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hoodiewithhorns · 3 years

Text

━ using your safe word scenarios ★

characters : hajime iwaizumi, tetsuro kuroo, keiji akaashi.

there will be a part 2 & 3 coming soon!

edit : p.2 is out <3

m.sterlist + requests box

▲ cw : not proof read, angst, use of safeword, “red” used as the safeword, clit spanking, mean!doms, hurt/comfort, established relationship, forced orgasm, jealousy, oral m! receiving, facefucking, foreplay f! receiving, degradation, slight punishment if you squint, aftercare/reassurance , all characters are 18+, MDNI ▼

Kuroo

- you weren’t necessarily in a good mood to be fucked roughly by him

- you just wanted some soft passionate sex with kuroo

- You assumed he’d figure out what you wanted due to him knowing you better than yourself.

- But you were wrong..very wrong.

-Not wanting to disappoint your boyfriend you played along.

- biggest mistake.

〜 ☆

you bobbed your head on his cock while he groaned at the slow pace. you were taking your time today since you weren’t in the best mood to be shoving him down your throat. you thought he take this as a sign of you wanting things slow soft and sweet, instead he took this as a sign of you being bratty, a brat who deserves punishment in his eyes.

“you little brat.” he forcefully shoved his cock down your throat. You gagged in response feeling your eyes become glossy, tears promising to spill at any given minute, looking up at him with pleading eyes hoping he’d show some form of mercy. but of course, he didn’t. tightening the grip on your hair he moved you back and forth on his cock causing you to gag and your breathing becoming heavy.

you heart ached in your chest as you tried to push him off, but to no avail. a dark chuckle leaving his throat as he watched you struggle, a sight he would commonly enjoy. “such a bad girl today huh? maybe i should go find another goodgirl. one that’ll actually listen.” you tried to shake your head as fat tears streamed down your face, the thought of him replacing you being one your biggest fears. did he mean that? just cause you weren’t in a good mood he was gonna replace you? you thought to yourself noticing the grip he had on you loosened a little. you could move away now and so you did. pulling away from his cock trying to catch your breath only causing him to get angrier. “why are you being so bad today? why cant you be a goodgirl and-“

“Red!” you choked out a sob as more tears fell from your face staining the bed sheets beneath you. sitting up, your palms resting on your thighs as you sobbed. the room went silent with the only sound present being your soft cries alongside with your occasional sniffles. confused he lifted your chin up, you pathetically looked up at him like a helpless little puppy. he finally understood what was wrong, mumbling a few curses as he got closer to you, sitting you on his lap as you cried into his chest.

“easy now baby. i’m so sorry...” he whispered thanking whatever was above that he hadn’t lost you, feeling horrible for not picking up the obvious signs you weren’t in the mood for any of this.

“d-do you really wanna l-leave me?” your voice was hoarse from one getting your throat fucked and two crying. hugging you tighter and feeling nothing but regret. each cry you let out tugged at his heartstrings. he never wanted this how could he have been so blind? you were his little baby he wanted to protect every chance he got. now you were here. sobbing into his chest all because he didn’t realize you weren’t in the right mood today.

“never prettygirl. i’d be devastated without you in my life... I didn’t mean that I promise.” he pulled you away from his chest to face you. kissing the few tears you had left on you. even with tears pampered all over your face, to him you still managed to be pretty. even if it hurt him since he was the reason for all this, you could tell he was on the brink of tears too. he couldn’t imagine a life without you without his precious girlfriend in his life he’d be a train wreck.

“i-i...i just wanted us to go nice and gentle tonight..i didn’t have a good day today..but i didn’t want you to be mad since you like it when its rough so..”

he let out a chuckle at your last sentence causing you to look at him in confusion. “yeah being rough is nice and all but its only nice when you’re in the right mindset for it. you should’ve told me you weren’t feeling it tonight baby. If you wanna get fucked nice and gently by me you should’ve just said so my love.” he says planting a kiss on your forehead.

you smiled, reverting back to your previously cheery self making kuroo more than happy. he rested his head on top your shoulder “if you want, we can try again baby. this time i’ll give it to you nice and sweet..you’d like that wouldn’t you my pretty baby?” he whispers into your ear planting kisses down your neck as you let out a whimper feeling him smirk against your neck.

“mm-mhm please tetsu...”

he wastes no time wrapping his arms around your waist as your cunt feels him hardening again. “whatever my baby wants who am i to deny?”

akaashi

- the thought of using your safeword never occurred to you when you were with akaashi

- in fact he suggested it just in case things took a turn you didn’t like

- tonight was different though you were his innocent girlfriend who just wanted to treat him the way he treats you so lovingly

- wearing nothing but his shirt accompanied by a cute pair of panties feeling confident about your plan to please your boyfriend.

- though it doesn’t go according to plan,

you saw him sitting on the bed reading a novel still in his formal clothing. You were feeling particularly needy tonight learning a few new things you read from the internet a week ago on how to please your boyfriend sexually. you did however feel a bundle of nerves fill you up, but you just assumed it was because this was something you’ve never done before to anyone.

akaashi was not only your first, but he was your first boyfriend your first everything when it came to romance. now, putting all your insecurities aside, you were going to try out what you learned tonight on your beloved boyfriend!

walking towards him, you crawled on top of his lap, arms wrapped around his neck to pull him in for a sweet kiss. he smirked setting his book down on the nightstand while taking his glasses off as well.

“Can I help you pretty girl?” he questioned placing his hands on your hips. “oh nothing...i just want you tonight..is that okay?” you asked, your innocent voice making akaashi smile. you were just so cute and pure in his eyes. you jump in excitement ready to initiate your plan to please your boyfriend. you started kissing him slowly yet passionately, grinding your wet cunt against his slowly hardening cock through his pants.

he opened his eyes to clearly understand what you were doing. to his shock what he assumed was correct. His innocent girlfriend who had no knowledge on how to please her boyfriend grinding up against him. maybe you were just being extra needy? he told himself. not longer after he snapped back to reality as he felt you pull away from him only to kiss down his jaw leaving a trail of soft kisses.

His cheeks becoming red as your soft lips traced down to unbutton his shirt. “so handsome..” You said kissing his chest as you went down to his abdomen. he would be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying this, but.... Your not gonna do what he thinks you are right?? his own girlfriend who was too shy who cried at the first attempt to sucking him off?? no he must be getting ahead of himself.

looking down once more to check up on you, he finds you unbuckling his pants letting his cock spring free. his mouth agape seeing your head already lick his precum nice and clean, pumping him a few times to get all his precum out. he shudders as your wet tongue touches his cock, giving him kitten licks here and there. taking a deep breath, shoving him down your throat all in one go, a small gag escaping from you, squeezing your eyes tightly trying your best not to cry.

humming, you bobbing back and forth making him grunt at the waves of pleasure you were giving him. Still, he felt uneasy. who taught you this?? he was always the one guiding you, teaching you how to do things yet here you were sucking him down your pretty little throat. head thrown back his groans mixed with his thoughts, he kept overthinking the reasons as to how you picked up on this.

did Bokuto teach you?? you two always got along so well..sometimes leaving akaashi to third wheel, but why was he thinking about that now??

“shit..” he grunted as he felt his high approaching. He tried to pull your head back so he wouldn’t end up cumming in your mouth, but you stayed on his cock till he came.

smiling at him, you licked your lips, swallowing his cum. leaving him surprised at everything you’ve just done. you’ve never did any of this nor tried to. It hurt the first time you tried to give him head now here you are taking him down your throat? He couldn’t believe it.

he wanted to get to the bottomed of this quickly.

“dirty girl.” he spits out flipping you to the other side of the bed, pushing your head down to the pillow putting your ass up with your cunt in full display for him. you winced at the sudden aggressive force.

“who taught you all those things you little slut?”hooking his finger onto your soaked panties to push them aside, he shoved two fingers deep inside of your dripping hole making you whimper at the painful stretch, not giving you enough time to adjust as he pumped into you.

“k-keiji w-wait!!” you whined screwing your eyes shut to fight back your tears, while he started pumping his fingers at an inhuman pace, he hovered over you, your back to his chest while his head rested on your shoulder.

“i asked you a question, so I expect an answer.” his voice was cold and stern without a sound of love or worry. the stretch of his fingers were painful especially with how he was practically scissoring you open. your eyes rolled at to the back of your head feeling your climax approaching, but it hurt so much you weren’t used to such a rough pace.

akaashi always took his time with you. Going slow and easy, praising you, calling you his angel or goodgirl for taking him in so well. but now he was none of these things.this felt like a completely different person to what you were use to.

“mm’ n-no one! keiji- p-please s-slow down it hurts!!” you sobbed only making him click his tongue at you, your heart sank feeling foggy and uneasy.“you probably like that it hurts huh? you’re dripping around my fingers you filthy slut.” he never used a tone as harsh as this before. never calling you names or degrading you in general. the pain in your chest overlapping the pleasure as more tears fall.

“n-no not a s-slut!! p-please stop! it hurts please keiji please-“ you begged feeling your stomach tighten as he kept fingering you till you screamed, squirting all over the bed sheets. “dirty slut.” He pulled out abruptly from you causing you to choke out another sob. your body trembling at this point as you pant out in desperation to form words scared of what he might do next. “N-no more please I’ll be good i p-promise just please..” you begged him once again, hoping he’d notice the pain you were in...he didn’t.

“no. sluts like you don’t get to make decisions like that.” He was about to pull your shirt off until you screamed and kicked “red! red! r-red!!” he moved away only to watch you curl in on yourself, hugging your knees for comfort, refusing to look him in the eyes. “baby..?” he said softly trying to move you to face him to his horror you flinched shrinking in on yourself.

“keiji... why were you s-so...mean to me i only wanted to make you feel good..you always make me feel good so why did you..” immediately, he scooped you into his arms rocking you back and forth as if you were a toddler. you cuddled up against his chest as he felt your tears fall on his chest.he didn’t mind of course. “shh its okay..its okay..” the voice he commonly spoke to you coming back, soft, reassuring, just how you liked it.

“baby..im sorry i.. I didn’t mean to be so mean..i just got scared you were maybe..well someone might’ve been teaching you these things..” you froze pulling away to look at him.

“w-what? I didn’t learn that from anyone..id never let anyone teach me or touch me but you keiji! i just..read some stuff about it online...and I wanted to test it out..” you admitted through sniffles still rubbing your tears away. He sighed as he hugged you again running his fingers through your hair.

all you wanted was to please your boyfriend from just that, his heart skipped a beat at how sweet you were being, but the feeling was overshadowed by feeling so stupid for letting his insecurities take the best of him.

“I’m sorry baby.. I promise to never speak to you like that ever again..you’re my sweet girl and I love you so so much.. you were just trying to do something nice for me..thank you i appreciate it my love..it felt really nice you did good.” He cupped your face in his hands, peppering soft kisses around your face.

he smiled as you giggled at the ticklish feeling, sighing in relief.

“ i love you, my sweetgirl. ”

Iwaizumi

- he got home pissed off since he saw you chatting and giggling with mattsun.

- he needed to blow off some steam

- he didn’t mean to be so mean he really didn’t

-he was usually a soft dom but today..he was everything but soft to you.

“ filthy fucking whore. what were you doing talking to mattsun huh?” his thrusts were sharp, painful, not being prepped well enough by him making the stretch of his cock burn through your gummy walls. feeling the air in your lungs start to leave you slowly as tears streamed down your face at iwaizumis cold , heartless, tone. there was not a single trace of him, not a sign of his love. you weren't trying to make him jealous, you just spend sometime to get to know mattsun just a little more since he was friends with your boyfriend never expecting him to react like this.

snapping back to your current situation, you arched your back letting out a loud cry as he slapped your puffy clit. “didn’t i ask you a fucking question? or did your dumb slutty brain already get fucked out of you huh?” he wrapped his hands around your throat thrusting harder and deeper in you.

his tip painfully hitting your cervix with each thrust making you cry at the pain. you tried pushing him off with the little strength you had in you, sobbing out an apology making him roll his eyes.

“tch, what? you think a little apology is gonna change the fact you were all “buddy buddy” with mattsun? did you forget who fucking owns you little slut?” landing another harsh slap at your clit causing you cry in discomfort. everything around you made you feel light as if you were gonna pass out from the cruel words iwaizumi spoke to you. feeling helpless as there was no sign of your once loving boyfriend.

“maybe i should’ve invited him over, let him have a turn at ruining your slutty little cunt.”

Finally, having enough you cried out “r-red..” it was soft, gentle, easily could’ve been unheard if it wasn’t for how closely iwaizumi payed attention to you. he halted his thrusts pulling out of you completely, eyes draining of all lust and jealousy converting to concern mixed with regret. he rushed to put back his boxers on, cuddling you against his chest.

you didn’t push him away, no you could never. he was the man you loved and treasured more than anything. you were hurt obviously, but still wanted to seek his comfort.

“i-i dont like m-mattsun haji..i only like you..only you..” your voice sounding broken. he let out a deep sigh pulling you closer to kiss your head.

“i know baby i know... i was just jealous..you get along so well with mattsun i..went too far on you..i’m sorry you didn’t deserve that baby” his voice sounding faint but full of comfort.

“i just wanted to get t-to know him...i didn’t mean to make you mad haji..”

“i know baby shhh its okay now..i’m not mad anymore.”he cooed kissing you softly. you nodded letting your last set of tears fall onto his chest.

slowly shutting your eyes and falling asleep in the warmth of his chest.

him on the other hand was completely mortified at your sobbing accompanied with your sniffles it echoed through his ears replaying like a broken record each time the memory got to you saying your safeword.

“r-red..”

he never thought he’d reach that point for you to have to tell him that. he let out a few tears that night hating himself for hurting you. you forgave that very second he apologized but him on the other hand? he didn't..no he couldn’t.

let’s just say, he didn't get much sleep that weekend.

akaashis is long asf (im sorry i just love him sm) and iwaiuzmis is short but i love these boys sm.

i still am taking requests all links are above and down here. remember to drink water. oh and heres the m.sterlist in case you missed it <3♡

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hyunjilicious · 3 years

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I just read what is and what should never be and it was PHENOMENAL! I love everything you write anyway so I was wondering if you could do a small one where Bucky is alone and depressed and he calls yn because he feels lost and she is just there for him? No worries if you can't! I love you anyway 💕

Omg!! You’re too sweet! I really wanted to do this one justice, but I suck at angst... I love you too!! and I’m sorry if this sucks!

Summary: after the events of Endgame, you and Bucky part ways. Even though you haven’t spoken in months, when he needs you, you’re there ANGST 2.2k

Warnings: overall angsty vibes. Sad Bucky. Idk depictions of depression I guess? shitty writing!

“You came” Bucky's surprised tone pulled you out of your thoughts.

Before saying anything else, you shook your head in disbelief. From certain points of view, he looked exactly the same as when you last saw him months ago, but if you looked past his rugged exterior, it was very easy to tell something was truly eating away at his heart.

“Of course I came” you frowned, “You called me”

“Thought you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore” Bucky mumbled.

You looked him up and down, thoroughly confused by his statement, but decided to keep the tone of the conversation from going too dark too fast. “Shut up, Barnes” you scoffed, “Don’t even joke about that.” A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his lips, but it was forced, you could easily tell he wasn’t truly being himself. “What’s up?”

Bucky took a deep breath as if gathering the courage to word his thoughts. When his eyes met yours he flinched, the pain clouding his otherwise bright blue eyes. He started with a long sigh and a shake of his head but then, cringed as he finally spoke up. “I need help”

His confession went directly to the pit of your stomach. “What happened? Whatever it is, you got it, but what-”

“Nothing happened” Bucky stopped you, “I need help”

“I don’t understand”

“I need someone to-” he sighed, closing his eyes as his head fell forward in what could only be described as shame, “I need someone to talk to” and it was funny, considering he just walked out of his psychiatrist’s office. “Someone that’s not paid to listen to me” he added, “Someone who understands”

It was moments like these that you truly wished Steve was still here. Or Nat. Your best friends, yes, but they were the glue that held you all together, and now in their absence, you were all threatening to fall apart.

But of course you’d be there for Bucky. Whatever he needed you were more than eager to provide, but at the same time, you were fully aware that your capabilities were limited. You didn’t lack the understanding or the experience, but you lacked the words. You had the sympathy, but not the advice he needed. But you were there. Like you have always been and always will be, so, that afternoon you ended up on his living room floor.

Surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol that had no effect on either of you whatsoever, you sat and listened to him rant his heart out until his throat couldn’t take it anymore. And then he broke down - completely. A full on mess, tears staining his cheeks as the temperature dropped in the room with every other pained groan he’d release. But he let it all out and the weight he had been carrying on his shoulder was unimaginable. There were too many things eating away at his heart, but the guilt was what kept him under its spell, what kept him up for the last months, what was physically destroying him.

“Y/n... “ he called for you, face hidden in his hands as he spoke, “I know you’re gonna say no, but-”

“No,” you stopped him, “Then don’t ask me”

“Please”

“No, Bucky” you sighed, grabbing his wrist so you could look him in the eyes, “If you already know it’s a bad idea, please don’t tell me because I’m afraid I’ll actually go through with it right now”

“But i can’t fucking sleep!” he cried out loud, falling back against the couch, arms propped up on his knees, “I keep having the same nightmares over and over again, and I can’t take it anymore”

“You don’t-” you took a deep breath, “You don’t want me to erase your mind, do you?”

The look in his eyes proved that that was exactly what he wanted. And the unshed tears that coated the otherwise pure and radiant blue of his eyes was almost enough to convince you.

“Please-” he begged, “I-”

“No, Buck” you shook your head and shuffled to face him properly, “As time passes, it’s only gonna get worse. The past will eventually catch up to you. You’ll want to know what you did”

He didn’t have it in him to fight you, so silence settled for a while. “You know sedatives don’t work on me?”

“I… never thought about it, but that makes sense”

Bucky gathered his lips into a tight line and nodded his head.

“Lady shrink isn’t of any help?” you asked.

“I have no clue what she’s doing” he shrugged, “Maybe it’s good in the long run, but fuck if I know how she expects me to make any kind of progress right now”

“You are, tho” you reassured him, “Making progress I mean”

“Am I?” Bucky laughed incredulously.

“Yes! You’re almost completely on your own feet. You really pushed through”

“Or maybe I’m just ignoring all of my problems”

“You just told me about them” you chuckled, and threw an arm over his shoulders.

Hesitatingly at first, he eventually leaned in into your hold, allowing himself to completely fall against your chest. “I hate this”

“I think that’s a given” you laughed, curling your fingers around the roots of his way too short hair. “A wise man once said that whenever someone acts like they have their shit together, they’re either lying or delusional”

“Who said that?”

“I don’t know” you confessed, “I saw that on the internet”

For the first time that night, you actually heard him laugh, and it sounded so good - it was short and weak, but it was sweet and honest. “That’s a pathetic attempt at cheering me up, but I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it” Bucky said as he pushed himself up.

“I wish I could do more” you mumbled, “But I don’t know what, or how, but-”

“Thank you”

“You don’t have to thank me, you know that” you smiled.

He didn’t know that. He’d never stop thanking you for even the smallest gestures. The day where Bucky would understand that kindness, in some cases, is a given, was far away, but you had the patience and determination to work for it.

As you talked and talked, and the topic of conversation kept shifting from one area to the other, the sun set, night settling outside his small windows. It was time for you to leave, and you would’ve done it, had he asked you not to at the last second.

You had your shoes on and one hand on the door handle, when he stumbled over his words, obviously too shy to properly hold his ground. “Actually can you- can you-” he mumbled, pointing to his couch, “Can you stay here tonight?”

And of course you did. The night didn’t last much longer after that, with Bucky settling on the floor, only a blanket to keep him company, and you sprawled out on the couch as silence settled.

But your mind was too busy to drift off. You knew his’ was too, but decided to refrain from speaking up, hoping to let him fall asleep, even for a short while.

It was loud inside your head. You always promised yourself you’d never intrude on someone’s thoughts and read through them without their approval, but you physically felt Bucky radiate energy, and your mind just slipped. But then, your heart almost stopped.

You saw yourself. You saw yourself slapping him back in Wakanda when he decided to go under ice again, you saw yourself moving a car out of his way back in Bucharest, when you risked your life for his because you trusted Steve that much, and because you were that good of a friend. You saw yourself at Tony’s funeral, eyes shiny with tears and then felt an almost uncontrollable urge to hug yourself - and then realised it wasn’t your urge, it was Bucky’s. At this point, your heart beat so fast you were actually afraid he’d hear it. But when goosebumps appeared all over your skin, you realised he couldn’t hear you, that he was asleep and that the nightmares started materializing.

What convinced you to act on it was the sudden jerk of his body and the way to fully tensed instantly after. So, unable to just sit and watch, you rolled over to the side and allowed your hand to fall by his temple, little specks of light rolling off the tips of your fingers as you forced the thoughts away. Seconds later, you saw him relax and shift around, gathering the blanket he laid on to his chest as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

His relaxed form and the steady pace of his breathing put a smile on your face. But you made the mistake of thinking this was a one time thing, however, before you realised, you found yourself leaning over him again, ushering yet another wave of nightmares away. And it kept being an ongoing process until the sun rose, and you cursed yourself as you did not get one second of shut eye. But it was worth it. The sight of him finally resting, knowing he spent his night in his happy place that you this time did not intrude on, made up for your tiredness.

When Bucky drifted out of his deep sleep, you figured it was safe to relax too. But knowing that if you went to sleep right now you wouldn’t wake up until noon, you stood up, determined to give him the full best friend experience.

But all you found in his kitchen was a box of stale cereal, a soft cucumber and candy wrappers. Had he not looked so adorable sleeping shirtless and curled into a ball on the floor, you would have woken him up yelling. But instead, you decided to order some food, and the simple fact that the sound of the delivery guy ringing the doorbell didn’t wake him up, actually terrified you. With a life like yours, no one sleeps that deeply, but then there he was, snoring away the late hours of the morning.

By the time he finally stirred awake, the food was already cold, and you were bored out of your mind. “What- what time is it?” he mumbled, voice rich with sleep.

“A little bit past 2” you yawned from your spot on the couch.

“2 pm?” Bucky huffed, sitting up in a hurry and rushing to grab his phone. “What the-” he turned to you confused, “It’s 2pm…”

“Yeah” you sighed, “And the food is cold”

“Food?” Bucky gawked, looking over at the small table by the window, “You got food?”

“You didn’t have any” you defended yourself. You wanted to scold him for not taking better care of himself, but he looked so homey and cozy and vulnerable, that you couldn’t bring yourself to.

Eventually, you stood up and walked over to him. “I’ll let you eat, Buck, but I gotta go” you sighed, giving him a hug, “Got some stuff to do” you lied, by stuff meaning sleep, since you were exhausted.

“Yeah, of course” he mumbled in agreement, wrapping his arms around your frame, and bringing you closer. He sank his head into the crook of your neck, holding you to his chest for a moment longer than you would have considered friendly. But you didn’t complain, his hold was stern and loving, and you really needed that right now. “Thank you” Bucky added when he finally let you go. His right palm cupped your cheek as he looked down at you, awe and admiration in his eyes.

“Nothing to thank me for, Buck” you smiled, and then pulled away.

He silently watched you get ready to leave, following you around until you reached the door and turned around to say goodbye. And it was weird. Your heart boomed against your ribcage, and you didn’t have to read his thoughts to know he was feeling the same kind of nervous. And it may have been the one too many stories you read but you actually feared something was going to happen. Thankfully, it didn’t. Instead you shared another hug, and parted ways.

However, all you managed to do was reach the staircase before you heard his door open, followed by the sound of his bare feet sprinting down the hallway. “What are you-”

“Can you stay?” he asked, shaking from head to toe, “In New York I mean, can you please stay? Just a few more days”

“Well, I- yeah, I guess I can” you mumbled.

“I just, I need a few more days. You’re screwing my head back on, I just need you now. Steve is gone, and Sam is all the way in Louisiana and I hate phones and I-”

“Wow-” you laughed, “I’m not even the second choice, I’m the third?”

“Shut up, Y/n” Bucky frowned, “Stop being a smartass for a second”

“I’m sorry” you rolled your eyes, but he didn’t care.

In the blink of an eye, Bucky threw his arms around your shoulders and hugged you close, and you weren’t sure if the ‘I love you’ that echoed inside your mind had actually been spoken or just thought, but it was everything you never knew you needed.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes angst #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan imagine

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hxt1b · 3 years

Text

Why Can’t We? - Extended

Masterlist

Jaehyun x Reader

WC: 4.2k

Genre: Angst (YouTuber Reader x Idol Jaehyun)

Warning: Smut and Swearing

Original Post: Why Can’t We?

A/N: Hey thank you so much for the love on the original little blurb I wrote. I decided to write an extended version of it for you guys. I hope you like it! If you haven’t read the original I’ve linked it. This is sort of a part two but you could read this without reading the blurb as well hence why I don’t think it fits to call it a part two. Again the grammar may be iffy, I tried my best but things probably still slipped through, regardless I hope you guys like this. Let me know your thoughts. And if anyone wants to send me any requests you can go do that here. I appreciate them and will get to them as soon as I can!

You were slumped over your desk, staring at the work you had in front of you. Your business partner/ best friend was expecting this to be done by the end of the night. The video needed to be out by eight pm. It was already seven, you couldn’t focus though and you knew that if you called her and just explained to her that you fucked up. That you did the one thing you shouldn’t have. That you slept with Jaehyun. She’d help you. But you couldn’t process the fact yourself, you couldn’t process the emotions that were still running through you. You couldn’t believe that you ran. Yet you knew there was no other option. You knew how you felt about him, and Jaehyun never made any move to hide his feelings. Not from you.

But it wouldn’t work and you knew that, you were so wrapped up in your YouTube channel and all the other opportunities that were coming your way, and he was… well he was Jung Jaehyun. You couldn’t see yourself by his side. Not with how much you’d have to hide it, not with all his fans. They’d find out, your whole life was on the internet, his was too. It wouldn’t work, it would only lead to more heartbreak. Heartbreak at a greater scale one that you could not take.

You held yourself back as much as you could but last night you couldn’t. Not with the way he looked at you, his eyes showing every emotion he had inside him, not with the way his mouth felt against yours, the way his hands moved against your skin. You could still feel his breath on your skin.

A shiver ran down your spine and you were brought back to the computer in front of you. A video of you and your best friend staring back at you. You’d only edited the first four minutes, there was two hours' worth of footage waiting for you.

Sighing you grabbed your phone, biting your lip you kept yourself from looking at the missed calls you had from him and messages he had sent you. You ignored the burning in you to open them, to reply, to call him back. Instead, you called your friend.

Her happy voice coming through after the first ring.

“Hey, dude what’s up?”

“So listen, I uh I’m gonna need another hour to edit that video it’ll be a little late is that okay?” You said, your voice slightly shaking.

“Yeah yeah, that's fine.” Her voice fell to a concerned tone, “Is everything okay?”

“Sorry, yeah I just haven’t been having the best day ya know.” You ran your finger along the side of your desk as you spoke to her. Your mind wandering back to Jaehyun.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” She asked.

“No there’s nothing to talk about just one of those slow and tiring days.” You lied. She hummed on the other side of the line dropping the topic.

“Take your time with the video’s its fine if it goes up late we can put it up tomorrow too. Just send out a tweet.” You nodded even though she couldn’t see you.

“Okay, I’ll do that. Thank you.”

Hanging up you opened your Twitter app. Quickly typing out the tweet. You scrolled through your feed as your tweet blew up, you weren’t huge on YouTube but you had a decent amount of subscribers that your posting schedule mattered.

Minutes ticked by as you liked and replied to some tweets that came your way. But scrolling came to be a mistake. A thread about Jaehyun appeared on your feed and you couldn’t help but open it, your heart aching as the thread appreciated Jaehyun dimples. You loved his dimples as much as anyone else. The difference was that you had a front seat to him. You’d poked your finger into those dimples so many times over the span of time that you and Jaehyun had known each other.

Quickly closing the app you came face to face again with all the notifications regarding him. Blinking as your eyes stung you bit your lip again. There was only one option in your head again, you couldn’t handle the ache that your heart felt right now imagine if it was on a grander scale. You had to stop this now.

Opening his contact information on your phone you blocked his number, and on Instagram and every other platform he could contact you. Your vision blurred and your headached as you put your phone back down on your desk.

You couldn’t edit the video today anyway. Getting up from your desk chair you made your way to your bed and buried yourself under your blankets as a few tears slipped down your cheek.

Two weeks passed and Jaehyun was a mess, his head was somewhere else constantly, he couldn’t focus on his work. He couldn’t think straight. He just moved from day to day as he became more and more numb. He’d called you, texted you but you hadn’t returned anything. Short of going to your apartment, he’d done everything he could, and that was something he wasn’t going to do. Not after you blocked him.

He dropped his head into the palms of his hands, the bitter pain of the action hitting him again. You’d actually blocked him. The tears gathered in the corners of his eyes again but he blinked them away. But it all hurt, everything hurt. His head hurt from the anger he felt towards you, yet his heart ached for you. The fight in him tired him out daily. The other boys were noticing, Johnny had tried to talk to him about it but Jaehyun didn’t know what to say.

She fucked me and left, oh and while she left she ripped my heart out and stomped on it because there is no way she doesn’t know that I love her.

Jaehyun knew you were cautious, he could sense your fear. But when you slept together that day he’d hoped you’d forget it, that you’d understand that it could work. That with you he’d make it work. He’d hoped that you’d see it. But clearly, you hadn’t.

You hadn’t even given it a chance.

You saw him everywhere all of sudden. You blocked him but you still saw him everywhere. It had been a month since you’d last seen him and noting was easier. You’d lied to yourself then and you would lie to yourself now. Because this was for the best.

You sighed again as another clip of Jaehyun popped up in your Instagram feed. They’d just had another comeback and it was shaping into your biggest nightmare very fast. Scrolling again you came across a clip from a recent interview. He was smiling and laughing with Jungwoo. His dimples showing up as he threw his head back and laughed at something Jungwoo had said to him. Another sigh slipped out your lips as you scrolled again.

“Oh, my fuck. I swear Y/N if you fucking sigh again I’ll knock you out into next week.” Your best friend was staring at you from where she stood setting up the camera for today's shoot.

“What is even wrong with you. For the past month, you’ve been sad and angry and you constantly don’t want to talk about it and I respected that but today I’ve had enough.” Her hands had moved to her hips as she glared down at you.

Looking away from her you ran your tongue over your drying lips.

“Talk to me Y/N.” She demanded and before you knew it everything spilled out. From the day you met Jaehyun nine months ago, to all the flirting. You told her about all the dates you’d gone on, you even told her how you insisted on calling them friend dates. Watched movies in his room, kicking Jungwoo out so that it would be just the two of you. Making cakes in his kitchen and doing the most cliche things while making them. You told her all of it, how you slept with him and blocked him because you were scared. Obviously, she knew of Jaehyun she’d even met him on many occasions but she didn’t know the details, because for some reason your brain had told you that if your best friend knew them. That if you spoke of the events that the feelings would become real, that it would all become real.

“You're scared?” She questioned her face contorting into an expression bordering on disgust. “Scared. You?” She was sitting beside you a scowl embedded into her face.

“Dude, we don’t scare. We meet shit head-on. Our channel is thriving because we didn’t give in to the fear that we would fail. We got where we are with that practice. We don’t fear shit. Especially not the complicated shit because we always make it work we always try.”

She didn’t even blink as she spoke, you knew she was right, but it was easier said than done wasn’t it? But she was right you didn’t fear failure with your work and it paid off and you loved it.

“But it’s so much more complicated now. I don’t think I can fix this.”

“You have to try. Because I can’t stand this behaviour anymore. Fix it, babe, at least try and if it doesn’t work I’ll be here and we’ll move past it.” You nodded as she spoke. Glad that she was your best friend.

“So I should go talk to him? Apologize? Tell him what was going on in my head?”

“Yeah, dude just talk to him.” She looked at you expectantly as she got up and went back to fixing the camera angle.

“Okay can you set up the mic’s now, you can talk to him after we film. Now help me.”

Three hours later you were dragging your feet towards his dorm. You’d planned out what to say and how to say it, after you filmed, in your mirror. Your best friend giving you the thumbs up when you left.

Looking up as you neared the dorm, the air left your lungs. There he was walking towards you, smiling down at a beautiful girl. He looked happy. You watched them as they walked slowly talking about god knows what, your hands fisted at your side as she laughed at something he said. Your insides turned and you felt like you were gonna puke. But you had no right. You were the one who left, you uncurled your hand as your eyes began to sting.

What did you think was going to happen? That you’d leave him and he’d sit around waiting for you. That when you walked into his dorm today he’d take you back with open arms like you hadn’t left his bed and then blocked him on everything. You shook your head blinking back the tears.

You bit your lip and looked away from them. There was no way back into his life and it was clear and it was your fault., but you had to look at him again. Just one last time. Just to see that smile, those dimples one last time in person even if you weren’t the one he was smiling at.

Turning your head back to him your entire body froze. He was already looking at you. Stopped a few feet back from the entrance of the dorm. The girl digging around her bag for something. Your heart thumped in your chest, your blood flowing fast, the rush of it the only sound in your ears.

Your eyes stung again, you couldn’t cry. Not here. Turning away from him you walked away quickly. You needed to get away fast, he shouldn’t have seen you. You felt selfish that you’d stood there that long, that you’d tried to steal that last glance. You should have walked away sooner. The tears slipped down your cheeks, leaving cold wet trails in their wake.

A hand grabbed your wrist, whipping you around. You didn’t look at him, you couldn’t. His hand tightened around your wrist.

“So you’re gonna run away again?” You didn’t say anything back. What would you even say because the truth was yes. Yes, you were. He scoffed and dropped your hand, taking a step away from you.

“You're with a girl, you’re happy I don’t want to intrude.” You still weren’t looking at him, keeping your eyes trained on the ground to your left.

“Look at me.” He said his voice even. You refused.

“Look at me!” His tone was harsher, slowly you turned your head to him your eyes taking in his face, from far he had looked like the perfect Jaehyun you always saw, but up close you could see the slight darkness under his eyes, the paleness of his skin, the sadness in his eyes as yours finally locked onto them. “Do I look happy to you? That girl is my cousin.” You stayed silent not knowing what to say.

He let out a humourless laugh, “You don’t have anything to say. Why am I shocked?” He ran his hand through his hair and took a step towards you.

“Fine then let me talk. Let me tell you about how you fucked me up, how for the past month I’ve been trying to figure out what I did wrong to have you block me, to have you kick me out of your life so easily. What did I do that was so wrong.” His voice broke on the last word as tears began to trail down his face. You were frozen in your spot, your hands shaking at your side.

Everything that you’d wanted to say, everything you’d thought to say out your head. You watched as he broke down in front of you, your heartbreaking with each tear that ran down his cheek. Slowly you raised your hand taking a step closer to him, you hesitated only for a second before pulling him to you.

“Nothing. You did nothing wrong. I'm the one that fucked up. I'm the one that ran away, and I’m the one that is so sorry. I'm so sorry for everything Jaehyun.” His arms wrapped around your body pulling you into him, his hands fisting at the back fabric of your coat.

“I was scared, scared about everything. Scared that it would all only hurt us more in the end. I was trying to make it easier.” This time your voice cracked as you began to cry. His arms tightened around you.

“I'm so sorry, I’m so stupid. I ran away and I’m so sorry.” It was hard for you to talk through your tears. You tried to calm down by taking in breaths of air. You needed to stop crying. “Please forgive me.”

You looked up at him, his eyes were red from his tears that had stopped. His eyes softened as they took in your face. He didn’t say anything to you just moved his face to yours, softly pressing his lips against yours.

“Let me make it up to you.” You said pulling away from his lips.

You pulled him into your apartment, taking your coat off and throwing it onto your couch. Prompting him to do the same. You grabbed his hand once his coat was off and pulled him into your bedroom. Your mouth returning to his as soon as you closed the door. The kiss was slow and soft, both of you taking each other in. Pulling away from him you looked at his face, his brown eyes dark you were sure you reflected the same desire back to him that you saw. Pressing your lips back to his you let your hands trail down his chest as his stayed planted on your waist. Weaving your hand under his shirt you raked your cold fingers ups his abs earning a shiver from him. You smiled pulling away from him and pulled his shirt up over his head and tossed it aside.

Your breath hitched as you took in the sight of his bare torso, pressing yourself back to him you pressed an open-mouthed kiss to his jaw, softly sinking your teeth into the same spot before sucking the skin into your mouth. Jaehyun moaned, his hands moving up the back of your t-shirt pulling you against him. You could feel his member hard and pressed against you in-between the both of you.

Licking the spot to soothe the sting you pressed a kiss to the slowly darkening mark, before moving further down. You kissed down his chest, softly pressing your lips against his hot skin. You marvelled in the way his breathing became shallow as you moved onto your knees. Hooking your fingers into the buttons of his jeans you undid them pulled them down along with his boxers. You pushed him back towards your bed letting him step out the articles of clothing and sit down as you slowly wrapped your hand around his throbbing cock. He was already so hard. You looked up at him as you slowly moved your hand down before licking the tip, wiping away the moisture that had gathered there.

He groaned at your action, his eyes locked with yours as you made your way down his dick kissing down the underside towards his balls before sticking your tongue out and licking back up to his tip. His cock twitched in your hand as you wrapped your lips around his head. One of his hands twisted into the back of your hair softly grabbing your locks.

Jaehyun’s head fell back as you moved him further into your mouth, you went slow letting yourself feel each vein with your tongue as you fit him into your mouth. Soft moans spilled from him, flowing towards you as you begin to move him in and out of your mouth, using your hand to massage the rest of him that you couldn’t fit into your mouth.

A soft growl fell from his lips as he pulled you off him.

“You can finish that some other time.” He said, yanking you up into his lap you straddled him, as he kissed you roughly his tongue entering your mouth and quickly meeting yours. You moaned into him as his hands moved under your shirt one hand unclasping your bra.

“Fuck.” he cursed pulling away from you before pulling your shirt off and throwing it across the room. He tangled his hand in the hair at the back of your head again pulling you towards him to press his mouth to yours as you let your bra fall off and tossed it onto the ground. The thumb of his other hand drawing circles at your hip.

He stood up taking you with him, not breaking the kiss as he did. You groaned as his dick pressed against your clothed core, causing heat to rush through you. He tossed you onto the bed before quickly following you.

“I’m so fucked.” He said before pressing his lips into your neck, sucking the skin as you had done before on him. You moaned letting your hand fly to the back of his head as he moved down towards your chest, leaving open-mouthed kissed until he got your breast.

He lifted his head from you and stared at you, his eyes almost black with lust. Your breathing was laboured as he smirked at you before returning his mouth to your nipple. He harshly sucked it into his mouth pulling it up between his teeth. You let out a breathy moan, his name flowing out of your mouth, as your chest arched off the bed following his mouth. He laughed before letting your nipple pop out of his mouth and pushed up you back into the mattress before kissing over to your other breast copying his action before moving his kisses down your stomach.

You writhed under him as his mouth got closer to where you wanted him. Hooking his fingers into your legging he pulled them down leaving you in only your panties. He looked up at you before looking back down at your covered core. Your cheeks reddened as he smiled.

“Your so wet baby, you soaked through your panties.” His voice was thick with lust, his face showing on full display his desire for you.

“For you,” you panted back, as he pressed a finger to you over your panties.

“For me.” He whispered to himself before pulling your underwear down. He hovered his face over your clit, you could feel his breath teasing you. Bucking your hips towards him wanting him to do something already. You snaked your hand down to his hair.

“Please.” You whined pushing yourself up towards him again. He chuckled, taking your hand from his hair. He held it at your stomach pushing you down back to the bed before he ran his tongue up your slit. Your eyes closed shut as your loud moans filled the room. He repeated the action before taking your clit into his mouth sucking on the swollen nub.

“Jaehyun.” You whined moving your other hand to his hair only for him to grab it and hold it down next to your other one. You whined trying to move your hips but being unable to as he held you down. You couldn’t take it anymore. You needed him now.

“Baby please, you can finish that some other time.” You said stealing his words from earlier. “I need you.” He pulled back from you, his mouth covered in you. He let go of your hands letting you loop them around his neck as you pulled him back up to you. Immediately pressing your lips against his in a heated kiss, you tasted yourself on his tongue.

A deep moan fell from your lips as he slipped his cock between your folds slowly moving so that the tip was hitting your clit. His hand wrapped around your head weaving into the hair at the top as the other one knotted into the sheets next to your head.

He pressed his forehead against yours closing his eyes as he continued to repeat his action savouring the breathy moans that fell from your open mouth.

“Please.” You whined when you had as much as you could take, “I need you. Please.” You begged.

His breathing mirrored your own, harsh shared breaths as he lined himself up at your entrance, slowly pushing himself in. Your eyes fell shut at the stretch, you clenched around him as he took his time sliding into you taking in the feeling of your tight walls around him.

“Fuck,” He muttered against your mouth followed by a soft moan as he bottomed out. You both breathed heavily as he stayed still, agonizing seconds passed before he pulled back again before spanning his hips back to you. Your head twisted to the side as he picked up his pace. He bit into the soft skin of your jaw as he moved in and out of you.

The sound of his skin slapping against yours filled the room along with your moans, overwhelming your mind as he fucked you into a daze. You drowned in your head with every snap of his hips, you could feel him hitting your g-spot with each thrust pushing you closer you climax.

Sweat dotted his forehead as his thrusts sped up, throwing you off the edge into the depths. Your back arched off the bed, your chest pressing against his as he took your lips up with his swiping his tongue against yours mirroring the action of his hips as he thrust into you harsher chasing after his release. You moaned his name but it sounded far off to your ears as you shook underneath him. Your walls clenching around his cock, finally his dick twitched and he came spilling himself into you. A loud moan leaving him followed by heavy breathing as he looked down at you. He let his head fall into the crook of your neck as you both came down from your highs.

“I’m so fucked,” He whispered to you. “Don’t run away from me again Y/N. I won’t be able to take it again.” He said and pressed a kiss to your shoulder.

“I’m not going anywhere Jaehyun.” You said stroking his back with your hand.

“Good because, Y/N, I really like you.” You turned your head to him, his eyes meeting yours as you did. You could see the emotion in his eyes, you could see the truth behind his words, the real words he’d wanted to say.

“I really like you too, Jaehyun.” You said, also keeping the grander emotion with you. For now. You had plenty of time to say it to him. To hear it from him, because you weren’t going anywhere, but the three words rattled around your brain, your heart your entire being as you looked at him before pressing your lips against his.

I love you.

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writingtoforgetreality · 3 years

Text

Take It Easy - Little Movie Star Chapter Four (Jensen Ackles x Daughter!Reader)

[Actors-Masterlist], [Little Movie Star-Masterlist]

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Summary: The aftermath of the hate comments. Jensen explained that the future would not be easy if you had a public life. Bonding time with Danneel was appreciated & a revelation left Jensen with a plan for you.

Words: 2,022

Warnings: language, mentions of cyber bullying, bonding time, fluff, tiny bit of angst, fake social media posts (picture credits go to their rightful owners)

If you like my work & wanna support me: a coffee would be highly appreciated ❤

~2016~

Sunrise came sooner than anticipated. Wanting to procrastinate the talk with Jensen & Danneel, you slowly dragged yourself out of bed & went to the bathroom. Risking a look in the mirror was a big mistake. Your eyes were puffy from all the crying you did yesterday. Technically, you could go for sunglasses. Nope, you could not do that. You know who wears sunglasses inside? Blind people…& douchebags. Chuckling slightly at your own joke. Hopping in the shower real quick, you hoped the warm water could calm you down enough.

After putting on a comfortable outfit for the day, you took a deep breath & started walking to JJ’s room. It had become quite the routine for you. If you were up early enough, you stopped by her room & took her with you downstairs. Knocking softly & opening the door slowly, you saw her already awake, waiting for you to pick her up.

“Good morning, princess. Slept well?” she nodded eagerly & stretched out her arms.

“Let’s get to breakfast then.” smiling sweetly at her. Just for a second, you forgot all about last night & just lived in the moment. Oh, if it were that easy all the time…

Silent voices made you stop in your tracks. Eavesdropping was not something you usually did but you could not help yourself. Besides, you could tell that this conversation resembled around you.

“Maybe she hasn’t seen the comments yet.”

“Oh come on, Dee. Of course she has. I mean, our comment sections are filled with that bullshit.” Jensen was deeply hurt by what some of his fans were saying about you, after one single post.

“What should we do?” Danneel sighed.

“We talk to her.” that was when you coughed to bring the attention to yourself. They turned around & looked surprised by your sudden appearance. You set JJ down & crossed your arms over your chest.

“Sorry for listening in on you guys.” your eyes flickered down because deep down, you knew what you did was not okay.

“Hey, no, it’s fine. We wanted to talk to you anyway.” Jensen walked over to you, followed by Danneel.

“Please don’t listen to any of them, angel.” the nickname made your eyes shot up & when you looked at Danneel, you could feel the tears threatening to escape. Jensen could tell right away & wrapped his strong arms around your frame. You did not care about being vulnerable in front of them. Even though you were sure you would regret your actions in a few hours from now.

Breakfast was filled with conversation between the three of you. JJ & the twins were not understanding anything anyway & you were glad that they were too young to care about stupid comments made by anonymous people on the internet.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N).” Jensen’s voice was filled with disappointment. Though, you were not sure if it was directed at his fans or at his decision of making an Instagram post in the first place.

“None of this is your fault.” reassuring him quietly.

“You don’t deserve this. And we don’t want you to think that we’re not happy with you being here because that is bullshit. We love having you here.” Danneel’s hand found yours on the table & she gave you a little squeeze that put a small smile on your face. You were about to tell them something you had never admitted to anyone before. It was a big step for you & you were making yourself even more vulnerable in front of them. But they seemed genuinely concerned about you & you did not know why but you believed what they were saying. You just hoped your trust in them was not misplaced.

“It’s just…It’s not the first time I’ve heard something like that. A lot of the families I had been to previously had shared their opinions with me. I’m used to it, I don’t even know why it’s affecting me this much.” Jensen & Danneel shared a look with each other. Yes, they were happy that you were sharing a little bit of your past with them but what you shared broke their hearts. The worst thing was that they knew it was not the only thing that had happened to you. There had to be so much more that you still had not told them & they were scared what would come in the future.

“Can you promise me something?” Jensen waited until you met his eyes. “If you have thoughts like that, you come to us immediately. Because whatever your mind tries to tell you, it ain’t true. A lot of these comments are not only hurtful but also threatening. And I’ll put a stop to this right now.” he pulled out his phone & opened twitter. He showed Danneel & you the tweets before he hit send. Afterwards, they told you that comments similar to what you had read will continue to come at your way, simply because they were celebrities. After all, you were part of their family now & therefore your life would also be kind of public. As much as you would allow it anyway.

To some, these tweets might not be a lot but to you, they meant the world. After Jensen tweeted these, you grabbed your own phone, opened Instagram & reposted the picture you took yesterday.

You meant every single word because you did feel like a part of this family & why you still could not understand why they wanted you in the first place, you were more than happy that you were here still. A few weeks ago, you would have never thought to stay with them for so long. Yeah, they really meant it when they said they wanted you to be a part of them.

“I know exactly what we need!” Danneel stood up & you gave her a confused look. What was she planning?

“Girls-Day.” giving you a wink, she helped you out of your seat & gave you a light push, telling you to get dressed so you guys could go shopping. Danneel was aware that you were still slightly uncomfortable whenever you were alone with her but she wanted to change that & what better way than a shopping trip together?

The trip to the local mall was very much needed. Danneel warned you about possible paparazzi & the thought made you nervous. What if you did not look good? What if it gave the media something negative to report on? Danneel silenced your thoughts by dragging you into the first shop. Your shopping spree was successful & you came back with tons of shopping bags. Feeling bad because you did not pay for anything, Danneel assured you that it was no problem. Besides, you did not have a lot of clothing to begin with & she told you that you needed it. Also, she gave you permission to raid her closet any time you wanted. And who were you to decline such an offer?

“Successful much?” Jensen joked when the two of you entered the house, struggling with all the bags you were carrying. He gave you a hand & set some of the bags on the couch. Your mood had changed drastically if you were to compare yourself to a few hours prior.

“Jensen, can you help (Y/N) putting her stuff in her room?” Danneel grabbed some of her bags, definitely not nearly as many as were filled with your clothing.

After putting all of the bags on your bed, Jensen offered to help you putting them away in your closet & you thanked him. While the two of you got to work, he commented on some of the clothes that he was storing away & said that you & Danneel chose a lot of great looking things.

“So, how was today?” Jensen started a conversation & you were not in the mood to lie to him so you told him the truth, the entire truth for once.

“A rollercoaster of emotions. But it ended great.” shooting an honest smile his way, one, that he copied.

“I know it’d be easier if we weren’t popular & all that.” he sighed.

“Not all of it is bad, though. I mean, you get so much love on a daily basis.”

“True, but it can be frustrating, especially when family gets involved. Still happens with Danneel sometimes.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah, you know, when people get jealous & all that.”

“I’m sorry.” a tight lipped smile was on your face.

“Nothing to be sorry for. This life has its perks, but it also has a lot of disadvantages. When you’ve been in this business for so long, you start blocking out the negative comments...Hey, that was the last piece, we did it.” raising his hand for you to give him a high-five.

Falling backwards on your bed, Jensen mimicked your actions, you let out a long, satisfied sigh. Today had been exhausting, both mentally & physically.

“Now that we know that you enjoy shopping…what else do you do for fun?”

“Um, I guess a lot of creative stuff. I like writing. Taking pictures. Drawing. Oh, this will sound ironic, but I actually like acting a lot.” that peaked his interest. He propped up his arm & laid his head on it.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean...Whenever I imagine playing a role, it helps me control my emotions.”

“Do you have any experience?” he curiously asked. Maybe you had acted somewhere before?

“God, no. Just because I like it doesn’t mean I’m good at it.” laughing shortly, then you continued. “It’s not like there were a lot of opportunities coming my way growing up.” shrugging, you enjoyed the comfortable silence that followed. Shortly after, Jensen walked out of your room, telling you to get some sleep.

A plan was starting to form in his head. He had connections & if acting really was something that you enjoyed, why not trying? The producers had the last word & then he could see if it really was something that was just a hobby to you. He had a feeling that you would surprise him, though. Dialing the next person that came to his mind, he wanted to hear his opinion.

“Hey, man. How are you?”

“Hi, Jared. I’m great, thanks.”

“How’s (Y/N) doing?”

“Danneel & her went shopping today. But look, she just told me something.”

The conversation went on for a while & Jared was on board with Jensen’s plan. Still, it was meant to stay secret for the time being. They planned a dinner in a few days from now. Just him, Danneel & you, joined by Jared & Gen. It would also be your first time meeting them. This decision was made shorty after you arrived at the Ackles’ house. Simply because you were freaking overwhelmed with the entire situation & had to get used to them at first. Now, it felt like a good time to introduce you to the Padalecki’s. At the dinner, they would tell you about their little plan. Before that could happen, though, Jensen had to make a few more phone calls to set everything up. Hopefully, you would not kill him after finding out. No, he could tell that you were being serious about this. You might not admit it but he noticed that your passion for acting was way bigger than you let on.

~to be continued~

Next Chapter

Published (04/10/2021) by Cathy

Tags: @vicmc624, @imaginationisgrowth, @stoneyggirl, @alyispunk, @thevelvetseries, @multifandomlover121, @samsgirl93, @supernatural3002, @diabetes-03, @prettyybubblesintheair, @originalsoulcollector, @vir-tual, @bellero, @sergantbuckybarnes (let me know if you wanna be tagged <3)

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natsumiheart · 3 years

Note

I look at a lot of stuff on Pinterest and one of people's reasons on why Oumasai is toxic is because Kokichi made Shuichi want to kill himself? Something tells me this is wrong but I'm not sure what proves it wrong. (I mean they also point out that Kokichi mocks Shuichi for mourning Kaede-) I'm asking about this because its been eating at me and trying to prove that it isn't toxic.

Hooo boy this is gonna be long so buckle up! I’m sorry I couldn’t make this shorter I just really go all ace attorney mode when it comes to this type of stuff.

Sorry if there are any mistakes or some parts are too confusing my internet might go soon so I can’t proofread and edit anymore!

I think what they’re referring to is how Shuichi got really depressed after discovering that the world had ended, but how can it be Kokichi’s fault? He literally wasn’t the mastermind, he didn’t make all that stuff up. Heck, he was the first one to even see that motive and on his own it was way worse to deal with. His behaviour was so out of line that Kaito got fed up with him and punched him for the nonsense he was saying.

The motive was supposed to make everyone fall to despair, it’s purpose was legit what happened to Miu where she NEEDED to go out to help out the world before everyone was gone. The motive was MEANT to be seen to make the game “More interesting” but Kokichi didn’t let the others see it until he finally convinced them that he’s the mastermind. If he didn’t the Mastermind would find a way to show it to them in a different way and there’s no knowing what could happen, and if he showed it to them himself they’re bound to believe what he’s saying considering the fact it’s obvious he already knew about this. He took that motive to basically make everyone give up on trying escape by killing each other, since as the mastermind he said “The game’s over now! There’s no point.” to prevent another murder from happening. AND IT WORKED, for a long while no murder took place but of course the actual mastermind couldn’t just sit idly and let the game be “boring” (Which was Kokichi’s goal) So they made a flashback light that Maki ended up seeing and calling the others to see, and the flashback light made everyone including Maki believe that Kokichi was a remnant of despair. They wanted to get rid of Kokichi for messing with the game and taking over their position, and this was their way to do it.

So, after all that, if others see that KOKICHI was the reason Shuichi wanted to give up for a second there. Then I really don’t know what to say. Shuichi has went through so much already because of the killing game and Kokichi’s attempt to stop the killing game is not the reason he wanted to give up. It was because he lost a lot his friends and because the world was most probably all gone. At that point he had nowhere to go back to and everything he has worked so hard for was for nothing because there’s nothing left. Kokichi didn’t do anything to Shuichi for him to be the sole reason he suddenly wanted to die. His depression got the best of him after being all alone with his thoughts for a couple of days, not eating or moving just sleeping the entire time. If anyone is at fault it’s the mastermind for making up such a cruel lie that even made Gonta commit murder to “save” the others.

And for the mocking him about Kaede’s death part (Which is literally one line after Shuichi removed his hat) Kokichi at that point had witnessed that the killing game was real and it was going to get him eventually. He wasn’t alright either and he had already started to make everyone hate him, acting more hostile and annoying so they all stay away (since anyone who groups up everyone or brings them hope will end up like Kaede did) He didn’t want to be the next Kaede or Rantaro. It started with that line but in the end he cut off all ties he had (if he had any) in chapter 4 so that they have no doubt that he is only full of malice and that he is indeed the mastermind.

“But how do you know that he has been devising that plan since back then?” Remember the “horse a” message? the first letters were added to it right before the next morning after the first trial where Shuichi entered the dining room without his hat. If you don’t believe me, here’s a paragraph from well written wiki!

Sometime between the end of the first trial and the morning of the next day, Kokichi would begin to devise of a plan to get everyone to think that he was the mastermind of this killing game, willing to be seen as evil for the sake of ending this madness. To begin this plan, he would leave a subtle message in the courtyard "Horse A", which he would later fill in with more letters as the killing game continued.

And here’s the source if you wanna check for yourself: Click here!

If it wasn’t already obvious, Kokichi is a LIAR. And his biggest lie of being the mastermind started after he saw the deaths of Rantaro and Kaede. That first chapter affected Kokichi a lot, he lied and lied to hide it but he was shaken up by the sudden death of Rantaro and was devastated by Kaede’s death. Though all he could say at her last moments is that she wasn’t boring. Because he knew, if he was truthful? Eyes would be on him immediately and he would be in danger.

Kokichi did his best to be the person he would hate the most, he lies so much yet says he hates liars, then says that’s a lie. Making everyone confused as to what the hell is right or wrong in what he’s saying. But he couldn’t keep up his facade forever especially when he was starting to get interested and even attached to Shuichi. In one completely optional scene in chapter 3 he legit says that he doesn’t want Rantaro to be the one who gets resurrected (Though he probably was more interested in him because he obviously knew more than he let on in chapter 1. Asking everyone about the Ultimate Hunt when no one else remembered it until they say the flashback lights, his fight with Hoshi, and how he was so sure that he WILL end the killing game. Kokichi even had his effigy in his room because he saw it as a clue or evidence that can help later, he needed to know what he was hiding and what his talent was.) and despite all that when Shuichi asks why he doesn’t want Rantaro to be the one, he says “Because you’d rather have Kaede back.” Of course he writes it off as a lie, but then right after that he SHOWS Shuichi his interest in Rantaro saying he might be working for the mastermind. The exact lines are:

Kokichi: “What if Rantaro was working for the mastermind? Bringing him to life might be a bad idea.”

(Trying to make Shuichi believe that he really did lie there about his reason why he didn’t want Rantaro to come back by making him believe that THIS was the real reason. I don’t know exactly if he entertained the idea or not, but he most probably did not believe Rantaro to be the mastermind here. He might have even made up that killing game anime he was talking about. Its’ real for us but might not be for them.)

Shuichi: “N-no that’s idiotic! Rantaro couldn’t have been working for the mastermind...:

“But is it really impossible? We only knew Rantaro for a short time. He did seem as though he was kind of used to the killing game”

The “used to” in that sentence was highlighted. THIS was Kokichi’s intention, to make Shuichi realise that Rantaro knew more than he let on. Which reinforces Kokichi’s interest in him. But Shuichi fell for Kokichi’s trap earlier and didn’t notice at all that he slipped the fact Rantaro would give more information.

It’s confusing I know, Kokichi’s thing is mind games after all. But what I’m trying to say is that for Kokichi’s goal to figure out this killing game and how to end it Rantaro would be most ideal to bring back but he just wanted to tell Shuichi that he’d rather have Kaede instead just so he’s happy. The evidence for that is how even after he says its a lie he lowkey shows Shuichi he’s more interested in Rantaro instead. It reminds me of those scenes where he says “WAAAHH I THOUGHT YOUD KNOW I HATE COFFEE” then right after he’s like “I’m tired of all that crying can I have a cup of coffee please.” Or “I actually can’t taste anything!” then “anyway my faves are spice and sugar!”

Kokichi did say something insensitive when he said “Is it cause Kaede died or whatever?” but it didn’t bother Shuichi at all he just brushed it off since he saw how he acted in the trial earlier. It wasn’t a surprise to him. Kaede’s death affected Kokichi too, and that line doesn’t match up with what he said about bringing Kaede back.

You never know what’s the truth and what’s a lie with Kokichi, everything he says contradicts each other. So how is it that all these people who hate Kokichi and call him toxic take his worst lines or moments as the truth when the context of his entire character and motive says otherwise. When he had to crush Shuichi the most so he believes that he is full of malice without a single doubt. To make him believe he was really the mastermind immediately, so he doesn’t go all detective on him like he usually does.

Kokichi’s actions were terrible yes but they were LIES he did it for a purpose that’s what makes him a grey character when in a KILLING GAME. It’s shown in salmon team that under normal circumstances the two would get along and Shuichi would want to learn more about Kokichi and his true self.

TLDR; Leave these children be, they were in a killing game. No ship is toxic unless it’s shown that person was terrible / messed up from the start and would hurt whoever they’re with. Those users just obviously don’t like Kokichi and hate seeing him with anyone XD and it’s obvious with how they blame him over a motive Monokuma/ the Mastermind has created and straight up ignoring the intentions behind his actions.

Now without evidence and stuff, truly speaking from my heart from here with full on bias XD

I get hating a character or a ship but oh my god can you not spread misinformation for others to feel obligated to agree? Toxic is such a strong word and I hate how people keep associating it with every ship they dislike. Making others feel bad for what comforts them! If Saiouma was so toxic how come it makes so many people happy? How come it makes people literally calm down, stop crying, and feel warm. Saiouma is one of the most adorable and realistic ships out there... Don’t ruin it for everyone else just because you don’t agree with how we feel. Just say you’re not a fan and move on!

Anyway don’t worry your ship is very valid! You can continue supporting them without feeling any guilt and if anyone calls it toxic they can see me so I break their kneecaps.

#rant #tw suicidal thoughts #oumasai #saiouma #shuichi saihara #kokichi ouma #danganronpa #drv3 #new danganronpa v3 #ndrv3 #i came to save a draft of a drawing to post tonight then saw this ask #AND I LEGIT SPENT 3 HPURS JUST WRITING AND PROOF READING AND STUFF PFPFP #call my otp toxic and youre dead ya hear #hope my answer helped you!#ill post the drawing tomorrow this is more important

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albino-whumpee · 3 years

Text

First mistake

In which we learn Albus can´t see anything.

Taglist: @castielamigos-whump-side-blog @giggly-evil-puppy @cowboysrappin @haro-whumps @burtlederp @neuro-whump @comfortforthepain @whumps-the-word @whole-and-apart-and-between @broken-horn @ashintheairlikesnow @rosesareviolentlyread @starnight-whump @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @as-a-matter-of-whump @whumpasaurus101 @grizzlie70 @twistedcaretaker

CW// Pet whump, dehumanization, defiant whumpee, migraines, whumpee as caretaker. Pretty mild one.

Days later, Albus was having a headache.

It was getting harder to read the reports or even his own notes, and his eyes weren´t taking lightly the increasing strain.

“Are you taking anything for that?” Sasha asked with cards and papers scattered around their table on the cafeteria.

Albus grunted “I can´t take medicine” he said squinting harder at his excel document. Re-reading it for the tenth time.

“You allergic?” Tony asked scratching his head before showing the boy the piece he was working on “Hey, what do you think of this?” Albus sighed, giving up on trying to understand.

“I don´t need them” The boy took a look at the man´s tablet and was marveled as always. But the colors made him stare away. Too vibrant for him “It´s good” he said closing his eyes for a second.

“Dude are you sure about that?” Sasha asked stopping the sound of rushed typing.

“I have gone through worse without them. I´m fine” he growled annoyed at her insistence “Why does this have last week´s numbers?” he showed her his tablet. She took a look and then directed an even more worried look at him.

“Because it´s last week report, Albus. I sent you the new version an hour ago” she explained making him look at her and then at the tablet.

“No, it´s version 8 right? It´s this one, look” he said feeling a tug on his chest when she shook her head and Tony stretched his neck.

“Ah, no it says right there it´s version 6″ the man said as Sasha pointed with her finger the number 6 at the top. Now more visible at the distance. “See?” the boy sighed before covering his face with his hand.

“Good thing you haven´t sent it to Zarai” Sasha tried to comfort him, but when he didn´t say anything both stared at him. “You didn´t…”

“No, not yet” he said making both sigh in relief. “I have two hours left at least” he said opening the mail app and downloading the correct document. Using index and middle to expand the screen and verify the file´s name.

Sasha looked at Tony and then back at the boy “No, it´s due in half”

“What?” The boy jumped and rushed to check on his notes. His breath growing quicker until he read the actual note and his heart skipped a beat. His eye trembled, before he let himself fall on the table covering his head in a quiet attempt to soothe himself from the anxiety.

He had had trouble reading back at the facility. They had partially erased that part of him before, only to reinstall it later as “costume training” as the handlers liked to call it. It had taken more than just a few hits on his right hand and on his thighs to learn to read and write again without passing out. Despite the white pain he had felt at the beginning, he had gotten used to the small burn at the back of his eyes.

His sight was blurry and even now making up letters up close was difficult sometimes. But he thought it would be fine as long as he squinted enough. He was slow because he always expanded the screen to read…

Was it really something so small, reason enough to get him fired? He shivered and hugged himself harder as he realized that it was enough. Ma´am had a long history of firing slow workers and he couldn´t let that happen.

He trembled at the thought of being returned to the white walls, with its freezing tiles and the muffled sounds of people screaming. The electricity ran through his limbs like a ghost´s caress.

Tony looked at Sasha and reached to tap on his shoulder. Only making him jump away “Hey, hey! It´s ok, Albus, hey, don´t worry man, let me help you with that” the words made Albus teary eyes look up at him at the exact moment Tony gave him his glasses.

The boy blinked a few seconds trying to accustom to the clear view. If just a bit blurry but definitely an improvement.

“Ah, just like I thought. Look here” he pointed to his tablet and he followed his finger to see the document with literal new eyes. “You can read them better right?” Albus nodded.

“Hah, welcome to the four eyes club” Sasha giggled as she went back to work “So you were cranky because your eyes hurt huh? You don´t need to go through pain if I can help it you know. I´ve got ibuprofen in my bag all the time”

“I´ve heard its normal for albinos to have poor sight, didn´t you use glasses before? Your eyes have that little...hm, tremble, you know?” Tony asked him, but he put the act as if he was too busy fixing the document to avoid answering. He didn´t know anyways and time was running out too fast for him to worry about the blinding pain from trying to summon memories kept under the fog.

“Thank you Tony, you´re a life saver” he said so meaning it more than the man could know “I´ll do anything to pay back the favor…just…need to finish this…” he wasn´t lying, but for his luck, he took it as a joke and allowed himself to focus in making his fingers fly on the screen. After Tony simply nodded and waited a few minutes, the man chuckled at the concentration face he put.

“You´re sticking your tongue out” he giggled taking a photo, just before he stood up to sprint to the printer down the hall.

“You´re done?!” Sasha and him yelled, jaw hanging open.

He took the paper and read it on his way back to the table “It took me an hour because I couldn´t see the numbers but now?” he smiled shaking the papers in his hands. “Thanks Tony! I´ll give them back later!” the albino shouted, trotting to his owner´s office.

“Good luck!” he managed to hear before he entered the elevator.

He recomposed as he entered the office. Only to find Zarai crying.

She quickly turned around to face the window wiping the tears off.

“M-Ma´am?” he asked, stepping inside and closing the door. “Are you…?”

“Where´s my report, Albus? You´re two minutes late” she cut him out with a husky voice. Albus shifted the papers on his hands.

“I´m sorry, ma´am”

“Knock on the door next time” her voice shifted to that of anger. The boy stared at the documents for a second, before laying them on her desk.

“I´m sorry, ma´am. I´ll do better next time” he replied in a low voice. He stood there twisting his fingers anxiously, until she turned to face him. Her face looked older, showing some signs of fatigue that didn´t have anything to do with work.

“It´s not like you have a choice right?” she said taking the papers and quickly passed them over to let her prodigious memory work as Albus kept his head down in submission. She put the document down and stared at him. “Are those Tony´s glasses?” Albus hadn´t noticed until now that he still had them on. It was comfortable seeing clearly, but he quickly put them on his pockets. “Why do you have them?”

“I, uh…” he stuttered thinking how to string the words together “He lent them to me”

One eyebrow shot up, “I can see that. Since when do you need glasses?” she asked with her brows in a knot. Albus swallowed, fearing he might have become an inconvenience. Undesirable. But he couldn´t ignore her.

“I´m not sure ma´am…” He managed to say.

“They didn´t say anything about bad vision… its recent then?” she mumbled to herself “Do you see well on those?” the question left him frozen.

“…yes, ma´am” he answered after a second. She nodded absent mindedly before standing up.

“Well, check where there´s an optic store and we will go after work. You have to give Tony back his glasses before he stamps himself against a wall” Albus stayed still as he realized she had joked with him. She gave him a look “Yes, I can try be funny sometimes too. I´m not made of ice” she wiggled her hands in a Duh- gesture. “You´ll have to pay for them yourself though. You can do that now” She proceeded to walk out the office for her evening smoke. “Thank you ma´am” he managed to say before she made a gesture as if to close the door but regretted at the last second. “Yes, ma´am?”

“Do you need a pill for that?” she asked leaning on the door frame.

“No, ma´am. I´m fine” he lied, putting a smile the woman didn´t fell for.

“I have ibuprofen on my purse. Take one, please” she ordered him before turning on her heels and closing the door.

The boy let out a sigh.

She was so hard to read.

—-

He stayed there for a while, searching for a place like she had ordered him to. But couldn´t stop thinking about her.

How he had found her crying.

It was true he had seen her gloomy and contemplative lately. More than usual. Definitely more emotional than normal. Hugging Momo and staring at the garden for a long time until she stood up and left to her room.

He wondered if it didn´t have anything to do with that weekend´s trip with Claude and Mister Robert. What was it? Why was she in so much pain?

Albus glanced at the photo on her desk. The one with the kids and Sann´s clone. He already had a hunch about what could it be, but… it wasn´t his place to ask and if she didn´t tell him, it wasn´t information he needed to know.

Browsing the internet the sudden realization he would be seeing Sann for the weekend popped on his head and made him blush. He looked at his hands and tried remembering the lady from the sign language video.

“My…” He pointed with his index at his chest and then pulled up both hands in front. Forming “H” with both hands and then ticking one above the other. “Name is…” then he formed each letter. Stumbling a bit between U and S. Sighing at the way he still needed practice to teach it to Sann.

He was breaking one of the most endorsed rule of the facility by thinking about him.

“Don´t get attached to the others”

But he wasn´t there anymore.

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drariellevalentine · 3 years

Text

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 11:- Beloved Birthdays

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Ethan Ramsey, Mark Raines, Liam Mercado, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Landry Olsen, Jackie Varma, Bryce Lahela, Rafael Aveiro, Kyra Santana, Danny Cardinal, Phoebe Reznik

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

Warnings:- Alcohol, Swearing

Arielle’s PoV:-

You wake up around 3:30, not being able to sleep. After tossing and turning in your bed with no avail, you step into your bathroom and decide to start your morning routine. After brushing your teeth and a series of skincare steps, you slip on your robe and head out to your balcony.

Sliding the glass door shut, to make sure no one wakes up, you step outside and lean against the railing. The cool breeze makes you shiver as your med school memories come rushing inside your mind, against your will. You forcefully shut your eyes, trying to make it stop, but it doesn’t...everything comes crashing down. You remember everything...from the moment you met him, to the platonic hang-outs which evolved into romantic dates, the sweet Valentine’s Day activities you would do every year, meeting each other’s families and the day when he said ‘I Love You’ and you said it back….and finally the moment when your heart was ripped apart. You sink to your knees, head between your knees, and let everything out. All the emotions swirling inside of you finally pour out of you as tears, completely soaking the front of the robe. It’s been about 10 minutes when you hear, “Arielle?” Looking up, you see Elijah right outside the threshold. You quickly wipe your tears and quickly stand up.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. An eyelash fell into my eye.”

He looks at you. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.”

You sigh. “It’s a long story.”

“Okay then, short version.”, he says.

“I was in a six-year relationship during med school and it came crashing down a few months before residency. So, he ended up cheating on me...with my best friend.”

He gives you a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry Arielle.” He wheels his chair towards you as you slump back into your plush armchair.

“I’m fine. I’ve dealt with it. It just came back to me, reopened some old wounds.”, you say tears well up once again. He wordlessly envelops you in a hug, letting you sit there for some time. “Thanks, Elijah. You’re an amazing friend.” He’s about to reply when a yawn cuts him off.

“Looks like I’m a little sleepy.”, he smiles sheepishly.

“I completely forgot it’s so early. How did you even hear me?”, you ask.

“I heard sobbing from the side of my bed. It’s right next to your balcony remember?”

“Oh yeah. You should get some sleep.” He slowly wheels away but turns around, “Will you be okay?” You nod. He exits the room as you walk into your bathroom and decide to make yourself a nice hot bubble bath. Turning the hot water tap, you survey your bubble bath mixtures until deciding on a jasmine and coconut scented one. Pouring a generous amount in, you slip off your clothes and sink into the tub and let yourself relax.

After a long soak, you dry yourself off and go to the kitchen to get something to eat.

“Hey.” Startled, you look up to find Landry at the front door.

“You’re up this early?”, you ask.

“Yeah, I always leave this early. Even Dr. Ramsey gets in this early. I mean, he’s the example you want to follow right?”

“Yes, but it doesn’t mean that you have to follow his schedule.”, you reply teasingly.

“So are you coming or not? It definitely will help you in the competition, it gives you time to study your charts.”

“Alright. Just give me a sec.” You head into your room and pull on a pair of scrubs. You quickly pull your hair into a high ponytail and grab your backpack as you head out the door with Landry.

“We’ll take my car.” You slide into Landry’s car and drive to Edenbrook. You both grab your stuff and after dropping off your stuff, you both head out to the near-empty atrium. “Hey, want to see if Dr. Ramsey posted the new rankings earlier?”, he asks.

“That’s today?”, you ask.

“Yeah. You don’t remember?!”, he asks.

“Well, my mind slipped. I’m focused on my patients. Let’s go see.” Both of you walk towards the notice board and Landry slowly reads the list from the top. His face falls as he notices his rank.

“What!? How did I slip to eighth?”

“Well...did you make any mistakes recently?”, you ask.

“Well, I almost misdiagnosed a case the other day.” You look at him ridiculously.

“It wasn’t my fault! I didn’t know that she had changed her daily routine!”, he defends.

“Didn’t you talk to the patient?”, you ask.

“Why should I? We’re supposed to figure out what’s wrong with them, not listen to all their life stories.”, he shrugs.

“Learning about the patients and their stories is the best part! Anyways, it’s part of the job.”, you answer.

He nods. “Ok, I have to go.” He heads towards the nurses’ station. You notice your ranking, right above Landry’s. A small beam of pride washes over you. Taking advantage of the very empty atrium, you decide to visit Naveen when you notice Dr. Emery coming your way. Crap!

“Good morning, Chief Emery.”

“Good morning, Dr. Valentine.”, she nods in response. Quickly, you head back to the nurses’ station and go to pick up your charts when you hear someone call you.

“Valentine.” You turn around and see Zaid.

“Yes?…”

"Valentine, new admission in room 712. Dr.Ramsey wants you to handle it," Zaid states.

"Dr. Ramsey… asked for me?" You ask shocked.

"By name," Zaid says in a plain voice.

"Really? Why?" By now you can't help your smile.

"Gee, I dunno Valentine. I didn't ask. Maybe I should be more like you and badger my superiors with incessant questions," Zaid returns your smile sarcastically making you drop yours.

"Fineee," you raise your hand in mock surrender. "I'll go and attend the patient."

You make your way to the seventh floor. Entering the room with a smile on your face, you find a man in his late 50's laying on the bed.

"Good morning Mr.Platt. What can I do for you today?" You say nicely with a bright smile on your face.

"You can start by-" before the man can complete his sentence, he burps loudly scaring you with the sudden action. You compose yourself quickly. "turning down the A/C in this godawful hospital! I'm not a polar bear. And then you can send my doctor." He says rudely which annoys you but don't say anything rather play nice. "Enough nurses. Show me some-" he burps again -"respect."

"Mr.Platt I am your doctor-" he interrupts you." Like hell-" he burps loudly again," Like hell you are."

By this time your anger rises at this man's audacity. "Excuse me?" Your voice comes out louder and angrier than you expected.

"You look like a little teenager. You don't even look qualified to wipe my ass. Go and call an actual doctor."

“Oh, that’s it! How dare he question your qualification!” You’re about to rip him off when you remember he’s your patient. Taking a few deep breaths, you grit your teeth and calm yourself.

"I'm highly qualified. Mr.Platt, I assure you that I am older than I look," you decide to play the nice card one last time, "I graduated top of my class from-"

"Anyone can be certified for anything now-" he burps- "thanks to the internet."

“Oh my god!!!”, you think. “ Luckily Edenbrook has an extremely rigorous standard for its staff. I'm one of the best doctors of my year, nationwide. You are in good hands."

"Hrm. We'll see about that," he says, his voice filled with arrogance.

"Now why don't you tell me what brings you here today," you pick up his chart ignoring the wish to tear him apart. "Your chart says you have been experiencing chest pain."

"That's what I have been saying-" he burps again, "My chest hurts."

“When on Earth did he say that? All along he was just trying to question my qualification!”, you inwardly scoff.

"Okay. Anything else out of the ordinary?"

"Tingling in my arms like pins and needles." His expression turns into a horrified one when he says the next lines. "I read online that it means I'm having a heart attack."

"Well, that certainly can be a symptom. Have you been experiencing something else? Any jaw pain or maybe lightheadedness?"

"My damned hair has been falling out. Clumps of it in the pillow every morning when I wake up."

"Interesting," you note the point down "Definitely not a symptom of heart-" but you are again being cut off by him.

"But that's what-" he burps loudly for the hundredth time now, "-the internet said."

"The internet can be misleading, sir. Still, we'll send you down for an E.C.G to rule out the heart attack. But first I'll-"

"What the hell is an A.B.C.? You're making up this garbage as you go. Send me a real doctor now." You pinch the bridge of your nose as you make your way to the ER to get a head start on your shift before lunch.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You’re just finishing up your shift in the ER when a scent of coconut and some kind of flower wafts through the air. Turning around, you find none other than Dr. Valentine. You can tell she’s livid but trying to be calm.

“Dr. Valentine. How is Mr. Platt’s case going?” She weighs her options on what to say.

“He’s…quite difficult. But nothing I can’t handle.” You allow yourself a small smile regarding her response. “Dr. Ramsey, I have a question.” You nod. “Is there perhaps a certain reason you assigned me this case?” You were wondering when she was going to ask.

“There is.”

“Why?”, she asks clearly eager to know.

“Figure it out.”, you say swiftly leaving the ER. You can hear a groan escape her lips as you leave.

Arielle’s PoV:-

“What the hell does he mean, ‘Figure it out’?! Ugh!...”

“Dr. Valentine. There are no patients right now here. You can go.” You turn to see Sarah gesture to the empty beds.

“Well at least people aren’t sick.”, you think as you head back to the nurses’ station.

After rounds, you grab a light salad and a strawberry smoothie and spot some of your friends at a table.”Hey guys! What’s up?”

“What’s up is that’s it’s Jackie’s birthday today, but she thinks nobody knows.”, Elijah says.

“Wait what!? Why didn’t anybody tell me?!”, you ask.

“Well that’s why we’re telling you now!”, a voice says from behind. You turn around to find Bryce flashing you his signature smirk. You roll your eyes.

“So...what are we going to do?!”, you ask.

“How do you guys know?”, you ask.

“I saw a text from one of her friends.”, Sienna says.

“So, I and Bryce came up with this plan….”, Elijah explains the plan (with Bryce chiming in with (‘This was my idea!’) every once in a while as you chow down on lunch.

“Sounds awesome! Everyone on board?!”, Si asks. Everyone nods.

“I can snag us a reservation downtown.”, you offer.

“Those places have to be reserved months in advance!”, Sienna says.

You smirk, “I have friends in high places.”

“Of course you do.”, Bryce says. Just then your pager beeps.

“Time for my ER shift.”, you dispose of your tray and head to the ER after trading your pumps for a pair of sandals.

“Dr. Valentine!” You twirl around and see Danny waving.

“Hey, Danny.”

“Here’s the test results you asked for.”

“Thanks! By the way, we’re planning a surprise birthday party for Jackie today. You should come, Sienna would want you to.”

“...okay. I’ll try. And I won’t say a word to Jackie.”, he responds.

“I’ll send you the address later.” Thanking him, you look through the results for some clue...but find nothing.

You groan as you enter the ER. “Why did Dr. Ramsey even assign me this case?!”

“Having a bad day?” You turn around to find Rafael standing at the door of the E.R.

He gives you a sympathetic smile, "You sound like you could use someone to vent to. And not to toot my own horn," he smiles," but I have been told that I am a great listener."

"I don't doubt it," you smile back.

He pauses for a moment then adds, " Want to grab dinner after work today."

"I would have loved to, but I have got plans with some other interns tonight," you reply feeling guilty for denying such a sweet offer. However, you smile brightly as an idea strikes your mind, "Rafael, why don't you join us for dinner tonight?" You ask excitedly.

"Me and a bunch of hotshot doctors? I'm not sure that's my scene," he nods his head still smiling.

"C'mon! It's Jackie's birthday, so we are throwing her a surprise party. It would be fun," you say hoping he'd agree, " Also you could meet my friends. They are awesome."

He laughs at your excitement, "I am sure I have met them a couple of times. I bring a lot of emergency patients."

"Meeting them in the emergency ward don't count, Raf." You playfully roll your eyes. "They are a great group of people, they'll love you. And so will you..." Making a puppy face you request him in the cutest way possible," Please!"

Rafael bites his lips thinking and then shakes his head smiling.

"You can be very persuasive, you know?"

You grin at the comment. "So does that mean that you'll join us?"

He nods before laughing at your childish excitement. Your pager beeps.

“Incoming patient.” The pager should be known as the universal interrupter for doctors! I swear it just loves to interrupt people!”, you exclaim as you wave back to him.

“Well, It also does make sure that none of your patients are dead.”, he calls out. You laugh as you head to the emergency bay.

After your shift in the ER, you quickly update Dr. Tanaka on the scheduled surgeries and head to the 5th floor to find Ines.

“Ines! I need a favor.”

“Of course! What can I do for my favorite intern?”

“You probably shouldn’t say that out loud,...but I don’t mind.”, you reply with a cheeky smile. “I need you to keep Jackie busy with patients until I text you a heart.” She gives you a look. “Today’s her birthday and we want to surprise her.”, you explain.

Her face brightens, “Of course! I’ll make sure she doesn’t suspect anything.”

“Thank you!” You throw your arms around her for a quick minute and head off to the parking lot after grabbing your stuff. After a quick drive, you enter your apartment to see everyone except Jackie getting dressed.

Bryce notices you and walks towards you. “So, have you made the reservation yet?”

“Just about to call.” You head inside your room and scroll through your contact list until you find Mark, hitting dial. He picks up almost immediately.

“If it isn’t my favorite doctor cousin.”

“I’m your only cousin who’s a doctor.”, you laugh.

“So, how’s residency going? The last time we talked, you told me you were in a competition.”

“It’s...a learning experience. How’s Blair?”

“She’s amazing. She’s at the firm right now with Adrian.”

“Awesome. So, I need a favor from my favorite chef.”, you say.

“Ask away.”

“So, it’s a friend’s birthday and a need to make a reservation somewhere downtown. I would have made one before but I only got to know today. Do you know any restaurants in Boston that can squeeze a group of around...uh…10 people? Please?!”

“I’ll need more than that. Tell me what kind of place.”

“Hmm...let’s see. She would appreciate some a bit fancy but something where everyone can still be themselves and enjoy the night. The place would be nice if it was private, secluded. Definitely with like an open bar or something like that.”

He doesn’t respond. “Mark? Are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Sorry if it’s too much to ask. I’ll find something.”

“Woah, wait a sec Cherry! I was just thinking.”, he responds.

“Yeah, I know. It’s a lot to ask.”

”Luckily, I know just the place.”

“Thank you, Mark. So much.”

His voice softens, “Who else would I do this for? I’ll text you the address and any other details you need to know.”

“Ok bye!”

“Love you too Cherry!” He sarcastically says after he ends the call. You come out of your room to find everyone dressed and ready.

“Ahh! You guys all look amazing!”, you exclaim.

“And so will you, once you get ready.”, Sienna exclaims as she pushes you back into your room. “Okay, let’s see what you have.” She rifles through the evening wear section of your closet and pulls out a black lace dress. “This is perfect! Now get dressed while I pick out some accessories to match.”, she says as she goes through your jewelry drawer. You step into your closet and pulling on the dress, you pair it with a pair of gold stilettos.

“Are you done yet?!”

“Geez Sienna! Just a minute.” You walk out of your closet to find Sienna holding a pair of gold hoops and a gold wristwatch. Taking the earrings and clasping them on, you slide onto the stool and touch up your morning makeup. Sienna pulls out a baby pink liquid lipstick and applies a coat to your lips.

“All done!”

“Thanks for your help!”, you reply as you pull a matching gold crossbody purse and fill it with all your things. “Hey, I meant to ask. Is Wayne coming?”

Her face falls, “No, he said he’s busy.” You look at her, knowing she’s hiding something. “...I told him that I need a break.”

“Oh Sienna, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know...he’s changed Ari. It’s like he doesn’t even care about me or what I do. You saw how he acted at the housewarming party.”

“I think you should talk to him. And if things don’t work out…”, you give her a pointed look. “Look Sienna, I get it. But you deserve better.” She nods as she takes your phone from you. “What are you doing?”

“You’re an influencer! And you need to post about how amazing you look right now! Now, pose like this…right by your armchair.” She snaps a pic and posts it on Insta for you.

“I think we look amazing, don’t you?”, you ask as you turn to her.

“Nope…I know we look amazing!” You both giggle.

After one final look in the mirror, you and Sienna head outside and join your friends. “Okay, I’ve told Ines to keep Jackie busy so…she’s probably at the hospital. I’ll tell Ines to let her go so she’ll have just enough time to get ready as I text her.” Everyone nods in agreement as you pull out your phone and text Ines.

“Okay, Jackie’s on her way home. Now I’ll text her.”

You show everyone the series of texts. “Mission Birthday Surprise is a go!”

“Awesome! This is going to be amazing! Arielle, where’s the reservation?”, Sienna asks. You’re about to reply when Mark calls.

“Just on time.”You slip on a Bluetooth and answer.

“Hey, Mark. We’re all in the living room right now. Did you get a reservation?”, you ask.

“Let‘s just say I pulled a few strings. I’ll send you the address. We’ve already been here before but at a different part of the restaurant. I booked you guys a rooftop, so you guys should have privacy and instructed a few other things. The head chef will greet you there, and he’ll explain everything.”

“That’s amazing! Thank you so much!”

“Anything for you.”, you laugh.

“Okay, talk to you later.”

“Have a nice time. Love you.”

“Love you too.” You cut the call and turn to everyone to break the good news when everyone stares at you. “What?!”, you ask.

“You never told us you had a boyfriend!”, Elijah says. You stare at them in confusion until it hits you. You burst out in laughter as everyone stares at you.

“Oh my god guys, he’s my cousin! I’m currently single as a pringle. Now, seeing that you guys heard everything Mark said, let’s go!”

Everyone cheers as they all pile up in your car.

“I call shotgun!”, Bryce yells as he slides in the front seat. “Kyra, Phoebe, Danny, and Raf said that they’ll meet us there.”

“Awesome! I’ll send them the address.” After a quick text to all four, you start to drive.

Blasting and singing to music all the way, you reach the place in 20 minutes.

“You have reached your destination.” Everyone cheers.

“Come on! All of you out!” All of you grab your things and walk up to the swanky restaurant. You enter the restaurant and walk up to the person.

“Ah! You must be the group Chef Raines has personally reserved. Please, follow me.” He leads you up an elevator to reveal a beautifully decorated rooftop with tables set up and an open bar.

“Damn! This is nice! Way to go, Arielle!”, Elijah says. You turn around as you hear someone call your name.

“Well if it isn’t the one and only Arielle Valentine! Or should I say, Dr. Valentine?”

“Liam! What are you doing here?”, you shout as you hug him.

“I’m now head chef of this restaurant.”

“That’s amazing!” You turn to everyone. “Guys, meet Liam Mercado, an amazing chef, and my childhood bestie.” As you introduce everyone to each other, you notice Phoebe, Raf, Kyra, and Danny coming out from the elevator. “Elijah, Sienna! Look who’s here!” The four of them start talking as they constantly blush, leaving you to giggle.

“Arielle!” You walk towards Liam. “So I’ve done a birthday cake and everything and food prep will be done in about an hour. So, it’ll be perfect for you to surprise your friend and play some games right before dinner. Just tell me once you guys are ready for dinner and we’ll bring everything out.”

“Thank you, we have to catch up sometime. The last time I saw you, I was still in med school.”

He nods, “And the last time I saw you, I wasn’t engaged either.”

“What!? Why didn’t you tell me!?”

“Because in a few weeks, I was going to invite you to Lara’s baby shower.”

“Oh my god! Congratulations! If you keep dropping bombs on me like this, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”, you shriek.

“Trust me, I wasn’t planning to tell you like this either. But I’m really excited.”, he says with a fond smile.

“You’re going to be an amazing dad.” He smiles as his phone rings.

“Excuse me, but I have to take this. It’s Mark. Probably to see if I’ve met the expectations of his favorite sister.”, he sarcastically replies. Laughing, you walk back towards the group when you hear Sienna shout. “Oh my god! We forgot about presents!” Shit! You completely forgot about presents. Quickly calling everyone over, all of you decide that you and Kyra will go and get the presents with the money everyone pitches in. “Let’s go!”, you quickly drive to the nearest mall with Kyra.

“Do you have any idea about what we should get? We don’t have much time either!”

“I know Kyra. I think we’ll buy multiple small items and make them into like a huge gift basket.”

“Awesome idea! That should work.” You both quickly rush to the mall’s directory and skim the list of stores. “Hey Ari, there’s a Sephora on the ground floor. We should start there.” You nod and head to Sephora.

“Okay, we’ll split up and just pick out a few of our favorite products. Then we’ll meet up and decide what to keep.” You quickly scan all the aisles, picking out products as you go. Knowing that every female doctor’s biggest struggle is dark circles, you pick out a tube of concealer, primer, and light-weight foundation from your favorite brand as you try to match her skin tone. Then you pick out a few different types of eyeliner and mascara, knowing that pretty much no one can spot Jackie without her signature cat-eye.

“Ari!” You spot Kyra holding a bag of her own. You go over and put all your products together. She’s picked out a perfectly sized eyeshadow palette and a few different liquid lipstick and glosses.”This is perfect! We’ll go buy a basket and some ribbons later on.” After finishing the purchase at Sephora in a record time of 12 minutes, you rush out of the store.

“Ooh! What about some products from Lush?! She loved the spa day!”, you say.

“Great idea!” After browsing around Lush, you both come up with the idea to make the color of the products themed. Kyra picks out a few soaps and bath bombs as you decide to go to Bath & Body Works. Ending up with a bottle of hairspray, perfume, and a few candles, you meet Kyra back at the second-floor lounge.

“You’re back! I found this amazing scarlet pink basket that matched our theme! Then I bought some tissue paper and ribbons and a bunch of extra stuff!”

“Amazing! I also stopped by the card shop and found this savage birthday card. We’ll get everyone to sign it. Let’s get to work!” After a tedious discussion of placement, you and Kyra manage to arrange everything in the basket neatly. She wraps the basket in a clear wrapper and ties it up with a matching ribbon and bow.

“I think we make a great team.”, you say.

“We do, don’t we!” Both of you quickly drive back to the restaurant and rush up to the rooftop. You step out of the elevator to find the place fully decorated by your friends.

“They’re back!”, Bryce shouts. “And come bearing a huge gift basket!” You and Kyra explain to everyone about the gift, then pass the card around for everyone to sign. After you sign, Si helps you tie the card with the gift basket.

“I think we’re all set.”, Landry says.

“Yeah, this was some great work! I can’t believe you guys came up with this today!”, says Phoebe.

“That’s cause it was a team effort.”, Elijah says.

“And one which will be wasted if the birthday queen isn’t here. Where is she?”, Bryce asks.

“She’ll be here in 20, Bryce. Meanwhile, we need to set up the gifts and set up the tables.

You help your friends set up the tables and gifts that you bought, with the restaurant’s staff’s help. After a while, your phone rings. You shout, “Guys, be quiet! It’s Jackie!”

You answer the call. “Hey, Jackie! Are you here yet?”

“Yeah, I just parked. What do I do now?”, she asks.

“Tell the receptionist that you’re here for the dinner that the Raines’ reserved. We’re up on the rooftop. Bye!” You shove your phone in your purse and shout, “Okay guys! The moment we’ve been all waiting for! Places everyone! I’ll switch off the lights. Once I switch on the lights, everyone yells! Understood?! Everyone nods as they take their places. You kill the lights, and a few minutes later Jackie enters from the elevator. “Arielle? Sienna? Elijah? Guys, I swear if this is some kind of prank-“ You stifle your laughter as you switch on the lights.

“Surprise!!!!” Everyone runs up and hugs her as she stands there like a deer in headlights. Bryce takes a picture of her wide-eyed face.

“Happy birthday Jackie!” You exclaim as you trap her in a hug. “You look amazing!”

“Let me guess, this was all you?”, she responds with a knowing smirk.

“Noooooo!... It was all Bryce!”, you sarcastically say.

“Hey! Offense taken!”, Bryce shouts as both of you laugh.

“You guys did all this for me?”

“I don’t know, do you know anyone else named Jackie?”, Kyra teases. All of you laugh.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?! Let’s get this party started!”, you yell.

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

Authors’ Note:- Hey lovelies! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and make sure to comment/reblog below! Also, make sure to turn on your notifications for the next chapter, where the gang gets involved in....let’s just say a quite adventurous dare. Let us know if you want to be added to the taglist!

And a special thank you to @nikki-2406, this a-ma-zing human being saved my ass from editing pics! Love you girl!🥰

Part 1 of taglist:- @kaavyaethanramsey @rookie-ramsey @ohramsey @caseyvalentineramsey @hopelessromantics4life @realmrsramsey @binny1985 @maurine07 @alina-yol-ramsey @helloitsthiv @tsrookie @arcticlumineer @mary-c92 @sad-satan-herself @whippedforethanfreakingramsey @archxxronrookie @ethansrookie02 @semanticsandsea-lemons @mrandmrsramsey @starrystarrytrouble @deepikakkannan @siaramsey @katkart122 @openheartthot @imonlybibecauseofethanramsey @luvevelynclaire @literaryexpress @miss-smrxtiee @nadeen-ahmed11 @mrsalanrickman394 @drstellavalentine @ethandaddyramseyx @annekebbphotography @custaroonie @ladyrileybrooks @robbies-sutcliffe @cralinedp @bladesofopenheart @ezekielbhandarivalleros @daddyethanramsey @aquirkychica @romewritingshop @lilyvalentine @xpandabeardontcarex @in-love-with-a-trans-girl @coastalengineer @starrystarrytrouble @clowneryme @natureblooms24

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bumbershots · 3 years

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Mistletoe & Wine

A/N: Hello this is my collaboration for @goldenbluesuit very well put together Christmas song fic challenge. It’s my first time participating and my first time posting my writing here as well (I’m sort of new, I have no friends) so, I’m kind of nervous and English is not my first language (sorry for any mistakes) thanks to my boyfriend for being a Brit so he could help me with the “slang” and for reading this about fifteen times and listened to Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard throughout the entire week with me lol. Thanks for taking the time to read this :) If you want to befriend a twenty six year old Aries, or just send me an ask click here.

Word count: 2.8k

Summary: Harry meets a woman that is not here to stay, he will need to decide if that will keep him from making the most of the very few days they have together or dread the imminent separation.

It was raining when her flight landed in London. The kind of rain that doesn't pour heavily, instead it settles over the city for days. And although she can't afford to take a cab, she steps out of the airport just to stare at the endless grey of the sky and wrap herself in her coat because of how cold it was. After a few more minutes she goes back inside to find the way to get out of there on the tube, she knew it to be possible after all the research she's been doing since the age of twelve on the internet.

Soon enough, the man she approached to ask for help, confirms that a train is leaving in a few minutes and she can easily get off at Hammersmith, he even helps her buy the ticket and recommends to get an oyster card if she is going to use London's Underground often. But she doesn't know, she relishes in the element of surprise that is surrounding her life for the next 3 weeks. It excites her to an unfamiliar degree to see people come and go into the carriage, it almost makes her miss her stop, but she manages to get off just in time, her hands clutching the heavy suitcase that contains all her nicest and warmest clothes. She follows the crowd up the stairs and out of the station, the busy street revealed before her is straight out of those books she restlessly studied at school, people wearing trench coats and long scarfs hurry in hopes to avoid the rain and then a red double-decker bus passes by. The cherry on top.

The spontaneous decision to spend Christmas in England instead of her home country was made months ago, on the night of her birthday, although her closest friends would say that she's been dreaming of it since she read Harry Potter. No one gave her a hard time for it, in fact, almost all her friends and family members went to the airport to wish her a safe trip. Her grandmother was cheeky enough to slip a twenty pound note when hugging her goodbye.

Every day of the first week went by in a blur, visiting museums, galleries and walking around the city, getting soaked in its beauty and the endless rain. By the beginning of the second week, a bit tired of the scarce options from the hotel's breakfast, she ventured out, burying half of her face in the scarf she bought the day before at Primark, her feet guiding her almost out of instinct to the little cafe at the end of Hercules road. The place is warm and the menu seems to have it all for a very fair price. After a couple of minutes the Full English wins, she iterates the order to the woman behind the counter and adds a cup of tea handing over the money.

"Get a seat love, I'll bring it over." The elder lady says making the girl smile and thank her before scampering across the room to sit by the window at the four seat table tucked in the corner.

It doesn't take long for her food to arrive and for her to dig in, feeling kind of full almost at the end, she slows down then, a trick her father passed down on her. Let it settle in for a few minutes before going back at it. Works every time. She gets lost on the daily life happening before her eyes, the people walking by, some in a rush maybe to get to work, others in a rush to get to the shops early and buy presents. She could easily tell the difference between one and other. The elderly couple walking to the market, slower than anybody else, arms linked and without a care in the world. A girl around her age doing "the walk of shame" elicited a smirk on her lips. Good for her.

"Do you mind if I take a seat?" She almost missed the question by the stranger standing there. "There's no empty seats elsewhere I'm afraid, I won't bother you." He was right, in the span of thirty minutes the place was full to the brim with families, the three seats at her table the only ones free so, she nodded and even managed to smile in a friendly way. Unfortunately for her, the green eyed stranger did the same, a sweet dimple on his left cheek more prominent than on the right one and she had to eat a spoonful of beans in an attempt to hide her blush.

Two weeks in the country, almost two weeks, and the best looking man on it decides to show up on a greasy spoon cafe when she's eating what's left of her sausages and beans. His food is delivered by the same lady from earlier, of course it is something that looks healthy. The sudden need to fly away from the place pops in her head, it's not a bad one, he doesn't even know her name. She wants to know his. She remembers how he said he wouldn't bother her, it's almost disappointing, she wants to be bothered.

The situation seems to be straight out of a rom-com, she is cutting the banger in little pieces, as if the formula to spark conversation with the mystery guy keeping her company is hidden in them. But after five minutes she sighs quietly, knowing that her own shyness won't let her even glance at him again. She will have to do her best to remember him and observe from the corner of her eye until the last piece of minced pork is consumed by her. And maybe she will gush about how gorgeous he was with her friends once she is back home, describing his shiny emerald eyes for them, sharing a sigh when she recalls how dreamy his accent was and squeal upon the memory of his raspy voice.

Ten minutes later her last bite is chewed and swallowed, the cup is empty as well. She's about to grab her coat draped on the back of her chair. "I'm going to have to break my non-disturbing you promise but... um, that's a sick cardigan." His voice doesn't sound confident as before, he even clears his throat, but his eyes never leave hers.

"Thanks, my grandma knitted it for me." She forgets about her coat and straightens out a bit for him to appreciate the colourful patchwork and extends her left arm to show the over-sized sleeve. Her companion hums in approval. "She hates it."

"What?" His green eyes widening in disbelief and she just shrugs.

"As soon as I put it on she went on and on about how horrible it was, the wrong proportions and how it all seemed better off in her mind." They share a giggle and don't notice that their empty plates have been taken away and the place is no longer swamped by people. "But I like it, I like it a lot, does a good job keeping me warm." And makes her look lovely, he thinks but doesn't say.

Instead he licks his lips before speaking again. "I'm Harry." He offers his left hand and she quickly eyes the cross tattoo.

"I'm a tourist." She says before adding her real name, earning a deep chuckle from him before letting go of his hand.

The set of circumstances in which she met Harry is dreamy for sure, but something about him made the set of affairs so real. When he asked about the places where she'd been the scoff afterwards and the roll of his eyes made her ask what was wrong about them. But he didn't answer, with a shake of his head and a deep sigh he asked for her phone number. The promise to show her the real London lingered in the air as they parted ways outside of the corner cafe.

Her heart raced at the very sight of him outside Borough Market the following morning. "Morning love, alright?" he greeted her before hugging her tight and quick. It was so genuine it made her wonder if she really just met him the day before. "Do you like doughnuts?"

"Who doesn't?" she says with that grin he worries will wait for him in his dreams.

"Wisest words ever spoken." Harry's arm is wrapped around her shoulders, guiding her on their quest inside the huge market.

The early morning is spent too soon, Harry guides her to talk to the stall owners, they are so passionate about their produce, most of them willing when possible to give them a sample. The highlight is the stop at Bread Ahead, they buy more doughnuts than what she thinks they need. They eat them all while sharing a Monmouth coffee. Harry shares with her stories about almost every stall they passed by. "I'm not a fan of red meat, and oysters." She keeps record of it, basking in his lovely anecdotes that seemed to summon the sun from it's hiding place. "We're granted a sunny day in winter!" He celebrates and it's impossible not to join him. "Let's go to Richmond Park."

Of course she nods in agreement and follows him down the street where he parked his car before she gets in the passenger seat. The stranger danger alarm, should've gone off in her head. But there was something about him, like he was holding her in place. As she heard Harry speak about his job, it started to make more sense in her head. Harry was a lot like this country, foreign, new, exciting and hers for the next few days. He made that clear when they parted ways at the end of the day.

"Come home with me for Christmas." Harry asked her on what would be the beginning of her last week in London, while having a picnic on Primrose Hill.

"With your family?" Her eyebrows were shot up when he nodded, fighting back that deadly smirk of his. "All your relatives will be there?" He nods again and she scoffs completely agitated. "Don't be daft Harry!" She voices out her feelings borrowing an expression of his.

He laughs and it's impossible for her not to join him, her face growing hotter by the second. "I don't want to go without you, and mum will love to have you there," that's what she fears.

"I don't know Harry, might be weird." He disagrees right away.

"It's close to Liverpool, we could spend a day or two over there." The past week he's been trying to learn as many things from her as possible and if he chooses his words carefully he can convince her. "Pay a visit to Anfield, The Cavern." His fake nonchalant attitude makes her roll her eyes, "Strawberry Fields is there too, you know?" She agrees and he kisses the back of her hand to mask the proud grin on his face.

In the past, she was always careful not to let a partner know how deeply she cared about them. The thought of being vulnerable made her lose her mind, thinking it was a sign of weakness. But seeing Harry drive through the English countryside, singing at the top of his lungs to Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard and smiling just for her. It made her want to tell him, but not even all the words in every single language ever spoken by humanity could be enough to give him an idea of how much she cares for him.

There hasn't been a proper kiss between them, it puzzled her at first. Because his gaze seemed to be constantly directed to her lips. But then there was all the touching, holding hands, tucking her to his side when walking, his tender touch before hugging her goodbye. And the way he was always running his hands through her hair.

"She's a friend," he introduces her to his mum Anne and sister Gemma, after saying her name, chewing on the word like it's that mint gum he carries in his purse everywhere he goes. "Was a bloody tourist when I first met her but now... she's a proper Londoner." She doubts it, but she agrees on them being friends and she likes it, a lot.

They help Anne and Gemma to set the table and the finishing touches for dinner. Only three more family members show up and she chastises Harry for making her believe that all of his offspring was going to attend. That's how they usually spend Christmas Eve back home, she explains.

It saddens him, the thought of her going back to her home country in five days time. All the way across the Atlantic, six hours behind him. It's almost unfair.

"Tell me more about it," Harry's curiosity is genuine, thinking that he would love to know more about her traditions. Perhaps even be lucky enough to share them someday.

"We don't have these," she regrets taking a tube of brightly coloured paper. "We have piñatas though." She adds proudly and Harry's jaw hangs open in surprise.

"No fucking way!" He is immediately told off by his mum as they all take a seat at the table. "I thought that was only allowed for birthdays."

"There's no rules for that!" She takes the Christmas cracker out again and Harry takes it from the other end. "So, I just pull it?" He nods and it makes a noise revealing the present.

"You get the crown." Harry unfolds it before helping her fix it atop her head. "And the little toy, what is it?oh... I get the joke!" His family groans, his sister hiding her face in hands, but all she sees is the glint in Harry's eye before he reads. "Who's Rudolph's favourite pop star?"

"I don't know," she's the only one that was going to ask him. And she really wanted to know.

"Beyon-sleigh!" Harry watches in delight how the girl before him snorts at the silly and not so funny joke.

"That was awful." She confessed.

"Agree, next year we'll make our own. Riddles only." His mum adds and Harry protests right away but is shushed by Gemma's voice reading out loud the riddle from her cracker.

Next year, she will probably be spending the day with her numerous family, she thinks. Harry will be here again, telling awful jokes, pulling away Christmas crackers. Perhaps he will bring another person with him. She tries to push the poisonous thoughts down with a big gulp of wine. Only succeeding when Harry's left hand rests on her knee, his thumb rubbing circles on her skin exposed by her ripped jeans while he listens to his sister talk about her podcast. It marvels her how he is there, for everybody.

After dinner they play family games and Harry makes a fake tantrum after his cousin Chloe claims his companion for her team.

"She's mine!" He argues, his long arms embracing her easily. She ends up joining the other team, but the quick kiss she bravely gave to his neck before he let her go, confirmed the words he spoke.

There is a three step process Harry follows to know he's fallen in love. If he finds himself talking about them with every living soul, if he does something they like just because it makes him miss them less and finally if he takes them home to meet his mum. He knows that for the past few days, there was no other topic to discuss with him than the girl sitting beside him in the sofa. He's been drinking tea every morning, just because it reminds him of her. He watches her talk to his mother about how much they like Rod Stewart and knows that he's in too deep.

It should bother him, because she will leave. And all these moments spent, will be just distant memories for him to torture himself over and over again. He wants to feel the angst of knowing that maybe she will forget him, maybe she has a partner back home. He gives up on trying to feel miserable, agreeing with that song from earlier. It is a time to rejoice in the good that we see, a time for living and believing.

Right now all he sees is her, he sighs before tucking her by his side, her brown doe eyes meeting his briefly before sneaking an arm around his waist. She continues to chat with Anne and Gemma even after the rest of the guests leave, still holding onto him. Harry can see the fondness radiating from his mother and sister for the girl in his arms. He sees trust, and he smiles thinking of a new beginning.

What a beautiful sight.

#harry styles #gbsxmaschallenge #fanfic

43 notes · View notes

pink-bird-30 · 3 years

Text

Becoming My Own Hero-Olicity & Robstar Crossover Fic

Ight. I’m making this the go to place to find alllllllll the links to my story because tumblr has this astounding ability to make my story impossible to find. Even using my own hashtag I have difficulty finding it!

So here we go. The links to all 7 chapters of Becoming My Own Hero:

Full Synopsis:

Oliver Queen Felicity Smoak had a daughter named Star Gabrielle Queen. On the night of her 8th birthday, her life changes forever. She is kidnapped by ARGUS and is recruited by Amanda Waller to protect the earth from Aliens, like Superman. But the genetic mutation she undergoes makes her stronger than they thought. To hide their mistake, they send her to her home planet Tamaran. Years later, the Justice League needs help from the Titans. The Titans head to Star City to assist in taking down a greater enemy, but how will Starfire handle being home after 11 years of being away, and her family believing that she would never come back?

This is a slow moving story. If you can tell by the publish date, I’ve been working on this for 3 years. A lot has happened that I haven’t been able to keep up with this story, but I’m trying to do better.

I hope you guys enjoy this story and my latest chapter!

As always, Happy Reading!

Chapter 7

Trained Pt.2

I can’t believe this is happening

For as long as Robin could remember he’d always had some sort of attraction to Starfire. Don’t get him wrong, its undeniable that she is this beautiful person, but standing there with his arms around her, deepening their ‘first’ kiss was blinding. He hadn’t truly realized how much he cared about her, how much she means to him, how much this could ruin everything.

What if they broke up? Would she still be his friend? Would she leave the Titans and never come back? Would she go home!?

Robin abruptly pulls back, allowing his doubts to control him, and puts Starfire at arm’s length. Starfire gives him a hurt expression and steps away from him, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Richard?”

He opens his mouth to say something, anything, but nothing comes out. He’s standing there like a fish out of water.

Starfire feels her whole world come crashing down.

How could he…I’m so stupid.

Not waiting for the ‘we’re teammates and shouldn’t date’ conversation, she turns her back on him and reaches for the elevator button. Once it reaches the ground floor she walks inside and finally turns to face a grief stricken Robin.

“I do understand why you wear the mask; you’re eyes tell a story the different than the actions. Night, Robin.”

The doors to the elevator closes and she lets her tears fall freely knowing he will never understand how much he hurt her tonight.

Down in the garage, Robin beats himself up for allowing Batman to continue to dictate his life.

“Dammit!” Robin punches the wall of the garage and immediately regrets it. He crumples back in pain, his hand throbbing. He can already feel the bruise spreading across his hand, creating deep shades of purple. But he doesn’t care. He finally had the opportunity to be happy for once in his life and he chose to listen to his hero side while standing there as Richard.

What did I do?

--------------------------

Gotham 1996

“Mr. Wayne,” Bruce looks up from his desk taking note of his PR lady, whose name he can’t seem to remember; Rebecca? Leslie? “The press is ready for you.”

Bruce stands up from his desk, straightens his tie, and checks his hair one last time in his cabinet mirror before leaving his office with…Vickie, Vickie Vale!

“Thank you, Ms. Vale. Lead the way.” He smirks and winks at her, knowing how his charm needs to be on full blast for what he’s about to do. He gestures for her to walk out of his office first and follows behind, adjusting his cufflinks as they make theie way to the conference room.

The large windowed room held Gotham’s top reporters from: Gotham Gazzett, Channel 9, The Gotham Times, and Gotham News Network. The first wave of flashes startled Bruce, it’s been many years since he was exposed to the media, and having all these news stations here today is jarring compared to his secluded life back in Nada Parbat.

“Mr. Wayne, is it true you are the Batman?”

“Mr. Wayne, did cha’ really crash your new Bentley?”

“Mista Wayne, are you single?”

Bruce takes a deep breath, allowing himself to adjust back to his playboy swagger; concealing the person whom only a select few know. He opens his arms wide and smiles dazzlingly to the press, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I understand my disappearance has been hard on everyone in Gotham, especially the single ladies.” He winks at Vickie again, making her blush, and continues, “I know my families influence in Gotham is important. And for that, I am apologetic. But there is reason for my disappearance.

“Since the death of my beloved parents, Martha and Thomas Wayne, I’ve always wanted to discover if I had family elsewhere.” Bruce moves across the room, passing the large wooden table in the center of the room, and leans against the glass windows looking down to the city below. He can clear as day see all the destruction his absence has caused in such a short period of time. The thought sending a deep blow to his gut, knowing he chose to leave, but wished there was someone who could have kept Gotham free from evil.

Bruce looks back to the press, taking note they are waiting for him to continue.

“I went across seas to search for a missing relative on my father’s side. My butler, Alfred Pennyworth, had informed me of a long lost niece.” The crowd of reporter gasping at the new discovery. “I’ve brought her here today for you all to meet her. Her name is Gabrielle Wayne.” On cue, Alfred walks into the room pushing a black stroller and stops in front of Bruce.

“If you’d like to take a photo of my niece, please turn the flash off. It can harm a baby’s eyes. She’s only a few weeks old.”

Gently, Bruce reaches into the stroller to pick up Star and holds her in his arms. The room stills at the sight of the new Wayne child. No one never thought the Wayne bloodline would continue considering Bruce’s relations with women has never lead to a serious relationship.

“Excuse me, Mr. Wayne.” A young brunette woman from the Gotham Gazette pushes herself through the crowd of reporters. “Gloria with Gotham Gazette, what are your plans for taking care of Gabrielle? Will Alfred be her primary caretaker or will you be heiring a nanny?”

Bruce smiles down at Star as she stares back at him, a small giggle escaping her. “Alfred and I will be responsible for her. If I do need additional assistance, it will be taken care of in private. Gabrielle deserves to live a relatively normal life.”

Gloria reaches her tape recorder out further to Bruce, “Follow-up question: How can you raise a child in a dangerous city such as Gotham? With the rise of the Falcone crime family, and unrest in the deep underground of Gotham, how can you guarantee her safety?”

“Excellent question, Gloria.” Bruce shifts Star in his arms, moving her to rest her head against his shoulder. “Given my new status as her guardian, it will be my top priority to protect her at all cost. With that being said, today I will be announcing the charity event I will be hosting for GCPD. We will be holding an auction to raise money for the police department and expanding their crime division to include metahuman training. In our ever changing world, we must be prepared for the impossible.”

“Final question Mr. Wayne. How does it feel knowing Oliver Queen is alive and well?” Bruce’s mind goes blank realizing he’s been gone far longer than Oliver has been back in Star City. He feigns shock, “O-Oliver is alive? Since when?”

“He was discovered on an island in the North China sea about two years ago, Mr. Wayne.” Gloria supplies. “Why are you unaware of the sudden reappearance of your long-time friend, Oliver Queen?”

Alfred clears his voice, the attention of the media shifting from Bruce to Alfred. “Master Wayne did not have access to the news overseas, he spent his time searching for his belove niece.”

Gloria scrunches her eyebrows in confusion and pushes forward, “Sir, it’s 1996. The media is everywhere. I find it hard to believe Mr. Wayne was unaware of Oliver’s reappearance.”

Bruce’s jaw locks in a straight line, “Gloria, please understand. If I weren’t overly set on finding my niece, leading to deep parts of Europe where there was hardly an internet café, I would have been in Star City when he arrived home. Trust me when I say, he’s like a brother to me.”

Gloria raises a brow at his claim, still seeing through the holes of his story.

I’ll find out the truth later…

Star becomes restless in Bruce’s arms. He rocks her gently but it doesn’t seem to be calming her down. He casts a slightly panicked look at Alfred who gestures to her stroller. The media watches as Bruce kisses the top of Star’s head, a few camera shutters going off, and he sets Star back into her stroller. He buckles the small black belt across her chest and between her chubby little legs. Almost instantly she starts to nod off, cooing softly. Bruce smiles down at her and places a light blue knitted blanket over her legs. Alfred steps forward to take her back out of the room.

Bruce turns back to the group of people and they are all silent in awe if this new Bruce Wayne.

“Gloria,” Her attention snapping to him, realizing she was entranced by his care as a new father. “I’m grateful my friend is alive and well; I’ll have to check up on him at some point in the future. Until then, thank you all for coming here today to share in this great day. I look forward to mingling will you all at the GCPD Charity event.” Bruce waves to them as he leaves the room, ignoring the onslaught of questions being hurtled his way as he backs out of the room and heads back down where he once came.

Out in the hallway, Vicki Vale walks ahead of Bruce, her maroon heels clicking against the marble floors. He can feel himself releasing a slow breath. This was a journey he never envisioned for himself. He never thought he’d take on such an important responsibility without much thought. This wasn’t like him. But the second he met Star, he knew he needed to protect her at all costs.

He knew it was time to reach back into the Bruce he shut off a long time ago, the young man who didn’t know his purpose in life. The young man who lost everything he cared for and became a playboy that he knew his parents would be disappointed in. The young man that shut himself off from anyone who cared for him and pushed them away. He needs that innocent, vulnerable part of himself back for this new challenged.

He needed to be Bruce, not Bruce Wayne.

---------------------------------

Titans Tower 2012

Starfire lays in bed tossing and turning all night until the first peak of light start to sneak its way into dawn. Starfire growls at the ball of fire that typically greats her happily each day, but after last night, she wanted to be left alone.

She felt a new wave of tears gather in her eyes thinking about last night’s events. Why had Robin pushed her away? Why did she think it could be easy? Why does this human boy have such a hold on her heart?

“Richard…” she sighs into her pillow, hugging it close to her chest. She wants nothing more than to be with him. The feeling of his arms wrapped tightly around her, making her feel safe. The taste of his lips still ever present even hours later. And his eyes, he trusted her enough to show her who he was. And that’s what hurts the most. Robin was so vulnerable with her but pulled away.

What is wrong with boys…

A subtle knock on her door gains her attention. She scrunches her brows in confusion, knowing no one would be up at this ungodly hour besides her. Starfire always rises with the sun, wanting to take in the first few rays to power her through the day. But today was the opposite, she wanted her room to keep the light out. She wants to be alone and bask in the darkness her curtains can provide her.

The knock comes again more urgently, “Star, we really need to talk. I fucked up bad.”

Starfire stills hearing Robin’s voice ring through her door. Why does he think he can pull a stunt like he did last night and not expect any consequences for his actions? Does he expect Starfire to accept an apology and be happy he finally acted on his feelings for her?

He knocks again.

“Star? Please, open the door.” The desperation in his voice was enough to make her eyes roll. Starfire huffs in frustration and weighs her options. It’s either deal with this now or have the entire team butting in when they are trying to hash it out. That thought alone was enough for Starfire to sit up in bed and make her way to her floor length mirror.

Starfire runs her fingers through her hair and checks herself in the mirror. She’s wearing shorts and a string tank top, nothing too risqué, but enough to short circuit any teenaged boys’ mind. She walks over to the door to unlock it, letting it swish open revealing an equally tired Robin.

“Hello, Robin.” Starfire turns away from him and walks back over to her bed, not bothering to wait for him to reply. She hears him clear his throat and step into her room, letting the door swish close behind him. She doesn’t bother to look up at him; she didn’t want him to see how much he hurt her.

“Star—I.” he stops just short of her bed, keeping a friendly distance between them, but close enough that he can still reach out to her.

“You what? You have the regrets? If that is so, please do the leaving. I rather save myself the humiliation.” She crosses her arms and huffs, her hair slightly flaming at the ends.

Robins sighs, already feeling defeated. He spent the last three hours trying to find the right words to express himself, but he’s never really been in a relationship with anyone before. Barbara doesn’t count too much. They were only 14 and she ended up having feelings for someone at their high school.

“May I sit?” He gestures to the space next to her on the bed. He’s never asked permission before, he’s always felt comfortable enough around Star to be there with her, but now everything was different. Her bed didn’t seem oh-so innocent anymore. If anything, it made him very much aware her pajamas cover very little of her.

Her green eyes are sharp and sizing him up, “You may.”

Shaking away all impure thoughts running through his head, Robin sits down next to Starfire on the bed, turning to take her hands in his. “Star, I didn’t mean to push you away last night. I was—” he pauses feeling Starfire pull her hands from his slowly. Robin feels panic settle in his chest for a moment.

Oh god, she doesn’t even want me to touch her anymore.

Tentatively, she touches the corner of his mask, silently asking permission to remove it. Robin sighs in relief and nods, understanding why she wants it off. He has nothing left to hide from her; he’s ready to be open and honest with someone for the first time in years.

Her fingers are soft against his cheek as she gently pulls at the mask, letting it fall to the ground next to her bed. She brushes her thumb against his cheek before dropping her hands to her lap again.

“You may proceed.”

“What I was going to say is that I was—I was scared, Star.” He stares at her with his intense blue eyes, the fear showing bright within them. “All these negative thoughts of what could happen if this doesn’t work out came rushing all at once, and I-“ Robin takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. “You’re the last person I want to lose. I’ve already lost too many people I care about.”

Starfire sits there in silence allowing Robin’s words to hang between them. She can see the panicked expression settling across his face. His hold on her hands starts to loosen, but she’s quick to tighten the hold, preventing him from fleeing again.

“Ouch.”

Starfire is confused by his sudden pain and looks down to look at his hand.

“Oh! Richard, what did you do?!” she examines his right hand, running her delicate finger over the deep purple bruise, touching it tenderly to feel for any broken bones. He hisses when she touches the darker stain across his knuckles.

“Ah, yeah. I sorta punch the garage wall last night after you left. I was angry because I still let—” Robin realizes what he was about to say and freezes.

“I am the confused, who are you allowing to do the controlling of you?” Starfire asks as she stands from the bed and goes to her adjoining bathroom for a first aid kit from under the sink. She settles back on her bed, close enough that her knee brushes his thigh.

Robin frowns, “I-my adoptive father. He’s…you don’t know about my family, do you?” Robins asks. Starfire frowns. Of course she knows who Robin’s adoptive father is. It’s her uncle, but Robin doesn’t know that she has her memories back yet.

She’ll have to pretend not to know. But then again, Bruce Wayne is a very public figure…

Feigning confusion Starfire shakes her head, “No, I am unaware of your k’norfka.” She continues to rifle through the first aid kit trying to find a disposable ice pack.

Robin flexes his fingers, feeling the pain radiate through his fingers. “Let’s just say he’s a very public figure and the reason why I have to keep my identity hidden, if they know who I am-“

“Then they will have the knowledge of whom the Batman is.” Starfire looks up to meet Robin’s eyes. She can see the sadness embedded deep within, but she still can’t shake the fact he rejected her last night.

Breaking eye contact, Star pulls the ice pack from the kit and breaks it, letting the beans cool up. She takes hold of Robin’s hand and gently lays the ice pack on his hand.

Robin hisses at the weight of the ice pack, but then relaxes once the cool pack starts to numb his hand from the pain.

“Thanks.” He smiles at her making her heart jump, seeing his eyes crinkle at the corner and the warmth radiating from them.

He really cares for me…

Starfire shifts closer to him, positioning his hand on her thigh, and takes a small pack of pain medication from the kit and hands it to Robin. When he doesn’t reach for them, Starfire looks at him quizzically; confused by his distracted state.

“Richard?”

“Hm.” His eyes are still focused on his hand resting against her thigh. The warmth seeping its way from his hand through his veins.

“Here, take the medication of pain.” He open his hand, accepting the pack of pills. Her hand grazes his, a soft brush of her fingers against his gloveless palm. It sends a small spark to his heart, and he can see Starfire is just as affected when she doesn’t retract her hand right away.

Feeling brave, letting his fears go and taking responsibility for his actions, Robin closes his hand around hers. “For a long time, I let him dictate what I could and couldn’t do. And sometimes that younger, more obedient version of myself overclouds my judgment and I make poor decisions.”

Robin releases Starfire’s hand, letting the packet of pills drop to her bed, and reaches to cup her face. At first she freezes, unsure where this conversation is going, fearful he may reject her again. But when his thumb brushes her cheek tenderly, she leans more into him, accepting the small comfort he is offering her.

“When we formed the Titans, I didn’t want to be the version of myself I was before I came to Jump City. This isn’t Gotham, the threats aren’t the same and the people aren’t the same. I had to become a different type of hero for those kinds of people because there’s hope here.” He smiles lightly, making Starfire smile in return. “ This city isn’t on the brink of destruction; sure there’s been plenty of villains attempting to take over, but the five of us are able to keep them at bay. Each and every single one of us is able to not only protect one another, but ourselves.

“I guess, what I’m trying to say is: I’m afraid of something happening to you. To all of you, but I can’t let that fear dictate my happiness. I know you can handle any situation, but I still can’t help that small voice that tells me otherwise. I trust you Starfire, and I trust that us, together, can work.”

The only sound in the room was the distant rumble of waves hitting the island rocks down below. Could he really mean it? Does he…does he really want to be with her?

Starfire’s eyes widen at his words, “Richard, I do not want to do the reading of the words, but are you—are you asking me…?

The ice pack on Robin’s hand plops to the bed as he moves his hand up her thigh, causing a slight blush to cross her cheeks. He moves up her side, grazing it softly, feeling the soft fabric of the tank top against his hand. As he reaches her shoulder, he inches his face closer to hers before his hand finds home threading slowly through her long auburn locks. Starfire can feel her skin burning from where his hand traveled, leaving a wake of gooseflesh bubbling her sun kissed skin.

Just like the night before, the magnetic pull between the two was undeniable. Starfire rests her head against Robin’s, “Do you promise not to do the freak out again if we have the lip contact?”

Robin chuckles deep in his throat, “I won’t. Not this time.” He brushes a strand of hair away from her face, “I’m all in if you are.”

Wrapping her arms around his shoulder’s, Starfire pulls Robin towards her as she lays down against the pillows, leaving him hovering over her. Robin gazes at her warmly finally feeling content.

Her green eyes glowing bright with glee as she drags him closer to her again. Their bodies flush together, and her hand weaving its way into his hair. His injured hand rests against her hip and the other cups the side of her face. He tilts his head down allowing their lips to brush lightly as Starfire’s hand caresses the side of Robin’s face.

“I very much am, Richard.” She whispers against his lips and gives him a slow, chaste kiss before pulling back completely, watching Robin’s eyes open slowly. A smile spreads across his face making Starfire giggle in return.

“But—“ her face taking on a serious look, making Robin squirm. “—If you do the pulling of the yesterday events, I will not have the pleasantries for you once more. You have the understanding?”

Robin visibly gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “I promise, Star.”

She smiles brightly and gives him another slow kiss. This one sending waves of happiness through the young alien.

“What are we going to tell the others?” Robin asks as he pulls back and reluctantly untangles himself from Starfire. He lays down next to her on the bed, propping himself against the soft purple pillows.

Starfire moves to her side facing him and takes his hand in hers, lacing their fingers together. Will they be upset? Will they celebrate? Should they keep it a secret for now?

Starfire’s train of thought is cut short by Robin’s hand slowly grazing up her side, sending shivers down her spine. She find herself cuddling closer to him, allowing his arm to wrap around her fully.

I can definitely get used to this.

Feeling more and more comfortable Starfire feels herself succumbing to her exhaustion.

“I do believe—” She lets out a yawn and blinks her eyes sleepily. “—it is the problem for later. I did not have pleasant shlorvax last night.” She yawns again, emphasizing her tired state and snuggles closer to Robin’s warm body. Robin shifts to lay on his back, leaving room for Starfire to rest her head on his shoulder and her arms to wrap around his waist.

Sleepily, Robin yawns as well, feeling the events of the past few hours finally catching up to him.

“Sounds good to me.” He whispers, feeling his eyes grow heavy.

“Pleasant shlorvax, Richard.” She kisses the underside of his jaw and falls into peaceful sleep. He wraps his arm tighter around her waist, pulling her closer to him, and drags the blanket over the both of them.

“Night, Star.”

-------------------------------

Starling City 1996

Felicity finds herself wander down the long winding staircase of the foundry. Her still protruding belly stretching her black knit sweater uncomfortably as she waddles down the stairs. She can hear the grunts of someone working out on the gym mats and the sound of keys being clicked on her keyboard. The thought alone sends Felicity to waddle down the stairs at a brisk pace, making her shoes thump against the hard concrete floor.

“Who the hell is touching my keyboard? Is it Roy? How many times have I told you not to touch—”

“Felicity!?” John Diggle shoots up from her desk chair as Felicity approaches. She does a double take to see she’s really seeing who she thinks it is.

“Dig?” She says in disbelief. The past year has been extremely hard on Felicity and finally coming home, but without her love and daughter, she didn’t think anyone would be down here.

Diggle wipes a tired hand down his face and lets out a short laugh that could pass as a choked sob. “You’re okay? Really?” He looks down her body. She looks paler than usual, her hair showing her dark roots and her belly, hanging low. This catches Diggle’s attention immediately.

His eyes widen, “Are you pregnant?”

Felicity bites her lip, knowing this was not how she wanted to tell Dig she and Oliver had a child together. She thought it’d be like when Sara was born. All of them huddled in a hospital room wanting to take a turn holding Star in their arms. They’d take their first Team Arrow photo together. But Ra’s took that from her, from them.

Felicity presses a hand to her bulging stomach, he lips quivers from the onslaught of emotions facing through her.

“I was pregnant, Dig. Oliver and I—” her voice cracks and the damn breaks. Diggle pulls her into a tight hug, wishing he could take all the pain away. She sobs into his chest, wishing Oliver and Star were there with her.

After a few moments, Felicity steps back and wipes away the tears with her black sleeve. She sniffles as she walks over to her forgotten computer desk and sits down in her chair. The chair where she watched Oliver for hours using the salmon ladder. Where she and Oliver would talk about their future together, how they both wanted a family…

And now she sits there alone.

“Dig.” Her voice rough from tears. “We need to help Oliver get out of the league, no matter how long it takes. I need my family back.”

Diggle nods in understanding. If it were Lyla and Sara on the line, he’d be raising hell to get them back.

Felicity begins her research on Ra’s al Ghul in order to develop a plan to bring down the League of Shadows. She starts by listing anyone and everyone that is in association with the league:

Sara Lance, Malcom Merlin, Maseo, Talia al ghul, Nyssa al Ghul, Star Queen...

The last name catches Diggle off guard, “Felicity, whose Star Queen?”

Her fingers stop moving on the keyboard and turns to him sadly, “That’s our daughter’s name. Star Queen.”

Diggle feels his throat tighten realizing this baby girl is stuck in one of the scariest places on Earth. Why would Felicity leave her there? Why not bring her back?

“Before you ask, I did not have a choice.” She looks up at the celling of the foundry her eyes growing wet once more. “She had to stay and be inducted to the league as an heir. They took my baby from me Dig, my baby.”

Diggle places a comforting hand on Felicity’s shoulder. Not truly knowing how to comfort her in this situation. How could he? His wife and child are safe at home, far away from these kinds of monsters that Oliver and Felicity find themselves fighting against.

“Yo, Dig!” Roy bellows from the training mats. “Did you see the news? Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham. And he has a kid!” Roy comes barreling in from the sparring mats, sweat dripping down his face. He takes a good look at the small blonde perched in her usual seat. Roy stops short of the med table, the shock overwhelming him before he rushes at her, and engulfs her into a big hug.

“Felicity, is it really you?!” Roy asks in disbelief. How is it possible that she is back? It’s been almost a year since she and Oliver went to Nada Parbat to resurrect Thea. Thea came home right away and told them how Oliver had to stay to be the Heir to the Demon Head. And Felicity was subjected to stay, but did not understand why. But standing there, taking in Felicity’s appearance, it wasn’t tough for Roy to put two and two together.

“That’s why you stayed. You were pregnant…Where’s the-?”

“Roy.” Dig says warningly.

Felicity looks away from them, feeling her throat tighten. She clenches and unclenches her firsts trying to control her emotions, but post-partum has already kicked in and she couldn’t help the few tears that fell.

“She is safe.” She whispers. Roy steps forward and wraps his arms around her again, giving her a tight hug. Felicity reacts immediately feeling safe in her friend’s arms. Roy was always like a younger brother to her, and she missed him terribly for the year she was gone.

But why did Roy come in here again?

“Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham. And he has a kid!”

Felicity abruptly pulls back from Roy and swings her chair back around to face her desktop. She rapidly types in a series of codes and brings up the local news.

“Good Morning, Starling City. I’m Summer Gleeson and here’s Today’s breaking news. Billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne has returned to Gotham City after being gone for nearly 7 years. Not only is his reappearance suspicious, but he has a child! Before you all lose your hats, here’s the dish. Our sources at the Wayne conference earlier today confirm that it is a long lost niece on Bruce’s father’s side. Here is the first look at the new baby of Gotham, Gabrielle Wayne!”

The tv cuts to the press briefing at Wayne Enterprises. They watch as Bruce makes this grand speech before Alfred rolls in a stroller.

Felicity feels her chest beat fast as she realizes what is happening.

“Oh, frack.”

Diggle looks questioningly to Felicity before watching the screen once more.

“…her name is Gabrielle Wayne.”

“That’s my baby…” Felicity sobs, clutching at her still round belly.

Roy’s eyes widen, “Why would Bruce Wayne…”

“Oliver, this was the plan he didn’t tell me about. But I don’t think he thought Bruce would be so public…” Felicity’s voice drifts as she watches her baby girl giggle on screen, bringing a smile to her tear streaked face.

A warm hand lands on her shoulder and she leans her head against it. “She’s beautiful, Felicity.” Diggle gave her shoulder a squeeze letting her know he’s here for her and ready to take on whatever it take to bring her home.

With a renewed feeling of ambition. Felicity takes a deep breath, sits up in her chair, and squares her shoulders, causing Diggle’s hand to fall away.

“So,” Roy steps forward to lean against the desk, facing Diggle and Felicity. “What’s the plan, boss.”

Felicity smiles for the first time in months, feeling hope after all the darkness she was exposed to for 9 months.

“We’re getting them back.” She reaches out to take Diggle’s and Roy’s hands. She needed their team to get this done. They will need all the help they can get to bring Oliver and Star home.

“Let’s get to work.”

23 notes · View notes

nutty1005 · 4 years

Text

Xiao Zhan: It’s Your Turn

Translator’s Note: This article comes from VogueMe Magazine 2020 Feb Issue.

Currently, the trend in the entertainment business is to get famous overnight, the statistics dictate everything – a drama, a variety show, a song… all of which could give birth to a super idol, fame, commercial value and opportunities that come along with it. In 2019, the drama “The Untamed”, adapted from an internet novel, became this window of opportunity. This is the story of a young man who received the opportunity. And like other idols created by their era, his fanbase grew immensely, radiating throughout the youth, his name etched in time. All of these simply points to this – it’s now Xiao Zhan’s turn.

The summer of 2015, Xiao Zhan had not yet realized that he was going to job switch from the design firm opened by his teacher. The teacher did not feel so as well – as Xiao Zhan left for the talent search variety show, he told him, “Go play, come back to work once you’ve been eliminated.”

The show was called “X-FIRE”, and positions itself as a large scaled youth talent development inspirational show. During broadcast, the description says “16 secretly trained youths painstakingly selected from a few thousand 16-24 year olds”. At that time, Xiao Zhan was 23 years old – nearing the upper age limit.

Xiao Zhan just wanted to “play around a bit”. He felt that he would be just touring for a round, and he would be back after a week. As the former class Cultural Committee Member in his university, Xiao Zhan loved singing, won quite a few inter-school cultural activities awards, but never trained in dance-singing. Xiao Zhan, who graduated in graphic design, learnt drawing since young, but never thought of becoming an artist, because “it is hard to survive as an artist, you still need to earn a living”. He was willing to lead a simple life and go to work everyday, with a direct and clear life plan – as a graphic designer, do his work well, then open his own firm.

The summer 4 years later, the name “Xiao Zhan” meant a lot of different things – a member of a pop group, the lead actor of one of the most popular drama, the owner of a Weibo account with more than 22million followers, or as what Chinese entertainment business puts it – a “top traffic”. The topics and imagery surrounding him includes – Xiao Zhan’s looks, Xiao Zhan’s design talent, Xiao Zhan’s professionalism, Xiao Zhan’s role as Wei Wuxian…

And like the other idols who broke out in this era, he has his own set of records – moderators of Bilibili (a video hosting site in China) nagged that his drama fans uploaded so much of his videos that they “almost see him 800 times a day”, Xiao Zhan was jokingly proclaimed as “The Man who caused the Bloodbath of Bilibili”; he became the cover person of a magazine, and the two mobile sales platform app broke down consecutively on the day of the sales; his popularity in 2020 only got higher – on 9 Jan, according to Tian Mao statistics (TN: Taobao eShopping Mall), the Portrait magazine, where he was the cover person, sold out 100,000 copies in 3 seconds, overall sales exceeding 13million Chinese yuan, a poster was spread all around the internet with the accompanying text “a fandom that brought paper media back from its grave” – this is the Xiao Zhan statistics.

But different from the breakout idols, Xiao Zhan did not encounter major controversies (TN: This was published early Feb), and his career did not seem to go through much fluctuations. He never thought that he would be at this point – “Sometimes you’re not ready, but life has already pushed you to ahead. What you can do is to quickly keep up with the pace.” He is now at the stage where any of his actions are “studied under a magnifying glass”, but he feels that his stress levels are not as high as his previous few years, “the past few years, I had the drive but nowhere to use that, now I know how to work hard.”

During the initial auditions, Xiao Zhan still continued to work as per normal, go onstage – sing – leave, which was quite fun. After the selection down to 32 persons, he did not think much of it, and left his work to go to Beijing to practice the dance for the variety show. After the selection down to 16 persons, he practiced everything – dancing, vocals and flexibility training.

He did not think much of what would happen later. The winter in Beijing was especially cold, after the show recording, it would be around 3am or 4am, and there would be fans waiting for him outside of the studio – Xiao Zhan felt quite sorry for them, “All are young girls, it’s so cold and so dark.” He felt surreal having fans. When the 16 of them went to Zhejiang TV “Running 2016” New Year Eve performance, he saw the stage and felt that it was especially big and he was especially happy, and kept making sure he remembered the moves so as not to make any mistakes. After the final battle, Xiao Zhan’s team lost, but he and a few of his teammates were rescued by fan votes.

In 2016, Xiao Zhan debuted as part of X-Nine. During the signing of the contract, Xiao Zhan finally realized that he was going to make a career switch. “When you look at it now, 23 year old is also still a child, but no one took me as a child then.” – Xiao Zhan was the oldest in the group, he made his own decision to sign the contract, he thought that if it did not work out, he could go back to work, there was no need for him to paint himself into a corner.

3½ years after his debut, Artist Xiao Zhan still had to explain to interviewers his obsession with going to work. That day, he had a pimple on the left side of his face, and the makeup artist was applying essences on his face. The makeup room was simply a curtained area in the basement of the Art Gallery, full of passing staff, the editor was discussing the shooting schedule with his manager, the stylist was here delivering clothes, and he sat there with his eyes closed, allowing others to apply whatever it is on his face.

Xiao Zhan’s eyes are long, and also wide, he is very fair and his side profile is graceful and beautiful. With his looks, one would imagine that his personality would be cooler, more introvert, with mild melancholy, like those prince-like male leads in romantic dramas. But his personality does not really match his looks – he is serious, disciplined, he does not talk much initially, but overall he is a relaxed person, and quite funny occasionally.

“A lot of art students do not want to go to work,” the interviewer said. Xiao Zhan learnt drawing since young, some of his happiest moments in his childhood would be to win drawing awards or to have his works praised by his teachers, other unimportant happy moments includes had a good lunch, went to an amusement park, or had a liking for a girl in high school.

“They never went through the society school of hard knocks,” Xiao Zhan said. He described himself as someone who went through “quite a fair bit of knocking”. Since young, his father thought him to be independent, taught him budgeting, and told him stories about Bill Gates’s children… “I wanted to say, god, you’re not Bill Gates.” Despite all these, Xiao Zhan stopped using his parents’ money ever since his university graduation.

Xiao Zhan not only learnt drawing, he also learnt violin, go and Chinese calligraphy… pushed him to study in “National Key” middle school, “National Key” high school (TN: National Key refers to the top range of schools in China). He was an obedient child, but as a standard art student, Xiao Zhan was better in humanity subjects, and his math was not good, hence all the while he had always been the mid-bottom of the pack, which worried his family of 3 quite a fair bit.

Studying graphic design in university, Xiao Zhan felt that his university life was quite comfortable – everyday before class he would adjust himself a bit, although in the end it seemed like it did not work well after all, but at least his results were decent. Xiao Zhan emphasized that he was “definitely not the school hottie”. He was a good student. After he had learnt what the teachers taught, he started a studio on the side. The design studio would take on poster and logo design work; the photography studio only have 3 persons, Xiao Zhan did the photo taking, the other 2 did lighting. Before graduation he went to intern in a design firm, hence it was easy for him to find a job. Within a year of working, his monthly salary was around 4,000 to 5,000 Chinese Yuan, which would quite alright for Chongqing at that point in time.

Being part of a boy group releasing albums, shooting web dramas. The way to do things right was quite different from his previous job – his characterization in the group is a warm guy, although Xiao Zhan did not like characterization, he seriously fulfilled his role, and he was obedient. When someone in the variety show suggested that he lose some weight, he replied “I’m quite thin already I still have to lose weight”. As a commoner, Xiao Zhan was 183cm and 150lbs, his mother would always say he was too thin, and he felt so himself as well. That person showed him the film, “the camera lens is a really scary thing, I literally looked like a ball”. It was not easy for Xiao Zhan to lose weight, so he did it brutally. He was so hungry that he dreamed that he was eating. Xiao Zhan is now 127lbs, but this was not his thinnest.

“How was it like after debut?” “Unoccupied.” (TN: Xiao Zhan used the Chinese phrase “picking at his feet” to describe the state of emptiness.) Xiao Zhan’s words were paced and gentle, most were caught unawares by the sudden switch to casual humor, he might not be laughing, after others laughed he would continue his conversation seriously.

After his debut, he felt that he was freer than the times when he was still an intern. But he did not allow himself to stay free, he took vocal and dancing lessons, making sure that he could do sing-dancing to the best of his abilities. But he was still a bit lost – when he was still a designer, his future was clear and straight, but after his debut he had no clue where his future led to.

“I could count the number of dramas I’ve acted in with my fingers,” Xiao Zhan said. After which, he started counting them – “Battle through the Heavens”, “The Wolf”, “Oh! My Emperor”, “The Untamed”, “Joy of Life”, “Jade Dynasty”, “The Oath of Love”… the earliest work “Super Star Academy” was not counted – It was shot with his boy group, he was still fat, and he had no clue what he was doing.

Acting was his own idea. When he started auditioning he had not even attended any performance classes, he saw the director, took a piece of paper that indicated the scene and lines, and just went for it. Xiao Zhan did not feel that it was awkward, it was something he wanted to do, so he would do so without any inhibitions, and grasp every opportunity to do so. Singing was something that he always liked, his first single after debut was a song voted by his fans. With the stage and his fans, with attention, he would always want to do it better. Acting was something totally foreign to him.

The first turning point was “The Wolf”. When auditioning, within 2 hours, Xiao Zhan had tried many roles – the bounty hunter who was threatening someone, the prince whose brother was about to be executed… Xiao Zhan won the role of the bounty hunter – the 4th character on the character roll, Ji Chong. During the pre-shoot training he was still acting in “Battle through the Heavens”, daytime he would be shooting, nighttime he would be having performance classes. He did not feel it was tough then, as long as he had time to sleep. “Work is something I am willing to do, I will only feel very motivated, tomorrow must be done better than today.” Xiao Zhan liked Wei Wuxian, felt that he was vivid. When acting, during the first month he would be second guessing himself everyday, is the portrayal accurate? Would the audience accept it? Xiao Zhan checked with the director everyday. After a month, he stopped asking, he felt that he was Wei Wuxian. Dramas adapted from web novels are rarely positively received, his hopes for Wei Wuxian was that “I hope people would not dislike the character because of my acting”.

The summer of 2019, the drama aired, and the real turning point arrived.

Billions of fans, frequent trending topics on Weibo, appearing on multiple magazine covers and even causing the sales platform app to crash…

He is one of the few artists in Weibo that sets his account as “only posts in the past 6 months are viewable”, but it did not affect his popularity. His interaction with his fans are witty, the statistics are more than enough to attract attention. Last year on the Chinese Valentine’s Day (TN: 7th of the 7th Lunar month), he posted a photo informing his fans that he had put on weight, his pants folded up, legs in the swimming pool. One of his fans replied, “Fine, good to know that your leg hairs are doing fine.” This reply was boosted to the top with 190,000 likes.

“After watching ‘The Untamed’ and ‘Joy of Life’ and then meeting you, I feel like you are very similar to your performance method, calm. You are like an AI, whatever you do you’re especially precise.” “You’re highly professional.” The interviewer concluded.

At the start of the conversation, Xiao Zhan just finished an exterior photo shoot, we were both seated, leaning forward and warming hands above the radiator. He said, “Artist is just a job, I don’t like artists to place themselves on a pedestal, just like today you are the reporter who is interviewing me, today I am someone being interviewed. Cooperation, is just so that we can complete our jobs, coming in for the photo shoot is my job today, every single staff is also executing this job, it’s just the role is different.” Because he went through the society “school of hard knocks”, he respected and understood the truth behind teamwork.

As someone who once had to face clients, he knew how it felt as someone at the receiving end of endless unreasonable requests, and therefore he did not want to be someone like that. His standards for work is consistent – high efficiency, good results, everyone is happy, no one has to serve another person. Also “once I am done I will knock off, after I knock off no one should come find me, let me be alone.”

“Everyone works to fulfill their needs, they have entertainment after they knock off, they have freedom and privacy. As a public figure, artist, the product is yourself, the works are also yourself. You have to output materials, contribute works, and then gain the opportunity to grow, for higher social status, value and better lifestyle. For some people, besides their career, they also included their dreams,” the interviewer said.

“The understanding is very thorough. You win some, you lose some, after becoming a public figure it meant that there are multiple pairs of eyes staring at you, anything you do would be judged. Whether it is positive or misguided. Truth and falsehoods, isn’t this circle just like this? Whether the rumors or the gossip is true or false, who knows?” Xiao Zhan said.

On 5 Jan 2020, Xiao Zhan was working in a sculpture garden in Shanghai Songjiang, shooting a series of photographs to be the cover of VogueMe. It was cold, the gallery’s doors were open, and the wind blew from the first floor to the basement. Everyone was wearing winter jackets.

In the morning, beside the metal sculpture on the first floor, Xiao Zhan and model Chen Yu faced the camera separately. As the shutters rolled, they did not exchange glances or touch each other. As the photographer requested the model to sit on the ground, Xiao Zhan said his only sentence to her, “Careful your head.” and used his hands to shield her head from the protruding portion of the sculpture.

That day’s Weibo opening advertisement was also Xiao Zhan. As per the photographer’s request, he tilted his head up slightly and gave a cold gaze, or side glancing a faraway place, but also at the same time, he was smiling sweetly on mobile phone screens, promoting a series of instant food products.

In the afternoon, the team went to the exterior, to a concrete sculpture beside the gallery entrance, where he and the model stood in front of, facing the camera. The arm was on the model’s shoulders, and the two of them looked at the camera – he was even thinner than the model. In yet another set, the staff erected a ladder to one of the rooftop grass patches on the gallery buildings. An ice cold rock slab was selected, which the assistant padded using a jacket, and tested the light levels. After which, it was Xiao Zhan’s turn. He was wearing a red jacket with blue shirt, wearing a baseball cap, lying on his side on the rock slab, supporting his head with his arm. In between shoots, the assisted would hand him a long wool top, with deep blue diamond checks, quite thin. The top was flipped over, he slipped his hands into the sleeves to protect the front of his body, his assistant handed over another water bottle that contained warm mineral water to warm his hands. Xiao Zhan basically did not speak, he placed the bottle on his neck to gain some warmth.

An artist’s job, the profession included losing weight, staying hungry, freezing and staying up overnight, wearing winter clothes in summer is the norm, not drinking water prior to any shoots to prevent water bloating on screen… people who do those well may become famous, if they look good or are lucky they may become even more famous. Now Xiao Zhan has an opportunity, and like his previous job, he chose to be down-to-earth and do it well.

In the evening, the green screens were setup in basement 2 of the gallery. 17:44, Xiao Zhan was in position, his manager reminded the stylist to take note of the clothes’ proportion – “The sweater is too long.” Hence, the sweater was folded up. After the camera assistant brought down the Apple machines, the cameraman adjusted his machines, and started shooting the video. Quite a few scenes were done in one take, in the middle there was a break, the manager and the camera crew were discussing camera positions. This was the 10th hour of the shoot, Xiao Zhan sat behind the table, laid his head on a prop gift box and waited quietly – we could not see if he was tired or not.

The shoot ended, and the sky was already dark. Xiao Zhan has not yet knocked off. The media had ended their work, the manager was darting around, arranging for Xiao Zhan to change out and get on his car, to rush to his rehearsal that night – they were already behind schedule. Both teams bid their farewell, Xiao Zhan warm and gentle, still unclear whether he was tired. After less than an hour’s journey, he would need to go onstage to sing, and thereafter, his work would be to complete the costume testing of 20 different sets of clothes.

The Initial Cold

The time set for the shoot was 9am, Xiao Zhan arrived at the rural set at 8.30am. His overnight flight arrived only the day before, meeting Xiao Zhan on the cold morning of a deep southern winter, his spirits looked great, his face having the same kindness as usual. The endless job schedules taught him how to conserve his energy – no casual conversation, not even to his staff; take every opportunity to eat or rest; absolutely no procrastination, ensure efficiency, do his best to accommodate and complete every job. He is a highly disciplined and professional artist.

In this shoot, the warm, gentle smiles have been replaced by cold, sharp glares, the metal and concrete sculptures gave him a few minutes of inner emotions and narrative, his scenes with the model was almost like he was acting in the set of “Last Year at Marienbad”. Xiao Zhan displayed emotions and charm very different from usual self – this is the power of an actor. The darker filters and monochrome imagery restored the caution that the youth of his age would have, it was the concealed feelings of a sunny boy. With such an idol, not only he can warm your hearts, there are still much to expect from him.

#xiao zhan #sean xiao #xiaozhan #肖战

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almndjin · 4 years

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Black Water Lillies | 1/5

● summary: It was normal for you to chase down a suspect on the night of a stakeout but when you get thrown (quite literally) into something supernatural, you might need a little supernatural partner to help you finish the job.

or; wherein you and Yoongi team up to catch the bad guy.

● pairing: witch!yoongi x detective!reader | ft. Namjoon and Hoseok

● genre: witch au, supernatural au, magic, mystery, fluff

● rating: SFW

● warnings: swearing, reader gets thrown into the ocean, mention of human sacrifice

● word count: 5.6k

● author’s note: I was listening to AURORA’s Black Water Lillies when I came up with this story. I am 100% sure there are multiple wrong descriptions about the reader’s and Namjoon’s professions. My knowledge can only go as far a watching some TV shows (I dunno if that makes sense). Feedback is always welcome!

The day started pretty normal.

When you arrive at the station your desk is already full of paperwork waiting for you to finish them. You grumbled at the sight and found yourself heading towards the break room for a cup of coffee to fuel yourself for the boring day ahead.

The weather didn’t help either. The gloomy cloud looming over the city didn’t motivate you to even get out of bed for work. You just wanted to stay inside the safety of your warm blanket and forget the world, but you have got bills to pay and food to eat for survival.

Maybe you shouldn’t have expected your day to go as normally as possible because once evening came and you were called for a stakeout, you weren’t prepared on how your day, your life, would shift.

“He’s heading towards the back alley!” Your partner yelled on the radio, almost making you yank the earpiece off of your ear at how loud his voice had suddenly gotten, “He’s armed!”

Your legs moved quickly, mind catching up a bit later. You're more of a do now think later kind of person anyway, and you were sure that it would get you killed one of these days.

You caught sight of the suspect, running a few meters ahead of you. Legs straining, you try your best to catch up. You caught a glimpse of his hands and noticed it was occupied by something. He was surely armed but that didn’t stop you from pursuing him. It has taken you months to get a lead on your suspect, and there is no way you would let him get away.

“Damn! I don’t get paid enough for this!” You huffed as you round a sharp corner of the narrow alleyway.

It was getting darker now, and a few drops of rain started pouring lightly. You curse at the dew drops pelting your way as your breath becomes haggard.

“Y/N stop! Backup is on the way, they’ll cut him off at the next street!”

“He’ll get away!” You argued as you watched the suspect turn his head to see if you were still running after him.

You can catch him.

At least that’s what you told yourself.

“Stop!”, You screeched at him as if he would listen to you.

He raised his arm and you knew instantly that you would have to dodge the bullet he would send your way. You didn’t hear the familiar ringing sound of a gunshot but instead you heard a loud crackle that sounded like lightning. The small explosion missed you just by a few inches, and only made you stop for a few seconds. You recovered quickly, to which the attacker was surprised.

You didn’t have time to think about what weapon he just fired at you. Blinded by your goal of finally catching him, you surged forward.

You were nearing the port. The smell of the sea fills your nose, and the air becomes thicker as the rain pours. The sky was becoming darker now as the evening approached.

You were becoming tired as you ran to where he was headed. You knew that you would get the upper hand, you can clearly catch him.

As you neared the ocean, his movements slowed and he turned to watch you. You didn’t stop your fast approach, and you were about to tackle him into the ground.

You knew you had made a mistake when you saw the smirk stretching on his lips. It was too late for you once you realized.

Once your body collided with his, he quickly grabbed your shoulder, avoiding your body weight with one hand. Then, there was a flash of light.

You closed your eyes, the light too bright for you. There was pain where he touched you, and you suddenly feel fatigued. Your body sways away from him and the feeling of falling is what you remember. You were sure the asphalt ground would be your landing but that wasn’t the case.

You heard it before you felt it. A loud clap followed by the sound of a body hitting the sea. Your body.

You tasted the salty water as it filled your mouth, your whole being panicking. You look around for the suspect, but he was nowhere to be found.

What boggled your mind was the fact that you were deep into the ocean. Not only that, but you were also surrounded by what seemed like seaweeds. No, not seaweeds.

Flowers.

You grabbed some in your hand before you swam up towards the surface, ignoring the pain in your shoulder.

You gasped for air, the taste of oxygen satisfying after being in the water for so long.

Your mind can’t comprehend what just happened and before you could, your name was already being called, stealing your attention.

“Y/N!” You hear Namjoon’s voice from above you instead of the earpiece that you were sure was already broken.

Great, another cut from your paycheck.

You look up at the boat where Namjoon stands. His face was ridden with exhaustion, but most of all relief.

A towel was wrapped around your shoulders as Namjoon handed you something warm to drink. He sat down beside you, confusion written all over his face. He was probably wondering how you ended up in the water, and frankly to say you were in the same dilemma as he is.

How did you end up in the water and how long have you been here?

Namjoon answered your last internal question, “We lost contact with you 3 hours ago and I-”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence as you choked on your drink at the revelation.

3 fucking hours? What the fuck?

His large hand pats your back gently, his eyes wide and frantic as he asks if you’re okay. You gave him a nod, unable to speak due to the fact that you almost drowned and choked to death.

You were sure you lost contact as soon as you were transported at the sea but it didn't feel like 3 hours.

“I guess my radio broke when I was still chasing him.” A sorry excuse but what else can you tell him. You hoped that he wouldn’t ask more questions, not when you hadn’t come up with something logical just yet.

You aren’t even sure what happened yourself and there is now way it would remain that way. You have to find out eventually.

Inside the plastic ziplock were the flowers you found.

They were water lilies, its petals so dark as if it was fed with nothing but jet black ink.

As far as your knowledge goes, there is no such thing. You even searched the internet for water lilies growing in the ocean, and water lilies that possessed the color black.

Water lilies don’t belong in the ocean, and there is no such thing as black water lilies. Yet here it is inside a bag. Just looking at it filled your chest with dread and fear, reminding you of what had occurred last night.

After being pulled out of the water, Namjoon questioned you endlessly and you dismissed him quickly. You don’t want to sound crazy in front of your superior, so you simply told him that you lost the suspect around the pier and you fell.

You hid the lily inside your coat pocket. You thought that showing Namjoon would certainly be a bad idea. You would tell him the truth once you figured out what exactly happened and you had to figure it out alone. You just need to figure out something that would make you seem less crazy when you finally decide to tell him.

When you arrived at the station, you knew everyone was informed about what happened and before you knew it all your hard work would be given to someone else.

“Hey.” Namjoon’s soft voice broke you out of your reverie. You didn’t realize you had zoned out, staring thoughtlessly at the board in front of you. You’ve been doing nothing but zone out as soon as you left the Captain’s office.

“They are transferring the case-”

You cut him off with your palm towards him and stared at the ground. You can’t bear to look at Namjoon’s sorry face. He knew how long you have been working on this case, hoping to get a lead on the suspect and when you did you let him out of your sight.

You heard the news loud and clear. The case is out of your hands after your failed attempt of catching the suspect.

What hurts the most was the fact that you worked endlessly for months. You were finally getting more clues and bizarre evidence as to why the killings had happened.

Human sacrifices, you told them but now you know it was more than a sick cult that murdered those three girls and there is more to it than a sick mind that could lead to those deaths.

Something more out of this world and if the sea and the lilies incident isn’t an obvious slap to the face that you’re dealing with something else then you don’t know what is.

“Y/N.”

Namjoon was worried about you. You can tell by the way he had been talking to you and you were thankful for it. Thankful for him.

If it weren’t for his help and support regarding the case, you wouldn’t have reached this far. Though he was opposed to some of your decisions, Namjoon was still supportive but that didn’t mean he would let this die down with an ‘I told you so’.

“It’s okay, Namjoon.” You sighed, “I already got an earful from the captain, I can take it.”

“I’m not here to say I told you so, I’m here to see if you're faring well.”

“I am.” You gave him a tight lipped smile, “Faring well, that is.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes and snorted, “Then drink with me and forget about the case.”

You perked up at his offer, not passing up the opportunity to get free food from him. You needed a light distraction from all this.

“Only if we get the fried chicken that I like.”

“Anything for your crushed spirit.” He starts packing up.

You threw a crumpled paper at him, ignoring the sudden pain on your shoulder.

“I’m serious though,” Namjoon says suddenly as soon as you both exit the station, “This case. We need to let it go.”

He looks at you, a pleading look in his eyes that you rarely see. Namjoon wasn’t one to speak about your habit of getting attached to your cases, hell he’d even praise you for it.

Shooting him a confused look, you say, “Why? You think we can’t handle it.”

You bump your shoulder towards him, his lips twitching into a smile before he clears his throat as both of you start walking.

“Y/N. Promise me you won’t go behind our backs to solve this one like you always do.” He sighs, “And yes, I think we can’t handle this one. Let the others risk their lives for once.”

You hated this. You always hated lying to your friend. Especially when his eyes shine with nothing but worry for your life, something you never did yourself.

“I promise.”

Sleep was out of the question.

Just because the case was not your concern anymore doesn’t mean you would let it go that easily. Investigating behind the division’s back was nothing new to you. Hell, you’d solved more cases going rogue than having the permission to do so. You only felt bad because you had lied to Namjoon but even he knows you won’t be able to let this go.

After the bizarre way the suspect had escaped and you ending up in the sea, you became more thirsty for answers now more than ever.

You waited out the rain before grabbing the lilies from the table, along with your car keys and wallet.

The certainty of finding answers was close to impossible. Impossible was what happened to you that day, so you need to start somewhere.

You arrived back at the place where you chased down the mysterious suspect. That was when the nerves decided to kick in. You wanted to go back home as fear settled in your bones. To just turn away and forget what happened. To forget the case like what Namjoon had suggested.

You didn’t know why you were apprehensive now. Why you decided to feel afraid now is annoying the hell out of you. How would you be able to think straight if you were being such a coward?

The loud humming of the car engine died down, leaving you in silence.

“Wait. What the fuck?” You muttered, horrified.

That was the first of many signs that says you had just made yet another dumb decision.

With a twist of your key, you tried turning on your car and you already decided that if it turns on, you would go straight back home. The car made the decision for you when it refused to roar back to life. Maybe it is just old, you told yourself.

Namjoon did say it was a piece of junk but what the hell did he know about cars when he doesn’t even drive. He’s not wrong though, it is quite old.

Yeah, maybe that’s it. This is not some dreadful sign that you were about to die. Your car is just old.

Since your car refused to start, you might as well continue your investigation.

There was something eerie about the way the street lamps illuminate the pavements. The orange light reflects your surroundings giving it a hellish impression. It is quiet, just the sound of the sea in the distance giving you something to hold on to.

At least the area didn't sound as dead as it looked like, you tried to reassure yourself.

You slammed the door shut, loudly, just because you wanted some noise to fill your ears. You hated the silence engulfing you, you hated how it made your heartbeat seem loud in your ears.

You had expected the streets to be empty, it was late into the night and it had just rained but you have never expected it to feel empty. You have been into situations like these and not one of those late night investigations ever felt ominous.

Taking deep breaths, you retrace your steps and begin.

You went back to the place where you were positioned before Namjoon informed you that the suspect was coming your way. Clearly you need to start somewhere.

There was nothing out of place, it looked like the usual back alleyway; narrow and unkempt. The fact that you ran and chased the suspect using this unkempt path was uncanny. Adrenaline makes you blind once you zeroed on your target, too bad the target escaped you.

There was nothing out of the ordinary and that should’ve put you at ease but it didn’t. Normally, you would brush aside the normality of the situation but because of what happened to you everything seemed wrong.

Once you reached the spot where the suspects stood, you now realized that at that moment he was waiting for you to attack him. He stood still and waited for you to tackle him. He had calculated your next move and did something to you.

You approached it slowly, heart thumping loudly. With a quick turn of your head, you noticed a pier. The pier that you used for your excuse on how you ended up on the water.

It was far from where you are now, where you both really confronted each other.

How the hell did he do that?

“What are you?”, you whispered into the air, mortified. It is as if he transported you far away from him and escaped. The sudden sting in your shoulder reminded you that he left without hurting you first.

Just what did he do to you?

You remembered how you examined your shoulder quickly once you got inside a bathroom. There were no marks and it looked normal but it didn’t calm the brewing anxiety inside you.

You spot the pier again as if it was calling out to you. Maybe it did, seeing as you were getting nowhere. Deciding that it would be best to get this over with, the pier being the last destination for tonight, you head towards it next.

The sea welcomed you with it’s salty air; at night it looked like a dark abyss waiting to swallow you whole. The waves and the wind was a comforting sound after being in the quiet street for so long.

The sound of your boots hitting the wooden deck accompanied you towards the end of the pier. You didn’t notice that you stopped feeling afraid all throughout the night once you felt fear again as you reached the end of the pier.

It was as if someone had set their eyes on you and the thought of it made you shiver.

With a quick turn you try to spot if someone was really watching you. It was quite odd that someone was on your tail because you saw not one single soul in the area. That thought alone should’ve made you run or call for help.

You turn your back once again and face the dark sea. Namjoon must’ve thought you were crazy; swimming about and looking confused as hell but all you heard from your friend were concerned words. Namjoon doesn't like prying, he takes what he tells you even if it bothers him internally, and you thanked him for it.

With the thoughts of your fellow detective, you even considered telling him about it just so it could ease his mind but you know deep inside you can’t. Not when you have no idea what was really happening.

You sighed and reached inside your pocket and felt the plastic containing the black water lilies you found floating around you when you were under the water.

It was still there, the proof that you were not hallucinating. All the teleporting into the sea was real. It is what anchors you to the new reality you have seen.

“Black water lilies.”

An unfamiliar voice disturbed the calming sound of the sea.

It was as if a cold knife had stabbed you in the back and it ran it all the way up your spine. You jumped at the voice, turning around quickly at the source.

You were faced with a man, three steps away from you. Maybe having your back at the ocean isn’t such a good idea as soon as you realized that this man can push you anytime.

He was close enough for you to memorize his features, just in case he decided to boot it and he was connected to the suspect after all. Why else would he be here?

He was small in frame, you can tell even from the large, dark coat he was sporting. He had dark hair in contrast to the paleness of his skin. His hands were in his pockets and it terrifies you that he might pull a gun and just shoot you out of nowhere.

His doll-like lips moved once again and you were dumbly just staring at him, not even hearing what he just said. You were awfully distracted by how good he looks which was dumb for you to even consider regarding the situation you were in. You were dumber than you thought you were, how the hell did you graduate from the academy?

His sharp eyes leered at you, obviously annoyed by the lack of response he was getting.

You shook your distracted thoughts away and focused. This man could kill you damn it.

You hid the lilies behind your back as if you were a child who doesn't want to share their goodies.

“Sorry?” You asked him, hoping he’d have the patience for your slow dumb ass.

“I said,” He took a breath and closed his eyes for a bit, “How did you get your hands on that?”

“On what?” Maybe you could play dumb seeing as you were already good at it.

He took a step and you almost took a step back. If it weren’t from the chain link fence stopping you or else you would have taken a dive into the ocean once again.

The hand inside his pocket moved when you did, as if he was reaching out for you. Afraid that you would fall. You were sure he wasn’t concerned for your well being, he just wanted answers. Or maybe he’d just shoot you.

Damn it, you didn't have anything to defend yourself with.

“You’re dumber than you look don’t you.” He looked at you up and down, sizing you up, “Well, I should’ve expected that.”

“Look,” You said, your eyebrow twitching by his choice of words, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He groaned, “The black water lilies you’re hiding. How did you get it? I’m not fucking dumb, I saw you holding it out for everyone to see.”

His deep voice was rising, you expected him to shout at you but he remained calm. You can see from his expression that his patience was wearing thin.

You wanted answers from him as well but he just got the upper hand now. There is no way you could outmatch the intimidating aura that he has plus you were cornered. So you have no choice but to compromise.

You bring the lilies in front of you and you notice him wanting to get closer, wanting to reach for it. You stared at him, watchful of his movements and his reactions. Whoever this man is, he is connected to the suspect, the killings, and to what happened to you.

“I found it here.” With your free hand you pointed at the black abyss that is the ocean.

His face darkened and it worried you what the expression meant. You observed the distance between you two, he was closer than he was earlier. If he is like the suspect as you have concluded then he is someone capable of something dangerous.

He talked about the flowers as if they were a natural thing to exist, like a person pointing out roses rather than non-existent flowers which were now on your grasp.

“Give it to me.”

Okay, now you can’t agree to that. The lilies are the only clue that you have regarding the mysterious suspect and the dark, bizarre killings. There is no way you would just hand it over to someone that might have something to do with all this.

There is a thought in your mind that is trying to argue that your life is worth more than solving this case. Namjoon’s voice echoing inside your head.

You looked down at the black water lilies then back at the stranger. He raised his eyebrows and stretched his arm, palms up as if he’d expect you to hand it over.

“What if I don’t want to?” You challenged him, trying your best to sound brave, “What are you going to do?”

His dark eyes glimmered and your breath stopped short at the action. Eyes just don’t glimmer literally.

His reaching arm retreated, eyebrow raised as if he found your words amusing.

“You don’t want to find out.”

You gulped as he approached you, growing close for comfort. You could almost smell him and you don’t want to admit it but he did smell nice as he looked. Your eyes never strayed away from his sharp ones despite the fear blooming in your chest.

“You’re a stubborn one.” He mumbled, looking straight into you then down at your hands where the plastic bags are held tightly. You can feel the warmth radiating off of him and you sure felt it when he touched your hands.

You didn’t know you were shaking until you felt him try to make you relax. Just what is he doing to you?

You tried to get yourself together but as if you were in a trance, you reached inside the bag and gave him the lilies.

He smirked, “That wasn’t so hard was it?”

Before you could even say something as you felt the spell wear off, you noticed how he quickly glanced behind you, panic quickly replacing the smug look on his face. He said something that sounded like a warning but it was too late.

You felt yourself fall backward and you soon realized the sea had pulled you in once again.

There was a tight grip on your bicep and a flash of light before you closed your eyes and waited for the impact. The difference between the previous fall was the lack of pain on your shoulder and this time you weren’t alone when you hit the water.

You notice there is a lack of black water lilies surrounding you except the one you gave to the stranger.You were about to reach for it but just when you were about to, it had vanished right in front of your eyes and then you felt an arm around your waist and you were being pulled up.

“It’s gone!” You gasped before having a coughing fit, trying to pry away the hands on your waist that are keeping you up.

“We can’t get them back the sea is too dark-”

“No, it disappeared.” You cried, “It vanished right in front of me.”

The stranger who had a tight grip on you gave you an incredulous stare.

“How the fuck can you even see underwater?” He spat, “I didn’t see shit disappearing in front of me.”

You were breathing heavily, “It was the only evidence I have from the psycho maniac who fucking teleported me here!”

You ignored what he was implying, that you were unbelievably crazy for seeing in the dark.

“No it wasn’t. You have me.” The stranger stated calmly after your rant. He was too close, closer than the distance back at the pier when he made you give up the lilies. With that thought, you tried to push him away, afraid of what he can do.

You stared at him bewilderedly, “What the hell do you even mean by that?!”

“Calm down, I'm not like them.” He tried to hold on to you tight enough so that you wouldn’t be able to escape his arms. “Sort of.”

Not like them? Wait, you didn’t even mention anything.

“You’re scared.”

“Of course I am! One minute I’m trying to do my job, trying to catch the suspect and then I’m fucking transported to the sea surrounded by black water lilies which is fucking impossible and now a stranger shows up and -”

“You don’t have to be scared of me, I won’t hurt you.” He cut you off and you were glad by his interruption. One more word and you would’ve burst into tears.

You swallowed the lump that was forming when you were trying your best not to cry. Somehow, deep inside you, you trust him. If he wanted you dead, he would’ve done so once he got what he wanted but instead he tried to save you from falling which resulted into him being thrown into the water with you.

No, no. You still have to be careful.

You remained quiet, still looking at him as he searched your eyes. He seemed to do that a lot so now you were deathly aware and terrified if he could hear your thoughts.

“How do I know if I could trust you?” You mumbled, looking down and away from his eyes. You were still too close to him and you were still floating in the sea near the pier. It might’ve seem stupid that you would consider trusting him but he’s the only one who could answer your questions and that could help you solve this case.

“For starters, I would introduce myself but we’re still floating in the sea and I would very much like to get out.”

Swimming towards the shore had taken most of your energy and you would’ve collapsed against the sand if not for the stranger accompanying you. He still didn’t tell you his name and you didn’t tell him yours. You wanted to know his first and besides, he is the one asking for your trust.

Once you reach the shore, you wring your clothes and hair to at least remove some water off of you. You looked at the stranger and you found him doing the same.

All you could hear between you were your ragged breaths and the waves of the sea meeting the shore. You would kill for a shower and to crawl into bed and forget everything that just happened.

“Yoongi.” The stranger said, exhausted, “My name is Yoongi.”

He wasn’t looking at you as he introduced himself, his eyebrows furrowed. He was too focused on getting the water out of his clothes as hard as he can. Your actions halted as you stared at him. His black hair clung to his forehead like second skin and yet he still looked ethereal as for you, you probably looked like a wet rag. He felt your stare at him as his head shot up to look at you. You looked away quickly, hoping he didn’t notice you studying his features.

You cleared your throat, ignoring the way your face became suddenly warm. “My name is Y/N.”

Since he didn’t give you a last name, you didn’t give him yours and he doesn’t seem like he minded.

Fair enough.

“The black water lilies,” You started but you couldn’t get the words out. Without them in your hands, it seems so bizarre to even talk about.

“You’re wondering how I know about them.”

“Yes and I’m wondering how you seemed so calm when you saw it. That it’s normal for you for such a flower to exist because when I saw them I was-”

You were terrified but he didn’t need to know that.

“You’re right to feel scared. It’s not a good sign to have seen such flowers.”

The feeling of apprehension came back. Just what did he mean by that?

“What the hell are you, Yoongi?”

With your harsh whisper, Yoongi seems to be contemplating his next words. It didn’t make the feeling go away. You were scared to know the truth about Yoongi, about everything despite the thirst for seeking it. You just wanted to solve the case, not to uncover the secret of the fucking universe.

“Someone who is seeking the man who committed such a heinous act. The same man who gave you those black water lilies.

“You didn’t answer my question. What are you? You’re obviously not human, you’re something else.”

If he wanted you to trust him he better tell you the truth right now and you see it in his face. He needs you and in order to have you by his side, he needs you to trust him.

“I’m a witch.”

You released a shaky breath. That made sense in a weird, twisted way.

Somehow, you weren’t shocked about the revelation and you even believed that such an occupation existed. If it weren’t the suspect, probably a witch as well but a more twisted version, along with the black water lilies, you would’ve laughed but you didn’t and once again you wished that weren’t the case.

You wished that the suspect was just some normal serial killer but no, he just had to be something not human.

“I’m guessing the man we’re after is a witch as well.” You said, a heavy sigh escaping your lips. Hearing it come out of your mouth seemed so bizarre.

Yoongi nodded as he stared at your defeated form.

“Does that mean I should let the matters fall into your hands oh great Yoongi?”

It would be nice to forget about all of this. If he suggested that you stay out of it, you would. You welcomed the idea. You don’t want to deal with anything more than what you bargained for. You did go back to the pier to seek answers and well, you got one.

Thanks to Yoongi, now you know it is something you should not meddle with.

“No.” Yoongi deadpanned, staring at you with no humour, “It seemed like humans are now involved in this matter so you should be by my side.”

Your heart dropped.

“You mean I have to help you.”

“If you don’t want more humans to die. Then yes.”

“God, why me?” You whispered but it seemed like the warlock heard it. “What can I even do?”

“Like it or not, it seems like you have gotten yourself involved more than you wanted to.”

“I just wanted to do my job.” You stated as you started walking farther away from the sea, Yoongi following after. You fished for your phone, hoping it was working. You were lucky that you didn’t bring your phone last time, so it was saved from being dunked in the water but your luck had run out and now you have to buy another one.

Yoongi looked at you, amused, obvious from the smile he was showcasing. You raised a questioning brow at him, earning a dry chuckle from the witch.

“I just didn’t expect to be working side by side with a human.”

“Well, I didn’t expect things like witches to exist.”

“You’d be surprised at what you humans don’t know.”

The thought didn’t stir right in your chest. What more could be out there?

You wished you wouldn't have to find out but as you stared at the man walking beside you, both of you soaking wet and cold, you figured you would have to eventually.

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#kpop scenarios #min yoongi scenario #witch au #bts supernatural au #bts mystery au #bts fic #bts fanfic #suga #suga fanfic #suga scenario #yoongi scenario #yoongi fanfic

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shawtygonemad · 3 years

Text

What Is This Feeling: Chapter 7

Fem!9th Doctor x Male!Rose Tyler

WITF Masterlist

Through time and space once more, our extraordinary duo was off to have another adventure. The TARDIS sped through the time vortex.

"Where are we going?" Ross asked.

"The planet Panera. They have fantastic bread," the Doctor grinned at her companion.

The TARDIS suddenly switched course and jolted in the opposite direction. The Doctor examined the screen and tried to figure out what was going on. The ship finally materialized. The Doctor and Ross stepped out. It was a dimly lit area with carpeting and display cases. It looked like a museum.

"So, what is it? What's wrong," Ross instantly began to ask.

"Don't know. Some kind of signal drawing the TARDIS off course," the Doctor spoke as she looked around.

"Where are we?"

"Earth. Utah, North America. About half a mile underground," the Time Lord deduced.

"And when are we?"

"2012," she informed her friend as she began to inspect a case.

"God, that's so close. So I should be 26."

The Doctor found the light switch and flipped it on. The room and cases suddenly lit up.

"Blimey. It's a great big museum."

"An alien museum," she looked at the exhibits as she walked forward. "Someone's got a hobby." She shook her head.

"They must have spent a fortune on this. Chunks of meteorites, moon dust. That's the milometer from Roswell spaceship." She furrowed her eyebrows, confused.

"That's a bit of Slitheen!" Ross pointed to a Slitheen arm in one of the glass cases. "That's a Slitheen's arm. It's been stuffed."

The Doctor stopped in front of one of the cases. "Oh, look at you."

Ross walked behind the Doctor and looked over her shoulder. "What is it?"

'Delete…' she heard an echo in her mind.

"An old friend of mine. Well, enemy. Stuff of nightmares reduced to an exhibit. I'm getting old." She internally groaned.

"Is that where the signal's coming from," Ross asked.

"No, it's stone dead. The signal's alive, calling out for help."

The Doctor reached out her fingers, and lightly brushed the glass. Alarms suddenly blared from all around. The pair slightly jumped at the sudden noise. The Time Lord mentally kicked herself. She should have been more careful. Before they could make it to the TARDIS they were cut off and surrounded by guards. The guards were armed and aiming at them.

"If someone's collecting aliens, that makes you exhibit A," Ross nervously joked.

The two of them were escorted by the armed guards up many levels, and throughout the complex. The journey was mostly silent. Ross stayed close by her side, however. Finally they were led into their destination. An office full of over confident Americans.

The man sitting at the desk seemed to be the one behind the complex. He was being showed their recent purchase. It was a musical instrument. They did not know it, and looked completely daft whilst holding it.

"You really wouldn't hold it like that," she almost laughed at how stupid he looked.

"Shut it," she was yelled at.

"Really though, it's wrong," she insisted.

"Is it dangerous?" A girl around Ross's age asked.

"No, it just looks silly," the Doctor smirked.

She reached for the item. Firing bolts clicked all around her. She stopped. The man behind the desk curiously looked at her, and handed over the curved palm sized object.

"You just need to be-"she stroked the instrument softly, and out rang a beautiful sound. "Delicate." To prove her point, she played several different notes.

"It's a musical instrument," the man said, fascinated.

"And it's a long way from home," the Doctor commented.

"Here, let me," the man took the instrument from her hands.

She raised her eyebrows. That was rude. The man proceeded to touch it harder, causing no noise to come out.

"I did say delicate. It reacts to the smallest fingerprint. It needs precision," she once again informed him.

Once he finally got the hang of it and produced music, she smiled.

"Very good. Quite the expert," she complimented.

"As are you," he said before tossing the object on the floor.

The Doctor's jaw dropped. That was almost two hundred years old! It was used to entertain kings and queens, and he just threw it away?! Who is this man?!

"Who are you, exactly?"

"I'm the Doctor. And you are?"

"Like you don't know. We're hidden away with the most valuable collection of extra-terrestrial artifacts in the world, and you just stumbled in by mistake?"

The Doctor laughed. "Pretty much sums me up, yeah."

The man slowly walked around his desk, and got closer to the Doctor.

"The question is, how did you get in? Fifty three floors down, with your cat burglar accomplice. You're quite an artifact yourself, being rather pretty."

"The cat burglar accomplice is going to smack you if you don't give the 'artifact' personal space," Ross shot off angrily. It shocked the Doctor a bit. It was the first time he was ever verbally protective of her.

"Oh, he's English too! Hey, little lady Fauntleroy. Got you a boyfriend."

"This is Mister Henry Van Statten," the girl introduced. She was the only English person, besides Ross, at the complex.

"Who is he at home?" Ross snidely remarked.

"Mister Van Statten owns the internet," she added.

"Don't be stupid. No one owns the internet," he jabbed again.

"And let's just keep letting the world think that, right kids," Van Statten remarked, smug.

"So you're just an expert in everything except the things in your museum. Anything you don't understand, you lock it up."

"And you claim greater knowledge?" Van Statten challenged.

"I don't need to make claims. I know how good I am," she shot back.

"And yet, I captured you. Right next to the cage. What were you doing down there?" He asked.

The Doctor placed her hands on her hips. "You tell me," she sassed.

"The cage contains my one living specimen."

"And what's that?"

"Like you don't know," Van Statten scoffed.

"Show me."

"You want to see it?" Van Statten once again challenged the Doctor.

"Blimey, do I need to separate you two?" Ross remarked, annoyed.

"Goddard, inform the cage we're heading down. You, English. Look after the boy. Go and canoodle or spoon or whatever it is you British do. And you, Doctor with no name, come and see my pet."

Van Statten stood in the elevator with a smirk on his face. The Doctor gave Ross a reassuring look before stepping on the lift next to the American. The ride down was quick and silent. Once they stepped out of the lift, the Doctor was led over toward a large metal door. Van Statten spoke as he unlocked and opened the large door.

"We've tried everything. The creature has shielded itself but there's a definite sign of life inside."

"Inside? Inside what?" The Doctor asked, curiously.

A man in an orange hazard suit walked over to Van Statten.

"Welcome back, Sir. I've had to take the power down. The Metaltron is resting."

"Metaltron?"

'What kind of dumb name is that?' She thought.

"I thought of it myself," Van Statten stated proudly.

'Of course.'

"Although I'd much to prefer to find out its real name."

"Here, you'd better put these on," the man in the hazard offered her rubber gloves. "The last guy that touched it burst into flames."

"I won't touch it then," she said like it was most obvious.

"Go on, Doctor. Impress me," Van Statten grinned at her.

The Doctor narrowed her eyes at him before strutting past, into the cage. It was very dark as she looked around. She jumped slightly as the door slammed shut behind her.

The Time Lord continued to investigate. She found a small table with drills, and other torture tools. Her heart instantly went out to the creature. She turned to where she assumed the 'Metaltron' was. She couldn't make it out. The room was too dark.

"Look, I'm sorry about this. Mister Van Statten might think he's clever, but never mind him. I've come to help. I'm the Doctor."

A few seconds of silence passed before a blue light was seen. When the Metaltron spoke, two white lights flashed with its words.

"Doc-tor?"

The Doctor's eyes widened, and her hearts stopped. No! This can't happen. It's-

"Impossible," she managed to breathe out.

"The Doc-tor?" The Metaltron spoke with more confidence this time.

The lights came up to reveal a Dalek. The Doctor's worst enemy. And it was chained to the floor. This didn't stop the Doctor from crying out in fear.

"Ex-ter-min-ate! Ex-ter-min-ate!"

The Time Lord flung herself onto the door and started to pound her fists.

"Let me out," she practically screamed.

"Ex-ter-min-ate!"

The door wouldn't open. The Doctor took a step back and just stared at the monstrosity. Her entire body was quivering. Her hearts were pounding hard into her chest.

"You are an en-e-my of the Da-leks! You must be des-troyed!"

The Doctor closed her eyes and awaited death. This was it. This was how she would finally die after nine hundred years. Maybe it was her time. Suddenly she accepted her fate. She never realized until now that she was ready to go.

After a few seconds without pain, she opened her eyes. She was alive! Yet a small part inside of her was disappointed. That part was overshadowed by the sickening joy she suddenly felt over her enemy.

"It's not working." She started to laugh like she's gone mad. "Fantastic! Oh, Fantastic! Powerless! Look at you. The great space dustbin. How does it feel?"

The Dalek tried to roll backwards, but was stopped by the chains.

"Keep back!" It demanded.

"What for?" She launched herself forward and became face to eyestock with the Dalek. "What're you going to do to me?" She challenged.

The Doctor, bottled with rage, began to circle the creature. Like a lion hunting its prey. She wanted to intimidate it.

"If you can't kill, then what are you good for, Dalek? What's the point of you? You're nothing!"

The Gallifreyan finally stopped back in front of the Dalek.

"What the hell are you here for?"

"I am a-wait-ing or-ders!" It responded to her.

"What does that mean?"

"I am a sold-ier. I was bred to rec-ieve or-ders."

"Well you're never going to get any. Your race is dead!" She yelled at it. "You all burnt, all of you. Ten million ships on fire. The entire race wiped out in one second."

"You lie!"

"I watched it happen. I made it happen," she spoke maliciously.

"You des-troyed us?" It asked, almost sounding heartbroken.

The alien stopped and calmed down a bit. She turned away from the Dalek in guilt. Their race wasn't the only one she destroyed that day.

"I had no choice," she responded quietly.

"And what of the Ti-me Lo-rds?"

"Dead." She managed to choke out. "They burned with you. The end of the last great Time War. Everyone lost."

"And the coward survived."

This fueled her rage once more. However, she managed to keep it under control.

"Oh, and I caught your little signal. Help me. Poor little thing. But there's no one else coming 'cause there's no one else left."

"I am a-lone in the un-i-verse," it almost sounded defeated.

"Yep."

"So are you. We are the same."

The Doctor spun around, no longer able to hold her anger.

"We're not the same! I'm not-"she paused as a cruel thought crossed her mind. "No, wait. Maybe we are. You're right. Yeah, okay. You've got a point. 'Cause I know what to do. I know what should happen. I know what you deserve." She grinned sickeningly.

"Exterminate."

With that the Doctor pulled a lever on a nearby console. The Dalek lit up with electricity. It began to scream, and she just watched.

"Have pity!" It cried out.

"Why should I? You never did." She pulled another lever, and increased the electricity.

"Help me!"

Suddenly the door opened and guards flooded in. She launched herself towards the last lever. No! This was her only chance to kill it! She was suddenly yanked away from the panel and was practically carried out of the cage.

"No! You've got to destroy it!" She yelled.

The Doctor ripped herself away from the guards once outside the cage. She frowned deeply as she waited for Van Statten to leave the cage. She was very cross with the American man. Once he left the cage they were guided towards the lift.

"The metal's just an armor. The real Dalek creature's inside," she explained to Van Statten.

"What's it look like?" he asked.

"A nightmare. It's a mutation. The Dalek race was genetically engineered. Every single emotion was removed except hate," she tried to explain to them. These stupid little apes weren't getting the big picture!

"Genetically engineered," he spoke as if it were Christmas. "By whom?"

"By a genius, Van Statten," she was starting to get stressed out. "By a man who was king of his own little world. You'd like him."

Van Statten's assistant Goddard decided to butt herself in.

"It's been on Earth for over fifty years. Sold at private auction, moving from one collection to another. Why would it be a threat now?" she asked.

"Because I'm here." How many times does she have to explain it? "How did it get to Earth? Does anyone know?"

"The records say it came from the sky like a meteorite. It fell on Earth on the Ascension Islands. Burnt in its crater for three days before anyone could get near it and all that time it was screaming. It must have gone insane," Goddard spoke in a superior tone.

The Doctor stood for a moment and thought. "It must of fallen through time. The only survivor."

"You talked about war," the human female asked.

"The Time War. The final battle between my people and the Dalek race."

"But you survived, too," Van Statten said with a devilish smile on his face.

"Not by choice," The Doctor added grimly.

"This means the Dalek isn't the only alien on Earth. Doctor, there's you. The only one of your kind in existence."

Just as the doors opened, the Doctor was once again grabbed. She struggled against their grip as they led her into her own cage.

"Any type of exposed metal is going to affect the laser scanner," Van Statten smiled.

The Doctor ended up having to shed her boots, jacket, and top. She was able to keep her bra on because Van Statten claimed he was a 'gentleman'. So now that the Doctor was stripped, she got chained spread eagle in front of the scanner.

"Now, smile!" Van Statten said, cheerfully.

The Doctor bit her lip as a painful shock ran through her body from the laser.

"Two hearts! Binary Vascular System. Oh, I am so going to patent this," Van Statten said.

The Doctor glared at the man. "So that's your secret. You don't just collect this stuff, you scavenge it."

She shook her head in anger as Van Statten went on to say how he cured the common cold and was going to sell cures for every disease. The Doctor was getting frustrated.

"Do you know what a Dalek is, Van Statten? A Dalek is honest. That creature in your dungeon is better than you."

"In that case, I'll be true to myself and continue," Van Statten frowned.

"Listen to me! That thing downstairs is going to kill every last one of us!" She tried to get through to him.

"Nothing can escape the cage."

Van Statten turned the laser up a Koch and blasted the Doctor. She bit her lip harder as she tried to endure the pain. Once the laser stopped, she attempted to catch her breath and speak.

"But it's woken up! It knows I'm here. It's going to get out. Van Statten, I swear, no one in this base is safe. No one on this planet!"

He turned the laser to its highest setting. It once again blasted the Doctor. This time around wasn't for informational purposes. He just wanted to hear her scream. And he did.

#romance #adventure #doctor who fanfic #doctor x rose #the doctor x rose tyler #the doctor #doctor who fanfiction #doctor who #ninth doctor #bbc doctor who #doctor who imagine #fem!9th doctor x male!rose tyler #fem!9th doctor #male!rose tyler #9th doctor x rose #rose tyler

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minhothebunny · 3 years

Text

Cupid’s Tears | NCT Dream #2

Genre: Cupid au, angst, fluff (happy ending)

K-pop Group: NCT Dream

Safeword: Star⭐

Requested by: none _______________________________ TRIGGER WARNING: CUSSING, NUDITY, MENTIONS OF DEATH, VULGAR LANGUAGE, DIRTY THOUGHTS.

THIRD POV.

Y/N sighed for the nth time, cheek resting on her palm as she stared at the couples across the street.

"Dude shut the fuck up."

Y/N blinked, "Well, excuse me- sorry for breathing," she sarcastically said, hand on her chest.

"Apology accepted. Now, stop sighing every time you see a happy couple and let them live their life. You live your own."

"But, Donghyuckkkk. It's not fair that they get to be happy, and I don't," she whined, pouting.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes and flicked Y/N on the forehead. "Of course, your whiny ass is still single at 19; you won't shut up."

"I'll have you know that is not the reason I'm still single."

"Oh, yeah? Then why are you still single?"

"..."

"Because my whiny ass won't shut up."

Donghyuck smiled, "At least you still have a brain. God forbid you to be both whiny and dumb."

"Hey! Take that back!"

Donghyuck stuck his tongue out, running out of the ice cream shop.

"Come back here, you little shit!

Time skip. THIRD POV.

Y/N was currently wrapped in a burrito blanket, watching a particularly romantic show.

All of a sudden, she burst into tears, "Why can't I have a relationship like that? I want somebody to love me that way. And to brush my hair. And to pick my outfit of the day. And-and," another wave of tears took over her as she shook.

In the sky.

Jaemin was intently watching the girl. Each cupid was assigned a person to matchmake. They started at the age of 21, so this was Jaemin's first "client".

"Why does my heart ache for her? I hate seeing her so broken."

An idea popped into his head, and he went looking for Donghyuck's cupid.

"Hey, Johnny."

"'Sup, dude. How's your first client going?"

"That's what I'm here to talk about. Your client is Donghyuck, right?"

"Mhm, why?"

"How about we shoot them? They do say dating your best friend is better than dating a stranger."

"I can't do that."

"What?"

"I'm sorry, man, but I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"He doesn't like her, and he's as stubborn as a rock. Even if I shoot him, he won't accept falling in love with his best friend. Besides, he's already got his eyes on someone else, and I think they'd be pretty cute together."

Jaemin slumped. He bid goodbye to Johnny and went back to watching Y/N.

Another idea popped into his head. "This probably isn't that smart, but I'm out of ideas."

He planned to shoot his arrow on Y/N and see where it goes from there. He only has one shot, though, for each person only has one arrow. If that arrow doesn't reach them, they'll lose their ability to fall in love forever.

Jaemin took a breath, aiming his bow.

"3..."

"2.."

"...1..."

He shot the arrow.

He shot the arrow and missed.

He missed.

Y/N stood up last minute before the arrow could hit her. The arrow ended up disintegrating after missing its target.

Jaemin dropped his bow.

"I just killed the arrow... and I missed..." (A/N: in this oneshot, cupid's arrows are living and, once hitting their target, become those butterflies in your stomach that you feel. If the arrow misses its target, it disintegrates and dies. There's only one arrow per person on Earth. Missing your target results in a punishment decided by the queen.)

Jaemin was teleported to the throne hall where the queen stays.

"Na Jaemin," her loud voice echoed along the walls of the vast castle.

"Y-your majesty," Jaemin kneeled.

"You have failed."

"Yes, your majesty, I am aware."

"Mistakes are not tolerated. You have missed the target."

Jaemin gulped, "Yes, your majesty. I apologize."

"Don't apologize to me: apologize to the poor girl whom you ruined the life of."

"H-how...?"

The queen hummed, shifting in her throne, "Because your arrow missed, she now has lost her ability to love. Your punishment will be to go down to Earth and figure out a way to make Y/N feel once again."

Jaemin's eyes widened, "Your majesty, that's impossible!"

"Figure it out. You've got five months. After that, depending on if you succeed or not, you will be killed or sent back up here and work in labor."

"What about being a cupid?"

"You have lost that role and are no longer a cupid. You will go down to Earth as a human and will come back as a mere citizen of this city if your punishment is successful."

Jaemin felt a lump in his throat, "Understood, your majesty."

"You have disappointed me, Jaemin."

"I have disappointed myself, too. When will my punishment take place?"

"Right now," the queen stood up, walking towards Jaemin, who was still kneeling on the floor. Bending down to his ear level, she whispered, "Before you go, do not tell anyone of your punishment. If you do, death awaits you."

Jaemin's heart quickened, "Understood, your majesty."

Rising from the floor, the queen sat back on her throne.

"Goodbye, Na Jaemin."

Everything went black

Y/N'S POV.

I was done watching my show and was getting ready for bed when a man appeared in front of me.

I jumped, "Ah! Who are you? How'd you get in my house? And why are you naked?!"

The man's eyes widened, and he looked down, immediately covering his dick.

"Woah... it's big."

My face heated up as I slapped myself, "Wake up, Y/N. You can't say stuff like that."

"U-um, excuse me."

"Oh, right! The naked but hot man. Wait, what- no no no!"

"How'd you get in here? Why are you here?"

"Um, my name's Na Jaemin."

"Jaemin's a pretty name."

"I didn't ask for your name; I asked you why and how you got here."

He blinked, "Oh, um, I, uh, can I get some clothes, first?"

My eyes widened, "Right! He's still naked..."

I went into the guest room where some of Donghyuck's clothes are. "He wouldn't mind a stranger wearing his clothes, right?... He'll definitely mind, but I'll deal with that later."

"Here," I threw the clothes at him, Jaemin uncovering his dick to catch the clothes. I turned around to give him some privacy and waited while he changed.

"I'm, um, done."

I turned around. "Okay, now, why are you here?"

"I... don't know. But please don't kick me out! I have nowhere to go!"

I was taken aback by the sudden outburst. Nonetheless, I'm not a heartless bitch, so I agreed to let him stay even though the whole situation was very suspicious.

Time skip: 3 months. THIRD POV.

Y/N and Jaemin have gotten close over these three months. Y/N has been feeling weird whenever she thought about Jaemin. She just couldn't put her finger on what she was feeling. She talked to Donghyuck about it, and he explained that she was possibly falling for Jaemin. She didn't know what that meant but didn't want to ask, wary of the judgmental look Donghyuck gave her.

She, instead, resorted to the internet as any 19 year old would. The results were a bit hard to understand, but she eventually grasped the main themes. She realized that Jaemin has been teaching her about love this entire time. Butterflies in your stomach, blushing, feeling nervous around the individual. He explained it all, but she didn't understand until after she figured out her feelings.

Using her newfound knowledge, she began getting even closer to Jaemin, occasionally flirting when she was confident.

Time skip: the day of Jaemin's deadline (Valentine's Day). THIRD POV.

"Y/N, do you feel anything new?"

Taken aback by the sudden question, Y/N blinked, "What? What do you mean?"

"Love. Do you know what love is? Do you feel it?"

Her eyes widened comically, "Um, yes, I know what it is."

"Do you feel it?"

To say Y/N was embarrassed would be an understatement. Nonetheless, she meekly answered, "Yes, I feel love for someone."

Jaemin was shocked, "Confess! You have to confess! Please, you have to confess right now! Call him!"

Y/N looked at him confused, failing to sense to urgency in Jaemin's voice.

"Why?"

"Just do it!"

Y/N closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, "Jaemin, I love you."

"..."

Y/N slowly opened her eyes, looking into Jaemin's tear-filled eyes.

"...What?"

"I said I love you."

"You-you can't love me."

Y/N's eyes widened, "Why not?"

"You-you can't love me. We can't be together. If only you loved somebody else..." Jaemin's voice cracked, tears pouring out his bloodshot eyes.

"Why can't I love you?"

"I... I can't tell you. But, I have to go; I completed my punishment. Thank you for falling in love."

Before Y/N could protest and yell, Jaemin disappeared into thin air.

Y/N started shaking, tears welling up in her eyes.

"No... he wouldn't leave me. He wouldn't use me."

She looked through the whole house, not finding a trace of him. His clothes, his uneaten breakfast, his scent. All gone, as if he never existed.

All of a sudden, she heard the doorbell ring. Y/N rushed to the door, opening it so fast the screws almost came loose. She was expecting Jaemin to show up and tell her that it's all a joke, but she came face-to-face with the last person she expected, Lee Donghyuck.

"I- what... what are you doing here?"

"Ouch, can I not be here?"

"N-no, but is there a reason for you to come?"

"Um, yeah? It's Valentine's Day; we always celebrate together because we're lonely potatoes. Y/N, are you okay? You never forget Valentine's Day," Donghyuck said, concerned for his best friend.

Y/N forgot it was Valentine's Day. She was so caught up with Jaemin and figuring out her feelings that she completely forgot.

"Jaemin...!"

"Donghyuck!" Said male flinched, not expecting the sudden outburst.

"Uh... yeah?"

"Did you see Jaemin? Did he show up anywhere on the street or something?"

Donghyuck's eyebrows furrowed, "Jaemin? Who's that?"

"Jaemin! Na Jaemin! The guy you said I'm falling for when I came to you for advice on how I'm feeling."

"Uh, no, you never came to me for advice. And I've never heard the name Na Jaemin. Y/N, are you sure you're okay?"

Y/N's heart quickened, her sight getting blurry. Before she could say anything, she collapsed.

"Y/N!"

Donghyuck caught Y/N, shaking her, "Y/N! Oh my god, are you okay? What's going on?"

Y/N was mumbling incoherent words, blabbering about how she was used. Donghyuck had no idea what she was talking about but didn't like it. He felt angry hearing that this Jaemin guy stole her heart.

Donghyuck wanted her to forget Jaemin, and the only way to do that was to smash his lips onto hers.

Y/N's eyes widened, her breath taken away by the soft lips on hers.

Closing her eyes, Y/N slowly kissed back, forgetting about everything else.

Donghyuck broke the kiss, hooded eyes and heavy breath inviting Y/N to kiss him once more. Before she could place her lips on his, he spoke, "You still like Jaemin?"

"Who?"

Donghyuck smirked, "That's what I thought," and they molded their lips together, only stopping for air before continuing their make-out session.

Two cupids failed, but two hearts still became one. ________________________________ Sheesh, I don't know how this went. Do you guys prefer the sad version or this one?

The last line is supposed to say that both Jaemin and Johnny failed to shoot their arrows at Y/N and Donghyuck. Johnny said that Donghyuck had eyes for someone else (it was supposed to be Mark), but Mark went back home to Canada, leaving Donghyuck lonely and in need of love. Donghyuck could hear the altercation between Jaemin and Y/N and decided to ring the bell because he knew Y/N would go into hysteria if he didn't distract her. Seeing Y/N talking about another man (Jaemin) made him realize that he wanted her all to himself and that he wasn't happy hearing that Y/N liked someone else.

I hope this makes sense! Don't forget to like and comment!

Thank you for reading! -Nina<3

#cupids #tears #angst #fluff #happyending #nctdream #haechan #leedonghyuck #najaemin #jaemin #donghyuck

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welllpthisishappening · 4 years

Text

One Foot In (2/7)

The facts were these.

Killian Jones was dead. This much Emma knew, standing in the middle of the funeral parlor staring at him. What she didn’t know was why. Or how. Or what she would do when she touched him.

Because Emma Swan had a gift. Touch a dead thing once, bring it back to life. Touch it again, dead forever.

And the last thing Emma could do was bring Killian back to life, talk to him for the first time in years, only to watch him die all over again. Not when she’d spent the better part of those same years being in love with him.

—–

Rating: Teen, but eventually they’re going to kiss Word Count: 9.3K this chapter that I don’t remember writing AN: Hello, lovely internet! You are lovely and have said some very nice things about this mess of words, so I really cannot thank you enough for that. Today we’ve got banter on banter, triple berry pie, and some plans for the future. Of which there can now be one, because Killian Jones was dead and he isn’t anymore.

@shireness-says @optomisticgirl @nikkiemms, @teamhook, @dayo488, @greymeetsblue, @jennjenn615, @heavenlyjoycastle, @klynn-stormz, @superchocovian, @onepunintendid, @jonesfandomfanatic, @lfh1226-linda

|| Also on Ao3 if that’s how you roll ||

—–

Emma Swan is twenty-nine years, six months, twenty-two days and, approximately, thirteen hours old when she is forced to stave off a panic attack in the viewing room of Storybrooke’s lone funeral home.

It feels as if all the oxygen has been forcibly yanked out of the room, spots appearing in front of her eyes and vision swimming. The tandem seems a little bit like overkill, but Emma knows she doesn’t really have a leg to stand on this particular situation because, in this particular situation, the man standing a few inches away from her is supposed to be dead.

In that coffin a few more inches away from her.

“Oh my God,” Emma mumbles, running a ragged hand over her face and she can only imagine what her face looks like. Probably a little crazed. And blotchy. She always gets blotchy when she’s stressed out.

She’s started coming up with a new pie recipe in her head.

And Killian won’t stop staring at her.

That’s fair. Really, all things considered, that’s more than fair because there hasn’t been much of an explanation yet, but there wasn’t really time and— “Oh my God,” Emma repeats, and that time Killian arches an eyebrow. He takes a cautious step towards her, like he’s approaching a dangerous animal they found in the woods and the metaphor checks out.

She takes another step back – only to crash directly into a chair. It would really suck if she broke several different bones in addition to breaking the most basic laws of the universe.

Emma exhales.

That is a mistake. She can’t seem to stop doing that.

“Swan,” he says slowly, as if he’s nervous she’s going to explode and it doesn’t really feel like that. It feels like every one of her bodily systems is shutting down one by one and Emma wishes her eyes could focus on something.

She looks at Killian.

That is another mistake. Like. The biggest mistake. He’s definitely better looking as an adult.

“Emma,” Killian says, ducking his head to get into his eye line and, honestly, that just seems unfair. She can’t remember the last time he called her Emma. It must be, at least, twenty-two years and that number sounds ridiculous in her head, but it’s been so long and so much has happened and he’s supposed to be dead.

She couldn’t let him be dead.

“Emma. Swan, I’m not entirely sure what we’re supposed to do next, but you’re doing that thing with your jaw and it’s giving me pause.”

She blinks – and clenches her jaw. “I’m not doing anything with my jaw.” “Please, I may only be recently alive. Realive? Reborn? Oh God, no, that’s worse, isn’t it?” Emma’s laugh is strangled and awkward, but she’s ninety-six percent positive he’s doing it to make her feel better and that seems fairly par for the course. If only a little unfair because he was, in fact, dead three minute before.

“I don’t think reborn makes much sense really,” she mumbles. “And realive is just...you’re not a zombie or anything.” “No human brains involved, then?” “No. I mean...no, no human brains.” “That pause also gave me pause.” “I really doubt you’re going to have a sudden desire to eat human anything, so long as you weren’t a cannibal to begin with.” His answering laugh is like coming up for air after several decades of being stuck under a particularly aggressive current. It’s exactly the way Emma remembers it, and if she’s being honest with herself she never really tried to forget it. It’s bright, like its own source of light and happiness and both of those things seem to shift across his face in slow motion until they reach his eyes and everything is blue and normal and directed straight at Emma.

She takes a deep breath.

“Were you a cannibal to begin with?” she asks. Mistake number sixty-seven, at least, makes Killian laugh again.

He shakes his head. “Not as such, no. Although I’d probably kill somebody for a hamburger.” “That’s aggressive.” “I’d imagine dying would do that to you.” Emma groans, not entirely out of frustration, but mostly because he keeps throwing around that word like it’s not the cause of the clench in her jaw. Her jaw is starting to ache. “No zombie tendencies,” she says, rehashing old and unnecessary points in a misplaced attempt to regain some control of the situation. It certainly doesn’t work when Killian runs his hand through his hair. “And I...well, we can probably get you food at some point.” “That so?” “I mean...I’d imagine you’d like to eat eventually.” “I feel like you’re asking me out on a date, Swan.”

The flush she feels in her cheeks at those particular words in that particular order do not make any sense considering the situation, but Emma has lost complete control of both the situation and her own bodily functions, so whatever.

Licking her lips, she ignores the way Killian’s eyes dart towards her mouth. It is genuinely unfair how long his hair is. She keeps losing her train of thought.

“I’m mostly just trying to figure out how to get you out of here,” she says. “I don’t…” Emma glances around, not sure what she’s looking for exactly and it is a genuine miracle of the universe that Ruby has not knocked on this door yet.

The miracle ends rather abruptly.

“Emma,” Ruby hisses, voice barely audible over what sounds like several different limbs colliding with the door.

Killian freezes, eyes wide when his head snaps towards Emma. She’s going to do permanent damage to her jaw.

She does something ridiculous with her hands – an attempt to keep him quiet without actually telling him to keep quiet – and her heart stutters when she notices him pull his lips back behind his teeth to stop from laughing. Strictly speaking, she probably shouldn’t be counting that as some kind of personal victory, but it’s been that kind of day and Emma is more than willing to blame either the cut of his suit or that one piece of hair behind his left ear or, the most likely culprit, how he keeps trying to rock into her space like he can’t actually stop himself from moving towards her.

Killian winks at her.

It’s absurd.

Her pulse does not care.

It kind of feels like she’s suffocating. It’s not entirely unpleasant. Except for what she assumes is stress-related acid reflux in the back of her throat. Because that feeling is certainly not guilt or regret or the several dozen things she should have told Killian Jones before he died.

Ruby is definitely throwing her entire body at the door. “Emma,” she says. “Either you’re doing something entirely unacceptable in that room or you’ve been in there for way too long!” Emma closes her eyes at that, her whole body drooping forward with the force of her sigh and she can’t even bring herself to look at Killian. He also kind of sounds like he’s suffocating. On his own laughter.

The universe is toying with Emma. There’s no other explanation.

“Also,” Ruby continues, seemingly unperturbed by the lack of response to her monologue. “The director is starting to get suspicious and I think he’s got places to go with that coffin. Like graveyard things and they’ve got to move and we’ve got to get out of here before someone realizes what we’re—”

Emma curses, drawing a wide-eyed look out of Killian because he remembers her as a nine-year-old kid with mud on her knees and a questionable obsession with winning bike races. She ignores the flash of disappointment she feels at that, moving across the room as quickly as she can and barely opening the door before she slides back into the hallway.

Ruby gapes at her.

“What the hell have you been doing in there?” she demands, stepping on the toe of Emma’s boot like that’s some kind of reprimand.

“Not any of the things you so were discreetly suggesting.” “Ok, I didn’t really think you were desecrating the body—” “—Jeez, Rubes. That’s...that’s a human being.” “I’m not questioning that. What I am questioning is what took so long and whether or not I can go home and pay off my credit card statements for several new pairs of Manolo Blahniks.” “That’s not practical at all for field work, you know that right?” “Not all of us are tied to our job,” Ruby says pointedly, and there is not enough oxygen in the entire world for Emma to sigh as loudly as she wants to. “But speaking of jobs...any pertinent information on this one?” Emma does her best not to use any of her tells. She does, really. She doesn’t move her feet, doesn’t reach up to grab the ends of a ponytail that seems to have just given up at some point. And she certainly doesn't allow her eye to twitch.

None of it seems to matter.

Because Ruby blinks and lifts her eyebrows, judgments and questions all but radiating off her and it’s a losing battle Emma probably shouldn’t have ever started. Emma is, for all intents and purposes, the world’s worst liar.

It’s not usually a problem. She doesn’t talk to enough people for it to become a problem. That, however, was before a not-dead Killian Jones was on the other side of the door behind her and her partner could read her almost as well as that same not-dead Killian Jones and he shouldn’t be able to read her that well.

Still. Or always. Or whatever.

Emma lets out a ragged breath, a pitiful attempt at a smile on her face. “Nothing,” she lies, and Ruby’s eyebrows practically disappear into her hair. “He uh...didn’t know anything.” “He didn’t know anything?” “Nope.” “Nope?” “Are we just going to repeat each other for the rest of time or, like, until one of us dies?” “Well, we’re in the right place for it, aren’t we?” Ruby asks, the sarcasm dripping off the words and landing on Emma’s feet until it soaks through her boots and leaves her socks damp in the most uncomfortable way. At least metaphorically.

Emma scowls. “Hysterical. I don’t know what you want me to tell you, Rubes. The guy didn’t know anything about anything.” “The guy?” “You are repeating me again.” “Why are you calling him that? Two hours ago you were offended that I referred to him as a body and now—” “—Well, that’s just rude, that’s why,” Emma interrupts, ignoring the look on Ruby’s face. “I mean...he’s a person and we should, you know, respect the dead.” Ruby tilts her head, smile turning incredulous. “Yuh huh.”

Emma groans, letting her head fall back, which is definitely mistake, like, eighty-four at this point because it’s a very solid door and the pain feels as if it’s lingering at the base of her skull and growing, moving down her neck and into her shoulders until every inch of her feels heavy and impossible and decidedly wrong.

She’s done something wrong.

She is wrong.

“Ok,” Ruby nods, a sudden and jarring acceptance that Emma doesn’t entirely trust. “You say the guy doesn’t know anything about how he died, then he doesn’t know anything about how he died. Because I believe you. Partner.”

“That is heavy handed,” Emma accuses, but all she gets is a shrug.

“No, no, my dear Emma. That is a fact. I believe you and I trust you. And I know that this is...a touchy subject for you. I won’t pry because—” “—You won’t pry?” “No,” Ruby says, a note of finality in her voice. “I won’t. At least not now. Because you're doing that ridiculous thing with your jaw and toying with your fingers and if your eye twitches any more, it’s actually going to fall on the floor.” “That rhymed too.” “That was also unintentional. My point still stands.”

Emma sighs, a breath of frustration and confusion and that same guilt she hasn’t been able to shake for the better part of the last two decades. She can’t hear anything through the door behind her.

She hopes he sat in a chair or something.

It’d be weird if he sat in the coffin.

“And the point is?” Ruby doesn’t quite haul off and punch her, but the fist that collides with Emma’s shoulder is certainly more than a tap. “Oh my God,” Emma grumbles. “What the hell was that?” “That was the visual representation of my annoyance with you today. This was good money and now we’ve got to do actual investigating to figure it out.” “Isn’t that your job?” “Not recently,” Ruby groans. “I hate working in the field. My shoes are totally inappropriate for it.”

“This is what I was saying.” Ruby makes a noise in the back of her throat – almost a growl and it sounds a little predatory, but Emma can’t back up any farther. She’s already a little worried she inadvertently concussed herself before. “Ok, tell me something, and I expect God's honest truth because we are somewhere God is watching.” “This is not a church.” “Shut up, the truth, Em, you got it?” Emma nods slowly, nerves churning in the pit of her stomach and she can dimly make out the funeral director hovering at the other end of the hall. They’ve probably disrupted his entire schedule. “Was Killian Jones as dreamy as an adult as you thought he was when you were nine?” In the grand scheme of questions Ruby could have demanded answers to, that is probably the last thing Emma expects. It shouldn’t be, because this is Ruby and the day appears to be going a very specific kind of way, but the question still catches her off guard and, if asked, she will blame both of those things for the next few words that fall out of her mouth.

“Yeah, he was,” Emma mumbles, and Ruby makes a noise that’s somewhere between generic triumph and a pretty spot on impression of some kind of barnyard animal. “Oh my—Ruby, Ruby, shut up, shut up.”

Emma pushes on Ruby’s shoulder when she sags forward, laughter shaking its way through her body. It doesn’t really do much. “That funeral director is staring at us,” Emma whispers. “And you are not helping the situation at all.” “And what situation would that be? Exactly?” Those questions sound far more charged than the one about Killian’s overall state of dreaminess, especially when they’re combined with that knowing look and particular quirk of lips and the floor creaks when the funeral director moves towards them.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” he says, not sounding sorry at all and Emma suppresses a shudder at the tone of his voice. He gives her the creeps. “But I will have to ask you two to leave. The deceased has to be moved.” “Moved?” Emma echoes.

“Yes, ma’am. That’s...well, he’s dead, ma’am.” “I’m aware.” Ruby throws her a warning glare, but Emma’s stubborn and, well...stubborn. She pushes away from the door, crossing her arms and waiting for an explanation to a question she hasn’t actually asked. The funeral director is a total creep.

Something is wrong.

She knows it.

She just can’t figure out what.

“The cemetery, ma’am,” he says. “We need to move the body to the cemetery so it can be, well...buried. As the deceased’s family requested.” “Do they actually have to request that?” Ruby asks, an entirely out of place question while Emma is fighting off another panic attack and she hadn’t really considered that. She hears something shift in the room behind her.

The funeral director’s eyes dart up, staring over Emma’s shoulder as if he can see a ghost there. “Did you hear that?” “Nope,” Emma says, another incredibly bad lie. “Nothing. There’s...nothing in there, but, you know, dead bodies. One. There’s one dead body in there.” Ruby mumbles a very creative string of curses under her breath.

“Right,” the funeral director says, drawing the word out in complete and obvious disbelief. “Well, the deceased's family is here and they’re looking to get this show on the road, so to speak.” “I really doubt they said that,” Emma mutters. Ruby’s next curse does not sound like it’s in English.

“True. But I still need you two out of here. Now.” He says it with something Emma assumes he believes is authority, turning on his heels before she can begin to formulate an inappropriately snarky response. Ruby kicks her.

“Ow,” Emma gasps. “What the hell was that for?” “You’re asking me that? What the hell were you on about just now? This is...we’ve got a connect here and it’s easier to get information before we get to the morgue—”

“—You love going to the morgue, don’t even try to lie to me like that. You get to flirt and use that face thing and—” “—I do not have a face thing.” “You do too,” Emma argues. “You have several face things and one face thing in particular for Victor because it always works and he ignores how awful it is that we show up whenever a new dead body does.” “He gets paid!” “Yell that a little louder, please.” Ruby growls again, all annoyance and frustration and balled up fists lifted in the air. “God, I hate when you’re right. Why are you getting all high and mighty about Killian Jones?” “I’m not.” “Emma.” “I’m not! I’m...listen, I lived here for some very formative years of my life and Killian Jones was…” “Very formative?” Ruby prompts.

Emma shrugs. “More or less. Listen, he didn’t know anything about what happened. He...I mean he’s missing his hand and that’s got to be some kind of clue right?” “Are we looking for clues now?” “Ruby, you are a private investigator. With a growing shoe collection that is going to put you in debtors prison.” “Please, they don’t have debtors prison anymore. The IRS would just come for me.” “And you want to explain all those cash-only payments that are suspiciously off the book?”

Ruby’s eyes narrow until they’re barely more than slivers on her face and Emma grins like she’s not in the middle of a complete and utter disaster. “God I hate when you’re right,” she says again. “Alright. We’ll see if we can figure something out.”

It takes her a few steps to realize Emma isn’t following her towards the front door, nearly tripping over her own feet when she spins back around. “Why are you standing there still?” “I, uh...I think I may go to the service,” Emma says evasively. She’s genuinely the worst liar in every known universe. “You know, just to pay my respects.” “Didn’t you do that when you undeaded him?” “That doesn’t even make any sense. He was dead and then he wasn’t dead and—” “Now he’s dead again?” “Who do you think I am, Ruby?” Ruby shrugs, lower lip jutted out and Emma can practically hear the gears moving in her head. “I’m starting to wonder if I actually know. You’re really sure he didn’t know who killed him?” “I am not trying to keep the reward for myself.” “I didn’t say that.” “You didn’t have to.”

Ruby clicks her tongue, digging her heels into the carpet. There’s a hint of blush on her cheeks. Emma appreciates that. “Yeah, that was kind of a dick move, huh?” she mutters. “I know you wouldn't do that. Seriously.” “Good. Listen, you don’t...there’s a bus station a couple blocks away from here.” “You’re not even going to drive me home?” Emma shrugs. “It’s probably a long service.” “It is incredible how bad you are at lying.” Ruby stares at her, like she’s looking for the truth lingering between Emma’s eyebrows or the tilt of her mouth, but she sighs when she, presumably, doesn’t find anything. “Fine,” she says. “I will take the bus home. If I die I fully expect you to bring me back to life, understood?”

Emma doesn’t actually stumble backwards, but it’s a pretty close thing. She bites her lower lip hard enough that she draws blood, the tang of it flooding her mouth and doing a pretty piss poor job of keeping her grounded.

It feels as if her head has separated itself from the rest of her body and is just floating above her, drifting into the atmosphere where there is a distinct lack of oxygen.

Digging her nails into her palms is another misplaced attempt at control through pain that she wishes her subconscious would stop relying on. It just ends with her hissing in a breath of unfulfilling air and Ruby’s eyebrows shifting again and—

“That’s not a funny joke,” Emma grumbles.

“It wasn’t a joke. It was an instruction. I don’t care about the rules. That’s that. As they say.” “They?” “The eponymous they who decree what happens in the universe. Does this bus come often?”

“I haven’t lived here in a very long time.” “You’re no help at all,” Ruby sighs, but she does reach out and give Emma’s shoulder a comforting squeeze. It’s at least an attempt at a comforting squeeze. It would probably feel better if Emma were getting the necessary oxygen to her brain to retain its higher functions. “Ok, I’m leaving now. You’ll probably continue being...a giant weirdo. I’ll see you downstairs tomorrow morning with anything I can find.”

Emma nods, not entirely trusting herself to talk as she fumbles for the door handle behind her. Ruby casts one more curious glance around the hallway, probably looking for more clues or signs that Emma has messed with the tremulous balance of the universe, but there’s nothing and Killian doesn’t sound like he’s knocked anything else over.

“Ok, cool,” Ruby says, not sounding ok or cool.

Emma counts to ten in her head – and then counts to twenty for good measure, the metal of the doorknob cool in her grip. Breathing is still a very particular challenge, but Killian isn’t dead and Emma refuses to acknowledge the idea of cemeteries and burials and she’s flying by the seat of several metaphorical pants.

She opens the door.

He’s leaning back against the goddamn coffin. Smiling. At her.

“So,” Killian says conversationally, arching an eyebrow. “That seemed to go well. I’d imagine there are some things going on here that you’re not telling me.” “There wasn’t really time.” He hums, mouth twisted into something that looks a little patronizing and kind of flirty. Emma doesn’t know how to deal with either one of those things. “Because of those seconds you mentioned before.” “Yeah, exactly that. Listen, Killian we don’t really have—” “Time,” he cuts in. “Yeah, I’ve got that. Did that guy out there say my uncles were here?” “What?” “I’d imagine that’s the family he was talking about. Since that’s the only family I’ve got.” “What?” “Swan, you can’t just keep squawking the same question at me, we’ll only end up going in circles.” “Squawking?” Emma repeats, and she definitely does exactly that. Her voice even cracks. It’s absurd. That may just be Killian’s smile.

Her smile. Definitely her smile.

“Just like that,” he says, moving away from the coffin. It wobbles precariously on its perch and Emma thanks several gods she doesn’t entirely believe in that it hasn’t fallen over at some point. “So I’ll ask again. Are my uncles here?” “I don’t know. But, um...the guy was talking about family and, well, they want to bury you.” “That generally happens when one dies.” “You’re taking this all very easily,” Emma says, not sure why she’s pointing it out when she’s certain any other reaction would only prove more problematic than the problems they’re already dealing with.

“Well, you look a little frazzled. It seemed rude to add my own emotions to the mix.”

She scoffs – disbelieving and entirely believing because the Killian Jones she always knew would do exactly that, in any situation, even twenty years later with a coffin involved. “I’m so sorry,” Emma whispers, the apology working its way out of her without her explicit permission.

Killian blinks, mouth opening with a soft pop. “That’s what you said before. Right before you left. You apologized. I didn’t understand it then either.” “You remember that?” “I remember quite a bit, Swan.” “Yeah, me too, actually.” She feels like she’s admitting to something much bigger – possibly even bigger than the apology and it might be why she couldn't will her lips to go any farther a few minutes before. He couldn’t be dead. It didn’t make sense.

None of this makes sense.

“So,” Killian continues, another step into Emma’s space. There are far too many chairs in this room. “You keep doing that too. Moving. Is the dead thing freaking you out?” Emma shakes her head. “No, that’s it.”

“Then…”

“I need you to stop trying to move so close to me.” “Ah, so it’s me, then? That’s...admittedly disappointing.” The butterflies in the pit of Emma’s stomach appear suddenly and rather violently, threatening to fly up her throat and out of her mouth and she’s suddenly filled with so much energy that it’s impossible not to tap her fingers against the side of her thigh. Killian presses his tongue into the corner of his mouth. “Oh my God, stop that,” Emma mutters absent-mindedly, and they both blink when they realize what she’s said. “It’s...that’s distracting.” “Am I distracting you, Swan?” “From trying to figure out how we’re going to get you out of here? Yes.” “Ah, yeah, I’d imagine just walking out the door would probably cause that creepy sounding funeral director to have several different medical issues, huh?” “You thought he was creepy?” Killian makes a face. “He sounded creepy didn’t he? I mean, admittedly that may just be because he kept calling me the deceased and it’s kind of messing with my psyche, but…” “Is your psyche being messed with?” Emma asks, and that time she’s the one who steps forward, instinct and long-dormant magnets and whatever the butterflies are still doing. She’s going to have fingernail-shaped crevices in her palm for the rest of her life.

“Seems inevitable.” “Ah, that sucks.” “It’s not your fault, Swan.”

Emma makes a contradictory noise in the back of her throat, tugging her lips behind her teeth. And Killian grins at her. It seems unfair. For him and her and some kind of collective them.

She considers that for a moment – a collective unit with collective pronouns and some kind of team of non-death related emotions and for that half a moment Emma allows herself to believe it’s even a possibility, she feels herself smiling as well, a certainty and something that almost resembles calm and she wants it so much she’s surprised to find she’s not actually shaking with it. She couldn’t let him be dead.

“We need to get you out of here,” Emma announces.

“Any ideas how to do that?” She shakes her head, tugging the elastic out of her hair and all but yanking the strands over her shoulder and she’s fairly certain she doesn’t imagine the way Killian’s eyes widen slightly at that. “You alright?” she asks, and he nods brusquely. “I mean you know…” “I know what you meant, Swan. I’ll let you know if I’m drifting towards any perilous cliffs of emotional breakdown.” He chuckles at his own joke, flashing a grin her direction when he starts pacing the room as if a hidden door or secret compartment will suddenly appear. “The creepy funeral director said they were going to the cemetery, right?” “I’d imagine that’s where they usually put the bodies, yes.” “Was that a joke?” “It might be a defense mechanism.” “Yeah, I understand that,” Killian nods. “Eventually you’re going to have to tell me about those rules that were being discussed before.” Emma doesn’t exactly freeze. She definitely tenses, though, every one of her muscles objecting at the abrupt position she’s forced them into. “What?” she breathes, and Killian laughs again.

“C’mon, now, Swan, it’s Storybrooke. Everything here is several hundred years old and probably a historic artifact. Shoddy craftsmanship in this building. Also, unless you’ve learned how to tap dance in the last twenty years, you’re doing a very good job of avoiding being in several feet of me. It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.” “Smart guy.” “Perceptive,” he corrects. “So, what do you say, eventually you’ll tell me about the rules of this little arrangement we seem to find ourselves in?” “Is that what we’re going to refer to it as?” “Eh, might as well. What did you call it? A defense mechanism? Seems to be the same kind of thing almost.” “Or drifting dangerously close to that breakdown precipice.” Killian shakes his head, moving quicker than Emma expects and he’s only a few inches away from her. She swears she can feel the heat rolling off him. Like the world is trying to prove a point. “No precipice, love,” he promises, but Emma barely hears him over the rushing in her ears and the thundering sound of her own pulse and he’s never called her that before.

He doesn’t seem to realize he’s done it.

“I’d really rather not be buried alive though,” Killian continues. “Now that I am alive again.” Emma rolls her eyes. “Stop that.”

That grin should be illegal. Or deadly. God.

He salutes at her. That’s even worse than the smile.

“Where did you learn how to do that?” “You know Nemo used to be in the Navy?” “I did not.” “Oh, yeah, very proper, very structured and then he met Shakespeare when he was on leave one day and everything changed.” “That so?” “Absolutely,” Killian says, moving towards the only window in the room and the glass creaks when he slides it open. “Nemo was in port, didn’t feel like drinking his guts out, or so he likes to say when he tells the story, and he decided to do something refined. By taking in a vaudeville show, of course.” “Of course. How high up are we?” “Not high. We should probably close that coffin, don’t you think?” “It was closed when I got in here,” Emma says, doing her best to close it as quietly as possible and it still sounds far too loud. Killian is half hanging out the window.

The whole thing is inching dangerously close to farce.

“Then I can’t imagine they’ll double check on it when we both leave,” Killian says. “Anyway, where was I?” “Vaudeville. True love conquering all.” “I don't think I got that far, Swan. You’re ruining the flow of the story.” She hums, some more misplaced sarcasm and possible flirting and Killian groans when he slings his legs over the windowsill. “Anyway,” he continues. “Nemo went to the show, took one look at Shakespeare and realized that maybe it was worth putting down some roots for a little while, that the appeal of the sea wasn’t wonderful and glorious—” “—He used those exact words?” “He did. Do you want to jump out the window after me, Swan?” “I don’t see any other choice. Although I’m not sure how we’ll get it back down.” Killian waves a dismissive hand through the air. “Maybe they forgot they opened it in the first place. It gets stuffy in rooms like this anyway.” “That’s leaving quite a lot to chance, don’t you think?” “I do not think. C’mon on now, where’s my slightly adventurous, ready to take on the world Swan?”

Emma straightens slightly – the words moving into the spaces between her ribs and wrapping around her heart. They grip tightly, almost on the wrong side of painful, but it’s also kind of warm and a bit familiar and Killian keeps looking at her like he’s simply been waiting for her to come back. To him. And them.

Collectively.

“She grew up,” Emma says, and Killian clicks his tongue in reproach.

“Ah, you don’t want to do that, love. It’s not nearly as fun.” “What happened to Nemo?” “True love conquered all, naturally. He and Shakespeare started talking and there were some drinks involved, probably a few questionably funny nautical jokes—Nemo loves those, you know. And then they decided that was it for them. They were it. Nemo left the force and started following Shakespeare around and they were entertaining and then, well...you know the rest.”

Emma nods, because she does know the rest and it would probably be weird if she apologized again. She opens her mouth anyway, not sure what she’ll say, but there are footsteps coming down the hall and voices joining the footsteps and she hisses go before she can consider saying anything else.

Killian winks again. And jumps out the goddamn window.

Emma nearly dislocates several different joints when she follows, but she does and, somehow, manages to yank the window, mostly, down in the process – a move she’s certain she’d never be able to duplicate.

“That was impressive, Swan,” Killian says, brushing a few stray pieces of grass off his pants. “Should we dramatically escape now?” Emma mumbles something that may be oh my God under her breath, but she doesn’t actually disagree and he resolutely refuses to sit in the backseat of her car as they drive out of Storybrooke.

“So, let me get this straight, you touch people, they’re not dead and then you touch them again and they’re—“

“—Dead forever, yeah, that’s the gist of it.”

Killian tilts his head, and Emma resists the very real urge to run into her kitchen, hide in her freezer and never come out. She assumes that would be slightly immature.

It’s hours and several slices of pie later, Killian’s slightly stunned laugh that you opened a pie restaurant, Swan echoing in between her ears still, and, as promised, she’s started to explain some of the rules.

Some of them.

Not all of them.

Not one of them. Specifically.

She’s circled right back around to immature.

But touching her childhood sweetheart twenty minutes before he was slated to be buried and then keeping him alive, despite the so-called rules of the universe, seems a little immature. All things considered. So, maybe, she’s just on some kind of roll at this point.

She genuinely cannot cope with that one piece of hair falling across his face.

Or whatever it appears he’s doing with his eyebrows.

He did not know how to do that when he was nine.

“So I’d imagine kissing you really is entirely out of the question.”

Emma nearly falls over. “Excuse me?”

“Relax, Swan,” Killian mutters, leaning dangerously far over the counter and he grins when she clicks her tongue in reproach. “It was a joke.”

“You were dead six hours ago, how could you possibly be in the mood for jokes?”

He shrugs, an air of nonchalance that feels decidedly forced. “How did you figure out you could do this?”

The fear that slinks down Emma’s spine isn’t exactly cold, which, really, is kind of strange, but until that moment she hadn’t realized an emotion could have a temperature. It’s not cold, but it’s kind of…prickly, as if it’s desperate to remind her of what’s going on and what she’d done and how she absolutely cannot possibly tell Killian about any of it.

She pushes a plate of pie towards him. Triple berry. Which, if memory serves, is his favorite. The grin turns into something closer to a smirk.

“Eat,” she says.

“You keep trying to feed me, you know. This is not the cheeseburger I requested earlier. Isn’t there something about last meals?”

“This is not your last meal. Also I do not have any cheeseburgers here. This is a pie restaurant.”

“Does that do good business?” “Are you worried about my bottom line?” He shakes his head, “Not in that sense.”

“Killian!”

His eyes widen at the sound of his own name, and it’s not the first time she’s said it, but it kind of feels that way and they were definitely flirting and Emma is far too preoccupied with how close their fingers are to be worried about anything happening to his face. She jerks her hand back to her side, breath catching in her throat and this was a mistake.

Ruby is going to kill her.

The hiding in the kitchen plan is starting to get even more appealing.

“You’re still not very good at avoiding the subject,” Killian murmurs, glancing up at her from underneath his eyelashes. “Alright, we’ll try a different approach. How’d you know I was dead?”

“Excuse me?”

“Did you not hear the question or…you haven’t been back in Storybrooke for awhile.”

“Twenty years, in fact.” He hums, leaning forward again to grab a fork. Emma cannot fathom how he knows where she keeps her forks. That sentence sounds ridiculous even in her head.

“Long time,” Killian muses. “And you what? Wanted to pay your respects? Did you actually see Nemo or Shakespeare?” “I was doing a very good job of avoiding them.” “Were you now?” “You’re not nearly as clever as you think you are,” Emma mutters. Killian needs to stop doing whatever he’s doing with his mouth.

“Why didn’t you ever come back?” “What?”

“You keep repeating yourself, Swan. It’s a very straightforward question.” “No, it’s not.” Killian makes a vaguely interested noise – which is, actually, kind of nice because Emma knows he’s more than interested and definitely holding back and he’s still far too good at reading her. It’s disconcerting. “Alright, I’ll make you a deal, Swan,” he says. “You don’t have to answer the questions you think are more than complicated and neither do I. But we don’t actually lie to each other. I...I’m not sure I can cope with you lying to me, love.” His voice stumbles a bit on the last few words, a hint of emotion and another endearment Emma is positive he doesn’t realize he keeps drifting to. He glances at her again, the look almost brimming with every single emotion she hadn’t understood when she was nine, but still kind of feels when she’s twenty-nine.

Emma huffs, a sigh and a pointed eye roll as Killian sticks a fork into his slice of pie. “I, uh…know these things. About death. And dead people.”

“You know these things? Are you also some kind of soothsayer?”

“Ok, c’mon, that’s not even—“

“—Funny?” Killian challenges, and Emma cannot glare hard enough when he does something else with his mouth. “I think it’s absolutely hysterical given the situation. Also, this pie is delicious.”

Her emotions have a slightly different temperature-based reaction at that – flushed and warm and something that feels distinctly like more butterflies in the pit of her stomach. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she mumbles, and Killian’s eyes do that thing, that thing she’d remembered even after years and more than a decade apart and she couldn’t let him be dead. He couldn’t be dead.

Those words just don’t make sense in that order.

“Avoiding,” Killian says, pausing between every syllable. “How’d you know I was dead?”

“Stop saying it like that!”

Emma doesn’t mean to snap. She doesn’t. She’s actually desperate to maintain some semblance of control because everything feels like it’s spiraling very quickly and Ruby is genuinely going to murder her.

And then make it look like an accident.

And somehow collect the reward.

There’s no one to offer up a reward for figuring out how Emma died.

God, she’s even depressing in metaphor.

“Swan,” Killian presses when she doesn’t say anything else. She pulls her gaze back up, despite every inclination not to, and it is probably another mistake, but that’s kind of been her MO all day and he’s staring at her exactly like she’d always remembered.

He can’t actually touch her – they’re both almost painfully aware of it, but he’d always been creative and Emma lets out a shaky laugh when he stabs the side of her hand with the tongs of his fork.

“The truth, love, let’s have it.”

She swallows before she answers, because it feels as if all those emotions, with their varying temperatures, have settled in the back of her throat and he’d never called her love when they were ten, but he had called her Swan and that was the first thing he said when he saw her.

Emma hadn’t been Swan in a very long time. She likes it far more than she’s willing to admit.

And she’s just about to tell him, really, she’s got every intention, but the TV sitting in the corner of the kitchen is on and it must be close to ten o’clock because the news has started playing and right there, leading the broadcast, is Killian Jones, found dead, authorities willing to pay for more information. Emma feels his stare even with her eyes squeezed closed. Which they are. Suddenly. And tightly.

The last thing she expects him to do is laugh, and he doesn’t quite do that, it’s more a disbelieving scoff, but it’s also not yelling and Emma figures that’s a win.

“So, what?” Killian asks, poking Emma again when she refuses to open her eyes. “You touch murder victims and—“

“—Ask them who killed them? Yes.”

“And this is a business of yours?”

Emma shakes her head. “This is the business,” she says, waving her hand around the empty restaurant. “The other thing is a…hobby.”

“You must bring in a considerable income for your hobby.”

“I have a partner.”

Killian does laugh at that and Emma tells him the rest – how Ruby saw her and it was an accident, but it works and the money is good and justice is being served or something. His eyebrows twist several times throughout the explanation, lips pressed tightly together at one point so he doesn’t smile too wide.

And, really, Emma would like to believe she still knows Killian well enough to guess what he’s going to say after she’s detailed every last thing, but it’s been a very long time and he’s got that one piece of hair that seems determined to torment her now and the reward for information about his death was incredibly large. Questionably large. Almost too large, really.

“Is that the voice I heard before?” Killian asks, and Emma nods. She’s started mixing something at some point. She doesn’t actually remember when she decided to do that, but it seems to have just happened and Killian appears almost amused by it.

“Yeah. She wasn’t entirely pleased you didn’t know who killed you. It means she’ll have to do actual PI work and that messes with her fashion choices.” “I’m not sure I understand the order of the words in that sentence.” “I wouldn’t expect you to.” “And you normally...touch these people again? After you figure out who killed them.” Emma nods, but it’s cautious and she feels like she’s stepped onto incredibly thin ice. She mixes harder. “Yeah, always.” “Was I the straw that broke the camel’s back?” “No, no, I just...I couldn’t.” “I should probably be thanking you for that, huh?” “Not necessary.” “It seems incredibly shitty that I can’t even hold your hand,” Killian muses, almost like he’s saying it to himself and Emma hears her jaw crack before she actually feels it drop. He shrugs. “I’m just saying. That was...that was kind of our thing, wasn’t it? I know it was a long time ago, but—” “—No,” Emma says, far too loud to be anything except enthusiastic and just a hint desperate. “That was definitely our thing. You know they said they found your body at the bottom of the hill.” “Our hill?” Emma startles at another joint pronoun – and it doesn’t really even make sense because they didn’t own that hill, but her mind doesn’t care. It latches on to ours and linked hands and how much she wants from Killian Jones.

Still. Or always. Whatever.

“So,” he says, grabbing the rest of the pie tray as soon as her mouth is closed and not even bothering to cut another slice. “You think your partner would go for 30-30-40? I feel like I should get more, since I did die for it and everything.”

Emma blinks. “What?”

“Let’s find out who killed me, Swan.”

She’s not entirely surprised by it. Honestly. Emma kind of, almost, sort of expected him to say it, but she blinks again anyway, nerves chipping away at every corner of her brain and her life and the seemingly unstable structure of it all.

Emma has spent the last few years of adulthood doing her best to compartmentalize everything. She’s got work and the side work and Ruby’s never even been in her apartment. There are no photos of Ingrid there. There’s nothing even resembling sentiment.

Except for the photo booth print out she’s got in a drawer next to her bed, a souvenir of the one time she and Killian went to the fair and he won her a stuffed animal that she definitely lost somewhere between houses ten and eleven.

Maybe she is a little sentimental.

“Thoughts?” Killian prompts when Emma stays, presumably, frustratingly silent. “Feelings? Immediate reactions other than whatever it is you and your jaw are doing. That can’t be good for your molars, Swan.” “My molars specifically?” “I’d imagine it’s detrimental to most of your teeth, but your molars probably play the biggest role. There’s lots of clenching going on in that jaw of yours.” “You are not a dentist.” Killian drags the fork through the last few pie crumbs, resting both his elbows on the counter. “That’s an accurate observation. I am, however, someone well acquainted with orthodontia and a particularly torturous summer that included a copious amount of headgear.” “That was a lot of adjectives.” “Felt appropriate. And to be fair, it did make my teeth...better.” Emma laughs. She wishes she wouldn’t. No, that’s wrong. She shouldn’t wish to laugh less. It’s just weird to laugh this much.

That’s depressing.

“Were your teeth in need of being better?” she asks, and they’re both doing a fairly admirable job of avoiding the situation.

“If you ask either one of my uncles, they will tell you that it was a form of controlling me—”

“—Controlling you?” “And my incredibly dreamy face.”

“I didn’t say that.” “Eh. I believe you agreed rather quickly with the disembodied voice on the other side of the door regarding my overall dreaminess. Is that why you kept me alive?” Emma nearly bites her tongue in half. And Killian scowls almost as soon as the words are out of his mouth, understanding washing over his face. He grits his teeth. His admittedly very straight teeth. “Punch me in the face when I say shit like that,” he mumbles, almost falling off the stool he’s perched on when he realizes what he’s said.

Again.

“That’s not why I kept you alive,” Emma whispers, but it feels like a promise and sounds like a guarantee and she’s got no structure at all any more. She’s got...a mess, really, is what she’s got. “Although it is admittedly a perk.”

She’s a little proud of herself for very clearly catching him off guard.

His eyes widen and his breath catches audibly and the sound of the fork clattering back onto the counter in between them is gratifyingly loud.

It’s a good look, honestly.

“Yeah?” Killian asks, a little breathlessly and, surprisingly, cautious, and Emma nods slowly as if she hadn’t been in love with him when he was nine. And he hadn’t grown up into whatever was sitting on the other side of her restaurant counter.

Staring at her – still.

“Yeah,” Emma guarantees. “We’re not doing this, though.” “Doing what? Exactly?”

“Not that.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Yeah, tell that to your face.” “You seem very intent on discussing my face, Swan.” She hisses in a breath, frustrated at how quickly these metaphorical tables appear to have turned. Killian’s eyebrows do something she’d been previously convinced was biologically impossible. “I’d like to punch you in the face.” “But you can’t do that,” Killian points out. “And forgive me for rehashing old points, love, but you were the one investigating my murder were you not?” “We don’t know that’s what it was.” Killian eyes her, and for half a second it looks just like Liam and just like those memories Emma has been so desperate to forget, but she’s still got those pictures and there wasn’t really much choice in keeping him alive.

“Swan,” he says. It sounds like Liam too, all adult and twenty years in audible form and Emma grips the counter until her knuckles crack as soon as he holds up his left arm. “We said we weren’t going to lie, love.” “Are you ok?” The words fall out of her before she’s really considered them, the question not big enough and far too big all at the same time – because, upon closer examination, the blunt end of his arm isn’t really all that blunt, like someone took care of him or tried to fix it and she can’t imagine what must be going through his mind.

Emma is waiting for the fallout. Always.

It can’t just be ok. She’s far too wrong for that.

“That’s a rather loaded question, don’t you think?” “Yeah,” Emma agrees. “But we’ve kind of been bantering and it’s been—” “—Very easy to do that, actually. That’s been kind of nice. It was...I missed you quite a bit, Swan.” Emma blinks, and presses her lips together, afraid of what she’ll say if she doesn’t and even more terrified of what she might not say – this promise of being honest with each other appears to have blown up in her face far quicker than she expected it to.

“Did you?” she asks, not much more than a squeak and after all the relative ease of conversation, they’ve suddenly stumbled and broken a few bones. Metaphorically. Killian’s lost his hand. Literally.

Killian jerks his head, a quick and nervous nod that would have stunned his ten-year-old self. “You never came home.” “It wasn’t really my home.” “That’s not true.” Emma’s jaw aches. “You didn’t really answer my question, you know.” “About being ok?” She must nod, because her hair brushes over her ear, but Emma feels as if all of her muscles have frozen in place and they can’t possibly eat more pie. Killian sighs, head falling forward when he tugs on the hair at the nape of his neck. “Eh,” he groans. “I am...doing my best not to drift towards that precipice and wondering if my uncles are ok and what the hell I’ve gotten into and, uh...every single thing that’s happened to you between getting in that car and showing up at my funeral.” “I promise it’s not that interesting.” “Ah, I don’t know about that. You know I always thought you could do something incredible, but now you’ve gone and proven that you’re real, literal magic, Swan. It’s messing with my head a little bit.” “I’ve been doing this for a very long time and it’s constantly messing with my head.” His laugh lacks a distinct amount of humor, but his smile is genuine when he glances back up at her and Emma knows they can’t stay in the restaurant. The thought of where they’ll go makes those butterflies rise up again.

“You look exhausted,” Killian says, waving a finger through the air. He ignores Emma’s soft cry of protest when he gets too close. “I don’t have an actual death wish, Swan. You have to relax.” “That’s not really my thing.” “A work in progress.” “Aren’t you tired?” she challenges.

“Feel as if I could sleep like the dead.” “You aren’t dead.” She says it with almost too much conviction, like she’s trying to convince herself as well as Killian and anyone else who realizes that he is, in fact, not dead. It’s a determination Emma isn’t sure she’s felt in years, but it feels kind of good – warm and confident, like coming home to a home she’d forgotten she’d ever had. She assumes there are fuzzy blankets involved too.

“I know I’m not,” Killian whispers. “Thank you for that.” More conviction. More emotions. More—”You want to come upstairs?” “You live upstairs?” “I’m nothing if not efficient.” Killian chuckles, finger still in his hair as he gets off the stool. “Lead the way, Swan.” She hasn’t really had time to organize her space – and it feels a little bit like opening herself up, but Emma hasn’t actually found she’s nervous around Killian for any of the reasons she’s supposed to be nervous and she kind of wants him to be there. She absolutely, positively missed him too.

He glances around the living room, taking in sparse decorations and the curtains that came with the apartment when Emma moved in. There are a few pillows on the couch – they came with the couch too – and plates in the sink, coffee still in the pot because she’d been running late to meet Ruby that morning.

Killian’s lips twitch when he notices the small collection of scarves hanging on a rack by her front door, the same kind of rack Ingrid had in their house because Ingrid wore scarves eight months out of the year and—

“I like it,” he says with a smile and Emma’s skin feels as if it bursts into flame.

“You can take the bed if you want. I’m...the couch is fine until we figure out what we’re going to do later.” “Solve a murder?” “Killian.” “I can sleep on the couch, Swan. This is your apartment.” “Yeah, but—” Killian shakes his head. “If you make some kind of dead joke, I’ll start investigating my own murder without you and it won’t be nearly as fun.” “Seems like you’re punishing yourself. And we’re not investigating your murder. That is...tempting fate.” “Yeah, well, fate seems to have reached out and punched me squarely in the jaw first, don’t you think?” Emma huffs, but she’s familiar with this particular brand of stubborn and it really does feel as if she could fall asleep standing up. “Plus, uh...what if we both just stayed out here? For...old time’s sake?” “Old time’s sake?” “And how much I don’t really want to be by myself.” He says it so softly, Emma wonders if she didn’t just imagine it, but he doesn’t blink when he gazes at her and they used to do it all the time when they were little – alternating living rooms and coming up with increasingly impressive blanket forts with designs Liam drew by hand. Killian always fell asleep before her.

“Yeah, ok,” Emma breathes. “I’ll get us some more blankets.” It doesn’t take long for them to find themselves back in the living room – teeth brushed and blankets moved and Killian wearing clothing that’s far too big for Emma and far too small for him and it probably would have been funny if she didn’t feel as if her lungs were being twisted.

They lay several feet apart from each other on the floor, pillows tucked under heads and arms tucked under pillows and it’s familiar and not and Emma wonders if time doesn’t actually stop for a moment.

She hopes so.

She wants this to linger. Forever.

“Good night, Swan,” Killian says. He doesn’t reach out, doesn’t try to hold her hand like he would have all those years ago, but it sounds the same and it feels the same and, that time, Emma falls asleep first.

#cs ff #captain swan #cs fic #captain swan ff #captain swan fic #one foot in #i legit did not remember these chapters being so long #anyway here's like 9k of flirting

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