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dinsdjrn · 1 year

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gone, from austin | j. miller | part one

pre-outbreak!Joel x f!reader

18+, a brother's best friend story

summary: Joel Miller: the one that got away; right person, wrong time. Now you’re back in Austin and it hurts just as bad, as if you’d never left five years ago

wc: 3.1k

warnings: 18+ Minors DNI, no use of y/n, Sarah is alive and well, female reader, young!joel is an assshole (but not rlly), brothers best friend, ex-lovers to lovers (eventually), f! mc has unresolved trauma, implied cheating (not joel), slow burn, eventual smut, angsty at first, proof-read but i have not a clue what im doing. let me know if i missed anything <3

💌 a/n: not new to fic, but it's been a hot minute so please be kind <3 i am very nervous to post this but i'm posting it for me to share my joy and daydreaming with you. If youd like to be added to a tag list when i update lmk <3

next part | masterlist

Part One | April 2002

“I’ve gotta heal myself from all the things I’ve never felt”

Life is disappointing. Accepting that aspirations and dreams aren’t the reality you face, it’s hard. Sometimes it’s even harder to accept that things can fall apart in the blink of an eye; you just have to move on. You are someone who things didn’t work out for and you understood that now. It was painful, numbing, and deserved; where ever you went destruction was sure to follow.

You’ve accepted that in the blink of an eye your life had fallen apart once again. That was a given. What was unexpected was returning to the town that built you up and broke your heart. When you moved to Toronto, you swore you were done with Austin. Yet, here you were, stepping on the escalator at Austin airport your entire life in a few bags waiting at the carousel bay below.

As you descended, the baggage claim came into view so did your twin brother with a massive “Welcome Home!” poster board that had your name on it.

A smile couldn’t help but spread over your features, as defeated as you felt, your brother always knew how to make you smile.

“Hey, I’ve missed you,” you say as your brother wraps you in a massive bear hug.

“I’ve missed you too,” relief present in his voice.

The buzzer on the baggage carousel sounded which pulled you from the hug that you didn’t know you needed.

“I’ll get my bags and then we can be on our way,”

Your bags came a few minutes later, you and your brother each took one.

As you stepped into the car, a silence fell between you, neither really knowing what to say. You hadn’t been home in years and there was a sinking in your chest and darkness dawned on you. The past few days had been a whirlwind of anguish, it was dizzying how rushed you were to leave your life in Toronto. Nothing had time to sink in, until now, until you were back feeling the exact same heartbreak that pushed you to leave. You felt as if you had taken one step forward and three steps back.

The car was quiet, Jake clearly didn’t know what to say, and you clearly didn’t want to talk about it.

“Thanks for letting me stay with you and Kels,” you said after about ten minutes of brutal silence, “I promise it’s temporary, once I’m back on my feet I’ll be out of your hair.”

“No worries, you can stay as long as you’d like, you know,”

Staying was never your plan. Austin may have been home once, but that was was a long time ago. The reasons you left may not outweigh the reason you came back, but this wasn’t long term. Too much pain wrapped your heart like a brick wall to stay for very long. That wall was taken apart piece by piece over the past over the past five years and put back up so quickly in the last thirty-six hours.

“Thanks,” you forced a small smile on your face.

More silence. More time alone with yourself, more time to believe that you deserved this pain, these hardships.

What did I do to make things fall apart? I thought we were happy. I thought I was building my life. You thought to yourself.

“So I should let you know,” Jake started pulling you from your thoughts, “the Stars made it to the playoffs and I’ve invited Tommy, Joel and Sarah over to watch the game tonight.”

Joel. You thought to yourself. You knew he’d be unavoidable, but you didn’t think it would be an immediate turnaround, close proximity, kind of deal. Maybe a wave from the driveway or neighbourhood cookout first, but you guessed wrong.

“Oh.”

“Look I know it’s,” he paused “Complicated for you right now, but being with familiar people might be good for you.”

“Always the therapist,” you scoffed.

It might be good for you to be near Kelsey, Jake, Tommy and Sarah, but Joel. There was so much history there, so many unresolved questions and feelings. Five years had passed, but the flesh wound he had left on your heart was fresh as the day you had left.

“I’d’ve ended things anyway, darlin’! So you may as well just leave, go to Canada, start over!” The words burned into your skull. They had made it so easy to leave and so hard to come back.

You had never explained to Jake what happened between you and Joel, just that things hadn’t worked out. They hadn’t worked out, but their friendship was more important than simply “not working out”. You insisted your breakup wouldn’t affect their friendship and you were leaving anyways, so what would it matter.

Arriving at your brothers place you were greeted by another bear hug from your sister-in-law, Kelsey. She was kind hearted, gentle, and charismatic, just like Jake. They acted like they were made for another, and maybe they were. You weren’t one to be envious normally, but life didn’t work out for you the way it had for them; so a small twinge at your heart wasn’t out of place.

Though you had known this house like the back of your hand years ago, Amy still showed you to your room. This house had belonged toyour parents in the 80’s, and when they decided to move to Florida full-time they had offered it to your brother to start his family. Kelsey and Jake did a full renovation a few years ago bringing the house into the twenty-first century. It was nice, but it lacked the comfort you had once known.

“Thank you Kels, really, I appreciate everything,” You said to Kelsey when she had returned from getting fresh towels for the ensuite.

“Hey, anything you need. That’s what family’s are for.” She smiled softly at you.

“Are you going to come down for dinner and the game? Jake is so excited that you’re here, and Sarah can’t wait to see you!”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet,” you cleared your throat awkwardly.

“Are you sure it’s not because you’ve been brainwashed to a secret Leaf’s fan?” Kels pointed at you.

You laughed. It surprised you but felt good to laugh things off as if nothing had changed.

“I don’t think I could ever be brainwashed to like hockey, Kels,”

“I hear that sis,” She laughed with you, “I’m just in it for Joel’s wings and the beer honestly.”

“If I remember correctly he makes ‘the best barbecue in Austin’,” you mocked Jake’s tone.

Kelsey leaned on the door and chuckled until you fell into a comfortable silence.

“We’ve all missed you,” She sighed.

“I’ve missed y’all.”

“Y’all!” She exclaimed startling you, “I knew there was still a country girl left in you!”

You rolled your eyes in her direction. You can take the girl out of Texas but you can’t take Texas out of the girl. You’d lost a few of your Texas-isms but there would always be a little twang here and there.

“Join us tonight, please? For me and Jake?” She pressed.

“Oh fine,” you gave in, there were vert few people you could not say no to. Kelsey was one of them, and you’re certain both her and Jake knew that.

“Perfect! Games at 7:30. That gives you about an hour to get settled in.”

Kels then left you to get organized. You had put away some essentials in the bathroom and were going to try and put away some clothes before heading downstairs. Kelsey and Jake had put a new dresser in but had left the knick-knacks and photos you left behind on top. The one that caught your eye was from seven years ago, you and a little girl with the curliest brown hair and biggest smile were sat together on a kayak in the middle of a river. That had been one of the best weekends of your life.

Sarah couldn’t have been more than five years old, she insisted that you come with her and Joel camping. You were exhausted after coming off a string of night shifts at the hospital and fully intended on staying home. You’d told Joel just prior that you would see them as soon as they got back, but how could you say no to Sarah. She had you wrapped around her finger, and she knew it too. So you packed a bag and off you went camping with Sarah and Joel. You were so grateful you had decided to go. Between fun on the lake with Sarah, and stolen midnight kisses by the campfire with Joel, it had been exactly what you needed at the time.

You put the frame face down on the dresser. So much historic pain surrounded your heart being back here in Austin. So much fresh pain surrounded your heart from the events that pushed you back here. It was suffocating, and somehow being alone made it so much worse. You wished that it would subside, leave a dull numbness that was familiar to you. Instead it clenched and twisted in the pit of your stomach, leaving you more nauseated than when you arrived.

You checked the clock and realized that nearly forty-five minutes had passed since you started unpacking. You changed quickly out of your plane clothes into something a little less stale, went to the bathroom and splashed some water on your face before heading downstairs to the kitchen.

“There she is!” Jake exclaimed.

“Feeling better?” Kelsey asked, offering you a Stella.

You accepted the beer with a smile.

“Big time, planes always make me feel like shit,” you laughed.

Just then the doorbell rang and you heard the front door open.

“Put your clothes on kids!” You heard a familiar voice yell.

“Tommy!” Your brother exclaimed and walked out of the kitchen.

“Oh my god!” You heard someone yell, “You’re here!”

You turned around, and the curly haired little girl with the killer smile you once knew, wasn’t so little anymore.

“Hey kiddo!”

She ran up to you throwing her bag next to the island and wrapping her arms around your middle.

“I didn’t know you were going to be here today!”

“It was a bit last minute,” you laughed and squeezed Sarah.

“How long are you here for?” She asked looking up at you.

“We’ll see kiddo. I’ve got a few things to sort out here, so I’ll be around.”

“Oh hey, stranger!” Tommy yelled as he walked into the kitchen carrying a two four of beers.

“Oh hey,” you gave a small wave.

“Nuh-uh Toronto, that’s not how we do thing here. C’mere give me a hug,”

You laughed at and embraced Tommy in a hug. It felt comfortable, like you were with people you had known your whole life at least for the parts that mattered.

You felt like someones eyes were burning into the back of your head when you released Tommy from the friendly embrace. A small cough came from the entrance to the kitchen.

You turned around and felt the wind get knocked out of you. There was Joel in all this glory, he looked older than the last time you had seen him. The lines on his face were a little more prominent and he looked a bit more tired, but god he was attractive. He was tall and lean, but still looked strong and kind. It’s hard to not fall in love with him all over again. But to fall in love with him again, just acts as a reminder that he would leave you so easily again.

“Dad can you believe it?!” Sarah exclaimed, stating she felt like you hadn’t been home in forever.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Jake said, “You’ve rendered this jack ass speechless.”

He slapped his best friend across the shoulder only to receive a small shove back.

“Shut up would ya?” Joel said.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m hungry and puck drop is in five minutes,” Kelsey said, promptly changing the subject from you.

Everyone then fell into a comfortable conversation about hockey without you. Tommy and Joel had put out containers of barbecue and everyone was grabbing a plate. You were intensely uncomfortable and felt out a bit out of place.

You insisted everyone grab a plate before you so they didn’t miss out on any of the game. Once everyone had moved to the living room you shakily grabbed a plate of food. Still rattled by the ghosts of your past and events of the past few days you weren’t too hungry, but you knew your brother and he’s be the first to comment you needed to eat something. He was always so worried about you, even when you were thousands of miles away.

You brought your plate to the living room and sat in the only available seat remaining next to Sarah, on the couch.

“So,” Tommy looked at you from the T.V., “is that boyfriend of yours going to be makin’ an appearance?”

Jake shot him a look.

“What?!” He laughed. “Just gotta know when I should avoid coming over is all,” He put his hands up in defense.

“We, uh, we actually broke up not too long ago,” you cleared your throat uncomfortably.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry,”

“It’s alright, it was never going to work out anyway. Our lifestyles were too different,” you smiled politely.

Joel refused to even acknowledge the conversation at hand. His eyes were glued to the game and you were grateful for it. After a briefly awkward silence, comfortable conversation fell over the group. You had never felt more at the sidelines, it felt like you were watching these interactions through a window. It was uncomfortable for you, but everyone else, including Joel, was having a great time.

It was getting late when the game had concluded. It had cooled off and gotten dark outside, luckily the Miller’s didn’t have far to go to get home, they were just next door. Joel had bought the house when Sarah was just a baby, he and Jake had hit it off almost immediately. You were still in school at the time, living at home to save money and instantly felt a connection to Joel.

You never acted on you feelings, he had a little kid, you were a broke Med student and he was your brothers best friend. The day things changed was the weekend after your and Jake’s 21st birthday; you all had gone into the city to bar hop, one thing led to another and the Joel Miller had taken you home with him. That night was reckless, it was hot, the line where your individual bodies began and ended had been blurred by intense, drunken, passion for another. There was a danger to your relationship when it started, neither of you wanting Jake to find out, but also neither willing to stop seeing one another.

Eventually, you couldn’t deny your feelings for one another and fell into a very comfortable relationship. You spent five years building a life together. One year dating and getting to know one another. Then, after you had matched in paediatric surgery at St. David’s, you had moved in together. Four more years or figuring out what it meant to date someone with a kid, managing a brutal residency that consisted either nights or 24 hour on call stints. You had thought you were making it work rather well for two people who had no idea what they were doing because at the end of the day at least you knew you loved one another.

Until it all came crashing down. You don’t know what changed, but you were left in the dust with only the shattered pieces of your heart left to pick up after him. It made the decision to move to Canada easy, a no brainer even. It was a fresh start arguably as far away as physically possible from Joel Miller. You thought it would give you time to heal, give you a clean slate. Except, the heart ache never went away, it dulled over the years. There were days it was barely there at all. You had told yourself you moved on countless times. That was until a picture would come to your email of Kelsey and Sarah at the pool, or Jake, Joel, and Tommy at a baseball game, and then it would all come crashing down all over again.

The dull ache was a full on fire in your heart today, you knew it would hurt, seeing them all again. It did hurt, but Jake was right, it was better to be surrounded by others than left alone to wallow in self pity upstairs. The Miller’s started making their goodbyes and you got up to see them out.

“Hey, can we hang out if you’re going to be staying around for a little while? I’ve missed you so much!” Sarah said while giving you a hug goodbye.

“You’d have to ask your Dad, kiddo. I’d be happy to, but it’s up to him,”

Sarah turned to face Joel and pleaded him for a sleepover this coming weekend.

“I, uh, I don’t know darlin’…” He sighed, “You’ve got a lot on the go between school and soccer.”

“Dad, please! We haven’t seen each other since I was little. It’s been so long, just this once?” The teenager pleaded again.

“Alright, alright,” Joel put his hands up in defeat.

Sarah let out a little squeal and hugged her dad.

“Okay, kiddo… I’ll text your dad about it once I’ve gotten settled in this week,” you smiled.

You could tell both you and Joel were uncomfortable with the situation. That didn’t matter at the end of the day because you’d both do anything to make sure Sarah was happy. Even after five years you could tell Joel knew that.

The Miller’s said their goodbyes and you excused yourself upstairs. A sleepover with Sarah meant a whole night at Joel’s. You hadn’t realized the gravity of your actions until you were sitting alone in a bed that no longer belonged to you, in a place that somehow felt different, yet exactly the same. It dawned on you that you may never get over Joel, but he sure as hell had moved on from you. It was clear in the way he avoided you, acted as if you didn’t even exist.

Who knows how long you’d stay in Austin and you already knew it would only end in more pain than which it began. Tomorrow you’d start looking for a way out again, before too much damage could be done. You had built your walls even higher than they had been before you left and you were determined to make it out unscathed.

“About time that I face the hard times I’ve let go. If love was just an ocean I’d drown before I float”

To be continued.

#joel miller fanfiction #joel miller fic #joel miller x you #pre outbreak!joel #joel miller x f!reader #meg writes things

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gennyanydots · 1 year

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But this is love I just can’t live without Masterlist

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x f!Kazansky!Reader

Biker!au

Summary: You swore you were never coming home again. Not after what happened. What he did to you when you were kids. But you know you’d regret missing your own mother’s funeral if you didn’t show up. You just hope he doesn’t come even though it’s almost guaranteed he will. Has to support his grieving president and all.

Connected to but not necessary to read:

Take me with you Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x f!reader

Top Gun MC members:

Iceman - President

Maverick - Vice President

Slider - Sergeant at Arms

Hollywood - Secretary

Wolfman - Treasurer

Original members - Merlin, Sundown, Chipper, Cougar, Hondo, Cyclone

Newer members - Rooster, Hangman, Bob, Coyote, Fanboy, Payback, Fritz, Yale, Harvard, Omaha

Chapter 1 “Oh how can it be” Baby Ice

Chapter 2 “Bit off more than you could chew” Bradley

Chapter 3 “Nowhere to go” Baby Ice

Chapter 4 “A man so filled with doubt” Bradley

Chapter 5 “Counting on beauty to kill off the beast” Baby Ice

Chapter 6 “A curse I can’t disown” Bradley

Chapter 7 “Howl at the moon” Baby Ice

Chapter 8 "The softer the skin" Bradley

Chapter 9 "The sharper the teeth" Baby Ice

Chapter 10 “It’s tearing me apart” Baby Ice

Chapter 11 "It's worse when I'm alone" Baby Ice

Chapter 12 "Despite the toll of the dead" Baby Ice

Chapter 13 " " Bradley

Title and chapter names from:

#bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw masterlist #bradley rooster bradshaw x female reader #rooster x f!reader #this is love i just can’t live without #Spotify

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yeokii · 1 year

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SMILEY - YJW SMAU! (Discontinued)

SYNOPSIS! At the start of the second semester, Decelis Showbiz announces two special mcs to conduct for the whole of their semester to make it memorable for their seniors. As voting begins, it was most likely that you, the stuco president and the most lovable senior would be an mc, but you begin to worry as you find out that the person you despise the most would be the other mc AKA Yang Jungwon.

GENRE! SMAU, (one-sided) enemies to lovers, fluff, crack

PAIRING! soccer captain!Jungwon x stuco pres!f!Reader

FEATURING! [IVE] Wonyoung, Rei - [LE SSERAFIM] Chaewon - [NWJNS] Hanni - [TXT] Beomgyu - [ENHYPEN] Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Niki

WARNINGS! cursing, kys/kms jokes, rei and niki, etc (warnings will be added at the start of each chapter)

A/N! im like litterally ripping out my hair. IM SO EXCITEDDD

STATUS! ongoing

send an ask/dm to be added to the taglist!

TAGLIST! [CLOSED]

bolded = cannot tag :(

@shionmarryme @hafsa-hoofsa-heefs @hanniluvi @thia-aep @sumarchived @sickvision @caffietuna @sickvisionbutworse @maimoirs @sserafimez @flwoie @ifearjwn @run2min @seungheonlvr @jungwonsgfnameyukie @lil-iva @dimplewonie @woncloudie @tocupid @differentchildwombat @en-chantedtomeetyou @rizzshimura @thesassy-mia

Smiley Playlist! here

Profiles! Jungwon and friends | Sunghoon hate club | private accounts

Chapters . . . !

Episode 1! Pissing myself👍

Episode 2! Why r you as a man existing?

Episode 3! Violent impulses

Episode 4! Smiley??? That's stupid

Episode 5! yn slander

Episode 6! its cupid by FIFTY FIFTY or NOTHING ‼️

Episode 7! good riddance

Episode 8! AKKONG???

Episode 9! ipad kid

more tba . . . !

(note that chapters that are yet to be posted might have their title changed.)

#k-labels #enhypen #jungwon #enhypen jungwon #enhypen x reader #enha social media au #enha smau #enhypen social media au #enhypen smau #jungwon smau #Jungwon x reader #jungwon imagines #jungwon social media au #kpop imagines #kpop smau #smau #ongoing #enhypen social au #social media au

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mara-tevith-solo · 1 year

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Sing a Little Song For Me

Part 2 of several drabbles that are in no particular order so enjoy.

Warnings: Mentions of death, Mentions of dead bodies, Canon levels of violence, canon levels of war, foul-mouthed MC, child kidnapping, Quaritch is still his own warning, enemies to lovers, English is my first language but I suck at it

Photo not mine

Pairing: eventual Colonel Miles Quaritch x Na’vi/Avatar named f!reader/oc appearance not really described

Rated 18+ kids

Words: 1.1k+

I didn't care if they could hear me as I crashed through the foliage after them, keeping up with them just enough to not lose them "Spider!" I called, not caring that there was desperation in my voice in front of the enemy.

"Mom!" He yelled back, his voice ragged as he grunted like he was struggling. "Mom!" He called again before a hail of bullets forced me to find cover, even at the cost of ground. "No! Leave her alone! Mom!" Spider called desperately, sounding like he was struggling harder.

"Enough!" Quaritch barked as a dropship lowered enough for them to leave on it.

I sprinted to close the distance in a last ditch attempt to get him back, not caring about the chances that I'd get shot "No! Spider!" I cried as Quaritch made it up onto the dropship with Spider, smiling ferally down at me for a moment, a moment that I took full advantage of as I knocked an arrow, pulling it back and loosing it with just enough aim to be confident there was no way in hell it was hitting Spider. Quaritch quickly dodged with wide fearful eyes, the arrow imbedding itself where his head had been not a blink prior as I snarled up at him, someone forming a voiceless curse before the dropship was cruising away at speed. I stewed the entire jog back to the shack, plotting the best way to get Spider back from the genocidal maniac turned avatar pilot. Out of all the facts I had at that moment, the fact that Colonel Miles Quaritch, xenophobic homicidal asshole turned bogeyman we used to scare children into behaving, was back from the dead, and in a Na'vi body to boot. Karma was a hilarious bitch sometimes.

I looted the bodies by the shack, they certainly didn't need the kit, and we needed every little bit we could get. I didn't bother to look at any of their faces or tags as I collected useful bits and bobs, guns and ammunition finding their way over my shoulders and slung across my hips, fanny packs of medicine and bandages and other little things also found their way around my torso. I finished out the hunt with the sniper rifle, taking every round the Avatar had on his person before finally leaving, back to the clearing so that Thor could actually land. "Where have you been?" Jake hissed like an over worried mother as soon as Thor was settled on the perch, his ears back as his eyes studied me with concern and frustration.

"Took a shot at Colonel Dick-For-Brains and then looted a bit. Got some good stuff, they gave the best shit to those losers." I smiled tightly at him as I began to unload my person, keeping the sniper rifle and equipment away from the general pile so that it wouldn't get carried off.

"I'm being serious, Ani!" He snapped at me, latching onto the anger I had given him.

"I am too, Jake!" I snarled right back, wheeling around to face him head on, stepping over the small pile of spoils to gain ground, making him back away in alarm. I'd never acted that way towards him, had never snapped so aggressively at him. He raised his hands in surrender and backed up further, letting me have the space I so desperately needed. My shoulders were heaving with deep angry breaths that quickly changed into barely contained sobs "He took Spider, Jake. He took him, and I couldn't save him." Sobs leaked out as I spoke, tears pouring down my face as I tried physically holding myself together "He's gonna torture him! Oh god! Oh Eywa!" Like the last fiber of an old rope, my resolve snapped, leaving me a sobbing mess. Jake was instantly collecting me in a hug, shushing me as best as he could.

"I know, I know." He murmured into my hair "Kiri told us. She's really broken up about it." I nodded mutely, no longer able to trust my voice. "He's a strong kid, got a double dose of stubborn from his parents, and he's resourceful. He'll be alright, I can almost promise it." He reassured me, saying all the right things to give me hope. Neither of us spoke for a few minutes, both enjoying the comfort the other brought while it lasted "We're leaving the Omaticaya, they want you and I, and they won't stop until either they have us, or we're dead. And they'll kill anyone and everyone to get to us." My stomach dropped with his words as I pulled away from him, knowing that he was right "We started this, all those years ago--"

"They started it," I cut him off firmly, leaving no room for argument "and we finished it. We can finish it again." I sniffed, wiping my tears away with newfound determination "I hope this bastard pre-wrote his own eulogy again." I growled at no one in particular, resolved to kill him again and again, as many times as needed until humanity got the hint and fucked right off.

Jake smiled tiredly, nodding as he clapped me on the shoulder "I'll arrange everything with the Clan, pass the mantle." I could see the pain it caused him to leave the people who had accepted us so firmly, who we'd fought and bled beside battle after battle. But it was our duty to keep them safe, no matter the cost to ourselves. I nodded, gripping his forearm until he was pulling away. Thor cooed on his roost and I bit my lip in displeasure, knowing that I was going to miss him terribly.

He seemed to know something was wrong as soon as I was back in his sight line, cocking his head to the side slightly and not taking his eyes off of me as I closed the distance, pace by pace. As soon as I was close enough, one of my braids was between his beak, just holding it aloft gently as he watched me expectantly, cooing softly at my forlorn expression "I have to leave with my family, to keep the People safe. The humans want Jake and I, and they won't stop until they have us." I sighed and closed my eyes, not bearing to keep meeting his gaze, instead brushing his muzzle tenderly "I'm not going to ask you to come with me. I'm not going to ask you to leave your home." I announced firmly, though I still couldn't look at him without wanting to cry. He dropped my braid and tapped me with a kuru, searching for mine, wanting to communicate more solidly. As soon as tsaheylu was made, he was adamant about not leaving my side, that if I was in danger, he'd be there for every little bit of it. I met his gaze with tears falling down my cheeks, making him coo as he gently brought me in against his chest for a sort of embrace. "Thank you." I sniffled, hiding my face near one of his chest vents. I didn't want anyone else to see me cry, not there, not then.

#miles quaritch #miles quaritch x reader #Miles Quaritch x oc #na'vi reader #jake sully #toruk makto #enemies to lovers #soulmates

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heartandfangs · 2 years

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YOU WISH.

GENRE Roommates AU, Playboy!Jake, Virgin!Reader, Suggestive, A bit of fluff

PAIRING f!Reader x Jake/Jaeyun

WARNINGS 18+ ONLY, Cursing, Flirting, Slow-burn, Morally-grey characters, Sexual tension, Fantasizing, Brief mention of a past blowjob, Teasing, Sub!Jake’s dirty thoughts + Praise kink exposed yet again, MC gets a little physical and aggressive (nothing crazy, promise), University/Adulthood woes, One too many puppy references

WORD COUNT 3.3k

SUMMARY One thing led to another, then suddenly a puppy was following you around in the library during finals week– it turns out his name is Jake Sim, a flirtatious underclassman who quite possibly could be the quickest answer to your desperate prayers. But there was only one thing to do when he started getting in the way of your study time; let him know that this was your territory.

AUTHOR’S NOTE I wrote this before all the installments of IOU but forgot about it until recently lol. This could be a standalone fic, but it's essentially IOU– Part Zero. I revised it because I think it adds a layer to the story and how MC got into this debacle as Jake’s roommate in the first place. It's fun and offers more telling insight into their first impressions of each other.

I’m in the midst of writing Part 5 and it’s going to be a pretty long chapter so I hope you look forward to reading it soon! I will say Heeseung is in the spotlight a bit more while Jake is down in the dumps for this upcoming chapter and the man has absolutely no chill. So, get your dose of Jekjek here while you can!

As always, like/reblog this fic and leave me some feedback if you enjoyed it and want more. Reading your wild and sweet comments is honestly my favorite part next to writing. 🤍⚰️

TAGLIST @fan-zhan, @burningsunsun, @kazuhugs, @skzenhalove, @axartia, @stbwe, @duolingofanaccount, @writingmochi

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3,Part 4, Masterlist

A text notification sounded from your pocket– it was from your potential roommate and little did you know how dreadful it would be to read.

'___, I'm so sorry, but my plans have changed, as I'm taking a job offer out of town. I can't move in with you anymore. So sorry for the insanely late heads up, but I do wish you the best of luck– and belated congratulations on graduating!'

"Shit, shit– shit!"

Unable to even think about where you'd be living after graduation with finals on your mind, you pocketed your phone and ran an aggravated hand through your hair. Nothing irked you more than when people went back on their word, especially last minute; this was not helping your rising stress levels.

Jesus, feel free to take the wheel any moment now–

The library elevator doors binged on a floor that wasn't your stop; you exhaled heavily, tapping your foot impatiently.

Your bloodshot eyes darted to the boy revealed behind the elevator doors. Immediately you noticed his figure– he was several inches taller than you, lean, and had dark brown hair. Handsome. The student was dressed in a plaid shirt over a casual tee paired with denim jeans and sneakers. He probably belonged to a fraternity, but that was just a stereotypical guess.

You locked eyes with him for a split second and noticed his brows raise in interest ever so slightly, causing you to hastily shift your gaze elsewhere. You settled on staring at the button that lit up to indicate your destination was the top floor.

You noticed him stand up a little straighter out of the corner of your eye as he faced the closing steel doors. The young man's cologne suddenly filled the enclosed space, triggering your keen senses. To your delight, he smelled of warm amber and subtle lavender. Pleasant yet unexpected.

The student made no move to choose a different floor, and you pretended not to notice. He cleared his throat suddenly, earning a confused look from you.

"Here to study?" The boy smiled at you, and you didn't miss the lilt in his voice, his Australian accent nearly throwing you off.

"Yeah, like everybody else," You replied indifferently.

His smile left as quickly as he gave it; he glanced down at his shoes. Your curt answer seemingly deterred him from continuing the conversation with you.

Shoot. Well, you couldn't help it.

Finals week had you tense and single-minded at the moment. Pleasantries and small talk weren't your forte in the first place.

Honestly, you just hoped that you'd come across an available seat for you to hunker down in and get shit done. However, the ride up the elevator was slower than usual, and you couldn't shake off the bit of guilt in your chest.

The elevator opened to the top level of the library, and the boy allowed you to step out first. The two of you parted ways in search of a cubicle.

It was clear that after you made several rounds circling the floor like a hawk, every seat on the floor was taken.

The highest floor of the library was the most ideal study spot as it was the one with the best thermostat setting, the best wifi, and the quietest environment. It was your go-to spot all semester long, and you were annoyed that the entirety of the student body suddenly piled in during finals week.

Where was everyone else while you spent time between class periods and evenings sifting through the aisles of books and hogging a study room all to yourself? It was hardly fair, but you accepted your defeat.

After a hot minute, you were back where you started, leaning against the wall in the lobby facing the set of elevators. What a nightmarish process– you'd have to try your luck on another floor.

Apparently, someone else had met the same fate as you.

You watched the student who rode the elevator with you shuffle back into the lobby, looking as hopeless as you felt. However, his expression brightened considerably upon noticing you staring at him.

Ah, shit.

You shifted your weight into your other leg as he made a beeline your way.

"No luck staking down a spot either?" He asked from a polite distance with his hands slipped into his pockets.

Despite that, his warm scent enveloped you again, and you inhaled slightly, trying not to be obvious. You suddenly wondered if you smelled weird— did you smell weird?

"No," you tried to inject a little more emotion into your voice, even if you just sounded disappointed, "Everything was taken, unfortunately."

"Wanna try the third floor with me? It's one of the less popular floors, but it usually has a decent amount of tables and cubicles," He asked, catching you off guard.

"Um…"

Would he end up trying to chat with you the entire time if you two did manage to find a spot to study? You supposed you were willing to take your chances to find a place asap.

After all, your photography final was in three hours, and you didn't have any more time to waste since you had put off studying for the elective in favor of your core classes.

Momentarily you regarded the boy who gave you a hopeful look, in the exact way a puppy might when they want to tag along on an errand run.

Such creatures were your ultimate weakness, right next to any offer that involved ‘food’ or ‘free’.

"...Sure," You agreed with a sigh.

"Alright! Let's go." You noted his eyes shone when he smiled.

Hoping you'd find better luck on the third floor, once you exited the elevators, you led the way, weaving between the aisles of books to check for open cubicles near the walls.

The boy you'd just met was in close tow behind you; not close enough to touch, obviously, but a lot closer than you'd expect someone to be when you hardly knew each other.

Maybe he just felt more comfortable around you after you agreed to join forces under the name of studying.

Upon emerging from an aisle of shelves, your eyes zoned in on a single free cubicle and chair in the corner of the room.

A wish come true!

Slowly, you glanced back at Jake to gauge his reaction. His mouth formed a silent "ah" before stopping in his tracks. Other students were in the vicinity, their noses buried in textbooks and laptops, a terrible tension suffocating the air.

"You can take it," you quickly whispered, surprised at your sudden generosity.

He merely smirked back and motioned you ahead with his hand, "Go ahead, you saw it first."

You tried to hide your amusement and insisted he take it, wanting to make up for your lack of friendliness during your first interaction in the elevator. If you two found a spot this quickly, there might be a chance you'd find another just as soon, right?

While you waited for his response, he merely looked around at his surroundings, seemingly contemplative, until his gaze settled back on you.

"Shall we keep looking?" He boldly suggested.

This time your brows raised in surprise, lips parting as a response was slow to form in your mind.

Jake's dark eyes bore into you, rooting you to your spot while all you heard was clicking keyboards and the shuffling of papers. The implication of his suggestion dawned on you.

Did you want to continue to keep each other company?

You really hadn't experienced much social interaction with that many people this semester, except with the friendly Dance major you'd settle in next to during your photography class. Which, by the way, was coming up hot on your schedule.

Now really wasn't the time, and yet...

"Okay," You said, sealing your fate.

Wait, what?

You were unable to believe your own words.

Jake had watched you all the while and chuckled, extremely pleased at your response. This time, he guided you down the walkway, passing behind the rows of busy students back into the shelf aisles.

"What's your name?"

Jake slowed his pace to walk side-by-side with you, causing you to nearly brush arms to squeeze by the narrow walkways. You realized that you two hadn't exchanged the most basic information yet.

"___," You shared.

He was all smiles as he repeated it as enthusiastically as he could in a library setting, "I'm Jake."

It seemed his voice could be a bit deep at times; it was interesting hearing him whisper your name.

"Nice to meet you… Jake." You tried his name out, and he nodded. "What's your major?"

"I'm a Business major, minoring in Marketing."

"Oh wow, you must have a lot to study for," You pondered.

"Yeah, a bit. I graduate in a year, so I have to keep it up for a little while longer."

Jake must be finishing up as a Junior then. You didn't expect that with his build, although it's tough to tell someone's age and class year these days with everyone having different paths in life. You wondered if he was an athlete on top of everything else education-wise.

"I see."

The fact that you were graduating so soon was scary, but you were planning to play it safe for a while and rack up experience at your internship before making any big moves.

"You gotta work hard and play hard, you know?"

Although you imagined you two had different definitions for the latter term, you nodded.

The two of you suddenly came across a set of empty individual cubicles simultaneously, side by side.

"I think those are reserved for us," Jake nudged your arm with his elbow. You glanced up at him and met his friendly eyes once again.

"Lucky us," You proceeded to take the seat to the left of the other one.

Jake slung off his backpack onto the other table and leaned over your partition to speak to you. You eyed him in curiosity from your seat as you shimmied your laptop out of your bag.

Settling his arms on top of the wooden divider of your cubicle, Jake suddenly dropped his half-lidded gaze to your lips, then back up to your wide eyes.

All the while, his grin never disappeared as he watched you freeze in your chair, undeterred.

Did he just—?

"Mind watching my stuff for me for a sec?"

His voice had gotten lower again too. You nodded dumbly.

"Thanks," he smiled at you before walking off to the lobby.

Oh. You knew that look, but you've never really been on the receiving end of one that intense.

It made you feel pinned to the spot like you were being cornered or coerced… into what exactly? Unable to expend energy on what was going on, you decided to stand your ground regardless of what might happen. One couldn't afford to waste any more time in this scenario, so you tried to shrug it off and busy yourself with studying.

Within a minute, your study station was set up, laptop, notebooks, and all. Facts about appropriate aperture and ISO settings in correlation with various weathers filled your mind as you crammed for your photography final, not without great effort. At some point, Jake returned and settled into his cubicle.

He left you alone, for a good while at least.

You were pulled out of your deep thoughts upon noticing Jake's chair pull up by your side.

"How goes it?" He whispered.

"Fine… it's a little tedious of final to study for," You admitted. Who knew one would have to study so much content for a class like photography.

"You seem like a smart girl, so I'm sure you'll ace it. Want me to quiz you?"

"I… sure?"

Jake adjusted his chair to face you and leaned back in it, taking your study packet in hand. Letting his legs spread open comfortably, Jake's fingers innocently played with the stitched seam of his jeans along his inner thigh. At the same time, he rattled off some questions, inevitably attracting your attention to his lower half.

Jake watched you shift in your chair as you tried your damnedest to look elsewhere while answering his questions accurately.

In the meantime, Jake slyly took in the details of your appearance over the edge of your worksheets. He appreciated the way those tight black leggings of yours, paired with that little cropped sweater displayed the curves of your body in a way that had him undressing you in his mind, only guessing at what color panties you wore beneath it all.

He shamelessly dragged his eyes over the swell of your chest, the tips of your nipples peeking through the sweater fabric. He was glad that the library A/C was blasting even on the third floor and that you'd chosen to forgo wearing a bra.

"Hey. Eyes up here, kid," You warned, snapping your fingers.

Jake licked his lips, quickly meeting your scrutinizing gaze. "Sorry."

"For some reason, I don't believe that." You moved to pluck your worksheet out of his grasp, but he kept it out of reach.

"Sorry, I'll do it properly—! "

You lowered your head and shoved him down too.

"Whisper, dummy!"

The way your fingers threaded through Jake's hair, albeit a bit roughly, sent wonderful sparks down his spine. He rubbed his thighs together, breath shuddering.

"Sorry, you're just really—"

Suddenly he was being dragged out of his seat into a nearby aisle of books, further away from the students trying to focus on their studies.

You swung Jake around, his back hitting a tall shelf of books with a thump.

Crossing your arms, you glared up at him. "Jake, stop apologizing and quiz me; I don't have time to waste. Now sit."

Jake slid down the shelf of books until he hit the floor, clutching onto your notes. His wide eyes peered up at you– and you kicked yourself for thinking he looked adorable.

You had your literal finals to study for, and it was his suggestion to help you in the first place.

You slunk down in front of him and crossed your legs, leaning against the opposite shelf.

"Start from the top."

Jake nodded and obediently quizzed you with more focus and enthusiasm under your watch. He was impressed that you nailed every question, yet far from surprised.

You would check your watch every so often, making Jake realize his time spent with you was limited. He had to act fast.

Once you answered the last question, you stretched your hands towards the ceiling, satisfied with your performance.

"Nice job, ___. Guaranteed A+ for sure," He stared at you, nibbling on his bottom lip, clearly wanting to please.

You tilted your head curiously. "So, you can be a good boy."

This guy is kind of like a moody puppy. Kind of like… Stitch?

You held back a snort at the comparison your brain made, but Jake clearly had a similar mischievous side to him if he thought he was being slick while checking you out.

Jake nearly panicked while receiving your praise, trying to refrain from twitching as you ran a hand over his dark fringe to pat his head. The simple gesture felt so nice, somehow even nicer than the blowjob he had just gotten back in the business building earlier that morning.

Unable to fight the flush of heat rising up his cheeks, he brought his knees closer to his chest; his jeans had grown uncomfortably tight. Why was he getting so worked up by just a few light touches from a girl he'd just met?

…

Who was Jake kidding? He'd been struggling to control his urges since he first laid eyes on you in the elevator.

"You should know, it’s not easy to make me like this," Jake couldn't help but reveal.

"Clearly," You chuckled quietly at his sulky expression, assuming he was referring to his compliant attitude.

Jake's face lit up at your laugh, even if it was at his own expense. His leg stretched out across the carpet to bump against yours, and that drew your attention, your amused smile lingering.

He took a deep breath, "I'm just going to throw this out there. My lease is up at the end of this semester, and my dorm sucks. I'm looking at this apartment on the outskirts of campus because fuck my dorm RA and everyone else in it. I want a place downtown where all the nightlife is… and I'm also in the market for a roommate."

Your ears perked up. "Really?"

Jake's brows rose in anticipation of your interest.

"Huh, tell me more—"

"Shhh!" A random student's voice scolded from nearby.

Several heads nearby whipped in your direction, and you ducked your head in apology, not realizing you raised your voice.

Jake giggled and scooted closer to you, lowering his tone of voice to a murmur. He spread his hand flat against the floor near your leg.

"Here's the deal, ___. I'm only expecting my roommate to pay a quarter of rent; I'll be covering the rest."

"Why the hell is that?" You asked, genuinely shocked at the offer.

Jake looped his finger through your shoelace, tugging at it slightly. "…I like to have people over often, so I'm not the quietest roommate, but I'll stay out of your way."

You weren't exactly sure what that meant, but you skipped pressing the matter, still aghast at what his proposition could mean for you. "That's an insane offer, dude. No bullshit?"

"Nope. Do you wanna go down there and look at the place with me Friday evening?"

You nodded, but as he took out his phone to exchange numbers, you grabbed his wrist, startling him. Jake swallowed thickly at your proximity, anticipating your following words.

"You're not trying to lure me out to a weird place to murder me, are you, Jake?"

Jake's throat nearly seized before answering.

Christ, she's a cautious one, isn't she?

"Nah, of course not," He joked, "I'm not diabolical enough to execute a big, sticky ordeal like that. Besides, you don't seem like the sort of person I'd want to cross—"

— Too much, at least.

Secretly, deep down, Jake quite liked how assertive you could get when he acted out. Interacting with you was, by his definition, fun.

You smirked, "Very good answer."

Every inch of his skin that your hand covered was set alight. The moment you pulled back, Jake wished you hadn't let go but instead chose to run your fingers up his arm and through his hair again, praising him for saying the right answer, for being such a good boy.

He knew you two had just met and that he was insane for thinking this— but why could he imagine countless scenarios involving all the restaurants the two of you could share a meal at, all the late-night movies to catch with you, amongst the limitless ways to make you moan his name in pleasure?

Such weird thoughts to have… except for the latter.

As you stood up, Jake flexed his tingling hand.

You snatched your worksheet back but offered your free hand to him, "I guess I owe you one."

Maybe you did, but Jake wanted nothing more than to pull you back down on him and take your stress away, however you'd like him to.

Even if it involved you pushing him up against any sort of solid surface again, especially if it meant letting him play with your lovely tits in his mouth while you got yourself off by grinding down on his aching bulge.

He didn't mind that you were a high-strung individual– couldn't even blame you, what with all the stressful energy permeating the entire campus– that just made the thought of breaking you down all the sweeter.

Fuck.

He mentally soothed himself, feeling dizzy.

Calm down, Jaeyun, calm down, calm down…

He was in dire need of developing self-control; it could complicate things.

"If it ends up working out for your situation, then let's be roommates," Jake replied instead, slipping his hand into yours as you hauled him to his feet with a strength he wouldn't have guessed you had.

Stars tinged the edge of his vision while he focused on your bare facial features.

Beautiful.

"And if not?" You asked.

"I just might request that you reserve us a private study room—"

You lightly shoved at his chest, rolling your eyes while he grinned at you.

"You wish, Jake."

834 notes · View notes

choicesficwriterscreations · 6 months

Text

CFWC F/AotW - Oct 8-14, 2023

BLADES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW

CRIMES OF PASSION

Crimes Drabble ✒️🏳️‍🌈🦄| Trysan Thorne x MC, Luke Watanabe x Ruby Webster @lilyoffandoms

The Favourite Brother ✒️| Vasili Thorne - @starsarewithinme

Heavy is Her Heart ✒️ | m!Trystan Thorne x f!mc - @moominofthevalley

Trystan Thorne x F!MC Fanart 🎨 by @nukritus

Trystan Thorne x F!MC Fanart 2 🎨 by @nukritus

IMMORTAL DESIRES

Cas Harlow Fanart 🎨by @nukritus

Cas Harlow x Gabe Adalhard Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @nukritus

IT LIVES IN THE WOODS

Andy Fanart 🎨 by @myautumnrose

Lily Fanart 🎨 by @myautumnrose

Sophomore Secret ✒️🏳️‍🌈🦄| Dan Pierce x F!MC, M!OC - @aallotarenunelma

THE NANNY AFFAIR

To The Ballgame ✒️ | Sam Dalton x F!MC - @socalwriterbee

NIGHTBOUND

Nightbound Drabble ✒️🏳️‍🌈| Nik Ryder x MC - @lilyoffandoms

OPEN HEART

PERFECT MATCH

Indescribable 🎨| Hayden Young by @twinkleallnight

Peeping Damien ✒️Ⓜ️🔥🌺| Damien Nazario x F!MC - @georgiesgirl1223

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Ghosted (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC - @kristinamae093 Chapter 10: Two Steps Back

Thro(n)es of Passion Part 2: A Bad Romance One-Shot ✒️Ⓜ️🔥| Liam Rys x MC x Maxwell Beaumont, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles

Turning the Page ✒️Ⓜ️ | Liam Rys x MC - @tessa-liam Part 4: I'm the Problem

Victim of Love (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 13: Torn Chapter 14: Yes and Maybe

WAKE THE DEAD

The End of the World (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Eli Sipes, the Sipes Family - @jerzwriter Part 2: The Very End

The Last Goodbye 🎨Ⓜ️ | Eli Sipes, David Sipes by @rosefuckinggenius (C: @jerzwriter)

CROSSOVERS

Bloodbound/Nightbound

Disembodied (Series) ✒️| Adrian Raines x MC, Nik Ryder x MC - @mynotsohealthyobsession Part 3 (of 8)

Endless Summer/Hero

Let the Shadows Fall Behind You ✒️| Jake McKenzie x MC, ES!MC & Hero!MC - @saibug1022

#choices fanfic #choices fanart #blades of light and shadows #crimes of passion #immortal desires #it lives in the woods #the nanny affair #nightbound #open heart #perfect match #the royal romance #wake the dead #endless summer #hero choices #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #choices the stories you play

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openheartfanfics · 20 days

Text

Newly Added Fics

Mar 23 - 29, 2024

Bryce x F!MC

Couples Skate - @storyofmychoices ☁

Olivia takes Bryce ice skating.

Losing Game - @peonierose 📚

[mini: complete] Bryce comes back from visiting his father in prison. Though he didn’t tell Luna. Will things work out between them? Or will they drift further apart?

Part 4

Ethan x F!MC

A Chance Encounter - @cariantha 📚

[mini: wip] Ten years prior to meeting at Edenbrook, Ethan and Sawyer have a chance encounter during spring break. [Young Ethan]

Part 1: The Meet-Cute

Adjusting - @potionsprefect 🦚

Victoria is back at work, and not everything is the same.

It Happened One Miami Night - @liaromancewriter 📚

[mini: wip] A work trip to Miami means finally accepting that some risks are worth taking. Or are they? [Miami; 1.10]

Part 2

When life has other plans - @coffeeheartaddict2 📚🛸

[extended: wip] A competition has commenced for the interns at Edenbrook hospital. A horrid first day leads to an unexpected test of a new machine but what is Dr. Ethan Ramsey hiding?

CH 14: The Great War

Open Heart MC

The Meeting [Open Heart/Bloodbound Crossover] - @ezekielbhandarivalleros and @aesthetic-aag 🛸

Jake and Ade have been online friends for a while now. Ade plans on day to come visit Jake in Toronto.

Rafael x F!MC

Moving In - @rafasgirl23415 📚

[extended: wip] Follow up to We Belong Together. Set a few years into the future. Feat. Sienna Trinh x M!OC

CH 27: How Can We Be Back Here? - Part 1

CH 27: How Can We Be Back Here? - Part 2

Tobias x F!MC

Christmas Through Your Eyes - @jerzwriter 📚🎄

[mini: wip] It’s three months after the attack at Edenbrook Hospital, and Christmas is almost here!

Part 4: A Bite of the Apple

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

#open heart #playchoices #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #rafael aveiro #tobias carrick #rafael aveiro x mc #tobias carrick x mc #newly added fics

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txtmetonight · 6 months

Text

Camille 2000

call summary⋆ ★ A midnight dance with your lover

pairing *. * Park Sunghoon x Fem! Reader

genre⋆ ★ Fluff, angst, forbidden love

warnings*. * Mc and Sunghoon are really touchy but it's all innocent, death, blood, suicide, mental breakdown?, horrible grammar (not proofread at all), crude language

call duration ⋆ ★ 1.1k

a/n*. * i wasn't too satisfied about this but whatever. i wrote this is in 30 mins and then i got too lazy to read it over...so watch out lol. ALSO DID Y'ALL SEE THE JAPANESE VERSION OF BITE ME. WHEN JAKE HAD THAT PLASTIC COVERING OVER HIS HEAD GRRRR IUQHQFUHU. the link in the title is the song btw. you'll know as you read

taglist ⋆ ★@kflixnet

You weren’t really sure of yourself right now.

Breathing hard, your hands find purchase on a random suitor, who took your hand without your consent, twirling you around, as way to welcome you into a dance. Repeating dance steps; glide, spin, turn, and lean continued on and on as you dance with this stranger, or more so truthfully, many more strangers that night. You were starting to feel light-headed and out of breath, remembering the promise you gave to your parents; you were to find a boy by one to wed. Your vision spinning as each ‘lucky’ man tried his part to win your heart, win the place by you as the future ruling queen once your parents passed away from old age. Other young women also looked for their future husband to be, pretty girls of high status, covered in a multitude of bright colors, green, blue, yellow, purple, pink, and gosh! you were starting to space out again.

Excusing yourself messily from the confused boy, you take long strides to the garden that awaited outside through the long maze of marble hallways. Pillars upon pillars came into sight as you messily wiped away salty droplets, ruining the mascara you put on earlier, not that you cared when all your mind spun around was about your midnight lover. The clock struck twelve, alarming surrounding crows causing them to belch their loudest caws as you run down the impending steps of pure rock, hands clutching the spring green and pastel pink ball gown, so you didn’t tumble down.

The pearly crown on your head was hanging on barely, the strands of your hair come undone with every step you took, only slowing down as the bushy green walls came into view, making your sob even more, dizzily taking light steps towards the entrance, stumbling in your heels proceeding you take them off. The air was perfumed with champagne and the lightest touch of sweet candy while the fluttering butterflies flapped their beautiful wings, around a certain man who stood behind the white marble fountain, obviously pondering the deep thoughts of unknown. But god he was so so alluring, as the pale moonlight cast a dewy look on his softened features, that reflected off his silver suit and if you let your eyes stray a little farther, a sharp-ended sword lain across the green grass, collecting dewdrops.

“S–Sunghoon” You cry, as you let yourself out, the joints in your knees unable to hold up your deep-rooted sorrows, falling right into a metal suit, head rolled against his arm as the worried boy sits you up, wiping away your salty tears. “Love, what’s wrong” He whispers, mouth close to your flushed ears, hugging you close. “F–fuck, I don’t want to m–marry anyone else but you!” You wail, looking up at his frown, delicate hands reaching up this face to smear his lips, thumb stroking the side of his mouth, when he adds on, “Me too darling” He rubs his hands up your opened back, his warmth sending shockwaves down your skin, pressing open mouthed kisses to your cheeks, relishing in the bittersweet moment. “Let’s just run away” You mumble without a doubt, shoving your palm down his armor to feel his erratic heartbeat, leaning your head on the cold metal once you did.

He stays silent for a moment, eyes closed as he slithers his fingers across your palms and up the stomach of your dress, drawing a small ‘I love you’ onto the cloth before he breathes awake, adams apple, gulping when he doesn’t break eye-contact with your curious eyes. “Let’s have one last dance, shall we then? The very last one before we ever see this nasty kingdom ever again?” Sunghoon brings your hand close to his lips, pressing a long kiss to your ring finger before lifting you up, rubbing his forehead against yours in affection.

Ball songs echoed onto the nightly daze, letting the creatures that roamed the area have a chance to flow with the heavenly music. The crickets chirped along as the owls perched ruffled their feathers to the soothing beat, watching two young adolescents clumsily place each other in the other’s hands, lips and eyes unable to flicker away for a second, drunk in love. Placing his hand on your waist just in time for a new tune to drift in, your heart skips a beat once you notice what was playing, a hint of surprise and fluster on Sunghoon’s cheeks as he pulls you closer, nodding his head into the crook of your shoulder, slowly swaying in the presence of a full moon, lips melting in with each other. “You’re so beautiful, so pretty” He sighs, slightly tickling your waist, pulling back a little so he can meet your gaze. “I love you” You smile as an answer, using two hands to pull him as close as possible, manageable to suffocate. “I love you too” You reply, before pulling him back into another longing kiss, eyes closed, blindfolding your surroundings, too caught up in the moment, feeling as though if you let go, it would warp into a dream.

Too bad that it was too late to realize the sword of your lover, was now punctured through your gut. Eyes widening open in shock, you catch Sunghoon weeping hard, his fingers massaging the aching wound in your loser abdomen, body shaking in guilt and sadness. “I’m so sorry love. God I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I promised–I promised your mother!” He breaks down, slowly catching you onto the ground, lungs unable to catch the air that you needed as you try to comprehend what he meant. “Huh?” You cough, tugging on the straps of his armor, and you knew that you were supposed to feel anger and betrayal at the situation, but you couldn’t help but relax him, splotching his tears around his streaked face.

Intertwining your hand with his, you shakily let out an exhale, staring at him through your lashes, trying to preserve the last moments of your life. You grunt as he watches you incredulously before pulling out the dagger from your soaked body, pointing the metal blade towards his gut, ripping off his armor. Using his slender fingers, he stabs himself quickly, penetrating deep enough to choke on rising blood. “I love you so much, I’m sorry darling” he quietly sobs, reaching for your arms which you let him take, flipping you over his blood-covered chest, hugging you tightly.

Taking your last breaths, you leave a chaste kiss on his neck, where his heartbeat slowed down into a rhythmic song, two heartbeats steadily dying out

#enhypen x reader #enhypen #sunghoon x reader #sunghoon #park sunghoon #kpop ff #kpop x reader #kpop #enhypen x you #angst #forbidden romance #fluff #enhypen angst #enhypen fluff #sunghoon fluff #sunghoon angst #death #blood

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yjano · 1 year

Text

All of me.

Part 12

Pairing: Jake x Mc.

Warnings: slow burn, swearing, angst, a little fluff, smut, violence and other pairings.

Words: 4.4k

Author's note: Although this story is not related to the Duskwood game, I will add some of our beloved characters. Please read it only if you're into angst prison stories, slow burns, etc. A little hint: You will get to see some similarities to Jake and his gang from "Never The Same" fic.

A week skipped by a whole week in which I had cared for Jake nonstop. Due to strict orders from Jessy, he hadn't been allowed to leave the hospital ward at all. Of course, Jake had tried to put up a fight with her, but Jessy wouldn't hear any of it. Jake even tried to escape twice, resulting in the fact that Jessy kept the doors locked constantly to keep him inside.

Two days after Jake had opened his eyes Jessy had made me his personal nurse and babysitter, being totally done with Jake arguing her. I only got three rules from Jessy.

One: Make sure Jake stays inside the hospital ward.

Two: Treat his injury.

Three: Make sure Jake keeps his mouth shut.

Jessy loved Jake more than anything, but he had given her nothing but headaches in the last two days, so making Jake my first patient seemed to be Jessy's best option at that moment. Besides that, it proved to be an amazing learning opportunity for me.

With Jessy eyeing me constantly, I took over Jake as our patient, and ten minutes later, she wished she had made that decision way earlier. Jake became putty under my hands, he never gave me a hard time, he listened whenever I told him something and didn't try to escape once.

A whole week passed by with me helping Jake wherever I could before Jessy finally released him from her ward, under the condition that I wouldn't leave Jake's side once.

A deep sigh left his mouth. He was seated in front of his computer while he read some files about a previous murder inside the gang. I, on the other hand, laid down on the couch while I read another book I found on Jake's bookshelves.

This time, one about a hacker who fell in love with an agent, I didn't know much about their past, but I liked the story. It killed some time while I stayed by Jake's side continuously. Jake still couldn't walk long distances, so both of us stayed mostly inside his apartment, and to me, that proved to be a whole lot more boring than I had first thought.

At first, I loved the idea of spending a lot of time with Jake. The whole idea of just the two of us while I would care for Jake sounded as a fairytale to me, but oh, how wrong I was.

Jake sat almost 24/7 in front of his computer, trying to make up for the work he had missed in the last week. The first few days, it hadn't bothered me that much, but by now, I became pretty bored by his behavior. Another sigh left Jake's mouth.

"Mc?" I looked up at him in an instant, happy that I finally received some attention from him.

"Can you get Lex for me?"

My eyes tried to make eye contact with him, only receiving it after a few seconds without answering his question. Jake locked his eyes with me, raising his eyebrow in a questioning way.

"I- yeah, sure." I sighed, clearly disappointed in again the lack of attention I received from Jake. A soft smile fell on his lips, giving me a small nod.

"Thank you, Lex's probably in her office. Tell her it's urgent."

I stood up from the couch and made my way over to the door, only stopping when Jake called my name out. I turned around, locking my eyes with him once again.

"Mc, I'm sorry for neglecting you. I'm just really caught up in this file. Don't take it personally, okay?"

A small smile fell on my lips, knowing that he hadn't forgotten about me but was just busy with work. I gave him a soft nod and left the room to find Lex.

With a small skip in my step, I walked through the building, greeting whoever I came across. My mood was a whole lot better than a few minutes ago. Jake had finally noticed me, and I finally had something to do. With a wide smile on my face, I turned the last corner towards Lex's office, walking up to the door with cables going through it.

Without knocking, I opened the door to Lex's room, expecting to find the girl in front of her computers. To say I was wrong would be a understatement, I was completely wrong.

With a huge gasp, I locked eyes with Lex, smashed the door back closed, and put my hands in front of my face while my cheeks turned a cherry red color.

"I did not just see that... I did not just... Oh my god, I did just see that!" I whisper yelled, completely embarrassed. I wished with every hair on my body I could remove the thing I had just witnessed from my brain.

I screamed into my hands, opening my fingers a little to look through them. I slowly turned back to the door, the image still not removed from my brain.

Never, and when I said never, I really meant never had I imagined to find two of Jake's gang members without shirts on top of a desk. Never had I imagined to find Lex placed on her work desk with Kaden hovering over her.

Kaden's tongue down Lex's throat with clearly visible bulge in his pants. Never had I imagined to find both Lex and Kaden without a shirt on while touching each other's bodies like there's no tomorrow. Never had I imagined to walk in on two members who were very close to doing much more than make out with each other.

Oh how I wished to remove the image, of a Lex only in bra laying under a shirtless Kaden, while their tongues were down each other's throats and their hands were roaming over the other's bodies, out of my head. I slowly removed my hands from my face, opening the door just enough that a little light could enter the room.

"Lex, Jake needs you right away!" I yelled, immediately running away from the door after the words left my mouth.

As fast as my legs could carry me, I sprinted back towards Jake's apartment, opening the door as soon as I reached it. I slipped through the door, smashed it close behind me, and slid down on the floor before the door. With my back pressed against the door and my head still as red as a tomato, I yelled out again. I shook my head, still trying to get rid of the image inside my head.

"Mc? Are you okay?" Jake's soft voice suddenly sounded through the room, making me halt all my movements.

"Why is your face red?"

I slowly shook my head, putting my hands back down.

"Remind me to knock the next time I'm about to enter a room."

Jake slowly lifted his eyebrow, not catching on what I was talking about.

"What?"

I stood up from the floor, walking over to the couch and falling face forward on it. Within a second, I got hold of a cushion, putting it before my face while screaming in it. Jake started to make his way over towards me, still not understanding why I acted like I did. He took place next to me, putting his hand on my back.

"Please remind me to knock, I never want to see that again." I mumbled, removing the pillow from my face.

"To see what?" Jake whispered, rubbing my back softly.

"Them... Almost fucking." I mumbled, putting my face back in the pillow again. A soft silence fell over the room before Jake bursted out in laughter, clearly way more comfortable with the whole situation than I was. It didn't take me long to start laughing too, seeing the humour in the whole situation too.

Ten minutes later, both of us looked up from a knock on the door. Jake made his way over towards his door, opening it and bursting out in laughter again.

"Damn, I didn't know Kaden was that fast..."

Lex's head immediately turned as red as a tomato, making both Jake and me laugh again.

"S-Stop laughing about it... Why did you need me?" Lex stuttered, a small smile now on her own face due to Jake's and mine contagious laughs. Jake immediately stopped laughing, turning all serious within a second.

"Yeah, about that. Did you make any progress with Mc's case?"

"Actually, I did. I'm onto something." Lex answered, a small smirk on her face while she walked up to Jake's computer with Jake following her.

My eyes followed them, images of Jake and me instead of Lex and Kaden crawling inside my brain.

Jake slowly started to feel better day by day. He still needed a lot of help from me and went for a checkup with Jessy every morning, but apart from that, he was doing quite alright.

This morning, Jake had gone to multiple meetings with Dan. With some persuasion from me, Jake took some rest after eating a small lunch with me. Of course Jake told me multiple times that he was alright and didn't need any rest, but I didn't want to hear any of it while I made sure that he went upstairs and got to bed.

Ten minutes later, Jake had finally admitted his defeat, and silence had taken over the living room. With a soft sigh, I looked up at the stairs, hoping Jake would fall asleep after his long morning with Dan.

Deciding that there wasn't much to do around the apartment now that Jake left upstairs to sleep, I walked out of the large living room into the long white hallway. Without much of a plan, I started to wander around the building. Somehow, I ended up in front of Lex's office, hoping that the small girl would be inside to provide me with some company.

I softly knocked on the door, waiting for a reply from Lex that would ensure me that it was okay to enter the room. After my last encounter with Lex and Kaden, I always knocked nowadays when I was about to enter a room, making sure I won't make the same mistake twice.

The door to Lex's office slowly opened, revealing not Lex but Kaden behind it. My and Kaden's eyes locked shortly while he took a small step forward.

"I'm assuming you're looking for my girlfriend." He started while he closed the door behind him. "Lex's not here, how's Jake?"

I looked down for a second before I locked eyes with him again.

"Jake's alright. He still needs some care, and he gets exhausted pretty fast, but he's on his way to making a full recovery."

Kaden gave me a short nod, signaling me to follow him while grabbing a pack of cigarettes out of his back pocket.

I followed him outside, Kaden clearly on his way to take a break and smoke a cigarette. I wasn't sure why he invited me to go along with him, but I was happy with the company anyway. Kaden leaned his back against a small wall just outside the huge building, I followed him and copied his actions.

"You and Jake seem to get along pretty well." Kaden smirked, lightning his cigarette and taking a whiff from it. A small smile fell on my face, my cheeks turning cherry red.

"Thank you, I guess we do."

Kaden's smirk turned even bigger, taking another whiff from his cigarette and blowing the smoke away from my face.

"He's very fond of you. That smile he gives you hasn't been on his face in a long time."

I furrowed my eyebrows, turning a little towards Kaden, not completely getting what he was hinting at. Kaden softly shook his head, a small laugh escaping his mouth at my cluelessness.

"He has never been mad at you, has he?"

I gave him another questioning look before answering his question, one particular moment coming to my mind.

"One time, although that wasn't immediately directed at me. Every sunday we had church in the prison. I've been there once, and Jake wasn't happy about the whole church thing at all. I've never understood why, though. He just hated the whole church thing from the very first moment I've met him."

Kaden's smirk disappeared from his face, and a soft sigh left his lips. I didn't know him that well, but even I understood that Kaden knew more about this topic than I had first thought. Ever since Jake had lashed out about the whole church thing, I had wondered why he did it.

Nothing in the prison gave him a reason to lash out at the sunday service. Of course, a lot of bad things happened in the prison, but none of them was an immediate reason for Jake to hate the sunday service that much. Kaden took another whiff of his cigarette, coughing softly while getting my attention again.

"Normally, I don't talk about my brother without him being present, but since you've helped me with Lex, I can tell you a little bit. Jake started hating the whole christian thing because of our mother, I guess he started hating everything that reminds him of her."

Kaden threw his cigarette on the floor, crushing it with the sole of his shoe to stop it from burning any further. I watched the whole action, trying to understand what it was that made Jake so mad about the church thing in combination with their mother.

I didn't know much about Jake's family life but I knew that it was fucked up from what I had heard about it. Jake's dad made everybody scared and apparently Jake's mother made him all angry about specific topics. I looked over at Kaden again, opening my mouth to ask him another question.

"Why? What did your mother do?"

A loud bang was heard behind both of us, making the both of us jump a little. My heart started to raise, and my eyes widened at the sudden noise. Slowly, I turned around, coming face to face with an angry looking Jake.

All colors drained from my face, my heart starting to beat even faster. Jake gave both of us an angry look, his whole body tense, and his teeth clashed together.

"Our mother was a coward who left me and Kaden alone in this fucking shithole. That woman took the easy way out by killing herself and leaving us with that asshole." Without another word Jake turned around, walking away from the two us while his whole body radiated anger. I gave Kaden a short look, trying to understand the whole situation.

"Our mother is a sensitive topic to him. Just let him cool down a little before you go after him." Kaden answered before he walked back inside, leaving me all by myself.

Tears started to make their way up in my eyes, knowing that I had upset the one who meant the most to me. Jake had become really important in my life, and to know that I had betrayed his trust made me more than upset.

Deciding that the only way of fixing my problem was to talk to Jake, I walked back inside in search of him. I opened the door, immediately seeing Jake turn a corner at the end of the hallway. Without thinking, I started to run after him while calling out his name.

Jake never slowed his steps, turning another corner and going down the stairs to the basement where Kaden had tried to teach me how to handle a gun. I sprinted after him, throwing open the door and running down the stairs. I opened another door and got immediately greeted by an enormous amount of gunshots getting fired.

Shot after shot sounded through the room, all coming from one particular gun. A gun that was in the hands of none other than Jake Dalton. He was angry, really angry. Jake kept shooting like crazy, his body violently shaking from the backlash of the gun in his hands.

Knowing that the shots couldn't be any good for Jake's still fresh wound, I slowly approached him. He kept shooting like there was no tomorrow, not caring about the fact that I was getting closer to him at all. My eyes fell on Jake's gun, seeing that every shot he fired hit the targets perfectly.

"J-Jake." I stuttered softly, hoping to get the attention of him. Tears now made their way down my face, hating what I had done to him. "Jake, please stop."

A loud scream sounded through the room, the sounds of gunshots stopping instantly. Jake placed the gun on the table beside him, grabbing his shoulder painfully while his back was still turned towards me.

"J-Jake?" I stuttered again, soft sobs left my mouth. "I-I'm sorry." I casted my eyes down, not daring to look at Jake right now. A deep sigh left Jake's mouth, my soft sobs still sounding through the room.

"I shouldn't have asked about your mother. I'm sorry."

I felt how two strong arms placed themselves around my shoulders, engulfing me in a soft hug.

"Shh, it's okay. It's not your fault, Mc. I can't control myself whenever my mother is involved. I'm sorry for lashing out."

A deep sob left my mouth, immediately getting more engulfed in Jake's embrace.

"Shh, calm down, Mc. Don't cry, I'm sorry for scaring you. It's okay."

Another sob left my mouth while my body embraced Jake's soft touch, calming me down slowly. Ten minutes later, I was still engulfed in his arms. I had finally calmed down, but none of us had made a move to let go of the other. I felt safe in his arms. Jake made me feel protected and cared for, a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time, a feeling that had been taken from me the moment I got arrested by the police for murdering my own sister.

Jake made me feel like I was worth something, that there was someone out there who still cares about me, someone who wouldn't leave me behind like everyone else had done in the last few months.

On the contrary, it also made me feel scared. There was still a chance that Jake would grow tired of me and abandon me like everybody else had done. If Jake ever decided that that was the case, I had nowhere to go. I was a criminal on the loose. Nobody was going to help me, and I would probably end up in prison again.

At this point, Jake literally was my whole life. Just the thought that one person could control where your life was going scared me. Jake had so much power over my life right now, and that feeling alone made me also scared about him.

Jake meant the world to me, but I never knew if I also meant the world to him. I never knew when Jake was gonna grow tired of me. I didn't know what the future held, and I could only hope that Jake would still be in it.

Both of us looked up from a soft knock at the door, neither of us letting go of the other. While the door slowly opened, I wiped the last tears from my face, feeling one of Jake's hands softly creep under my shirt to rub my lower back in a soothing way. Kaden's face slowly appeared from behind the door, a soft smile on his face.

"Are crying baby and angry bro ready for some fun after all this drama?"

Jake slowly lifted one his eyebrows in a questioning way.

"By fun, you mean... Drinks?"

Kaden opened the door a little further, walking over to the two of us where we were seated on the floor.

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Let's see how much crying baby can have before she passes out." Kaden reached his hand out towards Jake, hoisting him up easily before he did the exact same to me.

Without giving any of us time to protest, Kaden grabbed a wrist from both of us, dragging us out of the cellar and into the long hallways. I gave Jake a questioning look, still getting dragged by Kaden to who knows where, earning myself a soft smile from him.

Kaden turned a few corners before we ended up before the door that I now knew as Lex's and Kaden's apartment. Kaden let go of Jake's arm, opening the door and dragging me inside behind him.

"Found them, blue. Pour some drinks!" Kaden yelled while he walked further inside the living room, I was still getting dragged behind him.

Before I could fully register what was happening, Kaden had pushed me in a chair in the middle of the room, a glass filled with liquid in his other hand and a devilish smirk on his face. I didn't know where Kaden got the drink from within those ten seconds, but the smirk on his face somewhat scared me. My eyes darted over the room, seeing that everybody I got to know in the last few weeks was there.

Lex stood behind Kaden, a small smile on her face. Dan and Jessy were seated on the couch before me, curious looks on both of their faces. Sam stood a little to the side, a drink in his hand while he watched the whole scene before him.

"Take it easy, Kaden, don't harm her." Jake's voice sounded from somewhere behind me.

Kaden's smirk grew a little larger at the comment and before I knew what was happening Kaden had shoved a glass in my hand while everybody, except from Jake, cheered me on to chug it all in one go. Well, I had always been one who couldn't handle group pressure. I got easily swayed, and this time was no exception.

Before I knew it, I had chugged the whole drink in one go, the liquid leaving a bitter taste in my mouth and a burning feeling in my throat. Kaden's smile grew only wider at the action, and within a second, my empty glass had been switched to a full one.

"Bet you could take another one without any problem, right crying baby?"

My eyes met Kaden's, a slight shimmer of mischieve in his eyes. I took the second drink without any hesitation, a small smile forming on my own face. I didn't know why I took the second one with so much ease, but something about the shimmer in Kaden's eyes made me feel safe.

It didn't feel like Kaden was about to use me or harm me in any way. It felt like he knew I felt terrible, and he wanted me to forget my problems for a while. There wasn't any pressure behind the drinks, and I was pretty sure that if I had said no Kaden wouldn't have forced me. His eyes held something soft behind the mischief and cold exterior, something I trusted without any hesitation.

Kaden switched the glasses again, holding his hand on top of the full one I just got from him. He slowly reached over, placing his mouth right next to my ear.

"Take this one easy. Three should be enough." Kaden moved his head away from me, giving me a soft smile before he slowly walked away to place himself next to Dan on the couch, grabbing a glass filled with red wine with him on his way there.

Before I could fully register it, Lex had dragged me out of the chair and started to dance with me, hearing the volume on the radio turn up at the same time. The alcohol slowly started to cloud my mind and it wouldn't be much later that I had no idea anymore what was going on around me, besides the fact that I felt alright for now and didn't worry about anything.

Lex stayed with me that whole night, the two of us getting crazy on the dancefloor while laughing the whole time. The both of us have found a friend in the other without even looking for it. My eyes did cross with Jake's multiple times that night, every time forming smiles on both of our faces whenever we would notice each other and it gave me a funny feeling in my stomach.

I couldn't remember where it had gone wrong exactly, but at some point, I had found myself on the floor with Lex laying beside me. I looked over at her, both of us starting to laugh like crazy before I felt myself being lifted up by someone. My eyes were still focused on my newfound friend, who also was being lifted up by none other than Kaden before I felt myself being carried away from Lex.

"No, don't leave me blue!"

Lex looked back over at me, soft giggles coming from her mouth.

"I can't help it. He's kidnapping me."

I reached my hand out for Lex, seeing my friend getting carried around the corner away from my sight. A soft chuckle above me grabbed my attention a second after that, and I slowly turned my head to the sound above me.

Two beautiful blue eyes were staring back at me, two eyes who held the whole galaxy if you asked me about them in that moment. My eyes darted over the face above me, seeing nothing but that complete and utter beauty. A small drunken smile formed on my face, and I slowly closed my eyes.

"Why did heaven let you go? You're so beautiful." I softly sang, earning a chuckle from the person above me. I opened my eyes again, locking them with the person above me.

"What's your name, angel?"

Another chuckle left the person's mouth before he opened his mouth to answer me.

"It's Jake."

My eyes widened while I slowly reached my hand up, placing it on Jake's cheek.

"I know you? Damn I'm lucky."

I softly slid my thumb across his cheek, a soft smile falling on Jake's face.

"I don't know if you're the lucky one, Mc. I'm pretty lucky, too."

A huge smile fell on my face, I sling both of my arms around Jake's neck, hoisting myself up in his arms.

"You're really beautiful, Jake, and I am the lucky one. You can't win ever."

Without giving it a second thought, I kissed Jake's cheek before I let myself drop down in his arms while closing my eyes.

"You're the most handsome guy I've ever met Jake. You're my angel." I softly mumbled before I fell asleep completely in his arms.

"I'm nothing compared to you Mc, believe me, if one of us is an angel, it's definitely you."

#duskwood #duskwood jake #duskwood mc #duskwood family #duskwood fandom #jake x mc #mc and jake #duskwood fanfiction #everybyte studio

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pinkbrries · 11 months

Text

— A–Z with June —

[find hannah’s version here] | [find izabella’s version here] | june’s masterlist

➤ A is for… after experiencing “feelings” i’ve decided that this just isn’t for me, but thank you for the opportunity

➤ B is for… *talking to heeseung* bro your vibes are so cool and you’re amazing… hold my hand bro

➤ C is for… call it whatever you want: an ‘accident’ or a ‘near death experience’ but the truth is: that was a vibe check from god

➤ D is for… dude, at this point? i think the easiest way to feel ‘wanted’ is to simply rob a bank / [jake looking at her with concern] noona, don’t

➤ E is for… everyone here must know that it’s not blood that runs through these veins but glitter gel pen ink

➤ F is for… fortunately for me but unfortunately for my company, i will keep doing whatever i want

➤ G is for… *looking at the i-land cameras* good morning! … but at what cost

➤ H is for… *reading a weird comment on vlive* haha yeah–uhm, babygirl… there is something obviously wrong with your brain… haha

➤ I is for… i suck at flirting, i end up fighting with them instead:/

➤ J is for… just so everyone know, this is my emotional support song, so nope, i won’t change it

➤ K is for… kisses? the only person that deserve my kisses is kim sunoo<3

➤ L is for… *trying to imitate jake* LETS GAUUUUURRRR

➤ M is for… mmh yeah, i’m not going to wear my contacts anymore, i’ve seen enough

➤ N is for… next time i’m opening to someone is during my autopsy

➤ O is for… okay but whoever has my voodoo doll, please kiss its forehead, i need it

➤ P is for… *’02 liners nagging at june because she won a game* [june looking behind the camera] pd-nim! they simply hate to see a girl boss winning

➤ Q is for… *during her solo vlive* question here engenes: do you ever want to just yell in someone’s face to date you? because same

➤ R is for… *singing at jay* row row row your boat, far away from me~

➤ S is for… sometimes it’s you and your cute comfy oversized sweater against the world and that’s okay

➤ T is for… *winks at the sky* this is for the aliens

➤ U is for… *reading a comment* ‘unnie, can you recommend me some musicals?’ yeah, i really like musicals but like, the real good musicals, for example the barbie movies–

➤ V is for… velvet? oh, as red velvet sunbaenim! [starts dancing ‘red flavor’ out of the blue]

➤ W is for… what can i say? i’m charming and irresponsible– i mean– irresistible;)

➤ X is for… *reading a math question in weekly idol* x+2y+6– wait a minute, JUNE! [raises her hand] THAT’S A TXT SUNBAENIM’S SONG! / [mc’s start laughing] no june, this is an actual math problem / oh…

➤ Y is for… you say you have a crush on a boy, but is he kim hongjoong sunbaenim? min yoongi sunbaenim? jeon wonwoo sunbaenim? because if he’s not, then thank you, next

➤ Z is for… zebras are so cool though, they didn’t want to be normal horses so they decided on painting stripes on theirselves… good for them

#enhypen 8th member #enhypen oc #enhypen au #enhypen female oc #enhypen female member #enhypen female addition #enhypen addition #enhypen #kpop female addition #kpop addition #kpop added member

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gennyanydots · 9 months

Text

This is love I just can’t live without Ch. 10

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x f!kazansky!reader (affectionately often called “Baby Ice”)

This is love I just can’t live without masterlist

Top Gun biker!au

Chapter summary: Sometimes memories can make you feel better and sometimes they make you feel guilty

Slight overlap with the new Jake story Take Me With You

Chapter trigger warnings: none I don't think?

Ch. 10 “It’s tearing me apart” Baby Ice

You watch as Bradley’s eyes rake over your hip seeking out his initials. You can tell the second his eyes find what they’re looking for as his face softens a bit, almost in a relieved way. Had he expected you to cover it up or get rid of it? He takes a step closer, placing a hand softly on your hip and brushes his thumb over the letters. His forehead drops to yours and you close your eyes as you both take in the moment.

You both know what this means. In the eyes of the club you still belong to Bradley. He marked you and as long as those letters are on your hip you were his. The thought of covering them had popped up a few times over the past couple of years but every time you thought too hard about it you ended up in your bed sobbing at the thought of losing that piece of Bradley. His initials felt like the one thing you had left of him after you

It was your first tattoo and just like Bradley, the day you turned 18 you were at the tattoo shop bright and early, dragging a half asleep Bradley with you. Waking up before noon was hard on him during the weekend. You made him hold your hand the entire time even though it didn’t take long for the artist to trace Bradley’s “BNB”, written in Bradley’s handwriting of course to match his own tattoo. Bradley had even drawn a heart for you so your tattoos matched. That was the day you found out Bradley can’t draw hearts. The one tattooed on your body looks more like a lung than a heart but you loved it regardless because Bradley drew it for you.

Your parents weren’t thrilled when they found out Bradley officially claimed you but it wasn’t like they hadn’t been expecting this for years, they just wished you had both given them a heads up. Carole however had been over the moon when you both told her. She had burst into tears hugging the both of you while babbling about grandchildren. As soon as she calmed down you both let her know that grandchildren weren’t happening for a while, a looooong while.

You feel Bradley shift then pull his forehead apart from yours gently, “We got some stuff to do today.”

You stare at him confused before asking, “What kind of stuff?”

Bradley shrugs, “You’ll see.”

You looked at him wearily as he grinned and kissed your forehead then walked back to his chest of drawers and grabbed a clean shirt out before pulling it over his head.

You scowl and wipe his kiss off with your hand making Bradley laugh and blow you a kiss. You narrow your eyes at him.

He just shrugs, “I threw a shirt at you earlier. It’s yours. Found it in my room after you left. Kept it hoping I’d have the chance to give it back.”

You grab the shirt off the bed where it fell and hold it up and a soft smile finds its way to your face. You remember this shirt. It’s a Top Gun MC shirt that you tie dyed one summer with Nat and your mom. You tie dyed them in the backyard and then after you tie dyed each of you a shirt, there was still left over dye, so your mom ran into the house and grabbed a set of sheets and you tie dyed those, too. Your dad was not as amused at his bed having tie dyed sheets as your mom and you were but he knew not to question your mom. You hold the shirt tightly against your chest as your eyes water.

“Thank you,” you say softly. “I thought I lost this. Thank you for keeping it safe for me.”

Bradley nods at you and turns his back to you so you could quickly change into the clean shirt and out of your crop top from the night before. You smoothed your hands down your sides over the shirt. Just having the shirt on soothed you in a way you didn’t even know you needed. It gave you a feeling of being close to your mom again that you desperately needed.

“You good?” Bradley asks.

You nod as you continue to smooth down your shirt. It takes you a couple seconds to remember that Bradley wasn’t facing you to see you nod, “Yeah, yeah I’m all good. You can turn around.”

Bradley turns around, a smile on his face, then holds his hand out for you to take, “Let’s go!”

You roll your eyes and walk out of his room with Bradley close on your heels.

You head down the stairs and look around at the mess from the party the night before. A few prospects were walking around collecting trash with a black trash bag each in their hands. You offer them a polite smile as you pass on your way to the door.

“Hold up a second,” Bradley says walking over to one of the couches.

You turned around and then followed him over to the couch. When you passed the first time you didn't even notice Jake on the couch.

As you stop at the back of the couch with Bradley he leans down to your ear, “I had to wake him up yesterday because he was making all sorts of noises and thrashing around in his bed.”

“What’s that about?” you asked.

Bradley shrugged, “I’m not sure. He wouldn’t say. Said he never dreams.”

You look at him oddly, “But everybody dreams.”

Bradley shrugged again, “I’m just telling you what he told me. I said the same thing but he said he…”

Bradley gets interrupted as Jake starts to whimper. You both stare down at him a moment before he starts shaking his head.

“Should we wake him up?” you ask Bradley.

“I’m not sure,” he says back.

“No, no, no, no, stay with me. Don’t go. Please…..please….please,” Jake whines in his sleep.

You decide to make the executive decision to wake him up. You reach out a hand to touch his shoulder but before you touch him he shoots up into a sitting position breathing heavily.

You yelp and pull your hand back while Bradley grabs your shoulders to pull you away from Jake.

“What…what happened?” Jake asks while panting.

“You were whimpering and shaking your head in your sleep. Then you started to talk,” you explain as you take a step back towards Jake.

Jake groans and wipes a hand down his face, “Any clue what I was sayin’?”

Bradley nodded, “You were saying no and please a lot. You also said ‘stay with me’ and ‘don’t go’ , nothing else I don’t think.”

You shook your head agreeing with Bradley that there was nothing else.

Jake takes a deep breath, “Okay, cool. Thanks. Soooooo what’s up with all this?” He points to the two of you.

“We’re heading out. Got some stuff to do,” Bradley says as he waves and grabs your hand to pull you with him towards the door.

“Have fun!” Jake calls from behind you both then chuckles.

You roll your eyes and follow after Bradley as he leads you to his bike. He gets on quickly before holding his hand up to help you on. You use it to climb on behind him then wrap your arms around him after you settle.

He pats your arms before turning the key for the bike and releasing the kickstand. You’re both soon on your way. You lean your head against Bradley’s back. It’s been a long time since you’ve done this, it feels so easy to fall back into everything you and Bradley used to do together. You missed him, you missed this. You used to love riding on the back of Bradley’s bike, it seems you still did.

You didn’t pay close enough attention to where Bradley was taking you, maybe you should have, but soon he was pulling into a very familiar drive. You remember drawing with chalk on the concrete of this driveway. The oil stain from the first time Bradley tried to change the Bronco’s oil is still there off to the side. You remember laughing at him as it spilled out over the oil container that Bradley forgot to open the plug of. You remember your dad strolling his way over after hearing Bradley shouting and laughing along with you as he quickly started to help, telling him he would have come over to help, which just made Bradley grumble about wanting to do it himself.

Bradley stopped the bike next to the Bronco and helped you off before getting off himself, “You knew this was coming.”

You shrug, “I know. I didn’t want to. I still feel bad. Cutting you out of my life meant cutting her out too and that was probably the worst decision I made.”

Bradley nodded, “I think she was more heartbroken than I was.”

You worried your bottom lip as you followed Bradley into the house.

As soon as the two of you were completely in the living room Bradley started yelling for his mother.

“Ma! Hey ma! Got someone here to see you,” Bradley called out.

“Bradley Nicholas Bradshaw! How many times have I told you to stop hollerin’ in the hou…..” Carole trails off as she enters the living room with a hand towel clutched in her hands. “In the hou…” she starts again before she trails off again leaving her mouth open in shock while dropping the towel onto the floor. She stares at you for a moment as you stare back at her.

“Mama…” you say, your voice barely louder than a whisper.

That seems to break her out of her trance as she takes a few apprehensive steps towards you until she’s right in front of you.

“Oh sugar, look at you. You’re all grown up,” Carole says as she reaches a hand out to cup your cheek, you can see her eyes start to water. “I recall tellin’ you that you weren’t allowed to do that but goodness, pretty girl, we were all wonderin’ who you’d take after and there’s no question about it.”

You smile at her as your eyes mist over.

“Well c’mere, sugar,” Carole before pulling you into her arms.

The flood gates open and you’re sobbing by the time you’re completely encased in Carole’s arms, she coos at you rocking you both side to side gently.

You needed this. A mom hug. There’s nothing like it in the world.

“Let it out, baby, let it all out. I gotcha, don’t you worry, your mama’s gotcha,” Carole murmurs into your hair, holding you as tight as can be. “Everything's gonna be okay."

#bradley bradshaw x female!reader #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #rooster x f!reader #Bradley x female reader #top gun biker!au #this is love i just can’t live without

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canonicallysoulmates · 1 year

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Jensen Solo Main Panel Vancon 2022

Quick disclaimer: this post only covers the first half of the panel. Halfway through he got joined by MC (ofc he fucking did 🙄), and then at the last like 20mins it turned into a group panel because he was also joined by Mark Sheppard, Jake Abel, and Ruth Connell. I'm only covering Jensen's solo portion but if you wanna see the full thing there is as always a link to the full panel at the end.

Getting into the panel, Rob Benedict asked him when was he last in Van and Jensen replies that he was there recently back in August for a couple days, doing some scenes for a movie. I guess he still doesn't have clearance to say it was the Buddy Games sequel.

He also again mentions the previous night's unofficial wrap party and that it was fantastic to be able to see everyone and give out those hugs that they couldn't back when they officially wrapped due to the pandemic but that he is heartbroken Jared's not there, and he knows Jared's really bummed out, so they'll have to do it again when they come back to Van. And then when he goes to sit he turns his chair around IN HONOR OF HIS BOY HE LITERALLY SAYS "IN HONOR OF MY BOY" 😭 Then he says he has a better idea, and grabs the other chair on stage and pulls it next to his and turns it around 😭❤️

Question time! What advice would he give to newcomers on a set whether cast or crew members? To have fun. He was asked recently by one of the producers on Big Sky how he managed to go 15yrs on one show, and he replied that a lot of ingredients went into that but the one he remembers the most is the amount of laughter they had on that set. That he doesn't remember laughing harder during those 15yrs than he did when he was at work and that says a lot about the environment. That there were hard days and days when he didn't wanna get out of bed but no matter what he doesn't think that a day went by where they didn't chuckle or laugh on that set.

That's what he would say, and continues to say to people, he's even said it to those working on The Winchesters. Something he's made sure to very heavily impress upon John F. Showalter, who is currently supervising the show, is to make sure the set is having a good time and the egos are checked, to save the drama for when the cameras are rolling that there's no room for that when they're not.

If that's something he can bring to work, or encourage people to do that when they go to work then he thinks everyone will have a better time. x

How would he have wanted spn to end? He talks about what was originally planned which is that the original script before covid was everything the same up to the point when Sam arrives in Heaven but what was different is that instead of him arriving at the bridge he would arrive in a dusty parking lot in front of a roadhouse, see the Impala and walk up and Dean would come out to greet him and they would have that moment from the bridge then Dean would tell him to come inside where they would have everyone they could get from the cast and crew inside and the house band would be Kansas. And Kansas was actually on their way to set already when they got the call that they couldn't because of covid shutdowns.

That it was unfortunate they couldn't do that, they had to pivot and there was still the heartfelt moment but it would have been nice to have gotten to do it. Jensen, my love, I know you love Kansas and wanted them on the show but sometimes change is for the best. x

How did the idea for the brewery and making it a family-friendly place come to be? It was all a natural progression. It started back around '07 or '08 when craft beer was taking off, he and his brother-in-law, Gino, started making beer in the backyard and they got the itch to open a little nano brewery. In all the research that they did the thing they kept being told is to have room for growth so they got this big property and built for growth but then they thought they should have a place for kids to play because Jensen has kids and that led to them deciding that they wanted to make it a family-friendly place where people could go and have fun with the whole family. The whole time they kept calling it the Family Business because Jensen thought it was kind of tongue in cheek due to its relation to the show but also because it was just Gino and him then when they looked online they saw the name was available (meaning it hadn't been copyrighted) so they decided to make the name official. There was no grand design for it, it just happened naturally. x

Have he and Jared ever gone driving Baby around Austin because they miss playing Sam and Dean? Yes, not because they miss playing Sam and Dean but because they’re children and wanted to go fast in a car that they spend so much time in and they thought it would be great to do that; he says both the Impalas were picture cars, they're not high functioning automobiles, so now that he and Jared own them they're getting fixed up in the same shop, getting them done to where they could put them in a car show but leaving the paint job, and the squeak on the door.

They're just getting the underneath fixed, and putting things in like air conditioning and a sound system because the cars had been stripped of those things as well as anything else the boys could use to annoy the crew. I s2g he sounds like such a husband when talking about he and Jared getting their Impalas fixed together 🥰

He's excited to get their cars back so he and Jared can race them down south congress avenue...and get arrested 😂

In 15.18 if the empty hadn’t come so quickly for C, what would have been Dean’s response? Jensen stops and thinks for a minute, and says he has an answer for that and that he had an answer for that in the next camera setup after C was taken and Dean's on the floor with his head in his hands, and he did that because he lost C but he also didn't say anything. He didn't get him anything.

And what he had in his head was that he should have said I love you too and hugged him, and he knows some people might try to sexualize that in a way but it doesn't have to be that; that it was essentially two sentient beings, that who was in front of him was a family member and someone who was a brother in arms who he truly loved like a brother so Dean lost his brother in that moment and that's how he played it from Dean's perspective. They continue to fish and he continues to not fall for the bait 😈

What is his favorite story to tell his kids? At night, he makes up stories until his kids tell him he needs to leave. It's generally filled with a lot of voices so what he'll do is stand at the door and ask if there's anybody else they would like to say goodnight to and they'll come up with some name and he'll walk away and create a character from that and then go back in and play that character and tell them stories and tell them jokes. So there's not necessarily a book that he reads he just puts on a performance for them every night until they get tired of him. That's adorable x

And that's the end of the panel for me! But if you wanna see the full thing you can do so through the link below.

Jensen Main Panel Vancon

#anti destiel #anti hellers #anti misha collins #j2 tinhat #mine

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straykidsworldwild · 7 months

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DUSKWOOD

Jake x MC

Plot : MC goes to DUSKWOOD even though Jake told her not too. First time meeting.

- "I love you, MC." I read his text message.

- "I love you, too, Jake." I replied back to which he left a "read" underneath my message.

That's the last thing this idiot told me. Those three little words meant so much to me. Even more after living that crazy adventure in Dusk wood along side with him. I refused for him to go there but he is so damn stubborn that he didn't listen! He f**king went there! He didn't think for one moment that people who loved him could get scared for him! He didn't think that his disappearance would have been painful and certainly a trauma for me... I know don't know him personally. I know we just talked through a screen. But we developed a connection together. Even through a screen, I could tell his feelings for me and it made my heart go more and more crazy every single message I received from me. He had such a big impact in my life that... If I happen to lose him, I'll blame myself for the rest of my life... Because, I couldn't stop him from losing his life...

That's why I took the decision to disobey his words. He went to Duskwood when he promised me he wouldn't. He was probably there this whole time since he had to flee his persuiers and left me for a few days... And he also probably lied to me to keep me safe and to not worry for him. Now, I guess it's my turn. Maybe I won't find him. Maybe I'll never meet him. Maybe I actually go there for nothing. Maybe it's too late... But I need to go and I need to know if he is alive!

I couldn't sleep much that night, so, at 3a.m., I got up, I packed a luggage, I took all the stuff I knew I needed for this trip, I put my phone in charge while taking a shower, I got ready, I grabbed some food with me, and I left. I have a long drive ahead of me. Leaving early this morning was a good idea. Now, it will take a few hours before I get to Duskwood...

Around 3:30p.m., after driving through highways, national roads, even mountains and tunnels, I finally reached that legendary small town. Duskwood. I have never been here before, but with the pictures Jessy sent me, I manage to recognize a few spot while driving. The pictures were amazing, but now that I'm here, I can tell that it's even more beautiful than I thought. I barely drove through this small town and I already see the charm it offers. Moreover, the automnal colored leaves lying on the ground gives it some kind of magic. Duskwood is definitely a special town...

After driving through Duskwood, briefly visiting the town at the same time, I finally reach a giant woods. I know what you're going to say. How do you know this is the woods where Jake went to? Woods are just giant trees standing next to each other, they all look alike... True. But seeing the police cars, the F.B.I., and ambulances parked in front of it, it can only be here... I park my car a bit further from those and step down.

It feels weird... Being here... Alone. Usually, Jake is on the other side of my phone... He is there to comfort me if I feel the need to get comforted. And I do now... I need him. I'm scared. Standing in front of these woods, in Duskwood itself, scares me. Everything seems more real... What if it was a mistake coming here? What if it was wrong? Am I going crazy? Ugh...!

Watching the woods, I stand next to my car, motionless. I can't bring myself to move yet. Too many questions are burning my mind. They keep popping up, some of them are on repeat which scares and anxious me... Is he still live? Is he still breathing? Why still so many police cars?

My heart is pounding so hard right now, almost reminding me that I need to breathe. I take a deep breath in and finally manage to take a step forward. My legs feel heavy. Each steps I take makes me more and more nervous because I know I am getting closer and closer to that spot... Everything will change once I'll be there. Good or bad... It will change, and it scares the hell out of me.

Walking and climbing on dead leaves and branches, I slowly reach the entry of that site. The feeling is definitely different... Being here in person and watching it from behind a screen... It's different. The FBI are roaming around, most certainly searching for clues and evidence. Police officers from Duskwood are even here. I wonder if Alan Bloomgate is here. Okay... It's pretty serious. Usually, you see this on TV... I look around until my eyes stop at the entrance of that cave. He went in there... He must have been so scared... What if he is still down there? What if he couldn't come back up? What if they found him? Oh God...

I take a step back as stress and anxiousness take over me. My heart is palpitating so fast in my chest. I can even hear my heartbeat in my ears... My hands are becoming very sweaty and my breathing is getting heavy...

- Excuse me, miss! I rapidly look up and see a man approaching me. You can't come here, tells me, a police officer from Duskwood. I notice it just by the uniform he wears.

- Wait, no, my friends were in there! I exclaim with a point of fear mixed with despair in my voice.

- I'm sorry but you have to step back, he insists seriously, not caring of what I just told him.

- Please, just tell me how they're doing. Please! I plead him, impossible for me to give up. What if Jake...? No! I refuse to believe it. And besides, the FBI wouldn't still be here if they found him.

- Miss, step back now! I won't repeat myself! He tells me, slightly raising his voice. He spoke with such a stern tone. As if I was a child not listening to him.

- I'm just asking how they're doing! Please, I need to know! I repeat myself, disliking the way he talked to me. I'm not touching or pushing him. I haven't raised my voice on him. And I haven't insulted him. Why losing it on me?

- Miss!... He half screams at me. He grabs me by my shoulder and pushes me backwards.

- Hey! I suddenly hear a man exclaiming behind him, before I could say something. The police officer takes his hand off and turns around as I look up to see who it was. Another one... Great... Let her to me. Go see if agent Shepherds needs you. He's on site at the entrance of the mine, he tells his coworker with a dead serious tone.

- Yes, sir, replies the police officer before leaving. He didn't argue... Is he his superior? I stay quiet and watch the man leave.

- Hi, I'm Alan Bloomgate. How may I help you? He introduced himself to me before kindly offering his attention. Bloomgate?

- Alan... Bloomgate? Police Chief Department of Duskwood? I question with a surprised tone.

- In person. Why do you look so surprised? He asks back, looking confused himself.

- I just... I thought you were going to look much older. Sorry, I reply with honesty. The man nods. He doesn't seem to know how to react on my comment. Yet, a small smile appeared on his face. But it didn't last for long.

- You said your friends were in there. I believe you are MC, he suddenly tells me. Oh... How...? He didn't see my face when we were on a call...

- How do you...? We just talked on... Are they okay-Wait, I... I blabber so fast that I don't know which question I want to ask first. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hits me. The ground feels like it's wobbly.

- Wow, are you okay? He asks as he catches me. The police Chief Department of Duskwood helps me sit on cut tree trunk that wasn't too far. Do you want me to call emergency? He kindly offers.

- No, I just need to sit a bit. I'm sorry, it's... The tiredness, all the sudden emotions,... The situation itself. A mixed of everything, I answer sincerely and seriously as I take a few breaths.

- I understand. But don't worry, thanks to you, everything is over, he answers, giving a small comforting smile. Over? I look at him with a shocked expression when the tears began to come up. Over... I don't know if I like the sound of that. Could over means no more Jake? I'm sorry about Richy Rogers. I believe he was also a friend of yours, he suddenly tells me as I see on his face that he doesn't know what to do.

- I thought so too... I whisper shakily due to my tears.

- Let me get you a coffee and then we can talk? He kindly suggests. I nod as I saw he was waiting for an answer from me. The Police Chief Department leaves, walking towards his colleagues. What am I doing here? Was I wrong to come here? Suddenly, I feel my phone buzzing. My heart skips a beat, hoping it is Jake... Oh Thank God!

- "MC. I thought I told you not to come here until I contacted you again. Are you okay?" I read the text message from none other than Jake himself. A part of me feels happy because if he contacted me, that means he is still alive. I have been waiting for days for his message! Yet, I don't like the sound of his message. I look up and look around me as discreetly as I can. I don't see anyone... Oh! This silhouette hiding behind the tree...

- Jake... I whisper with a sudden hope in my voice. I don't know where it came from. I want to run up to him... I want to run up to Jake and hug him. After everything that happened, after every message we shared, the happy and the sad moments... I want to see his face. To discover the real face of who I have been talking with the whole time.

- "Are you okay?" I look at the screen of my phone as it buzzed again. What kind of question is this? Who is okay right now? I get up, still looking in his direction.

- Miss, MC? startled, I turn around to face Mr. Bloomgate. Here's your coffee, he tells me as he hands me the coffee. I accept it despite disliking it and smile to thank him. As if nothing happened... I glance quickly back at where Jake was but I cannot see him anymore. Did he leave? Where is he? I didn't know if you wanted sugar so I brought some, tells me the Police Chief Department. I look at the sugar, staying quiet. Are you okay? He asks me with concern.

- Yes, I'm okay. Well... As okay as I can be after all of this, I state sincerely, not really knowing what else I could say.

- Do you mind me asking you a few questions? He gently asks. Whatever answer I will give him won't change the fact that I need to answer them. If not now, it'll be later...

- No, I... Please, ask them, I reply with a small voice. Where's Jake? Why is he still around? I watch Bloomgate get a pen and a piece of paper to take notes.

- How did you get in contact with everyone? He starts asking.

- They contacted me first. But I don't know how they found my phone number, I reply, trying not to lie too much about this situation. Well, I don't have much to hide except everything that concerns Jake.

- Who contacted you? He asks me as he finishes taking notes from the previous question.

- Thomas. He made a group chat with all of the others, I respond as I keep my eyes on the ground. It's like I am scared to look up and to see Jake around. If I see him, everyone can as well. I don't like that.

- There was a Hacker helping you, right? Or was he a nuisance at finding Hannah? He continues to ask me. A nuisance? Jake... I need to be extra careful of what I'm telling him now. I look at the police chief with a slight upset frown.

- A nuisance? The hacker was our best friend in this investigation. He helped us in so many ways, even the police couldn't do. No offense, I answer with a defensive tone. Maybe I shouldn't have react like this. It will make things obvious...

- None taken. Has the Hacker ever threatened you in any way? He asks me. How many questions does he have? Why would Jake threaten us?

- No, I simply reply.

- Did he forced you to say that? I look at Bloomgate for a second, surprised by the question. What is he doing? Trying to reach me emotionally so I would give answers he couldn't get?

- No. Of course not, I say seriously. Suddenly, Alan lowers his notes and cut his radio. What is he doing? I watch the Police Chief Department looking around, as if he doesn't want anyone to hear us. Why?

- He was in there, wasn't he? He questions with a small voice, making sure no one hears us.

- No, he wasn't, I answer, giving him a lie.

- You love him, don't you? He states. He already knows the answer, why ask?

- I thought you were going to ask questions about this investigation, I remind him with a calm tone. I can't let him get to me.

- He loves you too, doesn't he? He continues to state, as if he slowly got all the pieces. And maybe he actually has some of them...

- I don't know, I reply. It's true, maybe he was just playing a game with me after all...

- I don't believe you, miss, I quietly stare at the Police Chief Department. I watch him grab his radio and turn a button. It makes a sound and then nothing. Please, tell me the truth. It's just between us. My radio is off. I do not write your answers anymore. And we're alone, he calmly says to me, speaking with a gentle tone. He almost seems to be a friend. He spoke with a small voice, like someone wanting to know a secret. Well, it's kind of the case...

- He wasn't in the mine. How could he? I reply seriously and gently, still following Jake's demand.

- The FBI is here. They would have never came for Hannah or Richy. So I'm guessing this hacker of yours is wanted. And he was here. I'm also guessing that you wouldn't be here if he wasn't in there, he tells me, giving me more and more proof that he already knows half the truth. Well, some of those things are hard to hide and hard not to link.

- Maybe... But I honestly don't know if he was in there or not, I respond sincerely as I shrug. Mr. Bloomgate nods. I can't tell if he believes me or not. His expressions are pretty stoic.

- Do you know what he looks like? He asks me as I see him holding his pen and block note up. I wish I knew...

- No, he never showed his face and he never let us hear his real voice either. He always made sure that his identity was hidden, I answer with sincerity once again. Now that I think about it, I went to look for a guy I fell in love over a crazy adventure across my phone with people living at the other side of the country and I don't even know my lover's face. Damn... How crazy is that?

- I can sense strong emotions coming from you when you talk about him. How come? He says seriously. He knows he isn't going to get much answers from me, so he analyzes me. Smart... But I'm smart too.

- I'm a pretty emotive person. Too emotive maybe, I reply, avoiding what he's truly trying to do.

- Phil Hawkins was released. He called someone from prison. Was it you? He slightly changed the subject. Phil... Jessy's brother. I almost forgot about him.

- Yes, it was, I answer.

- Weird. He could have called his sister instead. He doesn't know you but he trusts you than them. Can you explain this to me? He says, frowning as he seems curious. Well... I can't tell either why he called me to be honest... So how can I explain this?

- You will have to ask him this in person. I do not know why he trusts me so much or why he called me, I respond to the Police Chief Department. He nods once more.

- What about your friends? Why not believing Phil Hawkins, someone they know? Why believing you, a stranger? He continues to ask me his questions. More and more... When is this interrogation ending?

- I don't know. I guess... They sort of put everything on my shoulders. Their trust must have come slowly as I was helping them step by step, I answer, giving him the truth. Well, I think it is. I don't see why else they would trust me so blindly. The man nods as he seems a bit defeated. There aren't many answers I can give him to be honest...

- Thank you. That's all I'll ask for today, he tells me as he puts his pen and block note in his pocket and turns back on his radio.

- I'm not a bad person Mr Bloomgate, the Police Chief Department looks at me attentively. None of us are. Except... Richy. I misjudged him. I let him fooled me. I really thought he was one of us. I know why you're asking those questions. And I'm answering them truthfully. There's no point for me to lie to you, I reply sincerely to him. I have no reason to lie. My only reason is to protect Jake but the rest, I don't have any reason to lie. I'm just telling him what he needs to know. No more.

- I believe you. But I think you need to rest before we finish this. You look very tired, he says with an actual caring tone.

- I am. I haven't slept in the last 23h, I admit to the man.

- Do you know where you're sleeping? He gently asks me. I shake my head negatively. I didn't really think about that. I guess I thought my car was going to be enough... There's a motel in town. I'll give a call for you and make a reservation. When you arrive there, your room will be ready for you. The person will greet you warmly, he says as I see him taking his phone out. Maybe a phone only for work? I doubt that's his personal one...

- Thank you very much, Mr. Bloomgate, I thank the Police Chief Department with a smile.

- Please, if you need anything, contact me, he says with seriousness.

- Thank you, I smile once more, appreciating his gesture.

- One last thing. Did the hacker do things for you that he would have not done for anyone else? He asks me. Is it part of the interrogation or is he just curious? Is he testing me to see if I lie or not?

- Yes. He has I confess. Mr. Bloomgate smiles.

- Have a nice day, miss MC, he says politely.

- You too, Mr. Bloomgate, I wish back before watching him walk away. Mr. Bloomgate is kind but not stupid. He knows I lied a bit to him. He'll certainly contact me again soon... In what kind of situation am I in? Suddenly, my phone buzzes.

- "MC..." I read the first text from Jake. "Don't say too much. Be careful with his tricky questions.", He added. "MC, tell me once he is done asking you questions.", I read the third text. Don't say too much... He knows I will never sell him away. Of course I wouldn't say too much...

- "It's over.", I simply sent him back, not in the mood to talk. I love Jake with everything in me despite never meeting. But I... I'm so tired right now, so stressed, so... Overwhelmed. Why can't things be easier?

- "Are you okay? What did he ask you?" I read his new message. Am I okay? I don't know. Probably not, just like he is. I sigh and pass my hand in my hair before lowering my phone. I don't take time to answer. My phone buzzes again. "You are angry.", He texted me. Oh. So he is still watching me. He isn't far... If he can see me, why ask if I'm okay? He must see that I'm not... I'm so tired. Emotionally, mentally, physically... I don't answer him once again. "MC, I can see that you read my text messages. Please, answer me.", He adds, seeming worried. I sigh one more time as I feel the tears coming up.

- "You want answers? Let's meet then. This has to stop, Jake. No more lies. I need to see you! I need to hear your voice! I need you to hold me! To tell me everything will be alright now! That everything I did for you was worth it! I need you because I feel absolutely terrified right now.. You've become my safe place, Jake..", I responded to the man before hearing policemen shouting behind me. I turn around and see them all still focused on the cave. Oh God, I thought they saw him. Where is he by the way? If he can see me, I should be able to see him too. And he isn't standing where I saw him before...

- "Tonight. I will send you a location." He replied. Tonight? More hours to wait... I let my first tear roll down my face. Why does everything feel like time has stopped? It's so long...

- "Will you?" I reply before wiping my tears. I'm even starting to doubt everything now... Everything. I turn back around and take a deep breath in when I notice a shadow next to a tree farther from where I am standing. It's half hiding behind the tree trunk. That hoodie... Jake.

- "I know you see me. I wanted to show you that I am here. With you, MC. But don't come up to me. They could find me. I'm already putting myself at risk by standing here.", He sent me. My heart keeps beating so fast down my chest. Even watching him from afar makes me feel like a wave of energy just hit me. Like I sort of live again. He is here. For me. He came and stayed. He waited despite the danger for him. And I'm there complaining... How selfish am I? Still, now that I saw him, I can't wait until tonight. We could leave right now while they are bothered with the cave.

- "I don't want to wait until tonight. I want to see you, Jake. Now.", I sent him before biting my lower lip out of nervousness.

- "MC, I want to see you too, more than anything. But I can't for the moment. It's too dangerous for both of us. I need to find a spot to stay safe and I need you to stay safe too.", He replied. Oh... Well... I lower my phone, not answering him and start to walk away. I think I should just regain my car then... Mr. Bloomgate will call me if he has more questions. Right now, it's the perfect timing to leave. "MC, where are you going?" I read his new text message without unlocking my phone. I sigh and unlock it to answer him.

- "I'm leaving. I don't think you actually want to see me.", I press on "sent" as I keep walking.

- "MC, of course I want to see you!" He quickly replied. He never replied that fast before. I shake my head negatively and just follow the way I took to go back to my car. "MC, don't leave. Please. Tonight, we see each other. I promise you.", He added.

- "I haven't slept since yesterday, and the nights before, I slept maybe 3 or 4 hours. I was damn worried for you! To the point I even had anxiety! All police officers and F.B.I agents are there! We could have seen each other somewhere far from here since they are bothered with the cave. We could have left together right now! But you prefer waiting tonight? Really??" I reply back as I feel a new tear rolling down my face. Tears of anger, fear, and tiredness...

Jake read my text message but didn't reply. Seriously? What does his silence mean? Upset, I wipe my tears only to have more falling down my cheeks.

Under my feet, I can hear the leaves cracking. I stepped over a root, almost falling as I barely saw it with my tears. Jake... Why is everything so complicated?

I rapidly step out of the woods and reach my car. I was so into my thoughts that I barely noticed the time I put to exit the woods... Standing next to my car, I take my keys out of my pocket to unlock it but, I accidentally drop them along with the coffee. Great! I pick them up and wipe my cheeks before hearing my car beeping. Unlocked. Oh... What the...?

On my car window, I see the reflection of a man standing right behind me. I stopped. I freeze. I completely stopped moving or even breathing for a second. The man sounds breathless, like he ran for his life. He is wearing a hoodie, I can't see his face, just like... Staring at him through the window, I take a deep breath before sniffling. He came...

I watch him slowly take off his hoodie, revealing his face to me. Jake looks down and slightly titles his head on the side. Oh God... I close my eyes and lean against my car as I cry silently.

- MC... He softly calls me. The sound of his voice is just so heavenly. No electronic background, not modified by a computer... It's real. I lift my hand up for him to stay quiet. Jake stays silent. I wipe my cheeks and slowly turn around to face the man I've been dying to meet for months. Damn... I sniffle as I bring my hand towards his arm. I can touch him... He's real. He's in front of me and real. That bastard. I push the man twice, tears rolling down before he catches my wrists and pulls me against him. I am wrapped by his arms, engulfed in his chest. I let a sob out as I feel like everything needs to get out. He is here now... I'm here, I hear him whispering softly.

- I hate you... I say, even though I don't mean it. Why do you have to scare me like that? I question him as I hold tightly onto the man.

- I'm sorry, he whispers. His hold is so comforting, so soft. I thought he would pull away from me, having enough. But instead, he rests his head in my neck. His perfume smells so nice. The two of us stay like this for a moment, enjoying this type of freedom. But everything has sadly an end. I pull away from Jake and look up at him. The both of us stay quiet, still enjoying the moment a little longer. Jake wipes my tears away, his touch being so soft.

- Ugh, you have blue eyes...! I exclaim in awe, making him smile. And a beautiful smile. Such a waste to hide that from the world, I add sincerely with a point of flirting.

- Maybe, but if I didn't hide from the world, it wouldn't just be for you, he replies with his adorable smile. I stare at him, enjoying the view and the moment. I hope this won't be the last one... I hope it won't be the only time I see him. Suddenly, Jake passes his hand behind my neck as I step backwards and him forward. My back bumps against my car. My arms are around his back, keeping him close. My heart is racing so bad despite feeling like time has suddenly stopped. The boy takes a bit of time but he eventually leans in, slowly. I do the same and close my eyes when I feel his lips connecting with mines. God, they're so soft! The kiss... Is so passionate, so deep. I answer his kiss, moving one of my hands to place it behind his neck to put some more pressure. I didn't think he would have made the first move.. I didn't see him as this kind of confident guy. But I like it. Eventually, after a moment, the both of us pulled away to catch our breath. I was about to pull him against me, but he did it first, hiding his face in my neck again. I love you, MC. Maybe you'll find this ridiculous but... You make me feel safe and loved, he whispers softly. I rub his back to comfort him. I don't want to let him go. He is so close to me. I dreamed of that moment for months.

- It's not ridiculous at all. You make me feel the same way, I whisper back as I feel him pull me even closer to him. He places a kiss on my neck before pulling away from me. It's crazy but, despite the actual situation and the FBI or the Police Department potentially coming out from the woods, I feel like a bubble of happiness just got created around us. It's like it is keeping us away from everything. Like we are in our own little world. how's that possible? What's that feeling... Love? Softly, he grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers. I'm selfish, aren't I? I add with a sorry tone, still whispering.

- No. I was dying to see you too, he rapidly answered, comforting me in the idea of being selfish and potentially putting him in danger. I crack a smile and nod positively.

- Where are you going to go now? I ask him as I lose my smile. I squeezed his hand, scared of his answer. He can go anywhere once again. He is "free" in a way. He can disappear... Jake puts some time to answer, seeming to think.

- Where are you going? He asks me with a soft smile. Oh..!

- I don't know. Anywhere. Everywhere, I reply, making him chuckle. Honestly, I really don't know where to go. to my house and live my boring life like before? After all of this? No... You have to go, don't you? I ask him with a disappointed tone, unable to bring myself to smile at him. Jake looks up, thinking as he leans on the car, still holding my hand.

- Before they come and find me, yeah... But I don't have to leave alone this time. Maybe we could leave together. To go anywhere, everywhere, he tells me as he softly rubs the back of my hand with his thumb. Anywhere and everywhere... That's what I said. I smile, still surprised by his answer. I didn't think he would propose such an idea. That's... Everything I wished actually. As long as I'm not visible to the FBI and my pursuers, we can go anywhere you'd like, MC, he tells me with a smile. Anywhere... That sounds like a wild adventure, but also like heaven to my ears.

I smile at Jake before stepping forward and crashing my lips onto his. The boy answers to my move, giving me back the same love I am giving.

An adventure is waiting for the both of us. It doesn't matter where we go, it's there. Now that we met, that we survived this crazy adventure with Thomas, Jessy, Phil,.., We need to go forward. We need to move one. And it's just starting. Jake and I have grown feelings over the months, after all of those messages. There's so much that we have live together, to experience, so much that we can share. Yes, it will have to be secretive and we'll have to be extra careful. But it is worth a try. He knows what he is doing. And I'm ready to follow him wherever he goes. It might sound crazy. But I just... I love him with everything in me, I can't just let him go.

Not wasting time, the two of us get inside my car and I start driving where he indicated me. We had to go get his stuff before leaving. I still don't know where we're going, but I'm pretty sure once we reach our destination, I'll have to leave my car there. I'll actually have to leave everything I had and knew behind me. My life is changing completely. It scares me. The unknown scares me. But I'm doing it with Jake. I should be fine. I trust him. Maybe it's actually what's best to do. Starting a new life, full of love and adventures, living incredible moments for the both of us to share. Love is a mysterious feeling and unexplainable, but when you know you are with the right person, nothing feels impossible. It's you two against the world, and that's what we're going to do. We'll fight together, hide together, live those adventures together, and most importantly, love each other. We'll see what the future holds for us..

#jake duskwood #jakexmc #duskwood jake #duskwood #duskwood hacker #duskwood game #duskwood everbyte #phil duskwood #everbyte studios #jessy duskwood #duskwood thomas #video games

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jerzwriter · 2 years

Text

Friends* Part 6: Showdown

Book: Open Heart (AU)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Rating: Teen

Category: Angst

Summary: It may not be the best time nor the best place – but the conversation is long overdue. When Tobias and Casey find themselves out for a night of fun with friends at Donahue’s, each on someone else’s arm, things finally come to a head.

Words: 4273

A/N: Remember I said I t was now 6 parts? WELL… 🤡 It’s 7. But it’s DONE. Chapter 7 will be posted later today; it’s done. I just want one final edit, which I will do after a good night’s sleep. But seriously – it’s done. Today’s the day. Thank you for putting up with me. 🤡 Series Masterlist Tobias & Casey Masterlist

The sky was already dark, and the twinkling city lights created a magical glow on the wet pavement as Tobias and Claudia made their way toward the bar. He still wasn’t sure if bringing her along was wise, but since Bryce personally extended an invitation to her, he didn’t have much choice. Maybe it was for the best. Casey officially coupled up now, and they all needed to move toward the new normal – which Tobias hoped would resemble their past, at least a little bit. He missed her in more ways than he cared to admit, but he missed her friendship most of all.

Still, as he held the door open and entered the packed room, he was more at ease than he had been in months. Maybe it was the turning point he had longed for. The gang together again. A night of laughs and levity, it might be just what this doctor ordered. Blaring music, laughter, and the hum of dozens of conversations only fueled the energy he was feeling, an energy that exuded from the bright smile on his face. It was going to be a great night.

Until he saw her. He expected to see her, but wasn’t Jake away? He expected to see her, but not nuzzled under her new boyfriend’s arm, laughing at a story that Tobias was confident did not warrant that much of a response. He’d seen her happier countless times if he were being honest, but still… she looked happy, which made him feel bittersweet. Then she saw him. Her eyes flitted from him to Claudia and back to his before they fell to the table. He saw her spark diminish, and all he could think was…. I’m going to kill Bryce.

Claudia noticed the change at once and tugged at his arm, her big brown eyes full of concern. “Hey, is everything OK?”

No. But it was too late, so he turned to the petite beauty on his arm and forced a smile. “Better than OK,” he lied. “Let’s grab a couple drinks and make our way over.”

As the evening progressed, he did his best to appear like his usual self. Boisterously telling stories, making others laugh, the life of the party. He did such a good job that Casey didn’t realize it was an act, and as Tobias’s exuberance continued to soar, she found herself more and more withdrawn.

Claudia was lovely, and Casey hated her for it. She matched Tobias’s energy and effusively interacted with everyone as if she’d been part of their thing for years. She fit in. He appeared to be happy. At another time, she’d be happy for him, but happiness was the furthest from what she felt tonight. She doubted it was serious. Tobias had brought his bed buddies along in the past, but that was before she had become a member of that club. A member that wasn’t even permitted to let others in on their little secret. One of his bed buddies. The more time passed, the more she was convinced that was all she ever was. She knew it was only a matter of time before the smile plastered on her face would crack, and she had no idea what she would use as her excuse. She sat by as an observer, uncharacteristically reserved, but was inevitably dragged back in, often by her new boyfriend himself.

“You know I was one-hundred percent convinced you two were a thing when I met you….” Jake started with a laugh.

“Wait, you met Casey and Tobias together?” Claudia asked with far too much excitement. “How did that happen?”

Jake explained how impressive his now girlfriend was at the Sox game and how no man in his right mind could deny a woman that astute about their hometown heroes. Especially one as beautiful and charming as Casey. Tobias squirmed in his seat; the flame he was fighting so hard to keep lit was starting to extinguish.

“Oh my God!” Claudia beamed. “So, in a way, you helped hook them up, Tobias!”

“I, uh, what…” he stuttered.

“Nah, he didn’t hook us up,” Jake chuckled. “In fact, when I was convinced her overly protective friend here chucked my number when she never called.”

Tobias found himself lost in memories of that night. Their limbs tangled together as his tongue glided over every inch of her skin. The way she quivered at his touch, begging him for more as he gave her everything he could offer. Her nails digging into his flesh, moaning his name as she fell apart underneath him...

“Tobias?” Claudia pulled him back to the present yet again. “You didn’t chuck this nice man’s number, did you?”

He nearly choked on his drink. He couldn’t admit to it, but…

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did,” Bryce deadpanned, mindlessly scrolling on his phone as he spoke. “These two had to vet all their dates in the past. I don’t know how the hell either of you escaped it, to be honest.”

If looks could kill, Bryce would have been slayed at that moment by not one but two of his best friends.

“Well, that’s why I’m happy we’re here tonight,” Jake smiled, pulling Casey closer. “I figure I’d need to get your blessing at some point. No time like the present.”

“I knew you two were close,” Claudia grinned, grabbing Casey’s hand. “But I didn’t think it was that close! Girl, you and I need to have a spa day together! Soon!”

Casey’s hand jerked away at Claudia’s touch, and she hoped no one else noticed. And almost one did except…

Sienna’s jaw hit the floor, and her eyes became the size of saucers. How had she not seen it all along? Noticing the pain on Casey’s face, she threw her friend a lifeline. “Bryce,” Sienna interrupted. “Are you going to get the games out, or what? It’s getting late.”

“Late!” He scowled, looking at his watch, but he didn’t see another word when he saw Sienna glaring at him. “Uh, yeah… I’ll get them.”

Tobias looked in Casey’s direction, worry etched on his face. He was foolishly irate. She looked so sad, did no one notice? Then again, what was he doing to help? He was likely the cause. Then he caught Sienna’s stare, and he knew at once. He began to think of excuses to leave.

Bryce slammed a trivia game onto the table and advised it was time to team up.

“Oh!” He hollered. “With Casey and Tobias on separate teams now, the rest of us may stand a chance!”

Casey’s heart sank. They were no longer a team and might never be again. She glanced over and caught Tobias’s hand on the small of Claudia’s back. He laughed as she whispered something into his ear. Casey never got to do that when they were “together.” A rueful chuckle escaped without her consent. As if they were ever really together at all.

“Are you OK?” Jake asked her.

“I’m fine,” she lied. “I’m just still waiting for a buzz to kick in.”

“That’s easily remedied,” he smiled. “I’m headed to the bar, guys. Need anything?”

“All good!” Tobias nodded.

Bryce stood up to join Jake, and Sienna tried to lure her friend away.

“I’m going to hit the ladies room before we start. Casey, wanna come along?”

“No,” she answered vacantly, twirling her now empty bottle of beer in her hand.

But Claudia took her up on the offer, and Casey let out a deep sigh.

“May as well steal my other best friend, too,” she muttered, forgetting she wasn’t alone.

“Excuse me?” Tobias asked.

Casey’s eyes bulged wide. “Oh, nothing. I was just… nothing.”

Unable to cope with their uneasy silence, Tobias began to scroll through his phone. Then with a shake of his head, he threw it in his pocket. He had to try…something.

“It’s a shame about the weather,” he said, realizing how lame that was. “We won’t get to partake in the lifesized Jenga.”

Casey let out a little snort that had less to do with Jenga and more with them reduced to discussing the weather.

“It’s just as well,” she shrugged. “I’m convinced someone would have gotten hurt.”

“Yeah, but that would have been half the fun,” he smiled.

“It’s really crowded tonight,” she continued the small talk.

“Yeah, there’s a Kenmore party here too. In fact, some of my buddies will be here later.”

“Oh,” she said, raising her eyes, “does that mean you’ll be joining them?”

“That eager to get rid of me?” he smirked, but his eyes were full of sadness.

“No, this is just so….”

“Awkward.”

“So, you are with Claudia?” she tried to keep her voice from trembling but failed.

“We’re not serious, Casey. It’s just….”

“An arrangement,” Casey interrupted with a pained smile, “I know all about that.”

“I heard you and Jake are official now,” he replied defensively. “Kind of sucked being the last to know, not to mention hearing it from Bryce. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Isn’t this what you wanted,” she shrugged.

“Is it what you want?” he asked, his voice almost a plea. “Are you happy?”

Their eyes locked over the table, hers filled with tears.

“I’m… I’m…”

“And that’s how I know Sienna and I are going to kick all of your asses!” Bryce howled as everyone returned to their seats.

“Here you go, baby,” Jake grinned while handing Casey a fresh bottle. “Get buzzed away.”

Claudia teasingly jumped onto Tobias’s lap before shifting into the spot next to him.

“Did you miss me?” she cooed.

“Of course,” he mumbled, with a tap on her leg. “Of course.”

The game carried on for the next forty minutes. There was yelling, laughter, and unhealthy competition. Tobias and Claudia gave each other an enthusiastic high-five as they got the last answer right.

“We are the dream team!” Claudia beamed.

Sienna watched her face fall, then Bryce read off the tally.

“Well, that leaves us with Tobias and Claudia, or as I call them, T&C2, at 30. The real dream team of Sienna and me on their tail at 29. Jake and Casey making a decent showing with 27.”

“So, do you guys want to quit while you’re not ahead?” Tobias goaded.

“Not on your life!” Casey barked. “Take a break, get a drink, but this game going on until one of us hits forty just like it’s supposed to. And we’re going to take you down!”

“Fighting words!” Bryce grinned. “I like it! Now, I’m going to pee!”

Sienna tugged at Bryce’s arm, “I… I’m going to join you.”

“Sienna, you might be unaware, but we go to different restrooms.”

“Stupid rules!” Sienna scowled, “I’m coming with you.”

“Well, I guess I’m joining them in the men's room,” Jake smiled, “Casey, coming along?”

“No, I’m good.”

“I’m going to the little girl’s room too,” Claudia purred, rubbing closer to Tobias.

“Go ahead,” he smiled wanly, “I’ll get us fresh drinks. Case, want anything?” He asked before standing.

“Nope! I” ve got everything I need!” she insisted.

Before reaching the restrooms, Sienna pulled Bryce aside.

“Shortcake. Whatever it is, can it wait? I have to pee!”

“Well, you’re going to hold it. This is important… do you notice how weird things are between Casey and Tobias?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged. “I guess each of them has to get used to their bestie having someone new in their lives.”

“But they’ve had other people in their lives before, and things were never like this!”

“You know, you’re right. I noticed they really don’t hang out anymore. Not even at lunch.”

“I know!”

“It’s funny, ever since….” Bryce’s face turned ashen. “Oh. My. God.”

“What!?” Sienna demanded.

“A few months back… T asked to talk to me… he said that….”

“He had an arrangement with a good friend, and he was worried….” Sienna injected.

“Wait,” Bryce looked at her with confusion. “How do you know about….”

“Because Casey had the same conversation with me.”

“Oh, shhhhit!” Bryce sighed. “Do you think?”

“I’m pretty certain….”

“How did I not see it?” Bryce said with a smack to his forehead.

“How did I not?” Sienna frowned. “No wonder things have been so weird. Casey really fell for him. But I guess he just didn’t want to be serious.”

“Wait? She fell for him?”

“Yeah,” Sienna confirmed. “She said she was going to talk to, well, I guess it was Tobias. Then the next thing I knew, she was with Jake.”

“But Tobias told me he was falling in love with her….”

“He did?!”

“He did!”

“So then… why aren’t they together? Why are Claudia and Jake even at our table?”

“Maybe they decided they’re better off as friends,” Bryce shrugged.

“That would make sense if they were friends now,” sha answered sadly, “but it doesn’t seem like they are.”

Bryce nervously ran a hand through his hair.

“What a freaking disaster. See! This is why we’ll never sleep together, Si!”

“Oh, yeah. That’s the reason,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “But what are we going to do?”

“Honestly, Si,” he shrugged. “What can we do?”

Alone at the table, dozens of emotions swirled inside Casey. Emotions that wouldn’t die down no matter how many drinks she poured down in an attempt to push them away. Anger, resentment, hurt, embarrassment, regret, jealousy, guilt… each competing for the evening’s top prize.

She silently admonished herself. How could she have been so stupid! Sleeping with a man she already loved and having the best sex of her life with him over and over again. Yeah, no danger there. She threw a perfect friendship away. Now she had a lovely man, who could be perfect for her, but she was in love with someone else… even if he didn’t want her. The room was spinning, and she couldn’t breathe. She got up to head to the patio for some air, but on her way, she saw Tobias, seemingly alone at the bar, and she rushed to his side.

“Tobias!” She yelled as she approached, then the tall, dark-haired man next to him turned to her.

“Casey!” David beamed. “I was hoping you’d be here!” He playfully tapped Tobias’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me your girlfriend was here?”

“Girlfriend?” Claudia squealed as she returned to the bar. “Please. It took me long enough to get this guy to agree to the fun little thing we have! Don’t use language like that to scare him away!”

Giggling, she nuzzled close to Tobias and extended her hand to a baffled David.

“My name is Claudia. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Uh, I’m David,” he said, looking between the three. “So you’re Tobias’s….”

“I don’t know,” Claudia shrugged, “What am I, T?”

Flustered, Tobias shook his head, the evening beginning to take a toll. As an uncomfortable silence hung, he had to say something, but he had no idea why. “I guess your my… Claudia?”

“Your Claudia….” Casey croaked under her breath, hoping no one heard. She had had enough and needed to leave. “I’m sorry,” she announced, her distress apparent. “I need… I need to go….”

Jumping to his feet, Tobias chased after her. “Casey,” he yelled, looking back over his shoulder. “I’ll be right back,” he mouthed to Claudia. “Casey!”

Bryce, Sienna, and Jake were almost back to the table when Casey flew by.

“Casey?” Jake gasped. He took off after her, but when Bryce saw Tobias following behind. He grasped Jake's arm.

“Whoa, whoa! Slow down.”

“But there is something wrong with Casey. I want to….”

“There is,” Sienna jumped in. “You see, she and Tobias have been the best of friends for a long time now, and….”

“I know,” Jake answered with confusion.

“…but you see, they’ve had some problems, and they need to work some things out and….” she found herself at a loss.

“Sienna’s trying to say they just need a little time to talk. I think it’s best if we give them that. Is that OK?”

An equally confused Claudia walked up from behind. “Is everything OK?” she asked.

“Sure,” Jake replied. “I guess my girlfriend and your date just need to straighten some things out,” he shrugged.

“You know, friends sometimes have problems….” Sienna tried to smooth things over. “I don’t think it will be….”

“You know, let’s just go to the table,” Jake sighed. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

~~~~~

Casey nearly slipped on the wet pavement as she burst through the back door. Her fists balled on both sides of her head, yanking at her hair as a sob finally escaped her. It was pouring outside, her leg was now covered with muddy water, and the beer garden was in total disarray. She broke into a fit of hysterical laughter as she thought of the irony of it all. It was a mess, just a huge mess. But the laughter ceased, and her body flung around when she heard someone crash through the door. She was shocked to see Tobias racing toward her.

“Casey, are you OK? We should talk.”

“No!” She wailed, pushing him away. “You’re not here with me! You’re here with your Claudia. So turn around, you have no business out here.”

“Casey,” his voice a plea. “Please listen to me. I was on the spot, and tonight has been… my head is spinning. I didn’t know what to say, so I just… it didn’t mean anything.”

“Oh, I know!” she laughed bitterly. “I know. The same way it didn’t mean anything when you introduced me to David the exact same way! Oh, God!” She pounded her hands into her thighs in frustration as the rain fell around her. “How could I have been so stupid! I let myself believe that it mattered! That I mattered! I thought I was different from all those who came before me. I thought I was different than Claudia, all that will undoubtedly come after her, but I’m not, and I should have known that! I am just so stupid!”

“You’re not stupid,” he insisted as he neared her. “You’re not stupid at all!”

“Yes, I am!” Her fists pounded into his chest as he attempted to pull her into his arms. “I ruined everything,” she wailed. “I ruined it all!”

She relentlessly attempted to push him away, but he was as determined as she was, and this time, he couldn’t let her go. It may have been exhaustion, sadness, or acceptance of the inevitable, but Casey gave up the fight and found her face pressed against Tobias’s chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist as his sweater absorbed her tears.

He let out a shuddering breath. Circumstances and weather be damned, having her this close again felt like a warm welcome home. He knew he missed it, but only now did he realize how much. The two fell silent for a long while as his strong arms surrounded her. Instinctively, he placed a small kiss atop her heat.

“I ruined us, Tobias,” she sniffed. “I ruined everything we had.”

“No,” he breathed, rubbing comforting circles on her back. “I played a big part in this. We’ve both done our share of damage.”

“But you never wanted to cross that line,” she cried. “It was me. I started it, and I pushed it. It was me.”

“Oh, Casey,” he gasped, stepping back to take her face in his hands. “Do you have any idea how desperately I wanted you?”

“But you said….”

“I know what I said, and I wasn’t lying. It’s like, I didn’t let myself dare to think… sometimes we lie to ourselves loudest of all. And I know I was lying to myself about you.”

“We sure screwed things up,” she lamented as she wiped her tears with a wet sleeve. “It’s been months now, and I knew it would be awkward at first, but….”

“I miss you, Casey,” he interrupted, “I miss you so much. I never thought there was a chance that you wouldn’t be in my life, but now, if not for work… would you be?”

She looked up at him with glassy eyes, a slight quiver on her lips when she replied. “Probably not,” she whispered. “It’s too painful.”

“Too painful?” he gasped, her words wounding him more than a weapon ever could. “Too painful to be around me? Because what’s killing me is the idea that I may never be around you again. Why does it hurt to be with me?”

“Tobias,” she pushed away, hands flailing in the air. “Can you be that clueless?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was falling for you, Tobias. I was falling for you so hard, and it wasn’t supposed to be like that.”

“Casey, I…”

“No! You don’t have to say anything. It was me. We said it was just sex, no strings, right? It wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. And I’ve been beating myself for it, but now I realize… I couldn’t have fought it if I tried.”

She felt her heart breaking as she walked toward him. His face, twisted with pain, fixed on the ground, unable to look at her. He felt her delicate hand reach up and brush his cheek, urging him to look toward her.

“But you knew that,” she muttered. “That day, on David’s boat… that kiss… You know I was falling for you, and that’s why you told me to go.”

“It’s not that, Casey….”

“Then what was it? Did you not want me?”

“It's not…” he stammered. “It’s not that easy. I told you I could have stayed like we were forever. God, of course, I wanted you. But I knew you’d want more than I could offer… and now you’re with Jake, and….”

“And you’re with Claudia.”

“I’m not ‘with’ her! It’s fun, and it’s light. She just….”

Casey lowered her hand, along with her eyes; shame and defeat written on her face.

“She just replaced me.”

“No!” Tobias insisted, lifting her chin toward him. “No one replaces you, Casey. No one ever replaces you.”

“But… but you didn’t want me….” she creaked.

“I wanted you to be happy, and I wanted you to have all you wished for. And… you have Jake now. Aren’t you... aren’t you happy?”

“I want to be. He’s a great guy, and he’s so good to me. He wants the same things I do, a commitment… a future. He’s crazy about me. When we went to his sister's wedding, he introduced me to every single person there.”

“And let me guess,” he swallowed. “He didn’t hesitate to say who you were.”

“No,” she sulked. “Not once.”

Biting back tears, he stiffened his jaw. “And that’s what you deserve, Casey.”

She looked up at him, eyes glistening in the dim light as the pools of tears threatened to fall.

“And there’s no way I can ever have that with you?”

“Casey, I…”

They both jumped when the back door flung open, and an apologetic Bryce walked their way.

“I hate to interrupt guys, but I kind of told your… dates… that I’d check to see… I don’t know how much longer they’re going to be patient.”

“It’s OK,” Casey smiled weakly. “We’re just wrapping up. We’ll be right in.”

They stood in silence until the sound of Bryce’s footsteps disappeared. Then Casey looked away, no longer in search of an answer she already knew she had.

“I suppose we should go back in,” she hesitated, but Tobias held her back.

“The truth is, I always wanted you. Always. I felt something for you I never had before, and I loved it. I was terrified of crossing that line because I feared what I’d find on the other side. I didn’t want to lose my best friend, and look, now… now I have….”

“You haven’t,” she shook her head. “You haven’t lost me. It’s not easy to get back to being just friends… not after I allowed myself to dream of so much more. It’s killed me to see you with Claudia tonight….”

“Claudia is not you….”

“You’re right. She has you. I don’t.”

“But you’re… with Jake….”

“Would you rather it was you?”

The door opened again, and Casey jerked back when she saw Jake and Claudia’s shadows approaching.

“Is… is everything OK out here?” Claudia asked.

Casey’s eyes never left Tobias’s, but no words were forthcoming.

“Everything is fine,” Casey lied. “Just two friends trying to work some things out. But I guess we’re done. Right, T?”

“If you say so,” he mumbled, a look Casey had never seen before in his eyes. “I guess we should head out.” He turned to Claudia with a smile no one believed was sincere. “Ready to go?”

“Sure,” she faltered, with an uncertain smile of her own.

Jake was taking Casey’s hand when she called after Tobias. “Wait, T?”

“Yeah,” he replied, not even turning around. If he had, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to leave her behind.

“We should start having lunch again. We’re not going to patch things up by avoiding each other. Are we?”

“I supposed not,” he agreed, mustering up the courage to look at her. “Tomorrow? Our old table?”

“I’d like that,” she smiled. “Good night, Tobias. Claudia.”

Then they were gone. Casey looked up at Jake apologetically.

“I’m so sorry about that. It’s just….”

“It’s OK,” he half-smiled. “I kind of figured you two had something to work out. Are you sure everything is OK?”

“Sure,” she said, pulling him into a hug. “Everything is going to be fine.”

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