, and he would not treat her as though it is. That would be most unworthy of him.”

“And he gives Stone a lordship.” You father hums, considering it carefully. “Your husband is an oddly thoughtful man for one of such a fierce reputation.”

“Thankfully his thoughtfulness is not odd at all.” A fact which you did not count on but are grateful for. You might have even pushed the subject further but Leyth returns a moment later with another maid who bears a silver tray with wine and cups.

“It is about time.” Your mother snaps, glaring at the poor girl who had been sent to serve your parents.

The dear thing looks beaten down and tired, and you want to tell her that you know exactly how she feels but that will only cause another outburst. Instead you thank the girl when she offers you a goblet and ask her, her name.

“Shasu, your highness.” She mumbles quietly, her head bent down and her eyes on the floor.

“Thank you, Shasu.” The small act of kindness is the least you can do for the girl that your mother has obviously treated poorly.

“Welcome mum.” She skitters over to your mother to give her another goblet of wine, not wishing to hear another lecture on how lazy she is.

For a few blessed moments there is silence. Only the popping if the fire and the sound of people drinking punctuates — after you have the audacity to ask for a cup wine for Leyth as well.

“Why is your servant here?” Your mother turns towards Leyth with an air of disdain.

“My ladies’ maid is entitled to come with me wherever I go.” Admitting that you brought her for comfort would help nothing, so you do not even think of saying so. “Leyth is invaluable to me.”

“Then she can help that useless girl fetch our meal.” She insists, waving her hand towards Leyth. “Go on girl.”

“No.” Something inside you ripples to life, overtaking anxiety and fear and the inevitable shutdown that comes from being in your mother’s presence. “My ladies’ maid is not in the business of serving dinner to rude, ungrateful creatures.” Never able to defend yourself, or even Raeden, before this — suddenly something inside you has switched to life to defend Leyth. “And if you cannot be civil for the remainder of the night, to us as well as to poor Shasu, we will simply leave.”

For a brief moment, your mother looks like a fish that has been brought to the surface of one of the deep lakes in the Vale, mouth agape and lacking air. Even your father freezes at the words that come out of your mouth. “Gods old and new,” your mother slaps her goblet down and sends you a withering glare. “Is this how you speak to the woman who bore you?”

“The woman who bore me and has threatened to take my life so many times that I have since lost count.” You remind her, fully displeased with how tonight has gone. You had meant to rebuild bridges with your parents, not burn them. “Honestly, Father, I cannot fathom how you have stayed married to her so long when her disdain for you and for me is so clear.”

Your father sighs softly and seems to weigh your words heavily through the space of a few tense moments. He had known that his wife had never really cared for a daughter, she had made that clear, but he had never known of actual threats against your life. He would have never tolerated that. “I had remained with your mother because my children were not yet all settled.” He admits, ignoring the way your mother’s eyes widen in shock.

“Then surely now that I am married you can be free somehow?” A marriage is binding. Everyone knows that. But there are certainly ways of avoiding or separating from one’s spouse. “Mother you cannot be so shocked by this. Perhaps only that Father is standing up for himself, but not that he is unhappy.”

“He is not unhappy.” Your mother manages to find her voice and hisses quietly, her eyes shooting towards the door to make sure servants are not looking.

“Or perhaps you believe you must give him permission to feel anything at all.” Turning your head from her, you focus solely on your father for a moment. “Is there any way that I can help you, Papa?”

“I had planned on leaving your mother with her brother.” Your father admits. “On the way home.”

The room turns deadly silent, but you can feel something akin to disbelief and even joy bubbling out of your throat and you cannot stop the laugh. "I see you do not need my help at all." There is a kind of wonder in the feeling and you put your hand over your mouth to stifle the outpour of hiccupped giggles. "In fact, I think I might be quite proud to hear it."

“You cannot leave me with Fraham.” Your mother screeches as soon as she draws in a breath. “He is an imbecile and I am your wife!” Her face is one of stone cold rage and she picks up her goblet to throw it against the wall.

"You have haunted my life." Steady but growing, your father's voice can be heard above the crash. "I only regret that I was too blind to see it earlier."

“I made you who you are.” Her voice climbs octaves and she picks up the pitcher and hurls it at him. “My dowry kept your pathetic excuse for a house from crumbling and I gave you the sons you craved!”

Barely managing to dodge the projectile before it shatters against the wall and flies in every direction, he can only shake his head and motion for you to move behind him – the instinct of a father to protect his daughter still caught deep in his chest even if he had not always followed it. "It does not matter now," he insists. He had had dreams once. Lasting ones that stayed with him well after waking. And he had tried to follow them – but ended up with her instead. "But knowing you have threatened our daughter's life makes me all the more resolved. You will not hurt our grandchildren as you hurt our children."

"Gods curse you." She spits. "I lay under you as you rutted out your pleasure, filling my womb with your pitiful seed. Bearing your brats and saying nothing." She berates him. "Knowing you were wanting that Dornish whore you had been pining for." She cackles and shakes her head. "You don't think I knew? I knew. Stupid man, thinking with your cock."

As if that one thing is what lights fire beneath him, your father raises his eyes to his wife and seethes. "Marlee was my soulmate." He informs her with a rumble. "I loved her. Something I truly think you will never understand."

"Soulmate." She scoffs, the nasty, pinched expression one as if she had smelled a particularly foul odor. "She was a grasping, greedy bitch who just wanted to cause scandal, to shame me in front of the other houses in the Vale." She smirks slightly. "So when she came to me, begging me to release you from the arrangement, telling me about the bastard you had planted in her whore belly...." She shrugs. "I took care of the problem."

"Mother." It is your turn, this time, to take a step in front of your father as the air is knocked clean from his body. "What did you do?" Not four feet behind her, Leyth is standing frozen looking like she might flee the spot, but you motion ever so subtly for her to stay. You need her in the room just a little while longer.

"I did what any woman of the North who knows her worth would do." She tells you, not even slightly ashamed of her actions. "I paid one of the soldiers to take that Dornish whore out to the canyon and push her into it." She admits, a haughty expression on her face. "That way my betrothed would focus on the importance of his impending wedding."

"Leyth." Turning your eyes to your maid, her name comes out in stony resolve. "You have heard the confession and will make sure to tell the prince that it was given of the lady's own free will?"

"Yes, my lady." Clearly terrified but understanding the importance of what is about to happen, Leyth nods once.

"Go and find him, and bring him here with Lord Raeden to arrest my mother," you direct her without hesitation. "No doubt the prince will want to settle the confessed murder of one of his own subjects himself, and I will inform Queen Margaery that we will require a cell to keep her in."

In her rage, your mother had not even considered that you might try to have her arrested and she scoffs. “Do not be foolish.” She hisses. “The prince will not care about single whore who died before your brothers were even born.”

"I think we will let him decide that for himself." As quickly as you can, the effort to crowd your mother backward toward a door that is either a room or a closet is the best thing that you can do for now. Simply contain her until Oberyn and Raeden can get here. "Father, I need you to help me now. Leyth, go!"

“You killed her.” Your father chokes out. “My Marlee? She was expecting?” The news of his soulmate’s demise and her carrying his child is a shock and his jaw clenched in fury as the reality settles over him. “You bitch!” Rushing forward, your father grabs your mother and draws his hand back, bringing the palm of it down against your mother’s cheek with a sharp crack. “You cursed bitch!”

"Father!" There is no point in claiming that the slap is not deserved, but it does not help the situation any. For now the best thing that you can do is attempt to wrench open the door handle in the wall where your mother is being pressed and wrestle her inside of it. To know that she has actually had someone killed makes the threats she made against you all the more terrifying, but there is no time to dwell on it now.

For a moment, a dark, satisfying moment, he considers wrapping his hands around her throat. Choking the life from her evil body until the light leaves it. Instead, he holds steady as she tries to collapse onto the ground and as soon as you open the door, he shoves her inside the small, windowless room that served as a chamber pot room.

"That was not on the list of things that I was prepared to do to deal with Mother this evening." You admit, holding the door shut very tightly while the maid – Shasu – scurries across the room to provide you with the key that will fit in the lock and keep her inside. With your heart beating out of your chest and lightheadedness threatening to take over, you reach for your crumbling father and hold on tight. "I am...so horribly sorry, Papa..."

In a sight that you have never witnessed, his lower lip trembles and his eyes squeeze shut. “It is why I wanted to give you time.” He chokes out. “To find your soulmate.” He staggers back a step and drops to his knees, mourning the lost love he had thought abandoned him for so long. “I— I thought she had returned to Dorne.” He tells you as he sways where he is kneeling. “That she couldn’t stay when I was marrying another.”

"Papa." Down on your knees on the rug beside him, there is nothing to do for the moment but offer the little comfort you can. "I—" But what can you say besides how sorry you are? How your mother evidently ruined his life and then attempted to ruin yours as well? How she stonewalled your brothers into arranged marriages and how you might finally understand why he never stood up to her. It was grief that made him small compared to the endless evil of the woman he married. "I cannot imagine how terribly you feel. I am truly sorry."

“I—I never knew. I never knew.” He moans softly, shaking his head and stares down at his hands for a long moment before he looks up at you, devastated. “How could I not know?”

"What marks did you have from her?" Even as you ask it, you can feel the two sets of marks carved into your own body like stone. He must have something. Otherwise how would he have known they were soulmates?

“She— she did not have any scars.” He gives a rough chuckle, remembering finding it so odd at the time. Eyes closing as he recalls examining her body. “She bore mine.”

"Then..." You sigh softly, reaching to hold your father's hands in yours. "You could not have known. If..." Drawing a deep breath, you look up at him and offer the most supportive expression you can muster, even with tears in your eyes. "If you never wore marks from her then you could not lose them. It is not your fault." The person whose fault it is, is screeching in a cupboard some six feet away. "To hear what she has done in the past, I am shocked that Raeden or I still breathe air."

“Raeden?” Your father frowns and looks up at you in confusion. “What does Stone have to do with you? Did she attack you and the boy defended you? He should have told me.”

"Papa..." Shaking your head gently, you squeeze his hands in yours and sigh. "It was...it was years ago that we found out but...Raeden..." A sigh escapes you, as if your mouth has trouble even forming the words to him. "We discovered that Raeden is my soulmate soon after he saved my life," you murmur quietly. "Somehow Mother found out. That is...that is why she was so insistent about marrying me off. Or one of the reasons, I suppose..."

If it is possible, your father seems to wilt even more right before your eyes. His tears leaking out of his eyes and flowing down his cheeks to disappear into his facial hair. “I failed you, pumpkin.” He chokes out. “I—I didn’t know.” He promises you. “Your— she said you had no marks.” He would have never married you off if that was the case. “If I had known…” He squeezes your hands tight. “I would have let you marry him.” He promises you. “Despite what others might have said, I know what it is like to want your soulmate. I would have blessed the marriage.”

Somehow, you know he would have. You have always known it deep in your heart. But now - on the rug as you wait for the other two most important men in your life to arrive - all you can do is wrap your arms around his shoulders and hold your father close to you. "It is not for wishing on now," you promise him, producing the handkerchief from your pocket to wipe his tears. "I am happy in my marriage, although it is not what I expected. And I cannot say how deeply sorry I am that you have not been the same."

“I had to endure.” He tells you sadly. “For you. And somewhere along the way, I lost sight of why I was staying.” He turns his eyes towards you, pleading with you to tell him the truth. “Tell me you are not saying what an old, foolish man wishes to hear. Tell me Oberyn pleases you and cares for you? Even if it is just by leaving you alone?”

"Oberyn loves me." To say it out loud is something divinely light that you had not expected, and some of the heaviness leaves your chest immediately. "And I love him. We neither of us looked for it, or expected it. But we have found ourselves in it quite naturally." There is a stray tear that he has missed wiping away and you catch it with your thumb. "And he does not deny me the chance to love Raeden, either. Mother's cruelly intended plan for my misery has backfired entirely."

Your father frowns slightly and shakes his head. “Your husband does not— he lets you be with your soulmate? Take him as a— a lover?” He whispers it quietly and even though he should chastise you for such a thing, he cannot. Not when he knows the love of a soulmate. Even now he yearns for Marlee.

"Papa, I think what Oberyn allows and encourages might turn your mind on end." It is not meant to be teasing, but still you cannot help smiling even slightly. "His Ellaria is his soulmate, and I have Raeden. We do not keep each other away from their love. Only add to it." You could try, if you dared, to explain the extraordinary extra set of marks that you carry, but you have no idea how to prove it to him without your husband and paramour by your side so he can see the marks for himself. Besides, you do not intend to tell him before even Raeden knows.

Barking out a laugh surprises him and he pulls you into his arms. “Then perhaps I did not fail you.” He sobs, holding you close and thanking the gods old and new that your mother’s evilness did not affect you any more than it did.

“No life is perfect, Papa.” To claim otherwise would be foolish and untrue, but you hug him fiercely there on that rug. “And the life I lead now would not make everyone happy. But it makes me happy.”

That is the scene that Oberyn finds when he bursts into the chambers, Raeden on his heels and both of them carrying weapons. Leyth had found them coming back from the small council meeting before they had ever reached their rooms and your husband curses himself for allowing you to come alone to visit your witch of a mother.

“Gods be praised.” From the space you occupied on the floor, you gladly let Raeden help you up and embrace both men at once. “Did Leyth tell you all?” With your mother still shouting and screeching herself hoarse in the closet, you can only hope that she is tiring herself out in her anger.

“She said your mother killed a Dornish woman?” The prince frowns, looking between you, shaken but obviously okay and the crumbled and broken man at your feet. Raeden’s arms around you tighten, knowing the danger you have faced from your mother.

“To put it simply? Yes.” The support of having both men here now makes it feel significantly easier to breathe. “My father’s soulmate was Dornish. And with child. My mother ordered her murder so that it would not impede their marriage. I—” You look between them helplessly. “I did not know what else to do. She is locked in the closet under the threat that she will be arrested for what she has done.”

“You all witnessed her confession?” Oberyn’s eyes widen slightly and he looks from you to Leyth to your father.

“We did.” Your own eyes move between the three men surrounding you to Leyth and back again. “Admitted of her own free will. Which is when I sent Leyth to find you.”

“You did the right thing.” He promises, looking towards your father. “Your wife is going to be put to death, for the murder of your soulmate. If you wish to plead for her life, now is the time.”

Put to death? It is your eyes that widen and not your father’s, though the shake of his head does increase as Raeden helps him to his feet. “I am told now that she has threatened my daughter on many occasions and even you, ser.” Knowing what he knows about Raeden Stone now, his heart is heavy with regret in many more ways. “How should I defend her? How could I?”

Raeden looks shocked and his eyes dart over to you, wondering if you had told the man why she had threatened him. Despite your mother being cruel and callous, he doesn’t think that you would want her to die. “Perhaps death is too easy a fate for her, your highness.” He tells Oberyn.

Of anyone, you might have expected that you would plead for the life of the woman who birthed and helped to raise you, but it is Raeden. Loyal and good and noble Raeden. “What are you suggesting?” It is true that you do not relish the idea of more death, but you cannot exactly send a woman to the Wall.

“Being isolated would be a worse than death for a woman who relishes control over others.” He explains to you and Oberyn. “Perhaps a life of service to others would be a more fitting.”

“I would not even let her be near to a family,” you admit, surprised by how sick the thought makes you. Your own mother’s treatment of children is something you know only too well. “The life of a septa toiling with her hands in a holy house might be the closest chance for learning humility.” Your eyes turn to Oberyn, the fire in his eyes surprisingly less fearsome to you tonight though more ferocious than you have ever seen. “But would my father still be tied to her?”

“If she is taken to the holy house to serve the seven, it would be as if she had been sent to a nunnery.” Oberyn muses, seeing that you don’t want your mother to die, despite the horrid treatment she had dealt you. “Your father’s vows would be voided because she would be vowed to serve the new gods.”

The path seems clear to you, but it is not your choice. As much harm and hate as has been dealt upon you in your life, the decision is not yours. Nor is it Raeden’s, nor anyone else’s. “Papa,” you place your hands firmly on your father’s shoulders and will your eyes to stay steady. “It is your decision to make. Marlee was your soulmate, and it was your child.”

Your father sighs and he bites his lip, looking away for a moment and then meeting your eyes again. “For all her faults, she is your mother. That alone is the only reason I would say that she is not to die.”

The only sound in the room for a long moment is your mother’s screams of protest from the closet. If she could hear the extent of your conversation she might not be so violent in her screeching, but who knows. She might consider the life of a septa to be tantamount to death. “There you have it.” Looking back to Oberyn, you nod ever so subtly.

“Then I will talk with Tywin and we will have your mother shipped off.” He knows that there does not need to be a public trial, not for her, and the less is said, the better. Oberyn reaches for you and cups your cheek. “Do you wish to see her one last time?”

“I will not be surprised if she tries to lay a hand on me, but…” The locked door rattles and you sigh softly but eventually nod against his hand. “My brothers may hate me for this, but they have not seen the sides of her that I have. I will at least say goodbye.”

“She will not touch you.” He promises and Raeden nods, stepping forward. “I now can protect you from her and I will.” He vows softly.

Half of Oberyn's body blocks you from harm when Raeden steps forward to turn the key in the lock, and the wall-like strength of the man you love now seems even more appropriate. Forever your soulmate though no longer your bodyguard, Raeden steps forward to brace himself so that even if the women charges when he opens the door – unlikely but not impossible – he will be able to catch and restrain her.

“How dare you all!” Your mother is breathing fire, although she steps through the door as the picture of outraged decorum. “I have never been so mistreated in all my life.”

"Perhaps." You stand safely behind Oberyn and look her straight in the eyes. "But we have been mistreated for all of our lives."

“You got nothing but what you deserved.” She counters, sending you a withering glare.

"And now so will you." Whatever she may think of you, it does not matter now. Your crime was falling in love with a man below your status. Hers is a very real murder. There are consequences for that. "By ruling of the Crown of Dorne, you have been sentenced to life in the sept for your crimes. Your fortunes, titles, status, and family name are forfeit. It will be, for all the world, as if you never existed at all; and you will devote the years remaining in your life to serving the gods." Actually passing the sentence is a heavy, uncomfortable sensation, but it seems more right coming from you than from Oberyn. More deserved. "Do you have anything to say for yourself before you are sent to take your vows?"

For a single heartbeat, astonishment flashes over her face. As if she never expected to be punished for her actions. “I am your mother.” She insists before she looks to your father. “Your wife. I have stood by your side and bore your children for the past thirty years.”

"Which is why I asked the prince to spare you from death," your father tells her honestly. The darkness in his eyes – their murky melancholy through all of this sadness – has deepened again and he looks so much older now that he ever has before.

She frowns and shakes her head. “You would have never been satisfied. You would have never built a life with me if she had been in the picture.”

"We can never know." He admits sadly, and he looks to Prince Oberyn with resignation written in the creases of his face. "Thank you for showing mercy, my son. You are as good a man as my daughter says."

“I am much worse than she knows.” Oberyn promises him, shooting your mother a cold glare. “And I can promise you that if you ever threaten my wife again,” he vows to her. “It will be the last breath you take.”

******

Ellaria is lounging in front of the fire with Cal when the four of you return to your chambers, and she frowns immediately. “What has kept all of you?” She asks, turning her head to survey your group. “You look utterly exhausted.”

Raeden sighs and moves over to the table with the wine and cups. “Her mother.” He tells her shortly, as if that would be the entire answer.

“What has the horrible crone done this time?” She asks, face immediately morphing into something more sympathetic.

“Confessed to murder. Been arrested. Sent to the sept.” Each sentence is short but they seem to drag forever as you speak them and shuffle your feet toward the nearest place to sit. “For as many times as she threatened me, I did not truly think she was capable of it…”

Her eyes widen and her gaze shoots to Oberyn, seeking conformation of your comments. He nods once and Ellaria is scrambling to her knees and opening her arms. “My dear, sweet princess, I am so sorry you have to deal with this news.” She pulls you into her embrace protectively.

Ellaria’s arms are warm and safe, and you burrow into her immediately. Too emotionally exhausted for tears, the most you can manage is to hold tightly to Ellaria and stare blankly. “And now Papa is wifeless, soulmate-less, and will have to tell my brothers that I had her punished…”

“She had herself punished.” She corrects you. “You showed her mercy that she never bestowed upon you.”

“My father is the merciful one,” you admit with shame. “I…I think I might have let her die, if the decision was mine alone. Purely from a lifetime of anger.”

“I would not blame you.” She pets your face lovingly. “No one here would. No one at all. Not if they knew what you had endured at her hands. The fear you lived with.”

“I wish I knew more than just her first name.” Not moving from Ellaria’s arms, you turn to find Oberyn and Raeden pouring four goblets of wine as Leyth and Cal disappear silently through a doorway. “All I know is that my father had a Dornish soulmate called Marlee who was expecting his child, and that mother had her killed so that she would not interfere with the wedding plans.”

Ellaria’s lips purse together and she sighs. “That is horrible love. Simply horrible.” Her hand rubs your arm gently and she continues to hold you. “Come. You are exhausted.” She glances up at her own soulmate and seemingly makes a decision. “We will all sleep together tonight. Comfort each other with our proximity.”

Your eyebrows are knit together when you look back at her, but this time you move quickly instead of your previous tortoise-like pace. Your head turns to look each of them in turn, naked hope shining in your eyes. “Would you all?” It is awful to realize that you feel like a child asking for a cuddle before bed, but the fact is that you feel safer and more cared for with these three people than anyone else in the world. “Please?”

“Of course, star.” Oberyn had planned on spending the night with Ellaria since you craved Raeden’s affection, but this had changed things. He knows the other man is also off kilter and he reaches out to caress your cheek and his lover’s. “We do not need to fuck. I want you to have the comfort and security of our bed tonight. All four of us will be in it.”

______

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