#i guess at least tomorrow ill just clean my apartment and see what the plans are back home with the family

[vancilart]

x

#turns brain off and just draws #oc stuff #royaltines #now what do i do #idk if im going home if moms sick #dont wanna risk getting the rona #i guess at least tomorrow ill just clean my apartment and see what the plans are back home with the family

[ericspinkhair]

unexpectedly becoming a sugar baby

pairing: ceo!sunwoo x fem!reader

word count: 3.4k

synopsis: reader is desperate for money so she has sex with her boss

warnings: lots of oral and fingering, use of vibrator in public , office sex, sex for money

a/n: wrote this yesterday instead of studying for my final. the exam went well tho :) also please send in requests!!!

masterlist + requests

to say you were desperate would be an understatement. today you had received an eviction notice that stated that you had exactly 30 days to either pay back all the money you owed your landlord or leave your apartment.

due to your mother's illness you had to pay for all her medical bills. your father hadn't been in the picture for a long time so you alone were responsible for your mother's health. you couldn't just let her die. but because of all these costs you hadn't been able to pay your rent and now you were on the verge of homelessness.

never in a lifetime did you imagine that you would be begging someone for help. you felt so helpless that you honestly didn't really care how you got the money.

you decided to ask your boss for a raise and were prepared to work your ass off in order to get it.

mr. kim's office was on the fourth floor of the company, one you barely had ever been to. normal employees were usually only to be found on the lower floors so taking the elevator up felt wrong.

you were determined, however, to not let your pride get in the way. the money was more important than how you felt.

you knocked on the door twice. as if to make you feel even more nervous, it seemed like mr. kim waited extra long to respond.

when you entered he was sitting behind his desk. he didn't even look up at you so you just stood there awkwardly, unsure what to do.

'why don't you just sit?' he finally asked annoyed and closed his laptop.

you quickly took a seat and tried to put up a professional front.

'what can I do for you, um…' 'y/n,' you helped him out. 'right, y/n. what can I do for you?' he asked.

'I would like to ask for a raise, sir. you see, I am usually the first employee to enter the building and also most of the time the last one to leave. I do my work reliably and deliver solid results. my coworkers are pleased with me and we also get along well. I think I contribute a lot to this company and wanted to ask whether it would be possible to raise my pay.' you really tried to not make it seem like you had simply memorized all of this and forced yourself to speak slowly but firmly while looking him in the eyes.

mr. kim didn't respond at first but opened his laptop.

'to my understanding you have been working here for a very long time already. your pay is already the highest it can get. there is no way for me to raise it because there is no room for improvement.' he sighed and waited for your reaction.

you started sweating. this wasn't going as planned. you hadn't known that you were already receiving the highest pay. you were barely able to afford food with your current money.

'please, sir. I will do anything you ask of me. I don't care how many extra hours I'd have to work. I can do it. I promise. please give me a chance,' you begged him.

he was intrigued by you. why were you so desperate for the money?

'first, why don't you tell me why you are so keen on a raise?'

was your boss even allowed to ask you such personal questions? you answered anyway.

'my mother has cancer. I am the only person paying for her medical expenses and the treatments are all very expensive. I am about to get evicted because I cannot pay my rent.'

he seemed to be deep in thought. his gaze on you was intense.

your heart skipped a beat when he placed his hand on yours.

'y/n, I'm extremely sorry that you have to deal with all of this. I wouldn't want anyone to have to experience the same thing. believe me when I tell you that I want to help you. you know what? come back tomorrow. I have an idea how I might be able to help but I need to think about it further. would that be alright for you?'

it felt like a huge weight was lifted off your shoulders. you didn't care about what you had to do. you stood up, bowed deeply and thanked him over and over.

he let out a deep chuckle. you were cute.

the next day you came back again in the afternoon. this time he answered the door quicker and his attention was focused on you from the start. the energy felt much different than the day before. he seemed excited and was smiling at you. this had to mean good news, right? he shook your hand and pressed firmly while looking you deep in the eyes.

'y/n, I came up with an idea to help you. but it is less conventional and it depends on how much you are willing to do.'

'mr. kim, I will do anything,' you assured him. the smirk he flashed you threw you off guard.

'okay then. first, I'd prefer it if you called me sunwoo as we'll be seeing more of each other if you were to agree.'

this lowkey felt like crossing some boundaries but you wanted to please him.

you nodded eagerly. 'okay, sunwoo it is.'

'so my idea is that there are certain things you can do to earn money. I will pay for everything with my own savings and you will receive it in cash. we will start off easy and over time I'll add new tasks. of course, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to do them or not. that is completely up to you.'

the look of confusion on your face must have told him you didn't fully understand.

'it's hard to explain. I'd rather you figure it out by trying it. since today is friday, the task I'll give you is for monday. I would like to choose an outfit for you. I'll send it to your apartment and you have to wear exactly what is inside the box. if you were to do this I'd give you $20 cash.'

that was a weird request. why would he want to decide what you were wearing? did he not like your outfit? did you look disgusting?

'let me get this straight. you pick an outfit for me and if I decide to wear it I get money?' you ask him to see if you had understood correctly.

'exactly. that doesn't seem so bad, right?' you shook your head. it was whatever.

'that's great. you'll receive your outfit and I can't wait to see you in it on monday.' you didn't know if you were imagining it but it seemed like he was eyeing your body. h god, he definitely didn't like what you were wearing.

$20 wasn't much but still more than nothing. and apparently the other tasks would be worth more. guess you had to start somewhere. with the money you could at least afford something to eat.

you say goodbye and continued with work until it was time to leave.

you waited anxiously all weekend for the clothes. sunday you decided to go for a walk and when you opened your door you almost tripped over a package.

on monday morning you tried on the outfit sunwoo had picked out for you.

the white blouse was a bit see through and a bit too tight around the boob area but looked neat otherwise. the black skirt hugged your curves perfectly and made you look quite sexy in your opinion. he even picked out a bra, underwear, stockings and high heels for you. the note he had left clearly stated to wear exactly and only what was in the box. so you did.

you usually wore something more simple and loose but you didn't feel too uncomfortable in this look.

when you entered his office his eyes lit up.

'I'm glad you wore this. it looks very good on you.'

you were sure you blushed a bit at his words. you weren't really used to receiving compliments from men.

'I like it too,' you admit. sunwoo smiled contentedly.

'so would you like to do the same tomorrow? I'll send you another outfit,' he asked you.

this one wasn't bad at all so you agreed. he handed you $20. when you stood up and walked out the door he couldn't stop admiring the way your butt looked in the skirt. tomorrow was going to be even better.

the blouse was almost the same one. however, this time the skirt was a lot shorter. it ended at the middle of your thighs. but that wasn't even the weirdest thing. this time he had forgotten to send you panties.

you felt very unsure what to do. the note clearly stated to only wear what was in the box.

you sighed and pulled down the skirt as much as you could. this would have to do. as long as you were just sitting, everything would be fine.

you went about your day and some time in the afternoon you were called into sunwoo's office.

you were wondering whether or not to tell him about the missing underwear but decided to keep your mouth closed. panties didn't seem to be a topic to talk about with your boss.

'today, I want to offer you an additional task. you will receive your $20 dollars for sure and you can make another 30 by cleaning my office. what do you think?' he proposed to you.

that would be $50 in total. you needed all the money you could get.

'of course. just tell me what to clean and I will be happy to help.'

everything was going according to sunwoo's plan. he was excited and told you you could start by dusting the shelves.

your eagerness was cute and he watched you out of the corner of his eyes.

some of the shelves were higher up so you had to stretch to be able to reach them. when you did your skirt rolled up higher and he was able to see the just the outline of your butt cheeks. he unconsciously licked his lips.

for the rest of the week you continued these two tasks. but you noticed that the underwear kept on missing and the skirts also progressively became shorter.

this was a struggle when you were cleaning and organizing his office. you were aware of your skirt rolling up and you were hoping that sunwoo wouldn't notice.

of course he did. that had been his intention all along. when you bent down he could sometimes get a glance at your pretty pussy. he couldn't help but get hard at the sight of this and palmed his bulge through his pants.

in one week you had received $220. you would have been more happy if you hadn't gotten another bill from the hospital asking you for another $1200. the health care system was simply fucked up. whatever the next tasks were, you had to do them.

on monday you were cleaning his office again. you wanted to pick up some files but you struggled reaching them from the highest shelf. you felt your skirt roll up again.

'wait. I'll help you,' sunwoo announced and walked over.

you gasped as you felt something hard poke your thigh as he stood behind you to reach for the files. when he took a step back you saw the clear outlines of his hardened cock.

unable to hide your surprise, sunwoo laughed.

'this is all your doing.' so he did notice your skirt roll up. wait. had he given you these clothes with this in mind?

'do you want to touch it?' he asked.

you just blinked at him. what? were you perhaps still dreaming? it was possible that you were having a wet dream about your boss. sunwoo was very handsome and you had to be blind not to notice.

'if you help me get rid of it, I'll promise you $100.' he knew you were thinking hard. you couldn't keep your eyes off his bulge, clearly not sure what to think of this.

this was against all the work protocols but you would kid yourself if you said that you didn't want to. not only was he very attractive but you'd do a lot for a mere $100.

you reached for his belt. sunwoo smirked; he had won.

you pulled his pants down and were immediately greeted with his veiny cock.

'you aren't the only one not wearing any underwear, my dear y/n.'

so that had been intentional. interesting. you realized you must have been very naive to have believed that he had simply forgotten to put panties in the boxes.

you started by rubbing the tip softly with your thumb. it was pretty and pink and already leakined pre-cum.

you felt strangely good about having this kind of effect on someone. with a few pumps his dick was completely hard.

sunwoo propped his hands on the desk behind him and leaned back in bliss.

deep moans were escaping his beautifully luscious lips while you were pleasuring him with your hands.

you decided to put your left hand you use as well by massaging his balls.

'fuck! when did you learn to do this so well?' sunwoo groaned.

during high school you had had a lot of sex. it made you feel good and you enjoyed it. now your experience turned out to be lifesaving to you. well, he'd probably pay you even if you weren't as mind blowing.

'hmm, practice,' you simply state.

'if this is already so good I wonder what your mouth can do, baby girl.' being called that aroused you way more than expected. this was so exciting.

'I'll give you another $100 if you suck me off.'

before sunwoo knew it you had already wrapped your lips around his cock. you skillfully bobbed your head up and down. when you looked up at him with big eyes he swore he was about to explode.

with most of the dick in your mouth your other hand was continuing to knead his balls.

he was coming close quickly and grabbed your hair so you would stay still.

he proceeded to fuck your mouth harshly. you felt spit running down the sides of your lips and tears escaping your eyes as he buried his cock deep in your mouth. you tried to relax in order to deep-throat him properly.

he came hard and emptied his load in your mouth. to prove a point, you swallowed it and then opened up to show him.

panting hard he said: 'fuck you're just amazing!'

you looked absolutely delicious with your face full of cum. he had a good feeling you were the right person to do this with.

you licked off some of the white liquid from your lips and smirked at him.

this was definitely not what you had expected what you would be doing but you weren't one to complain.

sunwoo quickly disappeared to search for some paper towels to clean your face. his employees couldn't see you like this.

after your face was clean again he handed you $250. 'you deserve it.' 'thanks.'

he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and leaned closer. 'maybe we can do more tomorrow.' ooh, sounds exciting.

'then I'll look forward to seeing you.' with a wink you left.

you wondered how much money you would get for some sexy time with your boss.

the next morning, you couldn't fully button up the blouse he had sent you. the top buttons had to be left open and a lot of cleavage was visible. this horndog!

this time you actually received some underwear but only for a special reason. you found a pink mini vibrator in the box as well.

so you were walking around with a vibrating stick up your pussy. you didn't want to come in front of your co-workers so you turned it off whenever you got too close and waited to calm down.

'did you have fun today?' was the first thing sunwoo said to you.

you laughed ironically. 'I had so much fun pretending I wasn't being masturbating in front of everyone…'

he made you turn around and lifted up your skirt. the outline of the vibrator was visible and he could see your panties shaking.

with one quick move he pulled your underwear down and took the vibrator to turn it off. it came out with a wet plop and juices were running down your thighs.

sunwoo surprised you by sucking on the wet vibrator.

'sit on the desk,' he commanded you.

you did as you were told and sunwoo spread your legs wide apart.

he inserted his index and middle finger which slipped in with ease. your pussy made wet noises as he pushed them in and out of you.

finally having privacy you allowed yourself to make sounds. he made intense eye contact while fingering you, loving the way your face was scrunched up in pleasure.

you wrapped your arms around his neck and started kissing him. his tongue easily won the fight over dominance and started exploring your mouth.

you two were basically just sucking each others faces off until he broke off the kiss and lowered his body. he attached his mouth to your clit and started sucking. you pulled at his hair in pleasure and had a hard time controlling your breathing. damn, he was skilled at this as well.

when he felt you clenching around his fingers he withdrew them and you let out a disappointed noise of protest.

'don't worry. you'll have more soon.', he laughed at you. he quickly took off his pants and pulled you off the desk. he turned you around so your ass was facing him.

he started rubbing his thick cock between your ass cheeks and coated it in your juices. every time he got into contact with your tense pussy a shudder overcame your body.

he lifted your leg and placed your foot on the table. the angle from when he thrusted into you from behind was just perfect.

sunwoo attached his lips onto your neck and started leaving hickeys there. at the same time he was kneading your breast through your shirt.

he had barely ever felt such a perfect pussy around his cock. the way you took him in seemed too good to be true.

while his dick was still inside you, he lifted you up and placed you on all fours on the floor.

he grabbed your hips so tightly that he left red marks on them. at this point, he was just uncontrollably slamming into you while you were losing your mind. you were screaming his name loudly, glad that you knew no one could hear you.

as you could feel both of you getting close, he pulled your upper body up to his chest and wrapped one hand around your neck.

the pressure he applied was just enough for you to see stars but not enough for it to be unpleasant.

the lack of oxygen stimulated your senses even more and while repeatedly screaming out sunwoo's name you finally came hard on his dick.

with a few more thrusts, sunwoo's hips started stuttering as well and he shot his load into you. while riding out your highs he was just fucking his cum right back into you.

when he finally pulled out, a pool of his semen started dripping out of you. you suddenly felt so empty. his thick cock had filled you up so good that you were already missing it.

while you were still catching your breath on the floor, sunwoo had gone to get paper towels.

when he came back, however, he seemed hectic.

'I'm so sorry. there has been an emergency and I need to leave right now. I'll leave these here as well as the money.' he placed everything on the desk and walked back to the door.

he turned around one last time. 'I hope we can do this again.' he smiled at you.

you later saw that he had left you $750.

kind of becoming a sugar baby had never been your plan but you didn't mind it. if only the circumstances had been better.

#kim sunwoo smut #kim sunwoo scenario #the boyz smut #the boyz scenario #the boyz sunwoo smut #the boyz sunwoo scenario #kim sunwoo #smut #kpop smut #the boyz

[threecrowsinatrenchcoat]

Plant Your Hope With Good Seeds

Dukeceit Week Day 3: Snakes/Bugs

Remus and Janus break up. But literally everyone knows that's not what they want. Everyone, including their plants.

AO3 Link: [here]

Word Count: 4337

Warnings: n/a

@dukeceitweek <3

-

Unknown Number

hey so i kno i said i wouldnt text u but rupert isnt doin good. can i bring him back? he misses u

Janus stared at the text for several minutes. Rupert was, of course, the Monstera Variegata that he and Remus had raised together all the way from propagation. It had been one of the pride and joys of their plant collection. Losing Rupert in the split had hurt almost as much as losing Remus.

...Almost. 

Janus

Is it getting enough light? Remember it needed the grow light even next to the window. 

Janus texted back against his better judgement. He and Remus were broken up. They’d agreed not to text for a while. They’d agreed to give each other space, get used to being apart. 

It sucked, though. The apartment felt empty without Remus and half their plant collection.

Unknown Number

ya i kno. but i don’t have any south facign windows here. our place is better

Unknown Number

i mean ur place

Janus sighed morosely. Well, if it was for Rupert…

Janus

Fine. Rupert can come back.

Unknown Number

yay! ill be in town this weekend. ill bring him ok?

Janus

Ok.

And then Janus promptly threw his phone across the room.

Because here’s the thing. Janus and Remus were broken up. Remus had moved eight hours away and everything. He’d been accepted into the Nuclear Engineering graduate program a state away, and they had both heard too many horror stories about long-distance relationships to brother trying. So they’d had a very civil and mutual split. Janus kept the apartment. Remus took the TV. And they’d divided their plant family between them: they each kept their favorites, and Remus had taken the hardier plants, while Janus kept the ones that were likely not to survive an interstate move.

And then… Remus left.

And Janus had not immediately wanted him back. Not at all.

(And, of course, Janus was lying to himself.)

Remus texted him Saturday morning that he was on his way, and Janus spent the first few hours of the wait stress-cleaning. He then checked on every single plant in the apartment. Watered the ones that needed it. Rotated some of the more vivacious growers so that they wouldn’t lean full-body toward their light source. Moved his small army of Sansevierias out to the apartment balcony for some extra sun.   

Then, when all that still failed to fill up the entire eight hours of waiting, he started stress-cooking. So by the time Remus texted that he’d just gotten off the highway, Janus had himself a pot of minestrone soup simmering on the stove, a tray of made-from-scratch lasagna in the oven, and was mixing up a batch of double chocolate chip cookies. 

There was no way he was going to eat all this food himself, he realized. He was so used to booking big meals like this, because Remus ate like he was three people. And lasagna was his favorite.

“Oh, Jake, what am I doing?” he groaned to the N’Joy Pothos that cascaded down the side of the refrigerator. And then his doorbell rang. 

Janus opened the door to find Remus, dancing awkwardly from foot to foot, with his face half-hidden behind the green-and-white leaves of Rupert. 

“...Hey,” Remus said, sounding sheepish. Janus’ heart clenched.

“Hi,” he said. They stood there in the doorway for a full minute before Janus stepped back and motioned for Remus to follow. Remus hesitated, but obeyed. 

“Uh… I’ll just…” Remus looked around. Janus hated how uncomfortable he looked. Until about two weeks ago, this had been Remus’ apartment, too. “Can I put him in his old spot?”

“Sure,” Janus replied with a nod. Rupert’s old spot had been in the bedroom, where the big, beautiful south-facing window let in a ton of light. He’d moved Venus de Milos, his Marble Queen Pothos, and La Hoya Jackson, the finicky Hoya Carnosa that Remus had wanted but didn’t expect to make the 8-hour drive without going into shock, to free up Rupert’s spot. Remus hesitated again, before he nodded awkwardly and wandered off to the bedroom, all three feet of plant and two gallons of soil in tow. Janus went to the oven and took out the lasagna. 

“Howl looks good,” Remus said when he came back into the kitchen. Janus glanced up from where he was laying balls of cookie dough out onto baking sheets. 

“Thank you,” he replied. Howl was their dramatic fiddle leaf fig tree, which had decided to throw a fit just before Remus left. “I switched it to a terracotta pot with peat moss and pearlite, and doubled its water intake. It seems to be tolerating it well.”

“Good.” There was a long pause. Then,” How are you?”

Janus looked back to the cookies. “I’m doing well,” he lied. “And you? Do you start class soon?”

“Next week,” Remus answered. “And, uh. Yeah, I’m doin’ good.” Another long pause. “Uh… I’ll just. Head out, I guess.”

“You could stay,” Janus blurted out. Shit. “For dinner, I mean.” He gestured to the tray of lasagna, fresh from the oven. “If you want.”

Remus gave him an uncharacteristically shy smile, then nodded slowly. He didn’t say anything, though, so Janus just gestured for him to take a seat at the table. And then he joined him, a plate of lasagna for each of them.

“So tell me, how’s living with Roman again?” Janus asked, a few bites into the meal, because he could not take the awkward silence a moment longer.

“It’s ok,” Remus answered. He shoveled another forkful of lasagna into his mouth. “This is really good, Jan.”

Janus smiled softly. “Thank you.” A pause. “Roman doesn’t mind all the plants?”

“Nah, he’s dating this guy Patton who apparently loves plants, so the apartment being full of houseplants is a huge plus to him now.”

“Good for him.” The oven timer went off, startling him slightly. He started to get up, but Remus waved him off.

“I got ‘em, you did all the cooking.”

Janus didn’t protest. Remus got up and took the cookies out of the oven. And he even moved them to a cooling rack like Janus had taught him to do. He came back to the table. 

“How’s work?”

Janus sighed. “Oh, terrible as always,” he answered. “I really must start looking for a new job.”

“Finally getting fed up?” Remus teased. Janus rolled his eyes. More seriously, Remus continued, “You deserve better, Jan. You gotta find some place that treats you right and pays you what you’re worth.”

“Thank you, Remus.”

“And hey, just sayin’, I still think you’d make an excellent stripper.”

Janus snorted at that. “I haven’t fully ruled out that particular career change.”

They fell easily back into their usual banter, lingering late into the night over a dessert of milk and cookies. It was pushing 10pm when Remus glanced at his phone and cursed softly. Janus glanced at his phone as well.

“Ah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you so late,” he said. Remus shrugged.

“Nah, it’s cool. Thanks for dinner, Jan. It was real good, as always.”

“Where are you staying?”

“Uh… well, the plan was to stay with Logan, but I guess he had some kind of family emergency, so I don’t wanna trouble him. I’ll probably see if I can find a hotel room.”

Janus’ brow furrowed at that. “Why don’t you just stay here?”

“Oh, uh. I don’t wanna trouble you. I kinda feel like I already overstayed my welcome a bit?”

“Nonsense. A hotel room will cost you at least $100 for the night, and that’s simply ridiculous,” Janus insisted. “You should just stay here.”

Remus worried at his lip, which Janus knew meant he was mulling over his options. Then, he nodded. “If it’s not a bother?”

“Of course not. You’re not a bother, Remus.”

Remus’ eyes softened, and he smiled. “Ok. Thank you. Oh… lemmie go get my overnight back outta my truck.”

When Remus came back inside, Janus had just about finished making up the couch. 

“Hey, you don’t gotta get all fancy,” Remus teased. “You know I can sleep basically anywhere.”

“This is for me,” Janus replied. He fluffed up one of the pillows a bit more. “You take the bed.”

An odd look flashed across Remus’ face. “No way, Jan. I’m good on the couch.”

“Remus, you just drove eight hours, and you’re doing it again tomorrow. I am not letting you fuck up your back.”

‘I don’t-”

“Yes you do, no matter how often you say you can sleep anywhere,” Janus scoffed. “You can’t lie to me.”

Remus’ eyes softened, and after a moment, he sighed. “Ok, Jan. But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You hate sleeping on couches.”

“It’s only one night-”

“And don’t you work tomorrow?”

“Yes, but-”

“You’re going to be so grumpy at work without a proper night’s sleep.”

“I’m usually grumpy at work anyway,” Janus pointed out. Remus snorted.

“Ok, that’s true. But I don’t want you to be even grumpier,” he said. “Let’s just share the bed.”

Janus eyed him for a moment. This was a terrible idea. They should not do this.

“Ok,” Janus said anyway.

They got ready for bed in awkward silence, which just made Janus miss Remus’ long, rambling chatter that much more. When Janus finished in the bathroom, he found Remus sitting gingerly on what used to be his side of the bed. Janus came over and sat down on the other side.

“Hey, uh… thanks,” Remus said. “For lettin’ me stay.”

“Of course,” Janus answered. “I… I still think of you as a friend, Remus.”

At that. Remus grimaced slightly. He didn’t say anything, seeming unable to find the right words. Before he could, Janus pulled back the top blankets on the bed and laid down. After a moment, Remus did the same.

“Good night, Remus,” Janus said quietly.

“...Good night, Janus,” Remus answered. Then he reached over and shut off the light.

-

Remus played that night over and over in his head in the days after he got home, and each and every time, he was just as stumped. 

He knew, in his brain, why he and Janus had broken up. It had been the only thing that made sense at the time, when the facts were just that Remus was moving away to pursue a lifelong dream, and Janus would never ever try to stop him from doing so. So they broke up. It made sense… right? 

But… That morning, he’d woken up to Janus curled up in his arms, face smushed against Remus’ neck, and… Remus had completely forgotten why they had even broken up in the first place.

Remus was back at Roman’s apartment, now. Eight hours away in his own cold bed, arms empty of the man he loved, just staring at the ceiling. A sharp knock on his door snapped him out of his daze.

“Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty,” Roman called. “Don’t you have class in like an hour?”

“Fuck!” Remus scrambled to get up, but succeeded only in rolling out of the bed.

“Don’t forget to lock the door when you leave,” Roman added. Clearly he was unconcerned by the loud “thump” of a body hitting the floor. 

“Yup, got it,” Remus groaned in reply. He staggered, successfully this time, to his feet. 

Getting dressed was a rushed affair of ‘grab whatever’s closest,’ and soon he emerged from the bedroom with one shoe on, the other in his hand, and his backpack slung over one shoulder. He rushed into the kitchen to grab the travel mug of coffee Janus always set out for him in the mornings. And then the realization hit: Janus didn’t live here.

Remus dropped his shoe. 

The rest of the day went about as well as it could have gone without any coffee- that is to say, terribly. He got lost trying to get to campus, then he got lost again trying to get to class. Then he got stuck in traffic on the way back to Roman’s apartment. And then, to top it all off, the grocery store had been out of his favorite chips. 

So here he was, mopey and chip-less, and fucking exhausted. He dumped his backpack and collapsed face-first onto the couch. Roman, who happened to be sitting on said couch, made a noise of protest.

“Move, I need to sulk,” Remus mumbled, though his voice was thoroughly muffled by Roman’s thigh, since that was where his face had landed. 

“What on earth do you need to sulk for?” Roman asked incredulously. He moved to shove Remus off of him, but Remus went full ragdoll, and Roman couldn’t do a damn thing. “You are a grown man, you know.”

Remus turned his head just enough to stick his tongue out at Roman. Roman stuck his tongue out back.

“I had a terrible day, I earned a good sulk.”

“Didn’t like your classes?”

“Nah, they were great.”

“Professors?”

“Great.”

“Classmates?”

“Great.”

“Then Zeus Almighty, what are you so mopey-dopey about?” Roman remanded.

Remus squirmed around so he was laying on his back, head still in Roman’s lap, to look up at his brother. “So… uh… you promise not to get all, like. I told you so and shit?” 

“You miss Janus!”

“No! I-”

“You do!” Roman crowed triumphantly. Remus rolled onto his side so he didn’t have to look at his brother’s dumb gloaty face.

“...Maybe,” he groaned. Abruptly, he clamored to his feet and started for the stairs. “I gotta go build a chair.”

“Carpentry won’t solve your relationship problems,” Roman called after him.

“I know,” Remus called back. “Wrong type of wood.” If Roman had a response to that, Remus was already out the door and didn’t have to hear it. 

Patton found him out in front of the apartment building some time later, a jigsaw in hand, and a pile of cut wooden dowels at his feet.

“Hey, kiddo, what are you up to?”

Remus looked up from where he was balancing a plank of wood precariously across a milk crate, because his work table was one of the things he’d had to leave behind at Janus’ place.

“Oh, hey. Ro-bro’s upstairs.”

Patton gave him the sort of smile teachers gave to the kid they caught eating glue for the fourth time. “That doesn’t look super safe. Do you want any help?”

Remus took in Patton’s soft blue sweater and the dad-jeans from the nicer end of his closet, as well as the reusable grocery store bag that smelled suspiciously like some kind of lovely home-cooked meal; he shook his head. “You look dressed for a date night,” he said. “I don’t wanna fuck up two relationships this week.”

Patton’s eyes, impossibly, got even bigger and softer than they normally were, which honestly was quite the feat. He walked over to the stairs but, instead of making his way up to Roman’s apartment, he plopped down on the third step, facing Remus. Remus stared, bewildered.

“Uh, what’chu doin’ there, pops?”

“Well, it just sounded like you needed to talk,” Patton replied cheerfully. “So here I am.”

Remus stared a moment longer, somehow even more bewildered than before. “Uh…”

“I know I haven’t known you very long,” Patton continued. “But something tells me you’re the type of person who busts out the power tools when you’re upset.”

“How the hell can you tell that?”

Patton glanced over his shoulder, then leaned forward slightly. “Because,” he said, voice lowered conspiratorially. “I’m like that too.”

Remus blinked. “You?”

“Yup! I replaced all the tables and chairs in my house with ones I made myself after my last breakup,” Patton giggled. “Only two of them collapsed when I sat in them, too!”

Remus glanced down at the jigsaw in his hands, and then he sighed. He set it down, and went to sit next to Patton on the steps. 

“Ok, well. Yeah, maybe I’m kinda upset.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Yeah? No? Maybe?”

“Yup, those are your three options!” Patton teased. Remus rolled his eyes.

“Ok, fine. You win, daddy-o. I’m upset because I miss my boyfriend. Or, well, my ex-boyfriend. I want him to be my boyfriend again.”

“Have you told him that?”

“Of course not,” Remus whined.

“Why not?”

“Because… I mean. It wouldn’t change anything. I still moved away. And I don’t even know if he’d want to be my boyfriend again either. Maybe he’s happier now.”

“You don’t know that,” Patton said gently. “Sure, maybe the circumstances aren’t the best right now, but if you both want it, things have a funny way of working out. But you have to talk to him.”

“I…” Remus paused. And then he sighed deeply. “I guess you’re right. Hey thanks, that did actually sorta help.”

Patton offered him a gentle smile. “Of course, Remus! Any time!”

“Hey!”

They both turned to see Roman standing at the top of the stairs, arms crossed.

“My own brother, hogging my boyfriend like this! The betrayal-”

“Relax, Ro, he’s not my type,” Remus shot back. “I prefer sarcastic little menaces.”

Patton giggled at that. He stood up and patted Remus on the shoulder. “I hope things work out,” he said. Remus smiled back.

“Yeah, I hope so too.”

Really, he just wanted Janus to be happy. Ideally with him, but if Janus was happier without him, well… so be it. 

- - -

Janus was miserable. 

“Dude, c’mon,” Virgil grumbled, immediately upon seeing the state of the apartment. “You’ve been watering your plants and filling the humidifiers, but you can’t be bothered to throw out your gross pizza boxes?” A pause. “Wait, you don’t even like pizza, what the hell.”

Janus just shrugged. After letting Virgil and Logan into the apartment, he’d gone straight back into blanket-burrito-on-the-couch mode. And really, he’d only bothered to get up and let them inside in the first place because Virgil had threatened to axe down the door- and Janus knew for a fact that Virgil owned multiple axes. 

“I believe he is engaging in what is described as ‘emotional eating,’ or using food as a coping mechanism in a time of stress and emotional turmoil,” Logan said helpfully. Virgil just huffed.

“That’s fine and all, but Jesus Christ, dude.” He gestured around the livingroom where… ok, yeah, it was a mess.

“Did you two come here just to insult me?” Janus grumbled. His face was half-mashed into a pillow, though, so who knows how much of that was actually discernible.

“We came to make sure you were still alive,” Virgil snapped, indicating that at least most of what Janus had said was discernible. “You weren’t answering any texts.”

“Yes, and you called out of work three days in a row,” Logan added. “We are concerned for you, Janus.”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Janus lied from the comfort of his depression blanket burrito. He was not particularly surprised when neither Virgil or Logan looked even remotely convinced.

“Alright, drastic measure time,” Virgil growled. He walked over to the window, and picked up the young Burgundy Rubber Tree Janus had yet to name. Janus sat bolt upright. 

“Virgil? Don’t you dare-”

Virgil walked past him and vanished down the hall. When he came back, his hands were empty, and he had a smirk on his face.

“Oh, fuck you,” Janus hissed. He dragged himself up off the couch to go rescue the poor thing, finding it stashed in the dark, windowless bathroom. When he came back to the livingroom, Virgil and Logan were sprawled across the couch.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Janus set the rubber tree back on the windowsill alongside the Snake Plant Army. “Ok, I’m up. Are you heathens happy now?”

“I take offense to that,” Logan muttered, while Virgil just crossed his arms and said, curtly, “Spill it.”

“Spill what?”

“Why are you so upset?”

“I’m not upset-”

“Falsehood,” Logan interrupted. “I have known you since high school, Janus, and I have never seen you like this before. It is highly alarming.”

“Is this about Remus?” Virgil asked.

“No,” Janus said immediately. “Of course not.”

Virgil and Logan exchanged a Look. Janus groaned.

“Fuck. Ok, fine. Maybe it is.”

“Was that so hard?” Virgil asked. 

“Yes.”

“You-”

“Janus,” Logan interrupted Virgil’s retort. “It is my understanding that emotional distress is often alleviated through, as they say, ‘talking it out.’ It is clear you are not handling the break-up as well as you initially believed-”

“Of course I’m not!” Janus snapped. He took a deep breath, and turned back to the plants on his windowsill. Kaa, the Sansevieria Moonshine Remus had gotten for Janus as an anniversary present last year, was already leaning slightly toward the window again. He rotated it, and a few of the other snake plants on the sill. And then he realized the others had been quiet for far too long. He turned to find them both watching him with sympathetic expressions. “What?”

“Keep going,” Virgil prompted. Janus sighed. He felt exhausted.

“Of course I’m not,” he said again. “Because I love Remus.”

“And?” Virgil prompted.

“...And I didn’t want us to break up,” he finished, feeling glum. Wordlessly, Virgil stood up, and approached Janus, arms out. Janus stepped into the embrace. Nobody said anything; Janus didn’t cry, but he stood there for a long time. Then, he stepped back.

“Thank you,” he said, and he meant it. Virgil gave him a small smile. Logan cocked his head, seeming confused.

“I don’t understand. You just… needed a hug?”

“Hugs are great, Logan,” Virgil replied. “You should try them sometime- hey, where are you going?”

Janus strode past them both, beelining for his bedroom to find his laptop. Over his shoulder, he answered, “To fill out some job applications.”

- - -

Remus was outside building a new bookshelf- because Patton was moving in, and Roman's teenie-tiny sad little excuse for a bookshelf, which held only Disney DVDs and no actual books, wouldn’t suffice for all of Patton’s cookbooks- when his phone rang. Which was weird, because nobody ever called him, because he never fucking answered.

“Not interested, Mr. Spam Man,” he crooned over the sound of the generic iPhone ringtone. He was learning how to do kerf bending for this bookcase, and goddamn it he wasn’t going to be distracted by-

His phone started ringing again. He swore and ripped off his gloves to silence his phone. But as he did so, he realized the number flashing across his screen was a familiar one. 

“Janus? Are you ok?” he answered the call, half panicked, because Janus hated phone calls almost as much as he did.

“Hi. Yes, everything’s fine.” Janus sounded slightly hysterical, which made Remus feel even more frantic. “Where are you?”

“I’m at Roman’s. Are you sure you’re ok-”

“Great, don’t leave. I’ll be right there.”

“What does that mean-” Remus demanded, but the line was already dead. Remus swore again. He briefly considered calling him back, because what the actual fuck was that all about, but he was only about 30 seconds into that brief consideration before a familiar car tearing through the apartment complex parking lot caught his attention. He quickly brushed as much of the sawdust off his clothes as he could because holy shit Janus had just parked right there in front of Roman’s apartment.

Remus watched, dumbfounded, as Janus scrambled out of his car- dressed in his very nice black suit and pale yellow button-up- and came running across the lawn toward where Remus was working. He had a tiny plant clutched to his chest.

“Uh, Jan, you good?” Remus asked. Janus stopped in front of him and doubled over, breathless, for a few moments. Then, he straightened up, and fixed Remus with a look of sheer determination.

“Remus. I want to get back together.”

Remus’ heart, the traitorous bastard, leaped up into his throat and blocked all his words from coming out. 

“It’s… it’s ok if you don’t want that,” Janus continued. His look of determination faltered slightly. “It’s ok. But I needed to tell you. Because I love you, so much. And I… I didn’t want you to think I didn’t, even if you don't-”

Remus found his words abruptly. “Jan, fuck! I do! I do love you. I never stopped loving you. All I want is to be with you.”

Janus’ eyes softened. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Good, because I’ve just been offered a job here.”

Remus choked. Janus was eyeing him smugly. “You. Just like that, you got a job here?”

“Just like that,” Janus grinned. “I just came from the interview. They offered me a position on the spot.”

Remus couldn't help himself any longer. He lurched forward and pulled Janus tightly into his arms.

“Hey, be careful,” Janus said, though he made absolutely no effort to get out of Remus’ embrace. “You’ll crush our new son.”

Remus pulled back just enough to look at the small plant Janus held in his hands, and only then did his brain register what it was. 

“Is! Is that-”

“Yes,” Janus replied, holding up the tiny Drosera Capensis seedling. Remus had wanted one of these for ages.

“For me?”

“Well, for us, ideally,” Janus answered, with a shy smile. “But, mostly for you, yes.”

Remus gently plucked the baby octopus plant- their new son!- from Janus’ hands, and placed it carefully on top of the milk crate that was serving as his carpentry workbench. Then, he hoisted Janus up off the ground and spun him around.

“Oh- Re-” Janus exclaimed, though he was laughing. “Put me down!”

“No!” Remus trilled. He spun Janus around once more. Then he just stood there, holding Janus, gazing up at him. Janus’ eyes grew soft. Slowly, he carded his fingers through Remus’ hair.

“Hey,” Janus said.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

Remus set Janus down, but kept his arms still wrapped tightly around him. His heart felt warm.

“Hey.”

Janus looked up at him. “Yeah?”

“I love you, too.” 

#dukeceit #dukeceitweek #remus sanders #janus sanders #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #kye writes

[cherryhanji]

Winter Shenanigans

oneshot. bangchan x reader

genre: romance, fluff, roommate!au, college!au, friends to lovers!au nonIdol!bangchan

words: 8.3k

warning(s): some swearing, I guess

(Anyways~~~ it's my first longest oneshot using a first-person pov. I feel like I want to write this using it. I hope you enjoy it! Luvlots!)

Winter is the worst season for me. Reason? It's cold and melancholic. That's it. I never knew why people loved the winter the most. Ever since I was a kid, I never liked the idea of playing with friends on snowy roads, throwing snowballs here and there. I don't like the coldness of winter that brings me. And what made it worse? My ex-boyfriend dumped me on a cold, winter night. Fuck him and his shitty reasons.

Anyways, I've already moved on. I'm now happily living with my roommate slash best friend, Alexa. Same college sophomores and majors. We're both majoring in Psychology. My parents decided to let me become independent. I'm thankful that I have loving and supportive parents. We both live in a cozy apartment near our school. And that all makes it easy. I just need to think about my college life and our monthly rental pay. Simple, but full of pressure but I still enjoy it because I have my best friend with me. But still, I hate winter.

"Uhm y/n, can I talk to you?" Coming out from her room, Alexa called me softly as if she was hesitating to tell me what she wants to say.

"Hmm, what is it, Lexie?" I tapped the space between the sofa.

"You know about my mother right?" She carefully asked

"Uhm, of course. Why? Is she doing well?" I asked with a bright face. Her mother is ill. She's now bedridden but I hope that she's doing well.

"Unfortunately, no." She said and lowered her head.

"O-oh. Sorry about that. What are you gonna do?" I slowly caress her back.

"Uhm, I am planning to skip the next semester as I need to go back to Gyeonggi-do. It's hard for me. But it's my mother. I can do anything if it's her." She said. I froze, shocked at her confession. But my face softens as I understand her situation.

"Uhm. Are you going to stay there for good?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. I'm not sure. But sorry to tell you, y/n. I think you need to find a new roommate. I'm really sorry. You can't pay the rent alone so I suggest if you look for another roommate. I'm sorry if I have to leave you. My bad, winter's coming, and here I am, leaving you alone." She said and half-smiled at me. She knows that I really hate winters, especially alone.

I smiled at her to let her know that it's okay.

"No Lexie, don't be sorry. Don't worry about me. How can I be mad at you if it's important to you? Don't mind me. I'm okay. I can find a roommate. But I'll miss you. I'll miss your rants, your screams, our drunk nights after exams. I'll miss hanging out with you. Just be good, and I'll pray for your mother's recovery." Alexa can't help but cry at me. I just hugged her tightly and shush her.

"Thank you, really, y/n. I don't know what will I do without you. I'll miss you too, idiot. Don't worry, there's facetime, and DMs yah know. We can update each other." She said while sniffing her cries. I'll miss my only college best friend. But still sad because I have to endure the incoming winter season. I need to find a roommate soon.

After cleaning the whole day. I decided to contact my new roommate.

Two weeks since Alexa left and within that period, I can't still find a roommate. I even asked the good landlord to help me find one. She gladly accepts it and now she's in front of me, delivering me the good news.

"So here it goes, y/n. I found you a new roommate." She gladly told me.

"Really? Thank you very much! Don't worry, I'll pay you tomorrow for the rent next month." I said.

"Oh no, darling. Don't mind it. He already paid your rent for the next month." She said. Wait, what?? HE??! As in a male? A boy? A man??

"Wait a minute, he, you mean-" she laughed at my shocked reaction.

"Yes, darling, it's a guy. Isn't he so sweet? By the way, he also goes to your school. And he's so handsome. Bet you'll have your eyes out when you see his gorgeous face." She said describing the guy as if he was some lost God who fell on Earth.

"Uh, really? I'm glad to know that we attend the same school. Anyway, when will he move? So I can clean at least the apartment." I asked as I take a look at the apartment. It isn't that dirty because I am a tidy person and so as Alexa, but I feel like it's kinda embarrassing if I didn't clean at least a little bit. Seems like I want to leave a good impression on my new roommate.

"He said he can move anytime if the apartment is ready. Here. Here's his contact. You can message him if the apartments ready." She handed me a card that has a contact number in it.

"Thank you for this," I said and accept the card she handed.

"I need to go. You can call me if you have any concerns. Have fun y/n, with your new roommate." She said and gave a playful wink at me. I just chuckled at her playfulness. Maybe I need to get ready.

I smiled as I send the message. Winter is now starting so I made myself a cup of hot tea. Winter sucks really. Fuck this cold weather. But I wonder why it doesn't feel like melancholic as I said it was? Maybe because of my new roommate? Is it because the landlord told me that he's handsome? Or maybe I'm excited because I got to have a new friend and luckily also attending my school? Who knows?

to: new roommate [22:47]

hello! This is y/n. your new roommate at Yellow Wood Apartment. I am glad to tell you that the apartment's ready. You can move tomorrow. Excited to meet you!

Winter season means there's a possibility of having no classes because of the weather. And that's what I'm facing today. I'm sitting on the couch with my lonely ass and cold feet. As I scroll on my phone, I can't see anything different but people posting their lives every winter, playing outside, enjoying the coldness of the weather. Ugh. Winter shit. I just played some music on my phone as I cook some ramen for myself. This is the only thing that makes me sane every winter. Calm music and ramen.

As I gave myself a hearty meal, the doorbell rang making me shift from where I sit. Maybe it's my new roommate. I fixed myself first in the mirror to make myself at least presentable even if I look like shit.

"Coming!" I shouted as I stumble on my way to the door. I gladly open it and froze in front of a god. Oh no, is he really my new roommate? Is this man sent from above my new roommate?

"Uhm, hi! Y/n right?" The man in front of me snapped me back in reality. I shook my head as he spoke.

"Oh yeah, h-hi .." I said shyly. Oh shit calm your ass down bitch. I look like I'm whipped for this man even though we only met for the first time.

"It's Bang Chan, but you can call me Chan, Chris, Christopher, or baby if you like?" He gave me a suggestive wink. Just what the actual fuck? Is he okay? How can he be this confident in front of me??! He just laughed at my shocked reaction.

"Just kidding. I'm a good person. You can trust me. But, Can I first go inside? It's kinda cold here." He said as he shifted from where he stands.

"Oh! Yes yes! Sorry. Here, let me get these." I said as I reached for his small backpack that was on the floor.

"No, it's okay. I'll look like an asshole if I let a gorgeous girl handle my things." He smiled sweetly to me as he grabbed all his things and went inside the apartment. Gorgeous? Me? Gorgeous? Oh god, what will I do now if I have this gorgeous guy as a roommate?

I showed him his new room and smiled brightly as he saw the cleanliness of it.

"Did you fix this yourself? Woah, It's an eye candy. I'm a minimalistic person. And this makes me so happy. Thank you for fixing this!" He said as he sat on the new fixed bed. I smiled as I saw how he enjoyed his new room.

"Uhm, thanks for appreciating it, Chan. I'm glad that you liked it. Would you like to have a look at the apartment?" I asked him as he still taking a look at his room.

He stands up from the bed and smiled at me. "I would love to!" I went first and he followed me everywhere I go.

"Well, I wish we have good memories as new roommates. I said and gave him a glass of orange juice.

"Yeah. I hope too. By the way, you're a college sophomore, right? Where do you study? Bet it's near the apartment." He said as he drinks his juice.

"Yes. I study at Levanter University. A psychology major. I heard from the landlord that you also attend there. What are you majoring in?" I said as I sit down on the chair.

"Really? It's good to know that we attend the same school. I'm also a sophomore, majoring in Music. I really love music. Ever since I was a child, I've dreamt of being a professional music artist and composer. That's why I chose it as my major." He said. I can see that he really loves music as his eyes twinkle when he talked.

"Really? I hope I can hear you sing someday." I clasped my hands in excitement.

"Oh yeah sure Uh, by the way, who used to live here with you? Is it also a guy?" He curiously asked as he put his elbow on the table with hands on his chin.

"My best friend used to live here. But sadly she needs to go in her hometown to look after her sick mother." I told him. His face saddens a little bit.

Time passed by and we grew close to each other. I found out that he has these gorgeous eight friends since middle school. But some of them are not studying in our school. Jeongin, his youngest friend, looks like my younger brother, so I grew close to him the most. He's so caring, sweet, and lovely. Meanwhile, Changbin and Minho are the ones who also study in our school, like Chan, Changbin is also majoring in music. Minho is majoring in Business Administration. While the others, Hyunjin, Felix, Jisung, Seungmin, and Jeongin are freshmen from other universities. They usually hang out at our apartment and I'm no against in it. I really love hanging out with them. They're so approachable and funny. 

"Oh sorry to hear that. I hope your friend and her mother are doing fine." He said and smiled at me. I nod at him in response.

"Isn't it nice today? Winter is already here! It's good to have a cup of hot coffee and a heartful talk." He said as he looked at the window outside.

"I don't think so. I'd never like winter." I shrugged as I drink my juice. He looked back at me as if I was some crazy woman.

"You don't like winter? But why? People love it. It's nice and cozy, I live winter actually." He said and looked at me.

"I just don't like it. I like warm summer, autumn, and spring. Winter never excites me. Even when I was a kid. And my boyfriend dumped me on a cold winter night. That made worse. " I explained to him carefully. He just nods at me. Accepting my hate for winter.

"Oh I see, so how do you endure winter? I mean what do you do when the season comes?"

"I just hang out with my friend. Drinking, eat ramen, or anything that makes us warm. But when I'm alone, I usually sleep or binge-watched some dramas." I said and he nods in response.

"Hmm, it's not that boring tho. Me, I usually write songs and make some mixtapes when winter comes. I just love the feeling and emotions that winter gives me. In that way, I can make my music."

"Really? Wow, you're talented. I wish I have that kind of talent too. But I suck at those." You shrugged and chuckled. He just smiled and talk further.

Alexa decided to study next semester but in her hometown. I'm sad knowing that she'll not continue to study here but we promised each other that we'll contact and update each other.

"Noona!" Jeongin surprised me with a hug as I opened the door of the apartment.

"Oh my Jeongin! How are you, my little boy? Come inside. Hey guys!" I let them inside the apartment. Another noise from the freshmen including Changbin. It's always like this. Every time they go here. It's always this noisy. But I love it. It makes me happy and not alone.

"Hey Channie," I said as I welcomed Chan who looks tired.

"Oh hi, y/n. how's school? Sorry, I let you go home by yourself. I was just busy and these stupid boys asked me to meet them."

"Oh, it's okay. I prepared you some food." I said and cling my arms to his. We always do this. It's very comfortable and I feel like I'm in my home.

"Thank you, dear," he said and ruffled my hair. Oh. That nickname. Fuck. It makes my heart do somersaults. Is it normal to feel this for a friend like him?

"Hey lovebirds, we brought some colas and pizzas!" Minho shouted from the living room as they prepare the food they brought.

"Shut up Minho! Mind your goddamn business there!" Chan shouted

"Okay then!" Minho replied and burst a laugh.

We just sat and decided to watch the newest drama we happened to saw on Netflix.

"I'm freaking tired. Chan-hyung! I think I need to go by now. We still have exams for tomorrow, right Hyunjin?" Seungmin said as he stands up and yawned.

"Oh shit! Right! Hyung! We need to go now! I need to review some past lessons." Hyunjin said as he ready himself to go. The others also get ready. I decided to stand up and try to clean up.

"Let's do that, later. Let's say goodbye first to the boys." Chan said and I just nod in response.

"Goodbye Chan hyung! Goodbye noona! Good night!" Changbin and others bid their goodbyes.

"Yeah, yeah goodnight! " chan said as he pushed the boys out. I chuckled and waved my hand at them.

"Maybe it's time to clean up," I said and Chan nodded and went to the living room to clean.

The annoying alarm woke me up. I still have my classes on Saturdays. But Chan doesn't. When he first wakes up than me, he usually asked me to walk me in school. But sometimes he wakes up late, I just prepare some breakfast for him and leave a note telling him that I left.

As I walk out of my room, I heard some shufflings and noise from the kitchen.

"Morning sunshine! Eat and get ready for your classes." Chan greeted me and smiled.

"Morning Channie. You wake up again early?" I said as I sit down on my chair.

"Yep. I woke up early and can't go back to sleep so here, I prepared us breakfast." He said as he finished cooking and sit beside me.

"Thank you then," I said and started eating.

"I'm going to the mall near the university. Mind if I walk you to school?" He asked

"Hmm. Is it okay?"

"Of course. Hah! " he said and chuckled

"Thanks though. What are you going to do in the mall?" I asked him

"Uh, it's Changbin's birthday on the 11th. I planned to buy him some gifts."

"Really? We should celebrate it here!" I clasped my hand as excitement fills me. It's my first time to celebrate a new friend's birthday.

"Sure thing. I'll wait for you later after classes. Just text me if you're done." I nod at him and he smiled. So excited to celebrate Changbin's birthday. It's two days from now.

We just walked from the apartment to school as I still have a lot of time before my first class starts.

"So see you later y/n. do well, okay?" He pinched my cheeks and scrunched his nose.

"Yes, I will. Now go to the mall and buy Changbin a nice gift." I waved my hand at him as I went inside.

I met Minho at the cafeteria. Luckily we have the same schedule of break time.

"Y/N!" Minho went near me with food in his hands.

"Oh hello, Minho! Uh, can I ask you something?" I asked him and let him sit down on the chair beside me.

"Uhm, what is it?" Minho said as munched on his food.

"It's about Changbin. Do you know anything he loves? Like favorite clothing? Perfumes? Or what? It's his birthday the day after tomorrow, right?" I said and sip on my drink

"Oh yeah, Changbin isn't a picky person. As long as it's from a good friend, he'll love it." He tilted his head and chuckled.

"Oh, it's kinda hard. But anyway, thank you for that. I'm going to buy him a gift later. And I asked Chan to celebrate it the apartment." I said

"Really? That's a good idea! By the way, it's already time. Need to go back! See you around!" Minho stands up and bid his goodbyes. I waved at him and decided to attend my last class.

"Y/n!" Chan waved at me as I saw him outside the campus.

"Hey Channie!" I smile while happily ran to him.

"You look cute doing that," Chan said and ruffled my hair. I lowered my head to hide the lingering blush on my cheeks.

"Channie, do you mind if we go to the mall again? I just want to buy Changbin a gift."

"Hmm.. Sure! I'll help you. " he said and took my hand. God, why is he doing this? He so freaking sweet. I feel like I'm having a date with my boyfriend. Wait-- fuck boyfriend?? Erase erase. We're just friends, okay?

After I got the best gift for Changbin, I decided to take a look at the shelf and found this cute little thing that caught my eye. I took it and stare at it like it holds my future in it.

"You like that one? It's cute." Chan said as he also takes a look at the music box.

"Uh, yeah. But nevermind. I didn't bring enough money for it." I put it back to the shelf as I have no plans on buying it. But I turned to Chan as he grab again the music box and grabbed my hand.

"Let's take it. I'll pay for it for you." Chan smiled and went to the cashier.

"Hey, Chan! You don't have to." I pulled back his arms.

"No. Think of it as my gift for you. A gift to my friend. Don't worry." He said and went to face the cashier and hand his payment to her.

"Thank you for this! I really appreciate it!" I said as I stare at it again and listen to the calming music playing.

"See? You love it. What will happen to you if I didn't buy it?" he chuckled and turn his head to me. Oh no, I know he's staring at me, and stop these loud heartbeats! He might hear it! Why are you like this?? It's a simple gift. Do I like him? Yes, I appreciate all the efforts he did and the small things that he did for me. Do I already like him? I mean, it's not a bad thing if it is. But I'm scared that he might not feel the same. But it doesn't matter to me for now. I just need to forget these lingering feelings.

Changbin's day dropped on a fine Saturday. All of the boys went here including the birthday boy to help in preparing for the party later.

"Need help in cooking?" Chan asked peeking from the kitchen entrance.

"Uhm, yes, please. Changbin's foods are quite a lot!" I said as I cut the ingredients for my own version of kimchi fried rice.

"Poor little y/n. here you go." Chan started to help me, asking what should he do, or what ingredients to put next.

"They're so noisy, aren't they?" Chan chuckled as he groaned to the noise from the living room.

"Don't act like you're not one of them Channie," I teased and smacked his arm.

"Why? I'm a good boy!" I glared at him and he just laughed at me.

"Hey sweethearts! Where are the foods?" Changbin went to us while wearing his birthday hat. It's his idea. 22 years old my ass.

"Just you wait little prince, the food is nearly ready," I said

"Go away Changbin! You're so excited as hell, it's still early! Mind your business outside!" Chan said and shoo Changbin away. He just huffed and pouted at us.

"Happy Birthday hyuuung!" The juniors greeted him cheerfully after we sang him a happy birthday.

After lots of drinking and eating, the other boys were now drunk. Leaving me, Jeongin, Seungmin, and Felix sober. I chose not to drink a lot as I thought of having atleast one here have a sober mind.

I woke up peacefully without the sound of an alarm. Sunday morning. No classes, a good day to rest. But I need to clean first the mess outside.

*ring ring

"Hello? Y/N?" It's Alexa! I missed her voice.

That night, Chan brought some pizzas and colas for us. Watching some movies before going to sleep.

After our classes, Chan and I went first to a fast-food chain to buy some food.

"Lexie~" I screamed at the top of my lungs running to Alexa

"So, how's living together?" Alexa said as she grabbed a slice of pizza and bite on it.

"What do you think you're doing Alexa?" I whisper shouted at her while Chan left and went to the bathroom.

Alexa slept early because of the long travel she took. Me, on the other hand, still resting on the couch, scrolling through my phone, when I felt someone sit beside me.

"Take care of my friend, Chan. I can count on you, right?" Alexa said turned to us before she goes outside.

Winter is near again. And Chan's one year here is near too.

I just need a simple outfit since it's fucking cold outside. But shit, we're going to his parent's house. Maybe it's not bad if I wear something nice beneath my thick parka. Ugh. Why do I feel so nervous? As if I'm getting judged by his parents later. Calm your ass down, y/n. it's just dinner. No more, no less.

Winter is now starting and here I am again, sulking at one corner. We're out of fucking tea! My one and only partner in this season! Fuck!

"Y/n! You ready?" Chan knocked on my door while I'm still getting my bag.

"We're here. I'm glad to show you around my childhood home. This is where I grow up together with my siblings. It's nice isn't it?" Chan said and faced me.

"So y/n, is Chan a good roommate to you?" Chan's dad asked me. Like him, Chan's dad is a good looking man. Like Chan in his 40's. something like that.

"Where are we going?" I asked Chan as he wears his shoes going outside.

I guess winter is not that bad. Especially when Chan is always here beside me, he can make my winter warm and comfortable.

"It's quite calm and quiet isn't it?" Chan said as he stares from nowhere. I just shrugged at him and swayed my feet.

#stray kids #straykids #stray kids bang chan #straykids bang chan #bangchan #bang chan #skz bang chan #stray kids oneshot #stray kids scenarios #stray kids imagines #straykids scenarios #straykids imagines

[drkcnry67]

join me?

title: join me?

pairing: Jared x reader

rating: 18+

fluff: single parent AU

kink: shower sex

tags: shower sex, single parent x single nanny, vaginal penetration, climax, asking someone you know to become your partner in raising your child

summery: not telling

mentioning @sweetness47​

created for @spnfluffbingo​ @spnkinkbingo​

kink list   fluff list

the following AD you had placed on all the job boards:

“if you are a Single parent in need of someone to move in to help look after your kids, clean, cook for you Im that person. obviously i can cook, clean, drive, shop for groceries you know the esentials. basically anything you would require of me i can accomplish. call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx, to discuss details. sincerely YN. PS im willing to relocate if needbe. thank you for reading this.”

just like that it was done, it was posted. now, all you had to do was wait. someone was bound to call eventually. 

after 3 weeks you were about to re-post the ad, your phone rang. someone from san Antonio, as far as you were concerned you knew of no one who lived in that corner of the world. 

you took a chance and answered the call. 

YN: hello!

Jared: yes, im looking for YN

YN: thats me

Jared: perfect, my name is Jared Padalecki. i’m a single father to a 4 year old boy named Thomas. he’s my mess maker & i love him to bits. but balancing between work and parenting is alot harder than most people think. my wife had divorced me she felt like i didnt care enough about her or the foundation she built, so one night she walked out and i havent seen her since. so anyway i was looking through the ads for live in nanny when i came across yours. your ad drew me to it, im sorry if this sounds too forward but its been hard. 

YN: not at all. so what are the terms of this job?

Jared: well, as we speak im just finishing the details of your flight to San Antonio which first of all i need your current location like where you are coming from and how much baggage you are bringing. 

YN: thats very kind of you to book me a flight. im coming from San Francisco with 3 suitcases and 2 carry ons. most of it are small keepsakes and other sich clothing items i pick up along the way. but not a big deal i just dont have a permenant home to leave anything at. so if you dont mind me coming with all my little nik naks and figurines...

Jared chuckled in the background before he spoke.

Jared: girl, i think we can deal with that. ill buy some wall shelves and a special case for your statues and figures, with enough room that should you want more you can get more. There will be a vehicle you can use to transport my son to school and do errands and stuff like that, there will be a spare room included for you with your own bathroom. The shopping can be done by you after you drop my son off to school on a day of your choosing. If you like all that your duties do not include yard maintenence. You are free to take my son out for shopping trips as well, you get a shared card to my all expense account to do all your spending for the house and for yourself. It goes straight to my account it's all good. I want your time here to be awesome.

YN: this is my cell, please tell me you have some good news about my flight details. 

Jared: check your texts. 

You check your messages before you go back to the call.

YN: thats a good flight, so what kind of plans are for when i get there. 

Jared: well if you want we can go get the groceries when you arrive, after we leave the airport. then we can go for lunch and get you a few pretty things. sign some bank papers to put your name in my accounts. 

Yn: that sounds good, I've just sent notice to my landlord, I'm just packing up some of my figures now. I'm gonna have to get my license and stuff switched over to Texas state license but I'm excited for this.

Jared: i know as am i its been a while since we had any type of female presence in the house. we havent any such thing, but tomorrow that all changes. i know that you are gonna bring a light into our lives that hasnt been here in well ever. 

YN: glad i can help, now lets see whats the day tomorrow yields. 

Jared: i am so excited, so is my son. he keeps asking when you are gonna be here. but it is gonna be a happy day tomorrow. i know that this is gonna sound strange, but i hope your the one that can save me.

you heard his tone change instantly, you felt the power coming from it. you felt the wet in your panties. you were not okay in the slightest. but you felt amazing at the same time. 

YN: i guess ill let you go. ill shoot you a text when i get to the airport. cause i want to help you. i want to be the one to save you. 

neither of you knew what the hell just happened, neither of you would remember what was said, at the end of it neither of you would be able to state the words of the other. it will remain that way till a different day in the near off future. 

Jared: ill see you tomorrow... YN.

YN: jared.

the call ended, it was the moment when you felt like you could breathe again. the moment when you felt as though it would be your last. the moment when you felt like you were on cloud 9. 

you went to the cornerstore to get a few travel items. a few other things as well. a lot of times before you travel you do this kind of big shop, but this time was not like most times. Jared was providing everything for you, you had to bring you and what you currently owned, as well as your documents and stuff like that. 

after cleaning most of what you could in the apartment, you set your alarm and went to bed. you woke up to your 6:00am alarm. it was a long time but you were also a good half hour to the airport. you wanted plenty of time for check in and travel distance. 

finishing packing, leaving your keys to the apartment in the hands of your landlord who helped you bring your bags out the front door. she wished you a safe trip and to call if you were ever in the area again. 

you brought your bags to the cab and got in. you told the driver to take you to the airport. upon arrival at the airport, the cab driver helped you load your bags onto a cart and drove off.  you pushed the cart into the airport, went to the check in desk. 

check in lady: may i see your ticket and passport please?

You hand over your ticket and passsport. the lady scans your ticket and hands both your passport and ticket back to you. 

check in lady: alright your good to go, the gift shop is open if you want to stop there, its just on your left passed security.

Yn: do I give you my suitcases! Well at least the ones that aren't carry ons.

Check in lady ushers for a security guard to come round to take the 3 suitcases from you. To which you smile and thank them and head off to go through security.

Security guard: please put all your bags in a bin, your jacket and shoes as well as your jewelry in this bin and then you can stand on this square we will bring you through and go from there.

you did as asked. you complied you went to stand on the square, were waved through, the thing didnt beep but you were still patted down and then given your stuff back.  sent on your merry way, you were happily walking through the airport again. 

you went to the gift shop, you were buying a few puzzle books to keep you entertained on the flight. as well as a dress off the rack and some playing cards (one of each type), and some statues. these ones were small but made you smile.

you paid for everything and then went to the bathroom to change and organize your bags. you come out of the bathroom, your hair is up in a ponytail. you go take a seat holding your passport and ticket. 

after half hour of sitting there, your flight number was called. You pulled out your phone, texting Jared.

Yn (by text): morning, I am about to board my flight

Jared (by text): morning, I hope you have a safe flight, Thom and i cant wait to see you. Thom made you a sign we will be holding it, you have my word and honor that we will be good, we will all get along quite good. 

YN (by text): of course, as do i. i look forward to getting to San Antonio and beginning a new life. the pre flight is starting ill let you know when i land. 

Jared (by text): have a safe flight. see you in a few hours. i gotta bathe the kiddo. 

The pre flight took a bit longer than you thought it would, but Jared's message was one you ended up saving as a screenshot. You listened to your music when the flight attendant said we were free to use the screens ahead of us and whatever else. 

You even did some puzzle books and wrote in your journal. 

You were nervous, of course you were nervous. This was the first time you were gonna meet a single dad and a son. Thoughts of what they might look like floated through your mind. The thoughts of the life you were stepping into were beyond what your mind could conjour. 

But the way he spoke to you said something about saving you, made you wonder if something more was happening to him. 

Something maybe in his past that might be coming after him now. There was a darkness in his voice that you couldn't shake. 

But you shoke it off, you were not gonna let these thoughts consume you. You waited for the hours to pass, and they did rather quickly. 

For what was once 30 mins that had passed, became an hour and a half. You were almost there. 8 am quickly turned into 1030am there was still half hour to go. 

This was it the landing checks the whole pack up whatever you took out, close the trays un recline your seats, take out and shut off your music speech came quickly. You put away the books and things, you held your phone in one hand using the other to get up form your seat. You followed the people out of the plane. 

You walked out onto the concourse and made sure you were lookin good before you stepped onto the escalator. 

Jared was watching, but when his eyes landed on you coming toward him he smiled. He couldn't help himself. A little voice in his head told him not to smile, but to jump you instead. Jared ignored that voice for he didn't want to do anything harmful with Thom around. Even then he wouldn't. he instead watched you walk toward him. 

Jared: YN.

YN: you must be Jared. It is a pleasure to meet you. 

You both shake hands but a spark flows between both of your hands. Before you place your bags on the ground and look at Thom. 

YN: you must be the little cutie. Did you make this sign all by yourself?

Thom nods and gives you a hug which you graciously return. You were feeling happy. 

Jared: i think we should go wait by the luggage bay so we can grab your luggage. Then we can head off for lunch and shopping and paper filling. 

YN: the luggage should have started coming out by now anyway right?

Jared: possibly. But i want to hear more about you, your adventures and can i just say that dress is delectable. 

There it was again, that deep dark tone to his voice. He now held his hand out for your bags as Thom was urging for you to carry him. Jared carried your carry ons, you carried Thom who just smiled happily. 

Jared: ive never seen Thom take kindly to anyone before. This is gonna work out just fine. 

YN: thom is so sweet, i look forward to working with him on a daily basis. I also look forward to helping you with the house. 

You smiled as thom came up to you and sat in your lap. Jared just watched amazed by your skill with kids. 

As the luggage came round you pointed out your suitcases to Jared who grabbed them placing them on the cart. 

You held thom who just contently hugged you. He nestled himself against the crook of your neck, soft snores filled yours and Jared's ears shortly after. 

Jared: he barely slept last night he was too excited. I'm not surprised that he is sleeping now. 

Jared says as you all walk to the car, Jared with the luggage cart, you holding thom. You gently placed thom in the car, you watch Jared place the luggage in the trunk. 

Jared: and you are the miracle worker, he is asleep. He will sleep till we wake him for lunch. He will also hopefully sleep through the bank and licencing appointments. 

Before he could say another word you went over and gave him a kiss to his cheek. The air between you both was growing thin. 

This would have been your first kiss if not for the fact that jared’s watch went off. 

Jared: we have to be at the bank in half an hour. Which is perfect but first i want to try something. Just dont move.

You didnt move you stood there as Jared slid his hand around your waist. And placed a soft kiss to your neck. Then moved to whisper in your ear. 

Jared: a little bit of food for thought. The darkness is growing inside me and i swear i will hold it back as long as i can. But you need to understand you are the only one who can stop the darkness. 

You went round to your side of the vehicle. Feeling a little flustered. Jared was behind you, you turned to see him, his eyes starring at you. His hand on your own, you feel a spark, you feel that same spark that you both had felt back in the airport, when you first met. 

The ride to the bank was good, you and jared talked and went over a list for shopping and made a list of things to do when you arrived to Jared’s home. You were done the bank & licensing appointments.

 Deciding that it would be easier pick up take out for lunch as Thom was still sleeping. Like he was out like a light. You guys were able to quickly go in follow the list and get everything on the list. Finally on the road with lunch and heading home to Jareds. 

YN: so i guess i will need to set up some stuff and unpack. 

Jared: ill even help you set up and build the shelving and things. Believe me your suite is gonna be your style when we are through with it. We are almost there. Then we will get you settled. And its still early in the day. 

YN: lets hope that we can get a majority of this done before thom wakes up. 

Jared: or at least un pack the car or have the lawn care people help with that as well. Ill just pay them extra for it.  

Within a few moments after that you guys pull dup to a gate, where Jared used a key card to open it. 

Jared: welcome to your new home YN! 

From that point in the day you and Jared and thom spent it getting acquainted, you did some schooling with thom, jaredd helped you set up your suite, Jared and you celebrated with a glass of wine each before bed from then on.  More little moments were stollen like the one that happened in the airport. 

Something worse would be a drift in the near future. you didnt know what but you had a feeling that something would come to light that you would never expect in a million years. 

~its now been 8 months and 12 days since you came to live with Jared and Thom. you settled in quite nicely. you drove back and forth to get thom to and from school, you cooked, cleaned and you happily did all the laundry. now we start our story again on the last day of school, with you just having picked up Thom from school and are in the car driving back home~

you had just gotten on the freeway Thom had passed out a while back for his afternoon nap. you were just happy for a small moment of peace and quiet. but your bluetooth came through the car at a volume that thankfully didnt wake Thom. 

you saw it was Jared so obviously you answered. 

Jared: hey hows it going?

Yn: good, thom is having a nap, im just on the freeway. how was work?

Jared: good, i couldnt wait for the day to be over. i have a surprise for you. 

YN: for me or for me and thom or for all 3 of us

Jared: call it a family surprise. 

YN: wait im part of the family. none of my jobs previously had ever considered me part of the family. its nice to finally be included in an actual family. 

you could hear jared chuckle before he continued to speak. 

Jared: i know you are new to the whole permenant family thing, and we are always gonna have a home here for you. but i want to celebrate the start of summer with a tradition. 

YN: something new or something old?

Jared: a new tradition one that starts as soon as you guys get home... 

YN: and will i need to pack a bag?

Jared: yes although i had my assistant at work go out and buy you a few new things for this trip today, so how long till you guys get home... 

suddenly thom pipes up from the background. 

thom: hi daddy.

Jared: hey little man, ive got a surprise for you when you and YN get home. 

YN: we will see you in 10 minutes jared. 

Jared: see you in the driveway 

the call ended and you handed thom a sucker from your center console. he smiled and giggled all the rest of the way home. you pulled into the driveway parking in your normal spot. 

Jared comes round to bring thom out first, after spinning him around before setting him down on the ground, he comes round to your side. he opens the door and extends his hand to you. 

he helps you out of the car, and walks you to the door. where you all enter before Jared send thom up to his room to get ready. guess he had told thom the secret before he told you, but you were now standing in the living room with Jared who turns to you.

YN: what is the big surprise, i assume you told Thom and thats why he ran upstairs all excited. 

Jared: i bought us a vacation house about 2 months ago. it is all season, and we get to go there and spend these next 6 weeks there. its in canyon lake about 2 hours by car. thom will probably sleep at least part of the way there. but YN i want you to know that i have a secret one that has me flustered enough to internally keep it from you for he is the glue that holds us together. but i wonder if perhaps we as in us 2 have a few things we can be together. 

before you could respond Jared leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to your lips, for those 2 seconds it was like heaven had shot you with an arrow.

Jared pulled back and began to walk toward the kitchen to pack some trip snacks and drinks. but before leaving you alone in the living room he spoke.

Jared: ill leave you with that food for thought for it will be something to definately make conversation about later.

That kiss, your only real first kiss. Made you extremely excited. But the drive the 2 hour drive had you all hot and bothered. you went to pack your stuff in your bag. well at least thats what you thought, when you got to your room, you saw a suitcase, one filled with yours and Jareds stuff. maybe you guys were traveling light or there was already stuff out there for you guys.

you packed your journals, some games and a few books and of course a deck of cards in your backpack. you wheeled the suitcase out of the suite while carrying the backpack. then you went back in to put your hair back.

you heard someone calling your name. you answered the call and heard footsteps coming to your room. you turned to see Jared standing there, like nothing had happened downstairs.

Jared: are we almost ready to go?

YN: almost. just gonna get into something a bit more vacay less public appearance. meet you down in 2... 

Jared: wear something sexy. i guarantee that you will be the hottest thing in the car. and you can pick the music. 

you grabbed something out of the closet and took it into the bathroom. you came out to see Jared standing not  facing you. till you would speak woulkd be when he would know you were there.

YN: does that mean we are bluetoothing it all the way there.

Jared: got the wireless charging pad installed and all ready to go. plus i hooked your phone to the bluetooth already. now when you are ready we will head out.

YN: i know. jared are we gonna discuss what happened between us downstairs?

Jared: that kind of talk is better suited for vacation. 

thom is waiting by the door, you and jared bring down the last of the stuff. thom just as excited about this vacation as any little child should be. everything was loaded in the car, you went to lock the house and set the alarm. but before setting the alarm, you said the one word that you were sure might confirm your suspicions. 

YN: christo!

the cross on the wall near by turned upside down. you finished setting the alarm after salting the doors and windows. only hoping that this would be easy, but now you were certain that you had figured out the darkness that Jared kept mentioning. 

you went to the car, sitting down you nodded at Jared to start driving. and it was declared right then and there that you all were officially on vacation. Thom sat quietly and eventually passed out. your music playing in the background, Jared realizing that Thom had fallen asleep moved his hand to rest on your thigh.

this made you look at him, the darkness in his eyes faded when you placed your hand on his. the darkness that starred at you, the way his hand tightened on your thigh. you were the luckiest girl in the world. you hoped that this vacay would yield the answers you hoped you didnt need. 

over the last little while you had done research on what you thought might be the darkness latched to Jared. after what happened in the house before you left with the cross. you were certain. Jared was possessed. and you had to stop this thing from doing something he would regret. 

your mind circled with those thoughts, but a voice brought you out of your own mind.

Jared: you have been quiet, is everythign alright?

YN: yes everything is fine. just going over the list and making sure we dont need to have the lawn people do any extra tasks while we are gone.

jared: why do you think we forgot something?

YN: its just a feeling. but its nothing to worry about. now when we get there i assume that we are gonne have a tour and a chance to unpack before we decide our first vacation activity.

Jared: i also hope you dont mind sharing a room with me. its a little 5 bedroom cottage but the 3rd, 4th and 5th rooms are supposed to be guest rooms. they only has a cot and no closet. we are just waiting on a few parts to be reno’d in there. 

YN: i think i can live with this arrangement. thom i assume is gonna be in a room close by.

Jared: yep he is at one end of the hall we are at the other. you know when i called you all those months ago, asking you to fly out here to help me, i was ready to give up on finding someone to help me take care of the house and Thom. but your ad made me have hope that maybe you would be the one that would save me.

YN: i think i know what darkness follows you but i wont know forsure until i can run a test. 

Jared: what kind of test

YN: one that would need to be done when Thom is asleep. one that i hope will either prove me right or prove me a liar. that is if your willing to try.

Jared: im willing to try anything.

YN: well then we will try it tonight after Thom goes to bed. 

neither of you had realized how much time had passed, then you saw a sign. Jared smiled.

Jared: we are close now.

YN: that sign that i just saw is that where we are going?

Jared: yep. once you se the place you will understand why i got it. and i sound proofed the master, just in case...

he winked at you as he slowed down at the edge of a driveway. he then guided your gaze to look ahead at the cottage that now stod before you.

Thom woke up shortly after you had pulled him out of the car. he rubbed his eyes and smiled as he ran toward the house, screaming happily as he approached the steps. where he waited for you and Jared. 

you both brought what you could while still having hands to open the door and help Thom up the stairs. jared unlocked the door allowing you and thom to walk through first. your eyes went wide at the first glance of your home away from home with Jared and Thom. 

this was gonna be an amazing vacation. you put down what you carried, as well as let go of Thom who was running around looking at everything. you spun round and somehow landed in the arms of Jared.

Jared: what do you think?

YN: what do i think.. this is amazing. i love this. this is incredible. i wouldnt trade this vacation for anything. honestly i would rather be no where else. im quite happy here. 

Jared: as in this home or my arms.

YN: both. jared, i i... 

just as your about to speak again. you and jared are interrupted by thom coming out of a nearby room half dressed. 

Thom: daddy, YN can we go swimming now...

jared set you back on your feet and you both laughed. 

Jared: in a few moments bud we gotta find the swim suits first. 

as Jared said that the attendants brought up the luggage. you looked at Jared who just smiled and whispered in your ear.

Jared: you have the summer off to relax for 6 weeks. just be normal with me and Thom. these next hours could prove several things for us. starting with lets take Thom swimming and then go from there. we will hopefully eat when we return. the attendants are already preparing supper. 

you could do nothing except smile. it was already turning into a really steamy vacay. you went to where you saw jared going through your shared suitcase. first chance you got you grabbed your bikini and cover.

you went into the nearby spare room closing the door behind you. you get changed, you could hear Jared ask one of the attendants to take Thom to find him a life jacket from the boat house. then you heard silence. 

then you heard the sound of the door knob turning, you were only half done tying your bikini. when Jared walked in shirtless and wearing his swim trunks. 

Jared: need help?

you froze in place at his words it was like your actions were not your own. it was a few seconds after that you felt his hands around your waist sliding slowly up your back.

Jared: i wish we had this place to ourselves. we would not be leaving that master suite for a while. 

YN: i wish Thom was asleep so i could take away your darkness. 

Jared: so you know what it is...

YN: yes and i need you alone when i take away the darkness, Thom would be in too much danger. dont worry you will be darkness free soon. you will be back in the light and free to live your live happy with me and Thom. im not gonna let this darkness ruin your life any longer. tonight it gets banished.

Jared: just gotta tire Thom out enough that he will sleep tonight. 

YN: well then lets not keep him waiting any longer. 

you and jared walk outside and down the path to the lake. you were amazed at the wonder and beauty before you. bout halfway to the lake, you were pressed against the back side of a nearby tree. Jared’s eyes darkened at the sight of you, the feeling of your body beneath his hands had him hard, you could feel it against your lower back. 

Jared: once Thom is gone to bed, I'm gonna make Jared watch through his own eyes as I fuck you into next week. Jared will never inhabit his body again.

You struggled slightly before speaking.

YN: i address the entity within, who are you?

Jared’s form just smiled evily at you, his hands still freely roaming your body. 

YN: well you should also know that you wont live long enough to fuck me into next week. im gonna expell you from Jared’s body and send you back where you came from. now i command thee for all that light brings give me Jared back immediately.

once you finished speaking Jared’s body fell to his knees, you kneel down to only be hugged by Jared.

Jared: I'm sorry, I'm so sorry

YN: don't worry, just calm down. That demon is gonna be gone when I do the ritual. Take a few moments to breathe, I'm gonna go sit on the dock where the attendant is in the shallows with thom. Just take your time.

You placed a kiss to his cheek, then walked the rest of the way to the lake. Upon arrival at the lake, you watched the attendant and Thom, playing in the shallow water.

Attendant: miss YN. Where is Master Jared?

YN: he will be along shortly he just wanted to check his messages make sure everything is running smoothly.

Attendant: then I shall stay down here with you both till he arrives. How do you like the place Miss?

Yn: it's gorgeous. I love it. I have never been invited to go on any type of vacation. Not even in my own family. So this was a really awesome surprise.

Attendant: that is so sad... Well to many more times like this then. Thom here is a amazing little kiddo, you have been working so hard master Jared just wanted to give you a vacation you wouldn't soon forget.

Thom meanwhile was just enjoying the water, his expression had a huge smile on it. He was wet head to toe and absolutely having fun!

You kept waiting on the dock for Jared to approach and for 10 min he didn't till you, looked and saw his form approach.

you sat on the dock and felt him slide down behind you, his legs are on either side of yours, his arms round your waist. you both sat there enjoying the view while Thom played with the attendant in the water below. neither you nor Jared felt like moving knowing that in a few hours you both would be expelling the demonic force that lay now dormant inside Jared. 

Jared: do you know what is better than sitting here on the dock.

YN: what

Jared: sitting on the dock with you surrounded by nature, this will be the best vacation ever once we get rid of the demon.

~time skip to a few hours later. after some swimming you all went back to the house for dinner. after dinner you guys played a game or 2 with Thom who then went with one of the attendants and had a bath, then it was time to put him to sleep. you and Jared read him a story, then he fell fast asleep. for he truely was tuckered out, you and Jared dismissed the attendants and locked the doors for the evening. you both went to the master suite as we return to the story.~

YN: i need to set something up first can you wait like 5 minutes before you enter the bathroom. oh and dont plan on showering in your trunks, and bring towels with you. i have a feeling like we will need them when we are done. 

Jared: ill see you in there.

you walk towards the bathroom, holding the prayer beeds in one hand and un doing your bikini in the other. you placed the bikini on the ground and set your phone on the counter. 

YN:  Exorcizo te, creatura aquae. In nomine dei patris omnipotentis et in virtute spiritus sancti.

you finished the incantation and placed the rosery on the shower head so it lands in the water. then you took one look out the window and just let the water run over your body. 

Jared walks in with nothing on he places the towels on the counter, you see him out of the corner of your eye.

Yn: join me?

Jared didn't need an invitation he was already climbing in behind you. For he knew that this was the only way to expell the demon.

You turned around and now faced him, you looked up at him holding his gaze you move him round so he is under the water.

His body starts shaking that's when you spoke again.

Yn: please let this work...

You had him lift you up so he was holding you as you slid down onto his cock, and spoke the incantation that hopefully would save his life. In other words bring his light fuller to push away the darkness.

Also there was a Devils trap in the floor where jard was standing you had the attendantz draw one, for the demon to be sent straight back to hell. With a clear voice the following words were spoken by you.

Yn: exorcisomus te, omnis immunus spirits, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursion infernalis adversarri, omnis legio, omnis congregato, insectas diabolicas, ergo dracto malidicte, eclesium secura fascious liberate, te regamous, audinos

At that point black smoke came out of Jared's mouth, and went straight through the floor. When Jared looked at you again his eyes were clear and he leaned you against the wall.

He began thrusting his hard cock in and out of your pussy. It was something that both of you had dreamed about for months.

His hard cock pounding your sensitive tender pussy. With each thrust you climaxed. But it was the kisses that left you both breathless.

The more he thrust the more he came. After 45 minutes and 16 climaxes for the both of you.

Jared set you down, helped you rinse off, both of you getting out after Jared turned off the water, Jared wrapped a towel round you, then he dried himself off.

Jared: thank you. Thank you for saving my life. But where did you learn to do that.

YN: too much research on the paranormal. I knew something was off and when that demon named himself I knew what I had to do. 

Jared: would you consider making your time here a role more permenant than just a nanny?

YN: what kind of role would that be?

you are immediately pickd up and placed on the bed with Jared crawling on top of you. he made love to you for a few moments before just curling up with you in his arms and muttered only 2 words before he crashed.

Jared: marry me

you used voice command to turn out the lights before passing out yourself. when you both woke the next morning with just a sheet covering your still cuddling forms. you blinked a bit before moving a piece of Jared’s hair out of his eyes. 

it was a few moments later that Jared stirred. 

YN: morning handsome.

Jared: that was the best ive slept in years. 

YN: do you remember saying anything after we hit the pillow last night.

Jared twists away from you for a moment and pulls something out of one of the drawers in his nightstand, before coming back to your embrace.

Jared: all this time i felt empty and now i want nothing more than to have you stay permenantly. YN will you partner with me in raising Thom full time, not as a nanny but as a step mom to him. YN i believ i already asked you this but will you marry me?

he reveals a small rose gold band with a 15k diamond in the center surrounded by your birthstone and Jareds birth stone. this made you nod alot, trying to find your voice as the cool metal band slid on your finger. 

YN: yes! yes yes yes!!!! but umm does this mean we dont have to leave this bed right away. 

Jared: i think that can be arranged besides its still early. its only 6am... we are still on work time. 

going back to cuddle mode you admired your new ring as Jared now once more wraped your form in his own, your leg draped over his hip and you guys were basically a free range pretzel. so to speak. it became the start of the life you always wanted something permenant and stable. not loose and ragged. 

goes to show love strikes when you least expect it.

#spnkinkbingo #spnfluffbingo

[kellanswritingblog]

An Important Meeting

Azu organizes a Harrison Campbell book club for her new companions.

Written for day 3 of @azuweek!  Today's prompt was Colors/Campbell: Pinks and brightness; Romantic novels.  I sort of combined the pinks and brightness with the prompt for tomorrow, so today is all about Campbell novels!

AO3 link in the reblogs

“Oh, In the Fires of Fixation!  How do you like it?”

Azu looked up from her novel to address the person who had spoken.

“Barnes?  You… read Harrison Campbell?”

“Of course I do,” he replied, aghast.  “Listen, there’s a lot of downtime on a ship, and I’ve been serving on ships most of my life.  What better to read than some daring romance in a series that has dozens upon dozens of books?”

“Fair enough,” Azu said.  “It was wrong of me to assume otherwise, just because you’ve got the whole swarthy pirate thing going on.”  She smiled.  “I guess I should know not to judge a book by its cover.  But, I’m enjoying it!  It’s a good tale.”

“It’s one of my favorites.  Don’t get Wilde talking about it; he’ll never shut up.”

“Okay, I know I just said something about not judging a book by its cover and how I shouldn’t be surprised at you reading these sorts of novels, but Wilde reads Harrison Campbell?”

Barnes laughed and nodded.  “Oh, boy, does he.”

For a moment, Azu pondered, then suggested, “We should start a Campbell Book Club.  You, me, Wilde, Zolf, and anybody else who enjoys them.”

“I mean, I’d be open to that.  It’s hard when we’re all out on assignment in different places though.”

“At least for while we’re all together, then.”

Barnes gave an affirmative shrug.  “Sure.  Just tell me when.”

“Will do.”

*

Wilde was staring blankly at an unopened folder when Azu knocked on the doorframe to his office.

“Yes, Azu,” he said officially, greeting her as if she hadn’t just seen him totally zoned out.

“I heard you like Harrison Campbell novels,” she began, and he rolled his eyes.

“Yes, what of it?  Zolf and I spent a lot of time together, travelling and adventuring and what-not, so I eventually wound up reading some of the books he insisted on carrying with him at all times.”

“It’s not a bad thing,” Azu exclaimed, waving her hands to bat away any perceived ill-intent.  “Zolf got me into Campbell too, when I was in quarantine.   The first time I was in quarantine…”  She paused, reminiscing, then continued, “I was talking to Barnes, and I thought, since there’s a handful of us here that read Campbell novels, maybe we should set up some sort of book club!  Where we can all talk about our favorite books and characters and how nobody possibly could have predicted the plot twist at the end of Sunlight and Shadow…”

Wilde gasped.   “Having Isabelle be the traitor all along was a masterstroke of genius,” he said matter-of-factly, and Azu couldn’t disagree with him.

“That’s what I mean!  We can all put aside work and fear for a little while, and talk about some fun, exciting romance novels instead.”

After thinking it over, Wilde nodded.  “Where and when?”

“The lounge area, tonight at eight?”

“I’ll be there.”

*

“Zolf?”  Azu peeked her head in the kitchen, where Zolf was covered in flour from a cooking preparation gone wrong.

“What do you want?”  He snapped, then let out a heavy breath.  “Sorry, that was… Anyway, what can I help you with?”  He said more calmly and unantagonistically.

“I was setting up a Harrison Campbell book club,” Azu explained, absentmindedly stacking and putting away clean dishes while she spoke.  “We can all talk over our favorite bits and-”

“Sounds great,” he interrupted.  “Listen, you know I’m not the most talkative dwarf at the best of times, but if you want me to talk about Harrison Campbell, I’m not sure I’ll ever shut up.”

Azu chuckled.  She didn't know if she believed it, but she was definitely sold on the book club plan since she might finally learn more about her curmudgeonly companion.

“We’re meeting in the lounge at eight.”

Zolf stopped in his tracks and looked at her.  “Eight?  How am I supposed to get snacks prepped in only a few hours?”

“You don’t need to make snacks.”

“Of course I do!  I’m going to make all the important snacks in the books; there’s the cucumber sandwiches from Love’s Emboldened Betrayal, those citrus tea cakes… and don’t forget the modified mint julep!”

“There’s going to be four of us?”  Azu added.  “Maybe make only one of those snacks?”

He nodded.  “You’re right.  I’ll make one plot-relevant meal per book club meeting.”

Azu couldn’t help but smile at the idea that this might become a regular thing, a time for them all to put aside their differences and enjoy their favorite books.

“Let me know if you need a hand making anything.”

“Yeah, yeah, alright,” Zolf replied, his head already in a cupboard as he rummaged for the necessary ingredients.

Azu took that as her cue to leave, so she headed on her way to warn Hamid that the lounge would be occupied with talk of his most hated author that evening, and then to gather up the novels Zolf had loaned to her.

*

“Hey, what’s this I hear about a Harrison Campbell book club?”

Azu hadn’t even heard Carter approach, but she spun around to face him.

“We’re having a little gathering to talk over the stories,” she elaborated.

“And you didn’t invite me?  What’s your problem with me?”

“I didn’t know you liked Harrison Campbell!  I didn’t ask either,” she muttered, brow furrowed.  “I should have.  I’m sorry.”

Carter huffed.  “I was interested in Campbell’s work long before he became a world-renowned romance novelist.  Back when he was just getting started.”

“I would love to hear your opinion about some of his older works!”  Azu cried sincerely.  “And how his writing has changed over the years!”

Carter’s eyes scanned Azu’s expression, trying to gauge if she was plotting against him, but then stated, “I’ll be at the club meeting, then.”

“It’s at eight-”

“In the lounge, yeah, I know.”

“See you then?”  Azu called after him as he disappeared down the hall.  She really hoped she and Carter could put aside their distaste for each other during the meeting; she could do so, she believed, but she wasn’t entirely sure about Carter.

*

It was nearly eight o’clock, and Azu was starting to get nervous.  Would this be any fun?  Would the group stop bickering long enough to have an involved conversation?   Would any of them actually show up?

As the clock chimed eight, however, Wilde came sauntering into the room, a stack of his own Campbell novels under his arm.  A few moments later, Barnes and Carter arrived and took their seats.

“Thank you for doing this,” Azu said, beaming.  “I’m glad you all thought this was an alright idea.”

“Thank you, honestly,” Barnes replied.

“You can’t start yet, the snacks aren’t done!”  Zolf exclaimed from the kitchen before bursting out of the door a moment later, a tray of drinks in hand.  “Here, have a drink and wait, I have to finish the decorations.”  Then, he disappeared as abruptly as he arrived.

Wilde took a drink and glanced at it.  “Is this-”

“Jennifer’s favorite mint julep?  It is,” Azu answered, and Wilde chuckled.

“Zolf would, Zolf would,” he murmured before taking the first sip.

The four club members sat quietly if not a little awkwardly while waiting for Zolf to arrive.  Five minutes later, he emerged from the kitchen again, carrying a delicate arrangement of finger sandwiches, each one decorated with a rose on top.  He set them on the table and flopped into a chair.

“Now we can start.”

Azu didn’t know where to begin or how to host something like this, but she didn’t have to worry.  Soon enough Wilde was bringing up his favorite plot points and couples, only for each to be praised or picked apart by one of their companions.  The food and drink were an excellent, delicious bonus, but surrounded by friends, chatting about nothing serious, Azu couldn’t help but smile.  This was what Harrison Campbell novels were really about.

#rusty quill gaming #rqg #Azu rqg #azuweek2020 #I know Zolf is president of the fan club but #that doesn't mean Azu can't start a casual book club #it's what they deserve lol

[dreamcatcherjiah]

Looking at the face of your daughter made everything so much more real. She had just turned four, a few months ago, and she was already growing up so much. Her hair was let loose and spread over the pillow, and her eyes were half-open the light fluttering between her long lashes, as her little chest moved up and down. The extent to which your feelings had grown for the little girl in a few months was unbelievable. You could say, without the shadow of a doubt, that you would do everything in your power, give up your life so that this little girl could have a happy life. Looking at her, your heartbeat accelerated and your breath caught in your throat. Some days, when she showed you a full-toothed grin or told you how she had made uncle Kookie laugh so much he spat milk out of his nose, some tears came to your eyes. How had you managed, being such a plain human being, to be lucky enough to call this marvel your daughter? Yoongs calling her his daughter continuously had done something to you. That word gained a special meaning for the both of you, something so sacred that made the two of you agree to pause anything that could develop between the two if it could affect her.

But now you knew, yours and Yoongi’s relationship was nothing but something the three of you should treasure. You were a little family. Not perfect, but there were endless amounts of love. And at the end of the day, that is what matters.

Seeing Yoonji peacefully sleeping, you kissed her forehead and walked slowly out of the room. Watching her sleep always made you happy, but today there were things you had to attend to. The letter addressed to you and Yoongi as “Kang Yoonji’s parents” sat at your coffee table since you cleaned the leaving room after dinner. The white paper was a stark contrast against the mahogany table Namjoon bought as a housewarming present. If you were to be honest, you weren’t really looking forward to reading that thing. It was written in the all too familiar handwriting of the real parent of your child, and that alone filled you with such anxiety you couldn’t properly function. But you couldn’t put it off any longer. If things went well tomorrow, like Yoongs predicted, Yoonjinnie would be, to all concerned, your daughter. And you could not in good conscience keep ignoring the last thing her father wrote. Just waiting for Yoongi to arrive was excruciating, looking at that envelop and imagining the multitude of things that could be hidden there.

Finally, the lock emitted the beeping sound you knew to be Yoongi pressing the code and it took you less than a second to snatch the envelope from the table and jump into his arms. His shoes were still on his feet when he circled you with his arms.

“I knew it. You’ve been stressing all day about it, haven’t you?” He asked, with his face hidden in the crook of your neck, and his hot breath sent shivers down your spine. His voice, you noticed, sounded tired and resigned. It was then that you realized he had been stressing just as much as you had been.

Without giving you time to think, he kicked off his shoes and, picking you up, took you both to the sofa, sitting you on his lap. You weren’t about to complain, having him near you would make whatever was inside that letter much more bearable. His presence tended to have that effect on you.

“I think we shouldn’t delay this much longer, Yoongs” you said, your voice diminished with the anticipation.

“Yes, love. That would be a good idea…”

However, neither of you moved to open the letter, looking at it the same way the both of you had looked at the adoption paper that day so many months ago. There was anticipation, of course, but also some fear mixed into that pot that were your feelings that night. What could Mr. Kang have had to say to the both of you that hadn’t been said that day at court when the lawyer read his words? You were still expecting someone to knock on your door and tell you the adoption had been all a joke and that your baby girl wasn’t really yours… But that hadn’t happened and your baby girl was secure in her little bed, dreaming away the night, so that couldn’t be it. Looking at Yoongs, his eyes never leaving the letter in your hand, you understood. This was it, again. This was the adoption all over again.  But that’s okay, the three of you were together and that was alright.

Your fingers opened the envelop before your head knew what was going on. From the package fell two small objects and a letter. One of the objects was a small locket with a picture of Yoonjinnie the day she was born with her mother and father, with the inscription FOREVER OUR ANGEL engraved in the silver surface. You couldn’t stop the tears from falling, and Yoongs cleared your cheeks with his rough but gentle hands.

“We’ll keep it for her,” he said “and when she’s old enough, she’ll know how much we all love her. She was lucky enough to have two sets of parents who love her to death, my love.”

The second little object made you cry even harder, you remembered the day that picture had been taken. Yoongs had been complaining that you were spending too much time with the baby, a 13-month-old Yoonji at the time, and refused to leave your apartment until it was time for Mr. Kang to pick his daughter up. When that time had come, Mr. Kang had found the three of you knocked out cold on the sofa, cuddling. Apparently, he had printed the picture and in the back, in his, all familiar handwriting were the words: Mom and Dad loved you from second one, Yoonjinnie. Love them back as much, my little angel.

Your tears were now impossible to stop, and you really weren’t trying anymore. What was happening? It looked as if Mr. Kang had been planning the adoption from the second Yoongs and you had waltzed into his and his daughter’s life. If that was the case, you didn’t really know how that made you feel. How desperate could a man be to do something like this? “Stop over-thinking stuff, Y/N. Just read the letter, please.” His words, tense and curt, brought your attention back to the letter in your hands. You nested your head in Yoongi’s shoulder, and with his warm breathing gracing the top of your head, you began to read the letter out loud.

Dear Min Yoongi and Y/L/N Y/N:

I am aware of how unsettling this letter must seem to you but bear with me a little. Yoonji’s story is not one of happiness, at least it wasn’t until you met her. I am not writing this letter in hopes of provoking pity in you. I have been around you two for only a couple of months and I can certainly say that I have never seen anyone look at her with as much love as you two do. That is why, at risk of having you reject her, I have decided to appoint you her legal guardians in case something happens to me, and I fully intend to prepare the adoption forms as well.

You see, in our family, we are prone to ill health. Yoonji’s mom couldn’t survive giving birth to her, suffering a heart attack. God, this sounds awful and pitiful. How have things come to this? I am just going to tell you, but, you two, don’t you feel pity. What happened, happened, and we the living can do nothing more than move along with life, living it to the full. 

Nearly two years ago, my little sister arrived in my doorstep drenched and with a pregnancy test in hand. She had just gotten a job in a good company and was well on her way for a promotion. Until some imbecile got her pregnant and left. You must understand how a single mother would have been treated if word got out, so we made preparations. We were going to move to the country and pretend Yoonji’s mom was a widow, living with her brother to raise the child. In the end, we didn’t need those preparations at all, because my sister couldn’t go through delivery. Happily, the child did make it. So instead of my sister, I became the widower and registered Yoonji as my daughter. I repeat I am not writing this with the thought of guilt-tripping you into taking care of my niece, nothing further from the truth. 

I could see, from the moment both of you saw Yoonji that you would be what she would need in case I was no longer there. As I said, ill-health runs in the family. The both of you will take care of her, I know it. And once you realize it, you’ll also take care of each other. 

Hoping this never reaches your hands, Kang Taejun. 

You couldn’t believe what you had just read. If it wasn’t because it had been your voice reading it, you would never have guessed this to be the truth.

“He was a fucking nutcase!” Suddenly yelled Yoongi, which startled you into slapping a hand over his mouth.

“You’ll wake up Yoonji, and I doubt you want to explain it to her any time soon, so shut it.”

“Don’t you see what he did there, Y/N? He was trying to avoid prejudice and scrutiny and instead of putting Yoonji up for adoption, he leaves her with two strangers, unmarried and not related to her in any sense?!” Yoongi was getting angrier by the second, and you could see where he was coming from. But in this case, he was not right.

“Yoonji would have never been put up for adoption and you know it. Neither of us would have allowed it, and we would have fought them tooth and nail for that little girl.” You were putting your foot down tonight. You knew, deep down that Yoongi didn’t mean everything that he was saying, but it was out of the love that you felt for him that you wouldn’t let him go any further and say something he would regret. He loved Yoonji with everything he had, from the first second she had looked at him, and you were not gonna let some blind angry feelings break that for him.

“You are still not seeing the point here, Y/N! Okay, so let’s see what happens in a couple of years when Yoonji has to go to school and we have to deal with a pack of entitled vultures, who will make our daughter’s life hell, just because her situation at home is not the normative one. I am not getting shit from anyone, Y/N. NOT WHEN IT COMES TO MY DAUGHTER!”

You didn’t want to yell back, but you couldn’t for the life of you see the problem. It made sense that the two of you weren’t married. You had just started living together after adopting Yoonji and had accepted your liking of each other only recently. You hadn’t even told each other the three-lettered word, aside from Yoongi’s favourite pet name, the word love hadn’t even been mentioned. So what the hell was his problem now?

“We’ll cross that bridge when we have to, Yoongs. Besides, I don’t want to argue tonight. We know now why Mr. Kang did what he did, and that should be enough for now.” Yoongi however, didn’t seem to hear you, too busy mumbling.

“This is NOT how I wanted to do it, Gods Namjoon is going to kill me when he finds out… well, him and the rest, for not being in the fucking loop…” 

“Yoongs…? Are you okay?” You asked unsure. 

Suddenly, he got up from the couch, taking you with him, and putting you back on it once he was standing. He was now towering over you, with his eyebrows in a frown and his dark eyes looking straight through your soul. His hands were balled in fists, and his pulse was beating like crazy in his neck, so much you could see it from your position below him.

“Yoongi, I don’t know why you are so upset about this, but it is completely unreasonable!” You started, trying to calm his breathing down a bit by reaching for his hands and stroking them calmly. That didn’t seem to do the trick, because his pupils dilated so much they nearly ate the iris completely. 

He freed one of his hands from your grip, and with it, removed some stray hairs from your forehead. The look on his face had somehow changed into such an intense look of affection that you felt your heart aching for him. All the confusion, the rage, the fear that you could have seen before if you looked at him in the eyes, were all gone now. Now he was looking at you with such devotion-filled eyes, with his heart open for you, you were missing words to describe it. His eyes spoke volumes while his hand moved from your forehead to your cheek in a feather-like caress, and then to your neck, where it stayed, moving up and down and sending shivers down your spine. When you realized your eyes had closed on their own accord, you opened them again to see Yoongi kneeling in front of you.

“Have I ever told you how deeply I am in love with you?” He asked, bringing surprised tears to your eyes. “I don’t think I have, haven’t I? Well, I am telling you now. I have only told you bits and pieces, in those quiet moments after sex, where you have me at your mercy and I don’t know what I am saying… you must be a sorceress to have coaxed that out of me so easily…” he chuckled to himself. “Ever since Yoonji was very little, seeing you taking care of her made my heart swell so much I sometimes doubted it would keep beating. Soon I started dreaming that someday, even if not with Yoonji as our daughter, I would win your heart and be able to have a family with you, just like we had been doing for the last four years. Fate is funny, you know? I feel terrible somedays because I can’t help but think that if I hadn’t wished so strongly for a family with you and Yoonji, Mr. Kang would still be here. But in those bad days, I come back home, and Yoonji tackles my legs in a hug and tells me her “I LOVE YOU DADDY”, and you smile at me with that face full of happiness, and I regret nothing. I guess what all of this comes to mean is that I really do love you, with all my heart. You have been the love of my life from the moment you entered it and will continue to be it for as long as I live. You are also the mother of my child, the best mother she could have wished for. What I am trying to say in this roundabout, chaotic speech is that, if you’d have me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to raise our daughter together in that normative environment, not because we have to, but because we love each other so much that we cannot be apart. I want to have children with you Y/N. Me, Min Yoongi, because I’ve fallen in love with you and nothing more.”

Through the tears, you saw him pulling a small blue box from his jacket and open it. It contained the most simple and beautiful ring you had ever seen in your life, a thin rose-gold band with a small bow in the middle decorated by a solitary stone. It was so beautiful, and it represented your relationship so well, it made you cry harder. You just hugged him so tight, throwing your arms around his neck, whispering a hundred million little yes in his ear, while he unhooked your arms from him, and put the ring in your finger, kissing your knuckle above it. His eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and the emotion in them told you, not as a revelation but more as a little secret, that yes, this was the man you were going to grow old with.

“Can I hear it once more, my love? Will you marry me?” He asked, his voice now cracked.

“I’ll marry you, I’ll raise Yoonji alongside you, I’ll have children with you, I will grow old with you, and I will love you through it all, my love.” You said, finally connecting your lips with his in a kiss that felt new and sacred, as something neither of you had felt before but a kiss that changed things forever.

🎐Bubbles (Yoongi!Producer x Reader!Writer)

Bubbles Masterlist

Part 18

Plot: Yoongi, a famous music producer, and y/n, a writer, had been neighbors for a couple of months when Yoonji and her dad moved to the apartment in between the two. Due to some unbelievable coincidences, these two weird incompatible people were appointed baby Yoonji’s babysitters. What will they do when something happens to Yoonji’s dad and she’s left alone in the world?

A/n: Wow that was intense!! I sincerely hope that you liked it, and was worth the delay!! If you want to tell me what you thought about it, I would really appreciate it!! And because here in Europe is still October 13th, HAPPY JIMIN DAY  🥺 💖I hope all of you are having a great weekend and I love you all UWU💓💘💝💖💗💞💕

Send me an ask if you want to be added to the tag list.

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Detroit: Become Human

Detroit: Evolution

Reed900

A/N: Oh look, another one! If you scroll aimlessly through @octopunkmedia​‘s page like I tend to, you might have seen the response to a question about Nines and Gavin moving in together. So I decided to run with that idea. Again, this is based on Gavin and Nines from Detroit: Evolution.

Word Count: 3,381 ~~

Gavin dragged himself to work, exhaustion clinging to him. He didn’t get to wake up to Nines bringing him coffee this morning. He knew full well a cup would be sitting on his desk, but it wasn’t exactly the coffee he was focused on. Nines hadn’t stayed at his place last night. He went back to his apartment. And well, to risk sounding like some love-struck teenager, Gavin missed him. He slept better with Nines there. The nightmares never came, he could sleep for more than a few hours at a time. It was true that Nines being in his life greatly reduced the nightmares, he less often felt alone, but having him there at night was even better.

Gavin internally groaned as his thoughts sounded like a child with their first crush. He was 37 for fuck’s sake. Not 13. He walked up to his desk and sure enough there was a steaming cup of coffee waiting for him. Gavin went to grab the coffee and take a drink, hoping it would wake him up. But he got a better wake up call. Nines strode over from where he had been talking to Connor. He pulled Gavin close and kissed him gently. “Good morning, Gavin.”

“Morning, Nines.” He said with a smile.

Nines looked Gavin up and down. Gavin fixed him with a firm look, knowing full well that Nines was scanning him. “You look adequately rested. Though you could’ve gotten more. You’re a few hours shy of your normal amount.”

“Ok, it’s not my ‘normal amount.’ It’s how much sleep I get when you’re there. I sleep better when you’re with me.” Gavin admitted with pink cheeks. He was still working on the whole ‘being vulnerable’ thing.

“Well, I can be at your place tonight.” Nines offered.

“You’d better be.” Gavin ordered playfully.

“I will be. And anytime you ask, I’ll be there.”

—

Gavin impatiently tapped his foot as he stared at the desk across from him. It was empty. It hadn’t been occupied all day. Gavin got here, made his own coffee, and stewed at the fact that Nines went and left him in the dark.

It became worry when Connor asked why Nines hadn’t come in with Gavin that day. Nines spent the night before at his own house. Not with Gavin. So Gavin was in the dark about Nines’ location. As soon as Fowler finished up his meeting, Gavin would ask him about it. He hadn’t gotten any work done yet, he merely worried.

Finally, the officer that Fowler had been shouting out walked out looking throughly scolded. Gavin practically shot up from his chair and ran to Fowler’s office. “Sir?” Gavin asked, not really in the right position to be pissing his boss off.

“What’s wrong Reed?” He asked. Gavin mildly noticed that this might have been the most pleasant conversation he had with his boss since he was hired. When Gavin was just interning, he was overly polite to Fowler. But once hired, Gavin let his facade drop a little as police work began to harden his edges more than they had been. And when Fowler dished out just as much shit, Gavin upped his game.

“Was Nines called to a crime scene today? Or did he call in?” Gavin asked.

“Nope. Is he late?” Fowler asked. “Cause he never has been before.”

“I don’t think he’s capable of being late.” Gavin said with a shrug. “Sir, I’m going to go check on him.” He wasn’t really asking for permission but he was also fairly sure that his boss would let him leave to do this.

Sure enough, Fowler waved him off. “Go ahead. Keep me updated.” Gavin only nodded and rushed out of the room. He made a beeline for Connor’s desk.

“Connor, do you have a key to Nines’ place?” He asked.

“Don’t you?” Connor asked instead.

Gavin grit his teeth. Geez, he really didn’t like this android. It didn’t help that Connor had knocked him out cold in the archive room. “I haven’t been inside his place before so I never asked for a key. But he’s late and I’m…I’m worried about him ok?”

Connor paused for only a moment. Then he pulled a key ring from his pocket. It had three keys on it. His house, Hank’s car, Nines’ house. He slid the key for Nines’ house off the keyring. He handed it over without question. Gavin took it with a polite nod of thanks.

He rushed from the station, to his car, and sped to Nines’ apartment. Gavin was out of his car almost before he turned it off and running to Nines’ apartment door. He knocked on it a few times first. When Nines failed to answer, he grew more panicked. So he used the key Connor gave him and unlocked the place and rushed in.

He honestly stilled a few steps inside. Everything was white with black accents. There was no color or personality here. No knickknacks or pictures. It felt more like a hotel room than a house. Then he shook his head and rushed forward, further in the house. He found Nines laid out on a white leather couch.

His LED was still spinning but stuck on a yellow hue. “Nines!” He shouted and knelt on the floor near the couch and shook Nines. The android in question blearily opened his eyes and blinked at Gavin as he slowly sat up. Gavin assumed that this was a buffering screen looked like on a person.

“Gavin? Why are you here?”

“You were late to work dumbass!” Gavin shouted. He pulled Nines into a crushing hug. “I was fucking worried. What happened?”

Nines furrowed his brow. “I don’t know” He admitted. “I didn’t come out of stasis when I originally planned. Something must be wrong with me. I’ll run a diagnostic.” He went still in Gavin’s arms for a few moments. “I understand now.” He sounded irritated.

“So what’s wrong?”

“A few weeks ago, Connor informed me that someone created a virus that can transmit through androids much like an illness in humans. It emulates the common cold in humans. Grogginess, exhaustion.” Nines got cut off when he coughed a few times, a harsh noise that was filled with static. “And apparently coughing as well.”

“So…you’re sick?” Gavin asked.

“I can’t get sick.” Nines shot back before coughing again.

“You’re sick.” Gavin said. “Just…lay down. I’ll call Fowler and tell him we’re both not coming in.”

“Why are you not going to work?”

“Because you’re sick. And I doubt you know what to do when you’re sick.”

“And you know how to care for a malfunctioning android?”

“Jesus, Nines. You’re sick, not broken. I’m sure you’ll feel fine tomorrow or the next day. And we’ll figure this out together.” Nines huffed but finally complied and laid back on his couch. “Do you have anything besides your normal clothes?” Gavin asked.

“No, I leave the t-shirt and shorts you gave me at your place. I don’t see the reason to change when I’m at my own home.” Nines responded.

“Well, I just figured you’d be more comfortable if you weren’t wearing a button up and dress pants but whatever.” Gavin tried to ignore how uncomfortable Nines’ statement made him. Home was wear you put on your comfortable clothes. You don’t stay dressed for work if you didn’t half to. How was this a home for Nines? Was it a home to him? Or just a place to sit when he wasn’t at work? “Ya know, I’ve never been in your place before.”

“There’s been no reason for you to come in before.”

“Well, we are dating.” Gavin finally decided to sit down. After some maneuvering, Gavin sat on the couch and Nines laid his head in Gavin’s lap. Honestly, Gavin kinda loved it. Nines was usually the composed one providing comfort for Gavin. The roles were switched for once. Gavin didn’t enjoy seeing Nines sick, but he did enjoy providing him comfort.

“Well, you are more at ease in your home. I believe I may be as well.” Nines said, Gavin noticed his voice was getting softer and his eyes kept slipping shut.

“Get some more sleep, Nines.”

“Don’t sleep.” Nines mumbled, still almost asleep.

“Yeah, sure.” Gavin said. He stuck around and helped Nines. He couldn’t get over the sterile feeling of this house though. It was cold, clean, and empty. Nines was right about something, he was far more comfortable at his own house with his stuff and his cat.

—

Gavin made more of a point to come into Nines’ place more. He supposed he hoped that if he came around more, it might feel less awkward. It never got better. It never changed, it never took on a personality that screamed ‘Nines.’ Tina told Gavin not to worry about it. She argued that decor was probably just lost on androids.

Gavin tossed and turned at night, thinking about Nines. His boyfriend was at his own house that night. Gavin knew that Nines was probably just perched on his couch in stasis. At least when he came to Gavin’s he would change his clothes and lay in bed with him.

Gavin tried to clear his head and turned on his side, ready to try and sleep. He managed to fall asleep, but not for long. A nightmare gripped his mind and made him shoot up in bed. It was different than his normal one and he was already struggling to remember it. But he woke up covered in sweat and gasping for breath. He let out a frustrated noise, ran a hand through his hair, and grabbed his phone. He dialed and waited.

“Gavin? Are you alright?” Nines asked after only a few rings.

“I uh…” Why couldn’t he just be fucking vulnerable for once in his life? “I had a nightmare. I uh…I kinda wished you were here.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

“Nines, you don’t have to come.” He tried.

“But I want to, Gavin.” It wasn’t long before Nines was letting himself in with the key he had. He quickly changed and slipped into bed with Gavin. Gavin clung to him, relishing in the feeling of having his boyfriend with him. “You’re alright. You’re fine.”

“Ugh, I wished you had been here earlier. I have a hard time sleeping and I have nightmares more often when you aren’t here.”

“I apologize. I wasn’t aware.” Nines said softly.

“I guess I’ve never actually told you that outright. Nights without you are the worst.”

“I don’t enjoy being away from you for an extended time either.” Gavin couldn’t stop thinking that there’s an easy fix to all this. But he couldn’t bring himself to voice the thought. Was Nines willing to put up with Gavin uninterrupted? He was a fucking mess. Why would anyone be willing to do that? But as Nines ran his fingers through Gavin’s hair, Gavin started to think Nines might actually be willing.

—

Gavin woke up still being held by Nines. The android had a tablet held above him. Gavin glanced at it and saw it was a police report. “Do you ever stop working?” He asked as he snuggled closer. Then he grimaced as he realized he was fucking snuggling with his boyfriend. Thirty-seven year old men don’t snuggle. But it felt so good that he decided not to care for once.

“You should know better than most that I frequently stop working.” Nines replied. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, fucking great actually.” Gavin replied. Then he added, “Thanks for coming over.”

“Of course.” Nines said softly. He put the tablet down and maneuvered to look Gavin in the eye. It was a bit of a feat considering Gavin had been using Nines’ chest as a pillow. “If you ever need me Gavin, I’ll be there for you. I’m not going anywhere remember?”

“Yeah, I know Tin Can.” He leaned up to give Nines a kiss. Nines pulled away far quicker than he’d like.

“But you need to go brush your teeth.” Nines commented.

“Oh fuck you.” But Gavin sat up anyway. He had already slept later than he usually did. He trudged to the bathroom and showered. As he walked out of the bathroom, after brushing his teeth, his phone started ringing. He groaned when a picture of his brother showed up on his screen but answered it. “Hey, Eli.”

Nines emerged from the bedroom, dressed again. But Gavin, still on the phone, furrowed his brow when he realized Nines was not wearing his button up. Instead he was wearing one of Gavin’s long sleeve shirts, the sleeves rolled up. Gavin felt his brain short circuit. Yeah, he’d seen Nines in his jacket before. But not one of his shirts.

“Are you listening, Gavin?” Elijah asked on the other end of the line.

“Yeah, yeah.” Gavin said. In the end, Elijah wanted Gavin to come by his house, which Gavin accepted. He was trying to improve his relationship with others after all. “I’m going to see Elijah.” Gavin announced as he shrugged his jacket on. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Will you still be here when I get back?” Gavin asked.

“Do you want me to be?” Nines asked.

“Yes, you dumbass.” Gavin said softly. Then he intended to give Nines a short kiss. It turned into a much deeper kiss. But neither man complained about it.

—

Gavin actually enjoyed his afternoon spent with Elijah. Things were not great between them, but now were improving. He walked inside and paused for a moment. The apartment was cleaner than before. Gavin toed his shoes off and was about to leave them around the front door in whatever shape they were. But then he realized that all his shoes by the door were lined up nicely. Gavin positioned the ones he took off. Right next to a black pair that he didn’t own but he knew exactly who they belonged to.

Then, as Gavin hung up his coat on coat pegs by the door, he noticed the white leather jacket. Again, he didn’t own a jacket like that but he knew the owner. And it looked like it belonged right where it was. It wasn’t out of place or anything.

“I’m back.” He called. He followed the sounds and found Nines in the kitchen. He seemed to be cooking dinner. “How’d you scrape together enough ingredients to cook with?” Gavin asked.

“I went shopping.” Nines said like it was obvious.

“So you cleaned my apartment and went grocery shopping while I was gone?” Gavin asked.

“Of course.” Nines said. “I wanted to keep busy and it seemed like you hadn’t cleaned in a while. And one look in the fridge showed you were surviving on take-out more often than not.”

“Thanks Nines.” So Gavin decided to try to help Nines cook. However, he wasn’t much help as Nines had the recipe and directions in his brain. Gavin just did what Nines told him to. They had dinner and cleaned up. Nines suggested watching a movie, letting Gavin pick whatever he decided Nines needed to see. “Are you going to stay the night again?”

“Unless you were planning to kick me out, I intended to.” Nines responded. He had his arm flung over Gavin’s shoulder and Gavin was leaning against Nines.

“Ya know Nines…I was thinking.” Nines gave Gavin his full attention, which made this whole thing harder. “We’ve been together for a bit now.”

“Nearly six months.” Nines said, a small smile on his face.

“I was just thinking…maybe, ya know so you’d be here more, maybe you could move in.” Gavin added quickly, “If you want to that is. It’s completely up to you.”

“You want me to move in?” Nines asked, his LED spinning yellow like he couldn’t process it.

“Only if you want to.” Gavin mumbled.

“I do!” Nines said quickly. Nines paused, composing himself. “I mean, I’d like to of course. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t being overwhelming.”

“Oh geez, I didn’t want to come on too strong and freak you out.” Gavin said with a chuckle. “We’re hopeless at this whole communicating thing.”

“I’m sure we’ll get better.” Nines said. “After all, we’ll be spending much more time together.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Gavin joked. Then he thought for a minute. “How come your place was so barren? Like no pictures, items, or anything.”

Nines shrugged a little bit. “At first I didn’t care to decorate. I didn’t see the point of adding stuff to the place I resided.”

“Course you didn’t.” Gavin commented.

“Besides, I didn’t really see it as…a home I suppose. It was merely a place I went outside of work hours. I didn’t do anything there. No reason to cook, the apartment never got dirty so I didn’t need to clean, and I don’t actually sleep.” Gavin felt his heart twist because those were the exact worries he had about Nines’ place.

“By the time I considered even adding anything, I had started spending more time here. I suppose I figured I didn’t need to add stuff to my apartment if I was coming here. And, well a part of me was hopeful that you would finally ask me to move in.” He said, slightly teasing at the end.

“In that case, I have one condition.” Gavin said. Nines actually got worried about what that condition would be, unsure where Gavin was going with this. “When you bring whatever you actually own to move in, you have to bring one thing you want to decorate this place. I want something here that you picked.”

Nines smiled. “I think I can do that. Should I move my stuff this weekend?”

Gavin shrugged. “Sure.”

—

Friday night after work, the boys went separate ways. Nines stopped at a store on the way home. He went in and was out in under ten minutes. Then he went to his apartment. Nines collected his few outfits. That and his tablet were the few things he owned. so he headed to Gavin’s, and now his, place. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

Nines was able to carry the one box he had up to Gavin’s apartment. He knocked though, it was objectively easier to let Gavin open the door than unlock it while balancing the box. Gavin swung it open and quirked a brow. “Is that all you have?”

“We already discussed that I don’t own much.”

“Ah, wait.” Gavin said, blocking the way into the house. “I gave you a condition.”

“And I fulfilled it. The object I have is in this box.” Gavin eyed the box suspiciously but stepped aside to let Nines in.

Nines stepped in and surveyed the room before deciding on the perfect spot for his object. A small cabinet near the window. He set his box on the ground next to it. Gavin watched with a furrowed brow. Gavin had a stereo system taking up most of the space. But Nines just moved it to sit more near one side. Then, he reached down and into the box. He placed a small plant neatly on the cabinet. It was a plant with plenty of stems and leaves, but clearly still a new plant. Potential for growth.

“I asked you to bring something of your own to decorate and you bring a plant?” Gavin asked.

“Well you apartment lacked any.” Nines said. “And I feel like they’re the perfect decoration.”

Gavin shrugged. “Whatever. If that’s what you want, that’s fine then. As long as the cat doesn’t eat it.”

“It’s perfectly safe for felines if they end up eating the leaves.” Nines reassured. “I made certain.”

Gavin studied the table. “I think it’s perfect. Welcome home, Nines.” He said.

Nines couldn’t resist reaching out to cup Gavin’s cheek before kissing him soundly. They unpacked the one box then left it out for the cat to play with. Everyone in the house was content.

And, if over the next few months, the amount of plants throughout the apartment increased, Gavin never once complained. After all, this wasn’t just his house anymore.

#detroit become human #detroit evolution #rk900 #gavin reed #gavin x rk900 #reed900

[crownedbyluke]

Long Road Ahead (Chapter One)

Estelle Finley has been friends with Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings for three years. When the boys bring her along on a jam-packed road trip to Cape Cod with the rest of the band, their adventures are just beginning. Through long hours driving, exploring cities, and hidden secrets, something more is bound to happen on this journey. How will this road trip change Estelle’s friendship with the friends she’s come to love so dearly?

Word Count: 3,480

Masterlist.

Luke’s blue eyes and Ashton’s hazel eyes were staring at me. I was used to their weird looks, but there was something in them I hadn’t seen before.

“Whatever it is, you might as well tell me before your eyes burst out of your heads,” I said while walking over to my desk.

“What are you talking about?” Ashton asked, a hitch in his voice giving him away.

“You both are staring at me, which usually means you have to tell me something. So come on,” I said, looking through some of the papers that were out.

“I told you she’d know,” Luke said making me laugh.

“Ugh fine. Estelle, stop being in teacher mode” Ashton teased making me laugh more.

I raised my hands up in surrender before turning to face them. I met Luke’s eyes and a shiver ran through me. I should have been used to it, but no matter how many times it happened in the three years we’ve been friends, it still took me by surprise.

“We’re going on a road trip and you’re coming with us,” Ashton said taking my eyes off of Luke.

“What? No I’m not,” I said shaking my head.

“Yes you are. You’re coming with us, Mikey, Cal, and Crystal. Oh, and you should really start packing because we leave tomorrow at six in the morning,” Luke said, an unexpected confidence in his tone..

“What? No, you two are kidding,” I argued, not believing them for a second.

They loved playing pranks on me and if this was their latest one, I had every intention of making them regret it.

“We aren’t. Completely serious. No pranks and no jokes,” Ashton said, his eyes lit up.

“For how long?” I asked, turning back to look at my calendar.

As much as I wanted to agree and let them sweep me away, I had lesson plans to prepare.

“Well, it’ll take us fourteen days to get there and then we’ll be at our final destination for three weeks,” Ashton said, moving his fingers as if he was counting midair.

“Es, we’ll get you back in time to prep for school. I promise,” Luke reassured, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders.

There was a calm that came over me with his touch. It made it impossible to not give into them.

“And what am I supposed to pack?” I asked, tilting my head back to look at Luke.

The smile that lit up his face met those ocean eyes and I was sold on whatever we were doing.

“Lots of summer clothes, some swimsuits, but also a couple things that are warmer for nights,” Luke said quietly, his fingers squeezing my shoulders.

“Well if I know where we’re going, I could pack properly,” I said, wiggling my eyebrows at him.

“Nope. That’s a secret. Now, remember what Luke said, but put some nicer clothes in there too,” Ashton said, giving me his thousand watt smile.

I rolled my eyes at him before looking back up at Luke. There was something in his eyes that made me melt into his touch even more.

“Get to packing little dove. We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow,” he said, giving my shoulders another squeeze.

The blush came across my body from the pet name. It didn’t matter how many times he called me that, it still caused the same reaction. Ashton came over and gave me a quick hug. It felt like I was still in a trance when I heard them close my apartment door.

“Shit,” I mumbled before going to my hall closet door.

I pulled out my biggest suitcase and dragged it to my bedroom. The sound of my closet doors echoed against the walls. My wardrobe was still being transitioned to summer, but I had most of what I would need or at least, I hoped. My eyes wandered over the clothes before I pulled out my phone.

E: Crys, what the hell am I supposed to pack?

My fingers ghosted over my favorite white top, fond memories coming to mind. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

C: Plenty of shorts, tees and tanks, at least three swimsuits, some sundresses, some skirts, coverups, sneakers, sandals, and like one hoodie/sweater.

E: Oh my god. I’m guessing you won’t tell me where we’re going either?

C: Nope. Under strict instructions not to.

E: Damn it. Okay. I guess I’ll get packing then.

I sighed before tossing my phone onto my bed. I took the top I had been touching off the hanger and gently placed it on my shoulder.

“Only like forty more to go,” I said, my hands falling to my hips before getting started.

                                                         ➢➢➢

The blaring sound of my alarm woke me from the peaceful slumber I was in. I hit the button and checked the time. The red numbers flashed five in the morning. I pushed myself from my bed and headed to the kitchen. My finger pushed the start button on my espresso machine after placing a mug underneath it. My feet carried me to the bathroom for the shower I desperately needed. After ten minutes, I stepped out and got dressed in my comfy clothes for the drive. I quickly put my hair into a fishtail braid and went back to the kitchen. I added milk and ice to finish my iced mocha. I glanced down to check my watch. 5:20 A.M. I went to the fridge and pulled out the vanilla greek yogurt. After chopping up a banana, I started eating as quickly as I could so I would be ready in time. I checked my watch again. 5:40 A.M. I cleaned my dishes and went to my front door. The suitcase and backpack that I packed last night already by the door. I pulled on my gold sandals and black wide brimmed hat. Just as I was clasping the last sandal, the buzzer sounded.

“Ready Es?” Ashton’s voice crackled over the speaker.

“Yep. Come on up,” I said, finger pressing to let him up.

The sun was starting to peek through the linen curtains. I cracked my door for Ash before walking over my balcony window. I snapped a quick picture, the calm of the view washing over me. There was a part of me that just wished I could stare at the sunrise for an infinite amount of time, before I was brought back to the world around me.

“Let’s go Es,” Ashton said from behind me.

I walked back over to him and grabbed my backpack.

“Still not telling me?” I asked while locking up.

“Nope,” he said, giving me a wink over the shoulder before heading down to the elevator.

We left my apartment building, a gray Range Rover idling by the curb when we walked out. Ashton hauled my suitcase into the back while I opened the door.

“Good morning little dove,” Luke said after I opened the door.

“Good morning giraffe,” I said, crawling in.

I found myself between the window and Luke with Calum on his other side. Ashton climbed into the single seat in the back.

“And we’re off!” Michael cheered from the driver’s seat.

Crystal cheered from the passenger seat to encourage him even though it was early. Her phone was hooked up to the aux, making her the DJ for the first portion of our trip.

“Mike and Crystal are driving until noon, then Cal and Ash will take over for three hours,” Luke said once we pulled away.

He was reading from a notebook that had different times written in it.

“Do I get to do any driving?” I asked, testing him.

His laugh rang in my ears before I saw his smile.

“Maybe later, but you don’t know where we’re going so you’re gonna have to wait,” he said, nudging my shoulder.

I groaned before looking out the window. California was passing by and it was hard to believe that I was really doing this with them. My ears caught the bassline of Move On by Mike Posner. My head bobbed along to the song before Calum and I looked at each other. We moved in sync with the bassline, both of us appreciating it for exactly what it was. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up when Calum tried dancing along. Luke looked at us like we were crazy before joining us in the groove. I caught Ashton filming us and gave him a wink. We laughed once the song was over.

                                                          ➢➢➢

Time was flying by. Luke was driving and I had a sleeping Ashton on my shoulder, Crystal nodding off next to him. I still had no idea where we were headed, but now that it was dark, it was harder to tell anyways. No matter how hard I tried to get it out of everyone, they wouldn’t tell me. I knew we had been driving for awhile, but there was no indication for how much longer we were going to be. I caught Luke’s eye in the rearview mirror. It was simple, but it made everything I was feeling more complicated. I tried ignoring and figuring out how I felt about Luke so many times. Each time, I came up with no concrete answers. What it always came down to was that he was one of my best friends and to jeopardize that because of some feelings wasn’t something I would do. My thoughts faded away when I heard the guitar from I Was Made For Loving You by Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran. My eyes met brown this time, a strange feeling of understanding between me and Calum flooded my senses.

“It’s Crystal’s turn,” Calum said, breaking the moment between us.

Luke nodded.

“Let me find a gas station,” he said, eyes searching the signs to find one.

I adjusted a little so Ashton’s head wasn’t digging into my shoulder.

“Well, Estelle is my co-pilot because you lot keep hogging the passenger seat,” Crystal said, making me laugh.

“Ash,” I whispered, gently squeezing his shoulder.

“Essie?” he asked, eyes still closed.

“I have to get up,” I said, threading my fingers through his hair.

“But you make such a good pillow,” he almost whined.

“I know. You can use my pillow if you want,” I offered, smiling down at him.

There was a fondness I felt for Ash in that moment. He looked so young and stress free when he was asleep. I ran my fingers through his hair one more time. Luke pulled into the gas station parking lot.

“Coffee Es?” Crystal asked while opening the door.

“You know it,” I said, getting out of my seat.

I put my pillow in Ashton’s lap and pressed a quick kiss to his temple. Crystal and I were the only ones that went inside.

“I’m gonna go to the bathroom quick,” I said, heading to the back of the store.

I passed a rack of postcards making me stop instantly. Colorado landscapes and greetings from Colorado were everywhere. I went to the bathroom quick and picked one out. I grabbed a few snacks before heading back to the car. I put the postcard on the dash.

“We’re in Colorado,” I said getting Luke and Crystal’s attention.

“Shit. Okay, yeah,” Luke said, sighing a little now that his surprise was ruined.

“Luke, just tell her,” Crystal said, adjusting the seat a bit.

“Okay okay. Currently, we’re heading to St. Louis,” he said, a hint of relief in his tone.

“And I’m guessing that isn’t our final destination,” I said, taking a sip of the coffee Crystal got me.

“Nope. We’re in St. Louis for two days and then we’re off to Myrtle Beach for three days,” he said trailing off.

It was one of the many things Luke did when he wanted to keep things a surprise that drove me insane.

“Keep going,” I encouraged.

“Then in New York for four days,” he continued, the same trailing off happening.

“And then?” I asked, fully aware that there was more.

“We’re gonna be in Cape Cod for three weeks,” he said.

The excitement rushed through me causing me to turn around to look at Luke.

“You mean my number one place to visit?” I asked, thinking that I was dreaming.

“Yeah,” he said, a smirk on his face.

“Oh my god, Luke, this better not be a prank,” I said, my words coming out fast while I stared at him.

“Not a prank. I promise,” he said, holding out his pinkie.

I linked mine with his, the touch heating my skin. I turned back around, a giant grin on my face.

“DJ, please hit me with some jams,” Crystal joked, aux cord in hand.

“Well of course,” I responded, taking it from her and plugging my phone in.

It took me a moment before I found a song that fit the mood I was in. King Of the Clouds by Panic! At the Disco played through the speakers. I let the song wash over me, the words and vocals taking me away.

“I wanted to tell you when you texted yesterday, but Luke and Ash really wanted it to be a surprise,” Crystal said, bringing me back to reality.

“I’m glad it was a surprise though. It makes it that much better,” I said, unable to stop smiling.

“Look at them,” she whispered, turning the music down.

I looked in the rearview to see all of the boys asleep. Ashton had my pillow pressed against the window in the single seat while Luke, Calum, and Michael were lying on each other, their heads crooked into each other in different ways.

“They’ve gotta be used to sleeping in cars by now,” I said, looking over at her.

“You would think, but I know Mikey still struggles with falling asleep in cars. He always needs adjustment when he comes back,” she said, pushing her hair back.

“So does Luke. He usually stays at mine or makes me stay at his when he gets back because he hates being alone after tours,” I said, a small smile coming across my face.

“You sure that’s not because Luke has a thing for you?” she asked, taking me by surprise.

“What? Luke doesn’t have a thing for me,” I dismissed, waving my hand at her.

My heart had picked up when she said it, but I had to push it away.

“Estelle, you’re joking right? I’ve known that boy for awhile now. I’ve seen him go through love and heartbreak. I know when he’s into someone,” she said, her eyes glancing over at me.

“Crystal, I’m telling you, he isn’t into me. We’re best friends and that’s it. That’s all we are now and all we’re ever going to be,” I said, a hint of frustration in my voice.

I had already convinced myself of this. As much as I wanted to believe Crystal, I couldn’t. That road lead to far more hope and rejection than I was able to handle.

“But the way he looks at you-”

“He looks at me like he’s always looked at me. Besides, if he did, the feelings wouldn’t be mutual,” I lied.

The words felt like they were burning my tongue as I said them. I turned to look out the window, my head full of daydreams that the smallest part of me wished would come true.

                                                        ➢➢➢

“Okay Ash, overnight shift,” Calum said after pulling into a gas station.

Calum’s voice woke me up, causing me to move my head off of Luke’s shoulder.

“Who’s my co-pilot?” he asked while getting out of the car.

“I’ll do it Ash,” I said, tying my hair into a loose bun.

“Essie, you were asleep,” he argued, staring at me.

“I’m awake now. Give me a coffee and I’ll be good,” I said getting out of the car.

“Fine. Let’s go get some snack too. It’s you and me for six hours so we should stock up,” he said, leading me into the gas station.

“I’ll get snacks. You get refreshments,” I said before we high fived and split up.

I grabbed chips, granola bars, some candy, and a couple sandwiches. Ash and I met at the counter, his arms full of drinks. He grabbed plenty of flavored water for me and soda for himself.

“I’m grabbing two coffees quick,” he said to the cashier.

He ran back and gave the short brunette the thousand watt smile. She blushed under his gaze. We took the bags from her and went back to the car.

“You are ridiculous,” I said while we settled in the car.

“I don’t know what you mean,” he laughed.

“Oh please. You flirt with everything that has a pulse,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Excuse you, but that’s Luke. I didn’t mean to flirt with her, but she was cute,” Ashton said, laughing again before pulling away from the gas station.

“You’re right, Luke does do that a lot,” I said, picking up my phone.

“Is that some jealousy I’m hearing?” he teased.

“No,” I said, hitting play on Nintendo Game by Alessia Cara.

“I’m kidding Essie,” he said.

“Yeah I know. Why did you guys pick Cape Cod?” I asked, taking the subject off me and Luke.

I opened a bag of cheddar sour cream chips and took a sip of the coffee Ashton got me. The bittersweetness ran over my tongue, just the way I liked it. Ashton always made sure the coffee he got me tasted just right.

“Well, I was personally tired of the same California beaches every summer and Cal wanted some place that was warm, but still pretty chill. Luke pitched Cape Cod and we all agreed,” he said with a shrug.

He made it sound so simple and easy, like it was just a walk in the park for them. Then again, the boys were always like this and it was always an adjustment at first, but I had found myself getting used to it.

“Who’s idea was it to bring me?” I asked, quickly eating a chip so he wouldn’t sense the nerves I had about the situation.

“Luke’s. He remembered how badly you wanted to go,” Ashton said like it was obvious.

“Yeah. It’s been my number one since high school,” I said quietly.

“I don’t get why you never went,” he said, taking a swig of his cream soda.

“My parents never wanted to and then during college, I just never got the chance or there wasn’t time. Now, yeah my career allows for vacation, but I didn’t think anyone would want to go,” I said shrugging it off.

“Well now you got us,” Ashton said giving me a smile.

“Yeah I do,” I said returning the smile.

                                                          ➢➢➢

“Ash, your shift is over. You two need some sleep,” Luke called from the back.

Ashton got off at the next exit. Despite my best efforts, I was exhausted. I climbed into the middle seat while Luke and Crystal took over. Ashton climbed in next to me.

“Get some sleep Essie,” he whispered before pressing a kiss to my temple.

I adjusted slightly until my head was on Ashton’s shoulder. A nudging woke me up a few hours later. I slowly sat up, my eyes adjusting to the new light.

“Welcome to St. Louis little dove,” Luke said, our eyes meeting in the rearview yet again.

I looked out the window immediately. A gasp escaped my mouth as I took in the view. There was water shining in the sun and the big arch took over the sky. Brick buildings and greenery were everywhere. It was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen. Luke parked in front of a brick building with two arches framing the doors.

“We’re here,” he said, eyes gleaming as he looked at the building.

“This is where we’re staying?” I asked while following everyone else’s lead at getting out.

“Yeah,” Ashton said handing me my suitcase.

We walked into the condo, the white walls taking me by surprise.

“Luke and I will take the double beds,” Ashton said.

I stopped in front of a single room with a gorgeous view of the city. I could see the water from the window and there was something about the way the arch was reflecting on it that made me smile.

“Estelle’s got this one!” Luke called after following Ashton.

I slowly walked into it, my breath gone again.

“Well, I guess this is real now,” I whispered, my fingers ghosting over the soft bed sheets.

It had felt like a dream until this moment, but everything about it still felt like I needed to be pinched. If it was all a dream, I never wanted to wake up.

Let me know if you want more and want to be added to the taglist. 

taglist loves: @thruheavenandhighwater @notoriouslyhood @24kcalum @bbycal @cashton-queen @thebookamongmen @tommossoccer @slimthicccal @a-little-international @irwinsx

#d writes #luke hemmings #luke hemmings fic #luke hemmings 5sos #ashton irwin #ashton irwin fic #ashton irwin 5sos #5sos #5sos fic #5sos fanfic #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fic #calum hood #michael clifford

[sky-writes-daydreams]

Fictober Day 19

Yes I know! I’m late again. Family came in and gave me no time to write. So We’ve got a treat today! Two fics for the price of Three prompts!

Prompt number: 19

Fandom (AU if applicable): Uta No Prince Sama

Rating: G

Warnings/Tags: Mild cussing, A lot of fluff, Camus, Oc/ Reader

I had to help. I couldn't stand to see her like this. A normally clean room was now trashed. Fabric covered every surface and needles were in the wall. Sky was kneeling focused before kicking the stand away growling.

"Fuck this!!!" I sighed then before stepping in and getting her shoulders. God she was tense. Barely even eight am and she's already a mess.

"Come on."

"No. This is due tomorrow!"

"Tell them there's no way."

"Camus I can't!!! I've already had an extension!!"

"And you'll get another."

"Says who?"

"The one who will be wearing it." She rolled her eyes then and got free from my hands. She rose quickly taking off her needle holder and the measuring tape.

"Cam… this and three other pieces are due in the next week. I don't have time to take a break! I need to focus!"

"And yet you've pricked yourself how many times? And isn't your machine jammed?"

"Hence why I'm sewing it by hand." I pulled out my phone then.

"Then I'll make this easier on you."

"Who the hell are you calling?" I smiled then as I hit the number. She came over but I held out a hand.

"Camus. What's going on?"

"Your fashion designer. Her machine jammed and won't be fixed for another two days. She's been hand sewing for twelve hours."

"What!? SKY ARE YOU THERE!? ITS DAVID!" I put it on speaker then.

"He's holding me back so yes!"

"Why didn't you call sooner!?"

"Because I had it! He's been overprotective!"

"For a reason. No. Nat can do the cape. You've got to machine dew that material. It'll slide too much in a hand!"

"Yeah I noticed…. Fine. But the others…"

"Got pushed back. Take a damn break. I see you in the office tomorrow I will send you straight home."

"David!"

"You heard me. Now I've got to go." He hung up and I saw the shock in her eyes.

"You did not just do that."

"I believe I just did. Now do me a favor. Get dressed. I need help out in town today."

"Yeah ok…. Fine." She huffed a bit then brushing back her hair.

"You didn't have to do that."

"It's eight am, you're bleeding and screaming curses. Yes I did." I kissed her head then.

"My shower. Then we leave and get breakfast. I know a spot."

"Oh? And what about this favor?"

"After breakfast." She just laughed then and got some clothes before following me back to my room. I'd make sure her room got cleaned before she came back. I didn't want her to think about work at all today.

God what game did he think he was playing? That was a mean trick. Needed… but still mean. At least I got to see him. That's the important part. Going on two weeks without us spending any time together. I had honestly missed him. I walked out of his bathroom to find him on the phone.

"He does? Oh dear…. Yes I had planned on it anyway. Yes that's perfect. I'll be there around noon? Excellent. See you then." He hung up then and smiled.  

"What's that smile about?"

"Hm? Just checking in on something. You'll find out soon. You ready?" I nodded sitting down in his favorite chair to pull my boots on.

"Yeah. Whats on the agenda?"

"Brunch. Then I've got a fitting for a new suit. It's casual wear so don't." I went to pout at him but he had that look. I huffed a bit then and nodded.

"Fair. Then?"

"Walk in the park. Why not? It's a gorgeous day. Plus I need to get my boy out." I stopped then.

"Your boy…?"

"Yes?"  I glanced to his desk then. I had a feeling who he was talking about. In the photo he always kept there of his queen, there was a gorgeous puppy on her knee. He had once told me his name was Alexander.

"Alex?"

"Alexander yes. Why?"

"... you're going to let me meet your puppy?" I looked up at him then. Camus was confused.

"Why not? I meant to have done it sooner but he fell ill. He's much better now…. You do like dogs right?"

"Like dogs?" I got up then and just beamed.

"I LOVE PUPPIES!" Camus laughed then and got my hand.

"Come then. Maybe meeting mine will help you relax." I nodded then wrapping my arm around his. He let me willingly as we headed out.

Brunch was honestly a lot of fun. I had never been to this cafe but the staff was kind and easily helped us find something to fit our cravings. He even got me a mimosa which was amazing. I could feel the knot in my chest relaxing the longer we sat there laughing and talking. He was perfectly relaxed and even gave a few young girls smiles as they glances over. He never did hide his appearance when out in town so everyone knew he was a member of Quartet Night. We kept it calm but he didn't hide us holding hands or him opening doors for me or pulling out my chair.

The fitting afterwards was at a small store. One you'd have to have a reservation to get into. They welcomed camus like an old friend and ushered us in. He was completely relaxed just talking with them all. I was gazing around seeing how many beautiful outfits were around. One caught my eye. Black skinny jeans, with a tight shirt with ripped shoulders with an ice blue heart in the middle. A leather jacket covered it all with a matching purse.

"You see something you like?" I jumped and looked up. Camus was giving me a questioning look but soon saw it.

"Oh… it's your style."

"Yes it kind of is." I smiled then.

"But we're here for you. Not me."

"On the contrary." I don't even get to give him an odd look before a lady is ushering me into a separate room. I can hear Camus chuckling before the door closed.

I wanted to surprise her. I could tell by looking at all of her closet, she had never had a tailored outfit to her body type. Well I wanted to fix that. She had done so much for me when it came to making me stage outfits and such. I let them do what they needed with me. I didn't fuss or argue, only offered suggestions on where a bit more space would be nice. They listened and soon had my order in. I went and sat by the window humming just watching and waiting.  

Thirty minutes later, she came out. Hair tousled gently with light lip gloss as well, she was wearing the outfit we saw. Her boots matched perfectly and had even been shined. She leaned on the doorframe watching me smirking.

"So did you do this on purpose or spur of the moment?"

"On purpose. How does it feel?" She walked forward then and took a deep breath.

"It's weird… it fits. Like it's not too tight but it fits." She went in front of a mirror and checked out the side profile. Every curve she hid was there and I had to avert my eyes. I couldn't let her see me blush like that.

"I might need some more jeans like this… she gave me real pockets! Like my phone fits in these cam!" She turned then and showed me. I laughed a bit as she kept sliding it in and out.

"Damn… ya know I might need to do this to all my jeans."

"Wouldn't be a bad idea. You carry a lot of things after all." She shrugged then as I shook my head. She was a wonder, that was for sure. The owner came out then with a smile and my new coat. Only a minor altercation was needed.

"Try this on sir…. Oh my… is this your beauty?"

"Yes. Care to add hers on mine?"  Sky stopped then.

"What?" I smiled then as he walked away to do so as I slid on my new coat. I went up to her and gave her a gentle kiss.

"You look this good and you think I'd let you leave here without it?" She made a small sound then before kissing me back. I just smiled and let her. They had my information on file after all.

He was such a wonder. A tailored outfit. Just for me. I couldn't believe it. Yet here I was, wearing such a thing. She had even offered to change the heart color but I wouldn't let her. The blue matched camus's colors perfectly. Even now sitting down, it wasn't too tight or anything. Wrinkles didn't stay and the pants didn't ride up. I didn't even need a belt anymore. It was on more for style than purpose. Soon tho, we were at his apartment. I had been here before to drop something off but I never went in. I had just met him at the door before leaving. This time I got to come in.

"Don't worry about shoes, we'll be leaving soon." I nodded as I came in. It was all simple decoration but what I did see spoke of softness. A lot of icy blues and silvers on a dark grey couch. Colors of home I guess. Then I heard the claws on the floor.

"Alexander stop!" A white blur came out of a back room and tackled camus making him laugh. A young man stumbled out of the hall panting.

"Sorry sir!"

"Nonsense. He knew I was home. Didn't you boy?" This dog was big. On his back legs, he reached all the way to camus's chest! He was smiling like a goofball tho before sitting down. Camus knelt and rubbed his chin.

"You have been a good boy Alexander? Hm?" He whined then and almost seemed to nod. Camus nodded then and looked back.

"Come say hi." I stepped forward then and knelt next to camus offering my hand.

"Hi alexander…" He gave me a curious look before coming up and kissing my cheek. I yelped then before giggling and petting him.

"Oh god you're soft…. Such a soft baby…" Alex whined then and sat down nudging me for scratches on his head. I scratched him gently smiling.

"Such a baby…. Oh cam…" I moved closer then as he laid over so I can rub his belly. I laughed and did so happily.

"Dear lord, he likes you."

"Yeah. That's a big deal?" The young man standing in the hall chuckled then.

"Took me three weeks before he would let me rub his belly. He lets some of the band members pet him but nothing like this." I looked down at the dog and he just gave me a look of pure love. I sighed then.

"Maybe he just knows who to trust… dogs judge people on who treats their owner well as well." Camus chuckled then and kisses my head.

"Sounds like he knows how much I love you then. So… shall we go for a walk? That way you can see how he really is." Alex perked up then and soon ran to the door and nosed his leash. I laughed then getting up and got it free for him and locked it on his collar. He was wagging like mad with such a big smile.  Camus was a bit behind us but soon we were on our way to the park.

Alex was a dream. He was so well behaved. Even when a squirrel ran across the path, he just sniffed at it and kept walking. Sunset was slowing coming but we hardly noticed. We were just enjoying hanging out. Alex joined in sometimes with a bark or a small woof making us laugh before I leaned down to pet him. I could hardly remember why my shoulders and my chest had been hurting before today. The pricks on my fingers didn't even hurt anymore.

We stopped for ice cream right as the sun hit the horizon and got a few more laughs in as he tried to give me a spoonful or two. Alex had a pup cup and soon was dozing at our feet once his was gone. Sitting on a bench just watching the leaves dance in the wind, I couldn't help but hold Camus's hand and relax.

"Alright… I'll admit it…. You were right."

"Huh?" I smiled then.

"I did need this day off." He chuckled then.

"I know. Plus… I know dogs help at any point. I wish he could stay with us at the dorm.. but Shining said no." I pouted a bit then.

"Damn…. That would be awesome. I love dogs… and he's so well behaved!"

"I made sure he would be…. I love him so much… he's so smart as well."

"I've noticed. He listens very well." Alex looked up a bit then and I smiled at him.

"Yes you, you big pretty baby." He whined then moving closer before laying his head on my foot. I leaned down to pet him happily. Camus chuckled and did the same.

"We wore him out… better head home." I pouted then and Camus shook his head.

"I never said we were going back to shining. We have a weekend off for a reason." I perked up then and smiled.

"Does he cuddle?"

"As much as I do." I beamed then getting up. Alex followed and we headed home. I couldn't wait to be in the middle of that.

We had barely been home an hour. Sitting on the couch in pajamas, Her on my side and Alexander curled up by her feet. Her arm wrapped around mine with her eyes closed. An old show played on the tv giving a small amount of background noise as I got my phone out and got a quick photo. It was so rare to see her looking this peaceful. Alex looked up after the photo and I smiled.

"I'm glad you like her too boy." He whined then and nuzzled in. I just chuckled before sending it to the boys. I'd see their reactions in the morning. For now, I was just glad to stay here with my own little family.

#fictober19 #camus (utapri) #utapri #sky writes

[javathewildone]

Ty Chronicles - A Walk to Remember (Pt. 12)

Summary: Meghan Donovan is a girl no one pays attention to until the day Ty Borden discovers something about her that so closely relates to his own life he finds himself becoming attached to her. But the closer he gets, the worse things become. And no one makes it through unscathed. The first installment of the Ty Chronicles saga. Set pre-Heartland/pre-juvie/pre-group home. Told in first-person through Ty’s point of view. Rating: M for adult themes Author’s Notes: Y’all better hang tight. This is taking a darker turn than I anticipated. Trigger Warning: adult content including prostitution Parts: P | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8  | 9 | 10 | 11

The first week of summer was agony. I spent most of the nights staring at the ceiling resisting the urge to sneak out to the fort. I once even entertained the idea of going straight to Meghan's house and scaling the drain pipe to her window. The fact that I didn't know which room was hers was a secondary deterrent. The primary being caught at the losing end of a shotgun when her crazy stepfather decided to make good on his promise.

One of my biggest faults was spitefully doing the opposite of what I am told. On the other hand, when I make a promise, I generally keep it. So promising Meghan that I wouldn't pursue her over the summer because she made me do so was tearing me apart. I coped by pounding the pavement in search of a summer job. My previous employer who used to pay me under the table was no longer in business. Rumor was he got caught for tax evasion and disappeared. Any other place I tried was too law-abiding to hire a minor not yet old enough for even a work permit. Those that were usually delved into some shady black market dealings that, while catered to my qualifications, weren't necessarily smart options. There was no telling how the summer was going to go. I could wake up tomorrow and my mother could finally come to her senses about leaving Wade for good and we'd pack the car and be halfway to Ottawa by dark. That was something I wouldn't be able to control. But if I could keep my nose clean this summer and try for honest work, maybe come next school year I will have acquired enough discipline to put forth a real effort. A long shot, but still an achievable goal. Assuming, that is, I could actually find a job.

Dusk after another fruitless day found me climbing the ladder of the water tower, a pint of whiskey I swiped from inside my mom's nightstand in my back pocket. I settled on the catwalk, legs dangling over the edge to watch the sun set behind the Vancouver skyline. Plucking the bottle from my pants, I took a sip, savoring the heat that slid down my throat to settle in my stomach. Draping my arms over the railing, I stared at the amber liquid in my hand. Little more than half the bottle remained. Was this the night I finally broke down and got drunk to ease my pain? Would I black out and find myself in the vacant lot anyway? Or hammering on Meghan's door in a bold gesture of unadulterated stupidity? Maybe I would just mope home and pick a fight with Wade. Or curl up there on the catwalk and sleep until morning. Either option was viable. After a second swallow, as I felt the warmth spread through my limbs, I reached out and tipped the bottle to drain it of its contents. I couldn't risk my liquor addled mind making bad choices without my knowledge.

"Dude!" An incredulous yell had me peering down.

Seth stood gaping at the small puddle, looking up when I stopped wasting perfectly good liquor. He shook his head, hoisting a brown bag in offer. "No worries, I've got more."

"Great," I mumbled, twisting the cap back on the single swallow that remained of my own bottle while Seth climbed up to join me.

I hadn't been in contact with any of the guys since the end of school. We usually had a standing tower date a few times a week but this was the first night in some time I bothered to come by. I hadn't been in the mood to bullshit around their prying. We weren't the kind of friends that sought, or even offered, relationship advice. We were the kind of friends that used each other as sounding boards about our wretched lives like an AA support group, except alcohol was mandatory. For the last several weeks, I instead spent that time with Meghan.

Seth reached the top and slid into the space next to me. "I thought I was going to be up here by myself tonight. At least now if I fall, someone will be here to find my body."

"That's not funny, Seth," I shook my head, realizing for the first time how morbid we could all sometimes be. None of us really believed we were going to make it far into adulthood, if we got there at all. If we did, we'd be spending it behind bars for one reason or another. So our philosophy was to enjoy our free time while we still had it.

"Yeah, well…" he shrugged and drank from his paper bag, wiping his arm across his mouth. "Donovan finally get smart and give you the heave-ho?"

"In a manner of speaking." I twisted my bottle between my fingers, not really wanting to talk about Meghan. "Where's everyone?"

"Tommy got picked up by the cops trying to use his fake ID at that liquor store on Vine. Told him the old coot was getting suspicious but does he listen to me? Of course not." Seth shook his head. "And Jase is in Banff again for the rest of the week. His sister just popped out another kid."

"What is that, three now?"

"Four, I think."

I chuckled, gazing out at the view. We settled into a companionable silence for a time. Unlike Jason, Seth wasn't much for chatter. And unlike Tommy, he didn't have a taste for gossip which meant he wouldn't press about Meghan unless I brought it up.

I felt the shift in atmosphere when Seth eventually turned to me. I could feel it radiating off of him like a rank sweat.

"What?" I asked without looking at him.

"Tommy didn't think we should tell you but…"

I looked at my friend, the indecision and unease in his eyes. "Tell me what?"

Seth took another drink for courage. "We saw Meghan."

"How was she? Where?" He now had my absolute attention, which made him shift uneasily and drink again, which made me uneasy in turn while he purposely took his sweet time.

Scowling, I reached out to snatch the bottle from his hand. "Hey!"

"Spit it out or I'll drop it," I threatened, holding my arm out over the edge. Seth eyed it thoughtfully, deciding whether my wrath was worth losing his buzz.

Finally he sighed. "On the Eastside."

My stomach dropped.

"She was getting out of this big black Cadillac. She…" Seth swallowed, looking to the bottle I still held over open air. "She looked pretty banged up."

"When was this?" I could feel my mind starting to peel apart in layers, shredding through emotions.

"The other night. Around two in the morning. When we realized it was her we hung around for a little reconnaissance. Another girl told us she'd been around every night for the last week. Dex - her stepfather, I guess - they said he usually dropped her off the same time every night. Some nights she'd be out until dawn, others he'd pick her up if he found the right client."

The liquor I drank burned as it began to come back up. I swallowed hard. "So she is working for him," I whispered in disbelief.

"Just started, from what we gathered."

I handed Seth back his bottle and got clumsily to my feet, feeling ill. Was that why Meghan was so persistent about keeping my distance through the summer? Had she known what she was going to be forced into? Maybe she had been trying to save me from myself, knowing what I would do if I knew. Well, we were all about to find out.

"Where are you going?"

"To the Eastside."

"Are you crazy?!" Seth jumped up. "Pimps linger to keep an eye on their assets. You said Dex caught you outside his house. If he catches you out there looking for Meghan, you're a dead man."

"I appreciate the concern." Though I didn't care and continued my way toward the ladder. It was hardly nightfall, but if I got to the Eastside before Meghan was dropped off there was less chance of her stepfather, so-called Dex, seeing me saunter in when I could already be there, blending in and laying in wait. Anyway, I wanted to do reconnaissance of my own. I trusted what my friends heard and saw, but wanted first hand confirmation and other questions answered.

"At least let me come with you to watch your back."

"I can take care of myself. Stay here." I hoped the remaining two feet from the end of the ladder to the ground.

"I don't doubt it, but what about her? If you get caught what do you think is going to happen to her?"

I stopped. Seth made a valid point. The last time I was stupid enough to be seen, Meghan was put under house arrest. Anyway, I wasn't stupid enough to think that as soon as I found her I would be concerned with who else may or may not be in the shadows watching.

Seth dropped down behind me. "Also, I know exactly where she'll be."

Heaving a sigh, I turned around to face his sly grin. "Fine. Lead on."

"She really got to you." Seth broke the silence after we entered city limits. It wasn't a question but an observation.

I didn't answer, too lost in my own thoughts of what I would say when we found Meghan. Or what I would do if she ended up not being there at all that night.

"So, what are you planning to do?"Seth went on. "Steal her away and start a new life together somewhere?"

"Huh?" I finally acknowledged my friend was even trying to speak to me. "Uh, I don't- no. I mean, I've thought about it. We even talked once about just living in this old tree house together. But, obviously that wouldn't realistically work out. I just… I want to make sure she's all right."

"She's being sold to the highest bidder by her own stepfather," Seth stated rather bluntly. "I very much doubt she's 'all right.'" He frowned, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as we walked. "Man, isn't that some shit, though? I mean, we've all been through a lot of shit but that's… that's just a whole new level of fucked up."

"Believe me, I know." It killed me inside to know that poor girl was being used and abused and I could do nothing about it. That I spent so long asking what I did to deserve the hell of a life I had that I didn't even consider there were people out there in worse situations that were even less deserving of them. Learning about Meghan's life made me see mine in an entirely new light.

"Hang on," Seth said, making a sudden detour into a convenience store. I lingered outside impatiently until he returned with a grocery bag.

"What is that for?"

"Trust me." Slinging the bag over his shoulder, we carried on.

It was full dark by the time we made it to the red-light district, but not yet so late that the night prowlers emerged from their caves. This was a part of the city I set foot in only once before and even then it made me feel unsettled. This was a dangerous part of Vancouver where law and order became a morally grey area. Where every reputable looking business was a front for something more profitable and genuinely sinister.

"Do you get the feeling we're being watched?" A chill rattled down my spine as I did a quick sweep around us.

"Probably because we are." Seth gestured to a pawn shop across the street with a subtle tilt of his head. The only indication of life was the glowing end of a cigarette as a man leaned against the front of the closed building.

I watched the figure from the corner of my eye as we continued on by knowing he was just one of many. Dread seeped through my veins at the thought of Meghan out here on these streets.

A few blocks later we stumbled upon the heart of the Eastside and what I always expected the most immoral area of the city to look like. Strip clubs, bars, and adult shops lit up in blazing red neon. Signs flashed "nude" "live sex" "erotic" enticing patrons into their dark interiors where anonymity was the highest form of trade. Through open doors I caught glimpses of girls swinging on poles and dancing in window displays wearing nothing but lacey lingerie. The male part of me involuntarily awakened from the sheer insinuation that blanketed this part of town. It was heavy in the air and impossible to ignore. Shamed as I felt, I realized that was the intention. Otherwise, this bawdy area of the city would cease to exist.

"Little young to be hanging around here." A voice came from above, causing Seth and I to pause and glance up. A woman leaned over a fire escape wrapped in a silk robe, pulling on a cigarette. Her hair fell around her face in wild waves, casting it in shadow as she gazed down at us, turning a matchbook in her fingers.

"We're looking for someone," I said, receiving a jab in side from Seth. I shot him a testing look.

The woman chuckled. "Take it from me, darling, you won't find them here." She bent a delicate, bare, leg back lazily.

"Yes ma'am. You have a good night now," Seth said hurridly. In my shock at his politeness, I didn't protest as he grabbed my jacket to drag me further down the street.

"What was that about?"

"Don't engage unless you're willing to pay. We don't need some 'roid-rager coming down to knock out our teeth."

Too stunned by Seth's unsettling knowledge of this area of town, I didn't argue and merely allowed him to guide me, now rather relieved I allowed him to come along. Who knew what sort of scuffle I would have gotten myself into trying to weasel scraps of information from anyone I met in hopes they knew enough about Meghan to be useful. Oddly enough, it turned out Seth was a much better bet.

"Exactly how much reconnaissance did you and Tommy do when you were here?"

"Enough to be worth it. Here." Having dug into his bag he produced a carton of cigarettes, opening the pack and handing me one. We lit up and continued our stroll. While I didn't think we had any real destination, Seth casually directed our path until we were just a couple of blocks beyond the red light limits.

"Spare a smoke?" A woman leaning against a street lamp, one shoe off in her hand as she massaged her foot, nodded toward us. She was a pretty brunette, not lithe and sexual like the blonde on the balcony, but a humble beauty encased in soft curves.

Seth didn't utter a word as he reached into his pocket for the carton.

"She's not here," the woman murmured, returning her shoe to her foot and standing up again to take a cigarette.

I was startled to realize she and Seth knew each other. Perhaps this was one of the women he and Tommy spoke to the last time they were here. I bit my tongue to keep from jumping at her with a ton of questions. Also because Seth shot me a warning look to be quiet.

"Was she?" Seth asked, taking his time to dig for a lighter.

"No. But her handler was just a few minutes ago." The woman put the cigarette between her lips and leaned in to the open flame in Seth's hand. Her eyes, rimmed with dark eye shadow flickered up to my friend's face. The smoldering look in them made me look away, feeling as if I was intruding on a private moment. What were my friends doing in this area of town, exactly?

The moment gone, she stood erect and blew a stream of smoke into the air. "It's early. I'll bargain he'll be back with her in a few hours."

Seth nodded. "We'll be back."

She studied him with a faint smile. "Bring your wallet so we can finish what we started."

"One for later?" Seth offered her the pack of cigarettes, ignoring the invitation.

She extracted a second one and nodded, throwing a glance my direction. "Sixth and Temple."

And we continued walking, me frustrated and confused, as Seth steered us to the next street.

"Okay, what the hell was that about? Who was she?"

"Maisie. Not sure if that's her real name, but that's what she told me to call her. She's the one we talked to last time we were here. It took a while to… convince her to open up about Meghan." I could have sworn Seth's face flushed. If it weren't so dark I'd have bet on it.

"Convince her how?"

"Well, now that is none of your business. The point is, she knows your girl and agreed to help us." Dropping his butt to the ground, Seth stomped it out.

"Sixth and Temple?"

"Our rendezvous. You gonna finish that?"

I handed over my half-finished cigarette, somewhat awed. "You would make a great Jason Bourne."

Seth took a long toke, dramatically tilting his head to exhale. "Don't I know it."

#heartland #fanfiction #ty chronicles #a walk to remember #ty borden #oc: seth #trigger warning

[iliketowrite1996]

Suits and Secret Moments part 11 of 13

The series is beginning to wind down a bit! I have at least 2 (maybe 3) parts after this. So, within the enxt two or three weeks this will be done!

Once again, thanks to everyone who has read it and those who have been messaging with me back and forth as I decided what direction to take this story in!I know how it will end and you’ve all helped me bridge the chapters together. 

Trigger warning and themes- lies, betrayal, heartbreak, manipulation, violence

There are moments in life where you have to make decisions that could make your life take a completely different route. For example- that day that T’Chaka Udaku himself dame to talk t to your high school class, you abandoned all thoughts of whatever you were originally going to college for in favor of a major that would get you hired at his company.

You hasn’t necessarily planned on having kids. At least not yet. But you found yourself pregnant and you’re patiently awaiting the arrival of your child, a mixture of apprehension and excitement swirling inside of your stomach every time you feel the child move.

You never planned on hurting Erik. In fact you took every precaution to reassure that you didn’t. You and T’Challa cut contact unless you were both hanging out with Erik. You reassured him that even though you did not fall as quickly as he did, you still feel something special with him. You love him and you took every measure to make him feel though.

Your downfall, though… your downfall was not meeting up with Onika, but not telling Erik that you did so.

He makes that evident as you have your first real fight, voices hushed and heated, like a flame: harmless when contained but deadly if not monitored closely.

“ I can’t believe not that you not only met up with my ex, but you didn’t even have the decency to tell me?,” he hisses.

It’s been three weeks since that day. Erik ended up picking Darion up from school, and Onika happened to be on parking lot duty today.

The truth came out and here you are five hours later, Erik confronting you about it. He’s mad but it’s not the mad where he was when he found out that Darion got hit at school and the playground attendant did nothing about it. It’s quiet. Angry. Contained.

He’s holding back his anger, and it’s worse because you’d rather him get it out so you can move on.

“I promised her!”

“You’re committed to me, “ he snaps ,”Not Onika. I should’ve known that Darion’s mother is working at his school and you know that.”

You do know that. In hindsight, maybe it wasn’t for the best to keep that from Erik. You were trying to do the right thing though and you truly thought that you were.

“Erik! I’m sorry,” you take his hand in yours “please! You have to believe that I never would do something to hurt you.”

“That’s the same empty lie T’Challa told you. Isn’t it? Now you’re using it on me,” he deadpans.

And you don’t know if it’s because he’s mad and hurt or if he really sees it that way. Perhaps he really does feel the tables have turned, that he is you and you are T’Challa and he’s going to get hurt.

But you grab your keys, telling him to call you when he wants to actually talk before leaving for your own apartment for the night.

It isn’t until you’re sitting in your hand packed apartment, boxes everywhere as you maneuver through the cardboard box jungle and flop into your bed that the tears stream down your face.

You could call Deena, but she’d confront Erik. Peter would let you vent and if he was a bit older and not consumed with his own drama you’d totally take him up on that. But he’s stressed enough and this doesn’t concern him.

So you call the only other person you can.

“Hello?”

“T’Challa,” your voice cracks.

“Hey, what is wrong? Why are you crying?”

Maybe this is a mistake but you need someone to listen. And maybe you’ll regret this tomorrow but right now, you know he’ll be here for oh. and that’s good enough.

“I need to talk to you.”

There’s a beat, a momentary silence, a pregnant pause before you hear these four words: “I’m on my way”.

So you lean back in your bed, trying not to stress out for the baby’s sake.

T’Challa is on his way, and you just need a friend. You’ve done that for him and he for you.

Because right now, in a surprising turn of events… he’s the only one you can depend on.

What you don’t know is that there’s someone else behind all of this, an individual who has an influential role in all of this and assumes that they will never be figured out.

And when they do… you’ll have all of the pieces to the puzzle.

Because what’s done in the dark can’t be hidden long. It will come to the light.

And when the light shines on it…Everything will be much clearer.

When you open your apartment door, T’Challa finds you clad in one of your old college t-shirts, the fabric stretching out across your pregnant stomach. You're clad in a pair of maternity leggings. Your eyes are red and puffy. You look wore for the wear.

   He feels awful when he thinks to himself how beautiful you still look.    

   ‘’What happened,’’ T’Challa questions you, sleeping inside of the apartment, locking and closing the door behind him when he does so.

   You pad over to the couch that has yet to be covered in plastic, something you were planning on doing tomorrow.

   ‘’So… I ran into Onika a few weeks ago.’’

   Ah. Onika. She’s quite  infamous in the Udaku family for that stunt she pulled half a decade ago- leaving N’Jadaka all alone to raise Drion by himself, no call or text or even an email since. T'Challa never really liked her, never really liked the way she always seemed flighty. It was clear that N’Jadaka wanted a clean start after her, because she really did him wrong. That was the first time he’d ever been in love. And T’Challa has never seen his cousin so happy as he was when he was with Onika.

   He'd’ never seen him so broken. Not since his mother passed away. When Onika left him behind, N’Jadaka kept asking himself the same questions: What did he do wrong?, Why would she do that?, and would she ever come back?

   That’s the same thing that he asked himself when he lost you, but he already knows that he did wrong and why you stopped speaking to him and left Wakanda Inc.: because he messed up the good thing that he had for something that seemed like an eas replacement, and he has to deal with it now.

   This is his redemption, though. You trusted him enough to call him over to talk. That’s progress. No?

   ‘’How did that happen?’’

   ‘’She works at Darion’s school,’’ you settle into the couch cushions, waving your hand, ‘’That’s not why I asked you to come here, though.’’

   ‘’Let me guess: you told N’Jadaka and he was less than thrilled.’’

   Of course he was. N’Jadaka has made it his mission in life to forget Onika, removing all traces of her. Whatever she left behind, he destroyed or got rid of. Gone were pictures of the love of his life, the mother of his child. He cleaned his apartment and sheets until her scent was no longer presence, deleted all social media to avoid having to see her, purposely acted as if he had no idea who the neighbors were talking about if they asked about her.

   So now, for her to walk into his life like it’s a nice sunny day in a park, five and a half years later… he’s not feeling it. He’s really, really not. T’Challa knows why. Because he felt that way when Nakia did the same thing to him, applying to Wakanda Inc. shortly before T’Chaka left the company to his son.

   So, it’s with narrowed eyes and suspicion creeping into every syllable the way doubt is creeping into your own mind that he asks, ‘’Did you do this to hurt him?’’

   ‘’What?!’’

   ‘’I know you. He’s committed to you. You’re just as scared of commitment as I was. So now, when you see someone who really wants to love you and raise a family and be with you and treat you like his equal… it terrifies you.’’

   The silence is loud as his words hang in the air, like a chandelier ready to fall on its victim- beautiful and nice to look at, but heavy and dangerous if ill-timed.

   It’s beautiful that T’Challa knows you so well, still.

   It’s heavy that he knows exactly what you’re feeling, before you even know it yourself.

   ‘’I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him,’’ you snap, ‘’I’m not her.’’

   T'Challa visibly relaxes then,settling back against he golden pillow that adorns your cream-colored couch, ‘’Good. Because he’s head over heels for you.’’

   ‘’I love him too,’’ you reply, ‘’And I think I’m in love with him.’’

   T’Challa ignores the way his heart skips a beat, pushing forward with his questions and statements.

   ‘’So what made you hold onto that secret?’’

   ‘’Onika asked me to. She told me she wanted to see Darion without Erik being involved or something,’’you rub your eyes, tiredness beginning to make you feel a bit fuzzy, the truth coming out.

   ‘’So…,’’ T’Challa slips his feet onto your coffee table, ‘’You know that's probably why he was mad right? Because he's trying to protect Darion. He doesn't want him to find out about Onika and her ditch him again,’’

   You hadn’t really thought about that. At least not fully.

   ‘’And then you also didn’t tell him because you’re worried if he knew that Onika was in a place where he could easily talk to her that he will go for her again, to rebuild their ‘love story’. Tell me that I’m wrong,’’ T’Challa raises an eyebrow at you.

   There it is- he found the truth that was hidden down inside of you, underneath the fears that and walls that Erik had tried so hard to crush and dismantle in pursuit of your heart.

   ‘’He still loves her, though! He wouldn’t care so much about this if he didn’t have some strong feelings! I heard us argue, but I Heard passion more than anything. He still cares! He always will. He falls so fast, T’Challa. She was his first love and the mother of his child. I don’t know how to compete with hat.’’

   T’Challa sighs then, silently kicking himself for being part of the reason that yo y believed that N’Jadaka would dare betray you.

   ‘’You're not her, no. But N’Jadaka… he doesn’t love based off of proximity. He can’t. In fact, he wouldn’t be with a woman if he didn’t think that they’d be good to Darion and treat him ell. He sees that you do. He practically gushed about it at the last family dinner night. It was sickening.’’

T’Challa’s light tone causes a giggle to bubble up inside of you, and it spills out into the air before you can contain it.    

Bast.

He’s missed that sound so much.    ‘’He loves you,’’ T’Challa continues, because he has no time to fall in love with you all over again and drive a bigger wedge between him and N’akada than there was when he confessed that he couldn’t stand Onika, ‘’Look, you may question me. I do not lie about this, though. I promise, N’Jadaka loves you so much. I know for a fact. You did not see the way that he was looking at you at dinner last month. I know my cousin. He’s found a good thing, and he wouldn’t dare let you go. Not unless you pushed him away or walked away.’’J

   That makes you giddy and upset all at the same time because now you have absolutely no choice but to confront your fear: commitment.

   He wants it and you want it. Gone is any excuse you have to run from it. You know Erik is what is best for you, so why can’t you just let it be for ronce?’’

   ‘’Sometimes, ‘’T’Challa tells you, taking your hand in his, ‘’You gotta look at all the facts and still dive right in. Don’t… don’t make my mistake. Don’t let someone who you love and who treats you right go and hope that you find someone else that you can grow with. Please. Take a chance.’’

   ‘’Take a chance’’.

   Those are the same words that he would have whispered to you two months ago if you’d taken him back, if you’d even given him the time of day.

   Four months ago, he definitely would’ve tried to sleep with you, tried to lure you away from Erik. He would’ve promised you a night of passion in exchange for you dumping Erik, and he’s ashamed to even think of it now. He would've made empty promises, knowing how fickle he used to be, how waiving his mind still is sometimes.

   Now, though, he settles for passing you tissues and comforting you, pulling the blanket over you when you fall asleep, after firm instruction to tell him to just spend the night, the roads being too slippery for him to try to travel tonight.

   Good intentions often lead to bad confrontations, though. T’Challa knows this.

   Like when Erik tried to introduce you two, right? It opened up some pettiness and irritation.

   Him being there for you opened up the door to a possibly beautiful friendship between the two of you…

   But it also opens the door to allegations and to whispers and to theories and to jumping to conclusions.

   So when Erik opens the door the next day to find you and his cousin asleep on the same couch… he sees red.

   Because had it been any body but T’Challa with anybody but you, it’d been fine. If it had been T’Challa with anyone else but you, or vice versa, he would’ve been fine.

   But this is T’Challa and it’s you and he knows your history and the feelings and emotions that don’t just go away.

       He knows.

       He’s been trying to push those same thoughts and feelings about a certain brown-haired, cinnamon-skinned beauty for five and a half years now.

       There’s no surprise when he starts screaming at you too, then, is there? No shock coursing through you when his fist connects with T’Challa’s, when you he to yell for him to stop.     When he calms down because he can't see it’s stressing you out and, well, you’re carrying his baby (maybe?) he sits at the kitchen table, eyes peering at T’Challa through his gold-rimmed glasses as the other man nurses a pack of frozen peas that you'd yet to clean out of your freezer.

   ‘’Someone start talking. Now,’’ Erik seethes, running hand through his short dreads,’’ ‘Cause this don’t look good for either one of you right now. Sneaking around and spending the night and I got to find it after taking my kid to his grandpa’s place.’’

   ‘’N’Jadaka, nothing happened!,’’ you slowly make your way to his, gagging  his reaction to your approaching figure carefully, ‘’I promise.’’

   ‘’That sure ain’t what it look like!’’

   ‘’Looks can be deceiving, cousin.’’

   ‘’Man, T, don't even go there. I’ve been dealing with you acting all superior and perfect and like you can do no wrong, always competing with me and provoking jealousy your whole life, everyone thinks you’re the good guy and all you ever did was hurt girls after Nakia left you, breaking one heart after the other.’’

   ‘’You were the same way, N’Jadaka. Or need I remind you about the woman you met before Onika?,’’ T’Challa spits, fighting fire with fire, ‘’Don't start this fight, N’Jadka. I will not have it.’’

   ‘’I will not have it,’’ you place the emphasis on ‘I’, ‘’This is my apartment. Now, Erik. nothing happened. He came over because I called him, yes. But we spent so much of the night figuring out how to save my relationship with you.’’

   ‘’Yeah>?,’’ he deadpans, obviously not impressed, ‘’Why's that?’’

   ‘’Because…,’’ you take a deep breath, ‘’I’m in love with you.’’

   He blinks once, twice, again, fourth time. For the first time in the nearly two years that you've known him (probably a shorter amount of time, but it feels like it’s been awhile) , Erik is speechless.

   ‘’Yeah?’’

   ‘’Yeah,’’ you nod, feeling a weight lifting off of your shoulders then.

You’re truly in love with him. It took this and almost losing him to see it, but it’s the truth

If you’re gonna face your fears, you might as well do it for the right one.

   T’Challa can’t understand what the difference between ‘I love you’’ and ‘’I’m in love with you’’ is,but he knows that something special is happening to you two. There’s an energy of sorts shifting in between the two of you, something that he can’t quite put his finger on, one that he wishes he could take and pocket for himself.

   He’s lost you. He'll never get you back. Not now. Not unless there’s some change of events.

   But you’re happy and N'Jadaka is happy. So, yeah. Maybe he doesn’t want that change of events.

   So  N’Jadaka apologizes and T’Challa forgives him and slips out of the apartment as you and Erik embrace, a cheesy and romantic way to start your morning and to end a fight that could have been a lot worse had T’Challa not intervened.

   Wow. He really did dive a woman he still loves back into the arms of his cousin. On purpose. Something that T’Challa is well aware he never would’ve done this time last year.

   That shows growth.

   More importantly, though, T’Challa did it because he loves you.

   Sometimes love doesn't look like ending up with someone. It looks like dog what is best for them and for their heart.

   Maybe one day he won’t have to keep telling himself that.

   The door close behind him, and he realizes, that, yes, he did the right thing.

   Maybe one day he’ll wholeheartedly agree with that and not regret his decision.

   Yeah.

   Maybe someday.

DISCLAIMER- I OWN NO MARVEL CHARACTERS, THEY BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS

@ashanti-notthesinger​ @destinio1​ @afraiddreamingandloving​ @starsshines-blog​ @airis-paris14​ @syreanne​ @chaneajoyyy​ @90sinspiredgirl​ @shemiahsmelanin @zillmonger @skysynclair19 @bidibidibombaclaat @marvelpotterlove @constantlycravingtheunknown @imaginewhoever @wakanda-inspired

#au erik stevens #erik stevens x reader #erik stevens imagine #black panther x you #black panther imagine #black panther imagine series #black panther imagines #tchalla x reader #reader insert #t'challa x reader #reader #black panther reader insert #reader insert imagines #reader insert imagine #imagines #imagine

[morkmywords]

Black Umbrella | EXO | Mafia au | Part 1

Masterlist | Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4  Part 5 Part 6

Length: 1.8k

   It was about 2 months since the hotel had switched hands and practically nothing had changed. A couple people had been fired and a few things were switched around but it was still pretty much the same. You even got a small raise so you were pretty happy with your current work situation. The restaurant was closing for the night and most staff were heading home but you were getting ready for your shift at the bar. Like usual you heard whispers about the mysterious new owners but you just ignored them as usual and shoved your things back in your locker before heading to the bar. 

    Tonight it was busy, the bar was filled to the brim with people all wearing shoes that were worth more than your entire apartment with everything in it plus your entire savings. You were on your feet mixing drinks and taking orders all night not once getting a break. You shuffled from one end of the bar to the next until it was 2am and the bar was closing, once everyone had left you pulled out a rag and began wiping tables with your coworker. You offered to stay and finishing cleaning so he could head home seeing as you had a day off tomorrow and he happily agreed, thanking you before he grabbed his bag and left. Due to the great rush of people that night there was a lot of extra cleaning to do which meant you would have to stay behind later than usual. You had finally finished cleaning and left to change back into your casual clothes and rest your aching feet. As you pulled your things from your locker you thought you heard the sound of the front door opening, you dismissed blaming it on your half asleep state and continued changing. 

   Your eyelids drooped and you dragged your feet as you headed to the door mind focused on the idea of going home and sleeping. You yawned as you walked back to the main area but froze as you heard voices, not being fully awake you decided to see who it was. 

“Who’s there?” one of the voices called out and you peeked your head around the corner to see the face of one of the new owners staring back at you. He was joined by an unfamiliar man and they seemed to be having a very serious discussion based on the death glares they were both giving. You cleared your throat and awkwardly moved into their line of sight.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just about to lock up but I can stay if you want,” you said as you bowed your head. He did a once over before replying,

“No, you can leave, the bags under your eyes make you look exhausted,” he said as he waved you away. You bit back you reply bowing once before walking out and slamming the door behind you, it was the middle of the night and you didn’t need some jerk commenting on your lack of sleep. You trudged your way back to the subway station pushing the encounter out of your mind as you made your way back to the dumpy apartment you called your home.

   You woke up fairly late the next day, you were exhausted and perfectly content with staying home and doing chores but somebody just had to ruin your plan.  It was around 4pm when your phone started ringing.

“What is it now Mina?” you sighed into the phone only to be met with your friend’s giggles.

“I’ll be over in half an hour, let's go out tonight!” was all she said before she hung up.

“That girl...” you muttered to yourself as you got up to go shower and prepare yourself for the whirlwind that is your best friend. You jumped into the shower as your mind drifted back to the previous night and you scoffed at the asshole that was your boss, he could’ve just dismissed you but instead, he had to comment on the bags under your eyes and your exhausted state.

    “So where exactly are we going?” you asked as Mina dug through you closet throwing various pieces of clothing she liked at you while throwing the ones she didn’t like on the floor. You frowned thinking about how you would have to clean it all up later when she broke through your thoughts.

“One of the other waitresses told me about this new club and I thought we should check it out,” she said face still buried in your closet.

“What?!” you said in disbelief, this was your first day off in forever and she was taking you out clubbing?

“Why don’t you have any clothes?” she said as she continued digging ignoring your previous question. You rolled your eyes at her antics before she pulled something out of the back of your closet and turned around squealing. She threw a scrap of black fabric that you were pretty sure was supposed to be a dress at you.

“I am not wearing this!” you exclaimed before you threw it back to her.

“Why not?” she whined as you pushed her out of the room.

“I can dress myself, so if you want me to come I’m picking my own clothes,” you said as you began closing the door but the stopped it with her foot.

“Can I still do your hair and makeup?” she asked and you only nodded before closing the door and finding some clothes. 

   You put on a pair of black jeans and a plum coloured t-shirt opting to stay comfortable as you were taken to a club against your will. You let her back in to do hair and makeup, she gave you a once over and gave you a look that seemed to say ‘you’re really wearing that’. You just rolled your eyes and she did your hair and makeup, she left your hair down curling it slightly but other than that relatively simple. Your makeup was a whole other story, your eyes were lined with heavy wings and layers of eyeshadow that was about the same colour of your shirt was skillfully blended onto your eyelids. She even forced you to put on fake eyelashes and when she was done she let you look in the mirror. 

“I look scary,” was all you said as you stared at your reflection.

“No, you look sexy,” Mina said with a wink, “Now let's go before it gets too late!”

“Where are we even going?” you hissed into Mina’s ear as she stopped before a glowing club, you could already hear the music that was playing inside. She walked right up to the security guard by the door and you could feel the glares of people in line digging into your back. As if she could sense your panic she whispered, 

“Don’t worry we’re on the list.” and with a wink, she turned back to the bouncer, told him your names, and you were in.

   The club was packed, people seemed to leak from every crevice and the music was pounding. You stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the crowd of people who were wearing little to no clothes but you could care less knowing that soon Mina would have a little too much to drink and would abandon you so you could go home. You followed her over to the bar where she immediately began flirting with some guy and you were the third wheel, you sighed and asked for the least alcoholic drink they had not wanting to wake up the next day with a nasty hangover. After a few minutes, Mina was completely ignoring your existence so you stood up from the stool and headed to the back where you spotted an empty booth tucked away in a corner.  You plopped down on the bench, trying to avoid the questionable sticky spots as you slid farther into the corner. You sat there feeling lost in thought as the pounding base shook your bones and you felt a headache coming on, you could have been sitting there for a few minutes or a few hours. By the time you snapped out of it you knew Mina had already left, you scanned the crowd as you tried to stand up and something familiar caught your eye. 

  A loud noise echoed through the room followed by screaming, you dropped to the ground and crawled back under the table. You assumed it was gunshots and you prayed to god that Mina was safe, you squeezed your eyes closed and plugged your ears as you waited for it to be over. You don’t know how long it was but the screaming and gunshots eventually stopped and even before you crawled out you knew everyone was dead. Unable to stay under that table anymore you crawled out and stood up but stopped in your tracks when you heard voices.

“You sure everybody is dead?” one asked.

“Yes I already told you Chen,” the other answered as they rounded the corner. You locked eyes with one and your mouth fell open, they both looked somewhat familiar but you couldn’t place them in your frenzied state. 

“Well I guess you were wrong,” the first one said giving the second a pointed look.

“Uh,” you said between their bickering, “Could you maybe not kill me?”

they both turned and looked at you, you suddenly felt the headache return and your vision was swimming. Before you knew it you were surrounded by darkness. 

‘C’mon lets get to the van’ a voice said, then you heard shuffling and that was all you could remember.

   You woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar room with a set of nine faces you finally recognized surrounding you.

“Why didn’t you kill me?” was the first thing you asked, they looked around at each other before one answered.

“getting straight to the point I see, why would we kill you?” he asked taking a step closer.

“You killed everyone else there but you took me..... here,” you answered blankly.

“Ahhhhhh my dear it would have been better for you if you didn’t remember,” Another said ominously. You just shrugged your shoulders which seemed to make him even angrier. 

“I think I-I’m going to pass out again,” you said as your vision began to swim and went black again.

     When you woke up again only one of them was with you.

“What’s wrong with me?” you asked as you yawned, and he sighed before coming over and placing his hand on your forehead. You gave him a confused look before he pulled his hand back and answered,

“You don’t have a fever or any other symptoms that would indicate illness so I’m pretty sure you fainted due to exhaustion, twice.” 

“Okay so, why exactly am I here?” you asked.

He let out an ominous chuckle before answering,

“My dear, you’ve gotten yourself tanged with the mafia.” 

“My bosses are part of the mafia, that's a new one.”

#exo #exo k #exo m #exo fanfiction #exo fan fiction au #exo fanfiction au #exo fanfic #exo fanfic au #exo au #exo scenarios #exo au scenarios #exo scenario au #exo imagine #kpop #kpop scenarios #kpop imagines #kpop fanfiction #kpop fanfic rec #kpop au #exo mafia au #my writing #kpop mafia au #exo suho #exo xiumin #exo chanyeol #exo baekhyun #exo kai #exo lay #exo sehun #exo chen

[emospritelet]

Back in Business - Chapter 2/3

Part 2 of my RCIJ gift for @winterswanderlust

Rating: whole fic E, this chapter T

Word count: whole fic 20,067, this chapter 7,763

[Chapter 1]

AO3 link

The storm had passed by the time the next morning dawned, but the skies were still grey and dull, and the air had grown colder. Snow was coming, according to the too-cheerful weatherman on the local news, and Belle shuddered as she ate toast and peanut butter. She felt good, though. There was a spring in her step and a flutter of excitement in her belly at the thought of getting one step closer to opening her very own library. Assuming the Mayor would agree, of course, but now that she had Mr Gold’s permission to use the building, she hoped that would be forthcoming.

Ms Gale looked surprised when Belle told her the news, but smiled warmly.

“I can’t believe he agreed,” she said. “You’re not the first to try, but you’re certainly the first to succeed. Did you like - agree to give him your first born, or something?”

“Nothing that drastic,” said Belle, with a grin. “He definitely wasn’t keen on the idea, but I managed to talk him around. Maybe I played on his sense of community spirit.”

“If he has one, that’s the first I’ve heard of it,” said Ms Gale dryly. “Still, I guess the ‘why’ isn’t important. I’ll get this before Mayor Mills today. If we’re lucky, she could make an initial decision without waiting for the Council meeting. It’s not a huge expense, after all.”

“I - did want to get some funds to buy more books, though,” said Belle, and Ms Gale nodded.

“Yeah, that part might have to wait until the Council meeting, but at least if you get her agreement you can start getting the place ready, right?”

Belle beamed at her, feeling confident.

“Right.”

Belle had to wait most of the day to hear the Mayor’s decision, and the waiting was torture. She helped her father in the shop to take her mind off things, setting up the racks of aluminium shelving he had bought, making up bunches of bright flowers for sale, and watering and feeding the plants that he was growing. It was after four when Ms Gale called to tell her that her proposal had been approved and that she would hold the position of librarian, starting the following Monday. After thanking her politely, putting down the phone and letting out the squeal of excitement she had been desperately holding in, Belle bounced on her toes, glancing around and snatching up her bag before bolting out to head over to Mr Gold’s shop to give him the news.

She entered the pawn shop at a rush, the little bell tinkling above her as she stepped inside. Mr Gold was standing behind the counter, hands poised on the tips of his fingers, as though he had been waiting for her. His suit jacket was off, and she noticed that gold sleeve garters had pushed up the sleeves of his blue silk shirt. A gold chain hung from one of the buttons of his waistcoat and looped down before disappearing into the pocket, and she suspected that it was attached to a watch. Because of course it would be. For a brief moment she entertained the fantasy that he was a time-traveller, a man from the nineteen-hundreds, trapped in the present day and trying to preserve of much of his old existence as he could. The thought made her want to giggle. He had a tiny smile on his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Miss French,” he said pleasantly. “From the absurdly cheerful look on your face I take it the Mayor has agreed to your proposal?”

“Yes!” said Belle, a little breathlessly. “At least - she’s agreed to pay my salary. I haven’t had a decision on whether she’ll give me any funds to restock yet.”

“In that case, it seems congratulations are in order.” He reached to the side, opening up a drawer and holding out a key with a round tag. “Here. I believe this belongs to you.”

She stepped forward, holding out her hand, and he placed the key in her palm. She turned the tab over with her thumb. Library was written on it in a thin, slanting script. A wide grin spread across her face, and she met his eyes.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely.

“The pleasure was all mine."

He was watching her intently, and she could feel herself blushing. She wondered whether he found her as attractive as she found him. Perhaps he had thought about her when he lay in bed the previous night, wondering how it would feel to kiss her, to touch her. To pull her by the hand into that back room and lay her down on the bench, and—

“Was there something else, Miss French?”

His voice made her jump, pulling her out of her brief daydream, and her blush deepened.

“Oh!  Oh, yes…” She reached into her bag for the shawl he had lent her, holding it out to him. “Thank you for this.”

“Ah. And I have your coat.”

He turned and pushed the curtain aside, emerging moments later with her coat in his hand, now dry. Belle took it from him with a nod, and he folded his hands over the cane, flicking back his hair.

“Will you be exploring your new dominion, then?” he asked.

“I’ll be cleaning it,” she said, a little ruefully. “Lot of dust on everything.”

“I could always get one of my teams in to do that, you know.”

“You have - teams?” she said neutrally.

“I have people I employ to take care of the more unpleasant aspects of my businesses, yes.”

His voice was soft, almost a caress, but the way he phrased the sentence made him sound as though he ran an organised crime network, and for the first time Belle understood why the rest of the townsfolk seemed leery of him. There was an air of menace about him, steel beneath the silk. She wasn’t afraid, and she didn’t feel that he meant her any ill will, but she could still sense it. A darkness swirling within the seething intensity that he seemed to keep a tight grip on. Passion and rage, buried deep and almost forgotten until he let it burst forth. She wondered how spectacular it was when he lost his temper, and decided that she probably didn’t want to find out.

“That - that won’t be necessary, thank you,” she said. “I’d quite like to go through everything. It’ll feel more like my place then, you know?”

“As you wish.”

“It can wait until tomorrow,” she added. “I’ll look over the apartment as well, see what needs doing.”

“Let me know if there’s anything that requires the services of a tradesman,” he said. “I keep the place as well-maintained as I can, but I daresay they may be some small repairs to be made that I’ve overlooked. I can get someone out to fix them straight away.”

“Another one of your ‘team’?” she asked, amused.

Mr Gold showed his teeth.

“Precisely.”

“Can I paint the walls?” she asked suddenly, and he inclined his head.

“Of course.”

“Great.” She clutched the key in her hand. “Well, in that case, I guess I’ll get out of your hair. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” he said. “I look forward to seeing what you do with the place.”

Belle grinned, but shifted from foot to foot, feeling a little awkward.

“You want to ask me a question,” he said, and she nodded.

“You - you didn’t want to open it, did you?” she said.

Mr Gold eyed her steadily.

“No.”

“Ms Gale at the Town Hall told me that you turned down like six offers, or something.”

“Seventeen in total,” he said, “although I suspect most of them were before her time.”

“So…” Belle floundered a little. “So - I guess I’m wondering why you decided to say yes to me.”

He hesitated for a moment, and shrugged.

“Because you reminded me that the world turns and time moves on, and that perhaps it was time to move with it,” he said. “That perhaps it doesn’t help to hold onto the past.”

“Right.”  She didn’t understand what he meant, but she supposed it didn’t matter. “Well - I guess I’ll see you around.”

He smiled, a brief twist of his mouth.

“Good day, Miss French.”

She started early the next morning. Her father had gone to the shop, and she spent a little time collecting together a plastic bucket, all the cleaning materials she thought she’d need and a thick roll of garbage bags. The weather had grown colder, flecks of snow just starting to fall, and she shivered as she locked the house, hurrying into town as quickly as she could.

When she reached the library she dug into her pocket for the key that Mr Gold had given her and unlocked the doors. They opened with a faint squeak, and she pushed them wide, feeling a surge of pride as she entered the library: her library. She set down her bucket of cleaning materials and flicked on the lights, a broad smile spreading across her face as she watched the light gleam faintly on the dust-strewn wooden floor and cast shadows amongst the stacks of books. Her eyes turned towards the circulation desk, and she blinked. On top of the desk sat a large bunch of sunflowers, yellow bursts of colour bright against the dark wood, the blooms wrapped in purple paper and tied with gold ribbon. Belle stepped forward, reaching for the bundle of flowers, fingers stroking the velvet petals. She looked in vain for a card, but had a suspicion where the sunflowers had come from. There was only one other person who had a key to the library, after all. And who knew about her favourite flowers.

She didn’t have a vase, and so she had to make do with a beer glass from the caretaker’s apartment, filled with water. The apartment was small, but looked as though it could be comfortable once it was thoroughly cleaned and the furniture replaced with something new. Not that she was thinking of leaving her father’s place that day, but it made sense to plan ahead. She wanted her independence, after all, and she suspected that rental prices in Storybrooke were somewhat lower than in Melbourne, where she had had no choice but to stay with her father. It had made dating almost impossible. Not that she was thinking about that either, of course. Not much, anyway.

She wrapped the glass with the purple paper, tying it securely with the gold ribbon, and placed the bunch of sunflowers back on the desk, smiling at their cheerful colours. Time to clean the place up.

By the end of the day she was exhausted, aching from head to toe and covered in grime, but the library and apartment were free from dust and empty of anything that was outdated, broken or too dirty to clean. Belle had seen more spiders than she was comfortable with, but they had scuttled out of her way through cracks in the floorboards and under the skirting, and as far as she was concerned they could stay there. Closing the last empty drawer of the circulation desk, she ran a tired hand over her face, grimacing as it came away smeared with dark grey. She badly needed to shower. She skirted the desk, taking a pile of books that she had already marked for removal and stacking them in a cardboard box. Turning, she caught a glimpse of the bunch of sunflowers out of the corner of her eye. She should thank Mr Gold for sending them. Just as soon as she was clean and looking less like a dust-covered goblin, anyway.

“The place is looking brighter by your presence already.”

His voice, unexpected in the silence, made her jump with a squeak of surprise, and she turned around, heart thumping, to see him standing just inside the door, leaning on his cane.

“Don’t you knock?” she said, aggrieved, and Mr Gold looked around himself, as though her question confused him.

“This is a public space now, is it not?”

“I - yes, of course,” said Belle, feeling awkward. “Sorry, I just - you startled me.”

She was well aware that she was dirty, covered in dust and cobwebs and sticky with sweat, and he was immaculate in his suit. His shirt was deep pink today, and it suited him, the colour warming his skin. He took a step forward.

“I just thought I’d see how you were getting along,” he said. “I see you’ve removed most of the things from the apartment. I can have someone collect and dispose of them.”

“Oh, would you?” She felt herself almost sag in relief. “Thank you! I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it all.”

“No matter.” He tilted his head to the side. “Are you thinking of living there? I could procure some furniture for you, if so.”

“Yeah, now I’ve looked at the place, I think I’d like to,” she said. “I love my dad, don’t get me wrong, but I really need my own place.”

“One’s privacy is something to be treasured,” he agreed.

“What about you?” she asked. “Do you live alone?”

“With only my own thoughts for company,” he confirmed, with the ghost of a smile. “Not always the most pleasant of roommates.”

“I get that,” she said quietly. “Maybe you should get a cat, or something.”

Mr Gold grinned at that, and took a step towards the stacks, running his eyes over them.

“You’ve removed some of the books, I see.”

“Only the ones that were too damaged, or reference books too out of date,” she said. “I want this to be a useful resource, after all, and it can’t be if people are reading the wrong information.”

“Very true,” he said. “I’d hate to have to chastise you over inaccurate reference texts, after all.”

Her brain took the not unwelcome mental image of what form such chastisement could take, filing it away for later use, and she raised her chin before she could start blushing.

“I’m guessing you’d be all over my history section, am I right?” she asked dryly.

“Well, it’s important to learn from the past,” he said. “I - may have a few books to donate, if you’ll have them.”

“Already learned everything you need from them?” she teased, and he met her eyes.

“I don’t make the same mistake twice,” he said quietly, and she felt her heart thump again, a heavy throb in her chest. She smiled, and took a step towards him.

“Do you want a library card, Mr Gold?”

He ran a long finger across the spines of the books on the shelf in front of him, and glanced around at her.

“Perhaps,” he said. “Have you decided on how you’ll fill the spaces left?”

“Almost,” she admitted. “I made a list of genres and titles off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are more I could think of. I guess it all depends on whether the Mayor will give me a budget for new stock and a computer system to keep the records on.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Belle shrugged.

“Then I’ll be thinking up fundraising ideas.”

“Such as?”

“I don’t know,” she said, a little awkwardly. “Maybe a bake sale or something.”

Mr Gold looked as though he was amused, but trying not to show it.

“Can you bake?”

“Kind of...” she said uncomfortably, and his grin widened.

“Sounds delicious.”

Belle sent him a very level look, and he bit his lip, glancing away before turning back.

“May I see the list?”

“Oh.” She ran a hand through her hair, grimacing as she felt how much dust was in there. “It’s on my laptop.”

“Would you email it to me?” he asked.

"You have email?" she said sceptically, and he showed his teeth.

"Is that so surprising?"

"Actually, yeah."

"I have email," he said, looking deeply amused. "A telephone, a computer. Even, dare I say it, a television."

"A thoroughly modern man."

"I didn't say I watched the thing."

She bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

"Why do you want to see the list?"

“I’m interested in the changes you plan on making here," he said, with a lazy wave of his hand.

Belle put her hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow.

“I hope you don’t plan on censoring any of my choices.”

He grinned again, eyes glinting wickedly.

“Now, why on earth would I do that?” he asked softly.

“I don’t know…” She folded her arms. “Sometimes people can be - too close-minded in their outlook, I guess.”

“Well, that’s certainly true,” he agreed. “Though it’s not a description I’ve ever had applied to me. I’m personally hoping that you choose to expand the minds of the town. In every area.”

He was still grinning, and she got the feeling he was being suggestive. It wasn’t helping her burgeoning crush on the man in the slightest.

“Increasing one’s knowledge is an important thing,” he added. “Not just history, or art, or science. Books are a way to explore the world without leaving home, don’t you think?”

“Yes!” she said eagerly. “Yes, that’s it exactly!”

Mr Gold walked slowly amongst the stacks, running his eyes over their contents, his fingertip slipping over the curved spines in a series of soft thumps.

“I remember spending hours in the library back home as a child,” he mused. “Sometimes it was the only place you could keep warm in the depths of winter. I read a great deal. Things I probably shouldn’t have, at times. Tales of far-off lands and bloody battles. Forbidden desires. Love. Lust. Sacrifice.”

“I think maybe we read the same books,” she remarked, and he glanced over at her, his eyes gleaming.

“Perhaps we did.”

“So what’s your favourite thing to read, Mr Gold?” she asked, and a smile flickered to life, sparks lighting up his eyes before dying.

“Happy endings,” he said quietly, and she smiled, wishing that he didn’t look so sad.

“Me too.”

“The list, then,” he said, his voice suddenly brisk, and reached into his pocket, drawing out a card and holding it out to her between the first two fingers of his hand. “You’ll find my email address there. And my number, should you need it.”

“Thank you.” Belle slipped it into her pocket, and hesitated. “And - and thank you for the flowers.”

His eyes flicked towards the desk.

“I thought they’d brighten the place up.”

“Well, they certainly do that,” she said. “I don’t know where you managed to find sunflowers in November. Not at my dad’s shop, that’s for sure.”

“You said they were your favourite,” he said, as though that explained things.

“Yeah.” She glanced behind her, where the flowers sat: bright, warm yellow petals and deep brown centres. “Well, they’re beautiful.”

“Yes.” His hands shifted on his cane. “A ray of sunshine, to chase away winter’s chill.”

Belle smiled.

“I think you have the soul of a poet when it comes to books and flowers, Mr Gold,” she teased.

He smirked.

“Must be why I’m such an utter bastard in every other area of my life.”

Belle giggled, and his grin widened.

“Good day to you, Miss French,” he said. “I look forward to seeing what you intend to grace the shelves of the library with.”

He inclined his head, turning away and heading for the door with a click of his cane against the wooden floor.

“Then you should come to the grand opening,” she called, and he turned slowly back, shoes squeaking faintly on the floor.

“I’m sorry?”

“I’m planning a big opening party,” she explained. “Interactive activities, dramatic readings, children’s games. There’ll be food. Maybe even some wine and cheese.”

“A social occasion?” he asked, in a very neutral tone. “Sandwiches and small talk?”

“You make it sound terrifying,” she said dryly.

“I very rarely socialise, Miss French.”

“Well, let this be one of the occasions, then.”

That tiny smile returned, lifting the corners of his mouth.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “But it’s kind of you to ask.”

“Well, I’m still going to send you an invitation,” she said archly, bouncing on her toes. “And if you don’t come, just imagine what the rest of the town will be saying about you behind your back.”

The smile became a grin.

“Oh, I don’t have to imagine that,” he said. “But perhaps I’ll consider attending. After I see the list of books.”

“It’s a date,” said Belle, and clapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes widening. “I mean - a deal! It’s a deal!”

His teeth were very white, his eyes glinting with amusement, and she could feel herself blushing again.

“The deal is struck.”

Belle spent the next day finishing the last few bits of cleaning and overseeing the clearing out of the old furniture and books. The men that Mr Gold sent were all short, stocky, and unfailingly polite, and she had little to do except hold open doors and tell them what was to be taken. The library looked different in the light of day, clean and with none of the clutter of its twenty years of closure. She had emailed Mr Gold the list of books she wanted to purchase, and he had replied to say that he had ordered some furniture for the apartment, and that if she wished to rent it, she would need to sign a tenancy agreement. She emailed him back to agree, thumb flickering over the screen of her phone as she walked to the diner. It was after six, and already dark, but Ruby had sent her a text inviting her to Granny’s for a couple of drinks with the plan of moving on to a bar, and after two days of hard physical work she was ready to let her hair down a little.

The rain was falling, a thin drizzle soaking her face as she crossed the street, and she ducked into the diner with relief, smiling as she spotted Ruby waving to her from one of the booths. Ruby was beaming, lips painted bright red to match the streaks in her hair, a tight red shirt above leather pants. Seated beside her was Ms Gale, in a blue and brown plaid shirt above dark jeans and heeled boots, one hand resting casually on Ruby’s thigh. A bag of chips sat open on the table in front of them, their glasses empty, and Belle slid into the seat opposite.

“Oh good, you came!” said Ruby. “Belle French, meet Dorothy Gale, my girlfriend.”

“We’ve met,” said Dorothy, raising her glass. “The woman who finally convinced Gold to re-open the library. What are you drinking?

“Oh - gin and tonic,” said Belle. “Thanks, I’ll get you one later.”

“Sounds good.” Dorothy patted Ruby’s leg. “Same again?”

“God, yes!” Ruby turned to kiss her, smiling as she did it, and handed over her empty glass. “Tell Granny not to be so mean with the rum this time!”

“You tell her,” said Dorothy dryly, and Ruby giggled as she walked off to the bar.

Belle shrugged off her coat, the heat of the diner seeping into her.

“Dorothy was really helpful,” she said. “I don’t think I’d have known how the hell to get the library open again if she hadn’t given me some pointers.”

“Yeah, she’s awesome,” said Ruby, looking over at the bar with a grin on her face. “You ever look at someone and think ‘Oh. So, it’s gonna be you, huh?’ before you even really talk?”

Belle bit back a smile.

“Maybe.”

“Yeah, that’s how it was for us,” said Ruby, with a sigh. “Valentine’s Day at The Rabbit Hole, both of us dateless and depressed…  I threw a drink over her by accident because I wasn’t looking where I was going, and when our eyes met… well.” She sat back with a satisfied smirk. “Guess it was fate.”

“How long have you been together?” asked Belle.

“Getting on for eighteen months,” said Ruby happily. “We’re saving up to get our own place. Not that there’s much free real estate around here, but we can still try.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to move out of my dad’s place,” said Belle wryly. “I love him, don’t get me wrong, but I miss having my own space. Since I moved back after being away at university, I realised how bloody stifling it is, and - yeah, I - I really need to move out.”

“Any thoughts on where?”

“There’s an apartment above the library, actually,” said Belle. “I’ve already talked to Mr Gold about renting it.”

Ruby grinned at her, leaning on the table on her elbows, eyebrows twitching suggestively.

“So, you managed to talk your way around Gold about the library, huh?” she said. “He make you sign away your soul, or was it something way dirtier?”

Belle gave her a level look, which made Ruby’s grin widen.

“He’s really not that bad, you know,” said Belle. “He was really interested in the library, and the books I was planning on buying. I mean - okay, he doesn’t strike me as the world’s most sociable person, but he seems fair, at least.”

“Hmm.” Ruby reached into the open bag of chips in front of her, watching Belle. “Give me your first impressions of him. I’m interested.”

“First impressions?” Belle tried not to blush as she remembered that one of her first impressions had been how much the sound of his voice and the glint in his eyes turned her on. “Uh - well, I guess he seemed polite? Good manners, very well dressed, like he spends a lot of time picking outfits so everything’s just so. Fastidious, I guess. Like everything he wears is perfect and his shop is spotless and he has these long fingers that he handles things really carefully with—”

Ruby was staring at her, but she couldn’t seem to stop talking.

“—and everything he does is so deliberate,” she went on, “like the movements he makes and the way he gestures, and he looks at you and it’s like he can see into your soul, or something.”

“Oh my God,” said Ruby, leaning forward, eyes wide. “You like him!”

“I didn’t say that!” protested Belle, blushing fiercely.

“Didn’t say what?” Dorothy set a glass in front of her, and she snatched it up hurriedly, stirring ice cubes with a straw.

“Belle wants to bang Mr Gold until he can’t walk even with that cane of his,” said Ruby offhandedly, and Dorothy giggled.

“Seriously?” she said, and pulled a face as she slid onto the seat next to Ruby. “Well, I’m probably not the best judge when it comes to guys, but you gotta admit the man can wear a suit.”

“Agreed,” said Ruby, passing over the bag of chips.

Dorothy took some, pushing them into her mouth and crunching on them.

“Probably into some kinky shit, though,” she said, licking salt from her fingers and reaching for her glass. “Looks like he has a sex dungeon and gets off on spanking.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” said Ruby, and they both snickered.

“Ooo-kay, so I’ll be getting so drunk I don’t remember any of this conversation, then,” said Belle lightly, poking at the ice in her gin and tonic, and the others chuckled.

“Sorry for teasing,” said Ruby, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “It’s just - well, as long as I’ve known him, Gold’s always been alone. Bitter, closed off, unsociable - that seems to be his thing. The idea of him actually attracting someone—”

“—a young, sweet - may we say it - hot someone—” added Dorothy.

“Yeah, it’s just a little weird to think about, that’s all,” said Ruby, wrinkling her nose. “Maybe you’ll understand why when you get to know him.”

Belle took a slurp of her gin.

“You know him well, then?” she said, and Ruby shrugged.

“I guess so. As well as anyone in this town, that is. He’s in the diner a lot.”

“Uh-huh.” Belle took another drink. “So, what’s his first name?”

Ruby opened and closed her mouth, and Belle gave her a knowing smile.

“Does he have family?“ she went on. “How did he end up moving over here from Scotland? What’s his favourite food to cook?”

“You know all that?” asked Ruby, round-eyed, and Belle shook her head.

“That was gonna be my next line of conversation,” she admitted. “Okay, he already told me he doesn’t have family, but everyone has someone, right?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” said Ruby. “Maybe he doesn’t talk to them anymore. He’s always on his own, I can tell you that. He comes into the diner most mornings for coffee. And he collects the rent, of course. Polite, like you say, but not exactly friendly.”

“Seems to be friendly enough with Belle,” said Dorothy, with a grin. “Agreeing to reopen the library, when he told everyone else to go fuck themselves…”

“Yeah, how did you get him to do that?” asked Ruby curiously, and Belle shrugged.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “He didn’t seem keen when I first mentioned it, but I talked about the things I wanted to do, the benefit it would bring to the town, and eventually he just seemed to come around.”

“Remind me to give you a call next time we’re struggling to make rent,” remarked Dorothy.

Belle giggled, and took another drink, setting down her glass and looking between the two of them.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, since he didn’t want to talk about it,” she said. “What was the reason the place was closed down?”

Ruby and Dorothy looked at one another, each pulling bemused faces.

“Before my time, I guess,” said Dorothy.

“Mine too,” said Ruby. “I mean, I could ask Granny…”

“He said it was twenty years ago,” added Belle, and the two women shrugged in unison.

“Granny wasn’t even here then,” said Ruby. “She moved out here with me after my parents died. Pretty sure that was less than twenty years ago. I was pretty young.”

“Huh.” Belle took a sip of her drink. “Guess I’ll have to find out some other way.”

“You could check the Storybrooke Mirror,” suggested Dorothy, reaching for the chips again. “I worked there for six months or so before I got the Town Hall job. There’s old stuff on microfiche that no one’s looked at in years. Could be something there.”

“Right.” Belle pursed her lips, thinking it over. ”Maybe I’ll take a look.”

Ruby took a slurp of her drink, setting down the glass.

“So, what’s the apartment like?” she asked.

“It’s a one-bed, but I think it could be cosy with a little effort,” said Belle. “Mr Gold says he’ll get some furniture for the place.”

“Well, if you need some help with assembly or carrying shit, I can help out,” offered Ruby.

“Thanks,” said Belle, and reached for her drink again. “It’s gonna be so cool having my own place. Can’t wait to make it mine. Bookshelves, some cushions, maybe a few pictures...”

“Get some things from Gold’s shop,” suggested Dorothy. “It’ll make him feel more at home when you eventually get his pants off.”

Ruby giggled, and Belle blushed before joining in.

“Thanks for the encouragement,” she said dryly, and Ruby raised her glass.

“We fully support you in your plan to seduce the menacing, shady-as-hell, yet sharply-dressed pawnbroker twice your age,” she announced, and Dorothy clinked the glass with her own.

“Go get that skinny ass,” she added, and Belle groaned, covering her face with her hands.

“Look, I can’t even think about that right now,” she said. “I have a library opening to plan. Which means I need to use what little cash I have to buy cupcakes and wine and cheese and kids’ party food between now and the end of the month.”

“You’re opening then?” asked Ruby, with interest.

“If the Mayor agrees to fund the new stock of books, yes,” said Belle. “If not, I’m gonna be planning a fundraiser.”

“You should hear next Thursday at the meeting,” said Dorothy. “We’ll keep everything crossed for you, won’t we Rubes?”

“Damn straight,” said Ruby, with a nod. “And just in case you don’t get lucky, I have a few - interesting - ideas for the fundraiser.”

She grinned wickedly, waggling her eyebrows, and Belle groaned.

“Yeah, your expression doesn’t fill me with confidence,” she said.

“Please don’t tell me you’re gonna suggest a kissing booth again,” said Dorothy wearily, and Ruby’s eyes went wide with innocence.

“The thought never crossed my mind.”

Belle had to go back to Mr Gold’s shop to sign the rental contract and pay over the rent and a deposit, which she had borrowed from her father against her first month’s wages. Mr Gold watched her as she read over the contract, and produced a black and gold pen from inside his suit jacket so that she could sign her name. He wrote an entry in a heavy ledger to mark the payment of the deposit and first month’s rent. She watched his hand move across the page, and he glanced up as he set down the pen, giving her a tiny smile, his eyes dark with something like promise. It felt as though she had signed the most important contract of her life, as though she were somehow making a deal for her soul with the Devil himself. Whether she was saving it or giving it away was, as yet, unclear, but the glitter in his eyes made her heart pound. Mr Gold closed the ledger with a heavy thump, fingers shifting along its sides until it was perfectly aligned with the edge of the counter.

“The furniture I ordered should arrive tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll have some of my men take it up for you and assemble it.”

“Thank you,” she said, a little breathlessly, and his smile widened a little.

“And your own things?” he asked. “Will you need assistance with those?”

She shook her head.

“I don’t have much,” she said. “Ruby’s gonna help me move in.”

“Very well.”

He reached to the side, to a carved wooden cupboard, and opened it up, reaching inside and turning back to face her. A key dangled from a round fob held between finger and thumb.

“I replaced the locks on the apartment door,” he said. “Here.”

She reached out to take it, tucking the fob into her palm and feeling the warmth of him on the smooth plastic.

“Thank you,” she said. “I - uh - I should go.”

“Of course.”

He leaned on the counter, still smiling at her, and she could feel her abdomen pull and tighten. She turned away, clutching the key hard in her palm, feeling breathless as she made her way to the exit. His eyes were on her back as she left, and when the door closed behind her it was as though she had been swimming up from the dark depths of a warm lake, and could suddenly breathe again.

It was two days later that the furniture for her apartment arrived, and the same short, burly men that had gotten rid of the old items carried it up for her, whistling a tune as they did so. She had told her father she was moving out, and he had grunted at her, slumped in front of the TV with a glass of rum in his hand, as was his usual state in the evenings. It was the way he had dealt with things even before her mother had died, and if she was completely honest with herself, she wasn’t sorry to be going. She had packed her things: clothing, books, and the few pieces of personal furniture she wanted to take, and the next day Ruby bounced up on the doorstep with a beaming smile, red-streaked hair fluttering in the winter breeze.

“Thought I’d give you a hand,” she said, gesturing to the driveway, where a red car was parked.  “Wow, are all those books? Don’t you already have a library-full?”

She was grinning, and Belle gave her a level look, handing over the first of the boxes.

“Private collection and not for public use,” she said sternly, and Ruby giggled.

“You have the strict librarian thing down already,” she said. “Maybe think about getting some glasses so you can look over them when people are talking too loud.”

It didn’t take too long to fill the car with boxes, two suitcases of clothes and an old coat stand, and Belle decided to come back for the rest later that day. Getting the boxes of books up to the apartment left them out of breath, but maneuvering the coat stand through the door of the library was more awkward.

“I’m not sure we’ll get it up the staircase,” said Ruby, huffing a little under the strain. “How do you feel about hanging all your coats down here?”

“We just need to turn it,” said Belle impatiently, swinging her end around to the left with more force than she had aimed for.

There was a crunching noise, and she groaned, already fearing what she’d find. Glancing over her shoulder revealed one leg of the coat stand, stuck in the drywall. Belle swore under her breath, tugging the thing free with a shower of plaster and leaving a large hole.

“Oops,” said Ruby ominously.

“Yeah.”  Belle bit her lip, setting the coat stand down. “It’s not too much damage, right? I could fill this in, repaint…”

“It’s a hole three inches across,” remarked Ruby. “I think it’s gonna take more than a little filler and a lick of paint.”

“You wouldn’t have thought it would have gone that deep,” grumbled Belle. “Isn’t this supposed to be a wall?”

Ruby stepped forward, bending to gaze at the hole.

“That’s hollow,” she said curiously.

“What?”

“Behind the drywall. There’s a space back there. Here.”

She dug in her pocket for her phone, bringing up the flashlight app and shining it on the gap.

“There’s something back there,” she said excitedly.

“Let me see.”

Belle crouched down to peer through the gap. The light from Ruby’s phone gleamed on something; reddish-brown wood with what looked like brass fittings.

“I - I don’t know if it’s a door, or something,” she said vaguely. “I can’t see.”

“Let me look a second.”

Belle leaned back, and Ruby glanced around the room before shoving her entire fist into the hole, opening it up.

“Ruby!”

“Oh, come on, you wanted to know just as much as I did!”

“I’m probably gonna have to pay for that!”

“Yeah, maybe Gold’ll give you a tongue-lashing,” said Ruby dismissively. “Don’t tell me you wouldn’t enjoy it.”

“Oh my God…”

“Just have a look, would you?” said Ruby impatiently, brushing streaks of plaster from her hand.

Belle sighed, but held up the phone. The hole made by Ruby’s fist was large enough to see through. A wooden door, set with brass fittings and a series of large cogs.

“It - it looks like a door,” said Belle. “Works with some kind of mechanism, like cogs and pulleys, or something.”

“Let me see.” Ruby took her place, peering through the hole. “Huh. Kind of steampunk. Hey, do you think it’s an elevator?”

“If it is, it doesn’t go up to my apartment,” said Belle, and Ruby shook her head.

“Not going up,” she said. “Going down.”

“A basement?” Belle pulled a face. “Mr Gold didn’t mention one, and I didn’t see a door to it, or anything.”

“So ask him.”

“What, before or after I tell him I busted a hole in his wall?”

“Come on, what harm can it do?”

“Fine,” sighed Belle. “At least let’s get the rest of my stuff. That way if he murders me you guys can build a shrine in my honour in the classics section.”

Ruby chuckled, and picked up a suitcase.

“Hey, is there gonna be an erotica section?” she asked, with interest.

“Planning on one,” said Belle. “Depends if I can get funding for the new books.”

“There’s always my kissing booth idea…”

“Yeah,” said Belle, in a very dry tone. “I’m - probably not gonna be doing that.”

“Suit yourself,” said Ruby airily. “Just saying that there’s someone in town you wanna kiss, and rumour has it he has a rather large - checking account.”

Belle sighed, rolling her eyes and stomping off in the direction of the stairs, and Ruby’s cackle followed her up.

She knew that she had to own up to Mr Gold about the damage, and she figured sooner was better than later. The man had a habit of turning up when he wasn’t expected, and she didn’t want the hole in the wall to be a surprise. She waited until Ruby had gone to work her shift at the diner before heading to his shop, and Mr Gold looked up from the counter, his rent ledger open in front of him.

“Miss French,” he said, with a tiny smile. “Are you all settled in?”

“Pretty much,” she said. “I have to unpack, but - yeah.  I’m an independent woman. How about that?”

“Well, I hope you’ll be very happy there,” he said, turning his attention back to his ledger. “Let me know if there’s anything else you need."

“Thanks.”

There was a moment of silence, and she stepped a little closer, watching the light gleam on his hair.

“So - there’s an elevator in the library,” she said.

Mr Gold stilled, pen hovering above the ledger.

“What?”

“An elevator,” she said. “At least, I think that’s what it looks like. I’m sorry to say I had a bit of an accident. Knocked a hole in the drywall. I’ll pay for the damage, I swear.”

Mr Gold set down his pen, not looking at her. He turned away, shoulders stiff, and pushed at the curtain separating the back room from the shop. Brow crinkling, Belle followed him.

“So, am I right?” she asked. “There’s an elevator there? Where does it go? How come it’s walled off.”

He was standing stock still, his back to her, and she bounced on her toes as she waited for him to answer.

“Apologies, Miss French,” he said quietly. “I just remembered something very urgent that I have to do. I’m afraid I’m closing up early today.”

“I - what?” She was perplexed. “But - the elevator? I’m right, aren’t I? How come it’s not working? I don’t understand.”

“That’s not something I care to discuss,” he said sharply. “Now, if you don’t mind?”

“Mr Gold, I—”

“Please!” he snapped. “Miss French, I’d like you to leave!”

She took a step back, snapping her mouth shut, feeling hurt and awkward.

“Right,” she said softly. “Right. Okay. I’ll - I guess I’ll see you.”

She backed away, letting the curtain fall across and hide him from her sight. The shop was silent but for the low ticking of clocks, a reminder of the passing of time, of the years that had passed since the elevator was walled up and hidden from view. She wondered what secrets had been buried with it, and recalled Dorothy’s suggestion that she visit the local paper. Perhaps there would be answers there.

The newspaper did indeed have old microfiche available to view, just as Dorothy had said, but the young man who showed her to the small, windowless room to look through them merely shrugged when Belle asked why the library had come to be closed. She sat down with microfiche from 1998, flicking through stories of town festivals, cookouts and Little League games, and as the articles moved from September into October, reports of storm damage to the Town Hall. The storm had been a large one, it seemed, but she couldn’t find anything to say that the library had suffered any damage. She flicked to the next page, and flicked on again before going back, something familiar tickling at her mind.

Belle frowned, looking over the picture in front of her, its sign reading Pawnbroker and Antiquities Dealer.  Mr Gold’s shop looked much as it did now, albeit with a lighter hue of paint on the clapboard frontage, the blinds drawn and a sign in the window saying Out of Business. Her mouth flattened at that; what had happened to cause him to close the shop?  Perhaps it wasn’t the most profitable area of his business, but even so… She concentrated on the text below the picture. Local property developer and antiquities dealer, Mr Gold, closed his business without warning yesterday, following the reports of a tragic accident at the Storybrooke Public Library. Your Storybrooke Mirror reporter tried to reach the businessman for comment, but was told by his softly-spoken yet intimidating assistant that he was unavailable until further notice. Anyone wishing to redeem pawned items should submit their claims in writing to the shop and their queries will be addressed.

Curious, Belle turned the page backwards, trying to find an earlier edition, and her mouth fell open as she saw a picture of the library on what would have been the front page of the newspaper. Children’s Outing Ends in Tragedy it proclaimed. Belle leaned closer, eyes running over the words in front of her. A group of children left Storybrooke Library in tears yesterday as one of their own suffered a tragic accident. Baeden Gold, aged 3…

Belle straightened up, breath catching. Baeden Gold.  

She shook her head, bending closer to read the rest of the article. The elevator had been out of use, down in the deep basement awaiting repairs, and the doors had been closed. Unfortunately, the elevator was not electric, and the doors could be opened by anyone who knew how to work the mechanism. It wasn’t known who had opened them - the Sheriff was said to be investigating - but the result was an open elevator shaft down which a small boy had tumbled to his death. Belle bit her lip. So. The reason for the library’s closure, and Mr Gold’s refusal to open it since. She wondered what had made him finally agree to her proposal.

She sat back in her chair, chewing her lip, her mind troubled. It had happened twenty years ago, and yet no one spoke of it, least of all Mr Gold. She wondered if he had wanted it that way, if he had walled off his pain with plaster and paint and tried to forget it had ever happened. As if he ever could.

#rumbelle christmas in july #fic: back in business #rumbelle fic #death mention #rcij 2018

[exoparkchanyeogiwa]

Coughs and Sniffles (Oneshot)

(Pic is not mine)

'At least you were at home, in the arms of the one person in the world who made your life complete...'

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you wake up with a smile on your face. However, your smile quickly fades when you see a shivering, sniffling, coughing Jongdae, trying to sleep comfortably beside you...

---------

Oneshot

_____

Genre: Fluff

Member: Jongdae (Chen)

_____

The room was enveloped in complete darkness except for the trail of sunshine that peeked through the left side of the curtains.

You rubbed your eyes and sat up in bed. You kept your eyes closed for a brief second in order to focus on the sound of the car tyres shuffling across the road outside and the faint melody of birdsong that was playing just beyond your bedroom window.

Today was going to be perfect.

Both you and your beloved Jongdae had a day off work and were both planning on going out to see a movie and then have dinner at a restaurant in order to celebrate your upcoming birthday.

Excitement coursed through your veins as you opened your eyes, leaped out of bed and pulled the curtains apart. The glowing sun caused warmth to spread throughout the entire room as you stood in front of the window and took a deep breath.

You turned to face the bed where you were met with Jongdae's sleeping figure. You stared lovingly at his handsome features and smiled contently. Suddenly, Jongdae  let out a gruff cough. This sudden disturbance to the silence caused you to jump slightly and you placed your hand above your heart until its beating slowed.

You placed your palm on Jongdae's forehead and concern overtook you - he had a fever and a very high one as it seemed...

He was pale and sweaty. His breathing seemed irregular and his eyebrows were knitted together making him look like he was struggling and pained.

You moved his dampened hair out of his face and proceeded to the bathroom to grab some medicine and a soaked wash cloth. You made your way back to the bedroom and placed the cloth onto his forehead. You wiped the beads of sweat from his brow and then headed to the kitchen to grab a tall glass of water.

"Dae," you whispered "Dae, it's me. Wake up and drink this."

He shifted in his sleep and turned to you with a tired expression.

"Morning, beautiful. What's that?"

"It's medicine Dae," you replied "Now drink up. It'll help you feel better."

"Medicine? What? I don't need medicine. Why would I need medicine?" he said.

A series of coughs and splutters followed this statement and you looked at him and mumbled:

"That's why..."

Jongdae decided to quit being stubborn and complied to your request.

Once he had swallowed the medicine, he attempted to stand up - only to be pushed back down onto the bed by you, who was not going to allow it...

"Kim Jongdae I will not let you get out of bed in this condition!" You stated.

"But what about our dateeee?" He whined.

"Forget the date, Dae. Look at you! You can barely walk three steps without going into a coughing fit!"

"Thats not tr--" - he barely even finished his sentence before he was inturrupted by yet another series of coughs and sneezes.

You gave him the 'I told you so' look and he whined in defeat.

"Ughhh how are we gonna celebrate your birthday nowwww?"

"Just stay in bed, baby. It's okay! Don't worry about the date and don't worry about me! Your health is my number one priority right now and I highly doubt that either of us would enjoy a date if it mainly consisted of endless bouts of coughing and sneezing... and I doubt that the people around us would enjoy that either." You reasoned.

Jongdae sighed and said:

"Okay. Fine. But I don't want you to have to look after me all day. Go out! Buy yourself a million chicken nuggets or more, baby - you deserve it. Leave me here and enjoy your day off! I'll be fine here."

You looked at him with a confused expression.

"Okay I'm sorry but that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say and you've said some pretty stupid things before, Dae."

He scrunched his face in confusion.

"Do you seriously think that I would enjoy my day off if you aren't there to enjoy it with me?"

He looked down and shook his head.

"Exactly!" You said, "Now lie down. Let me take care of you."

"No." He argued.

"Kim Jongdae, now is not the time to be stubborn. You're sick! You need to rest!" you said.

"Can we go downstairs instead? Please? Lets watch a movie together. It's too stuffy in here."

You were about to refuse his suggestion until he pouted and showed you his dreaded puppy-dog eyes. You winced and nodded your head in agreement which caused him to weakly raise both his arms with excitement.

You walked, hand-in-hand, into the living room and you told him to make himself comfy on the sofa while you went to grab something from the kitchen.

Minutes later, you returned with a glass of water and a bowl of chicken noodle soup in your grasp.

You laid the bowl and the glass of water down on the coffee table and grabbed a blanket from a nearby pile. You placed the blanket over his legs and turned on the TV.

Commercials were being played so you used this as an opportunity to feed the sniffling Jongdae some chicken noodle soup.

He happily ate every spoonful and left the bowl nearly squeaky clean by the end of it. He licked his lips clean and said:

"I feel so much better now! Thank you so much baby. I love you! And did I mention that you make THE.BEST.CHICKEN.NOODLE.SOUP. E V E R?"

You smiled and said:

"Aweh thank you, Dae. I love you too!"

You pecked his lips and looked deep into his dark, brown eyes once you pulled away -not even caring if you would get ill as a result of it.

"You still wanna go out on that date babe?" He asked, "C'mon we still have time to celebrate your birthday today!"

You shook your head, "Dae, my birthday is in three days... we have tonnes of time to celebrate! And who's to say that this isn't a good enough celebration huh? I'd even say that cuddling on the couch with you whilst watching my favorite TV shows is the absolute perfect way to celebrate my birthday."

Jongdae grinned, wrapped his arm around you and kissed your temple. You burrowed into his embrace and inhaled his cologne - your favorite scent in the entire world.

The commercials on the TV finished playing and an old re-run of Glee started to air. You both watched intently as you waited for your favorite part of the show to begin - the singing!

The characters began to sing your favorite songs. You and Jongdae just couldn't help but sing along with them. You both sang together with your voices filling the entire room, causing an atmosphere of happiness and delight to flow through the air.

"You sing the female part and I sing the male part of the song okay, baby?" He said, smiling.

"Got it!" You beamed.

You sang and sang and sang, your smile never leaving your face and with your laughter errupting between every other line of the song.

Then, when Jongdae's part came, you ceased your laughter and just smiled - you smiled because you were lucky enough to love the beautiful human being that is Kim Jongdae and you smiled because you were lucky enough to have him love you just as much.

The day didn't quite go as planned. But that was okay because you were there with him. You were there, listening to him sing his heart out. And eventhough he sounded a little croaky and gruff because of his fever, you still thought that he sounded like an angel sent to you from heaven... and in a way, he was.

The occasional cough and sneeze still escaped past his lips but spending the whole day with you in his arms had really helped him regain his strength.

The final TV programme ended and Jongdae clicked the 'off' button on the remote. The screen turned to black. Jongdae checked the time on his phone. It was 9pm.

"Hey, love, lets go to bed now. I know you must be tired" he said.

The only response he got from you was a soft snore and an unconscious whimper.

He smiled and kissed your head before he proceeded to carry you up to your bedroom.

He laid you onto the bed and covered you with the duvet to ensure that his beautiful girlfriend would be kept safe and warm.

Tomorrow. He thought. Tomorrow we're gonna go to the Cinema and watch that movie and go to dinner together just like we planned.

With that, he made his way onto the bed, wrapped his arms around you and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly once again. Jongdae woke up, stretched his arms out and let out a mighty yawn. He stood up and made his way to open the curtains.

Sunlight filled the room once again as Jongdae made his way over to your sleeping figure.

"Love, loooove, wake up! Let's have a shower and eat before we head to the cinema."

You groaned and turned to face him.

"Oh my gosh you look horrible." He stated, bluntly.

"Gee thanks, Dae. I love you too." you scoffed.

Jongdae put his hand on your forehead and guilt consumed him upon feeling your high temperature.

"I guess we won't be going to the Cinema afterall..." he said.

"Do you mean to say that we get to spend another day cuddling on the sofa?" You asked.

Uh.. yeah. Is that okay? I'm sorry baby. I told you that you should've just left me home alone..." He said.

"SHH!" You said, putting your index finger up to his mouth in an attempt to shut him up.

"It's completely fine, Dae. Besides, now you get to look after me." You said, smiling brightly despite the pounding in your head.

But you took no notice of your aching bones, pounding headache or scratchy throat because you knew that a certain sweetheart named Kim Jongdae would be there, by your side, to help make you feel a hundred percent better again.

So what if you weren't out, celebrating your birthday in a fancy restaurant or watching the latest Avengers movie? At least you were at home, in the arms of the one person in the world that made your life complete.

In all honesty, you had hoped that everything would turn out that way...

~~~~~~~~~

I wrote this so quickly so pleaseee excuse any typos... I have really fat thumbs...

Anyways, I hope you guys like this one! Please tell me what you think cuz that would mean a lot! ♡

-Z

#exo fanfiction #exo k #kim jongdae #exo chen #chen #exo chen fanfic #exo fluff #jongdae #chen exo #chen imagine #exo imagines #exo imagine #exo #exo m #exo the war #the war #the eve #exo boomerang #exo power #exo forever #exo for life #exo sweet lies #exo angst #exo meme

[astral-writings]

Does A Dead Body Count?

Word Count: 1,721 Reader (biological) sex: idk?? Love Interest: Bucky Prompt: “So you remember how to not call you unless it was an emergency?…Does a dead body count?”

I looked at the dead body that rested upon the pavement of the alley, blood making a small pool around it’s head. In all fairness, he came after me first, it’s his fault that he’s dead. Unfortunately, I can’t just leave him here, and I certainly can’t tell anyone that I’ve managed to get another person killed. I already am in hot water because of last week when I accidentally killed like 5 people at the same time.

How was I suppossed to know that they’d die if I left them in that meat locker for too long? Then there was last month when a guy I was tracking accidentally drove off of a cliff and died on impact. Let’s not forget the month before that when I managed to kill someone with a paperclip. It’s not my fault that this keeps happening. Alright, maybe it’s a little my fault, but I still can’t have this getting back to Fury.

Or Tony, for that matter. I’ll be catching shit from both ends. I sighed, trying to think of what to do. ‘Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency,’ echoed through my mind. Bucky and I haven’t been on the best of terms, and while he was being sarcastic, it was still an offer. Besides, it’s either try and rope him into helping me, or face Fury. Frankly, I’d rather face Bucky’s broody self than an angry and irritated Fury.

I took out my phone, scrolling through the contacts until Bucky’s screen name popped up. I pressed his name, and hesitated before pressing the call button. I really need to do something about this luck that I have sticking to me. Should I really call him? A moment of mental silence passed, of course I should. I pressed the call button, and lifted the phone to my ear, gently kicking the body with my left foot.

“So you remember how to not call you unless it was an emergency?” I questioned, “Does a dead body count?”

“Do you also remember about how I wasn’t serious?” He shot back, “Wait, dead body? You killed someone again?”

“It wasn’t my fault!” I defended.

“Oh, really? Like how the meat locker wasn’t your fault?” He questioned.

“I’m being serious! He tried to kill me and-” I began.

“So you kill him?” Bucky questioned.

“Are you going to help me or not?” I asked angrily.

“I don’t know, I might actually enjoy watching your ass get handed to you by Fury.” Bucky said.

“You’re such an ass!” I exclaimed, hanging up.

I angrily shoved my phone back into my pocket, kicking the still-dead body in front of me. This is all his fault! He just had to try and kill me, didn’t he?! He couldn’t have waited another week to do it?! If Fury finds out about this, my ass is grass. I huffed, bending down to drag him against the wall. I guess I should try to make it look like another crime happened, and hope that this doesn’t get traced back to me.

I wonder how long it will be before Fury just decides to fire me. I’d like to think that my fantastic abilities make up for the fact that I’m killing people practically every day. Right as I plopped the dead man against the wall, my phone started ringing. I ignored the call as soon as I saw who it was, Bucky probably just wants to torture me some more. He also probably isn’t going to stop calling until I pick up, given that he’s calling a second time.

“What the hell do you want?” I asked.

“To help, tell me where you are.” He offered.

“What, decided that getting my ass handed to me might not actually be that entertaining?” I questioned.

“I like harassing you too much to let you get fired, doll.” He confessed.

“Aw, don’t I just feel special.” I said and I could practically hear the eye roll.

“Whatever, just tell me where you are.” He changed the topic.

“In the alley of Christie's Coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts.” I said.

“Alright, see you in a bit, serial killer.” Bucky teased.

“Hey! It was an accident! I didn’t mean to kill them.” I defended.

“Sure it was, Y/n. It always is.” He said with a joking tone.

“Hey-” I began, but he hung up before I could say anything else.

I huffed, shoving my phone back in my pocket and leaning against the alley wall. I wonder how long it’ll take for him to get here. I looked down at the guy, raising an eyebrow as the blood started to trail over me. Nuh-uh, I don’t think so, these are brand new shoes and I’m not getting blood on them for at least a week. I stepped off of the wall, standing out of the way of the blood trail. I looked over his dead body with a sigh.

I suppose I could’ve been a little neater with killing him, this is going to be a bitch to clean up. Well, hopefully Bucky has a plan because I got nothing right now. I guess it’s also nice to catch the good side of him, rather than the one who is always an ass to me. I didn’t know there was a sweet side under all of that sour exterior. My head perked up as I heard a car quietly park, Bucky’s face following soon after.

“This the guy?” He questioned and I nodded.

“Yep, that’s the dude.” I confirmed.

“Looks like you really did a number on him.” He pointed out and I sighed.

“I was ambushed! Sorry that the first thing on my mind was stay alive rather than be clean.” I huffed.

“Apology accepted, even though I wasn’t accusing you of anything.” Bucky said with a smile.

“Ass.” I said, hitting his shoulder.

Bucky put the guy in a black body bag, shoved the guy in the trunk, and closed it. The sky thundered and ran began pouring from the clouds, the water mixing with the blood. Awesome, looked like there won’t be a massive clean-up job after all. The water hit my face and drenched my hair as I made my way to his car, and quickly getting inside. I huffed, buckling my seatbelt as he sped out of the area.

I raised my eyebrow at him, noticing that he didn’t have a seatbelt on. He looked at me with slight confusion, raising an eyebrow back at me. I reached across from him, grabbing his seatbelt, and buckling it for him. No need for us to die too, it’d be a little too extreme for a simple body dump. Besides, who is gonna give me shit if Bucky goes? He cleared his throat before he rolled his eyes, readjusting himself on his seat.

“Really?” He questioned.

“Yep, safety first.” I confirmed.

“I’d like to think I’d be fine either way, Doll.” He said and I shook my head.

“Yeah, so does everybody. Next thing ya know, you’re laying in a bed, deprived of 3 of your senses with your limbs amputated.” I dramatically declared.

“Well, at least I have a head start, then.” He joked and my head snapped at him.

“You are not dying on my watch, got it?” I questioned.

“Okay, fine, mom.” He joked and I smiled and rolled my eyes.

Bucky stopped once we were at the bridge, parking the car near the railing. I looked at him as he got out of the car before mimicking his actions. It was raining even harder now, and I could hardly see in front of me. I helped Bucky carry the body to the edge of the railing, the action requiring more effort than I had initially planned. You know, I don’t recall this guy weighing as much as he does now.

“What did you do, shove an elephant in here?” I grunted.

“We gotta make sure he stays at the bottom, unless you want someone to find him.” He pointed out.

“Good point.” I huffed.

After what seemed like ages we finally made it to the railing. I glanced over it, barely able to see the water below. I looked back at Bucky, only now noticing that he was counting down. I swung the body with him, and threw him over the railing once the countdown was finished. I heard a faint splash after a moment, and I waited a moment before following Bucky back into his car. I cleared my throat as I got in, a shiver running down my spine.

The rest of the car ride was silent, apart from me sneezing and the sound of the heater. Getting sick is the last thing I need right now, it’s bad enough that I’m being watched like a hawk at HQ. I sniffed as Bucky parked the car, and I squinted as I looked out the window. Hey, this isn’t my house at all. I’ve been lied to, deceived, bamboozled. Maybe he’s going to have me do some sworn-to-secrecy-you-owe-me-one ritual.

“Come on, you’re staying at my place tonight.” Bucky said as he opened my door, helping me out.

Or he could just be acting like a human being, and trying to prevent me from getting terribly ill. I took his hand and got out of the car, another shiver racking through my body. Yep, I’m so getting sick, and I’m so going to die before the day is out. Well, not literally, but it’s definitely going to feel that way. I curled into Bucky as we made our way inside, my hair dripping water onto the floor. Ah, yes, make a total mess, what a great first impression.

“I’ll call Fury and tell him you won’t be in tomorrow.” Bucky said, walking away and getting out his phone.

“Huh? What?! No!” I called as he put the phone to his ear, walking away from me.

“Hey, Y/n is sick and-” Bucky began.

“NO!” I cried, running over to him, stepping onto the nearby chair and onto his back, “I’M FINE!” I exclaimed, trying to get the phone from him.

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