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loveroftoomanyfandoms · 2 months

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Sweet on You, Chapter 2

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Story Summary: HERE

Warnings/Tags: Sugar Daddy!Matt Murdock, Idiots to Lovers, No Age Gap, Alternating PoV, No Use of Y/N

Word Count: ~2800

A/N: Thank you to everyone who liked and reblogged the first chapter! If you'd like to be tagged in this, please let me know.

Divider by @theradioactivespidergwen!

Tag List (struck-through blogs could not be tagged): @danzer8705 @capylore @shouldbestudying41 @atemydadforbreakfast @peachy-flxwr @sleepysleepymom @fishinsuits @milkbummm

You looked at your phone once again as you headed down the busy sidewalk towards The Brew Towers.

Matthew had messaged you the previous evening confirming your meeting and sending you a description of himself so you'd know who you were looking for in case the café was crowded. I have dark brown hair and will be wearing jeans and a gray T-shirt with a black leather jacket, he had sent.

Okay, you had replied. See you tomorrow.

You had agonized over your own outfit, finally deciding to wear jeans and a sweater since it was the middle of November.

The closer you got to the café the more nervous you became. What if Matthew took one look at you and changed his mind? What if he wanted more than what you were comfortable with giving? What if--

You shook your head. The last thing you needed to do was to give yourself a panic attack, especially over ‘what if s’.

You continued on to the café, taking a deep breath before entering.

You looked around for someone who fit Matthew’s description of himself, finally spotting a dark-haired man sitting alone at a table in the corner.

He was handsome, with a strong, straight nose, plush lips, and eyes that were hidden behind red-tinted sunglasses. That must be him.

You headed over, pausing as you got to his table. “Excuse me, Matthew?”

He looked up at you with a smile and nodded before saying your name questioningly.

You nodded in return. “Yes, hi.”

Matthew stood and stuck his hand out for you to shake. “Hi, it's nice to meet you. And please, call me Matt.”

You took it and gave it a brief shake. “Nice to meet you too, and okay. Matt it is.”

Matt gestured towards the empty chair opposite him. “Here, have a seat.”

“Thank you.” You unwound your scarf and took your coat off before draping both across the back of your chair and sitting.

“How about I go order our coffee?” Matt asked as he remained standing. “What would you like? Anything to eat?”

You eyed the display case of baked goods. In your nervousness you had skipped breakfast, so… “Um, sure.”

You gave Matt your order and he nodded. “Got it. Be right back.”

He took a long white cane out of his jacket pocket and unfolded it, then headed towards the counter to place your orders.

Okay, so that explains the sunglasses indoors, you thought. And probably why he wanted to meet in person to discuss terms rather than hashing it out over DMs.

You waited as Matt placed your orders then returned with a small numbered placard.

“So, um, how are you today?” Matt asked as he sat.

“I'm well,” you replied. “And you?”

“Good, good, yeah…” Matt paused. “Um, thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I've never done this sort of thing before.”

You shrugged. “It’s not a problem.”

“If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been a sugar baby? I'm just curious since you don't seem to fit the typical profile.”

Your hackles raised slightly. “You mean because I'm not a barely-legal teenager with daddy issues?”

Matt chuckled warmly. “Quite frankly, yes, but I promise it's not a bad thing -- In fact, it's one of the main reasons I chose you. I apologize if I came off as judgemental, that wasn't my intention.”

You relaxed at Matt's apology. “I actually prefer the term ‘companion’, if you don't mind.”

Matt shook his head. “Not at all. How long have you been a companion, then?”

“I've been on Sugar and Spice for about four months -- I ran into some financial trouble and found that it was the fastest and easiest way to make some extra money… at least legally, that is.”

Matt suddenly looked concerned. “What kind of financial trouble? That is, if you don't mind me asking. Maybe I can help if it's something you could use some legal advice on.”

You shook your head. “Thank you, but I have it handled. It's actually not even technically my debt – I'm helping my mother out with some medical bills after she got seriously ill and wound up in the hospital. She had lost her job – and subsequently her health insurance – right before she got sick, so now she has to pay all of her hospital bills out of pocket. She can't afford the monthly payments, so I offered to help. It's the least I can do after all the sacrifices she made for me when I was growing up.”

You were fortunate that the hospital had agreed to put your mother on a long-term payment plan without much fuss, so there was no need to get a lawyer involved even if you could afford Matt's services.

You paused as a café employee brought your and Matt's coffee and pastries to you, thanking them before they left. “I don't intend on being a companion forever, just until I get things settled with that.”

Matt took a sip of his coffee. “In that case, shall we discuss business then?”

You nodded. “Why don't you start by telling me a bit about yourself and what your expectations are for this arrangement, especially since you said that this is your first time doing this sort of thing.”

Matt nodded. “Well, as you already know, I'm an attorney with Nelson, Murdock and Page. I'm currently single, but, uh, I guess you probably already figured that out considering the circumstances.”

You shook your head with a wry smile. “I've learned never to assume anything about Sugar and Spice 's clientele. You'd be surprised at how many people frequent the site who aren't actually single.”

Matt chuckled. “Fair enough. My busy lifestyle doesn't really allow for a committed relationship, so I'm looking for someone to fill that role in my life that isn't actually expecting commitment.”

You pursed your lips, unable to help but silently judge Matt. “So you basically just want a friend with benefits.”

Matt shook his head. “No -- well, yes, but -- not exactly?”

He sighed. “I'm honestly just looking for someone to spend time with, someone to accompany me to dinner or a concert or to take a walk and go for coffee with, someone to bring as my plus-one to the occasional work event when necessary. I'm not expecting anything sexual in return -- in fact, I think it's actually best if we'd keep things strictly platonic between us.”

You nodded, relaxing once again. You found it odd that Matt wasn't expecting any sort of ‘sugar’ in return, but then again, to each their own. “Okay, so you actually are just looking for a companion then.”

Matt nodded. “I'd give you a guaranteed monthly stipend in addition to paying for all of our outings, and in the case of a work event I'd arrange a shopping trip for you if necessary.”

“How much of a stipend are we talking about?” You figured it'd be about three or four hundred dollars a month, which was okay with you since that would at least cover the minimum monthly payments on your mother's medical bills.

Matt shrugged. “Let's say… a thousand a month?”

Your jaw nearly dropped to the floor. A thousand dollars a month just to accompany a handsome, rich lawyer to dinner a couple of times a week and the occasional party full of other rich lawyers? At that rate you'd have your mother's medical debt paid off a lot sooner than you originally thought.

Matt must've taken your silence as a rejection, because he added, “unless that's too low? Like I said, I've never done this before so I don't exactly know what the going rate is for something like this.”

You quickly shook your head. “Uh, no, no, I think I can agree to a thousand dollars a month.”

Matt smiled, looking relieved. “Great! I'd like to have something in writing, so would you mind swinging by my office on Monday?”

You nodded. “Sure.”

Matt took his wallet out and extracted a business card. “Here's the address.”

You took the card and looked at it.

You nodded. Matt's office wasn't too far from your own. “Okay, yeah. It'll have to be late afternoon, though. Is a little after 5 o’clock okay with you?”

Matt nodded in return. “Yeah, that's fine.”

“Okay, good.” You pocketed Matt’s card.

Matt broke off a piece of the croissant he had ordered and popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “So are you from New York?” he asked after he had swallowed and took a sip of his own coffee.

You nodded. “Yeah, born and raised here in Hell's Kitchen. You?”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Where'd you go to school?” You didn't recall there being any blind students at your school when you were growing up, but then again you had been so focused on your studies in order to try to make your mom proud that you didn't really notice much else.

Matt shook his head. “I was mostly homeschooled.”

“Oh, okay. Nevermind then. I thought maybe we had gone to school with each other since we're both from here.”

Matt bit his lip as if he was contemplating his next sentence. Finally, he said, “My mom left not long after I was born, so my dad raised me. He, uh, he always said that it was important that I get a good education so I wouldn't have to struggle to make ends meet like he did, so after I graduated high school I went to Columbia and got my law degree.”

You took a bite of your own pastry. “He must be really proud of you for becoming a lawyer then.”

Matt shook his head. “He died when I was 9.”

Your eyes widened. “Oh my God, I'm so sorry.”

Matt shrugged. “It's ok, you didn't know. What about you though, do your parents still live around here?”

You nodded. “It's always been just me and my mom, but yeah, she doesn't live far from here.”

You paused as your phone began to ring, Mom flashing across the screen. “Oh and actually that's her. I'm sorry, I’ll just be one second.”

Matt nodded. “No problem.”

You quickly swiped to answer. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi honey,” your mom replied. “Are you busy?”

“Uh…” You glanced over at Matt. “I'm out having coffee with a friend, but what's up?”

“Oh, well I was wondering if you wanted to come by for lunch tomorrow. I found this new recipe I wanted to try and it's been a while since we've cooked together.”

“Yeah, that sounds great. What time do you want me over?”

“Would 11:30 work for you?”

“That'll be fine. Need me to bring anything?”

“No, I think I have everything I need for it. I'll let you get back to your friend, see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow, Mom. Bye.”

“Bye, honey.”

You hung up. “Sorry about that.”

Matt shook his head. “It's no problem. So, you and your mom are pretty close, huh?”

You nodded. “Yeah, we are. And actually that reminds me, how are we handling this? Because I’m gonna have to tell her eventually that I’m seeing someone.”

Matt hummed. “I don't suppose she knows about your job as a ‘companion’ then.”

You shook your head. “She thinks I got a raise at my day job, and I'd really rather her not find out the truth or else she'll refuse to let me keep helping her out.”

Matt chewed on his lip as he thought. “Honestly I think it's best if we keep our arrangement under wraps, so we could just tell people we're dating since you'll be accompanying me to work events and things like that.”

“Okay.” You took another bite of your pastry. “So then how'd we meet since we can't really tell people we met on Sugar and Spice ?”

Matt shook his head with a smile and waved a hand around the café. “Well, since the most believable lies at least have a kernel of truth to them, how about a coffee shop?”

He took another sip of his coffee. “We struck up a conversation in line and decided to sit together since it was busy, and by the time we left I had asked you out for dinner.”

You thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, okay. That way the timeline will still fit.”

“How about dinner on Monday, then? We can meet at my office, sign the contract, then go somewhere nearby?”

“Okay.” Unless Matt chose a fancy steakhouse or something for your regular work attire would suffice.

“Great. How does Asian fusion sound?”

“Yeah, that's fine.”

You and Matt continued to talk for another hour as you got to know each other, finally exchanging phone numbers as you were both leaving. “It's easier for me to communicate this way,” Matt explained as the two of you walked outside. “Unless you'd prefer to use the website?”

You shook your head. “No, that's fine. I can't exactly check my S&S messages while I'm at work anyway.”

Matt handed you his phone so you can input your number. “Okay great. Thanks.”

You input your contact information then quickly sent yourself a text so you'd have Matt's number before handing his phone back to him. “So I'll see you Monday afternoon, then?”

Matt nodded. “Yeah, Monday.”

“Okay.” You weren't sure if you were supposed to shake Matt's hand or give him a hug or what, so you settled for an awkward wave then mentally cringed at yourself for waving at a blind man. “Well, thanks for breakfast.”

Matt shook his head. “No problem.”

“Okay, bye.” You turned and headed back to your apartment, silently hoping that you'd actually made the right decision.

Matt pocketed his phone as you walked down the street, waiting until you had turned the corner before unfolding his cane and heading in the opposite direction back to his apartment. You had seemed nice enough – over the past couple of hours he had learned that you had graduated from NYU and were currently working as an administrative assistant at an architectural firm not far from Nelson, Murdock, and Page, but that your dream actually lay in historical preservation.

“There's just something comforting about stepping into an old building that's been restored to its natural splendor,” you had said. “Being transported back to a simpler time, where we didn't have to worry about alien invasions or crime-fighting vigilantes wearing red Spandex.”

Matt had chuckled. His Daredevil suit was actually made from a material akin to Kevlar, so it wasn't exactly stretchy or comfortable, but it wasn't like you knew that. “So I take it you don't approve of Daredevil then?”

You had taken a sip of your coffee before answering. “ Actually, quite the opposite. I feel like the streets have been a lot safer since he's shown up, especially at night. Daredevil’s doing a better job of protecting this city than the police department is.”

Matt had nodded. Patrolling Hell's Kitchen as Daredevil was about more than dismantling Fisk’s empire and getting the cartels off the streets, it was about protecting people from low-level criminals as well. “Yeah, I get that.”

Once Matt reached his apartment he sat down on his couch then picked up his laptop. Might as well start drafting the contract while the terms are fresh in my mind.

He paused when he reached the part regarding his payments to you, then after a moment he pulled up your Sugar and Spice profile before sending you the note, I had a great time this morning along with $200.

When you had balked at his offer of $1,000 a month he immediately thought that he had lowballed you and was fully prepared to double it, especially since out of all of the profiles he had gone through on Sugar and Spice, you had been his only choice of ‘companion’.

He didn't know what he had expected your reasoning behind joining the site to have been, but it certainly hadn't been because you were helping your mother with hospital bills. I wonder how much she owes.

He figured it must've been a fairly substantial amount since not only did your mother have to foot the bill herself due to losing her health insurance just before going into the hospital, but also because of the lengths you were willing to go to help her pay it.

Matt finished drafting out the contract before reading it over using his text-to-speech app and nodding in satisfaction.

He saved it then sent it to his work email, certain that he had made the right decision.

#lotmf writes #matt murdock x reader #matt murdock x fem!reader #matt murdock x female reader #matt murdock x you #Sweet on You Masterlist

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sentfromwolves · 1 month

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◈—⌈ SENTFROMWOLVES ⌋ writeblr introduction ²⁰²⁴

Hi everyone, and welcome to my writeblr 2024 introduction. My name is Eran (they/he & freshly thirty) and I've been on writeblr for awhile, so you might've seen me around. ( •̀ ω •́ ) This is my yearly post to introduce the projects I'll be working on this year, what I write, and who I am. I'll be keeping it short and sweet.

I'd love to meet more writers this year, so if you write any of the following, or just like these genres, or even just wanna shout about ocs together, come holler and I'll give you a follow!

◈ — sci-fi and fantasy of any kind! cozy fantasy, romantasy, epic fantasy, space opera? this is my bread and butter, and I love shouting about it from the rooftops with others! ◈ — found families, ot3s, complicated soulmates. I am almost always writing about soulmates who have either killed each other at least once in the past or are planning some sort of murder. Complicated relationships, especially found families that aren't all rainbows and butterflies, are right up my alley. ◈ — queer and trans protagonists, large queer casts! all of my wips feature trans/nonbinary leads, and I'm always looking for more queer writer friends to connect with! ◈ — hope at the end of the tunnel, but hell to get to. I write stories with hopeful endings, with the sun on the horizon, with the promise that something better might now at long last be on the way. I love seeing characters get put through hell, but I love it even more when they make it to the other side. (if you write tragedy though, please know I will still cry on your doorstep if you'll have me) ◈ — corruption arcs, redemption arcs, sometimes both! Deeply nuanced characters with messy attitudes, and even messier actions. I'm just as equally obsessed with cool worldbuilding as I am with character-driven things, and I will yell about ocs all day, and maybe draw them too >:3 ◈ — big, epic, and sweeping worldbuilding! I am a huge fan of delving into the worldbuilding aspect of my wips. I love building magic systems, cultures, geographies, and more. One of my 2024 projects is doing a worldbuilding experiment blog at some point. I am always down to clown over worldbuilding, whether to sound board or just holler together!

There's a lot more I could say here, but this post can only get so long! Σ(っ °Д °;)っ my dms are always open, and I will follow back most of the time! But just to get all of the basics outta the way:

◈—« here's a quick and dirty rundown of how I work! »—◈

➺ I interact and follow from @calamityeden, so if you see that username, it's just me.✌️I am most active on discord, and if we become friends, you're more than welcome to ask to add me there. ➺ I am open to being tagged in writeblr games! Just know that I am not online all the time, and might be slow to respond to them. 🐌 ➺ My ask box and DMs are open, just please be respectful. I love meeting new writers and talking about projects! I am happy to chat and make new friends. You're always welcome! 💌 ➺ This is a strictly 18+ writeblr. Please DNI with me if you are a minor and respect my boundaries.

🪄You can find my core tags here under my writing and my graphics, as well as writer reminders, game train and catharsis. (❁´◡`❁) And now onto the fun part! My 2024 main project line up!

I have my main four listed here that you'll probably hear me yelling about pretty consistently, but I've also got a lot of other projects rattling around in my brain. So if you're ever curious about a project that's not here, feel free to yell at me about it! >:3

Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Standalone.

Status: First Draft Complete (117k)—Revising for beta round one.

There's a clock tattooed on Nemesis's wrist, and when it reaches midnight on his 21st birthday, it will kill him. It doesn't help that his mom is the one that cursed him, and the demon currently possessing his car ate her before Nemesis could convince her to break the damned thing. Thankfully, Judge came prepared with an alternative: help him break into a mythical living city and steal its heart, and in return, he'll shatter Nemesis's curse for free. Accompanied by a three-headed hellhound, a haunted holy sword, and an excommunicated exorcist, Judge and Nemesis set their sights on an impossible heist. But the closer Nemesis gets to the heart, the more he begins to realize that he isn't the only one under a curse. And if he doesn't find a way to break Judge's soon, his own life will be forfeit as well.

Genre: Space Opera

Status: 2024 zero drafting from scratch

Two hundred years ago, humanity expanded to the stars only to find a cosmos filled with graves. But then their children began displaying the strange ability to commune with the alien ruins scattered across the planets, waking ancient, extrasolar mecha from their sleep, and turned the struggling colonies of space explorers into the fledgling galactic nation of Sol Galatea. Now, Wren Akane is on the run from the whole galaxy, wanted for the strange alien powers throbbing through his veins. His luck runs out when he accidentally awakens an ancient Relic in the desert of his planet, only to be embedded with the memories of its last pilot and the revelation that the war that littered the cosmos with graves is far from over. But no one believes Wren when he tells them that continuing to wake the Relics will bring the hostile alien empire that destroyed them back to Sol Galatea’s doorstep. Only Wren’s rival pilot, Marek Khalid, seems interested in a word Wren has to say. But Marek doesn’t want to save Sol Galatea. He has big plans for what to do when the aliens arrive, a rebellion to lead, and if Wren isn’t on his side, he’s in his way. With time running out, Wren must soon decide how far he’s willing to go to save the people that never tried to save him—or if Marek is right, and he should let the stars burn instead.

Genre: Adult Romantasy

Status: First Draft (1k/100k)

Once a year, Celestials from all across the Lumina Kingdom gather together for Eventide, the season of courtship, hoping to win the hand of the most eligible star at court. Sirius knows the game they play all too well: by day, he is the forgettable, miserable daughter of the Lumina Family, least of his seven siblings and wanted only for the royal blood running through his veins. By night, however, Sirius is the Starweaver—the mysterious dressmaker taking the kingdom by storm. Everyone wants to know the identity of the one responsible for elaborate outfits that turn even the quietest Celestial in the room into the star of the show, outshining even Sirius’s luminous sibling, Diana. When the infamous King Beyond Midnight arrives with the intent to wed Diana, Sirius finds his secret in jeopardy when the condition for their hand in marriage is a simple challenge: reveal the Starweaver's true identity. There’s no outsmarting Octavian for long, and soon, Sirius will have to make a choice: give up on his passion and stay hidden forever, or risk everything to stay true to who he really is.

Genre: Second World Urban Fantasy

Status: Outlining

Something changes the day that Nakano Touya returns to the crumbling city of Soma Lux. It starts with voices in the radio static, blurry figures caught on camera, always out of focus. When a monster crawls out of Touya's television screen and eats him, the last thing he expects is to find a strange, shadowy otherworld lurking on the other side. But his biggest problem isn't the monsters of the otherworld that want to eat him, or the talking cat that saved him, now living in his apartment without a care in sight. Soma Lux is experiencing a strange new epidemic—one that Touya is completely unaffected by. But when his half-sister falls comatose, Touya knows he has to get to the bottom of it all to save her—and find out why he's the only one immune. Accompanied by his jaded ex-boyfriend, Touya’s nosy classmates, a part-time fortune teller, and a cantankerous old hag, Touya dives into the murky underbelly of Soma Lux, where the realities have begun to bleed together between his world and the next.

That's all for now! >:3 Here's to an amazing 2024! (also my actual blog is a mess right now please do not mind it ksjndfskfn)

#writeblr intro #writing community #writeblr #my writing #my graphics #hey all hehe i just decided i'll probs do a fresh one of these every year to make sure i can pin an accurate wip list to the top #especially as i change wips from year to year!#i mostly am on discord #but i want to be able to meet new writer friends here too especially as the community grows!#seriously feel free to holler anytime #i'm usually around somewhere :3

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nerdieforpedro · 2 months

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The Man Next Door

Jake Lockley x plus size black female reader

This blog is 18+ MDNI

Word Count: approx. 4.1k

Summary: You've been eyeing your neighbor Jake for the last few months. A major even and discovery puts things into perspective. You make your move after the dots are filled in.

Warnings: Mentions of blood (various amounts), violence, one minor character death, sprinkles of Spanish, first aid, unprotected P in V (wrap it IRL), aftercare

Notes: My first Moon Knight fic! 🥰 It's been in the works for a bit. It's a half of a request for @megamindsecretlair I asked her what she wanted in it and she told me. We'll see if I delivered on that or not. 😄Dividers are designed by the wonderful @saradika-graphics ❤️

Main Masterlist / Moon Knight Masterlist/ Oscar Isaac characters

Sometimes he has blood on his hands, attempting to wipe it off with a rag, other times there are small drops of splatter on his chin and cheek as he gives you a morning nod before you head off to work.

He’s never without a drop of crimson on him, no matter what time of day you happen to spot him. It makes you keep your distance from him, not indulge in idle chatter like your other neighbors in your apartment building, ask to borrow items or even keep a package or two for you.

You’re curious about him, about Jake Lockley.

He’s been your next door neighbor for six months. You haven’t heard anyone in his apartment or seen anyone visit. It was odd, that you’re sure of. He only gets a few pieces of mail and seldom any packages. Never rude and never too friendly either. A fair distance away from any who may try to get to know him.

You wonder if you should have ever spoken to him now. It’s been a few days since you’ve seen him and had your morning farewell nod. You walk from the bus stop to work each day, it’s less than ten minutes and you count it as your exercise. This is the night you see him again, your neighbor. Walking home like every other night, you happen to hear a thud and look in its direction. Sure you left work an hour late due to your boss being a dick and wanting you to finish putting together the reports for tomorrow, but at least you got overtime out of it so you hadn’t minded too much. Maybe you should have.

You can’t say it’s completely unexpected, there’s only so many reasons Jake would have blood on him but it’s still shocking. It’s not everyday you see your neighbor standing in a pool of someone’s blood. Honestly you can’t tell the gender or the person or ethnicity from the distance and from the amount of blood.

There’s just so much. Dripping from his hands, splashes on his face and clothes.

No wait…the clothes are odd. They went from some off gray looking robes to his normal jeans, and jacket. Maybe you’re hallucinating. It’s then that you feel a hand on your arm.

“You know him, don't you woman? What do you know about him? Tell us!” When you turn to see who the hand belongs to, you’re met with a knife that grazes your cheek. There are four men in addition to the one holding you for a total of five. You’re shaking your head, it’s not a lie, you don’t know anything about the man other than his name and that he lives next to you. His grip strengthens on your arm as you try to pull away from him and the other men watch amused at your attempt to try and escape. Their laughs are replaced by curses as you stomp on your assailant’s foot and drop your bag to punch him in the face. He’s stunned so his grip loosened finally to give you a chance to go for the knife and you do.

There’s blood on you now. Not on your hand you punched the man with, but on the knife and your white button down from where you went for your assistant’s neck. He’s holding the side of it, trying to apply pressure but he’s shaky on his feet. One of his friends, you assume, grabs him to help him but he slumps in his arms, the man’s hand falling slowly from his neck.

Did you just kill someone? What the hell is happening?

(Khonshu): Is that the woman you glance at and who occupies your idle thoughts Jake? I thought she was one of the many worms. It appears she is not. You may want to don the suit again. She has spirit, but not skill nor strength. She’ll not last long.

(Jake): I hear you loud and clear, you old bird. What is she doing here anyway? She’s normally off work and at home by now. I know her routine and she doesn't change it by much. I knew she had a little fire in her, she went right for the neck, most would have gone for an arm or torso.

The three other men are circling you, screaming at you about their fallen friend and how they’re going to take their time in torturing you no matter if you actually know anything about Jake or not. You lunge at the man closest to you, going for his neck as well since that did the other man in, but he caught both your arms and chuckled.

“Luck like that only strikes once bitch!” He presses his fingertips into your wrists, but you keep hold of the knife, it’s the only weapon you have. But you start to smell more metal - iron, no there’s more blood. It’s not on you, or it wasn’t until the goon holding you falls forward and to step back to avoid his body hitting yours, wrists free, but you’re falling. It seems among all that scuffle, you’d been near a curb and you’d stepped off awkwardly.

You don’t hit the ground though, instead you’re in strong arms. The same gray you’d seen earlier except now there’s a mask, cape and a moon in the middle of his chest? He supports you as you stand up. You’re still holding onto your knife though, adrenaline running through your veins as you hold it close to your chest. He holds your shoulders and gives them a soft squeeze to help you pay attention.

“Mira! Hola! (Look! Hello!) Tch…” Jake’s trying to get your attention but it’s not working. This whole gentle thing isn’t his norm and he can see that your eyes aren’t registering him or his words at all. Not even him squeezing your shoulders, he’s worried that squeezing them harder will result in an injury and the suit only heals him, not you. The blood dripping from your cheek angers him and the men are only knocked out now. He needs to get you out of here so he can come back and find out information from them - slowly and painfully. He releases you and picks up your bag, then tosses you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, he doesn’t have time to console you, not that he would be any good at it. He hears you squeal then yelling and shifts your back to the same arm he’s holding you with, then pinches your hip.

“Silencio! (Quiet!)” Your body tenses in his arms as he makes his way to the apartment building. He jumps to the fire escape outside of his window as he usually keeps it open for when he doesn’t feel like using the door. He removed that suit before heading in, donning his street clothes and carrying you inside, setting you down on his couch. You’re sniffling, but not crying loudly or yelling anymore which Jake is thankful for. He goes to get a small first aid kit. It was included with some beer he bought when he last shopped for anything really and hasn’t been opened. Kneeling in front of you, he sighs as you’re still looking forward, he’s wondering if he’ll still get soft nods and hellos after this. You might even see if you can move from the building. He wets some gauze with some saline and dabs your cheek, finally you respond by hissing from the sting.

“Oh, now you’re paying attention princesa (princess)? You’re in my place by the way. Stay still.” Jake gives you a brief smile before dabbing your cheek a few more times and applying some antibiotic ointment. It’s not nearly deep enough for stitches or even the little strips they have in here, but he still hates that you were there at all, let alone that you’re not only injured but you also had to kill to survive.

“I..so that was all real, not a nightmare? Oh…so I killed…” You finally drop the knife and in klangs on the floor, your hands take hold of your knees, covered halfway by your pencil skirt. Your realization sinks in that no, it was not some crazed fearful dream from watching way too much FBI in one night. No, there had been a fight, there had been blood and you had indeed killed someone.

“It was self-defense hermosa (gorgeous). That’s all it was. You wouldn’t have had to if I wasn’t slow in getting to you.” Jake takes your hands in his. You finally look at him. He looks like every other day, black leather jacket, dark gray t-shirt, dark wash jeans, a wry smile on his face and it’s surrounded by his dark shadowy stubble. When did he change clothes? His eyes are unexpectedly warm in their chocolate pools. You hadn’t really looked at them before, always in passing. You nod and close your eyes. He’s telling you what you want to hear, but you know what you did with that knife. “Come on, let’s get you next door. You should wash up and change clothes. Don’t touch your face though.” He instructs and you follow him to your feet as he stands and walks to his door. His apartment has the same brick walls, though his are more sparse with decorations though you see many books. You didn’t expect any and you’re not sure why.

You aren’t able to find your keys, your hands are shaking so badly and you’re crying again, silently since he told you to be quiet. He regrets that a bit. You’re not accustomed to death and violence as he is, of course it's shocking, most would find it so. “May I princesa?” Jake holds out a hand, he’s not going to force it, it’s not the time. You hand him your back and he searches for half a minute. The bag is large and looks like you keep a lot of ‘just in case’ stuff in it. He finds your keys and unlocks your door, but doesn’t enter with you.

“You’re not coming in? I…” Your voice fades out. You want to ask him to stay, you don’t want to be alone, but would he even want to? He likely thinks you’re a wimp for crying, why would he even want to stay? “N-Never mind Jake see-”

“I’ll be back. I need to tie up loose ends princesa. Just take a nice slow shower, if you get your face wet, clean and apply some more ointment and eat something. You did well, you survived. Don’t feel bad about it at all.” He’s spoken more to you now than he ever has. On one hand, this eleates Jake as he was never really sure how to start a conversation with you, but under these circumstances, it’s far from ideal. His arms wrap around you, bringing your head to his chest. He still smells a little metallic like blood but now like the books in his apartment and cigarettes? You’d never seen him smoke, curious, but not your focus. His heartbeat is steady and one hand touches the back of your neck, his fingers run up into the small hairs you have at the back edge of your hairs, those little ones that no amount of hair grease or edge cream will tame. He’s playing with them though before he lets you go abruptly. “Hasta leugo princesa (See you later princess).” And he’s back to his apartment. Gone that fast. His warmth lingers on your neck and the front of your body and it’s what you ponder while you’re in the shower.

Peeling off your clothes and showering was the easy part. The clothes went in their own small trash bag and would go out with tomorrow’s garbage. It was trying to eat, you made a sandwich and only ate half of it, then there was soup, which normally you love, but the smell made your stomach curl. Eventually, all of the sandwiches went down with some water and on the couch you sat. Alone with your thoughts. You don’t feel any different, but you know what you did with that knife. The blood, the men’s threats, the fear you felt, Jake being covered in blood. What was he going to do when he came back? Where should you even start with your questions? It had been a few hours by this point and you’re staring at the wall when there’s a knock at your door. Standing and hurrying to the door, a familiar voice uttered one word.

“Princesa.” It was the fastest you’d open the door for anyone.

Jake sits down from you on your couch and explains to you who he is, who he serves and why he usually has blood on him. It’s fantastical and had it been any other day, you’d told him to get out and avoided him like he was insane. But the events of the night had told you to believe him and it was honestly better to think he was punishing those causing harm to others than being a serial killer or something else. You do notice something though, Jake appears to be nervous, which is weird, his eyes are darting around and he keeps clearing his throat and moving on the couch, like he can’t get comfortable.

“Did you want to sit in the armchair? You might find it more comfortable.” Your offer makes him stop moving and sigh. Jake’s a little worked up since he’d been doing a lot more of Khonshu work, normally he’d drink to ease himself into some sleep. He should leave. Now. You’re freshly showered, took down a man despite being scared out of your mind, and he held you too long earlier, much too long. He meant to calm you with that hug but it instead had him in his thoughts again.

He shouldn’t have watched you stand either, your wide hips make Jake want to do more than pat them as do the soft caramel of your legs that he sees as you glide over to your fridge to offer him water. He stands as you bring him the water and he gulps it down, thanking you as he starts toward the door.

“W-Wait, you’re leaving already Jake?!” He needs you not to call for him like that. You sound like you need him and…that’s not something he can handle right now.

“You’re okay now. I shouldn’t stay any longer princesa.” He doesn’t turn to face you. If he sees your eyes he’s not going to leave. He knows what he’s feeling is partly from all the fighting but not entirely and that’s the part his mind has latched onto and won’t let go of.

“Could I at least have another hug before you go Jake?” You’ve said his name softly, almost with care. How can he say no now? He did give you a hug earlier. He turns to see that you’ve dropped your robe and you are wearing a red silk nightgown that just barely covers your bottom. Your eyes aren’t telling him you want a hug, at least, not just a hug.

“Hermosa, I don’t think that’s all you want from me. Let’s both be honest here. Has this been part of why you watch me as much as I watch you?” His steps are slow, he’s giving you an out. You can say no and give a flimsy excuse like your robe slipped or something. You don’t. You put your hands on his chest and run them up as he did to you, your hands grabbing his curls, their silken texture makes you smile.

“You’d be correct Jake. This dance has gone on long enough. You’re finally in my apartment and I almost died tonight. I also had a long shower as you suggested.” Your plush lips look so inviting and he can’t resist. The kiss is sloppy and his hands are roaming your body, he’d like to rip the gown off of you, but he’s sure you put it on to be admired so he will for a little bit. Jake is much more interested in what’s under it. He bends temporarily and hooks his hands under your knees to lift you up carrying you to your bedroom.

After setting you on the bed gently, Jake slips off his clothes, making a pile on the floor in front of your bed. He’s not one to be embarrassed and is well aware of what he’s working with. His swollen length bobs while he licks his lips. His eyes roam your body as he climbs on the bed, calloused hands start at your ankles and slide up your thick legs. Once he reaches your hips, his hands stay under your nightgown as he pulls it up and over your head. The low groan makes his Adam's apple bob when he sees you weren’t wearing any underwear as you open your legs for him to expose your wetness. You gasp at the cool air and it allows him to capture your lips again, your arms and legs wrapping around him.

He grins into the kiss, lurching his hips forward to have the head of his cock glide across your wet slit. Your hips react and jut forward having the tip enter you, Jake grins on your lips and pulls back but leaves the tip in. “Rather eager aren’t you cariño (sweetheart)?” He takes hold of his length, removing his tip fully and rolls the wrist of his free hand for you to roll over. “I’ll have you from the back first. I want to see that large ass of your bounce.” You roll on your stomach and spread your knees, feeling him lean over and run his hands along your body as he notches at your entrance. His bulbous head is just past your entrance. “Move that ass and push back on my cock. Show me what you can do hermosa.” He leans to kiss along your spine as you use your legs to move your hips back, having your forearms flat on the bed with your elbows as an anchor.

You’re able to get him deeper and feel him stretching you, almost too much, his hips don’t feel flush with yours yet, there must be more. “Jake you’re so thick…. Please move with me.” You coo, looking back at him, your hips moving slowly, your walls are pulling on his shaft, learning his shape. Jake’s hands are roaming your back as praises for working hard for him. He’s aware of his girth and wants to push forward but not yet.

He leans over your back again, making his chest flush with it. His lips are next to your ear, “Muy bien (very good) mi (my) princesa. I’m going to reward you by moving. Be as loud as you want.” A kiss is placed on your shoulder, a last bit of tenderness he shows you before straightening himself up and taking hold of your hips. He draws back, nearly pulling all the way out of you but he thrusts forward, his hips finally flush with yours and the walls of your core expanded to accommodate him as his thrusts increased as did your cries of Jake’s name. You felt yourself pressing into the mattress, at one point face down. Jake was not having it. He wanted you vocal unless your voice had truly given out, which he was sure it hadn’t. His hips came to a full stop and you gasped. “No, no princesa. You won’t go quiet on me yet. Roll.” He gave a light slap to your ass for encouragement for you to move.

You had just sat yourself up back on your elbows and lifted your head when Jake decided that you were moving too slow for him and pulled out of you, the loss had you groan before you yelped with your leg up in the air where it had not been for a long time. He crossed your leg over and succeeded in flipping you over so you were now on your back. Jake’s relentless, his hands are roaming your thighs, hips, stomach, breasts, “Jake....Jake..Fuck…” You keep chanting as he grins before capturing your lips again with his. He has yet to enter you once more and his precum is dripping onto your slit as it rubs your viscous liquids together.

Once he pulls back, he takes in your swollen lips, the heaving of your chest, every curve that he’s tried to feel with his fingers and he knows he hasn’t. This time when he slips back within you, it’s slower and he keeps eye contact with you, one hand on the back of your knee pushing your leg forward to allow him deeper and the other on the back of your neck to pull your face closer to his as he presses his chest against yours. “So much better than I imagined princesa. You’re not getting away from me you know.” He nibbles on your bottom lip as your core tightens around him again, “Good girl, milk me and accept what I’m going to give you.” Your hands grab his shoulders and dig into his skin, scratching him, your hips keep crashing into his as he speeds up a bit, nearly at his climax.

“Give me what you’ve got Jake. I’ll mark you…” Using your teeth, you graze the skin on his neck before biting down and hearing him hiss, giving you a few more strong pumps before spilling inside of you. The heat from his spend has the walls of your cunt close around his throbbing shaft as you scream in your own peak. Jake continues to slowly roll his hips until you both start to come down. Neither of you move, only the sounds of your breaths fill the room. Your body is completely limp and you stare up at Jake who gives you a small kiss to your lips before starting to move back, your arms weakly reach for him and he grins.

“You want more already? You’ll have to give me a few princesa.” Shaking your head, you stick your bottom lip out and give a small pout.

“Don’t leave yet. Stay.” Jake rubs circles on your belly and chuckles.

“You’re even more adorable than I thought. I need to know where your washcloths and towels are. We need to clean up. I’m not leaving.” You inform him that they’re in the small hall closet next to the bathroom to which he goes and gets two washcloths, warming them up along with towels. He wipes you down first and dries you, then takes care of himself before slipping the both of you under the sheets. His hand cups your cheek before running his fingers through your hair and then it dawns on him - you’re not wearing your bonnet. Jake asks where you keep them and you tell him the bottom drawer of your nightstand so he reaches to get one for you and you decide to pinch his rather round ass.

“I think we’re fond of each other’s asses Jake.” You laugh as he slips the red satin onto your head. “I’m surprised you knew that I wore one at night. You’re keeping that close of tabs on me?” An eyebrow raises and he puts his hands up.

“Come on, give me a little credit. I’m not going to say I know everything about caring for black hair properly, but I know bonnets, protective styles, but don’t ask me how to do any of them and oil.” He put up three fingers for the things he did know.

Now it’s your turn to grin. This sly man. “Pfft. You’re full of surprises Jake. We’ll sleep and then you’re helping me oil my hair in the morning before work.” You press his chest lightly and the scoot closer to him to cuddle. His arm wraps around your back, and those fingers of his run down your spine again.

“I’ll help you oil your hair tomorrow if it’s after breakfast and you take a day off of work.” Jake kisses your forehead and closes his eyes.

“Alright. You talked like you knew what to do. I won’t forgive you if you mess up my hair.”

“Hm. If it’s anything like what you did tonight, I get it. I’ll be extra careful princesa. Don’t worry.” You’d drifted off to sleep and Jake watched you before he dozed off as well, looking forward to having his hands on you again. In your hair or anywhere you’d let him.

Keeping an eye out from the apartment across the hall 👀: @soft-persephone @saturn-rings-writes @legendary-pink-dot @for-a-longlongtime @missladym1981 @alltheglitterandtheroar @dameron-grant-spector @soft-girl-musings @agentjackdaniels

#A Nerdie fic #fanfiction #oscar isaac characters #Moon knight #Jake Lockley #Oscar isaac #Jake Lockley x plus size black fem reader #plus size black female reader #khonshu #moon knight fanfic #moon knight fanfiction #moon knight smut

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tabithatwo · 11 months

Note

Can I ask why you don’t like this new season of yj? No hate or anything, I’m just genuinely curious

I’m so tired and probably won’t be very coherent but that’s okay there’s like six more of these in my asks if I want a second more thorough answer tomorrow lol but a lot of how I feel is in posts on my blog and I’ll just talk mostly 2x08 here. I’ve been hanging on tight until this episode but it has BROKEN me. Like I’m in mourning lol. To anyone who likes it I’m so happy for you I’m not coming for you at all.

But to me the main issue I’ve had is how they have constantly had opportunities to go DARK and SHOW the devolution but they played it very fucking safe (the makeup being the catalyst, Shauna’s birth being truly the safest option possible, like an episode of call the midwife except a fucked up dream happens, etc) and there was no actual build to the level of violence and depravity (or even RELIGION BUILDING) that the card draw sacrifice calls for. The ate Jackie because she was already dead and the wilderness slow cooked her, they were all mourning the baby last episode, they showed us Misty feeling potentially genuine remorse and guilt for Crystal? The “cult stuff” up until now has been mostly fucking dbt techniques and self harm. Yes the shauna lottie last episode was intense but we got absolutely zero follow up on it in any real characterization way for shauna this episode.

Then they kicked us out of the room when the decision was being made and I PROMISE people who think that was a shit move are largely not thinking they needed to explain the card game. It’s about showing your characters in pivotal huge moments. Yellowjackets is advertised and set up in s1 as a psychological horror. I want to see the characters GRAPPLE with things in a psychological horror. Seeing how they got from point a to point b isn’t about understanding the rules of their game, it’s about seeing developed characters reactions to crazy fucking shit.

Instead we get a jump straight into everyone drawing a card and the group deciding to kill one of their two hunters. Would some be on board with no questions asked? sure, but to ask the audience to believe that it just Makes Sense that they landed here after being very fucking relatively TAME all season until that one fight (I was so scared after that scene and no one reacting that this is the jump they were making, based on one moment alone and I was so sad to see it happen lol) is a big ask.

Now add on top of that the way they’re cutting us out of the actual character driven moments. That wasn’t psychological horror, that wasn’t delving into characters psyches like we’ve been promised. It was a thriller moment, change on a dime, maybe for shock value I guess. To me that interim would’ve been a very hard scene to write, a glimpse even of them deciding and reckoning with this belief and darkness in themselves. It’s a large group with a lot to juggle and big messy dynamics. And the easy way out of that is to just not show it at all.

People keep saying “they don’t have time to develop things this season because of side plots.” But they CHOSE to have those side plots in the first place. They’re filling shit in because they don’t WANT to get into the nitty gritty. We watched musical theater and cops and whatever the hell else and whatever. Fine. Sure. But it isn’t that those plots magically overtook some extra brilliant deep moments that they planned on showing with these characters to actually WITNESS their devolution, like s1 set us up to expect. They added them to fill empty space.

I GET that they become brutal. I GET that they devolve. I UNDERSTAND that from moment fucking one. The draw of the show to me is not watching them chase someone. We got that in the first scene. It’s seeing HOW they get there. What has to happen to get them to that place AND how does it impact each main character. Don’t just list the bad things for me. Show me their reasoning and their religion building and their arguing and their giving in. That’s what the real story is to me. Because we just saw them do their first ritual kill, but we didn’t see much more DEPTH to it, with these characters that we’ve now spent 18 episode getting to know, than the pilot already showed us.

1 am ramblings please forgive confusing turns of phrase or typos lol

#yellowjackets #yellowjackets spoilers #yellowjackets 2x08

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missmonsters2 · 2 years

Text

The Truth by Liquor

PAIRING: Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader

SUMMARY: In which, you're only nice when you're drunk apparently.

WARNINGS: Avengers being cute. Jealous!Wanda. Reader seems like an asshole. Sorry to everyone the moment Reader drinks though. Personal space? We don't know her.

NOTE: This is was inspired when I was tipsy the other night <3

Main Masterlist | Library Blog

COUNT: ~4.4k

Please do not copy, repost, or translate my work anywhere else.

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"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

Wanda quietly sighed at your curt reply, watching you turn around and walk off. She shouldn't be so surprised. After all, you've never accepted an invitation of hers to go out. Even something as simple as grocery shopping, you turned down.

The lack of interest on your end would make Wanda think you hated her if not for the fact you treated the entire team with this icy, distant behavior.

A part of Wanda understands. Your recruitment into the Avengers was involuntary. You had been a peaceful civilian, living your quiet life when some psychopath disrupted your life, bringing your secret out and the Avengers in.

Everything in your life had changed in one moment, and Wanda understood better than anyone what it was like to lose everything. It didn't mean you didn't gain anything out of it.

The team was constantly trying to make you feel welcomed and grow closer to you, perhaps out of guilt, but it was still something. But it was clear from the constant rejection that you preferred your solitude. There were no movie nights with you, no eating together, no outings.

The most they got out of you was doing training and missions together. You had their back, that was sure, but you had no desire to open up to them.

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"It's Steve's birthday next week."

"Okay."

You had said the word so flatly that even Wanda had to wince in the distance. She was trying not to eavesdrop on Natasha asking you to partake in the celebration of Steve's birth, but it was rather hard when she was so curious.

"So, we'd like it if you joined us."

"Thank you but I'll be busy. Tell Steve I wish him a good one."

Wanda wasn't surprised; she had stopped hoping for your acceptance to any events long ago.

"That's great, but un-busy yourself," there was an edge to Natasha's voice that Wanda rarely heard, and she felt herself getting the secondhand shame as if she'd been the one that was getting scolded.

"Steve literally saved your life on the last mission and had been the one to fight for your choice from the beginning."

Wanda could practically picture your jaw clenching in anger. No one really talked about it, but it was clear from the start there had never been a choice for you. It was being with the Avengers or becoming government property. At least with the Avengers, you had some semblance of freedom.

To Wanda's surprise, she could hear you sigh quietly.

"Alright. I'll be there. Are we bringing gifts?"

"Yes, I can send you a list of things you can get him, if you'd like."

"That'd be helpful, thank you."

"Alright," Natasha gently said, and Wanda could picture her giving you a soft smile. "We'll see you—" Wanda heard a soft click of the door. "—there."

When Natasha came in, Wanda tried to look busy bustling around the kitchen, but it was clear the redhead saw through her.

"Well, I've achieved something that no one else on this team has. I deserve the Nobel Peace prize," Natasha gave her a wry smile, and Wanda laughed.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Who's to say this won't blow up in your face?"

Natasha shrugged. "She's...cold but I don't think she'd do anything on purpose to ruin Steve's day."

Wanda merely shrugged because she doesn't know you. She wanted to, but it's hard to get closer to someone who moves further when she tries to move closer.

Wanda tapped the counter softly, wondering if she'd get a chance at this party.

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The party was exactly as Wanda pictured it'd be. Tony pretended he didn't care about Steve often, but it was clear that he did by how extravagant the party was.

It was still only the Avengers team and other people that Steve had come to know here and there. But by the end of it, there were only the superheroes left.

You had been distant and quiet the entire party. No one had been surprised, and many had come up to try to engage you in conversation. You were polite and responded, but it was clear you had wanted to leave long ago.

Wanda hadn't attempted because she doesn't think she can take any more rejection from you tonight.

Steve had thanked you sincerely with a smile for the new leather jacket and the various candies from the 40s that definitely would've required some deep digging to find.

You merely nodded with a terse smile that had Steve quickly moving along to the next gift.

It was a wonder that you were staying so long, and Wanda wonders if it's because of Natasha or if you were genuinely trying to show Steve that you were thankful.

"So," Tony started as he had a champagne glass in his hand, and everyone settled into their seats, starting to line up the board games for the night. "What's your problem with us?"

It was like an asteroid just hit the room, which might've been preferable to the awkward silence that followed after.

You looked taken aback slightly.

"Problem?" You quirked your brow at the billionaire.

"Yeah," Tony nodded after swallowing. "Have we done something to personally wrong you? Other than the whole bringing the psychotic villain to your work and then fighting with the government over you. In our defense, we couldn't control where that guy would crash into."

You stayed silent, and Wanda desperately wished she could read your mind if not for the fact she knew it was invasive, and you'd know.

In the end, you don't respond to Tony's question other than a mere shrug and saying you didn't have a problem at all, which no one believed.

The night progresses, and you don't participate in any board games but watch in mild interest in the background. You had been sipping on the fresh batch of punch Clint had made, and Wanda found it strange. You had been sipping on water the entire day, so she wondered why you had decided to suddenly drink.

Wanda was sure you'd have left long ago, and no one would fault you for it. Natasha would've let you off the hook hours ago. You hadn't participated in their laughter or anything, but you were still there.

"This is super weird, right?" Tony whispered conspiringly as he leaned in to say it and looked in your direction. "She's never stayed this long before. I mean, she's not being a part of the group or anything, but she's here."

Steve just cautiously looked over at you. He wished you'd just come and join in on the fun, but he also didn't want to push your boundaries.

"I've never seen her drink before," Bucky said thoughtfully. "Like, ever. Not at any public events or even on a random night here."

Natasha was staring at you, too, from the corner of her eye. Your eyes were hazy, and she could bet if she touched your cheeks, they'd be warm.

"Clint," Natasha turned her attention to her left. "Did you tell her that you put soju in this round of punch? You kept it alcohol free earlier because there were a couple of pregnant women here, right?"

"Oh, I mean, I said it, but I don't know if she was listening since she was kind of far from us when we were in the kitchen," Clint said thoughtfully.

Everyone was doing the mental math on how many glasses you had since Clint made the new batch.

"Is she...drunk?" Tony's eyes sparkled.

Everyone turned to look at you, and the sudden movement caught your attention as you looked back at them. You seemed embarrassed being looked at and sipped at your drink harder.

"Hey," Tony's voice was dripping with honey. "Why don't you come join us for a game?"

Everyone waited with bated breath.

"I don't know how to play," you finally said, chewing on your straw.

"That's okay, we can teach you. You can come and watch closer for a round, and we'll explain it, and you can join the next round," Tony tried to say patiently, but he was obviously eager.

Wanda was shocked to see you mull it over before nodding. She watched you stand and make your way to sit down next to Tony since he was the one waving you over.

Her heart fluttered with excitement as she was sure everyone else was too.

They all tried to play it cool, but they could tell you were much more relaxed with your posture as you watched them play the game, and everyone took turns explaining the rules and the moves they were making.

Eventually, you joined the next round but playing it made you seem more stressed than when you were just watching. So, even though you won that round, you opted to not play anymore but still remained with the group.

"Hah! Take that, capsicle," Tony cackled while Steve rolled his eyes.

Tony was about to continue gloating when he froze, and everyone else froze too.

You had adjusted, scooting closer until your side was pressed up against Tony's and leaning your head on his shoulder.

"Oh my god," Tony whispered, staying upright stiffly. "Oh my god, oh my god. Is this really happening? Someone take a picture. FRIDAY, take a picture."

Everyone had their mouths agape slightly, but you didn't seem to notice as you stared at the board.

"This board game is really long," you finally said.

"We could play something else," Natasha suggested, and she locked eyes with Tony as if they were trying to debate if they were hallucinating. They turned to Wanda, who looked partially offended but shrugged and looked back at you.

Wanda stared, a little regretful that she hadn't been the one to wave you over to sit next to her. You had caught her gaze briefly, giving her a small smile that surely Wanda was sure she’d imagine. You? Smiling at her? But Wanda’s cheek warmed nonetheless. Crap, why was she so desperate to have you like her?

"Do you have a game that you like playing?" Steve asked, trying to not gawk.

"Jenga?" You said as if you were unsure yourself.

"I have Jenga! Someone go grab it," Tony said as they all looked at him. "What? I can't move. This is like having a picky cat finally choose to sit on you, and it's forbidden to move. One could argue it's illegal."

Natasha rolled her eyes as she got up to get the game and returned while everyone else packed up the game. Well, everyone except Tony.

You seemed more enthused about playing Jenga, lasering your focus when it was your turn. The strangest part was how you'd go back to laying your head on Tony's shoulder when it wasn't your turn. It made everyone curious if you had a crush on him and it was driving Wanda insane. She was trying to not glare at Tony because why him? But Tony was smiling at her as if he knew some kind of secret.

That theory of your crush was quickly debunked when things began to get more intense in Jenga, and the pieces were starting to get difficult to move.

You had decided that where you were sitting was no longer optimal for your chances to win and abandoned Tony as you moved around the table. When you decided where the perfect spot was, it had turned out to be where Natasha was seated. She was about to make room for you when you decided her lap was more convenient.

"I’ll be talking about this abandonment in therapy next week," Tony said dramatically.

You stumbled a little, nearly falling off, and Natasha had to put her hands on your waist to steady you. You paid no mind to it as you perfectly picked a piece to move and put on top, a victorious smile on your face.

Natasha thought that'd be it. You'd get up and move back to Tony or back to your own seat, but you stayed. Clearly, you decided this was the best place to be for at least a couple of moves.

You leaned back against Natasha, swinging your arm around her as you rested your head atop of hers.

"Are you feeling okay?" Natasha asked worriedly, unable to move her hands away and actually having to wrap them around your waist as you sat in a way that if she didn't, you'd slide right off her lap and onto the floor.

"Yeah," you turned to her and gave her a bright smile that almost made Natasha quit the game just so you could have a better chance of winning. She looked over at Wanda and smiled apologetically, but Wanda just sighed with a deep frown as she took the next piece out rather aggressively.

Wanda tried to think about when it was that she might’ve developed a crush on you. How was it possible to develop a crush on someone who constantly turned you down? Maybe it was because despite how the both of you always knew the answer would be no, you always stopped to listen to Wanda fumble through the words of asking you to tag along somewhere. You always let her finish with patience and turned her down more gently than when you said no to everyone else.

When it was Natasha's turn, she was about to choose whatever block was in front of her, but as she reached for it, you grabbed her hand.

"No," you whispered loudly. It was hilarious if you were going for quiet and secretiveness. "You can't choose that one."

"Oh?" Natasha said amusedly. "Which one should I choose then?"

You continued to hold Natasha's hand as you hummed.

"This one," you guided her hand to one that looked much more stable to pull out. You were eager and smiling at her, clearly wanting to be helpful.

Natasha thought you were so adorable. So unbearably cute...until she pulled out that piece and the Jenga tower crumbled.

You burst out laughing while Natasha and everyone else looked flabbergasted.

"Why you—" Natasha started to say, about to tickle you when you jumped out of her lap and went to hide behind Steve and Bucky. "This was sabotage!"

You giggled. "Yeah, I don't think I could've won when my turn comes. Had to secure my victory another way, you know?"

"No, I don't know! I am an honorable player," Natasha huffed but smiled.

"Nice guys finish last, as they say," you said sagely, and everyone laughed. You had a sense of humor, and everyone was confused about why you wouldn't show this side of you when sober.

You clearly did like them. No amount of drinking could make you get along with people you despised. If anything, the alcohol would've given you the courage to start a fight.

"Alright, let's take a break from the games and watch something," Steve looked over at Bucky, who was looking back at him.

You were so close to them with your chin resting over Bucky's shoulder to see and your hand resting on top of Steve's on the ground, but you didn't seem to notice.

"Alright, I'll go set something up if you guys clean up the mess here," Natasha offered. "Any preferences on what we watch?"

Everyone turned to you, and you turned to Steve since it was his birthday.

"You choose. I haven't really caught up with what's new," Steve smiled at his joke, but you stared at him pensively.

Steve didn't really seem to care for movies. He certainly didn't mind them, but you were too antsy to sit silently through a film.

"Extreme couponing."

Everyone was stunned.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"This is so...disturbing."

You chuckled at Steve's crinkled brows.

Wanda was trying to not hyperventilate. The seating arrangement ended with Wanda at the edge, you next to her, Steve next to you, and Bucky next to Steve.

It was rather crowded on the couch, but that was because you had started with sitting normally. Then, you had moved to resting against Steve and playing curiously with Bucky's robotic hand on Steve's lap.

Now, you were laying your head in Wanda's lap, legs sprawled over Steve's lap, toes bumping into Bucky's leg.

"Why would anyone need 40 bottles of detergent? Why does she keep getting more when it's going to take her about three years to finish the 40 she has now?" Steve was genuinely disturbed.

"It's an addiction," you grinned, and Wanda could feel it on her leg and refrain from twitching.

"It's hoarding," Steve shook his head, and Bucky snorted.

"Hoarding is an addiction, Stevie."

The bickering went back and forth while Wanda idly wondered how long this drunken state of yours would last.

You had continued to drink the punch as the night went until Natasha finally cut you off as much as she was also enjoying your newfound friendliness.

You had your hand resting in front of you as you lazily stroked Wanda's thigh you rested on, moving your hand down to caress her leg and calf. The entire thing gave Wanda shivers and goosebumps on her arms, but she forced herself to not move with all her willpower.

Tony's stupid words wouldn't leave her head that you were like a cat and moving was forbidden because if she moved, what if you moved away?

Everyone has taken some liberties in reciprocating your touchiness. Tony had rested his head against yours, and Natasha had held you while you were in her lap. Steve currently had his hands on top of your calves that rested in his lap, while Bucky had his normal hand over your toes to keep them warm. Wanda honestly wished she could swat their hands away. It was honestly more irksome that the two soldiers could tell she was annoyed with them but kept their hands where they were.

But Wanda had been too nervous to try to touch you back. She wasn't sure what to do at this point.

Should she try to stroke your hair? Should she rest her hand over your shoulder?

The thoughts were making Wanda jittery and also frozen with too many choices that weren't really hers to make.

Eventually, lying down seemed to be putting you to sleep, which wasn't what you wanted. You sat up, cuddling into Wanda's side with your legs pulled into yourself, and curling your arm around hers.

Admittedly, this was so much better since it was finally just her turn for your attention and her turn alone. But she was also more jittery than before.

"You always smell so good," you sighed contentedly.

"Huh?" Wanda bumbled ungracefully while everyone tried to not laugh aloud. "Oh, thanks."

"Like, you always smell like cinnamon and something else," you pondered and then stuck your nose right into Wanda's neck and sniffed.

Wanda was sure she was going to die right then and there. Simply perish.

"Oh, like citrus!" You were pleased that you figured it out and went back to rest your head against her shoulder.

Wanda glared at the rest of them as they all smiled teasingly at her.

"Did you have fun today?" Clint asked, and you nodded.

"Yeah, I'm glad I went."

"Do you usually want to go when we ask you out?" Natasha asked next, and you seemed to ponder answering as you tapped your finger against Wanda's inner forearm.

"Yes," you decided to admit.

"Why don't you?" Steve asked softly. "We'd like to hang out with you more."

You shrugged. "I get nervous."

"Nervous?" Bucky tilted his head as he looked over at you.

"I'm not always like this," you said, and it was the first time that everyone realized that you were aware of how friendly you were being. "Most of the time, I'm nervous. I'm quieter and don't often like doing things like board games, shopping, or whatever usually requires too much brain power or socializing. I'm boring."

"You're not boring," Natasha insisted while Tony hummed, and she elbowed him in the ribs roughly so that he coughed.

You gave her a sweet smile but shrugged.

"I am most of the time. I feel bad you have a new teammate that's not as exciting as the rest of you are. I feel like I should say sorry that I don't have some traumatic origin story, and I was just a regular person with these powers that I rarely used."

Everyone actually chuckled.

"We don't mind. We thought you genuinely hated us for having to be here," Natasha crossed her legs.

You looked genuinely confused at that.

"Huh? Why would I hate you guys? I mean, it's not all rainbows and sunshine, but I like it here."

Wanda hummed thoughtfully. You were just a homebody and shy, and it was coming out all wrong when they asked you out.

Eventually, people began to call it a night until just the two of you that remained on the couch, extreme couponing still playing.

"Are you tired?" You asked.

"No," Wanda answered quickly.

You smiled as you sat up and faced her, and she turned her body towards you.

Wanda was probably the person who often attempted to get closer to you despite how cold you had been. She had been alone, known that feeling, and didn't wish it upon you.

You tugged at Wanda's hand until her cool palm cupped your cheek. Sighing adorably, you leaned into her hand before you moved forward, completely invading Wanda's space as you hid your face into her neck.

Wanda felt her heart pulse uncontrollably. This was so unlike you, and Wanda had been convinced just hours ago that you hated the entire team. The only thing Wanda could think in her head was, 'What do I do?' over and over. Should she hold you back? Was that taking advantage of you? But Wanda knew if she didn't reciprocate, you were just going to the next person to be touchy-feely with, and that was the last thing she wanted.

It didn't matter that everyone else had gone to bed.

It was most likely that Natasha was actually still up and in the training room.

"I said no to you because I was nervous about something else," you quietly admitted.

"About what?" Wanda whispered.

"You make me nervous," your hand flexed in hers, unaware you were just repeating what you’ve said earlier.

"I don't think you're boring," Wanda insisted, and she could feel you smiling.

"I know, you're as boring as me," you smirked, and Wanda would've been offended if it wasn't so true. She was more inclined to be a homebody with you, and she had a feeling the two of you meshed well together. Any outdoor activities could easily be agreed upon. After all, she could understand liking to take walks but having no desire to climb Mount Everest.

"Then?" Wanda nudged at you.

"You make me nervous," you simply repeated like this time, Wanda would magically understand what you were trying to say. "And if I get too nervous, it's harder to control my powers."

"I think that'll just go away with time," Wanda blinked.

"I don't know. You're really pretty and I don't think that's going to go away."

Wanda felt her heart jump at the words and felt the tips of her ears burn.

Oh, god, she thought. Drunk you was too smooth and honest.

"I'm really tired now," you yawned, and Wanda felt the disappointment creep up on her.

"Oh, right," Wanda looked at the clock. "It is pretty late. We should get some sleep. You're probably going to be a little hungover tomorrow."

You nodded forlornly as if you knew you would be miserable in the morning.

"Okay, do you want to sleep in my room or yours?"

The question shocked Wanda.

"Uh, what?" Wanda stumbled again.

You tilted your head at her. "I can't sleep alone when I'm drunk. If you don't want to, that's okay. I think I can probably hop in bed with Natasha, or maybe with Bucky and Steve," you said thoughtfully, but it seemed reluctant as you felt like Bucky was a blanket hogger.

"No, no," Wanda said quickly. She wouldn't mind Bucky and Steve, but if you hopped into bed with Natasha, there'd be no telling how long Natasha could reject your drunken advances before she'd give in to your need for any physical touch you asked for. "We'll sleep in my room."

"Okay," you yawned again as you got up and pulled Wanda along.

You led her all the way, and she was surprised by your tenacity to still brush your teeth and wash your face before you rummaged through her closet unabashedly for sleeping clothes.

When you finally climbed into bed, Wanda heard you moan contentedly at the cool sheets but still snuggled up to her. You pulled her arms over you and hummed.

"Goodnight," you mumbled sleepily.

"Goodnight," Wanda mumbled back perplexedly, cautiously tightening her hold on you.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

Wanda woke that morning to you lying on your back, staring at the ceiling, mortified. She was surprised you remained in her bed as she half-expected you to disappear long before Wanda woke up.

Her sudden movement alerted you to Wanda being awake.

"This is why I never drink," you groaned quietly and sighed with a frown.

Wanda couldn't help but chuckle. She risked it and moved her hand under the blanket to find your hand. She was glad you still seemed open to physical touch and held her hand back.

"Are you still nervous?"

"Yes," you admitted. "But I'm more reluctant about my impending doom when we leave this room."

"You want to stay here forever?" Wanda jokes, and you turned to look at her with a sparkle in your eye, and it was...everything Wanda wanted. Wanda hoped she'd never see that cold side of you again, and if she did, she at least knew it was because you were anxious.

"At least ask me dinner first before you try to keep me in your bed, Maximoff."

"I have, numerous times actually."

You actually let out a laugh and squeezed her hand. "Sorry. Can we have dinner together today?"

Wanda smiled. "I should say no to you as many times as you have to me but I'll be nice and say yes."

"You'll go down in history for being gracious, Miss Maximoff."

The two of you chat quietly as you prepare for the day, and when you make it out and into the kitchen, everyone else is already there, and you stare at everyone awkwardly.

You're open to open your mouth and apologize for last night when they all grin at you.

"You better not drink if Wanda's not around," Tony grinned wickedly. "She's the jealous type."

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff imagine #wanda maximoff fluff #wanda maximoff x y/n #avengers imagine #scarlet witch imagine #scarlet witch x reader #wanda maximoff fanfiction #modern avengers au #Elizabeth olsen x reader #mm: my fics

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the-himawari · 1 month

Text

A3! Outing Event Translation - You're my first and last love. (3/11)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Sakyo: —Everyone’s here now. These are our team members this time.

Masumi: …

Hisoka: Zzz…

Sakuya: I'm looking forward to working together, Azami-kun!

Azami: Yeah. Even though our teams were picked by lottery, I don’t like the fact I ended up on the same team as shitty Sakyo. But you’re here too, Sakuya-san. So I’m sure it’ll work out fine.

Sakuya: Ehh! Um… let’s do our best together!

Misumi: What a surprise though, huh~? I never thought we’d also ending up doing something at that place!

*flashback starts*

Izumi: Welcome home, everyone! I sent you guys a LIME earlier. Did you see it?

Masumi: Yeah. We were surprised since we were right by the venue when we got your message.

Izumi: Huh? Really? What an amazing coincidence.

Misumi: We were with a lost kitty!

Izumi: A kitty?

Masumi: Don’t worry about it. Continue.

Izumi: Ah, sure. I heard that Veludo City was also involved in the construction of this event hall. And so, apparently they’re reaching out to stores and groups that have a connection with Veludo City to participate in the event hall’s grand opening.

Misumi: That sounds fun~!

Izumi: Right. I think it’s going to be lively… but truth be told, the main details of the event haven’t been finalized yet. They said that as long as it fits the theme of “White Day”, then we’re free to do whatever we want…

Masumi: That sounds reckless…

Izumi: Ahaha… the hall was just built, after all. I heard another reason for that is so they can consider how to use the hall and which groups to invite afterwards, based on the event.

Azami: In other words, it’s a trial event.

Izumi: I suppose so. The days and times that each group can use the hall have already been allocated. We get to use the hall for a full day.

Hisoka: …That’s quite a long time.

Izumi: I think so too. That’s why I haven’t fully decided what we’re going to do as MANKAI Company.

Misumi: Ooh, let’s open a triangle shop! We’ll stock up on lots of triangle items!

Hisoka: A marshmallow shop…

Azami: Err, you’re the only ones who would be into that.

Izumi: We can think about whether it’s do-able afterwards. All ideas are welcome right now. Do you have anything, Azami-kun?

Azami: Even if you ask me…

Masumi: What if we do something like a thank you event like Sakuya mentioned before?

Izumi: Hm?

Masumi: If it’s a big event, then everyone’s schools and workplaces might be more flexible, right?

Izumi: Well, that’s true…

Sakyo: —I’m down for that. Let’s start by askin’.

Azami: Ugh, it's shitty Sakyo. Since when were you listenin’?

Sakyo: I just came.

Izumi: …I got it. I think it’d be great if we could do what Sakuya suggested. I’ll run it by everyone and see.

*flashback ends*

Azami: I never actually thought everyone’s schedules would miraculously match up.

Hisoka: Maybe it’s because it was just one day?

Sakyo: Exactly. That venue also has the capacity to let us accomplish what would usually take us several days all in one day. That also helps in a sense.

Azami: Well, we haven’t even decided what we’re gonna do though.

Sakuya: I’m curious what kind of ideas the other teams are going to come up with. But first, we should think about what we’d like to do.

Sakyo: Yeah, as Sakuma said. Does anyone have any ideas right now?

Misumi: Here, heeere! I wanna look for triangles!

Sakyo: MANKAI Company’s fans aside, the regular guests aren’t gonna understand what’s goin’ on.

Sakuya: I think it’s a great idea though. It sounds like something Misumi-san would come up with.

Sakyo: At this rate, all Mikage’s gonna say is marshmallows… Usui, do you have anythin’?

Masumi: No.

Sakyo: You…

Hisoka: Zzz…

Sakyo: Oi, don’t fall asleep.

Misumi: Wanna have a marshmallow, Hisoka?

Hisoka: Thanks.

Azami: *Sigh*… our future looks bleak.

Sakuya: Ahaha…

---

previous | next

#a3!#a3! translation #usui masumi #act! addict! actors!#you're my first and last love

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tip-top-cloud-surfer · 1 year

Text

What is L-O-V-E? - Hangman

Pairing: Hangman / Bradshaw!Fem!OC (Lena) (Ex-Wife!OC)

Word Count: 4.2k

Warnings: Divorce and Separation; Angst; References to Child Custody Agreements; One Sided Feelings; Toxic/Conflictual Dynamics; References to Goose and Carole; Female Bradshaw OC and Named Son OC

This work, all of my works, and my entire blog is 18+ Only!

Summary: Lena Bradshaw (formerly Seresin) struggles once again to keep the peace between her ex-husband Jake and her older brother Bradley for her son's sake. And the uranium facility mission only seems to heighten the stakes of it all.

A.N. Everyone's a little toxic here. Just so we're clear.

Part 2 Part 3

Master List

Lena Bradshaw was not the best when it came to dealing with conflict.

If she were to see a therapist, they probably would have blamed that on the fact that she was an orphan before she was even a teenager and didn’t remember her biological father. Childhood trauma and all that. But either way, she was horrible at dealing with conflict.

Especially in her personal life.

There was the fight between Bradley and Maverick over the Naval Academy. Then there were the fights between Bradley and her now ex-husband Jake. And then, of course, there was her divorce. She simultaneously was both too compromising and too difficult at the same time.

But regardless, Lena had one main priority in her life now. And that was her son, Nickie. Nicholas Jacob Seresin-Bradshaw. The ‘Bradshaw’ got added on after the divorce.

Nickie was on the cusp of turning four now and quickly growing more curious about the world around him. And that raised a lot of maternal anxiety in Lena. Especially when it came to Nickie’s fascination with aviation. Particularly naval aviation. She shouldn’t have been surprised. Every single important male figure in Nickie’s life was a naval aviator. But it still scared her.

“Look at all the planes, Mommy!” Nickie shouted, causing Lena to snap out of her thoughts.

“I know, there’s a lot of them,” she agreed softly.

Lena turned back to the road and changed lanes, heading for the San Diego International Airport to pick up her brother. Bradley called her yesterday to tell her that he was returning to Top Gun for some mission and Lena was sure that her blood pressure hadn’t returned to a normal level since then.

“Is Uncle Roos on one of those planes?” Nickie questioned excitedly, pressing his face to the window.

“He should have landed by now.”

Lena pulled out her phone and pressed on Bradley’s contact. Nickie peeled his face off of the window, leaving marks where his nose and forehead were leaned up against it.

“Are you calling him?”

“Yes, because your uncle never tells me where he is,” Lena replied dryly.

She was also waiting for a text or call from her ex-husband, but so far it was radio silence. That wasn’t necessarily odd, however. After one of Jake’s deployments got extended last minute and Nickie was inconsolable when Lena broke the news to him, Jake didn’t call her until he was actually standing on American soil.

But if Bradley got the call back to Top Gun for some big mission, Lena had to assume that Jake would also be returning to Miramar. Lena didn’t want to wade into the rivalry between her brother and her ex-husband, but Jake was the better pilot.

Don’t tell Bradley that she said that. Ever.

“Hello, this is your captain speaking,” Rooster answered the call in a mock-pilot voice. Lena rolled her eyes as Nickie giggled from the backseat.

“Where am I picking you up again?” she asked, glancing at the sidewalk.

“Aw, you’re no fun,” Rooster jokingly whined.

“Hi, Uncle Roos!” Nickie shouted from the backseat.

“Hey, buddy! How are you?” Bradley asked, reverting back to his normal voice.

“Good! There’s lots of planes here!”

“There are,” Rooster agreed.

“Look, if you want the free ride and meal that I promised, you do have to tell me where you are so that I can pick you up,” Lena sighed, driving slowly through the terminal.

“I’m down at the end. Right past the last set of speed bumps before you get to the next airline.”

“Okay, then we’ll see you in a few seconds.”

“No, no, Mommy, you’re supposed to say, ‘copy that’,” Nickie corrected her.

“You tell her, Nickie!”

“Goodbye,” Lena stressed, ending the call.

She plopped her phone into the cupholder and looked through the crowded mess on the sidewalk. Lena slowly rolled over the last set of speed bumps before Nickie began to eagerly bounce in his seat and press his hands against the window.

“There he is!”

“Still dressed like its 1986,” Lena mumbled under her breath.

Rooster waved comedically to Nickie as he followed Lena’s car, causing Nickie to laugh and wave back to him just as dramatically. Lena slowed the car down before putting it into park. Rooster walked around to the back, opened the trunk, and placed his duffel bag down.

“Uncle Roos!” Nickie called excitedly.

“Is that Nickie? Nah, you’re too big to be Nickie,” Rooster teased his nephew.

“It’s me!” Nickie huffed as Rooster walked around the car.

“Thanks for picking me up, Sis. You’re too kind,” Rooster joked, sliding into the passenger seat.

“I know, I am,” Lena replied with a small smile.

She leaned over and tugged her brother into a tight hug that Bradley happily returned. It had been a solid eight months since the Bradshaw siblings were in the same city. And even though Bradley called and emailed her whenever he could, it was nice to have her brother sitting beside her again.

“How was your flight?” Lena asked, turning to pull out of the airport.

“Not too bad. Long. But now I get to hang out with my favorite nephew all day!” Rooster replied, spinning around to face Nickie.

“I’m your only nephew!”

“Still counts!”

“Seatbelt,” Lena stated, smacking Rooster on the arm. “Even fighter pilots need to wear their seatbelts.”

“Yeah, Uncle Roos!”

Lena drove them away from the airport, chatting casually with Rooster about his most recent deployment and any other life updates. But Nickie quickly butted into the conversation and informed Uncle Rooster all about his life. Rooster listened along intently, adding commentary where necessary, and genuinely making Nickie feel heard.

After all, Nickie was Rooster’s godson. Jake was more than a little annoyed about it at the time, but Rooster was Nickie’s godfather. And Rooster absolutely adored Nickie. He hated the fact that Nickie’s dad was Jake, but he wouldn’t hesitate to spend any time with Nickie. Ever.

“And Daddy promised to take me to a football game soon!” Nickie yelled out excitedly, missing how Rooster’s expression changed.

“Did you get that in writing?” Rooster asked Nickie dryly.

Lena immediately smacked Rooster on the arm, causing him to huff and rub the tender skin. Nickie was a little confused about the shift in the atmosphere, but he just laughed off the interaction between his mom and his uncle. Lena shot her brother a look before turning back to the road.

“Do not talk bad about J-A-K-E in front of Nickie,” she stated, leaving no room for argument.

The only time that Lena ever saw her brother turn purple with rage, minus the paper pulling situation, was when she told him about her and Jake. Rooster spouted off just about every bad word that he ever heard about Jake, told Lena that she was making the biggest mistake of her life, and swore up and down that Jake was just going to break her heart.

Rooster quieted down about his distaste for Jake around the time that Nickie was born and they both used Nickie as a buffer between them when they were forced to be around each other. But Lena just wished that they would just bury the hatchet already. And she definitely would not tolerate either of them talking bad about the other in front of Nickie.

Absolutely not.

“I’m just saying—”

“—And you’re going to stop saying whatever it is,” Lena interjected, shooting her brother a sharp glare. “He apologized for that and he made it up. So, drop it.”

“I’m just saying that he’s an A-S-S-H-O—”

“—Brad, I know, okay?” Lena huffed, getting a little aggravated with her brother. “I left him for a reason. But don’t talk bad about him in front of your nephew. He’s still part of our lives whether you like it or not. So, don’t talk about him like that. Got it?”

“Fine,” Rooster replied, dropping the discussion. He turned back to Nickie with a new and slightly forced smile. “We can toss a ball around in the backyard when we get to your house, Nickie.”

“Yay!”

Lena pulled up to her and Nickie’s home a few minutes later. The house that actually used to belong to Maverick and was the house that she and Bradley lived in after their mom passed. When Lena called Maverick crying about her divorce, he gifted her the house. Unprompted and despite the fact that Lena told him that it was too much.

Maverick called it a fresh start. And, so, Lena took it.

“I’ll race you inside,” Rooster told Nickie, who hurriedly tugged at his car seat.

“There’s a child lock on his door,” Lena sighed, causing Rooster to glance back at her.

“Well, then I’ll get you out and then we’ll race, Nickie.”

Rooster pulled Nickie out of his car seat and set him on the ground. But Nickie wasn’t going to wait for anyone and took off for the house. Rooster was right behind him, which caused Nickie to squeal. Lena smiled to herself and slid out of the car. Lena walked up after them and unlocked the door.

“The baseball stuff is in that closet. Do not trek dirt into my house, Bradley.”

“Copy that,” Rooster replied, barely listening, as Nickie ran over to his toy closet.

Nickie and Rooster headed outside to toss a baseball around while Lena started on lunch. She was in the middle of pulling out ingredients for sandwiches when her phone started to buzz. Noting the contact, Lena let out a sigh and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Are you at work?” Jake asked as Lena moved around her kitchen.

“No, I took the day off. My brother is in town.”

“Did he get called back to Top Gun?” Jake immediately questioned, unable to hide his distaste.

“Yes, why?”

“I got called up too. And so did Javy.”

Lena paused for a moment, staring out the window. If the Navy already called in Jake, Bradley, and Javy, she had to assume that something big was happening. And by ‘big’ she meant dangerous. And Lena preferred to stay away from the danger zone. Very far away from the danger zone.

“So, are you coming to Miramar soon then?” Lena asked, refocusing on the phone call.

“I’m driving down from Lemoore now. It says that I’m about four hours away.” There was a beat of silence before Jake asked, “Am I allowed to come over since the chicken is there?”

“Jake,” Lena pleaded quietly, “he’s still Nickie’s uncle. We haven’t seen him in nearly a year.”

“Well, I’m Nickie’s dad.”

“I’m aware,” Lena sighed, leaning on the countertop. “And Nickie knows that too.” Lena glanced out the window before turning back to her call. “Bradley isn’t staying for dinner. He should be gone by the time that you get here.”

“Thank you.”

“Did you want me to tell Nickie that you’re coming here?”

“No, I’ll surprise him.”

“Okay. Text me when you get to Miramar.”

“I will. Bye.”

“Bye, Jake.”

Setting her phone down on the countertop, Lena held her head in her hands and took a breath.

She didn’t plan on getting divorced. She didn’t want to get divorced. She tried to make it work. She tried to get them into counseling, she tried to communicate how she was feeling and what she needed from their relationship, and she reminded herself over and over again about how miserable her mom was as a single mom.

But she wasn’t her mom. She wasn’t strong like her mom. She didn’t lose Jake like Carole lost Goose. She lost Jake while he was standing right there in front of her. The fantasy that she had in her head shattered and there were too many pieces to pick up and put back together.

And even though her ex-mother-in-law accused her of enjoying the divorce, Lena didn’t take any pleasure in it. But she tried and she failed. And she tried again and she failed. And there were only so many times that she could try before she lost it. So, she got divorced.

Turning back to the bread, Lena simply focused on making lunch. She eventually set the plates down on the table and walked over to the sliding door. Pushing it open, she stuck her head outside.

“Lunch is ready. But leave your dirty shoes on the steps,” she called, shooting a look at Rooster.

“Copy that, Mommy!” Nickie shouted happily.

They all sat around the table, enjoying lunch and catching up. Taking a sip from her drink, Lena turned to her brother.

“So, what time are you leaving?”

“Before dinner time. I should see who else got the call up. And they’ll all be at the Hard Deck.”

“Say ‘hi’ to Penny for me,” Lena replied, wiping at Nickie’s face.

“I will,” Rooster promised.

“I like Penny,” Nickie announced, pushing his vegetables around on his plate. “She gave me a pop-sickle. And let me ring the bell!”

“I’ve always wanted to ring the bell,” Rooster told Nickie, as if he were sharing top-secret government information. “What was it like?”

“Really loud! Mommy didn’t like it.”

Rooster laughed as Lena shook her head at the memory. She distinctly recalled dragging Nickie away from the bell because he wouldn’t let go. Luckily, it was just Penny, Jimmy, and Amelia in the bar at the time. But poor Theo the dog had to run for cover.

“Because you did it when I was standing right next to the bell, Nickie. And you wouldn’t let go,” Lena reminded her son, poking his cheek.

“‘Cause it was fun!”

“Mhmm,” Lena teased her son. Glancing down at his plate, she sighed and set down her utensils. “Nickie, can you try eating some of the vegetables?”

“I don’t want broccoli. It’s gross!”

“What about the carrots then?” Lena tried to negotiate. “If you eat two carrots, we’ll have some ice cream. How about that?”

“Ice cream?” Nickie repeated, perking up instantly.

“Now that sounds like an even trade to me,” Rooster agreed, earning a thankful nod from Lena.

“I think so. Here, we’ll all eat one together.”

Lena and Rooster picked up a carrot each and Nickie begrudgingly followed along. And even though he looked like he hated his life while he chewed on the carrots, Nickie still ate two of them without too much protest. Quickly hopping up when he was done, Nickie turned to his mom.

“Ice cream!”

Lena shot her son a look, earning a sheepish smile in return that definitely came from his dad’s side of the family.

“Please,” Nickie added on at the end.

After Nickie scarfed down a scoop of ice cream, they headed outside. Nickie happily ran around the driveway. Sometimes he would toss a ball to Rooster and sometimes he would shoot it at the small basketball hoop, but Nickie happily entertained himself while on his sugar high. And that left Lena and Rooster some space to catch up on topics that Lena didn’t want Nickie to hear.

“So, is he coming?” Rooster asked, causing Lena to sigh.

“Yes, he’s coming,” she confirmed quietly. “Don’t tell Nickie. He wants to surprise him.”

“Do you need me to leave?”

“No, I told him to come around dinner. He’ll text me when he’s close and ready,” Lena replied, fiddling with her necklace. “But please don’t antagonize him if you see him.”

“It’s usually the other way around.”

“Just please don’t try and make things worse,” Lena sighed, turning to her brother.

“I’m always on my best behavior.”

Lena let out an incredulous laugh that immediately had Rooster rolling his eyes. It was the godawful laugh that Lena always used when he was being an asshole to piss him off even more. He hated it. And he knew that Hangman hated it too. And Bradley guessed that their mom Carole and Maverick hated it as well because it always made them go ghost white when they heard it.

“Oh, you kill me, you really do,” Lena sighed, wiping fake tears away.

~~~~~

Jake knew that as soon as Rooster started up the piano routine, he was going to leave.

He studied the competition, caught up with Javy, and had a nice cold beer for the first time in five months. So, when the chord to the jukebox was pulled, Jake left the Hard Deck.

Hell, if he had it his way, he would have already been with Lena and Nickie, but Jake didn’t get his way.

He didn’t get his way when he was served with divorce papers. He didn’t get his way when Lena moved with Nickie down to San Diego. He didn’t get his way when Lena was awarded primary custody by the courts because he was active-duty.

Jake Seresin just didn’t get his way when it came to Lena Bradshaw.

If Jake had it his way, he would still be married to Lena, living in Lemoore in the house that he handpicked for them, and the damn chicken would mind his fucking business. He would see Nickie every day that he was in the States. Maybe they would have even had a second or third kid by now.

But Jake didn’t get his way.

Pulling up to Lena’s house, Jake headed for the side door. It was unlocked and Jake let himself inside the house. he took a few steps until he saw Lena cooking dinner in the kitchen. She glanced up and smiled when she spotted him.

“Nickie, sweetie, can you come in here for me?” Lena called, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

Nickie walked into Jake’s view from the family room, where he was probably playing with his toys or watching cartoons. Nickie held the coyote plushie—even though Jake was a hundred percent sure that it was actually a wolf—that Javy got him to his chest as he walked over to the kitchen, completely unaware of Jake’s presence.

“Hey, who’s that?” Lena asked Nickie, pointing in Jake’s direction.

Nickie turned around, following his mom’s finger. But when he spotted Jake, his dad who he hadn’t seen in nearly five months, Nickie let out a little delighted gasp and ran over. Jake bent down and caught Nickie as he flung himself forward.

“Daddy!” Nickie yelled out.

“Hey, little man,” Jake called, scooping Nickie up into a tight hug.

Jake held his son to his chest and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Rocking his son back and forth, Jake tried to keep a lid on his own emotions.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Daddy.”

“God, you’re getting so big,” Jake murmured, mostly to himself, as he brushed Nickie’s hair back.

“Bigger than you!” Nickie stated, sitting up straighter.

“Someday, maybe,” Jake agreed with a light chuckle. “Are you being a good boy for Mommy?”

Nickie nodded quickly with a small, mischievous grin. It was the grin that always popped up when Nickie got caught doing something that he wasn’t supposed to do. It also usually resulted in Lena turning to Jake with an exasperated ‘he gets that from your side of the family’ expression.

“Most of the time,” Lena joked, standing a few steps away.

Jake straightened up a bit more and nodded to his ex-wife with a small smile. He tried to not let his eyes linger on her bare left ring finger and turned to meet her gaze. And even though it had been about seven years since he met Lena Bradshaw—though she was still Lena Seresin in his mind—he still got that same warm feeling crawling up his neck whenever he saw her.

“Lena,” Jake greeted her softly.

“It’s good to see you, Jake,” she returned quietly. “We were just about to eat. Are you hungry?”

“I could definitely eat,” Jake agreed with a nod. “Thanks.”

“Of course.”

“Are you staying all night, Daddy?” Nickie called, redirecting Jake’s attention.

“I don’t think so, Nick,” Jake replied, fixing Nickie’s shirt for him.

“Aw,” Nickie complained, causing both Lena and Jake to wince. “Why not?”

“I’ve got training tomorrow morning. Super early,” Jake explained, not even completely lying.

“Can he stay another night, Mommy?” Nickie asked Lena, causing her to freeze for a moment.

“Yeah, he can stay another night,” she agreed, nodding along. “But let’s eat dinner first, okay?”

They sat around the table as a family. It was times like those that Jake sometimes forgot that they weren’t married anymore. This house wasn’t his home. It wasn’t their home. And well, Jake could never dwell on those feelings anyways. Not without whiskey on hand, anyways. Jake helped Nickie cut the bigger piece of chicken into little bits while Lena placed a scoop of vegetables on Nickie’s plate.

“How was the Hard Deck?” Lena asked, turning to her ex.

“It was fine. Scoped out the competition. Played a little pool. Made an early exit,” Jake replied, causing Lena to nod along. “Maverick got thrown out.”

Lena picked her head up sharply at the news and Nickie started to bounce in his seat at the mention of his great uncle. Though more often than not, Nickie called Maverick something along the lines of ‘Grandpa Mav’ because Maverick was the closest figure to a grandfather that Nickie had. Jake’s parents stopped visiting after the divorce, after all.

“Maverick is in town?” Lena asked Jake quietly.

“He didn’t tell you?” Jake returned, raising an eyebrow.

“No, he didn’t,” Lena stated, shaking her head. “And he got thrown out?”

“He left his phone on the bar and couldn’t pay his tab.”

“I told him not to go there,” Lena sighed, shaking her head.

“And your brother was there too,” Jake replied, causing Lena to reluctantly meet his gaze.

“How was that?” she asked quietly, glancing down at her plate.

“It was how it normally goes,” Jake muttered, causing Lena to wince.

“Daddy, can we watch a movie together? Please!” Nickie asked, grabbing Jake’s arm.

“Yeah, we can watch a movie, Nick. But we have to finish eating first, okay?”

“Okay!”

Jake asked Nickie about how things were going at daycare. Nickie happily told his dad everything that was going on in his life and held onto every single word that Jake spoke about aviation. Lena glanced between her son and Jake, easily picking out the similarities between them. After all, Nickie was quickly growing to look like his dad’s twin.

They eventually cleaned up and Jake settled on the couch with Nickie, who picked out a movie for them to watch. Lena gave them their space and went back to her office to catch up on some work. Lena poked her head out once to remind Jake about Nickie’s bedtime, but Jake was already giving Nickie a bath, so she just went back to work.

Jake came and knocked on the door to her office when it was time to put Nickie to bed. They walked into Nickie’s bedroom together like the divorce was just some bad dream that they already forgot about. Lena pulled back the blankets on Nickie’s bed and stepped aside for Jake.

“Alright, time for bed, Nickie.”

Jake laid Nickie down on his bed and pulled up Nickie’s blankets over him. Tucking Nickie into bed for the night, Jake handed Nickie his coyote plushie and ruffled Nickie’s still wet hair.

“Are you coming back, Daddy?” Nickie asked, causing Jake to nod quickly.

“Yeah, I’m coming back. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay,” Nickie replied, immediately perking up.

“I love you, Nickie.”

“Love you too, Daddy.”

Nickie sat up and wrapped his little arms around Jake’s neck to hug him. Jake quickly hugged Nickie back and pressed a kiss to Nickie’s head. After holding onto Nickie for a bit longer, Jake reluctantly released his son and stepped aside. Lena walked over, pressed a kiss to Nickie’s head, and told him that she loved him before she and Jake headed out of Nickie’s bedroom.

Carefully shutting the door, Lena waited a moment before she turned to Jake.

“I’m working tomorrow, so if you get out before four, you can pick him up if you want. Just text me,” Lena offered as she and Jake walked towards the door.

“I will if we get out,” Jake replied immediately.

“Do you still have the car seat your truck?”

“Never took it out,” Jake assured her, grabbing his wallet and keys.

“Okay,” she agreed softly, nodding along. Wrapping her arms around herself, Lena nodded to him before stepping to the side. “Goodnight, Jake.”

“Night,” he whispered back, reaching for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” she returned quietly.

Jake nodded to her one last time before taking his leave and heading over to his car. Lena closed the door behind him and locked it for the night. Watching Jake’s truck drive off into the night, Lena sighed and leaned on the door, resting her head against the wood.

“Talk to me, Mom,” she murmured, glancing up at the ceiling with a conflicted expression. “What do I do?”

Part 2 Part 3

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279 notes · View notes

theinfinitemoo · 7 months

Note

Hello :D! I was wondering if i could make a req of Scarian Professor/Student AU!

The both work in the same University but Grian is the main professor in architectural structures (making buildings so that they won't collapse so theres whole lotta math) and is constantly tired. Scar could be an undergrad who has the biggest crush on the guy and really wants to help him so he becomes a student assistant.

This could play out as Scar is newly recruited or as someone who has been under Grian for a year and something and his attempts are getting a bit desperate, hehe.

Good luck on your blog guys! <3

The following was written by moo 🐮

Scar had been working under Grian in the university ever since he graduated 2 years ago. In the 5 years Scar had known him he had picked up on a number of particular quirks that the blond man displayed. For example, when Grian felt particularly passionate or excited about something he would rock from his heels to his toes or when he laughed his eyes wrinkled at the corners. All the things scar loved about him.

Unfortunately Scar had also noticed that Grian often displayed a complete lack of care for his own wellbeing. The large eyebags were a token of the countless sleepless nights Scar knew the blonde had endured and while he tried to smile for the students the frequent yawns and tired sighs did not escape the brunette's notice.

Ever since Scar began to notice these worrying signs in his overworked boss he had made it his mission to help the man. It started small, bringing him a cup of coffee each morning, taking on a little of his marking work etc. Soon however, Scar realised more drastic measures needed to be taken.

It was 8 o’clock in the evening and Scar was just about to go home when he noticed a light on in Grian’s office. Curious about why the man was still at work and conscious that this might be his chance to finally ask him out on a date he popped his head round the door “Hi Grian” he said brightly. Grian didn’t move. He was sitting at his desk, back to the door with his head resting on his hands. Scar moved further into the room “Grian?”. He placed a hand on the back of the sleeping man’s head and nudged him.

“AGH” Grian's head snapped up as Scar nearly fell out of his wheelchair. “SORRY SORRY I DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE ASLEEP… why were you asleep?” His brown eyes narrowed at the last part. “I.. um.. I don’t know I was looking over these equations and I just dropped off” the blond answered looking slightly guilty. “Well you can finish it tomorrow, come on I’m taking you home, you look terrible” Scar said looking at him. Grian huffed “Thanks Scar really makes me feel good about myself” he muttered grumpily. Scar rolled his eyes in sarcastically “Don’t be silly you’re the best looking guy I know” he answered avoiding Grians eye. Grian flushed pink but didn’t say anything.

They both made their way down to the car park, Scar whistling cheerfully and Grian walking beside him. Once they got to the car park Grian made his way over to his own car before Scar stopped him “Nope, you should never drive when you’re tired, honestly Grian I thought you were smart”. Grian rolled his eyes “Alright, how do you propose I get home?” The brunette smiled at him cheerfully “You can come with me” Grian was too tired to argue.

The drive home was relatively uneventful. Scar put on his disney playlist and Grian sat quietly in the passenger seat as the brunette sang along. Upon arriving at the blonds house Scar realised that the exhausted man had fallen asleep. The younger quietly reached for the sleeping man's satchel. Its owner shifted but did not wake up. After ruffling through the overstuffed bag for a few moments Scar found his keys. He silently climbed out of his car (In my mind he's using a stick or crutches of some kind) and opened Grian’s front door. He then returned back to the car in order to work out how he was going to get the blond inside. He decided that the best thing to was just to wake him up, after all it would look awfully suspicious if Grian’s neighbours looked out to see a man dragging his seemingly lifeless body out of a car. Gently he pushed Grian’s shoulder. The sleeping man jolted but thankfully didn’t scream. “We’re here” Scar said, careful to keep his voice at a reasonable volume. Grian rubbed his eyes and looked apologetic “Sorry” he murmured sleepily “I just nodded off”. Scar smiled “and that’s why I didn’t let you drive home” he said grinning. The blond managed a small smile.

After getting inside Grian made his way over to the kitchen “Do you want a drink or anything?” he asked, stifling a yawn. Unfortunately the yawn wasn’t missed by Scar, “Don’t you worry about that lets just get you into bed” Grian smiled again sleepily “Thanks buddy”. “ My pleasure” the brunette answered, turning away to hide the slight blush that had crept across his face.

As Grian made his way down the hall to his bedroom, Scar looked around the messy kitchen and frowned. Grian obviously was neglecting household chores as well as his well-being.

Around an hour later Scar had finished the kitchen, the dishwasher had been set off and the brunette was just making a cup of tea when he remembered Grian. As quietly as possible the brunette wheeled along the corridor peering into different rooms trying to find the bedroom. Eventually he located it, 3 doors down from the kitchen, and he peeped inside. Grian was passed out fully clothed on the bed, glasses and one shoe still on. Scar smiled at the sleeping man as he moved forward to gently remove the glasses, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to get the shoe off without waking it’s wearer. The sleeping man huffed slightly and rolled onto his side narrowly missing Scars knee with the shoeless foot. With a sigh of relief Scar placed the glasses on Grian’s side table and made his way out of the room. He went back to the kitchen and made a cup of tea. Before going and sitting in the lounge.

He had only meant to finish his tea and then go home but clearly he was more tired than he’d noticed because the next thing he knew his eyes were fluttering open in broad daylight and a small blonde head was floating above him. “Good morning Scar”. The brunette sat up and rubbed his eyes “Good morning” he said with a yawn. Grian smirked and plopped down on the sofa beside him, at some point he’d changed into a pair of joggers and a red t-shirt with a picture of a cat on it. “Do you want me to grab you a t-shirt or something to put on?” The blonde asked. Scar looked down at himself “That sounds like a good idea actually”. Grian left and Scar pulled himself up on the chair a bit as he waited. In a few moments, Grian returned with a large orange t-shirt with a picture of a superhero on it and ‘hot guy’ written on the back in a large cyan font. The brunette looked up at the blonde quizzically, “don’t ask” the blue eyed man said flushing slightly. Scar began to unbutton his shirt and pulled the t-shirt over his head. “So.. do you want to watch a movie or something?” Grian asked rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Scar smirked “is that what you say to every man you find asleep on your sofa?” The blonde blushed again but grinned “Only the good looking ones”. This time it was Scars turn to blush and Grian grinned again before sitting down next to him.

In 10 minutes they’d chosen a movie, Hercules, and were sitting on the sofa watching. About 20 minutes later Grian had fallen asleep again, Scars eyes felt heavy and before he knew it he was asleep again. Scar woke a few hours later to soft breathing next to him. He turned his head slightly and his heart skipped a beat as he realised he was practically on top of a sleeping Grian. He attempted to move away but as he did the smaller man wrapped his arms around his chest and pulled him back. Grians voice was slightly muffled “Don’t move I’m comfy”. Scar froze and then slowly lay back down “alright”.

A few moments passed with Scars heart pounding in his chest but it was now or never. “Hey Grian” he said tentatively, “mhm?” Came the sleepy response. “Are you free next Friday night?”. Scar felt the blond go ridgid and his heart plumpeted, he had ruined everything. The no longer sleepy man sat up, and Scar couldn’t bear to meet his eyes. “Scar…” Grian asked, his voice unreadable “Did you just ask me on a date?”. “Yes- no- maybe..” Scar said frantically. “Well it took you long enough” the blonde huffed lying back down “what time?”. Scar sighed in relief “Whenever you want” he said resting his head in Grians neck.

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taestefully-in-luv · 2 years

Text

Love Again | PJM (Ten)

Summary: A friend of yours is eager to introduce you to her new man but what happens when Park Jimin, the man who broke your heart 5 years ago walks in through the door?

Pairing: Jimin x Female reader

Genre: exes au, exes to ???, fluff, angst, smut

Word Count: 14k

Warnings: swearing, alcohol consumption, sexual tension (????!!!!!????!!!!), lots of making out, getting naked, slight breast play, oral (fem rec.) slight overstimulation, boner, aftercare, mention of oral (male rec) lots of crying, mention of multiple orgasms, mention of throwing up

Notes: hehe hope you like this chapter and what’s to come. I hope you continue to enjoy this story. Love hearing from you guys<3 Send an ask if you want to be added to a tag list or just want to chat:)

Tag list: @yoongimentita7 @rjsmochii @aria-grace-scott @ravensading @shrimpmsg @phossmos @ceyoongs @btsis7okay @loljrau @ggukkieland @forever-once-gone @taejoonswifey @awseokjin @telepathytae @jikooksgirl19 @koreanaestheticc @shesoldbutcute @mawwnsterr @dopedreamfireparty @bri-mal @callmejimmeo @bloopkook @ncizen @natalie-rdr @familiarlikemymirror3 @theestrangeddreamer @chimchimmarie @sugas-baby-girl @greezenini @somewhereinthestarss @keiarajm @80sbass @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @heem145 @vonvi-blog @minijagiya @nadzzzblog @tannieastrology @emilypark01 @katjimout @curioughts @jjksnoonamess @pinkseokchim @bobateajiminie @missseoulite @rinkud @raye94

Previous---Next

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There’s really not a moment where you aren’t thankful that it is Friday. You could be having the shittiest day of your life but when you suddenly remember it is Friday therefore the weekend is here you are like, wait, I am feeling a moment of gratitude. That’s kind of what you are experiencing right now actually. Today sucked—work wise—and you’re so happy it is ending.

You’re finally wrapping things up on your computer before you’re finally turning it off and cleaning up around you so you can head home and get ready for your date with Namjoon tonight.

“So,” You hear Hoseok’s voice from beside you, “Tonight’s the night, huh?”

“Huh?” You glance over at him and he’s already wiggling his brows at you like you need to get his hint.

“Tonight’s the night.” He repeats.

Your eyes stay on him before you release a long breath and nod at him.

“You know, I’d actually believe you were excited if you would at least smile.” He tells you, rolling his eyes before closing down his own computer.

“Right.” You sigh, your mind going back to a couple days ago when you two shared a conversation similar to this.

“Ugh, it smells like you.” You tell Hoseok, the purple hoodie pulled up into your nose, giving it a big whiff.

“Don’t act like that’s not like your favorite scent! You guys are always talking about how great I smell and suddenly it’s a problem?!”

“Hm.” You sniff the hoodie again. “Fine, top 3 favorite.”

“Who the hell is the other 2?” Hoseok gasps at you, “Okay, maybe your mom is one…and…hmm, I’ll keep my other guess to myself.”

You lower the hoodie from your nose and narrow your eyes at him.

“Anyway,” Hoseok leans back on his sofa, “Speaking of Jimin—”

“—Who mentioned Jimi—”

“—I’m sure he told you all about how drunk we got last night.” Hoseok shakes his head while chuckling. “And—”

“Wait, huh?” You blink at your best friend and he blinks back. Once. Twice.

“Wait, huh, what?”

“Wait, huh, what? What?”

“That’s what I’m asking you!” He yells.

“No, I’m asking you that! I said, wait, huh!”

“And I said wait, huh, what?”

“Yeah, but I’m saying what to your what for my wait huh—”

“Just tell me what the hell you are asking!” “You guys hung out last night?” You mumble, “You and Jimin?”

“He didn’t tell you?” Hoseok questions, his eyebrows rising. “Surprised. But yeah.”

“You guys hung out without me?!”

“Do…do we need you there?” Hoseok asks innocently, eyes wide as he seems genuinely curious. “Anyway, yeah. He came over last night when he and Taehyung came by so Taehyung could pick up Dae so they could leave. Jimin ended up staying for a while—the night actually—we decided to drink and got drunk. His idea. Good dude, good dude.” Hoseok nods in approval.

You grab your phone from your pocket, unlocking the screen until you’re in your messages and then you pout. Like a baby. “He still hasn’t even texted me back…” You admit. “I sent a text yesterday asking how he’s doing and stuff…but nothing.”

“Maybe…” Hoseok’s head rolls back into the cushion, staring up at the ceiling with his bottom lip stuck between his teeth. “…maybe he’s just embarrassed about getting so mad yesterday…about the whole Lucy thing.”

“Maybe…” You nod hesitantly, “But speaking of Lucy—”

“Unfortunately she actually was mentioned, huh?”

“Hoseok!”

“Kidding, kidding…I guess.”

“So, have you tried reaching out to her?” You ask, suddenly bringing the hoodie back to your nose.

“Nope. Have you?”

“No…”

It’s quiet for a moment longer than you’d like, you know you should say something but the whole situation feels strange…like there’s too many pieces and people involved. Hoseok, your best friend, being one of them.

“How are you feeling? About yesterday?” You finally ask.

“Good.” He tells you simply, his eyes still on the ceiling. “I wasn’t lying yesterday. I really am okay. I would rather have answers than to be confused and wondering every second of the day where I stand…it’s better like this.”

“I get that.” Your voice is slightly muffled thanks to the hoodie, “But…I’m a little confused.”

“About?” Hoseok lowers his head to meet your eye.

“I’m not fully convinced that she doesn’t have feelings for you, I guess. I was so sure…”

“Doesn’t matter. Even if she does…look at everything, y/n. She’s not my fated one, don’t you think?” Hoseok laughs a little and you can’t help but drop the hoodie from your face and show him a cracked smile.

“Okay.”

Hoseok leans his head back on the sofa cushion again, “Oh! So, Friday!”

“Friday?”

“Date with Namjoon?” His eyes close but he smiles. “Excited?”

“Yeah.” You lean back as well, “It’s been a while it feels like. After this week we’ve had, I need his energy!” You chuckle and Hoseok joins you, agreeing right away.

“And Emiko promises she won’t need him for anything. No interruptions.” You grin to yourself, “I think it might be the night we…”

“You…?”

“You know.” You bring the hoodie over your nose again and do a cute little villain laugh.

“Wow, the night is finally coming! And hopefully so will y—”

“Hoseok!”

“I’m just a little nervous!” You tell Hoseok as he gathers some things from his desk, “It’s just…it’s been a while…” You whisper that last part.

“Now that I think about it…” Hoseok whips his head up to look at you, “It has been a while…and the last time sucked, right? You didn’t…you know.”

“Unfortunately that is a fact. I did not…you know.”

“Wow…and also, according to Taehyung your sex drive is crazy. Apparently you and Jimin didn’t understand you guys could just watch a movie without it—”

“How about we stop getting information from Taehyung?” You blink at him with a straight face.

“Oh my god…you’re probably so deprived…dick deprivation…that can’t be good…”

“Shut up!” You groan and he starts laughing to himself. “So annoying.”

“Ah, but you know, don’t be nervous. Things will happen the way they’re meant to.” Hoseok grabs his phone from his desk and stuffs it into his pocket, his head nodding towards the exit so you two can leave. “Just relax. Don’t overthink and I promise things will occur naturally.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Is a dress too much? Well, it is easy access and you are trying to seduce…wait, no. Naturally, naturally…things will happen naturally. But you’ll still stick with the dress since it is very cute and you look great, you would have to admit.

Namjoon should be here any minute to pick you up. You make your way into your living room and take a seat while scrolling on your phone, nothing interesting going on but you’re bored. Maybe a few more minutes pass by when there’s some very soft knocking on your front door, your head lifting up towards the door and away from your phone. He must be here, you think. Small butterflies that flutter lightly in excitement go flying in your stomach, you rise from the couch and make your way to the door.

Looking through the peep hole, you confirm it is Namjoon standing outside and you’re already drooling over how handsome he looks even though it barely counts as a view. You open the door and when your eyes meet his he quite literally gasps.

“You…” His eyes dance across your form before he smiles softly. “You look so beautiful.”

“Hi.” You squeak out and he chuckles.

“Hi.” He responds quickly, leaning forward and planting a kiss on your forehead. He starts leaning away from you when you pull him in closer and your lips land on his for a kiss. You keep his mouth connected to yours, hands on his chest when you move your lips to deepen it and he follows, his own lips moving over yours.

Namjoon looks a little surprised when you two pull away but when his lips finally pull up into his dimpled smile you can’t help but feel like you’re wanting to pull him in for another.

“Let’s go.” He grabs your hand, “We have like 15 minutes to make our reservation. Kind of wishing I got here a lot earlier though.” He teases with a smile, his hand pulling your hand to his mouth when he kisses it.

The restaurant you two are at is the same place he took you for your first date, something you’re happy about since the food was good and they have someone playing the piano again. You two chatted about your days after you ordered, catching him up on how hectic work was this week and also…the entire Lucy situation.

“I can understand why Jimin was angry though.” Namjoon nods, taking a bite of his pasta and swallowing before continuing. “Even though nothing is going on with you guys…being told that you can’t do something when that person really has no right…well, of course, he was upset.”

“I guess.” You poke the vegetables on your plate with your utensil. “I get it too. I just don’t really know why he would be embarrassed and not talk to me about it.”

“Oh.” Namjoon stops chewing for a second, “I thought you weren’t understanding why he was upset. Not because of his embarrassment.” He swallow again and smiles at you. “Well, think of it this way…being angry is like…showing someone your ugly side, right? Maybe he’s just wishing you—any of you—didn’t see that because it’s not how he wants you guys to view him.”

You continue playing with the food on your plate, “Yeah. That does make sense.”

“Don’t be sad, y/n.” Namjoon chuckles, reaching his hand to grab yours across the table. “He’s going to talk to you.”

“I’m not sad!” You defend right away, eyes finally lifting to meet his. “I just don’t get it! That’s all.”

“He’s an important person to you so of course it feels sad when someone like that isn’t able to talk to you, right?” Namjoon squeezes your hand. “Your feelings are normal.”

“But…”

“Normal.” Namjoon emphasizes with a grin, “I promise you. The best example I can give you is how Hoseok felt when you didn’t tell him about Jimin? He felt like you couldn’t talk to him and it hurt. I think that’s how you’re feeling. Hurt that Jimin isn’t talking to you about how he’s feeling since the situation.”

“Maybe.” You grumble. “Of course, Hoseok felt this feeling but like tenfold.” You go back to playing with your food, “Now I am sad because I am remembering that.”

Namjoon shakes his head with another laugh, “I didn’t mean to remind you of that and make you sad.” You finally look at him and give him a teasing smile.

“I know.” You tell him, “Don’t worry, that’s all resolved so I won’t be sad.”

“Good.”

“Although work was crazy busy this week I am kind of glad it was. Good distraction to all this real life stuff.” You laugh, “How about you?”

“I was also very busy! Feels like meeting after meeting and trying to set this up or that up. So many things going on.” Namjoon finally lets go of your hand to grab his wine glass and takes a sip. “Ah, but I feel more bad for Emiko.” He sets the glass back down, “If I’m busy that poor soul is ten times busier” Then he’s laughing when he remembers something. “Actually, she texted me while you were in the bathroom and she sent me this picture and you have to see it.” Namjoon pulls his phone out and pulls up his messages and shows you his screen.

Emiko 7:27pm

I know youre out with y/n but this isn’t work related!!!!🥲 Look at this cat we found! HE IS SO FAT!!!! CHUNKY!!!!!🥺 Anyway your mom says his name is Chunk the Hunk and I really feel like it is his name so!

[image]

“Oh my god.” You start giggling, “He’s huge! He is Chunk the Hunk for sure!”

“My mom has a real talent for naming things.” Namjoon shakes his head, smiling before putting his phone away again.

“But wait. Emiko is close with your mom?” You tilt your head, “Wow, they even hang out on Friday nights.”

Namjoon can’t help but chuckle when he realizes you don’t really have any context. “Ah, right. Emiko knows mom well. Her parents and my parents are the best of friends, neighbors and all. I’ve known Emiko since we were like…I want to say around 5?”

“Oh!” You smile, impressed. “Childhood friends! That’s so cool!”

“Yeah, we grew up together.” He nods, “I was mean to her at the end of elementary! Girls are gross and all of that. But by the end of middle school we were cool again and all of high school too!”

“That’s amazing. I wish I had someone like that!” You whine, “I’m always jealous of people who have that.”

“Time isn’t everything, you know?” Namjoon teases, “But we actually fell off after high school. We went to different universities so I hardly saw her anymore.”

“Then what?”

“But sometime after university I ran into her. We always had similar interests and stuff so finding out she had worked her way into becoming a book agent I wasn’t too surprised,” Namjoon smiles, reaching for his wine again. “And there I was…wanting to write a book. So, it made sense to me that we work together. So, here we are.”

“Wow.” You look at him starry eyed, “It’s like the universe put you guys on the same path again!”

“Funny how it does that.” His smile is as cute and genuine as him. “Some people are just meant to be in your life time and time again. Some, of course, are only meant for certain times rather than others or sometimes it’s only for a moment that they’re there but even one moment can have an impact…amazing, right?”

“Yeah.” You nod, small smile that feels hard to hide starts forming. “I do agree with that.”

After dinner you and Namjoon hold hands while you walk to his car in the parking lot, his grip on you is just firm enough that feels safe and warm.

“So, I was thinking.” Namjoon stops when you two approach his car, his body turning towards yours.

“You usually have great thoughts. What ones are going through your mind right now?” You ask, eyes on his.

He laughs a little before coming closer to you, “I was thinking you come to my place?” His voice is lower, but not quite a whisper. “I’d love to have you over.”

“Would you?” You step closer as well.

“Of course.” His hand finds your chin, tilting your head up before he leans in for a kiss. When he pulls back you nod enthusiastically and he chuckles. “So, is that a yes?”

“It’s a yes.”

Namjoon’s apartment is a place you have never been before, it is your first time and you feel a little nervous since you’ve already made up your mind about tonight. You are getting fucked. Namjoon shows you around his place, a lot of plants and paintings and the entire atmosphere feels warm and welcoming.

“How about some wine?” He goes into his kitchen, bringing two glasses down from a cabinet. “I have one we’ve had before. I remember you like it.”

“I’d love some wine.” You take a seat on his cream sofa, “Love it, love it, love it.” You say more to yourself. Of course you would love a little liquid courage.

“Are you warm? Cold? I can adjust the air.” Namjoon tells you when he sits next to you, handing you your glass.

“I’m comfortable, thanks.” You take the glass happily, your lips already on it, wine already sliding down your throat.

“By the way, I am sorry I’ve been so busy lately.” Namjoon drinks some of his own wine, “You’re worth giving all my time and attention to but well, we do live in a society that requires making money.” He smiles at you, “But I wish I could give you all my time and attention.”

You snort at his words, grinning at him. “Unfortunately, I also live in a society.”

“Seriously, y/n. I hope tonight makes up for it.”

“I’m hoping it does.” You tease and this makes Namjoon quirk a brow in question.

“Did you have something in mind?” He asks, throwing back the rest of his drink. “Something you want?”

“…Hmm.” You finish your wine quickly as well. “Maybe.”

“You can have whatever you want.”

“I want…” You start looking around, feeling shy suddenly. “Things.”

“What kind of things?”

“Things from you.” Your eyes still go around. Wow, it really must have been a while because you are usually way better at being straight forward. “Things like you kissing me.” You finally find the courage to say, eyes locking on his again.

“I thought it could be something like that.” Namjoon gazes at you, his dimples threatening to show itself when he smiles at you. “Give me that.” He requests softly, referring to your empty glass.

He takes it from you and stands from his sofa and leaves for his kitchen to put the glasses in his sink and when he returns to you, he only offers you his hand.

“Would you like to come with me to my bedroom?” His voice is more husky than you’re used to but this only encourages you to place your hand in his palm and stand from his couch.

“Yes.” You breathe out.

Namjoon leads you down a hall until he stops at one of the doors, opens it and guides you through. His hands on your waist, until they’re on your hips, sliding down until one hand gently squeezes your ass. Your own hands gripping his arms, his chest, finally until your fingers are in his hair. Your back is against his now closed bedroom door, it would feel cold against your skin but Namjoon’s lips exploring your neck makes you feel all too warm.

You are wearing a dress, you think. Namjoon could easily fuck you against this door if he truly wanted. And you’re thinking maybe he does when he curls his fingers beneath your thighs and has you jump, your legs wrapping around his middle. Your mind is melting when you feel his clothed cock against your core, oh how easy it would be if you just pulled it out of his pants and have him enter you.

Namjoon’s lips on yours, his tongue meeting yours in the middle for a kiss deeper and messier, hips grinding uncontrollably for the other. You need this, you think. You want this. Moaning into Namjoon’s mouth is enough for him to carry you to the bed, dropping you gently on his pillows before he’s diving back in to kiss you hotly.

“Joon…” You whine, his teeth nipping at your throat. “I want you.” You admit to him, feeling breathless.

His fingers feel rough and hot against your skin, they even feel desperate as he tugs on your dress in every direction trying to take it off of you. You sit up quickly, helping him slip off the damn thing and his eyes devour you when he gets a look at you in just a bra and panties.

“So beautiful.” He whispers, leaning forward between your legs to kiss you. When his tongue meets yours again, you can feel his fingers at your back, unclipping your bra. When it falls from your body he leans away again to eye your bare chest.

“Take this off.” You poke his chest. “I want to see you too.”

He wastes no time in getting his shirt off, his bare skin on display for you and you love how soft his skin feels beneath your fingertips.

“Lay back down for me.” He rasps out, “Please.”

You slowly fall back, head landing on his pillow when Namjoon’s body is towering over your own. He gazes at you, drinking you in. He lowers himself, lips on yours when he kisses you slowly this time. Hands all over you, gripping your waist, your hips, your breasts but the cherry on top is when he fingers graze over your underwear.

“T-Touch me.” You sigh, his tongue rolling over your nipple and his fingers just barely touching over your underwear again. “J-Joon.”

Namjoon keeps kissing over your chest until he’s kissing over your stomach, kissing each hip and finally lowering himself until he’s kissing at your thighs. You spread them for him, giving him access for his lips to trail to your inner thigh. He looks up at you, face contorting, a look of want—a look of need—as his fingers finally grab the band of your panties and he starts dragging them down.

“Lift up for me.” He groans when you lift your ass and he has it easy, sliding your panties down each leg. “Oh fuck.” He releases a few long breaths, his eyes boring into your exposed pussy. He isn’t touching you but you’re squirming. You need to be touched.

You look down at him, lips parting when you feel his fingers spreading your lower lips apart and he’s gliding his digits around your clit, gathering your wetness on them. He’s moving his fingers so slowly, just testing how sensitive you are and he feels satisfied when he realizes it is very. You are very sensitive.

“I’m okay to taste you?” His voice has never sounded this low or deep and it goes straight to vagina—there’s no turning back on how horny you are. You tell him yes over and over and you finally shut up when his warm tongue finds your most sensitive spot, your mouth shutting but your squirming only continuing. His lips are wrapping around your clit when his tongue circles it, exploring every nerve in the place that can take you to a whole new world.

The moan you let out when he quickens how he licks at you only makes it that much harder for Namjoon to not just fuck you. His cock is hard and ready to dip inside you, ready to get soaked in your juices, your wet pussy hugging him until he comes but he tries to focus on you and your pleasure.

“F-Fingers.” You beg him, your whining making him rut against his mattress. He listens though, one finger adventuring around your entrance, then two before he’s pushing them both inside you and you stiffen at the sudden intrusion but when he curls them and fucks them into your hole, you are back to crying out in pleasure.

You aren’t entirely sure how long this continues for…can’t be more than 10 minutes though. No, it’s got to be less than that. You are trying for this to last longer but a particular suck on your bundle of nerves has you gripping the sheets and warning Namjoon that you’re going to come. His entire head quickly bobs when he laps at your pussy, fingers never stopping and the sudden relief you feel over your entire body starts happening. You come and you come and he just doesn’t stop. His tongue and fingers working inside you like they’ve moved in and he doesn’t pull away until you’re wincing visibly from the overstimulation.

“Good god.” You throw your arm over your eyes, smiling from how good this all felt and pleasantly satisfied how amazing it feels to receive an orgasm from someone who isn’t you for once.

“I really enjoy the way you sound when you come.” Namjoon tells you, his body moving up yours when he kisses you. Tongues tangling lazily and you can taste yourself, something Namjoon wanted you to experience. “You taste good, don’t you?” He asks, pulling away to look at you. Your eyes are heavy with your dopey smile and his heart squeezes at the sight.

“You’re amazing.” You breathe out, “Really.”

Namjoon continues to gaze at you and how obviously tired you are and he strokes your cheek. “I’ll get something to clean you.”

“Wait!” You grab his arm, sitting up, “I should…we can…” you glance down towards the very obvious boner in his pants and he chuckles, pushing you gently back towards the bed.

“Tonight was about you. Let’s sleep.” He kisses you one more time before disappearing into the bathroom. When you hear the sound of running water it almost feels like a gentle waterfall is lulling you to sleep, your eyes closing until you feel a warm wash cloth at your core. You close them again, letting Namjoon clean you and the last thing you feel for the night is Namjoon’s warm chest against your back.

~~~~~~~

“Mmmmmm.” You roll over groggily, your hands going to cover your ears. Your phone is going off and you just want to keep sleeping. “Who the hell is calling me…” you mumble lowly to yourself, eyes not opening. The phone finally stops going off and you smile to yourself, ready to sleep again when the phone starts vibrating loudly once more. “Seriously…?” You roll back over and open your eyes now until they widen. This room…? Right. You’re in Namjoon’s room.

The phone continues to buzz and you realize it is on the floor next to the bed, you glance around and see Namjoon isn’t in here before you reach down and pick up the phone. Jimin. Jimin? Jimin?! You blink at the screen rapidly and notice it’s only like 10am…why is he calling? Well, at least he’s finally calling…

“Hello?” you answer before it stops. “Jimin?”

“Oh, you’re sleeping. I should have guessed that.” Jimin laughs a bit awkwardly. “I knocked on your door a few times but…”

“Oh.” You rub your eyes a few times with your free hand. “I’m…I’m actual—”

“I brought you breakfast.” He tells you, his tone is soft. “Want to eat together?”

“Jimin.” He can’t see you but he knows you smiled with the way you said his name. “I…actually I’m not home but I’ll be there in half an hour. Is that okay?”

“Sure, I can wait for you.”

“See you then.” And then you are hanging up. You get up from Namjoon’s bed and find your dress and things before slipping everything on, stopping in the bathroom to get a look at yourself. Great, a hickey on your neck and mascara beneath your eyes. You try to clean your face a bit before going out into Namjoon’s living room. You spot the man eating a bowl of cereal on his sofa, his eyes widening when he sees you and he tries to smile while swallowing his food at the same time.

“Hi.” You tell him, “I uh, I’m going to head home…but thank you for a great date and uh, last night. Yes, last night was very um, very nice.”

“You’re leaving?” Namjoon sets his bowl down on a side table. “You don’t want to eat?”

“No, no!” You smile, “I’m okay. I should head home. Honestly, Jimin is there and he hasn’t talked to me so I…” Namjoon nods, understanding you. “But I’ll text you.”

“Will you at least come here and kiss me?” He teases you and you blink at him, hand going to your mouth.

“But…but I haven’t brushed my teeth…”

Namjoon can’t help but laugh. Cute, he thinks. “Come here.”

And you do, and you accidentally make out for like 15 minutes before you finally do leave.

You get a ride home despite Namjoon making a huge deal about how he should drive you but you tell him a ride is fine. Jimin has been waiting over half an hour by now but you finally pull into your apartment complex and when you spot Jimin sitting outside your front door with a bag of food you cannot help but grin. You rush up towards him and when he sees you he stands to his feet and offers a small smile in return.

“Hey.” You greet him quietly, going to unlock your front door, letting him in behind you.

“Hi.” He tells you quietly as well. You both slip your shoes off and make your way into your home. “Where were you?” He asks, setting the bag of food down on your kitchen island. You stare at him, cheeks getting warm and he sees right through you before he’s lightly smirking. “I guess your date went well with Namjoon, huh? Hoseok said there might be a sleep over involved.” He’s nonchalant as he starts taking food containers out of the bags.

“W-We didn’t! Well, we kind of? But not all the way! I—Hoseok? He told you?”

“Yeah,” Jimin nods, eyes still focused on the food. “He told me last night.”

“Did you…did you guys hang out last night?”

“Yeah, after dinner with my parents. I went over to his place and we chilled.”

“You guys…you guys hung out without me?!” You say in a whine and Jimin looks at you now, eyes all innocent.

“Do…do we need you there?” He tilts his head and you groan internally, Hoseok gave that same response.

“Anyway,” You roll your eyes with a pout on your lips. “I’m going to go change and wash up real quick. Be right back.” Jimin hums in response, eyes back at the food.

After you freshen up, you and Jimin sit at your kitchen island and munch away on breakfast that he brought.

“So,” Jimin turns his head to see you, his eyes on yours, something light about them. “You haven’t seen me since Tuesday. And it’s Saturday. Just like last week. Does this mean you’ve missed me?”

You gape at Jimin before narrowing your eyes at him, “I understand last week. But this time you ignored me. So, no.”

“I…I wasn’t ignoring you.” Jimin’s smile starts fading and you look at him incredulously.

“But you did!” You scold, “I texted you and nothing.”

Jimin frowns a bit before nodding his head. “Okay, you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right…” You pause before glancing his way again, “So why?”

“I…I think I just felt weird about things.”

“Hm.” You look back down at your breakfast, “But you were able to talk to Hoseok? Why is it just me that—”

“If I had an answer to that, I promise you, y/n, I would give it to you. But even I don’t know.”

Your eyes catch his, an odd vulnerability lingers in them and you think you believe that. “Well…I’m happy you and Hoseok seem to be getting closer.” The corner of your lip curves up, “He’s my best friend and you’re my—uh, my other…uh, well, you’re both important to me…so, I’m glad.” You give Jimin an awkward smile before your expression changes into something more threatening. “But please invite me next time!” You raise your fist, pretending like you’re going to hit him and he snickers.

“Fine, fine. I suppose you can crash our hang outs—oh! But not next weekend. Sorry, no girls allowed.”

“Huh?”

“Taehyung is coming next weekend and we have plans.”

“Who?”

“Well, Taehyung created a group chat with me, him, Hoseok and Jeremy. It’s called…uh,” Jimin slides his phone out of his pocket and takes a look at his message threads. “It’s called ‘Ladies want us and men—”

“—And men want to be us?” You finish for him, snorting.

“Actually no.” Jimin shakes his head, “Uh,” He starts reading again, “Ladies want us and men…also want us.”

You go from laughing to a straight face when you nod in understanding, “I—yeah, that actually sounds more accurate for something Taehyung would say.”

Jimin nods with you, understanding that it is true.

“So what? What’s next weekend?”

“He planned a whole boys day and a boys night out. It’s for Saturday.”

“A boys night out?” You question, taking a sip of your water.

“Yeah. According to Taehyung and Jeremy we’re all too hot to be single.” Jimin just shrugs, smirk on his face when he sees how you shake your head.

“Taehyung and Jeremy are going to become a dangerous pair…I can feel it.” You continue to shake your head, “So what? The plan is you all find girls and get laid?”

“Something like that.” Jimin laughs, “Something like that.”

“Well,” you pick at your leftover breakfast, “If you can’t find anyone that night, you can always just hit up the girl from your super market.”

“How would I do that?” Jimin gazes at you, but you don’t meet his eye.

“Well—”

“I never gave her my number.” He tells you, eyes still on you while a smirk still plays at his lips.

You finally turn your head, eyes finding his. You gaze for a moment or two or eight before you finally speak up. “Why not?”

“Hmm.” Jimin hums noncommittally, eyes still boring into yours but it’s not in an intimidating way…it’s more like his eyes are trying to communicate with you but neither of you speak the same language. You gaze back, eyes darting down to his lips when you see how his tongue pokes out to lick them. “I—”

But he’s cut off when your phone starts buzzing loudly on the counter, you tear your eyes away from Jimin to glance down at your screen to see Naomi calling.

“Hello? Huh? Oh. Umm…what are the options? This is obvious dude are you serious? Tell Jeremy I can hear him and that I think his taste in everything is actually garbage…okay, fine…yeah, his taste in dumplings is pretty solid. Other than that though. Just watch Toy Story. Tell Jeremy I can still hear him.” Jimin watches as you playfully roll your eyes, you catch his eyes on you before you mouth ‘sorry’ he just waves you off with a smile. “I’m hanging up now but next time you guys fight over what movie to watch, please just flip a coin. Bye bye, love you.”

“They needed your help to decide on a movie?” Jimin teases, “Sounds like them.”

“Yeah.” You giggle, “Anyway, uh, what were you saying?” “Nothing.” He sighs, smiling.

“Oh! Auditions are this next week, right?”

“Yeah.” He closes his food container and pushes it away from him, “I go in on Thursday.”

“Exciting. You’re going to kill it.”

“You think so?”

“Jimin, I know so. You are someone who…well, there isn’t anyone like you.” You say, “You already know this though.”

“I have my doubts sometimes.” He says, eyes lowering to the counter, shy smile on his lips and you can’t help yourself when you scoff, your own smile on your face.

“Well, I guess like usual, you can just count on me to believe in you more than you do yourself.”

“Hm.” Jimin’s eyes find yours again, “If you let me count on something like that then I will.”

You and Jimin continue to talk, the conversation going from one thing to another and the day is just passing you by. You see how the sun moves through the sky, different colors painting your living room walls because of the sun through the windows. The walls were white and light but now they’re glowing in something like a soft orange.

You and Jimin are relaxing on your couch, he’s tapping away on his screen as you two order a late dinner.

“Are you sure I’m not overstaying my welcome?” Jimin asks, eyes still on his phone. “I’ve been here all day.” He reminds you like you aren’t totally aware.

“Overstaying your? Jimin, we haven’t even watched our show yet!” You lightly swat his arm, “Which by the way, can you believe next week is the finale?!”

“I know—”

“Wait!” You swat his arm again and he chuckles, “I just realized…I’m going to…I’m going to have to…WAIT? Be—Because of you! Because you’re busy next Saturday! Because of stupid boys—”

“Relax, relax.” Jimin rubs his arm, smirking at you. “I will be here bright and early on Sunday if that’s what you want. I swear.”

“Yeah, you better be here when the sun is literally rising! I won’t wait another second.”

Jimin puts a hand to his temple, saluting you. “Yes mam! I promise we will be together when the sun is rising!” He lowers his hand when he finishes the salute and grins at you. “But…” He starts chewing on his lip, “What are we going to do if the two leads don’t get together at the end? We’ve been rooting for them for so long.”

“I swear…if they don’t get together then I give up. Love isn’t real.” You throw your hands up, leaning back on your couch.

“Oh, please.” Jimin chuckles, clicking his phone off after he finished the order. “I know you know love is real.”

“Eh.” Your head relaxes on the cushion, “I question its existence sometimes.” You laugh a bit awkwardly. Jimin’s smile starts to fade as he stares at you.

“Well.” He swallows, “What we shared? What we shared in the past…that was real love…?”

“I mean, was it?” You laugh again, “How real could it have been if you moved on that fast?”

And then there is silence. Silence on both ends. You can’t even hear his breaths and you can’t even hear your heart. You’re realizing what you said, your head snapping in Jimin’s direction, eyeing him over and you aren’t even sure how to describe his expression.

He’s parting his lips, maybe he’s about to say something but you beat him to it.

“S-Sorry! I don’t know why I—I’m s—”

“No, it’s okay.” He shakes his head. “Don’t be sorry. It’s okay…I—”

“No. I-I shouldn’t try throwing that in your…I just…I told you there were no hard feelings so…I wasn’t bitter…I—”

“Mm.” He looks at you, his eyes the softest you’ve seen in a while. “I…I think I would rather have some hard feelings from you.”

You look at him with a confused expression and he smiles awkwardly.

“That sounded weird…I just mean, I would rather hear all of your thoughts and feelings than you trying to bury things.”

“What-What do you want me to say, Jimin?” You return his expression, something soft.

Jimin’s eyes are communicating with you again and this time you understand. But he says it for you as well. “Just say…’You hurt me, Jimin.’”

Your gaze is locked in on him, you are trying to read his eyes, his expression and you see that he’s serious. You know this isn’t just for him but for you. You know he’s right. And that sucks. Burying your feelings on everything and having to admit something that…something that does fucking hurt.

“Jimin.” You gulp, eyes still focused on him. His brows start coming together, waiting patiently for you. “You… hurt me.” You finally say, your words said with nothing but your own vulnerability. “Yeah.” You give a slight nod, feeling a little burning in your throat but you feel the need to say it again. “You hurt me.”

“I know.” He whispers. His ‘I know’ are just enough words for you to get that he understands. He understands you. He understands you’ve been in pain. He understands that despite over five years passing, something as amazing and precious as the love you two shared is something that will leave an impact on you. Something hard to get over quickly and let go. He understands. The pain he has caused…that hurts. He sees how it hurts just by the way your eyes look, they give you away and it is something he finds so amazing about you.

“So,” Jimin speaks softly, “I should take full responsibility, right?”

“How?” You can’t help the small laugh that leaves your mouth.

“How many moments of happiness do you think it would take to make up for the pain I caused?”

“How many?” You chuckle quietly.

“Yes? What do you think? 10? 50? 100?” When you say nothing Jimin’s eyes widen, “1000? A WHOLE MILLION??”

“Jimin…” You laugh a little more. “I—”

“Come on, how many?”

“Hmm.” You stare at him, blinking at him slowly before you smirk. “Maybe a lifetime’s worth?” You tease him and his lips stretch into a wonderful smile.

“A lifetime’s worth?” He questions before growing more serious. “Okay. Deal. I will give that to you.”

“Jimin,” You break eye contact, smiling but shaking your head. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“And why not?”

“It makes me happy.” You admit, eyes still roaming around.

“Then I’m off to a good start, right?” He asks and you snort, finally looking at him and he laughs too. You both bask in this small moment before his smile drops and he looks at you more seriously, almost carefully. “y/n…”

“Hm?”

“I’m sorry.” He says, “I really thought…we wouldn’t ever see each other or speak again. It’s…it’s what you wanted.” He pauses, waits for you to respond but he sees you’re waiting for him to continue. “Emma…I did love her. She is…was…she was a good person.” He pauses again, but this time for his own sake. He feels his eyes sting just the slightest and he knows that won’t change for some time. “Ah, sorry.” He blinks back tears that are begging to form. “But um, just because she was a good person…and she was…” His voice cracks, “It doesn’t mean she was good for me.”

You know this isn’t easy. Jimin says it’s easier but easier doesn’t mean easy. He struggles, you can tell. But you can also tell he wants this. He wants to speak about these things openly.

“Together,” He continues, “We were…ah, well, when you have to force so much…for things to even just appear good…well, I didn’t want to see it. I refused to see it for so long. She didn’t see it either though…but I don’t think it’s because she knew and didn’t want to accept it, like me.” He points at himself, “She didn’t see it…because I don’t think she was even looking.” He releases a puff of air as a sorry excuse for a laugh. “But near the end I think she finally saw things. There was love between us. But it’s not the kind of love I had envisioned at the beginning.”

You watch as Jimin takes a breath, swallowing hard at his own admission. Your heart starts breaking in your chest as you watch him get choked up.

“Sorry.” He sighs out, “Admitting that was kind of hard…because…I felt so guilty.” And finally, his first tears start falling. “I felt so guilty after…after the…after everything.”

You reach for his hand and he takes it without a thought.

“I didn’t want anyone to think I didn’t love her…after…” He gets more choked up and you squeeze his hand, stopping yourself from feeling emotional over his heartache.

“Sorry…” He whispers. “I don’t even know what I am trying to explain to you. Maybe it’s more guilt. Guilt for you. For what you saw with me and Emma on opening night…guilty for that because now I can’t even confidently tell you I was in love the way I thought I was going to be.”

“Jimin…” Your brows pinch together, your breaking heart only continuing to crack.

“I think I wish I could tell her I am sorry. So, I won’t hesitate to tell you sorry. You’re here. You’re in front of me. I can tell you. And I will, all the time if I have to. Because I am sorry, y/n. My heart fucking hurts knowing you were in pain because of me. So please…” He cries to you, “Tell me. Really tell me…empty yourself to me…I know how busy your mind gets.” He cracks a smile despite the tears falling. “Don’t hold back. You…you need this.”

You gaze at Jimin in wonder…maybe it’s him who needs this. He needs to hear everything so it can be out in the open and you both can just move past it. Maybe he does need this.

“Okay.” You nod, feeling a bit hesitant. “For so many years…” You begin, “All I knew was who I was with you. You were such a big part of me. You and I…I had never felt more secure as a person than who I was with you.” Your eyes fall to your joined hands. “I wanted you to chase your dreams but…I couldn’t do this without you. This world…life…I didn’t want to be apart from you anymore, I couldn’t.” you whisper that last part out, afraid your voice might crack.

“I get that.” Jimin tells you.

“I loved you so much. I don’t think there is anything in this world I loved more than you.” You smile softly, still staring at your hands. “But…” You feel the sudden rush of emotion hit your body and you want to keep it at bay, you do, but why is it trying to climb over every wall you have put up.

“But?”

“But…” You gulp, your breathing getting heavier as you try to find the words. “But imagine…I…” You have to pause to breath, your eyes burning. “I go to you. Wanting to find you, the l-love of my life. And I find you. But you’re there. With someone who isn’t me.” You keep your eyes on your hands, the view blurry now. “You, who I didn’t know who you were without me. You’re there with someone who isn’t the person I know you with.” You pause before whispering, “Me.”

“y/n…”

You finally lift your eyes, your face scrunching up when you finally blink and several tears run warm on your cheeks. “You…weren’t in love with me anymore. I saw how I didn’t even exist in your mind.” You struggle to continue. “You were someone I couldn’t function without but you…you…”

Jimin feels his heart break for a third time in his life now. Your emotions finally breaking down your walls and spilling free. He sees how your thoughts are being tasted on your tongue for the first time…he sees how you are feeling this like it is five years ago.

“I was so fucking sad, Jimin.” You admit, choking on your own words as more tears fall. “I was—I was so-so fucking sad.” You cry harder, almost silently as each sob breaks you. “You b-broke my heart, Jimin.” You pull your hand away from his, both of your hands balling into fists when you lightly hit his chest with them over and over. “My heart is broken be-because of y-you.”

Jimin stares at you wide eyed even though he expected this. You continue to lightly hit his chest, fists still balled up. He’s not even sure he has anything he can say to you that will help…he knows the only thing that can help is if you release it all. Release your years of pain on him. He can take it. He will take it. Because you’re you. And that’s enough reason.

“I w-wanted to hate you but how could-could I?” You cry, “You didn’t actually do anything wrong. You didn’t but why did it feel like it? Why did it feel like the world was-was against me? I kept thinking for so long that I—I love you, I love you, I love you.” Your words are all broken now, “I kept thinking that even though you hurt me.” You continue banging his chest when he finally grabs your wrists, stopping you. You look at him, expression pained and confused.

Jimin lets go of your wrists, his fingers reaching towards your face before he’s stroking your cheeks and wiping away your tears.

“You know, back then…even now,” He whispers, “And all the time in between. I think you are the most precious person I’ll ever know.”

Your brows come together again, genuine confusion and realization all at once before you’re breaking down all over. Tears and more tears and Jimin pulls you into his chest and hugs you so tightly, so tightly that you think he’s squeezing all the pain from your body. You cry into his chest for longer than you care to admit. Maybe five years’ worth of tears. And he lets you. Because you’re you and there will never be more enough of a reason.

If you weren’t crying so much you might actually laugh. Because of course, after all of this time Jimin still knows you better than you know yourself—it is you who needed this. You’re the one who needed this so badly and Jimin knew. This…this is true freedom. You’re finally freeing yourself from the emotions you’ve buried so deep. You thought you’d die with this on your back but Jimin is here, taking away each burdensome piece with his own hands and you are feeling the weight get lighter and lighter. You might questions love existence but in this moment you know it’s real.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday is here again—of course it is. Work always shows up on Monday’s to ruin the weekend you were just enjoying. You sit at your desk, mind on many things. Of course, no surprise that Jimin is one of those things. You two spent all Sunday together as well. It feels lighter, it feels softer, maybe more intimate—in a vulnerable way—and somehow you feel even closer to him than before. It’s good. It’s a good thing. He…he thinks you’re a precious person and you think…well, you think the same of him.

But it’s Monday now, work day winding down and you actually have more on your mind than just Jimin.

“Want to come over today?” Hoseok asks, feeling bored as he doodles on a notepad.

“Uh, can’t.” You purse your lips, “Me and Naomi are busy.” You and Naomi share a look across the office and she smirks.

“Wow, fine. I’ll ask Jer and Jimin. You down dude?” He says, throwing his question over at Jeremy.

“Yeah, I’ll text the group to see what Jimin says.”

The…the group. ‘Ladies want us and men also want us.’ Oh yeah, you think, that thing.

“Taehyung just texted back saying we aren’t allowed to hang out without him.” Hoseok snorts and you follow in his laughter. Classic, Taehyung.

“Oh! y/n!” Hoseok suddenly stands, phone in his hand when he starts walking over to you. “Dae told me she found some photos and videos from dance camp!”

“Fucking nerd.” You say.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing.”

“Anyway, hater, you’re about to see how good your very best friend was at this place, okay?” Hoseok grins at you, clearly excited as he waits on Dae’s message thread. “She said she’s about to send them!”

“Okay, okay, we’re waiting, I guess.”

“My moves were amazing. I hope she has video of our competition and then you can tell me how I obviously should have won.”

“Right, right. Oh the bubbles are up, she’s probably sending them now.” You point at his screen, your eyes on him when you notice his face paling immediately. “What?” You question before you glance back down at his screen but he’s bringing his phone to his chest as quick as he can.

“I hate her. I hate her. I hate her.” He starts mumbling, “She’s…”

“What??” You try grabbing his phone but he steps away as fast as possible. “What is it? What did she send?”

“Trust me.” He shudders, “You do not want to see these pictures and videos.”

“What? Why?”

“Trust me.”

You blink at him repeatedly before it clicks and you express your disgust before laughing and muttering out a few ‘nice, nice’.

“She’s…she’s crazy…” Hoseok mumbles, “Crazy…”

“I bet you’ll look at them later though and you aren’t going to hate her then.” You say, not able to hold in your laughter.

“Shut up!” He chuckles, bringing his phone down before he takes a peak at the screen, “Well…I got to admit…we look good.”

“Ew, you shut up!” You laugh even harder now, “There’s video too?”

“Two.” He shows you with his fingers, “And they’re both several minutes long.”

“Oh my god.” You shake your head, “Enough! Enough! God, I feel like Taehyung right now.”

“Ready to go?” You hear Naomi’s voice cut in, “it’s almost 6. We stayed here way too long, I don’t want to look at another computer screen for the rest of the day.”

“Sure. Let me just wrap it up.” You tell her, saving your files before shutting down your own work space.

“What are you guys doing anyway?” Hoseok questions, eyeing you both suspiciously.

“Yeah, I want to know too.” Jeremy says, walking towards you guys. “Naomi won’t tell me either.”

“It’s just girl time.” You say nonchalantly.

“Mhm.” Hoseok rolls his eyes, “Whatever you say.”

“Alright, let’s go.” You face Naomi after gathering your things. “For girl time.”

“Yes, girl time.” She nods and you both link arms and make your exit.

“Should we follow them?” Jeremy whispers towards Hoseok and he just laughs before the get ready to leave as well.

“It’s almost 9 and still nothing.” Naomi sulks while sitting on her bar stool. “What if they aren’t coming?”

“Well, we knew that was a chance.” You mumble, playing with the drink in front of you.

You and Naomi are at the bar you all came to last Monday…you’re both…well, you’re on a mission. A mission to find that Jin guy. And he was here with his friends last week so maybe…

“I just wish he would magically show up by now.” Naomi tells you, “I’m so curious about everything and he probably has answers.”

“Exactly. I know Hoseok would think we’re weird for this.”

“We probably are…”

“…Probably.”

“But I agree with you,” Naomi brings her drink to her mouth, “It’s worth it if it means we can get some answers about Lucy. She is our friend…despite…”

“Yeah.” You nod. “There’s just so much we don’t actually know. She said so much without even saying anything at all. And call me crazy but I did not think things with Jimin were that deep and I do think she has feelings for Hoseok…but…”

“Yeah. I totally agree. Something’s weird.”

“Anyway, thanks for staking out with me. Operation: TTJ is in full motion but so far we are not successful.”

“…TTJ?”

“Yeah, Talk To Jin.” You tell her and she giggles. “If we can find him and just talk to him maybe he can help…”

You both enjoy another drink, by 10pm you’re losing hope and by 11:30pm you’re calling it a night.

~~~~

It’s Wednesday evening when you’re pulling into the parking lot of Jimin’s apartment, you quite literally just put your car into park when your car alerts you that you’re getting call. You see it is Namjoon and you accept the call, his voice booming on the car speaker.

“Hey.” He sounds happy to be on the phone with you, “I know it’s last minute but want to have dinner together? Or just hang out if you’ve already eaten.”

“Oh.” You bite your bottom lip, looking around. “I’m actually…I actually just go to Jimin’s place. He has his audition tomorrow and he apparently changed something and wants to run it by me.”

“Ah, no worries.” Namjoon tells you, you know he’s probably smiling. “I understand.” But he does sound a little disappointed.

“But hey, what about after? If it isn’t too late? If you still want to see me?”

“You know I won’t say no to that.”

You hang up with Namjoon, and head up to Jimin’s apartment. He greets you with a hug when you arrive at his door. He lets you in and gets straight to business. He shows you his new and approved audition maybe 5 times before you’re teasing him and telling him it’s perfect.

You and Jimin chill for a little while, sitting on his living room floor with some snacks between you both.

“So, Lucy.” You say with your mouth full, chips getting loudly chewed.

“Hm.” Jimin glances at you, smiling when he sees your messy lips with chip crumbs.

“You think you’ll see her tomorrow?” You ask.

“Yeah, I think so.” Jimin confirms, reaching for his own handful of chips. “But she will probably stay in the back and we probably won’t interact.”

“Oh.” You nod slowly. “Okay, so don’t think I am crazy.” You blurt suddenly.

“O…kay?”

“On Monday I went to that karaoke bar with Naomi so we could try to run into that Jin guy that Lucy was friends with so we could ask him about her.” You say really quickly, in one breath.

“You…you what now?” Jimin blinks at you. “Don’t tell me you really…”

“She’s…still my friend, Jimin. She’s obviously…well, I don’t know. If something’s going on with her shouldn’t I try to help her instead of just forget everything? I want to help…if I can.” Jimin sighs after you finish explaining. You’re you, he thinks.

“Anyway, I got to head out. I have plans with Namjoon after this.” You inform Jimin and he nods before he’s smirking.

“Are you going to go all the way tonight?” He teases.

“Huh?”

“Last time you said it wasn’t all the—”

“Okay! Shut up!” You reach forward and cover his mouth with your hand and he starts laughing, “Stop!” You whine but he doesn’t.

“Three times?!” Naomi basically yells out despite this being hush hush. “Three times?! In a row?!”

“I whispered that for a reason.” You deadpan.

Hoseok and Jeremy glance up and both look at you knowingly.

“Is this about what I think this is about?!” Hoseok’s eyes expand when he sees how flustered you look. “It IS!”

“Wow, finally.” Jeremy claps.

You were just catching Naomi up on last night—your little hang out with Namjoon. He made you come three times, just from fingering and eating you out. Still no sex. But you did go down on him this time too!

“I’m glad you finally found a man who can make you, how to say…curls your toes and shit.” Hoseok says, glancing at you before winking. “But is he making your heart have orgasms too?”

“Ew, why would you word it like that?!”

“Come on, you know what I mean!” He teases you. “How are things like, you know. Is your heart also…uh, gripping the sheets and shit?”

“Hoseok.” You wave him off, “Please stop.” You can’t help but laugh even though you know he is serious.

“Oh!” You look at your phone. “Jimin says his audition went really well!”

Jimin 3:04pm

Yeah it went really well! Its thanks to you though…I just pictured you in a seat in the auditorium and idk I just knew I could do it confidently. Hmm I hope you think about me like that too…anything in your life I am sitting there in the audience and you know you can do whatever. Anyway thanks again y/n ☺️

“Heh,” Hoseok looks at you as you read whatever is on your phone, eyes lighting up and smile spreading across your face. Something warm and fuzzy about you. “Well, that’s a heart orgasm if I ever saw one.”

It’s Friday and you’re happy the weekend is back, baby. You just got home not too long ago, relaxing on your couch with music playing in the background while you scroll on your phone.

Jimin 5:22pm

Taehyung just got here and he’s already pouring shots…pls hELP

y/n 5:31pm

cheers 😜

Jimin 5:32pm

Come over?

y/n 5:32om

I thought it was boys only or whatever

Jimin 5:35pm

That’s tmrw!

y/n 5:40pm

fine ill come for a bit

When you get to Jimin’s place, Taehyung wastes no time in scooping you up and hugging you until you can’t breathe. He also wastes no time in telling you how much he missed you guys and how life is so much better with you both in it. He also wastes no time in telling you although he loves you dearly, he does not want to even see your name pop up anywhere tomorrow because you’re apparently banned for boys day/night.

“I’m…I’m banned?” You sit across from the boys.

“Yes.” Taehyung states simply. “You’re an unavailable girl so therefore you are nothing to us tomorrow.”

“Wow…” You say with a straight face. “I’ll pretend you didn’t go there. Anyway, what’s the plan anyway? What are you guys even doing?”

“I don’t know.” Jimin shrugs. “They discussed it in the group chat but—“

“Don’t worry. I know every detail.” Taehyung jumps in proudly, “First, we enjoy boys day. Or should I say men’s day.” He grins, wiggling his brows. “We are going to go out and do manly things.”

“Man…manly things?” You ask, trying your best to keep a straight face.

“Hell yeah.” Taehyung nods, “Day time is the manly stuff. I’m talking about axe throwing, rock climbing, working out, becoming one with nature. Yeah, you heard that right. We’re going to go day time camping.”

“Day time…what?”

“Yeah, we’re going to camp during the day. Manly shit.”

“How is that…?”

“Catch lunch with our bare hands! Drink from the river!” Taehyung exclaims excitedly, you glance at Jimin who just shrugs. “Push ups in the middle of the woods! We might even fight each other, like fist fight. Because we’re men.”

“Why though…?” You say, still struggling to keep a straight face because dear lord, Taehyung is serious.

“We got to like, do some testosterone building, you know? So, when we go out for boys night, ladies will literally see the testosterone leaking from our bodies and want to like, mate with us.”

“What the fuck…how…” You cover your mouth, knowing you can’t hold in your laughter any longer.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh now but this is real!” Taehyung defends, “Anyway I also got us matching shirts for boys day.”

Now you really can’t hold it in, “Matching shirts?”

“He’s serious.” Jimin tells you, his eyes begging you to feel bad for him.

“Of course I am serious. You guys know I don’t joke around when it comes to shirts I make.”

“Wow.” You nod, “Okay, well, have fun tomorrow I guess.”

“Oh, we will! But damn this soup really went through me…bathroom break…might take a while but please don’t talk about anything interesting without me.” Taehyung stands from the floor and heads to the bathroom.

“So what are your plans tomorrow?” Jimin asks you, “Anything as cool as what my day is apparently going to be?”

“Afraid it might not beat testosterone building,” You joke, laughing. “But I’m hanging out with Naomi during the day and Namjoon in the night.”

“Ah, cool.” Jimin smiles. “Oh by the way, Taehyung wasn’t joking. You really are banned tomorrow so I apologize in advance when you don’t hear from me.”

“Yeah, yeah.” You wave him off, “Have fun.”

àJimin and the boys in the middle of the woodsß

It’s Saturday and Jimin has never seen Taehyung look more excited.

“Okay, men. Are we ready for this day? Are we ready to become the most manliest versions of ourselves for boys day? And don’t even get me started on boys night out! This is just the beginning! Let’s set up this tent like men! Let’s open this bottle of rum and drink…like men!”

“Boys day! Boys day!” Jeremy starts chanting, Taehyung quickly joins and Jimin and Hoseok laugh but end up chanting as well.

“BOYS DAY! BOYS DAY! BOYS DAY!”

*you and Naomi back at your place *

“I wonder what the guys are doing?” You wonder out loud, you and Naomi sitting at your kitchen island, eating some lunch. “It’s probably something ridiculous. They’re probably googling manly things to do…I bet they’re trying to catch fish right now with just their hands.”

“They’re probably setting traps around the woods to catch a bear.” Naomi laughs as she adds in her own ridiculous scenario.

*The guys inside the tent they just built*

Taehyung passes the bottle to Jimin, wrapping his blanket tighter around him, “Maybe it started when my parents were always fighting,”

“Yeah, it was bad back then.” Jimin agrees, chugging back some rum.

“Dude I feel that. My parents got divorced when I was 15 and that shit hurts, you know?” Jeremy reaches for the bottle from Jimin. “Like, that stuff has an effect! How we view love and shit.”

*You and Naomi on your sofa*

“Look at this meme!” Naomi giggles, passing you her phone. “By the way, what do you think the guys are up to now?”

“Axe throwing, for sure.” You respond.

*the guys in their tent*

“I don’t know, maybe it’s me? Maybe I’m the one with commitment issues?” Hoseok mumbles, passing Taehyung the bottle.

“Nah bro.” Jeremy slurs, “You just know what you want and what you’re looking for.”

“Exactly!” Taehyung nods.

*You and Naomi *

“This show is boring. We’ve watched like 5 episodes and nothings happened. By the way, what do you think? Guys are probably doing pushups or some shit right now.” You chuckle, and Naomi agrees.

“Yeah, building their testosterone or whatever.” She cackles.

*the boys in their tent *

“I just don’t get it.” Jeremy sniffles. “I am so romantic! Don’t girls like that?!”

“Bro…the right girl will.” Taehyung tells Jeremy and Jimin and Hoseok nod their heads encouragingly with thumbs up.

“The right girl dude…” Hoseok slurs, “She will be lucky to read your weird poems and shit.”

“Yeah bro.” Jimin nods, “The right one is out there.”

“You’re so right.” Jeremy sniffles again.

*You and Naomi *

“What about now? Arm wrestling?”

“For sure.”

*The boys in their tent*

“Bro…I’m just ready to find the one, you know?” Hoseok grips the bottle of rum, “Isn’t she out there??”

“She’s out there man. Someone as…” Jeremy stops to hiccup. “…As amazing as you will find a girl who is perfect for you.”

“And maybe you’ve even met her!” Taehyung cheers with a grin, “You never know!”

“True, like maybe you met her at a dance camp or something.” Jimin slurs with his own grin.

“A dance? Camp?” Hoseok tilts his head in genuine confusion. Then it hits him and Taehyung at the same time when they both start shouting how wrong Jimin is.

“You’re crazy!”

“Yeah right!”

*You and Naomi*

“Maybe they’re climbing rocks now or whatever.”

“Very possible.”

*The boys in their tent*

“You guys are my brothers! My fucking brothers!” Taehyung cries out. All the boys start nodding along, their own tears in their eyes.

“Brothers for life!” Jeremy shouts, snot running down his nose.

*You and Naomi*

“It’s like what after 5 now? What do you think they’re doing?” You ask Naomi as you two decide on something for dinner. “You think they’re fist fighting?”

“That would build their testosterone levels for sure.”

*The boys in their tent *

“Guys…” Taehyung’s glossy eyes finds his friends eyes. He grabs the bottle of rum to take a swig when he sees it’s empty. Throwing it to the side, he forgets about it completely. “I just..” He slurs, “I just had this thought…”

“What?” Jimin asks, intrigued, “Tell us.” “What if…in this world…” Taehyung pauses, his hand going over his heart. “What if I’m the one I should love?”

“Bro….” Hoseok puts a hand over his mouth, “That’s fucking beautiful.”

“…bro.” Jeremy clutches his own heart.

“I love that, dude.” Jimin nods, tears in his eyes as he smiles. “You should love…you.”

“I do…I think the one I’ll love is…me…” Taehyung nods, but then he pauses. “I still want some pussy though.”

“Oh yeah, for sure.” The rest of the guys agree quickly.

*You and Naomi *

“It’s almost 6:30 what do you think they’re doing?” You ask Naomi as you munch on your dinner.

“Something manly obviously.”

* The boys in their tent *

All four guys are passed the fuck out, snoring loudly and all cuddled up together.

It’s around 7 when Naomi leaves and you decide to get ready to head over to Namjoon’s. When you get there he hugs you and kisses you and cuddles with you in his bed as you two watch a movie on his laptop. It’s nice, it really is. Maybe tonight…you know.

It’s almost 9 when you can’t help but wonder what the guys are up to…you’re wondering if boys night outhas started yet.

“Oh shit…” Taehyung grumbles, groggily reaching for his phone when he sees the time. “Guys!” He quickly sits up. “Wake up!”

The rest of the guys start waking up one by one, eyes barely opening as they try to sit up as well.

“What?” Jimin sighs out, rubbing his eyes.

“It’s like 9.” Taehyung informs them, “We got to go! We need to go to Hoseok’s place and get ready for the night!”

“Why is it always my place…” Hoseok mumbles sleepily.

“Men.” Taehyung says, voice way more serious. Catching everyone’s attention. “Boys night is about to commence…”

“It’s true…” Jeremy starts getting up as well. “Remember guys…my brothers…” He glances around the tent. “We are hot, we are sexy, we are cool, we are smart, we are special, damnit. Any girl would be lucky to have us!”

“Yeah!” Hoseok starts nodding, getting into the zone. “Hell yeah!”

“That’s the spirit!” Taehyung shakes all the guys hands, “Remember my brothers, ladies want us and men—”

“ALSO WANT US!” they all scream out.

“Boys night…boys night! Boys night!” Jeremy starts chanting and the boys start joining in, their voice getting louder and louder. “BOYS NIGHT! BOYS NIGHT! BOYS NIGHT!”

You and Namjoon are relaxing in his bed, it’s got to be nearing 1am by now. Also, by relaxing you definitely mean making out. His hands are roaming your body so freely, he’s enjoying getting familiar with you and you have to say, you are also enjoying it.

Your own hands start exploring the expanse of his chest before they’re sliding down and you’re about to reach for his dick, you really are but your phone starts going off. You’re just going to check who it is and ignore it, obviously.

“Hold on.” You pull away from Namjoon, turning to face the other side of the bed where your phone is when you see Jimin’s name across you screen. “It’s Jimin.” You say out loud and Namjoon just goes “…Okay?”

“Sorry,” You take the phone, “I should answer it. He’s actually banned from me today so it might be impor—”

“Banned?”

“…Nothing, never mind, I’ll explain after.” You chuckle. “Just give me one second, please.” You say before leaning in and kissing him.

When you lean away from him, you answer Jimin’s call, bringing the phone to your ear.

“Hello? Jimin?”

“Hi.” He drags the word out for way too many seconds. He’s drunk.

“Hi.” You say, “Is everything okay?”

“You need to come to Diablos.” Jimin tells you, “That-that guy.”

“Huh? Diablos? You guys ended up at Diablos? …was it Hoseok’s idea?”

“What? Well, yeah. He said there was a deal—”

“Of course he did.” You snort. “Anyway, why?”

“That guy.” Jimin slurs, “The guy from karaoke bar…he’s here.”

“Wait, Jin?”

“That’s the one!”

“He’s there? At Diablos?”

“Yeah, come here.”

“I thought you—”

“It’s important to you.” Jimin tells you, “Because of your friend or whatever. Anyway, don’t tell the guys I called you.” He starts giggling. “Hurry though. Bye, bye.” And then he hangs up.

“Everything okay?” Namjoon asks. “Jimin’s okay?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. No, he’s fine. He’s fine.” You lower your phone, bad habit of chewing on your lips starting up. “I uh, I need to go…”

“Go? It’s almost one in the morning—”

“There’s someone there I need to talk to. It’s about the Lucy thing.” You give him a short explanation. “Sorry, I’ll call you later. I’ll explain more later!”

When you get to Diablos, it is everything you feared it would be on a Saturday night. You’re barely able to walk through thanks to how crowded it is. The aroma of drunk, drunk party goes fills the air. You weave through the crowd, trying to find any familiar face at this point. And then you find one you are so happy to see. Your best friend.

“y/n???” Hoseok slurs your name, his eyes wide like he can’t really believe he is seeing you. And then you see Taehyung who is looking at you with wide eyes as well before he’s pointing at you.

“No!” He shouts dramatically. “It’s boys night!!!!!” suddenly Jeremy appears and he’s shouting about boys night as well.

“Relax.” You roll your eyes, “Where’s Jimin?”

“Jimin?” Taehyung questions. “Wait…are you and Jimin going to…?” He wiggles his brows and you swat his chest.

“No! So, where is he?” You ask again.

“Uh,” Taehyung’s eyes go around the place until he spots Jimin. “Over there.” He points behind you and you turn to look.

He’s drunk. Jimin, that is. He’s so drunk, you can tell. His cheeks and nose so rosy from the alcohol. He’s laughing so hard at something this girl said to him, her body leaning into his and he’s laughs.

“Oh.” You say.

“She’s hot, right?” Hoseok grins. “She had been eyeing Jimin all night and she finally talked to him!”

“As long as one of us gets some tonight.” Jeremy says, “That’s what matters.”

The three boys connect their fists in solidarity and you just look at them, not really understanding what the hell is going on.

“True brotherhood.” Taehyung says.

“What the fuck is happening…” You blink at them before you turn your attention back to Jimin.

“Nothing you’d understand.” Hoseok mumbles and the other boys start shaking his hand in agreeance.

You watch Jimin for a moment, his eyes leaving the girl to look around the bar when he sees you. His drunken smile grows so wide you think he might break his face. He quickly says some parting words to the girl before he’s coming to you. When he gets closer, his arms are already reaching for you and when he’s just close enough he is bringing you in for a hug so tight.

“Hi.” He tells you, his face falling into the crook of your neck. “You’re here.”

“I’m here and you’re drunk.”

“So drunk.” He leans away, nodding his head with a crooked smile. “There’s kind of two of you and this is quickly becoming my dream threesome.” He slurs out and your eyes almost pop out of your head.

“Oh my god. So drunk, so drunk.” You chant under your breath. “Anyway, where’s Jin?”

“Jin?” Jimin tilts his head innocently before he remembers. “Oh! The guy. He left already, like just recently.”

“What?” You slump your shoulders. “Seriously?”

“Don’t frown, pretty girl.” Jimin reaches for your lips, his fingers trying their best to quite literally turn your frown upside down. “I got his number for you before he left.”

“Wait, what?! Really!” You jump excitedly. “You got his number for me?”

“What?” Hoseok joins your conversation. “y/n, you got a guys number?”

“y/n got a guys number!” Taehyung starts cheering.

“Nice!” Jeremy cheers as well, “One of us! One of us! One of us!”

“Anyway, I think that’s my cue to go home.” You give a small bow.

“What?! No!” Jimin wraps his arms around you, hugging you close to him. “Don’t leave.”

“Yeah! Let’s call Naomi too!” Jeremy sings. “How much you guys want to bet she’s going to send me to voicemail because it’s so late?” He smiles, taking out his phone and giving Naomi a call. And he’s right. It goes to voicemail after two rings. “Wow, I know her well.” Jeremy smiles at his screen fondly.

“Let’s sit.” Jimin slurs, still hugging you to him and you roll your eyes, giving in right away.

When you guys find a spot at a random table, Jimin passes you Jin’s number and you send a text to him right away. You wonder if he’ll reply tonight or tomorrow…or even at all. Jimin keeps you company while the other guys mingle on the dance floor.

“You know,” You turn to face Jimin who is already gazing at you. “You can go and chat with that girl. She’s pretty.”

Jimin eyes trail across the crowd when he spots the girl from earlier and he nods. “Yeah, she is pretty.”

“Then go.”

“But I don’t feel anything.” He hiccups.

“Who’s asking you guys to fall in love?” You snort, “I thought tonight was about hooking up?”

Jimin laughs at your response, “Well, who knows.” He shrugs, eyes on you again and he smiles that smile you know. The smile that could charm just about anyone.

It’s around 4 am when you guys are making your way inside Hoseok’s house…you’re walking in just fine but the guys are stumbling and struggling. You imagine they are going to regret this much drinking when they struggle to wake up tomorrow. You drove them in your car and you had to tell Jeremy around 8 times to not throw up.

“Is it just me…but was today the best day….mmmhmfnnf,,…bnest…best day…our…of our…lives.” Hoseok says…tries to say, at least.

“Bro.” Taehyung puts an arm around Hoseok’s shoulder. “Bro.” He repeats. You realize that’s all he is currently capable of saying.

“y/n…?” Hoseok squints at you, as if realizing you are here for the first time tonight. His eyes immediately begin to water as he points at you. “My-My best….my best….” Now he’s just full on crying. “I love you so much!!!!!”

Jeremy notices what’s happening and starts crying as well, “I love all of you!!! You’re my family!!! I love all of you!!!!!!”

“And I…” Taehyung points to himself, his own tears bubbling over. “And I love myself!”

You glance around, not really sure what to do…is this a real, sincere moment…? You look at Jimin and even he is tearing up before he starts chanting…and now all the boys are.

“BOYS NIGHT! BOYS NIGHT! BOYS NIGHT!”

The guys do some weird group hug while you just watch from the sidelines…well, this night just keeps on surprising you, you think. Taehyung, Jeremy and Hoseok disappear into the rooms one by one while you and Jimin chill in the kitchen while you force him to drink some water.

After an hour of hanging in the kitchen and he’s drank quite a bit of water, you tell him he should get some sleep but he only smiles at you, his soft lips looking so full and pretty.

“Let’s go to the backyard.” He tells you, his hand finding yours when he tries to lead you out.

“It’s after 5am Jimin.” You chuckle, “Let’s sleep.”

“Mm, no.” He sings, “Let’s see the moon. You said it was pretty like me.”

Your cheeks go warm at his comment and you try to look annoyed with an eye roll but Jimin sees right through you. You like his comments.

You give in, following him out to the backyard, sitting on the concrete pavement, your bodies as close as close gets—you blame it on being chilly.

Jimin snuggles closer to you and you let him. He’s warm and there’s nothing in your mind telling you this is wrong. There’s nothing saying that having Jimin close to you is bad. No alarms are being set off.

“It’s because you’re warm.” Jimin tells you, less slur to his words. “So I have to sit close.”

“That was my excuse too.” You laugh, swaying into his body. “Warmth.”

“You mean reason.” He teases you.

You guys sit in comfortable silence for a while…eyes on the sky and it’s nice to see how the colors begin to change. A radiant black sky to a soft dark blue. Birds are starting to chirp and the dark blue starts to change as well…the sun beginning to make it’s day debut.

“Didn’t I promise you that we would be together for the sunrise?” Jimin sways into you, whispering his words slowly before you snort.

“Well, I didn’t expect it to happen like this.” You say.

“Still, I keep my promises to you.” He says, lifting a finger and bopping your nose. “Does it make you feel special?”

“Should it?” You tease and he smiles at you, as tender as you’ve seen.

“Mm.” Jimin hums. “I always want you to feel special.”

“Did you have fun today?” You change the subject.

“Yeah.” Jimin nods, eyes on the sky. “Taehyung is amazing. I feel lucky to have him. I wish I didn’t…I didn’t ignore him for so long.”

“He is.” You agree. “Any particular reason though?”

“Yeah.” Jimin starts squinting at the sky when the sun really starts peaking over. “To be honest…today—well, technically yesterday. April 16. It was Emma’s birthday.”

“O-Oh—“

“I think Taehyung was worried I would think too much about it and get sad or something.” Jimin laughs quietly. “So he planned a trip here this weekend…created this whole…” Jimin starts gesturing with his hands, “Well, it was a good day.”

“He is amazing…but wait, if he just wanted you to have a good day then what’s up with the whole ‘single guy’ thing and him wanting to get laid??”

“Well,” Jimin turns to you, straight face. “He’s only human after all.”

“Ah.” You nod. “No one’s perfect.”

“Anyway,” Jimin chuckles, “It was a good day and I’m okay.” He says, eyes going back to the sky. “And now the sun is rising and it’s a new day. And you’re next to me.”

You gaze at Jimin’s side profile and you feel an overwhelming…something…feeling, whatever. It’s overwhelming. Just looking at him and you feel yourself feel so unbelievably soft. So soft for him. So soft you’re basically something that is just melting because you’re next to him. You’ll use his warmth as an excuse again.

“Having you next to me on a new day, I like that.” He says, still staring at the sky.

You continue to gaze, your eyes getting a little glossed over before you clear your throat, your own eyes going to the sky. “Of course I’m next to you.” You breathe out, “You promised we would be watching the sunrise together.”

“Yeah.” Jimin’s lips curve into a soft smile, he glances at you for a moment and there is a feeling he’s remembering. Something deep within him, something familiar. His smile starts to drop and then he looks away. What a dangerous time to recall this feeling. What a dangerous thought to have, Jimin thinks.

Suddenly your phone buzzes, catching your attention. You pull it out to see a text.

Jin Lucy friend 6:56am

Sure, we can meet.

You stuff the phone back in your pocket and look at the sky again. There’s so many things you don’t know right now. And hopefully you’ll know them soon. Jin wants to meet and that’s a start. You turn your head to face Jimin and you see how he’s concentrating on the sky. The dawn that you are experiencing isn’t just about the sky. Maybe it is about much more. Jimin turns his head to face you as well, your eyes meeting and neither of you look away. Moments after moments, eyes that can communicate. You aren’t sure but maybe here…between you two…there is also a new dawn. Ha, what a dangerous thought to have, you think.

#bts #park jimin #bts smut #jimin smut #bts fluff #bts angst #bts fanfic #jimin fanfic #jimin x reader #jimin fluff #jimin angst #namjoon fluff #love again chapter 10 #namjoon smut

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 2 years

Text

The Original

Part Two of If You Can't Take the Heat

Stupider Tattoos | Masterlist | Barky's

Pairing: Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto x Reader

Rating: M (though it may have explicit chapters in the future)

Notes: Not beta-read. Chapters are more loosely connected than solidly structured. Also! I was overwhelmed by the response on the first chapter!! Thank you so much!!!

TAGGING NOTE:

I’ve posted and reposted this thing three fucking times and the tags just aren’t working on the main page, but they work on my blog?? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ lol fuck the tagging

Warnings: Fluff, mostly; cursing. A lot of cursing.

Summary: You’d recognized the shop when you’d arrived. You’d been there a time or two between shifts, but not for a long time. Now, you’ve got the dining room to yourself, sitting across from a guy you barely know, and you’re holding the best goddamn sandwich you’ve ever had in your fricking life. The arcade games blink behind his head, casting flickering colored lights over his mussed, golden brown hair.

“...Holy shit,” You mumble around your mouthful. Usually on a first date, you’d be a little more concerned about appearing uncouth, but you can’t help yourself. When you look at Carmy, you expect a smug, shit-eating grin. But what you find is a pleased, warm look on his face (though there is a hint of smugness there, too).

“Yeah?” He presses, dipping his head toward his own food.

“You kidding me? Oh my god. Holy shit.”

You’d recognized the shop when you’d arrived. You’d been there a time or two between shifts, but not for a long time. Now, you’ve got the dining room to yourself, sitting across from a guy you barely know, and you’re holding the best goddamn sandwich you’ve ever had in your fricking life. The arcade games blink behind his head, casting flickering colored lights over his mussed, golden brown hair. You watch as his diligent fingers pluck up a chip.

“You make those, too?” You ask, nodding to them.

“Try one and tell me.”

You narrow your eyes slightly, setting the sandwich down and dusting the crumbs from your hands before taking up one of the chips. You pop it into your mouth, eyes set on Carmy’s as you chew. You consider, chewing once, twice, then—

“These are Lays.”

“Yeah.”

You chuckle, looking down and poking at one of the crumbs of your sandwich.

“So,” You look around, “You start this place yourself?”

“Ah, no. No, it’s…It was my brother’s.”

Was. The shift in tense makes you curious, but you’re not sure it’s a good question to ask right out of the gate. Instead, you shift to, “You play a lotta Ballbreaker?”

“Huh? Oh—” He twists in his seat, eyeing the machine. “Uh…Actually…Can’t remember the last time I touched that thing.”

“Good. Then I can kick your ass at it later.”

“Oh yeah?” He chuckles, turning back to you.

“I got combos like you wouldn’t believe.”

Carmy smiles, reaching for his sandwich as you take up your soda.

“How long have you been uh, bartending?” He asks.

“Uh—Jeez, what…Five years now?”

“You like it?”

“Most of the time. I mean, the hours are shit, but the money is good. The place I work at now, Barky’s, it’s uh—It’s kind of an antique.”

“Whaddaya mean?”

“It’s just stuck in the 80s. It’s kinda frustrating. I wanna try new stuff, and when I have, it works, but the owner’s not too into it.”

“He tell you why?”

“Just that what he’s always done has worked, and it’ll keep working, aaaaaand,” You drag it out, shaking your head. “And he’s kinda a shithead, so, you know. I just grit my teeth and do my job.”

“Barky’s?”

“Mhm. You ever been?”

“I don’t think so.”

“It’s down in Wicker Park. Good space, cruddy furnishings…Shit menu.”

“They serve food there?”

“Uh-huh—Basic stuff. Fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, burgers. 90% of it is deep fried to shit, so.”

“Would you ever open your own place?”

“...I don’t know. I mean, I like bartending, but it was going to be uh….An in-between step, like a placeholder. But I don’t have a next step right now. Not a clear one. I don’t think I’d wanna open my own place, though, now. That would be…It’d be a lot.”

“Tell me about it.”

You smile, watching Carmy take up another a chip and pop it into his mouth.

“Okay, new subject,” You insist. “No more work. What do you do for fun?”

“Lure people into thinking they can beat me at Ballbreaker.”

“Oh,” You laugh, unable to help yourself. “Careful, Berzatto. Them’s fightin’ words.”

It’s oddly exhilarating, being pressed shoulder-to-shoulder with Carmy as you stab the buttons on the Ballbreaker. You taunt one another, cackle when you make a good move, crow when the other makes a better one. You’re each tipping side to side with your avatars, working the joysticks ruthlessly.

“Aw—fucking, goddamn, okay. Okay,” You shove your hand into your pocket and fish around for quarters. “Best two out of three.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously!” You drop the quarters in, one after the other, and slam the yes button.

“Good to know,” Carmy comments, hitting the same button.

“What is?”

“You’re into humiliation.”

“Shut up!”

“Nah, hey. I dig it.”

“Want a water?”

“Sure.”

You lean against the front counter, looking around the counter space as Carmy grabs you glasses. You can feel him looking in your direction, and when you turn to meet his eye, you find him hurriedly looking away. You smile a bit. You’re not sure what it is about him and eye contact—if it’s first date nerves, or if it’s just some part of him, some little bit that’s used to focusing on what's on the table in front of him, and not who’s sitting on the other side.

He walks over to you, setting down two tall plastic tupperware containers with water in them.

“Thanks.” You take one up, giving it a cursory whiff before taking a sip.

“Don’t trust me?”

“No, it’s not that. Last time I drank outta one of these, it was the one we usually keep the pearl onions in for Gibsons. I took one sip and I almost spewed.”

Carmy chuckles, nodding. “I’ve done that.”

“Isn’t it awful?”

“The worst.”

When you look at Carmy again, he holds your gaze for a moment. The streetlight slants through the window, brightening his already bright eyes. His gaze is warm, and curious, and you find yourself bashfully looking away first this time.

“So,” You fold your arms on the counter. “Why didn’t you delete the app if you figured the mysterious Richie would just mess with you on it?”

“Honestly? I kinda forgot it was there.”

“Oh, wow,” You chuckle. “So you’re not the one who did the swiping?”

“He probably did, a while ago.”

“Well, hope you don’t mind me saying so, but he’s got good taste.”

Carmy smiles, shaking his head. “I guess he did alright.”

“Pictures he picked for you weren’t bad, either.”

“I didn’t really look.”

“I figured when you didn’t know what your bio said. You change it yet?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“It’s workin’ for me so far.” Carmy says so with a sly, shy smile, peering at you from beneath his lashes. You can’t help but smile, turning your head to peer out onto the street as your skin prickles with warmth.

“It’s getting late,” You say. “I should get going.”

“Yeah, okay,” Carmy nods, watching you straighten up and following you toward the door.

“Thanks for not murdering me and stuffing me in the walk-in.”

“Anytime. Gotta keep the place up to code.”

You turn back to Carmy in the doorway, searching his face. There’s an odd, nervous bubbling in your stomach. You sort of want to kiss him. You’re not sure if he wants to kiss you.

“See ya, I guess,” You manage. Carmy nods a little, eyes darting from your face, over the shoulder, and back again. You finally dart in, pressing a kiss to his cheek and taking a step back. You only just manage to catch his stunned, slightly widened eyes before you turn away from him.

“You don’t smell like onion. You know,” You add as you step outside. “Just—For the record.”

Tag list: @bobawithpomegranate ; @brandyllyn ; @artemiseamoon ; @amneris21 ; @buckybarneshairpullingkink ; @backoff-imreading ; @quietpainter ; @milf-trinity ; @distinguishedfilipina ; @peoniarose ; @missredherring ; @estrela-rogers ; @silkiers (tried to tag; it didn’t work) ; @sammiekay01

#Carmy Berzatto x Reader #Carmy Berzatto x You #Carmy Berzatto/Reader #Carmy Berzatto/You #Carmy Berzatto fic #Carmy Berzatto imagine #If You Can't Take the Heat #The Original

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mari-writing · 5 months

Note

Hey,

I was just curious if you’re still alive.

Omggg hey man it's been a while I hope you're okay. How's you?

Yes, I'm still kicking lol

I have no idea how it's been over a year since I touched this blog 😭 gosh

Main reason I've been inactive is school got hectic asf. I think my last post was August? I was moving on to my final year then so I was studying hard asf. It was all worth it though my final grades are 🤌

Plus i couldn't think of a part 2/continuation to my last post and I felt very guilty and I guess I procrastinated very hard and just did not post again 😭

Also I haven't been on genshin in months or been in the community much either. I got bored of the archon quest (the one with nahida just after the whole recurring festival thing) and could not put myself through it so I can't continue the game 😭 And my storage will not let me update the game 💀

So I'm very behind on genshin, and my writing skills have actually gone to dust in the months I haven't written.

But if you have any character you'd like me to write for I can do my best to write something. I honestly can't promise anything but I will try and make it as good as can be.

Oh actually, I just checked my drafts and I have some stuff in here I could probably polish and post if you're interested.

Anyway, it's so nice hearing from you man. Seeing your likes/comments/reblogs last year was honestly the highlight of this blog. Really made me happy and got me smiling irl. Seeing you've still got my Yae piece pinned after all this time? I can't put into words how much that means. It's so nice to see you're still around too.

Thanks for asking how I've been despite it being so long. I hope life has been good for you this last year too

All good things your way,

Mari x

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trashyswitch · 6 months

Text

Luigi's Secret

Chapter 19: The Inspiring Tumblr Post

Mario comes up with a fun little surprise for Luigi. And Luigi couldn't be more happier.

Here is the post I was referring to.

A day had gone past. It was currently Tuesday at 12pm. Meaning, it was their break time. After eating, Mario had taken out his phone and done some research on this ‘TrashySwitch’ person. He found her profile quite quickly, and decided to check her most recent posts. Despite not being on Tumblr, Mario found it quite easy to run the safari version of the site. He scrolled down a bit and found an interesting little public conversation between this ‘Pocket’ person and Luigi. And…It sounded like the nickname ‘gremlin’ only began to scratch the surface with how mischievous she was. And…Luigi seemed to play along.

Mario scrolled down and found a little fanart comic that seemed to be reblogged by Pocket, from a person known as ‘anxious-lee-ler’ on Tumblr. Curious, Mario clicked the Tumblr profile. It brought him to a new Tumblr page that said “Sup Fuckers” above the main profile name: @anxious-lee-ler.

Mario chuckled as he looked up at Luigi. “Who’s A?” Mario asked.

Luigi tilted his head. “A?” Luigi thought for a moment. “Oh, you mean on Tumblr.” he muttered, nodding as he swallowed. “He’s a friend of Pocket’s. We chat a bit online.” Luigi explained.

Mario chuckled. “What does the A stand for?” Mario asked.

Luigi chuckled. “I tried asking him. He insisted it’s just…A.” Luigi replied.

Mario giggled. “A for Ass?” Mario asked.

Luigi narrowed his eyes. “Be careful what you’re saying about my friends. He’s scary when he’s in a ler mood.” Luigi let him know. Mario looked at Luigi. “So are you, apparently.” he replied.

Luigi smirked and nodded. “You bet.”

Mario smirked as he scrolled down A’s blog, before coming across a certain post he saw earlier. “Well…things may just change…” Mario teased his brother.

Luigi looked at Mario with narrowed eyes, before cautiously putting the last bite of his food into his mouth. “What are you planning?” Luigi asked.

Mario smiled and shook his head. “Don’t worry. It’s not happening until we get home from Papa’s.” Mario told him.

Luigi slowly nodded his head before looking back at his phone. He started reading something on his phone, and smiling.

Mario looked up and smirked. “What?” he asked.

Luigi giggled. “Pocket’s being mean…” Luigi told him.

Mario chuckled. “Is that long conversation still going on?” Mario asked, pointing to the specific post.

Luigi nodded his head. “I’m about to reblog it with a new reply.” he told him, showing him the phone.

Mario rolled his eyes at the new reply. “You be careful…she may end up finding out about your belly button.” Mario warned.

Luigi nodded with slight embarrassment as he sent the reply before putting his phone back down.

Several hours later:

After hours of work and another few hours at their parents’ house, Mario and Luigi finally walked into the house and closed the door. Luigi placed his hat on the hook and took off his shoes. While Luigi was unloading their lunch bags, Mario got into his PJ’s and turned on the living room light. Grabbing the mirror from their bedroom, Mario placed it down on the floor against the bedroom wall. Mario smirked as he adjusted it, before walking to the kitchen. “Luigi, come here.” Mario told him.

“Hold on.” Luigi said, attempting to wipe the coffee stains out of their mugs from this morning.

Mario suddenly appeared beside his brother, and gently removed the mug from his hand. “Nope. Leave it alone.” Mario said, placing it into the sink and placing his hand on Luigi’s shoulder. “Come with me.” Mario told him.

Luigi tilted his head, looking at Mario. “What are you doing? Where are we going?” Luigi asked.

“Well…” Mario pulled out his own phone and scrolled to a certain comic strip that both A and Pocket had reblogged earlier. “Did you see this comic show up on A’s profile?” Mario asked, handing Luigi the phone.

“Uh…” Luigi read through the comic and began to blush.

[“Moooony~ Look at your adorable face!”

“N-Nohoho! I dohon’t wanahaha.”]

Luigi struggled to hide his embarrassment. It was such an embarrassing idea. But at the same time…he would KILL to be Moon right now…sitting in front of a mirror, watching himself blushing and laughing while someone tickled him till he was giggly and breathless. It sounded like a joyride…a joyride he would hop onto time and time again, if he could.

“Ihihi…” Luigi managed to finally get out as he read the comic.

[SUNNYYY!

My my, someone likes that idea~]

Luigi whined and closed up the phone, covering his face with pure embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Mario kept leading Luigi up the stairs to their bedroom. “Are you in a lee mood now?” Mario asked.

Luigi whimpered and nodded. “Yeheheheah…Ihihi ahahaham…” Luigi mumbled.

“Good.” Mario replied, tapping his shoulder before closing the bedroom door. “Alright.” Mario looked at the set up one more time, noting the claws on the bed before walking in front. “Ready?” Mario asked.

Luigi nodded his head. “Ihi think so.”

Mario smiled. “Open your eyes.” Mario said.

Luigi uncovered his eyes and looked around the room. “Wha-” Luigi widened his eyes when he saw the mirror on the ground. “Why is-” Luigi started, before widening his eyes and slowly gasping.

OH…OOOOOH MY GOD!!! DID HE SERIOUSLY-

Luigi shrieked and covered his mouth, blushing and giggling helplessly. “Yohohou dihidn’t…” Luigi mumbled in a high-pitched voice against his hand.

“I did.” Mario replied rather proudly.

This has to be a dream…This CAN’T be real! IT CAN’T!!

“Thehehere’s noho wahahahay!” Luigi added, uncovering his mouth and pointing to the mirror.

Mario giggled. “I did! It’s all here.” Mario told him.

Luigi pinched himself to just double-check. And…nothing happened! He was still here! THIS ISN’T A DREAM! THIS IS 100% REAL!!

Luigi squealed and picked up Mario, spinning him around and hugging him tightly. “THANK YOUUU!” Luigi shouted, laughing with pure joy.

Mario giggled and hugged his brother back. “You’re…welcome? All I did was move a mirror.” Mario told him.

Luigi opened his eyes and gasped when he saw the bed. “You have the claws laid out too?!” Luigi reacted, putting Mario down.

“Yeah! I didn’t know if you wanted just fingers, or if you wanted to level up to claws as well.” Mario admitted. “Coming up with a surprise like this, can be a full guessing game.” Mario added.

Luigi nodded. “I’m good with a mix of both.” Luigi replied. “I don’t care, as long as I get to be tickled.” Luigi admitted.

Mario chuckled. “Well…You’ve waited a year and a half for something like this.” Mario added.

Luigi looked down, smiling and blushing. “Yeah…I really have…” he admitted.

“Alright. Now go change into your pj pants.” Mario said with a laugh.

While Luigi pulled his pj pants out from behind his pillow, Mario grabbed the claws. “So…you have 2…” Mario twirled his own mustache, before pausing as he felt his own mustache. Hmmm… “-No, 3 choices.” Mario fixed his words and held up the items. “Claws, fingers, or raspberries.” Mario told him.

Luigi widened his eyes as he turned to look at Mario. “Raspberries?” Luigi asked.

Mario smirked and twisted his own mustache. “Yup.”

Luigi chuckled and looked down as he walked up and sat down in front of the mirror. “Ohohokahahay. Ihihi…I’ll start with claws.” Luigi replied.

“Okay!” Mario replied, sitting down on a stool behind Luigi. “You ready?” Mario asked.

Luigi bit his lip and looked up at the mirror. And the first thing he could see in the mirror was his bright red face. “Ohoho gohosh…” Luigi whined, covering his mouth.

Seeing his own red face only flustered him more. It began a vicious cycle of being further flustered every single time he looked at his own already red face. This was going to be so much harder than he thought…

“Awww, look at you.” Mario teased, pointing to the mirror with his left hand. “Look at how cute you are!” Mario reacted, gently punching his shoulder before continuing to put the claws on.

Luigi whimpered. “Ihihi’m nohot cute.” Luigi tried to tell him.

“Oho really?” Mario teased, putting on the pinky ring claw before gently dragging the claws down his neck. “I can think of 3 reasons why that is not true.” Mario told him.

Luigi gasped and tittered very slightly as he felt the claws drag up and down the side of his neck very slowly. Ohohoho nooohohohooo…Eeeeheheeevil… Ruuude! So ruuude! How is it that the lighter, teasy tickles are more unbearable than the strong tickles?!

“Kitchy kitchy kitchy koooo~” Mario teased, moving the fingers to the back of his neck.

Luigi squeaked and instinctively threw his head back, trying to cover up his neck as best he could.

“Nope.” Mario gently raised Luigi’s head back up and held it up, while he skittered his clawed fingers all over either side of Luigi’s spine.

The teasing was enough to make him giggle in little spurts. But the tickly scratches mixed with the inability to cover up his spine, made things so much worse…or better? It’s hard to tell. Luigi tittered and covered his mouth with his fist, struggling to take such unusually soft, unbearably sensitive touches.

Mario smirked and scratched the left side of the spine…before scratching the right side of his spine…then the left, then the right.

Luigi snorted and squeezed his fist tightly. “Ohoho nohoho- Thihis is sohohoho ehehevil!” Luigi reacted.

“Is it too evil?” Mario asked.

“Noho, no. Ihihit’s nohohot.” Luigi replied. “Ihihi cahan hahandle it.” Luigi replied.

Mario smiled and brought his claws up the side of his neck all the way up to his right ear. “Now you mentioned you really liked ear tickles…” Mario said, fluttering his fingers on the folds and crevices of Luigi’s outer ear.

Luigi snorted and let out higher-pitched giggles in response. “EEeheeheeheee! Hahahaha- Yahahahaayy!” Luigi reacted.

Mario giggled. “You don’t have to act like an excited child to make sure I know you’re having fun.” Mario told him. “You can act normal.” Mario reminded him.

“Buhuhut Ihihi wahahannaaa!” Luigi admitted.

Mario chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. “Alright.” he replied. “Do what you wanna do.”

Luigi looked up at the mirror again, and covered his mouth with embarrassment. Good lord, his cheeks were like LED lights with how bright and visible they were.

“Hey hey hey, don’t be covering up your mouth.” Mario warned. “Don’t deny yourself the chance to see how adorable you are.” Mario let him know.

Luigi whined and looked down. “Buhuhut…”

Mario shook his head. “When you deny yourself the chance to see your cuteness, then you deny ME the chance to see it too.” Mario told him. “Ihihi’m NOHOT CUTE!” Luigi argued.

Mario smirked and started scratching the claws right behind his brother’s sensitive ear. “There’s consequences for lying.” Mario told him.

Luigi squealed and curled his neck towards the fingers, snorting and cackling as Mario scratched almost mercilessly on the back of his ear. “NAHAHAHAHAAAA! *snort* MAHAHARIO NOHOHOHAHAHA!” Luigi laughed.

Mario giggled. “But…I have a small feeling you already knew that going in.” Mario said. “I didn’t even have to tell you anything!” Mario added.

“STIHIHILL NOHOHOT CUHUHUHUTE!” Luigi argued further.

Mario raised his eyebrows, dropping his jaw. “Oho, you’re just asking for it now.” Mario wrapped both his hands around Luigi’s middle and lifted up Luigi’s green shirt.

“Ohoho NOHO! WAIT!” Luigi yelled.

Mario gave Luigi the biggest shit-eating grin he could. “Any last words?” Mario asked. “Depending on those words, I may go easy on you…or hard on you.” Mario reminded him.

Luigi bit his lip as he looked at the hand placement. Mario’s hands could go anywhere. The sides, the ribs, the belly, the hips, the armpits, he was completely vulnerable. All of them had different ticklish sensitivities…and depending on what his last words are, Mario will choose a specific spot to target.

But unfortunately for Mario, Luigi was in an evil little lee mood…a mischievous lee mood…He was like a toddler that dared to test the rules and boundaries…to see what his ler is made of. Luigi finally smirked as his last words formed in his brain and left his mouth. “You will never prove that I’m cute. Ever.” Luigi shot back.

Right away, Mario started spidering his fingers all over Luigi’s vulnerable belly. “I wondered if you were gonna say that.” Mario declared.

Luigi bursted out laughing and giggling pretty much right away. He threw his head back and laughed his heart out, letting himself lose control of his own laughter. He tried not to wiggle around too much, for fear of hurting Mario or making Mario stop his tickle attack. But some wiggling of the feet and waving of the hands was allowed. He knew that well.

“So tell me: Are you adorable?” Mario asked.

“NOHOHO! IHIHI’M NOHOHOHOT!” Luigi yelled back.

“Are you suuuure~?” Mario clarified, moving his fingers closer and closer to his belly button while giving his brother one last chance to change his mind.

But Luigi was not having it. He wanted Mario to WRECK him. Completely DESTROY him. Rip him to bits! So he stood his ground! “YEHEHEHEESSS! OHONE HUNDREHEHED PERCEHEHEHENT!” Luigi shot back.

Mario laughed. “Ahare you just trying to piss me off so I tickle you more?!” Mario asked, looking at Luigi through the mirror.

Luigi looked at Mario back through the mirror with a mostly genuine, but slightly evil smile on his face. “HEHECK YEHEHES!” Luigi replied.

Mario smirked and stopped his fingers. “Alright.” He moved his hands away from Luigi. “But you have to admit something.” Mario told him.

Luigi’s laughter lessened dramatically as he leaned against his brother with some exhaustion. But it didn’t take long for Luigi to groan and whine when he processed what his brother had said: Mario seriously wanted him to confess something? What could Mario possibly want him to confess?

Mario pointed to the mirror. “I want you to tell that man in the mirror…” he poked Luigi’s shoulder. “That he’s adorable.” Mario told him.

Luigi widened his eyes. Are you kidding me?! He- He seriously has to…

Luigi groaned and pouted. “Noooo. Not happening. I’m not cute. And no amount of bribery will make me admit that.” Luigi told him.

Mario raised an eyebrow and let go of Luigi. “Fine. The tickle session is over then.” Mario decided.

Luigi widened his eyes and paused. Wait, WHAT?! THAT’S IT?! “I-”

Mario stood up and removed the claws from his hands. “You don’t want to give yourself a confidence boost? Fine.” Mario replied. “Then you’re not gonna get all the tickles you wanted.” Mario replied, poking his shoulder.

Luigi blinked as he dropped his jaw, both offended by Mario’s actions…and also impressed. He had to admit…That’s a difficult bribe to throw on him. “......Are you mad?” Luigi asked.

Mario looked at Luigi with surprise. “What?” He shook his head. “No! Gosh no.” Mario replied. “But you were looking for a challenge, and I gave you one.” Mario told him.

Luigi looked at Mario, before looking down while lost in thought.

“You have a choice to make.” Mario told him. “You can either sacrifice your dignity so you can have a long, heavy tickle session with me in front of the mirror…” Mario smirked and crossed his arms. “Or you can choose to save your dignity…But you get nothing else from me.” Mario explained.

Luigi thought for a few moments. Wow…He had to give his brother credit where it’s due…What a difficult trade-off.

“It’s your choice, Lu.” Mario replied. “And I’ll accept whatever answer you decide.”

Luigi thought for a bit longer. He was weighing his choices. Being tickled sounded amazing right about now…but he would have to admit he’s cute…and Mario could easily use that against him in the future. If he doesn’t give in, then he goes another day without Mario teasing him for being the baby out of the two of them…But…then he doesn’t get the tickles he so desperately craves.

Luigi took a bit of time to think about how much has changed since Mario found out the truth about the stories he reads. How embarrassing it was…and yet, how supportive and considerate Mario was. It was a huge step up from when they were both little. Mario could’ve easily teased the heck out of him in front of some of the customers. He also could’ve made fun of the community and poked fun at how childish they were. There were so many things he could’ve done, and continued to do…but…he only did it once before dropping it.

He thought about Mario’s words to him that Saturday… Specifically the words Mario said as he hugged him:

“If it’s hugs, cuddles, tickles, any physical affection that you desperately need…Then please let me know.”

Luigi also recalled their conversation...How Mario agreed with him on multiple parts, like how Mario struggled to understand Luigi’s love for physical affection. But…how he was still willing to try and understand…and also accommodate that. But not for free, of course. There had to be one or two little things to trade back. Like his embarrassment and his habits. Try to break those habits you’ve developed as a lee, and I may tickle you as much as you desire. That was how it worked with them. And…it actually bettered their relationship.

And then…Luigi began to remember how embarrassing it was to fully explain things and give the tickle world life within Mario’s eyes…but he also noticed something he hadn’t felt before: Freedom…freedom to talk about the subject of tickling, freedom to talk about his friends, freedom to admit his deepest secrets…all of it. It felt like several bricks had been lifted off his shoulders. And…it’s been amazing ever since. Mario supported him in this love for tickling…and he even offered to help him whenever he could. Peach was understanding and gentle with him when he felt embarrassed about his touch-starvation. And Mamma…She was playful and observant when she found out about it too. How she didn’t ridicule him for ‘being too old to need affection’. She just…loved him for who he was. And…he was appreciative.

Luigi finally let out a breath and looked at Mario. “I…” Luigi cleared his throat. “Y-You’re right.” he said.

Mario tilted his head, listening.

“I am…quite cute.” Luigi admitted, a small blush showing up on his face.

Mario smiled brightly and pulled his brother into a big hug. “Never have truer words been spoken.” Mario said.

Luigi tittered and poked him in the side. “Now YOU’RE starting to sound like her!” Luigi reacted.

Mario gently pushed Luigi to the ground, and lifted up his brother’s shirt before twirling his bare finger in Luigi’s belly button. “Shut up and laugh, nerd.” Mario teased.

Luigi arched his back and guffawed super loudly, before wheezing and letting out manic cackles and long fits of laughter. “BAHAHAHAHAHA! NAHAHAHAHA MAHAHARIOHOHOHOOOOO!” Luigi screamed.

“Whaaaat? I’m right here.” Mario told him with a giggle.

“IHIHIHIHIT’S SOHOHO BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAD!” Luigi shouted.

Mario rolled his eyes. “Well duh! Isn’t that what you wanted?!” he asked, smirking before blowing a raspberry right onto the poor man’s belly.

Luigi screeched and went completely silent after that. And though Mario stopped temporarily, Luigi would keep on insisting he’s fine and wants to be tickled again. So…a long cycle of strong tickles and breaks began to fill the evening.

#luigi's secret #teasing #so much teasing #inspiration #brotherly bonding #brotherly affection #flustered #ticklefic #ler!mario #lee!luigi #fluff

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againstacecilia · 1 year

Text

First Hunt

Pairing: Din Djarin x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3k

Rating: M, series and blog are E so minors DNI

Warnings: Canon-typical violence, reader's first bounty (they grow up so fast), brief hand-to-hand combat.

A/N: Alrighty folks, we're really getting into it now. New arc, maybe something brewing between our main characters??? Who knows. 🥰 Big round of applause to @creatively-analytical for beta-reading and letting me yell and scream about Shiny Metal Man. 💖 Asks are always open!!

You rise before the sun and get ready to leave, your chest still churning with random emotions from the events from the night before but you do your best to shove it all down. As promised, you wake your parents before you leave and say a simple goodbye; everything you needed to tell them had already been said.

The walk back to the Razor Crest is crisp in the pre-dawn air. The ramp to the back is open by the time you reach the ship so you head in, determined to act completely normal when you faced Mando. Heading straight for your cot, you drop your jacket and call out, “Mando? You here?”

“Up here,” he calls from the cockpit. It was the last place you wanted to see him but you headed up the ladder anyway.

“Morning!” you greet him cheerily, placing your bag on the seat across from yours.

“Morning,” he responds, swiveling his chair to look at you. “Looks like the conversation went well.”

“You were right, talking to them was the right move. They were incredibly supportive and told me how proud of me they are, which was exactly what I needed to hear.”

“I’m glad.”

Busying yourself with your bag, you ask, “So, did you get everything taken care of you needed to?”

Spinning the chair back, he responds, “Yeah, Tonis gave me a couple of low-level bounties that we can go after together as a trial period for you. If we can snag these guys, I’ll know you’re ready.”

“Ready for what?” you ask, curiosity pulling your gaze to the back of his chair.

“Ready to be on your own.”

The answer gives you another jolt of emotion. You try not to think about it but rather focus on the future in front of you. “Oh. Okay, sounds good. Where are we going first?”

“Pasaana. It’s pretty close so we’ll get there in later today.”

You settle into your chair, eyes fixed somewhere beyond the viewport and into the sky above you. “I’m ready.”

Mando punches in the coordinates and the Crest starts to rise. As you take off, you watch your town grow smaller and smaller. You feel this chapter of your life coming to a close and, as the atmosphere of Randon changes to the calm of space, you look away from your old life and forward toward what will be.

- - - - - - - -

“So tell me something about yourself, Mando.” A few hours after you left Randon, you find yourself thoroughly bored. And curious about your travel companion. Unfortunately, Mando didn’t seem to match your curiosity. He ignores the question, busying himself with the controls.

“Oh come on,” you nudge the back of his chair with your foot. “If we’re going to be traveling together for a while I gotta know a little more about you than ‘always wears his helmet’ and ‘sometimes gives good advice’.”

Mando sighs and stands. He shifts to the other co-pilot chair and faces you, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees. “What do you want to know?”

“I want to know about you. I’m having a hard time figuring you out.”

“Figuring me out?” His head tilts to the side. “Why do you want to figure me out?”

“Because I want to be your friend.” It was a simple admission, something incredibly human.

He’s silent for long enough that you begin to worry you said the wrong thing. Just as you’re about to apologize and take back your statement, he begins to speak.

“I was adopted by the Mandalorians when I was a child. Both my parents had been killed and I had nowhere to go so they rescued me. I trained for a few years and, once I got my helmet, I fully became Mandalorian.”

You knew a little bit of this already, but the tone of his voice began to shift as he continues.

“I did bounty hunting for a while as a way to bring in money, for myself and for my covert on Nevarro. One day, I took a bounty for an ex-empire guy and had to go get someone for him. That’s how I found Grogu.”

“Your foundling?”

Mando nods before continuing, words tumbling from his hidden lips, “Exactly. Long story short, I brought Grogu back but it didn’t feel right… So I rescued him and spent some time running from a lot of people who were trying to take him. Including Moff Gideon.” The name doesn’t ring a bell, and he notes the look of confusion on your face.

“Moff Gideon is a warlord seeking the restoration of the Empire. Grogu was a part of that plan, but I’m not sure how.”

“Is he safe now?”

Another nod. “Yes. He’s back with his kind.”

You smile, “Good. What happened after all that?”

“Not much, I’ve tried to lay low…” His sentence trails off as he pulls at a thread on his gloves.

“You miss him,” you say, more of a statement than a question.

“I do.”

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think there was emotion in those two little words. Mando, up until now, seemed a paragon of distance and strength. Listening him talk about Grogu, though, was showing you a softer side.

“Thank you, Mando,” you reach across and squeeze his hand before sitting back. “And… I’m sorry. For the things I said before we got to Randon. I was saying things without thinking.”

“You don’t need to apologize. You were dealing with a lot.”

“Even so, it was harsh and unfair to you.”

He inclines his head in acceptance just as the proximity alert goes off, signaling the drop out of hyperdrive. As the stars settle back into place you get your first view of Pasaana. The desert planet loomed ahead of you, slightly larger than your home planet. From first glance, you were reminded of Jakku; swirls of tan and brown took most of the surface. But, as you drop into the atmosphere, large buttes of granite and sandstone become clear. Mando lands the Razor Crest in the shadow of one of those buttes and powers the ship down.

“Alright, time to give you a run down on who we’re after first. His name is Shoan Harik, a low level bail jumper. He isn’t very violent, just skipped out after posting bail for running spice. First offence. We honestly might be able to walk up to him and put him in cuffs, but we should go over what you learned over the last few weeks just to be safe.”

You nod, heading to the cargo bay. Stepping into the fresher, you change into leather leggings, supple, grippy boots, and a light, long-sleeve shirt with a tan base layer tank top underneath. Using a leather strap, you tie your hair away from your face and take a look in the mirror.

The person looking back at you is you… Almost. Even just a couple weeks of training has given you a glow; or maybe that was from whatever inner changes were happening. Your eyes are clear and determined. It was like looking through a filter, but definitely not in a bad way.

You open the fresher door and step out to see Mando at the gun cabinet, grabbing your blaster. “Is this okay for hunting bad guys?” You gesture to the outfit.

“Well it isn’t always ‘bad guys’,” he starts, turning to look at you. As soon as the visor meets your eyes, he stops talking.

“Everything okay?” You begin to feel self-conscious, reaching up to adjust your shirt. “I thought the boots would be good for any running we had to do and the shirt would be light but also keep me from getting a sunburn…”

“It’s, uh, great,” he clears his throat, shaking himself a little bit. “Smart thinking.”

“Thanks.” A little smile plays on your lips as you grab your thigh holster and begin strapping it on. Mando comes over and hands you your blaster; you slide it into it’s place and savor the comfortable weight.

Mando finishes putting all his weapons in their places and locks the cabinet back up. He walks straight out of the cargo hold down the already open ramp and into the shadowed sand. You follow and adjust your bag as the ramp closes back up.

“This is a good spot to run through your exercises before we head to the coordinates Tonis gave me.”

Nodding, you remove your bag and begin stretching. It comes naturally to you now and, after they’re done, you move into punches. Then the few kicks Mando had a chance to teach you. He stands in front of you, slightly adjusting and correcting as needed, and you work up a sweat for another 10 or so minutes before he stops you.

“Alright, now your blaster.”

Your hand finds the grip with ease and the blaster slips from its holster. Mando instructs you to aim at certain rocks and bushes and you oblige. Most of your shots hit and a feeling of pride swells in your chest.

“You’re doing well,” Mando’s praise filling your chest even more, “but you still have a lot to learn. I’ll show you more after we find Shoan.”

“Then let’s go.” Determination again comes to the forefront and you slip your bag back over your shoulders. Mando takes the lead, heading away from the Crest and into the deserts of Pasaana.

- - - - - - - -

The sun is as uncomfortable as it was on Jakku, but the wind helps keep you cool as you and Mando walk toward a canyon. It towers over you, ledges and outcroppings dot the inner walls. Your eyes scour the nooks and crannies for clues or signs of life but, so far, the only things you see are gorpions and other desert bugs scurrying along the shadows and cracks. You repress a shiver every time one tries to head your way, but they always seem to change course and duck a different direction.

Suddenly, a shot rings out and the blast kicks sand up about two feet to your left. Both you and Mando whip around, blasters pointed in the direction the shot came.

“You should go back to your ship, Mandalorian! And I won’t be joining you,” a voice echos off the canyon walls.

“Show yourself Shoan!” Mando yells back, helmet searching. You assume there’s some sort of computer in there, helping him track the voice.

“Fat chance!” Shoan responds, “There’s no way you’re taking me!”

“Keep him talking,” Mando whispers to you, “If he keeps yelling I’ll be able to find him faster.”

You nod, choosing words quickly, “Shoan, we’re not here to hurt you.”

“Yeah, right! I know what Mandalorians do!”

“And what’s that?”

“They’re hunters!” An edge of fear creeps into the target’s voice, “He’s going to tell me that he’s just here to bring me in and then an ‘accident’ will happen and I’ll be sent back home in a casket!”

“I’m not sure where you learned about Mandalorians, but he really isn’t here to hurt you,” you look at Mando, confusion on your face. He doesn’t look back on you, focused on finding where Shoan is hiding.

Shoan scoffs, the sound carrying over the wind. “Sure. Whatever you say, girl.”

“I’m serious, just come talk to us and you’ll be safe.”

“And if I don’t?”

You don’t have an answer for him. “Have you found him yet?”

“Almost, just a minute more…”

“Shoan, listen to me. You have a chance here, a chance to make things right. Come with us and accept responsibility for what happened and start over.”

“I’m starting over here, if I go with you I won’t get that chance I’ll just go back to prison.” The emotion is still thick in his voice.

“I know how scary it is to face your shortcomings and not know what the future looks like. I’m starting over, too, and I’m terrified. But you can either look at your life and keep going down a path you don’t like, or you can completely start over and build from a foundation of honesty and truth to who you want to be.” At this, Mando does look at you, and you look back at him. “Sometimes, it just takes someone believing in you for that change to begin.”

Mando nods at you and then jerks his head in what you assume to be Shoan’s direction. You nod back.

“You don’t know me. You don’t know what my life was like. I can’t go back.” Shoan says. You and Mando creep in his direction.

“You don’t have to go back to your old life, but you do have to take responsibility for what you did in that life. Once you’re done with that, you’ll have your entire new life ahead of you.”

As you slowly move forward, you catch movement out of the corner of your eye. Blindingly fast, a person comes streaking out of a small cave toward Mando.

Without thinking, you spin in his direction and grab for his arm. Using his momentum you pull his hand behind his back, spinning him to face you. His fist comes toward your face and the world slows; you bring your wrist up inside his fist and sweep it away, just like Mando did that first day of training. Your other hand balls up and your fist makes impact on his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and pushing him back. As he’s stumbling, Mando swings around and kicks the back of his knees and he falls to the ground. In the 15 seconds this interaction has taken, Shoan went from rushing Mando to handcuffed on the ground.

You’re panting next to Mando as he hauls Shoan to standing. “Nice work.”

“Thanks,” you reply, eyes on the bounty. “You okay, Shoan?”

“Why do you care?” he coughs, spitting sand out of his mouth, “You caught me. Can we go now?”

“We’re going,” Mando rumbles, tugging him along as you all head back to the Razor Crest.

It’s hard not to skip as you walk, the pride in your work capturing Shoan making you feel lighter than air. Mando stomps on, almost dragging Shoan behind him.

“We could slow down a little, Mando,” you comment, seeing the sweat drip from Shoan’s forehead. “We got him, he’s not going anywhere, let’s not kill him on the way back.”

He doesn’t say anything, but he does slow down. Shoan looks up at you curiously. “You know, you’re not what I expected out of a bounty hunter.”

“I’m not-” you start saying, but Mando interrupts you.

“Stop talking, we’re almost there.”

You give Shoan an “I don’t know” shrug and the three of you keep going in silence.

The sun is nearly set by the time you make it to the Crest. Mando uses the buttons on his cuffs (“They’re called vambraces.”) to open the ramp and towes Shoan into the ship. You turn to admire the sunset when, suddenly, a loud hissing sound hits your ears.

“Mando?” you call, running up the ramp into the darkness of the hold. Smoke fills the room and you hear a small whimper, which is suddenly cut off by another hiss.

“Mando!” your heart is racing, wishing you could see through the smoke. It begins to dissipate and your eyes adjust to a strange sight.

Mando is standing in front of some sort of machine and, behind him, a metal plate hangs from a frame. Inside the plate…

“What did you do to Shoan?” you exclaim, rushing to the machine. Before you get a chance to make it there, Mando grabs your shoulders.

“Don’t touch it,” he pulls you away and spins you around, “I froze him in carbonite, he’s a flight risk.”

“I told him he was going to be safe, Mando, did you kill him?”

“No, it’s just carbon-freezing, he’ll be fine!”

You begin to calm but look over your shoulder at Shoan. His face is terrified, frozen in the whimper you heard on your way in. “He looks so scared…”

“He’ll be okay,” Mando releases you. “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you. I should’ve known you wouldn’t know what this was.”

You know the comment shouldn’t sting- of course you wouldn’t know what “carbon-freezing” was- but it still felt like just another thing he’d have to teach you about. Another in a long list of your gaps in knowledge. You give yourself a mental shake and step away from him.

“Okay. Let’s just get him back to Tonis so he can get un-carbon-frozen.”

“We still have to find the other guy first. We’ll go back to Randon once we have both bounties.”

A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you walk past Mando to your cot. “Fine, then let’s get going.”

Mando follows behind you, closing the ramp and heading to the ladder. He stops and you feel his gaze on your back.

“Hey, look at me,” he says, voice soft but serious. You straighten up and look at him.

“Yeah?”

“You did well today,” his helmet stays fixed on you. “I didn’t even see him coming and you had him incapacitated before I even reacted.”

“Not totally, he would’ve gotten the upper hand on me.”

“Don’t minimize your accomplishments. You helped me take him down safely and quickly. You did good. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mando.” He gives you a small nod before ascending to the cockpit.

You don’t join him, opting instead to settle into your cot. Sitting criss-cross, you pull a book out of your bag and begin to read. Or, rather, try to read. Your eyes skim the words but you don’t really take any meaning from them as your mind starts to wander.

The day’s events play back through your mind, jumping from moment to moment. The thrill of tussling with Shoan, the sunset on Pasaana, the memory of your face in the mirror, the pause in Mando’s words when you walked out of the fresher… They wind and blur faster and faster. You don’t even notice the whir of the engines as Mando pilots the Razor Crest out of the desert and back into space.

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