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0shewrites0 · 2 years

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ALL YOUR LIES

S2 | Kassam/MC (Aaliyah in this case because it’s gonna be a chapter in Seamless) | 2500+ words | @0shewrites0

summary | The Islanders are nearing the end of the month, the couples are pretty much set by now, and what better time than to throw in a lie detector test to heat things up? Kassam and Aaliyah are having a blast, sparks are flying like crazy, but they're not there yet - they haven't admitted to each other that they have feelings for each other. And could there be more secrets just waiting to be revealed through this challenge?

prompt | my submission to the Lie Detector Challenge Prompt @litgwritersroom

what to expect | Angst. And more angst.

note | Maybe you won't understand all the references, but then you'll just have to read the whole fic. The first two chapters are already online and I plan to upload weekly.

quote | “Trust is like a mirror, you can fix it if it's broken, but you can still see the crack in that mother fucker's reflection.” - Lady Gaga

Aaliyah sat on the chair next to the lie detector in the Hideaway, the cables and electrodes attached to her and she was sweating like crazy. She knew she had nothing to hide, and yet she was afraid that she would get so worked up in her emotions that she would accidentally lie. She desperately wanted Kassam to trust her because she knew his trust was so fragile.

Noah smiled encouragingly at her, and that should have reassured her, but it didn't. It also didn't help that all the islanders were sitting in the lounge watching her closely. Especially Kassam with his intense, piercing gaze. Through the damn camera set up in the corner of the room to her left, she could basically feel his eyes on her, and it sent nervous shivers down her spine. She swallowed hard and nodded, "Just start."

And Noah did. "Kassam's first question to you is, 'Did you have feelings for Lucas?'" He looked up at her expectantly.

Aaliyah shook her head confidently and answered, "No."

The screen to her right flashed green and she could read the word 'truth' on it.

Noah gave her a thumbs up and she exhaled in relief. Maybe this wasn't so bad.

"Alright, next question, 'Did you really like me for myself from the beginning and not just for my fame?'"

And again, Aaliyah confidently answered, "Yes."

Of course she had liked him for himself. He had been so different and had immediately caught her attention. And now that she knew him - really knew him - how could she not like him that much more?

The screen flashed green again and Aaliyah hummed contentedly. But then Noah read Kassam's third question, and suddenly she knew she was fucked.

"'Are you still keeping your promise to tell me as soon as you fall in love with me?'"

Because no, she hadn't kept that promise. She had fallen in love with him and she was falling in love with him all over again every day. It had taken her such a long time to even admit that to herself. But to muster up the courage to tell him? That was a completely different story.

Why? She was afraid of falling in love with him without him falling in love with her too.

What if she had told him and he had hesitated for that split second, where you just knew? Where you knew everything you needed to know? She wouldn't have been able to cope with that. So she had thought it safer to keep it a secret. To enjoy their time together and not bring feelings into it.

That was always easier.

"Aaliyah?" Noah's soft voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she panicked. "Your answer?"

She nodded quickly and decided to do the only thing she could to hide her true feelings, hoping and praying to the gods that the polygraph wouldn't pick up on her lie. "Yes," she replied quietly, just barely resisting the urge to squeeze her eyes shut. She didn't want to see the result because she knew what was coming. And she knew that Kassam would know now, too.

And as predicted, the screen turned blood red and the three letters "L-I-E" literally screamed at her,

LIAR!

She felt her cheeks flushing and suddenly wanted to hide somewhere. Anywhere. She wanted to dissolve into vapour and just disappear. Her face burned and when she looked at Noah, he had raised an eyebrow as if silently accusing her of lying about something so important. But that was exactly why she had wanted to keep it to herself. Because it was that important and she wasn't ready to tell him. Or anyone, for that matter. She wasn't sure she could ever have told him, not without the certainty that he would say it back. That he had fallen for her just as hard.

She didn't dare look at the camera, so she averted her eyes and stared at her hands clenching in her lap.

Finally Noah cleared his voice and said, "You have two more questions. Are you ready?"

Aaliyah looked up in surprise. "What?"

Noah just nodded and began to read, "Lottie asks, 'Have you been faithful to Kassam all this time and not wanted to get with someone else?'"

Aaliyah just nodded dazedly and whispered, "Yes." Of course she had been loyal. There was no one here who could make her feel the way Kassam made her feel.

She barely noticed the screen turn green before Noah asked the last question. “Anonymous said, ‘If someone you once had feelings for came back into your life - would those feelings surface again and would you leave Kassam for that person?’”

Aaliyah frowned and stared at Noah in disbelief. Who would ask her such a question? She shook her head and answered firmly, "No. Absolutely not."

The screen flashed green one last time and she took a deep breath. Finally, this was over and done with.

Noah smiled at her, "Well done, Aaliyah." Then he nodded towards the door and said, "You can go now."

Relieved, Aaliyah disconnected the electrodes and stood up. She left the Hideaway and walked across the lawn to the kitchen where the other islanders, who had already answered their questions, were gathered around a small iPad watching everything that happened in that room. Marisol looked up as she approached and smiled reassuringly at her. As Aaliyah took a seat next to her, she murmured, "That was intense, huh?"

Aaliyah sighed and nodded, "You can say that again..."

Marisol put her hand on her back and rubbed it in even circles. Aaliyah knew her fingers were itching to ask the all-important question, but she kept her mouth shut, for which Aaliyah was very grateful. She was dreading the moment she had to speak to Kassam and she needed a few moments to collect her thoughts.

"Oh," Chelsea squeaked, pointing at the iPad, "Kassam is up now. Look, Lia!"

Aaliyah lifted her head and stared at the small screen, eager to see how he would do. As much as she was on a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment, it wasn't over yet. The questions she had prepared for him were just as intense.

Noah read the first question out loud. “Aaliyah wants to know, ‘Was it your original plan to make me fall in love with you, only to dump me right after the show?’”

They hadn't talked about it, but it only made sense because he had told her he had wanted to prove that Love Island's concept of finding love on a reality TV show was all wrong. She wasn't surprised when he answered “yes” and the screen turned green. It wasn't in Kassam's nature to lie. Not about something so important.

“About something so important.”

The thought flashed through her like a lightning bolt and she winced. But she had done it - she had lied about 'something so important' and she felt terrible about it.

"Next question: 'Is that still your plan?'"

Kassam didn't even hesitate and answered firmly, "No." He seemed as cool and calm as ever, and if her lie had upset him, he didn't let on. Aaliyah admired that, but her heart started beating a little faster when the screen turned green again, which could only mean that he liked her.

Right?

Maybe he had even fallen in love with her? She nibbled her bottom lip and thought, That just means he's not playing with me, doesn't it? At least he doesn't want to hurt me, and why should he care if not because he really likes me?

She thought of all the times she had noticed this softness in his voice that he normally didn't have and only showed when he was talking to her. It gave her a fuzzy feeling inside and warmed her so much.

Noah's voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she focused on what he was saying. "'Was there any other reason why your last relationship destroyed you like that, besides her cheating on you?'"

Oh yeah... She couldn't help feeling that Kassam hadn't told her the whole truth. She knew that his ex had been cheating on him with one of his best mates for quite a while and that when he had broken up with her, she had told him that she had stopped loved him for a long time too. Aaliyah knew how much that had hurt him and how it had led to him not believing in love anymore. That he no longer wanted to love or even be loved. But she sensed that wasn't all there was. There was a piece of the puzzle missing and she felt she had a right to know.

Kassam hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding his head, only confirming what Aaliyah had already suspected.

There is another reason...

She looked at his face, his angsty eyebrows and cold eyes, and she knew that whatever it was - it was big. Huge, even.

But she couldn't think about it any further because Noah spoke up again. "There are three more questions. One from Lottie and two anonymous ones."

Kassam only raised her eyebrows, but signalled him to continue.

"Lottie wants to know, 'When you said my name at the beginning of Casa Amor - basically telling me you fancied me - did you mean it?'"

Aaliyah raised an eyebrow as well. Casa Amor had been so long ago, why did she even bother? Was it just because she couldn't believe Kassam had chosen Aaliyah over her? She shook her head in disbelief. She was with Gary now and they seemed happy. Right?

When she looked at Gary out of the corner of her eye, he had a frown on his face and a sour expression. "Why does she even care..." he muttered to himself and Graham patted him consolingly on the shoulder. But Gary just snorted, snatched Graham's hand away and hissed, "I don't need your pity."

Aaliyah turned her attention back to the iPad and watched as Kassam shook his head. If she looked closely, she could see the corners of his mouth twitch and she couldn't stop a smug grin from spreading across her face.

"And that's... the truth," Noah commented, nodding at Kassam.

"Next question, 'Did you have a sex dream about someone other than Aaliyah at any point in the villa?'"

Kassam snorted, "Who asked that?"

Noah shrugged, "Doesn't say. It's anonymous."

Kassam scoffed. "Yeah, no, I know exactly who asked that. Someone can't help but keep calling me out on my supposedly bad fuckboy habits, am I right, Hope?" He turned his head to stare at the camera and Aaliyah's grin widened even more. She could just imagine Hope's face turning so red she would need a cooling shower.

"Then watch me tell you the truth once and for all," Kassam continued, still staring into the camera, "No, I did not have a sex dream about anyone other than Lia."

Immediately the screen flashed green, but Kassam didn't even look at it.

He looked so sure of himself that it made Aaliyah's stomach heat up. Not that she had ever doubted him, but to have it confirmed by him once again was hot.

Heat crept up her cheeks and she bit her lip. Marisol noticed and nudged her teasingly, "You're a lucky girl, babe."

Aaliyah chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly.

Noah cleared his throat, at which Kassam tilted his head in his direction.

"Okay, here's the last question. Again from anonymous. ‘If your ex came back to you and said she was sorry and wanted you back and that she still loved you - would you consider giving her another chance?’”

Something in Kassam's demeanour changed. His eyes became hollow - almost numb - and his jaw tightened.

And Aaliyah couldn't help but wonder, Who knows about his ex? After all, he only told me!

"No," he groaned out through clenched teeth, and it sounded hard and determined. But Aaliyah couldn't help noticing the insecurity that resonated in his voice. He didn't sound as confident and sure now as he had seconds before. And when the screen turned red and she knew he had lied, her heart sank.

Lie. It's a lie.

Chelsea gasped audibly and gave Aaliyah a look that made her heart tighten painfully.

No, no, no, no. This can't be true!

But when she looked at the iPad again, the screen was still red. Especially now that he basically knew she had fallen in love with him because she had involuntarily told him through the lie detector, it hurt.

Her fear of not being loved back turned into sheer panic and her body began to shake uncontrollably. Her fingers felt frozen and she could no longer move. When she tried to draw in a breath, it sounded more like a pathetic sob. Everyone around her turned to look at her - sympathy and pity were etched on their faces - but that only made her want to retch. She was staring at the small screen in front of her again when she noticed Kassam look up in shock and turn his head to look back at the camera. It felt like he was looking her straight in the eye, and the look he gave her sent a chill down her spine. His eyes looked panicked, almost haunted - like a deer caught in the headlights of a car at night - but he also looked genuinely shocked and confused. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Then he jerked his head around and snapped at Noah, "What do you mean it's a lie? There's no way in hell I'd give her another chance!"

His voice sounded upset and seriously pissed off, but Noah just shook his head weakly and muttered, "I'm afraid that's exactly what it says."

For a moment Kassam just stared at him, but it seemed more like he was staring right through him, then he got up from his seat, ripped the electrodes off his body and slowly walked out of the room. Aaliyah shuddered as she realised she had never seen him so angry. The way he had powerfully but calmly ripped off the wires and strode so elegantly out of the room was alarming. Because she knew how much he could freak out and how loud he could get - he had shown it with Lucas. But this was different now. He was eerily quiet. Too quiet. And she knew what people were saying - you can tell how dangerous a person is by the way they quietly hold in their anger.

She shuddered again, but froze abruptly as she realised that he was only so angry because he had realised that he could try to fool her, but never a lie detector. The polygraph had called him out, and now there was no turning back. Her vision blurred and her eyes welled up with tears.

Was this it? Did they even stand a chance? Had they ever had one?

#litg s2 #litg #litg kassam #litg fanfic #kassam x mc #litg writers room #lie detector test #angst prompt

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whatisreggieshortfor · 2 years

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See Him As a Friend

Here’s a fluffy take on the lie detector test for @litgwritersroom’s prompt.

Bobby x MC

When Lucas read off the text about the lie detector, you could see how nervous the other Islanders got. You couldn’t understand why. This late in the show, they should trust who they’re with or they shouldn’t be with them. You figured it was that simple. Bobby was an open book to you.

Of course when you said as much to the other girls, Lottie had things to say. “Did you forget that he was called a player in the Mean Tweets challenge?”

“Did you forget you didn’t come out of that challenge looking too good either?” You argued, and there was beat of silence as Lottie clearly tried to come up with a retort.

But Marisol cut in, the only girl that never wavered from your side, “Let’s be honest for a minute though, Bobby has only ever had eyes on her. Even when I was in the friendship couple with him, it was obvious where his heart was. I think he was more worried about one of the other boys winning you over than anything else.”

“Same here.” Hope offered, though she clearly wasn’t sure if she really wanted to step in Lottie’s signature drama again, “I’ll always be thankful he saved me from getting dumped so Noah and I could be together, but I can’t see him having eyes for anyone else. In here or out there.”

Chelsea giggled to herself, clearly not sensing the tense air, “You guys should’ve seen his Beach Hut confessions! Literally every single one, no fail. Always Y/N. It was how I knew I’d get on with the two of them so well!” God, you loved your Bra.

You watched with the other Islanders as Gary was mercilessly torn apart by Lottie’s questions, and Bobby looked like he felt terrible just for needing to read them out. You asked Hannah questions for Lucas, and he went miles easier on her in comparison, which wasn’t much of a surprise since they’d only been together for a few days. Noah asked Gary’s questions for Lottie, and you could see the blonde girl feel remorse when his were easy. And it kept going, Lottie asking Jo the questions. Lucas asking Hope. Hannah asking Henrik. Ibrahim asking Chelsea. Henrik asking Ibrahim.

Until eventually, Gary was reading your questions to Bobby. “First question to make sure it’s still functioning like we haven’t been doing this for over a half hour, is your first name Robert?”

Bobby snorted, “Yup.”

Ding.

“Perfect. Okay. First question from Y/N- oh wait hold up this one has a note from Marisol written on the side, am I allowed to read that?” No one from the production team stopped him, so Gary shrugged, “It says ‘I bet you can guess who made her ask this question in under three seconds, and if you get it right I will finally try your hot chocolate.’”

You shared a conspiratorial smile with the law student beside you as Bobby laughed, “Now I’m very intrigued.”

Gary made a big show of clearing his throat, “In the Mean Tweets challenge,” You could already feel Lottie’s glare on you, “Would you consider the one about you being a player to be true?”

“Naw, no way. But nice question, Lottie.” Marisol laughed brazenly beside you as you snickered, waiting until the machine dinged it was the truth.

“Very nice, Bobble. It doesn’t say who the question came from, so I guess when you go out there they’ll tell you if you got it right. Next question, who else in the Villa did you feel a spark with?” Gary looked interested in the answer, but Bobby just grinned at him.

“Nobody.” Ding.

“Not a single girl caught your fancy?” Gary asked, mouth gaping like a fish.

Bobby shook his head, “Nope. Been Y/N for me since day one.”

“Class act, Bobs. Last question, and probably the easiest for you. Ready?”

“Fire away, Gareth.”

“What’s your favorite thing about Y/N?”

“Her butt.” Beeeeeeep.

Gary gasped, “That’s a lie, Bobby!”

“Okay, okay! But the real answer is cheesier.” The Scottish boy grinned, totally unbothered, “Definitely her laugh. Not only is it lovely, but it means my jokes are landing.” Ding.

As soon as he walked out, Bobby planted a big kiss on your cheek, “Had to go makin’ me sound like a melt, didn’t ya, lass?”

You giggled, pressing your lips to his briefly, “Act like you don’t melt for me all the time. Might as well be a popsicle in the sun.” He chuckled as he pulled you into a cuddle.

“So…” he tried to look nonchalant but his eyes were sparkling with mischief, “Did I get it right? Was it Lottie?”

“Yes.” You, Marisol, and Chelsea chirped in unison.

Bobby pumped his fist into the air, “Soon as this is over, I’m making that hot chocolate, Marisol!” You pouted but he just tickled you, “I’ll make you one, too, babe. I’ll always make you some.” You beamed, giggling when the other Islanders voiced their own requests for a cup.

Eventually it was your turn, and you followed Chelsea into the Hideaway. Once you were hooked up, she giggled, “It doesn’t actually give me a starter question. Should I do an obvious one? Like who your best girlfriend is in the Villa? Or a crazy one like were you born in a field?”

You snorted, “I’ll answer both. My best bra is you, Chels. Though Marisol is a close second. And I actually was not born in a field, but my mom has said I was almost born in a barn.” The machine dinged twice in rapid fire.

“Oh! Both true! Though now I wanna hear the barn story…”

“Later, babes.” You grinned, “I promise.” The machine dinged true again and Chelsea clapped her hands before grabbing the question cards.

“Alrighty, babes! Bobby’s first question is…do you genuinely think he’s funny?”

You didn’t even hesitate, “Of course. Funniest person I’ve ever met.” Ding. “His pranks could use some workshopping though.” You winked at the camera as the machine beeped angrily.

Chelsea gasped, hand flying up to her mouth, “You lied! You don’t think his pranks need work.”

You shrugged, still smiling, “Like I said, funniest person.”

“Okay, time for number two!” Chelsea beamed, she made you even more relaxed than you already were about answering these, “Do you still see Bobby as a friend?”

You pursed your lips, contemplating the question in its entirety, “Am I allowed to give an explanation to my answer?” A producer off to the side nodded to you. Back in the observation room, Bobby looked instantly panicked, even as Gary told him he had nothing to worry about. “Okay. Do I see Bobby as a friend? Yes.” Ding. “And I know Bobby, I know that answer is sending him spiraling down a rabbit hole, so Gary! You better make sure he’s paying attention!” Both of their heads snapped to the screen as you cleared your throat. You continued seriously, but your smile never left, “From day one, Bobby has made me feel comfortable. Literally. He was willing to sleep on the daybeds if I didn’t feel up to sharing the bed, and he always knows what to do when something goes wrong. He’s not just my best friend-“ Chelsea grunted, and you amended, “He’s not just my best male friend, he’s my person. When I need a laugh, he always has a joke ready. When I need to cry, he’s offering his shoulder. He’s there to relax, he’s there to goof around, he’s there for the drama, and he’s been there for every moment between them. So yeah, he’s my best friend. But he’s more than that, too.”

Chelsea leaned forward, watching the machine anxiously, and when the sound came out and the light came on, she was already shouting, “That was the truth! Aw, babes, that was beautiful. Keep it in mind for this last one. It’s the biggest.” Your eyes widened, what could be bigger than he’s biggest insecurity about being here? Chelsea held the card up, covering her face because she knew your answer would make her happy cry, “If Bobby told you he loved you, would you be able to say it back and mean it?”

“Absolutely.” Not even a second of time between the end of the question and your answer, and the responding ding reverberated through the air as Chelsea started fanning her eyes.

“Dammit babes! I knew I’d cry!”

Making your way out with Chelsea, you suddenly had the air knocked from your lungs as a body collided with yours, picking you up and sweeping you through the air. Once your feet were back on solid ground, you met Bobby’s teary eyes, “Lass,” his voice was breathy, almost filled with the laughter you loved so much, “Y/N, I-“

You slapped a hand over his mouth, shaking your head at his confusion, eyes darting around to the very visibly interested Islanders that weren’t even pretending to look away, “Not right now. Not in front of everyone. I want it to be a moment for us.”

His eyes somehow softened even more, and he slowly pulled your hand away, “Okay, lass. I’ll leave it up to you then.”

The next morning, the two of you were having an early breakfast while the other Islanders took a lie in. Just watching the sun rise, enjoying pastries Bobby took the extra care to make for everyone, his fingers on one hand drawing lazy circles on your thighs as you relaxed in the beanbags together with your legs thrown in his lap. “Hey, Bobble?”

He hummed, eyes peeking open to take a glance at you, watching the barely hidden excitement that was practically rolling off of you. “What’s up? You get a text or something?”

Shaking your head, you gave him a gentle smile, “I love you, Bobby.”

His face went blank, mouth falling open, before his lips stretched into his widest smile as he tugged you closer by the waist, punctuating each word with a kiss to your face, “I-“ your cheek, “love-“ your forehead, “you-“ your nose. “I love you, lass.” Finally your lips.

Masterlist

#litg bobby #litg season 2 #litg fanfic #litg Bobby x mc #lie detector #just fluff #let Bobby have his love #boy is always stuck in friendship couples

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ellegreenwxy · 2 years

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THE TRUTH IS IT’S EASIER TO IGNORE IT

S2 - gary / mc - 3.5k+ words

my submission for the @litgwritersroom lie detector prompt

A/N i’m not going to lie, writing this was so intimidating! if you’ve noticed, most of my litg fics tend to be AUs or set outside of the villa. something about trying to navigate the dynamics of the villa is really anxiety-inducing and not only that, but writing for the men is equally terrifying! but i really wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone to do something new and a little scary, and i’m really proud of myself for doing it! hope you all enjoy x

“Something’s not right.”

Gary had gotten this feeling before. It was the same one he’d had right before Lucas and Henrik came into the Villa. It was the same one he’d had right before Chelsea and Jakub crashed the Ministry of Sound party. Basically any time the dynamics of the Villa shifted, Gary got this weird feeling in his stomach. It was like his gut instinct was yelling at him, “Hey! Get ready for literally everything to change…again!”

“Relax, Gary,” Lottie muttered from where she was laying on one of the lounge chairs, a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose and her gown-like swimsuit cover shielding her pale skin from whatever rays of sun might try to peek through the nonexistent cracks of the umbrella she was laid out under.

“I can’t. I got this weird feeling that something’s gonna happen,” he said, pushing to his feet off of his own chair. He cast a quick look around, wondering if anyone else seemed to notice something was off. After letting his eyes wander around the Villa, he realized that no, it seemed to just be him that was feeling it.

In fact, everyone seemed to be feeling the most relaxed they had been since coming into the Villa on that first day. Which was saying a lot because Gary knew that he and the boys had been absolutely bricking it despite how they might have come across.

“We’re basically at the end, Gary. All we have left is the final recoupling, final dates, prom, the final itself; it’s all basically over. They’re not going to throw anything at us now,” Lottie said, turning to look at him, lowering her sunglasses just a bit so she could fix her striking green eyes properly on him.

Maybe Lottie was right, maybe there wasn’t anything to worry about after all. Was his gut wrong for once? Could it just be that he was anxious about it all coming to an end so soon? He knew he was worried about getting out of there, but that had everything to do with the person he was with. Or rather, the person he wasn’t with.

“I’ve got a text!”

Speak of the devil…

Vic’s voice rang out from where she was sitting by the pool, no doubt having been watching some of the other boys play around in the water. Boys that included Lucas. Also known as the boy she was coupled up with. Or as Gary had been referring to him as, the idiot that had cheated on her with Blake while she was away at Casa Amor.

The whole situation had rubbed him the wrong way. Lottie had taken his frustration with it as just a sign that he cared about loyalty and had been upset that one of his mates had thrown it away for some “weather reporter.” He cared about loyalty, of course he did, but he’d been more frustrated to see it happen to Vic of all people.

“Gary?”

He blinked and saw Lottie had already started walking towards the pool, though she’d stopped and turned to look at him, clearly wondering why he wasn’t following. “Come on, Gary!” she huffed out before she continued on towards where the rest of the group had started to gather, Vic having already begun to read out the text to everyone. He watched Lucas wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her into his side, and he hated the way his stomach seemed to knot at the sight.

“Islanders, it’s time to put your relationships to the test. This afternoon, you will all face the Lie Detector challenge. Each of you will answer questions from your partner whilst you are attached to a lie detector. Hashtag home truths, hashtag the best policy!”

Oh no. No, no, no.

This was the worst possible challenge they could have been given right now. Why couldn’t they decorate cakes again? Or slide around in some homemade slime? Hell, he would rather do another mean tweets challenge if it meant he didn’t have to be strapped to a lie detector and exposed in front of everyone in the Villa…and the UK.

Maybe Lottie wouldn’t go that hard on him?

God, he knew he could be an idiot sometimes but that was probably the dumbest thing he’d ever thought of in his life.

“Boys, head to the firepit. Girls, head to the bedroom. You’ll have fifteen minutes to write your questions before the challenge begins,” Vic added when another text came through. The girls all shared a look before they sprinted off towards the Villa, and already Gary could hear them start to work through what questions they would ask in between laughs.

The mood surrounding the boys seemed to be quite a bit more somber, he thought as they all made their way to the firepit. There were notecards and pens scattered around and Gary picked one up before settling down on the bench, Bobby on his left and Henrik on his right. It was quiet for a while, not even the sound of pen against paper to fill the air. It seemed everyone was panicking as much, if not more so, than he was.

“So, what kinds of questions are you all going to ask?” It was Lucas who finally spoke up, situated a few seats down from Bobby, Noah next to him. Noah seemed to be the only one who felt relatively okay about the challenge, but that was to be expected. After what a wild ride he and Hope had been on during their time there, Gary doubted there was anything they could throw at each other now that would catch them off guard.

“I’m not going to go too hard,” Bobby said, though it didn’t come as much of a shock. It wasn’t like there was much at stake between him and Hannah; as much as they’d tried to make a go of things, it was clear he’d been stuck in another friendship couple.

“I wonder if Hannah feels the same,” Lucas mused, looking across the firepit at Bobby. “I know Victoria’s not going to ask anything too intense, at least.”

Gary spoke up before he could stop himself. “You sure about that, mate?” he asked, and Lucas’s eyes narrowed at him.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lucas questioned, and Gary merely shrugged his shoulders despite the fact that he felt like he was really starting to sweat.

“Just that after Casa Amor, I wouldn’t be shocked if she had some difficult questions for you, that’s all.” I know I sure as hell would, he thought. Besides, Lottie talked to him about those sorts of things. Maybe it was just gossip, or her “intuition” talking, but she’d told him that as much as Vic liked Lucas, she hadn’t completely recovered from him choosing someone else. He never would have guessed that, looking at her though. As much as he hated to admit it, she looked happy with Lucas.

But maybe after today, that would change.

“I think you should be worried about Lottie,” Lucas told him, and the rest of the men shifted uncomfortably. He knew they wouldn’t say it out loud, but Lucas did have a point. There was no way Lozza wouldn’t go into this challenge, guns blazing and aimed right at him. Still, he didn’t plan on hitting her as hard as he knew she would be hitting him.

“Maybe Lottie’ll surprise you,” Bobby whispered as he leaned over towards Gary. He sounded somewhat hopeful but Gary wondered if that was more of a way to ease his anxieties. Whatever the case, he shook his head and focused his attention on his notecard. Better to focus on this rather than what a disaster the challenge would be.

It seemed that bad feeling in his stomach had been for good reason, after all.

–––––§–––––

They all gathered in the living room for the challenge. A TV monitor had been set up so they would be able to watch each person face off against the lie detector. Already, Gary could feel his palms starting to sweat. He felt the same way he had when he’d faced his most difficult job at work, when one wrong tilt of the crane could have meant danger for everyone involved. It had been terrifying, truly, but he’d made it through without any issues or injuries. He just had to approach this the same way…right?

Chelsea was up first with Noah asking the questions. One thing he’d learned about Chelsea during the brief time they’d been coupled up, she couldn’t tell a lie to save her life. The girl was practically a truth machine: she meant everything she said. The lie detector test was no different, the overall mood in the living room seeming to relax when she passed with flying colors.

It didn’t last for very long.

“Henrik,” Hope began when it was his turn in the hot seat, “is there anyone else in the Villa you want to be coupled up with instead of Chelsea?”

“No.”

The blaring of the machine seemed to suck all of the air out of the room.

Hope looked surprised but assured him it was probably just the machine being fickle. That didn’t stop the rest of the Islanders from murmuring about the results, even though the next two questions came through as truths. Gary chanced a look back at Chelsea who looked as if she’d been sucker-punched, Vic’s arm wrapped firmly around the blonde as she whispered what Gary could only assume were reassurances into her ear.

Vic’s stormy gray eyes flickered over to him, almost as if she’d sensed he was looking at her. She looked…worried, like the weight of the situation was really and truly starting to settle in. What kinds of questions had she written for Lucas? Her partner had been pretty confident that she wouldn’t go in too hard on him but Gary had been confident of the exact opposite. Was she worried that she would get answers she didn’t want?

When Henrik came back into the living room, no one said anything. Chelsea wouldn’t look at him, choosing to lean more heavily into Vic’s side. Gary would’ve been lying if he said he didn’t feel a little bit bad for the guy, especially knowing that he could very well be in just as bad of shape after Lottie was through with him. He was saved from thinking about it too much by his phone going off, telling him that he would be the one administering the lie detector test next. But his relief was short-lived when Vic got to her feet, as well.

She was the one he’d be asking the questions to.

They made their way to the little room that had been designated for the challenge. The producers had him don a white lab coat while they got Vic hooked up to the machine. She looked uneasy as she settled into the chair, but he watched as she visibly braced herself, drawing in a deep breath before she steeled her shoulders.

Gary looked down at the list of questions Lucas had written, his eyes narrowing. They were kind of rough. Then again, Lucas hadn’t made any mentions of whether he would go easy on Vic or not, he’d merely decided that she wouldn’t go very hard on him. It seemed that what Gary had said might have swayed him a little…

“Okay, Vic,” he began when she was strapped to the machine. “Have you forgiven Lucas for coupling up with Blake?” he asked, and he watched her shift in her seat before shaking her head.

“No.”

The machine blinked green, dinging happily in response. “That’s true,” he said, unable to ignore the satisfaction that he felt upon hearing her answer. “Do you think that you and Lucas are compatible?”

She bit the inside of her cheek, and Gary could see her fingers flexing around the arms of the chair she was sitting in. “Yes,” she said, and the blaring of the machine made her flinch, the red light glowing brightly.

“That’s a lie.” Was that really that much of a shock? Sure, Vic and Lucas had been attached at the hip since she’d saved him from getting dumped along with the girl he’d picked over her, and yeah, Vic had appeared to be really happy with him, but that didn’t mean anything in terms of compatibility. Could you be compatible with someone that you didn’t trust?

He looked over the last question and fought the urge to visibly wince. If he’d had any doubts about where Vic stood with Lucas, this would certainly wipe them away, regardless of what the answer was. Either she was set on him, or she wasn’t, and the thought of the latter had hope creeping into his chest. Hope that he wished wasn’t there at all because he didn’t want to think about what that could mean.

“Vic, do you think your head could still be turned at this point in the competition?”

Gary could practically see the wheels turning in her head, could see her thinking long and hard over what to say. He wondered what she was thinking. This challenge really was a double-edged sword. Either you were honest and potentially hurt someone, or you lied and definitely hurt someone.

“Yes.”

The machine blinked green, making the same happy sound it had when she’d answered her first question. But Gary wasn’t focused on that, not when he could practically hear the gasp that must have sounded throughout the living room when she’d answered. The producers came in and helped get her unhooked from the lie detector a moment later, and he managed to catch her gaze.

“You okay?” he asked, and she nodded, though she looked far from it. Probably anxiously awaiting Lucas’s reaction. It wouldn’t be good, that was for sure.

They passed Lucas in the hallway on their way back to the living room, Lottie at his side to ask him his questions. He refused to meet Vic’s eyes, keeping his own fixed straight ahead. Gary saw the muscles in his tensed jaw jump when they passed him. And when they finally reached the living room, it was quiet enough Gary was sure he could’ve heard a pin drop.

He should’ve been paying attention to Lucas’s answers, to hear what Vic had asked him, but he couldn’t.

Do you think your head could still be turned at this point in the competition?

Yes.

He hated the way that made him feel.

Gary had always been an all-in sort of guy. When he committed to something, he always saw it through to the end. He didn’t know how to tap out early, didn’t know how to leave things incomplete even if it was better for everyone involved. His therapist had told him it had a lot to do with his dad, that he was incapable of walking away because it had been so easy for his dad to walk away. She’d also told him more times than he could count that he wasn’t his dad, that walking away from things didn’t make him a bad person. Sometimes, walking away was necessary.

He was really struggling with the actually doing it part of that plan.

Besides, they were so far along in the competition, he’d been positive that nothing could push him off course. Not until now. Not until he’d realized that Vic wasn’t as unobtainable as she had once been. But it was too late now, wasn’t it? Even though she’d said her head could still be turned, he was still with Lottie. And he liked Lottie. With all of her quirks and all the things that drove him up the wall about her, he still liked being around her and he couldn’t just walk away now. Even though it would be better for both of them if he did.

His worries over the lie detector test came back full force. What if Lottie asked him if he wanted to be coupled up with someone else? Or if his head could turn? If the answer was anything other than a resounding no––and it wouldn’t be a no––he knew she wouldn’t want anything to do with him and rightfully so. It made him sick to think that he would hurt her because he hadn’t been brave enough to walk away sooner, too wrapped up in not hurting her that he would end up doing it anyways.

“Whoah,” he heard someone say.

He came back to himself in time to hear the last question Vic had written for Lucas, Lozza’s voice ringing out clearly through the speakers of the TV. “Lucas, if you could be coupled up with Blake right now, would you?”

Lucas didn’t even hesitate, his “Yes” ringing out, followed shortly after by the machine blinking green, dinging happily despite the weight that single word carried. Gary glanced over at Vic but she didn’t look surprised, not in the slightest. He thought about earlier, when Lucas had wrapped his arm around her and hugged her close, how she’d smiled and looked so easy-going. How had that been only an hour or two ago?

When Lucas and Lottie re-entered the room, the mood seemed to grow even more tense, nothing but the occasional whisper to break the silence. Hope and Noah went next, their questions administered by Lucas and Vic, respectively, though Gary certainly wasn’t paying attention. God, today really had brought all of the cracks to the surface, huh? It was crazy to think that this close to the finals, their couples could very well fall apart, all because of a challenge. Were these lie detector tests even reliable? Weren’t they not allowed to be used in court because the results could be all screwy?

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he hardly noticed when Lottie got up and left the room with Bobby, heading off to the room he’d been in not that long ago. The room he would be returning to in just a few minutes. Christ, were his palms sweating?

He could feel eyes on him, almost like everyone was already feeling guilty over what he was about to go through as soon as Lottie’s turn was over. He hadn’t asked any crazy questions, just the usual:

Do you enjoy being in a couple with Gary?

Do you think Gary is a good kisser?

Are you genuinely attracted to Gary?

But despite getting all of the answers he should have wanted, he didn’t feel any better. If anything, he felt about a million times more anxious, especially knowing what would likely come out when it was his turn in the hot seat. God, would anyone be able to look at him the same if he fucked this up? Would Vic?

Lottie came back in and she was smiling right at him, but he could see straight through her, could see the nerves lingering just under the surface. He hated that he’d given her a reason to be nervous, even though he knew it was warranted. He got to his feet when his phone buzzed, Hannah following suit. The hallway down to the room where that damn machine was felt like it stretched out for twenty mies.

The producers strapped him in and Hannah slid the lab coat on. God, the fact that Hannah of all people was administering the test made him want to puke.

“Gary,” she began, holding the notecard containing the questions that would seal his fate, “do you enjoy being coupled up with Lottie?”

“Yes,” he said, breathing out a sigh of relief when he saw that green light and heard that stupidly reassuring ding. His relief was short-lived, however, when Hannah moved on to the next question.

“Have you fancied any other girls except for Lottie in the Villa?” she asked, and he swallowed back the knot in his throat.

Lottie had to know this, right? He’d fancied Marisol, even Chelsea. Hell, she had to know he’d fancied Vic at one point considering the fact that he’d heard through the grapevine that she’d begged Vic not to pick him at the recoupling some weeks back. “Yes,” he said, and the machine lit up green again. God, he was going to hate that color by the time he left here.

“Hm.” Hannah didn’t seem amused by his answer but she didn’t comment on it, fixing her eyes back on the card. He swore he saw her smirk before she spoke again, the question he’d been dreading most posed on the tip of her tongue. “Gary. Is there anyone else in the Villa you’d rather be coupled up with?”

And there it was. He had two options here: he could be proud and own it and deal with the consequences, or he could lie and blame it on the machine being faulty (which Lottie wouldn’t believe). Either way, he was about to crash land. But if he was going to go up in flames, he would at least do it without lying to Lottie. Or to himself.

“Yes.”

The machine went green.

#litg gary #litg ff #litg fanfic #litg s2 #litg season 2

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willkimurashat · 2 years

Text

The Answer was Simple

S5 | Suresh/MC | 2300+ words | @willkimurashat

Here’s a link to ao3 as well :)

The lie detector prompt from @litgwritersroom inspired me to take a stab at this😊

Summary: Eloise wanted a summer free of Suresh’s memories, but that plan went out the window too quickly, when she found him in a couple with her. The lie detector challenge, meant to intimidate the islanders, seemed like a perfect way to get rid of her persistent ex, but does machine know her better than she knows herself?

“I do not care what he has to say. I really don’t, like. What’s done is done and he’s been given plenty of opportunities to explain himself. To apologize. Plenty.” Leaning back on the wicker chair in the beach hut, tanned legs elegantly crossed over, Eloise was looking straight into the camera, vexed to her core. Her summer was meant to be exciting, relaxing, full of sun, and fun, and bits, and mindless flirting. This summer was meant to be hers. But that dream died after all of five minutes she spent in the villa. After she walked out and saw one familiar face standing in line among gorgeous strangers – the one face she now hated the most. “I’m done giving Suresh second chances. And a lie detector isn’t gonna change that.”

________________

The islanders were crammed in the living room, nervous giggles, darting eyes, and bouncing legs all around. The lie detector challenge. The one and only. The challenge that could make or break a couple. But Eloise didn’t care. She’s had enough disappointment in her life, enough lies to deal with, enough pain to process, enough doubts and insecurities to break her – way more than a little whirring machine could give her now. And the cause of all that was sitting right by her side, still as chiseled and confident and brooding as always. Still a cheater. Nothing’s changed and nothing would ever change about him.

“You nervous?” Suresh turned to look at her. She made it clear she wasn’t interested by leaving room for Jesus between them and crossing her arms over her chest.

Eloise’s unenthused stare and dry response only proved her apathy more, “Why should I be? You gonna cheat on the challenge too?”

“Eloise…” He sighed, preparing to say more, but it was his time to face the three questions.

She saw him appear on the screen, his broad shoulders barely fitting in the shot. Eloise crossed over her legs and tilted her head, bringing her hand to her chin. She watched him closely, piercing him through the screen with her eyes and it felt as though Suresh sensed her gaze as his Adam’s apple bobbled and he shuffled in his seat.

Kat, wearing a lab coat, was sitting next to him, reading out the rules of the game, “Alright, Suresh, I’m gonna read out the questions Eloise prepared for you, and you have to answer, ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If the green light appears, you told the truth, if red light appears – you lied, if blue light appears – the answer is undetermined. Just relax and be honest. Good luck, hun.”

Eloise couldn’t help the smug smile that crawled on her face, seeing his eyes dart around the room, avoiding the camera, and his jaw muscles throb. He’d never admit to being nervous, but any little sign of vulnerability now gave her a pleasant satisfaction.

“Alright, first question.” Kat continued, “Was the girl you cheated on Eloise with better in bed than her?”

“Oof, savage.” Alfie exclaimed, and Eloise shot him a mischievous smirk.

Suresh, on the other side of the screen looked serious and answered sharply, “No.” The room lit up with green light, bringing a little smile on his face.

“You answered correctly.” Kat confirmed.

“Eloise – one point, the Girl with the Turtle Tattoo – zero.” Alfie commented, full of attention, watching the screen like a game of football. Eloise smiled to herself. She knew her skill was unmatched in the bedroom, but this was a much-needed ego boost.

“Alright, next question, hun,” Kat went on, as Suresh seemed much more relaxed now, a smile still plastered on his face. “Did you ever go back to the girl you’ve cheated on Eloise with?”

Eloise ran her tongue along her teeth, very pleased with that question. It was something she kept wondering about, over and over and over. She tortured herself with images in her head of the two of them – sharing a bed, cooking in the kitchen, laughing together, holding hands together. She’d convinced herself that maybe if he was happier that way, if he left her for that girl in the bar and they were happier than Eloise and Suresh could ever be – maybe she’d understand. Forgive. Forget. And yet, he was here, taking another chance at love.

The question wiped the smile off his face, and took all his calm confidence with it, as he sighed and lolled his head back, “No.” Green light.

“That was correct, hun.”

“Did you expect this, El?” Eddie poked his head out to look at Eloise, whose eyes were glued to the screen.

“Well, if I did, I wouldn’t’ve asked it, would I?” She responded sharply.

“Looks like it was just a one-time thing, then?” Eddie was trying to look on the bright side, but Eloise wasn’t sure if there was a bright side to this, really. If anything, the fact that Suresh only slept with the girl once made it even worse. Why did he do it then? What for? If not to find something better, then why? Only to hurt her?

“Last question, Suresh.” Kat brought everyone’s attention back to the screen. “Are you going to be cracking on with other people here?”

Eloise truly didn’t believe he could keep it in his pants with so many stunning belles in bikinis, all in one spot, despite all his love proclamations to her. If she turned out to be wrong, she’d probably walk out of the villa.

He gulped, then inhaled deeply, “No.” The little beads of sweat covered his forehead.

The silence in the room was overbearing, no one dared to blink, no one managed to breathe.

“God, what are they waiting for?” Dana shook her head, relieving the tension among the islanders as the suspense reached its peak.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about, love.” Eloise turned to her with a smile. “I’m quite sure he’d love to crack on with you.”

“Oh. I mean…”

Red color filled the screen, where Suresh squeezed his eyes shut in frustration. Eloise’s face stretched into a knowing smile – she was proven right yet again. Suresh hasn’t changed, and he never will.

“See? You’ve got my blessings, love.” Eloise looked at Dana’ speechless expression, letting out a light chuckle and sending her a wink.

Suresh entered the room, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. Everyone remained silent, following him with their eyes as he took a seat next to Eloise.

The whole situation amused her; Suresh with his clenched jaw, realizing he lost at his own game, everyone else in the room looking over at them with eyes wide, Kat walking out from behind the scenes, biting her lip and staring at the floor.

“Look alive, babes!” Eloise laughed, addressing everyone in the room. She spread her hands, “I hope that was entertaining.” She raised from her seat and walked out the door, only to magically reappear on the other side of the screen. Her turn.

Eloise wasn’t nervous at all. She’s done her fair share of sleepless nights, letting her pillow soak with her tears, the appetite-less lunches, throwing out the food that she couldn’t shove down her throat, and lonely days on the couch in front of TV, when she couldn’t even bare to look at herself and walk outside. The emptiness inside her left no room for needless worry. Besides, it wasn’t hard to figure out what Suresh would ask her – she was prepared for his predictability.

Eloise leaned back on the chair, letting her hands rest in her lap, and crossing over her shimmering legs. She tilted her head to the side, face completely relaxed, unbothered, one corner of her mouth tipped up ever so slightly. Finn entered the room with her, wearing the same lab coat, clearly a size too small, its sleeves riding up over his wrists. He explained the same rules of the lie detector to her – say the truth and it will reward you with green light.

“Eloise, are you ready?” Finn said cheerfully.

“As I’ll ever be.” Her nonchalant demeanor served as a tough armor.

“First question. Were you happy in a relationship with Suresh?”

She let out a huff of a chuckle, shaking her head. What was his objective with this question? Make her take a trip down the memory lane to warm her up to him? Silly, silly Suresh. Eloise already beat him to it. She replayed those memories in her head over and over and over, until she memorized that path so well – everything that used to excite her became mundane and ordinary. His trick won’t work this time.

Though as hard as it was to admit, she was happy with him. Or so she thought, at least then. No need to lie, “Yes.” Not a muscle in her body moved.

Green light poured into the room – no surprise here. A smirk appeared on her face.

“Doing good so far, El. Next question.” Finn continued, clearing his throat. “Do you see a future with Suresh?”

Eloise snorted, covering her mouth with her hand. Oh, he surprised her alright, just not in the way she thought he would. Suresh seemed to hit a new low – how can he be serious? Truthfully, there was a moment when she envisioned their future together, when she held a perfect ring on the palm of her hand for her “perfect” boyfriend. A house filled with good food, happy memories, relentless passion, and even the sound of little feet running around frantically. Live, laugh, love, as they say. Her perfect little kitschy family. She could see it all. And all of that crossed over with a picture of another girl in bed with him. Just like that.

“No.” Eloise responded calmly; wide smile of disbelief stuck to her face. Another green light, another win.

“Well, that’s gonna break the big boy’s heart.” Finn chuckled.

“You said it. He’s a big boy, he’ll get over it.” Eloise imagined Suresh’s shattered look, leaving her pleased with herself.

“And now, Finn-al question.” She rolled her eyes at Finn’s pun. “Suresh asks, do you still love him?”

How predictable. How utterly predictable. Eloise could bet a million pounds he’d ask this question and she had an answer ready for him. She prepared it in her head – the one word, consisting of two letters that would fragment his heart into infinitesimal tiny pieces, impossible to put them back together. Just like he did to her. Just like he deserved.

She leaned forward, getting closer to the camera, and said with a sneer, “No.”

Letting her back rest against the chair again, she crossed her arms, waiting for lie detector’s verdict. As the suspense grew, her leg, still crossed over the other, started kicking the air. She was convinced she had another win in her bag.

A blue light. Confused shock painted on her face.

Eloise looked over at Finn, as if asking him to fix the situation, to right the wrong, to tell her it was a mistake. He only spread his hands in response, “Undetermined.”

She got up from the chair, swiftly leaving the room, walking past piercing stares of other islanders still processing the situation. Eloise needed some air.

She reached her safe haven – the swings, gently rocking herself back and forth. How could this happen? How could she let this happen? How was this possible? A simple answer, a two-letter word – why a blue light? Too many questions, too little answers. There was not a chance Eloise still had feelings for Suresh. It took her months to squeeze every last bit out of her heart, to wipe every last reminder off her mind. It took her a year to forget. It took her a year to learn to live again. Undetermined was written in her head in big neon blue lights. Impossible.

Eloise rolled her eyes and rubbed her temple noticing the hateful hunky figure approach the swings.

“We don’t need to talk.” She spoke before he could even ask her to go for a chat. “It’s just a stupid challenge, the answers are all predetermined anyway.” Eloise was desperate to find some explanation, though getting into islanders’ heads was part of producers’ goal anyway.

“I don’t care about the challenge.” Suresh slowed his step as he got closer.

“What is it then?” She sighed in exasperation.

“Just wanted to check in on you.”

“Since when do you care, Suresh?”

He sighed too, taking a seat next to her on the swings. “I’ve always cared, El.” His head hung low as she stared down at her feet. “And I always will.”

She let out a huff, “This is laughable, honestly. What you’ll always do is say what I want to hear, but deep down, you only ever care about yourself.”

“Just hear me out, okay?” Suresh shook his head.

“I’ve heard enough, really.” Eloise was preparing to leave.

“I know you’re pissed at me, yeah, I get it. I know I jeopardized all we had. I know I broke your trust. I know I hurt you.”

“Stating the facts much.”

“Eloise, please,” he pleaded, and she sent him an annoyed nod, letting him continue. “Thank you. I’m just trying to say, we keep going in circles. And maybe…” He looked at her briefly, pained expression on his face, “maybe it’s time I break it. You know I love you and I always will, but… loving someone also means allowing them to have a chance at happiness, so…” the words seemed to be stuck in his throat, “so, I want to see you find your happiness. Even if I won’t be the one you find it with.”

He gave her one last look, before he got up from his seat to go back into the villa, the others walking out instead, looking for them. Eloise found herself dumbfounded. He surprised her, he really did. No arguing, no fighting, no proving his case, no tricks this time. Just a simple, civil, mature conversation.

She was searching for the answer to the blue light but neglected to look at what was right under her nose, and it was a simple one too. And the answer was that nothing’s changed and nothing will ever change. She still loved him.

#litg #litg s5 #litg eitv #litg ex in the villa #litg fanfic #litg suresh #litg s5 fanfic #litg suresh fanfic #the answer was simple

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mergrl · 2 years

Text

happiness. (youcef/MC)

s4 | youcef/MC | 3.7k words | read on AO3 here

A/N: this is my submission for @litgwritersroom ’s lie detector prompt! francesca is the MC of my upcoming slow burn villa fic for youcef - this is obviously in villa as well, but as an AU from my main fic. i wanted to give a happier perspective of what happens when your partner says everything right - but also showing the other side of slow burn love triangles, and hopefully make najuma feel a bit more complex and human than what fusebox gave us. it’s meant to feel bittersweet, i hope you enjoy! and a massive thank you to @rebelrayne for beta reading this ❤️

it’s the first question that makes youcef pause. he hesitates, his hands curling up into tight fists, and najuma doesn’t know what to do. why was he hesitating?

it was easy for her to make sense of the end of their relationship when he was so clearly head over heels for fran. she’d have to have been blind not to see their chemistry. and of course she was happy with oliver - so why was he hesitating? why was he complicating things? and why did she feel so complicated about it?

---

francesca can’t remember the last time the villa felt this peaceful.

the spanish sun is shining down, bright and warm, as she spreads out across the daybeds, her head resting on youcef’s chest as he toys lazily with her hair. it had been about a week since they’d finally coupled up, and things just felt right. after weeks of back and forth, what felt like a never-ending game of cat and mouse, friends quickly turned into something more, it was as if everything had finally fallen into place.

“do you think anything exciting’s going to happen today?” she muses, pushing her sunglasses up so that they’re resting in her hair, shifting her gaze to look up at youcef. it felt like it had been a few days since anything had happened - no dates, no challenges, no new people.. nothing.

it was almost eerily quiet, but maybe that’s just because they were nearing the finale. none of them quite knew how much time they had left, but they knew it was coming soon - you could feel it in the air around them, a quiet, static electricity that foretold the end was near.

“we’ve only been together for one week, and you’re already getting tired of me?” youcef teases, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “shut up,” francesca laughs, her mouth twitching up into a smile. “i could never.” she wraps her arms around him, settling in comfortably against his chest.

“besides, if i was going to get tired of you, it would have happened weeks ago.” they’d only officially been coupled up for a week, but it had been much longer than that - filled with longing glances, almost kisses, and a million what ifs. if she was going to grow tired, it would have been then, it would have died with the agony and the not knowing, the silent screams of ‘what are we’ - but she couldn’t grow tired of him, not when he looked at her like that.

like he was looking at her now, like he’d willingly sacrifice all of his worldly possessions, like he’d give up the moon and more, if only for another moment by her side.

“being right here with you is all the excitement i need,” youcef murmurs after a moment, his hand resting on her lower back as he pulls her in for a kiss. in this moment, everything felt right.

somewhere across the villa, a text tone rings out, followed by thabi’s familiar squeal of, “i got a text!”

—

the text reveals that they’ll be testing their relationships by taking part in the lie detector challenge. the girls are all huddled in the living room, sprawled across various surfaces, the room filled with anxious sighs and the frantic scribbling of pens against paper.

najuma is sat next to francesca, and can’t help but to steal glances over to the other girl’s notepad, before she finally just pipes up and asks, “what do you think you’re going to ask, fran?” she was curious, more than curious - it’d been a week since she and youcef had broken up for the last time, after a rollercoaster of a summer, and it felt like he’d turned into a completely different person with francesca.

he’d always looked at najuma like he was surprised to see her there, and sometimes it was a happy surprise, but other times she couldn’t tell what he was feeling. but he’d always looked at francesca like she contained galaxies. like the entire universe laid beneath the surface of her skin, and he’d give anything to explore it’s depths.

but it’d taken them too long to admit it - not until tom had fucked up royally, letting dylan blow up their relationship like dynamite. it was a bit amusing, seeing the demolitions she dealt with at work everyday make their way into love island, or it was amusing until it was her relationship.

she wanted to be happy for them. francesca had always been a good friend to her, stood up for her against lexi’s snide comments, supported her through all of her arguments with youcef. and if she was being honest - wasn’t that what today was all about? - she and youcef had never really been that compatible. they were driven by lust, more than anything, and it didn’t take long for that to fizzle out.

that didn’t mean that it didn’t fucking hurt though.

“i don’t know,” francesca sighs, tapping her pen against her notepad. this is perhaps the most ungraceful that najuma has seen her - she always looked so poised, towering over the rest of the girls like a supermodel - but she’s hunched over now, notepad resting on her knees, and najuma notices it’s mostly filled with scribbled out words and half finished questions.

“d’you need help?” she offers, and francesca shakes her head no, blowing out a huff of air. they’d spoken to each other so freely and openly for the past week, and everything felt like bliss. she knew that youcef would tell her anything, if she just asked, so why did this feel so difficult?

and francesca knew what she wanted to ask. more than anything, she wanted answers on what had felt like years worth of back and forth condense into a few short weeks - but by asking, did she admit her own complicity? that she had been just as stubborn and selfish and foolish as he had?

but it had been nearly a month and a half to the day since he’d entered the villa - she’d been counting, even if the producers took away all of their clocks and calendars - and she’d known she’d been falling for him from the very beginning. and even though he had confessed his feelings, and they were now happily coupled up, there’s a small part of her that wanted to hear him say it: he had been falling for her too.

“no, i know what i want to say,” she admits, dragging her pen lazily across the page. “i just need to figure out how to word it, you know?” she shrugs, looking over at najuma’s notepad with a half smile. “what about you? have you worked out what you’re going to ask oliver yet?”

najuma’s heart does a flip at just the sound of his name, and she makes no attempts to hide the smile creeping on her cheeks. “i think i’m going to take it easy on him,” she responds, “it’s early days and all that, you know?” it was early days, but he made her blush in a way that youcef never could, and she found herself melting every time he smiled at her.

he was sweet, had come in and immediately swept her off her feet, and had made the past week and a half much easier to swallow than it would have been if she’d braved it alone. but she couldn’t help the sinking feeling that he deserved better - someone who wasn’t so hung up on her past couple - he’d had most of her attention, but she always felt guilty when her mind strayed elsewhere.

it was such an odd feeling, having to reconcile the ending of one relationship with the beginning of another one - but that was love island, wasn’t it?

“look at you, blushing,” francesca playfully nudges her knee against najuma’s, smile spreading across her lips. “i’m so glad you’ve found each other.”

—

the challenge seems to have everybody on edge. once they’ve all finished writing their questions, they congregate in the living room, where the producers have set up a large screen tv, projecting in from the hideaway. there’s a lull of silence before the challenge starts, as they’re all anxiously awaiting the first text to signal the challenge has begun.

“i don’t know what everyone is so nervous about,” youcef is the first one to break the silence, as he seemingly always was. francesca seems to know what he’s going to say before he begins, and braces herself from the groans and the eyerolls from her fellow islanders. “if everybody is honest, then there’s nothing to worry about with this challenge, no?”

“that’s rich, coming from you,” angie retorts from further down the room, and francesca’s stomach winces at her response. “how long did it take you to tell fran you were into her, huh?”

her voice is riddled with her typical sarcasm and snark, and next to her there’s an anguished look that passes over tom’s eyes, if only for a second. they had ended up together if only by default in the last recoupling, with tom being one of the last to pick, sending tiffany and dylan home.

“hey -” francesca starts, and angie just shrugs. “i’m just.. not saying it’s wrong or anything, but, he’s certainly one to talk about honesty.” at this, youcef lets out a light, airy laugh, as if he was completely unaffected by the tension in the room. he wraps his arms around francesca next to him, pulling her in close and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“i will be utterly and completely honest today, amour, you have my promise,” he murmurs, just loud enough for her to hear. she rests her chin on his shoulder, looks up at him to find his hazel eyes staring at her with the same intensity he always had when looking at her. “so i hope you didn’t go too easy on me, no?” he teases, and she laughs, reaching up to brush his hair back and out of the way, giving her a better view of his face.

“i wouldn’t dream of it.” there’s a playful smirk tugging at her lips, and it feels like they’re in their own little world - his arm around her waist, her head against his shoulder, this was exactly where she was meant to be.

—

they’re one of the last couples to go. some of the others had been rocked by the answers they’d received - valentina had to look away as she failed miserably not to tear up when will’s admission that his head wouldn’t be turned on the outside came back as a lie, and they had all had to witness the way bruno’s face fell when cora admitted that she didn’t think they were compatible.

francesca had asked hard questions. she knew she had. but she was feeling confident - the other’s relationships were teetering on the edge, but not hers. not them. not today.

it seems like a cruel twist of fate that najuma is assigned to ask youcef fran’s questions, but they’re stood in the hideaway, a lab coat draped over her body, as she stares down at the same notepad that she had witnessed francesca scribbling in earlier, now with three questions clearly outlined at the bottom.

youcef’s face appears cool and collected as he sits before her, but the way he taps his fingers on the arm of the chair tells najuma that he’s just as anxious as the rest of them had been, he was just better at hiding it. “you ready, youcef?” she asks, trying to ignore how backwards this all felt.

“of course,” his voice is as collected as always, and najuma draws in a deep breath, takes it as a sign to begin. they run through the first two questions - is your name youcef? are you from france? - as a sign that the machine is working properly, and when both answers light up the machine green, she knows it’s time to dive in.

najuma shakes her head, tries her hardest not to scoff as she reads francesca’s first question. “do you think your head could be turned this late?” she reads out, studying youcef’s face for a reaction. could it, youcef?

there was a bitter irony to the question, knowing that he had dumped her not only a week ago - but she supposed his head had actually turned long before that.

“no,” youcef’s answer comes so easily, and his voice is sincere. “of course not.”

no, of course not. if it could, najuma wouldn’t be standing here, she’d be out there, and perhaps francesca would be the one asking the questions - nothing could have turned his head from her. they had found something truly special in here. what more could she do than accept it?

“looks like you’re telling the truth,” najuma remarks, the machine flashing green.

of course he was. it’s all that francesca can think as she watches the exchange from out in the living room, trying to hide the smile that spreads across her features. she had included the question as an easy one, having already known the answer. they were both all in to making this work, after everything.

“that’s a good sign, right?” thabi asks cheerfully. she’s sat next to fran in youcef’s absence, arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace. they’d been close from the very beginning, and francesca was grateful for her presence. “yeah,” francesca breathes out, “i think they’ll all be good. i trust him.”

—

najuma sucks in her teeth as she reads the second question. it was something she’d been wondering too, for the longest time, and she’s on pins and needles to know youcef’s answer. “did you have feelings for francesca during the kiss or miss challenge?”

the challenge had been weeks ago - it felt like a lifetime, now - but it had caused her first major fight with youcef, the first of what would be many. after the new girls had come in, and it felt like he was wandering, and after everyone had told her about how he kissed francesca during the challenge, how it didn’t look like just a challenge kiss, but like he meant it -

“yes.” youcef’s voice rings loud within her ears, and najuma draws in a breath. she doesn’t know what she’d been expecting. of course he had. of course he had. she’d have been more shocked if he said no, she thinks, because then that meant that fight, everything, would have all been for nothing. because he was bored?

she didn’t know what to think of him anymore. they’d been coupled up for weeks, but who had she been coupled up with, really? it felt like she was staring at a stranger.

“that’s the truth, too,” najuma gives a playful half smile, “looks like you were telling the truth about being honest, huh?” and at this youcef gives his signature french scoff, “of course i was.”

in the living room, the exchange draws a few laughs from some of the islanders, who seem to be relieved by his answers, grateful for the break in the drama. francesca and thabi are holding hands now, and fran digs her nails into thabi’s palm slightly, her smile growing wider by the second.

that was one of the harder questions for her to ask, because they’d both been so fucking stupid back then, refusing to admit their feelings, but she could feel it during that challenge, could feel it in the way he kissed her, could feel it in every kiss they’ve shared since then. and it seems like they’ve shared a million in the past week alone - as if they were making up for lost time, as if all that either of them wanted was to get lost within one another.

“how are you feeling?” thabi whispers next to her, and francesca squeezes her hand. “happy, he makes me so happy,” she murmurs, “but it’s the next question that i’m nervous about.”

—

“last question, how are you feeling?” najuma asks, tapping her pen against the notepad. she’s asking to be polite more than anything, but it’s clear that it’s not needed, as youcef responds back, “confident. happy. good. i thought she was going to go hard on me, but ah, i suppose she’s saving that for when we’re alone later,” he laughs at his own joke, and najuma forces a smile. “don’t get too cocky just yet, there’s still one question left.”

and fuck, what a question it was, she thinks as she reads the page.

“would you tell francesca if you fell in love with her?”

it’s the first question that makes youcef pause. he hesitates, his hands curling up into tight fists, and najuma doesn’t know what to do. why was he hesitating?

this was the question francesca had been the most nervous about, she can feel a lump forming in her throat as she watches him pause on the screen before her. she’d wanted to ask the question because it had taken him so long to admit he’d even had feelings for her, if he had fallen for her, would he say it? would she have to force it out of him?

if she had fallen in love with him, what would he say if she told him? she knows that she has. she’s known for a while now, this was more than just some summer fling, that the feeling that rose in her chest whenever he was around was more intense than anything she’d ever felt. and so she needs to know: could he say it? would he say it?

it feels like a lifetime before he finally speaks.

“if i’m being honest,” youcef sighs, spreading out his fingers as he grips the arms of the chair. “no.”

there’s a shared, loud gasp that resonates around the living room, and francesca can feel thabi’s hand on her knee comfortingly, not quite sure what this meant, but there for her regardless.

the machine dings green, but it almost doesn’t matter, because youcef continues speaking, his eyes staring straight ahead into one of the cameras that was recording them. “no, because, i have already fallen in love with you, francesca, and i have simply been too much of a coward to admit it. but, so much for that, hey?” he lets out a nervous laugh he hadn’t known he was holding in, his hands gripping the chair tight.

“i am sorry i couldn’t work up the courage to tell you sooner. but i hope you can forgive me, because i am in love with you, francesca. i think i always have been.”

it feels like time stops.

najuma can hear the clapping and cheers from the other islanders on just the other side of the door, everyone just as shocked by his revelation as she was. she knows she didn’t have feelings for him anymore. she knows that she had moved on. she knows that whatever feelings she did have for him were nothing like what he shared with francesca. those were all objective truths. they could not be disputed.

but hearing his answer? hearing that he was in love with her? that it felt like he always loved her? it painted the past month in an entirely new light, and she feels sick, like the room is going to start spinning. she doesn’t know how to feel. she doesn’t know what she’s allowed to feel. should she be happy for them? should she be upset, feel fucked over, like her time had been wasted?

was she even allowed to be upset - in a place like here, when francesca was her friend? was there any space for her emotions?

—

francesca is trying her hardest not to run to the hideaway door, her smile so bright she thinks her face might break, but she’s there to greet him when he exits, and she doesn’t even get a chance to say anything before he’s lifting her up, pulling her into a kiss.

everything around them fades to black. the other islanders have crowded around, to celebrate the happy couple, but francesca couldn’t care less about them, instead letting herself melt into his kiss, reveling in the feeling of his hand on the small of her back, the smile that spreads across his lips. knowing that he was hers, utterly and completely, hers.

“you bring out the absolute worst in me, you know, cherie?” youcef laughs after a moment, his voice quiet and breathy, and there’s an incredulous look to his eyes as he gazes down at her, as if he can’t believe this is real, as if he can’t believe they’re sharing this moment. “everyone thinks that i am so smooth, or so confident, but with you.. i always worry i’m going to fail you, or say the wrong thing. i’m sorry -”

francesca cuts him off before he can finish with another kiss, small and sweet, before she pulls back, resting her forehead against his. “youcef,” she whispers, and the sound of his name on her lips sends a shiver down his spine. “i know. i love you, too,” she admits, and they both break into wide, unbreakable grins. “i love you, i love you, i love you,” she murmurs against his lips, her hand cupping his cheek.

she’s never felt such bliss than in this moment. there was never a doubt in her mind, that she was in love.

this, this is what happiness felt like.

najuma is standing back from the group, still stood in the entrance to the hideaway as she watches the scene play out before her. she’s wrapped her arms around herself, holding the clipboard with francesca’s notepad tight to her chest, sucked in a breath of air, not sure how she should feel.

the rest of the islanders are quietly buzzing around her, as if the declaration of love was healing them from the drama of the day, but najuma can’t help but to fold in on herself. thabi seems to be the only one who notices, stepping away from the group to approach her. “hey,” her face softens into a sympathetic smile. “are you okay?”

najuma’s body seems to go into autopilot, and she’s responding before she’s even had a chance to process the question. “yeah,” she puts on a fake smile, wide and too bright, “i’m just happy for them, you know?”

#litg #litg s4 #litg youcef #love island the game #whats this? my first non smut writing i've published?#and it's for youcef? absolutely no one is surprised #i hope you like it i'm going to go scream into the abyss now #also it would mean a lot to me if you read it on ao3 too :)#fran/youcef

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litgwritersroom · 2 years

Note

When you started this page, I was already thinking about making a page for LITG prompts in general, for people to share ideas just because I know I get ideas randomly but don't want to write it. Then you started this page, do I didn't because even though it's not the exact same, it felt like copying. Anyway, is it possible for you to do more open prompts, because when you do share those, the response is huge and I love to see the creativity, and selfishly, it also covers what I wanted to do anyway without making a page and kind of stealing your idea.

It was tempting to answer this with a simple ‘live your life, babe, don’t mind us’, but we actually did want to address a couple things from this ask.

First off, we understand not wanting to follow through on your idea for the fear of being labelled a copycat. Part of the reason we actually don’t do many open prompts is because of the monthly reddit prompt in the litg fanfiction thread. When Bia, Suzi, and I first set about constructing the page, it was something we mused with, but the three of us agreed that we needed to focus on our page’s goal first, which was to answer asks, at least while we found our feet.

Obviously, we’ve grown substantially since those early days, and we’ve had so much support as well as some unnecessary criticism for our choices. So, why haven’t we done more open prompts?

Well, we actually have. When we first started, we were clear that if any ask we answered inspired anyone in any way, that we encouraged them to go for it! We took it out of our front page because no one has ever done it, so why keep it, you know? I’ve now added it back in case anyone actually takes note this time. Besides that, we’ve had two open prompts where we encourage people to join us in creating one shots, but you know what happened?

Only two people joined in. Two people each time. So, when we looked to expand the writing team, naturally they were at the top of the list, and that’s how Callie and Tammy were suckered into joining us.

To say that Bia, Suzi, and myself were shocked at the response of the lie detector challenge is an understatement. They were fired out quickly, and with such great quality to so many of them! It was fantastic to see, and we felt so heartened by it.

We’ve spoken, and yes, we’d like to do another open prompt soon because we loved seeing the wide range of responses we got. It was great fun for us, and there were so many variations, so many different love interests were included, it was all around a great idea (if I do say so myself).

I don’t want to think the worst, but this ask was a little off to me, and the timing of it coming after we posted to celebrate a massive milestone like 500 followers? We aren’t going to gatekeep an idea, anon, especially one that we didn’t have.

But what we are going to do is host more open prompts, but it won’t be frequent. As previously stated, we’re here to answer asks mainly, and we don’t want to broach on the reddit forums territory (even if they’re totally cool and we know they don’t mind).

One last note to say that if you wanted us to do more open prompts, that’s all you needed to say. We don’t know what your intentions were with the rest, but we hope you understand that, from our point of view, this does come across as a tad rude. It’s happenstance that we had similar ideas.

#litg writers room #miscellaneous #asks

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narcissasdaffodil · 1 year

Text

I posted 30,872 times in 2022

116 posts created (0%)

30,756 posts reblogged (100%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@alexseanchai

@thatwheelchairchick

@thechangeling

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I tagged 2,402 of my posts in 2022

#euphoria - 1,620 posts

#litg - 101 posts

#love island the game - 98 posts

#stranger things - 96 posts

#dailywomen - 91 posts

#strangerthingsedit - 85 posts

#litg fanfic - 79 posts

#litgs2 - 78 posts

#fanfic - 76 posts

#femaledaily - 71 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#like adoption is traumatic and community interrupting and gay people feeling entitled to children is part of the reason that's not known

My Top Posts in 2022:

This is my next October challenge fic, I’m combining the Flufftober and Fictober prompt lists. This one is for day 3 for @flufftober and @fictober-event

Tag list: @rebelrayne @bypine @ariendiel @starsarestars @thegarybible

14 notes - Posted October 13, 2022

Going back to my Lulecto and Marilecto roots with this one! To say that I’ve been pretty obsessed with Harry Styles’ new album is an understatement, it’s one of the albums I’ve been frequently playing lately. This one is a post Casa Amor oneshot, and is set on the day of Stick or Switch. There might be plans to write an Angisol oneshot after this one, but I’m not promising anything. August is also expected to be a heavy content month in terms of writing, so I’m very excited to be creating more.

Tag list: @ariendiel @adam-memeleri @bypine @follies-fixture @starsarestars @thegarybible

15 notes - Posted August 1, 2022

This is my next October challenge fic. This one is for Day 9 for @flufftober and @fictober-event

Tag list: @rebelrayne @bypine @ariendiel @starsarestars @thegarybible

16 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

This is my next October challenge fic, I’m combining the Flufftober and Fictober prompt lists. This one is for day 4 for @flufftober and @fictober-event

Tag list: @rebelrayne @bypine @ariendiel @starsarestars @thegarybible

17 notes - Posted October 18, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I’m Not In Love

S2 | Marisol/Lottie | 3.3k words

Read on A03 here

This is my submission for the @litgwritersroom lie detector prompt.

Marisol had been struggling to sleep properly ever since she coupled up with Graham, and this morning was no exception. She got herself a coffee and a plate of toast as she curled up on the roof terrace. The snoring was doing her head in, and it didn’t help that Graham also snored.

It didn’t help that things were rocky between her and Eira too. She had kissed the other girl the night before Casa Amor and acted on her crush on the other girl. She had felt brave, but seeing Graham at Casa Amor had made her retreat back into the closet again. She had pretended to be more confident in her sexuality than she actually was, and it had backfired on her majorly.

She was too caught up in the rush of having someone like her genuinely that she latched onto Graham easily. Maybe they weren’t the best match, but he liked her, or at least pretended to, well enough. She had discovered from Eira that Graham was using her , and the rumours had hurt their friendship. The other girl was far more comfortable in herself and her sexuality than Marisol, and it was difficult for her to manage.

She heard footsteps on the roof terrace, and looked up to see Lucas, a coffee and plate of toast in hand. She had got closer to Lucas after they had briefly been coupled up, and she saw him as a close friend.

“Mind if I sit with you? I can’t sleep.”

Marisol patted the bench next to her, she had a mouthful of toast, and he gave her a thumbs up.

Once she swallowed, she sighed. “Me neither… I thought I’d be happy with Graham, but I can’t get the rumour that he’s using me out of my head. If Eira wanted to hurt me for kissing her, she certainly achieved that.”

Lucas sighed. “Look, it’s not a rumour. He admitted to using you to get into the Villa. I’m genuinely sorry, you deserve better. As for Eira, well… she’s stuck with Bobby and is understandably frustrated about that…”

“So… she’s gone off at you, too? It’s not your fault that the public wanted to keep you and Angie safe. You two are a good couple, and I like Angie. She’s a great person, I’m happy for you two. And, Eira deserves better. She hasn’t forgiven him for Operation Nope, which I understand. He risked their relationship just to test Nope, and everything fell well and truly apart...” Marisol took a sip of coffee after her voice trailed off.

Lucas grimaced. “Not exactly… She was actually happy for me and Angie. And she wanted to leave with Kassam. She doesn’t see any point in being here, all of her couples have been dumpster fires. She’s fuming with Bobby for saving her. But I’m glad that you support us. You’re my closest friend in here, so it’s good to have your support.”

Marisol grimaced. “He was trying to make up for destroying their relationship, I suppose. It’s a shame it didn’t work. And I can relate to the couple troubles… If Graham’s really using me, I guess I deserve it, especially after Rocco too. I pushed Eira away, and didn’t listen to her when she said he was ‘too good to be true’.”

“You don’t deserve it. You’ve just made some mistakes, like we all have. And do you like Eira? You seem pretty focused on her.”

Marisol laughed loudly in response. “Well… I doubt she’d ever give me another chance. And I do, I have from the start. She’s got me wrapped around her little finger well and truly. But I’m too scared to go for it. My ex girlfriend was awful, and I don’t want to break myself into little pieces like that again. I can’t let myself.”

Lucas sighed. “There’s nothing wrong with trying. And maybe apologising to her for not believing her? It’s worth a try.”

Marisol heard flip flops on the roof terrace, and looked up to see Angie in her pyjamas. She was relieved it was her who had come to join them; she had hit it off with the other girl unexpectedly quickly. “Am I interrupting anything? I woke up and you had gone.”

“No, we just can’t sleep. The snoring seems to have gotten far worse lately. Graham, Noah and Lottie are foghorns combined together. And I regret picking him.” Marisol stuffed her mouth with the remains of her toast and swept the crumbs onto the floor to dodge conversation.

“Fair enough. Trouble in paradise, then? You’ll get through it, I believe in you.” Angie nudged Marisol’s arm as she sat next to her, and Marisol offered a wobbly smile.

“I… I just feel like it’s my fault that Eira lost Kassam. She genuinely liked the guy, yet they were in the bottom four couples and I somehow dodged the dumping with Graham, despite it being ‘blatantly obvious’ he was using me. She’s been avoiding me because of it. She did warn me about Graham, but I didn’t take her seriously…”

Angie patted Marisol’s shoulder. “It’s hardly fair you’re the only one taking the heat from her. She hasn’t discussed it with me once, apart from complimenting us as a couple. What drew you to him, anyway? It seems like a weird choice.”

“Apart from Rocco, he was the only one to show genuine interest in me. But Rocco was stringing all of the girls along anyway… It just felt good to be desired by someone, and the sex was okay, at least. But, there’s nothing special drawing me to him. And I don’t exactly like how he keeps calling into question my bisexuality. He did the same with Eira, but she wouldn’t stand for it, and quickly fired back at him. She’s got an inner strength that I don’t, and cares about people…” Marisol trailed off quickly when she realised she could quite easily list more things she admired about Eira than about Graham.

“You deserve someone better, who cares about you without strings attached. Sex that is just ‘okay’ doesn’t count. Let me guess, he gets himself off and doesn’t make much of an effort with you.”

Marisol blushed at Angie’s frankness. “Umm… Pretty much. I suppose the only person I can see that way is Eira. I can easily list things I notice about her, and things I admire about her. Like the way she stands up for people she cares about. She even stood up to Graham for me…”

Marisol tugged at her hair and took a sip of her coffee. It was freezing cold from how long she had let it sit, and she shuddered at the temperature. She felt herself float off, and blocked them out until she finished her icy cold coffee and went downstairs to wash up. As she washed up, she couldn’t stop thinking of Eira. She had picked up a lot from the vet quite quickly, most of it was cat related. Cats and ducks were two of her special interests, and Eira was one of the only people in the Villa she had told about her duck blog.

Once she was done washing up, she made her way into the bathroom. She found herself staring at her own reflection as she brushed her teeth. And in the shower, she kept getting lost in ways she could have handled this mess better. Her usual 5 minute shower lasted half an hour, until she heard people banging on the door for her to hurry up, and she quickly hopped out, wrapping a towel tight around her body and scooping up her pyjamas as she left.

She quickly got ready in the dressing room, and as she was about to leave, Angie squeezed her hand. “Wait for me. I won’t be long. I’ve enjoyed having someone to chat to.”

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18 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

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regensia · 1 year

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@sovereignxfae / K’in said . . .

It's late. They're cuddled up on the couch, under plush blankets. They argued at least three times today. Ended up brawling on the floor at least twice. All in the name of ego— of course.

So now they're tired, and K'in has successfully wrestled Vital into resting on them. They have sustained enough bruises on their ears to prove that it was a challenge.

Now they reap the rewards. Some movie playing on the tv that they forgot about. Hands snug under Vital's shirt; their hot skin relishing in the other's cooler temperature. Face pressed under his, blowing air onto his hair to hear him grumble and feel that tremor run through him.

Boredom and pure madness prompt them to touch their lips to his skin. Behind his ears, slowly mouthing at what they could reach between his swatting. Just another way to bother him, but they'll admit, watching his skin turn pink was a bit more than entertaining.

It continues for a while. K'in dodging Vital's lack luster hits before going back to nip his skin. Until suddenly, he turns, an icy glare settles on them.

He's going to argue, say some smartass bullshit. So they cut him short—grabbing his face and dragging him towards them.

It's awkward, and he's seething, but they don't let go. Licking into his mouth until it placates him. Then a little more until he isn’t actively fighting against their hold.

K'in find themselves in his lap before long. Panting within the inch of space they allowed.

He looks a little dazed. They sure they aren't much better, lower face damp with their enthusiasm.

“Heh.. kissed you silly.” They purposefully ignore the slur in their own words.

It was a familiar pattern, almost comfortable, the way he and K’in always defaulted to fighting and bickering, almost always over nothing in particular. Outside of a few topics, neither of them held particularly strong stances worth the serious arguments, or at least avoided them and instead chose the pettiest reasons to debate. It was almost fun, adding a new flavor to often monotonous days filled with obsessive work; K’in interrupted that pattern, as begrudgingly he would admit, and was even nice to have around from time to time. In the least, usually they brought snacks or something nice with them so he couldn’t really complain too much.

So when they were on the couch watching some bland drama that would’ve been resolved with a very simple lie detector test, Vital couldn’t help but squirm as hands had settled beneath his shirt, warm – which was usually appreciated – and at least low enough to not veer near the massive scars upon his chest and upper back. It took a pattern of wriggling, complaining, and being chided for them to finally settle in properly, though every now and then did he make a sound of irritation at the characters’ choices on screen, finding the melodrama so tedious. Why hadn’t they changed it yet? Before such thoughts could be volunteered however, he felt something soft and warm behind his ear, taking a moment to register that it was K’in’s lips.

“Hey! What’re you doing, you little shit?” Insults and protests were once more easy and automatic, just the same as any retaliation as he tried elbowing the other, feeling heat build up in his face in the classic pinkened hue of embarrassment. There was something else to it of course that he refused to acknowledge, that sensation only having intensified as he flipped around to properly fight only to have his face seized between hands and a tongue cut off his retorts.

When the hell had K’in gotten so bold?! This was such a far cry from their initial meeting in the grocery store where he attempted to make them squirm and uncomfortable, for now any attempts at verbal retaliation were drowned out and muffled by the meeting of their lips and more. Not often did he feel warm – yet now with K’in upon his lap was Vital becoming keenly aware of how toasty the spacious living room felt in such close proximity, and he wasn’t even sure how they had gotten to this point.

The matter of fact was that it was becoming increasingly difficult to think properly, his rival-slash-frienemy eliminating the ability to concentrate whilst fulfilling usually strongly-repressed desires for the simple intimacy of touch and more that he often denied himself. After all, it could be terrifying, getting close to someone.

Not that it mattered anymore; they were more than close by this extent, almost uncertain hands moving to settle upon the other, one hand on K’in’s back and the other upon their shoulder. Mercifully ( and somehow tragically ) did they part at last, both breathless from the session, and before Vital could formulate his response to this all, there it was: a teasing jest. Fully red in the face by this point, he frowned, wet and reddened lips pulled into a pout and amethyst eyes narrowed. He didn’t really have a good comeback lined up for this.

“... you play dirty.”

#sovereignxfae #✸ ANSWERED. ( VITAL. )#✸ ARGUMENTS FROM THE HEART. ( VITAL. / K'IN. ) SOVEREIGNXFAE #kyu you're doing gods work fulfilling that one post i made about making out LMAOO bless u

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ilovemesomekillianjones · 3 years

Text

In the Still of the Night

Here is my contribution for the Captain Swan Neverland New Year event! You guys, I am so excited to be writing again!!!! Thank you @xhookswenchx for beta reading this baby for me. Kudos to the mods of @neverlandnewyear for thinking up and putting together this treasure that is Captain Swan in Neverland. Tag list at the end, please let me know if you ever want to be removed or added.

Summary: Set after Henry is safe (no Pan switch) but before the gang is able to leave Neverland. When Emma is woken in the still of the night, from dreams of a devilishly handsome pirate captain, she decides she needs a midnight swim to cool off. In which Hook and a daringly open Emma have a meeting of the mind, body, and soul.

Rated M 8K ao3 ffnet Story under the cut, promise

It was the middle of the night when Emma woke, a sweltering, sweaty mess. “Why is this island so fucking hot,” she muttered into the darkness. Having a lascivious dream about Hook had absolutely naught to do with her elevated temperature, it was undoubtedly this goddamn jungle. Now that Pan had been conquered, and Henry was safe, Emma found she was having an increasingly difficult time keeping the smoldering, blue-eyed pirate off of her mind. She needed to get back to Storybrooke, back to some semblance of normalcy... or whatever. She silently cursed Gold for not having found a way to get her father home safely yet.

Ripping the covers from her body, she got up from her bunk below Henry’s and checked on him. Seeing that he was sound asleep, she headed topside. The deck of the Jolly Roger was blessedly deserted. Emma leaned against the railing, looking toward the vast jungle that was Neverland and she shuddered despite the hot, humid air that surrounded her. The shudder wasn’t due to the jungle itself. Since they’d defeated Pan, Hook had shown the group many of the island’s hidden beauties. He had stories for every spot he showed them, some hilarious, some melancholy, some quite ordinary, and others downright terrifying. There were quaint trails, refreshing springs and ponds, fascinating wildlife and vibrant plant life. It was actually quite a dream destination when a maniacal man-boy wasn’t playing psycho.

No, it wasn’t the jungle causing that shudder. She couldn’t get that goddamn kiss off her mind. Emma bit her lip as she reminisced about the way his lips had caressed hers, the way his tongue had slipped into her mouth hungrily but also tenderly. A one-time thing, she’d told Hook. Now if she could just maintain that lie, because that’s what it had been. She really needed Gold to find a way to magic David’s health back so they could get off this god forsaken island already.

She decided that the time for sleep was past, she was wide awake now, with thoughts of that damn pirate. A midnight dip would be ideal, especially while everyone was asleep. Emma left the Jolly Roger and headed toward the secluded pond that Hook had shown them. Once they’d no longer had to worry about being attacked, they’d created a regular schedule for bathing, so everyone had their own time. Luckily, no one’s time was right now.

Traversing quietly through the jungle, Emma admired the beauty around her. The greenery was lush, the effulgent dew made it seem more alive than any plants she’d ever been around. The blossoms surrounding the path were some of the largest she’d ever seen - they were dazzling pinks and oranges. She wondered if she had missed all this in her haste, fatigue, and desperation while finding Henry, or if the jungle had only come to life since the man-child was no more.

She followed the trail Hook had shown them, until she came upon the pond that was shrouded below an overhang at the base of what Hook had referred to as Dead Man’s Peak. The name hadn’t initially inspired comfort in the group, but when David explained to them that the water at the top of the peak was what had cured him, their perspectives changed. Emma swore there must be some restorative properties here at the base because she always felt rejuvenated when emerging from the water.

Stripping as soon as she broke the tree line, she discarded her clothes beneath a tree along the sandy shoreline. Her flesh pebbled as it met the open air, and she felt a freeness as she walked to the water’s edge. She dipped her toes in tentatively, knowing the water would be agreeable as always. Emma was immersed thigh deep before diving down below the surface and swimming toward the middle.

The water sluiced around her body soothingly while she held her breath as long as she could, before breaking the surface. Emma pushed her hair back then ran her hands over her face before opening her eyes. She enjoyed this spot, a sandbar of sorts, deep enough to cover her body, shallow enough that she could still reach, and far enough from all surrounding shore should anyone happen upon her.

The silence that enveloped her was serene and she looked up at the star filled sky. A shooting star floated across the heavens, but just as Emma was about to make a wish, the water beside her opened up as something emerged. The scream that started to bubble up from deep within her, as a hundred thoughts filled her mind on what unimaginable Never-beast this could be, was cut off by a voice she was not expecting to hear.

“Evening Swan!”

“Jesus Christ, Hook!” Emma gasped. Thank god she was in shoulder deep water. “Wait, did you… were you watching when I… you know,” she asked while motioning toward her body.

“Did I what?” Hook asked, genuine confusion furrowing his brow.

“Did you see me undressing?”

“You wound me, Swan… I would never!”

“Oh, tonight you’re the gentleman?”

“I told you, I am always a gentleman,” he claimed in a rich tone as he took a step closer to her. “Spying on a lady as she undresses would be unthinkably bad form.”

“Then where the hell were you?”

“I was underwater.”

“For the whole time?” she asked disbelievingly.

“Aye. I’m a pirate, love, when you live a life on the water, it’s best you be able to hold your breath for longer than the average landlubber. Never know when you might find yourself keelhauled.”

“Landlubber,” Emma scoffed, “I can hold my breath just fine.”

“I’ve no doubt you can, just not as long as meself,” he smirked.

Emma narrowed her eyes at the challenge in his tone. What was it about this man that had her wanting to comply with his every whim? She’d held her breath for as long as she could when she dove into the water, if he’d been under from the time she’d stripped until he popped up to interrupt her wish, that had to be like two full minutes? No way, she thought, he must have come up for air while she was under.

“Bet I can,” she challenged back.

“Is that so?” Hook asked, crowding her a little more, eyebrow cocked in interest. “And just what are the terms of this bet?”

If ever asked under oath, Emma would swear his eyebrows spoke a language all their own. “If I win, I get the Captain’s quarters,” Emma replied, crossing her arms over her chest smugly - as if she’d already won.

“I told you before, Swan, you and the lad should have my quarters.”

“I don’t want it given to me, I want to take it from you.”

“Fine,” he sighed, “such a stubborn lass. And if I win?”

“You tell me,” Emma said with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Hmmmm,” he hummed, as the tip of his tongue swept along his bottom lip. “How about…” he continued, tapping his pointer finger to his lips.

Emma leaned toward him with anticipation as he pondered the terms to set.

“I get to ask you any question I want.”

“Seriously?” Emma sputtered, head tilting to the side, it was rhetorical at best, not an actual question. “You’re taking this gentleman schtick a little over the top. I thought you’d want me to flash my tits or another kiss?”

“I told you, love, I am always a gentleman, and as such, I would never want to take a kiss from you in victory, I want it given to me, willingly. I want you to want it as much as I do.”

Emma blushed as he spoke, damn him for being a chivalrous pirate. “Whatever,” Emma muttered, “I’m winning this bet anyway.”

“So, we have an accord?” he questioned, holding out his hand for her to shake.

“Deal,” Emma said, shaking his hand. “How will we know no one cheated?”

“I do have a code, Swan,” Hook scoffed, “pillaging and plundering, yes; swashbuckling, yes; swindling beautiful maidens, never.” He held his hand over his heart as if he were making a pledge.

Emma smiled at the actual drama queen standing before her, laughing lightly, it felt good. “Okay, so how are we doing this thing?” Hook held up his hand like he was about to take an actual oath, and Emma was half inclined to high-five him, though she was sure that was not his intent.

“Take my hand then,” he prompted, nodding his head toward his hand. Once her fingers were laced with his, he explained that he would count to three and they’d both submerge to the bottom, first one up was the loser, and the winner would know, because the loser would release the winner’s hand to reach the surface for air.

On three they submerged, and Emma could not see a thing. Hook was inches from her, and the only indication was his hand in hers. Feeling the comfort of his grasp in the eerily dark abyss, she pondered over the fact that she’d interlocked their fingers, instead of just holding hands palm in palm. She really needed off this island, she couldn’t be falling for him. Life was too hard for a relationship. Or was it really too hard, the rarely heard from, softer side of Emma Swan’s mind butted in. It could be so easy, this voice told her.

When Hook had told her that he would win her heart without any trickery, Emma’s heart had beat a little stronger just for him, she’d wanted to pull him into her arms to make out right there. Alas, there had still been the issue of her beloved child to save.

Would it really be so bad to let Hook try to win her heart though? He truly was a gentleman, a pirate scoundrel sometimes too, but it was part of his charm. Plus, her lie detector said that everything he’d told her regarding how he felt about her, about what the kiss exposed, it was all true.

Emma’s mind wandered back to Storybrooke, to what it might be like to have someone who understood her, someone who was like her, to spend time with. The squeeze he gave her hand at that moment had her picturing what it might be like to walk through town with him, hand in hand. Was that even something she could still do, be that vulnerable, for the world to see her care for a man? She’d been on her own for so long, independent; free from any man who could hold her heart with the possibility of crushing it.

Suddenly she felt dizzy, head spinning and heart pounding loudly in her ears. Had she held her breath too long, or were her outlandish imaginings too much for her stoic heart? Releasing Hook’s hand, Emma rose to the surface and gulped in the air. Pushing water and hair from her face, she panted deeply. She wondered how long they’d been down there already as Hook continued his underwater mission. Leave it to him to not only win, but really show her up.

A full minute later, Emma began to worry. Unless she’d been down there an inordinately short amount of time, he’d been under for at least two and a half minutes. Was that even possible? Had he passed out in his endeavor to “best her”? She started to actually worry for his health when another thirty seconds passed.

“Goddammit Hook, where are you?” she muttered.

“Miss me, love?”

“Oh, goddammit!” she yelled as she flailed so hard, she was pretty sure she’d just flashed her breasts unwittingly. The bastard wasn’t even out of breath when he popped up right in front of her. “Stop doing that,” she laughed as she pushed his chest. “Why’d you stay down so long, you big showoff?”

“On the contrary, I could feel you thinking down there, the amount of body language just in your hand told me you were contemplating some things. I merely wished to give you enough time to escape, should this game have become too much for you.”

“Escape?” she scoffed.

“Now, now, Swan - we both know of your affinity to run,” he said lightly, no accusations or contempt in his voice.

“Says the pirate who sailed away when asked to be a part of something,” Emma retorted.

“I came back, didn’t I?” he questioned with a raised eyebrow. “You, on the other hand, left me to be eaten by a giant atop that beanstalk.”

“You’re so dramatic,” she laughed. “I made a deal with Anton to release you after ten hours, I just needed a head start, in case you…” Emma’s voice lowered to a whisper, not wanting to voice her early assumptions about his motives and intentions.

“In case I betrayed you,” Hook finished.

“Sorry,” she whispered, looking straight into his eyes, imploring him to believe the sincerity of her words. Although she’d had her reasons at the time, it didn’t make her feel less terrible now.

“Long forgiven, milady,” he whispered in turn. Then, in the next breath, he was back to the cocky pirate she knew. “Now, I do believe I won, and per our accord, you owe me the fee of one truth.”

“Congratulations,” Emma offered, extending her hand to shake, “you won, fair and square.” No trickery, she thought. Then she crossed her arms over her chest, which was still underwater, so it didn’t make her look menacing at all as she jutted out her chin and raised both eyebrows in a silent challenge to do his worst.

“Why thank you, Swan. Hmmm, what shall I ask you?” he spoke, as if pondering his many choices. “There are truly so many things I wish to learn about you, I want to know everything, really.”

Emma’s eyebrows lowered as a shy smile crept over her face. It was stupid, she knew, but having this man before her, admit that he wants to know everything about her made her feel… cherished, adored, wanted. It was a foreign feeling after so many years of being alone. “Well, you only get one free question,” she said, trying to deflect the saccharine sweet feelings he was stirring within her.

"Pity, that, but I do remember the terms of our agreement. I do have one question picked out that I simply must know the answer to, before I endeavor to learn more. Fair warning, I may not have an Emma Swan internal lie detector,” he said as he leaned in closer to her, “but as I told you before, you are a bit of an open book, so I’ll know if you’re twisting the truth.”

“I would never,” Emma objected dramatically, holding a hand over her heart as he had so often done when feigning injury to his pride.

“Good,” he replied, taking a step even closer. “Then tell me, love, when you said our kiss was a one time thing, did you mean it? And if you did mean it when you said it, do you feel the same now?”

His close proximity was making her feel a little less confident than the facade she was putting on, but Emma didn’t break the heady eye contact he’d made, a beautiful shade of blue, looking into her, reading her. And how was the kohl that rimmed his eyes unaffected by the water? She might have to pillage some of that from him, it put her realm’s cosmetics to shame. God he was gorgeous as the moonlight shined down on them, she’d never noticed the hint of red to the scruff along his sharp jawline. “That’s two questions,” she murmured breathily as she thought of nibbling along that jawline.

“Shall I rephrase?”

“Oh, the hell with it, I never meant it,” she confessed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her bare chest against his and kissing him soundly.

As their lips collided hungrily, over and over, Emma was pretty sure she heard Hook mumbling thanks to the gods. She felt a little of that same relief, as she finally admitted that denying herself this thing that she wanted was ridiculous now that everyone was safe. Running her fingers through his thick hair, she gave it a little tug, angling his head so she could deepen the kiss. The groan he elicited was sinful and it kind of made Emma want to rub herself all over him.

Instead she ran her other hand over his chest, deciding to take her time, she’d wanted to feel that chest hair since the first time she’d seen it proudly on display. It wasn’t quite what she expected since they were both wet and it was matted to his chest. She smirked when he jumped, his hand tightening involuntarily in her hair as she ran a thumb over his nipple.

“A little sensitive, Captain?” she teased, looking up at him through her long lashes.

“Aye,” Hook chuckled, “‘s been awhile.”

It’d been a long dry spell for her as well. And it’d been even longer since feeling any true emotion when with a man. It had merely been scratching an itch for so long that she was a little scared what this all meant. The tingling, unadulterated want she felt in every nerve of her body far outweighed the fear though. “Touch me,” she whispered as she wrapped both arms around his waist.

“Bloody Hell, you’ll be the death of me, woman,” he muttered as he kissed her once more. He wrapped his good arm around her and pulled her in close. Trailing a path from her mouth to her ear, he bit gently on her lobe, and it was his turn to smirk as a shiver ran through Emma’s entire body. “Would you be opposed to taking this back on land?”

“We just got clean, I don’t want sand in every crack and crevice,” she giggled while wrinkling her nose.

“Aye, that would be less than optimal,” Hook agreed, “though the place I have in mind won’t get your nether regions sandy.”

“What’s wrong with right here, right now?” Emma challenged. She was pulled up short when Hook’s cheeks went pink and he scratched behind his ear as he did so often when he was feeling slightly unsure of himself. Truth be told, Emma found it cute, although she’d never tell him that, she doubted the fearsome pirate captain wanted cute to be correlated to his reputation.

“It’s just, I’d rather…”

Brushing the hair from his forehead, Emma smoothed her thumb over the worry line that creased his brow. “What’s wrong?” she asked. When he made no attempt to answer, Emma decided to employ his own tactics against him. “Try something new, Hook. It’s called trust.”

Emma internally cheered as one of Hook’s mega watt smiles overtook his face. The smile that showed those adorable (another word she was sure he would not want associated with him) dimples, and crinkled the corners of his eyes.

“Touché lass,” he conceded, “I’d rather be able to have use of all my appendages.”

Emma raised an eyebrow, gazing very obviously in the direction of his most manly appendage. “Ummm, it felt like it was working just fine to me.”

“Christ, Swan,” he chuckled, “I assure you, everything is ready, willing, and able in that department. I’d like my hook.”

Emma’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she thought, not for the first time, about what that hook would feel like against her heated skin.

“It’s okay, love, if it repulses you, I can just wear the brace without the hook.”

Emma shook her head, a frown downturning her brows and her lips, “Stop-”

“But I assure you,” Hook continued without letting Emma speak, “if the hook repulses you, the wound will surely-”

Emma’s hand over his mouth was more effective in shutting him up. “Stop it,” she demanded, “right now.”

Hook was a little taken aback by being commanded by the fiery version of Emma, he’d seen her fiery side before, and he liked it, he liked every part of her. He wasn’t taken aback by her fire, rather he wasn’t used to being bossed around. He was the boss. But as he stood there, with her hand over his mouth, he realized he’d follow her orders any day.

“Do you think I’m unaware that you don’t have a left hand?”

Hook shook his head in the negative, since her hand was still covering his mouth.

“Do you think I’m so shallow as to be repulsed by your hook or your brace or your wound?”

Hook took longer to answer this time, contemplating what he’d said and what she was asking. He supposed his words may have left room for misinterpretation. Slowly shaking his head no again, Emma removed her hand from his mouth.

“Good,” she stated simply, reaching for his left wrist before he even realized she'd made a move.

His head spun when he felt Emma’s touch upon his scarred flesh and his knee-jerk reaction was to pull away from her grasp. He struggled to find the words through the haze. “It was not my intent to imply you are shallow, Emma. It is my own reticence.”

“Trust me,” she whispered as she took his left wrist again. Wrapping both of her hands around his forearm and blunt wrist. Emma repeated the words comfortingly as she placed the arm he was so ashamed of between her breasts and held it there, where he could feel her heart beating.

“Your hook, your brace, or just this,” she squeezed his wrist, “has no bearing on how I feel about you. I care about you, Hook.” Her voice sounded shaky, even in her own ears. “You came back for me, you helped save my son, you make me feel wanted, you make me feel good about being me.” Removing one hand from his damaged skin, Emma wrapped it around the back of his neck and pulled his forehead to hers before closing her eyes and continuing. “I’m not ready for this part, and I apologize, because that is my hang up.”

“Hang up?” he questions.

“A simpleton’s way of saying reticence,” she answers with a small smile before continuing. “I hate words, they make things real, and messy, and although I mean everything I’m saying, that’s all I can handle right now. Please just…” she inhaled sharply as she tried to articulate her plea to let this be enough.

“I understand,” he whispered, voice just as shaky as Emma’s. He placed his hand on her cheek, lovingly caressing the softness of her lower lip. “And I do trust you, love.” He pecked her lips once before continuing. “I know you don’t like words, that much was clear from the start,” he said with a knowing smile and another peck to her lips, “but I’d like to respond, if you’re amenable?”

Emma nodded her head, eyes still closed, still reeling from her own confessions.

Hook kissed her gently again before prodding her to open her eyes. “I want you to see the truth of my words.”

Emma inhaled deeply, then opened her eyes to look at him. She bit her lip, a nervous habit from her teen years, as she waited for his words.

“I want to be the one to bite this lip,” Hook growled, as he used his thumb to massage her lip from her teeth.

“Truth,” Emma giggled despite herself, nodding to let him know her lie detector was working.

Hook waggled his eyebrows and smirked at her, before resuming his more resolute demeanor. “I have never felt more naturally drawn to a woman than I do with you. Your fire and passion brought my dormant heart back to life, and for the first time in decades upon decades, I want to be a better version of myself, a version that has been long forgotten, the old Killian Jones who was an honorable man, with good intentions, and hope in his heart, not revenge.”

“You may have lost your way for a time, but you’re still an honorable man, Killian.”

“Gods above,” Hook murmured as he wrapped both arms around Emma and pulled her into nothing more than a loving embrace. He was in love with her, but now was not the time. Emma would undoubtedly run if any grand declarations were made. He hadn’t felt this vulnerable maybe ever and he longed to hear her call him by his given name again.

“Emma? Hook?! What the hell?”

Emma froze in Hook’s embrace as the familiar, and annoying, and currently very judgmental voice sounded from the shore.

“Bollocks,” Hook cursed. “How shall we handle this, darling?”

“Can we just pretend he’s not there,” she deadpanned, face still buried in her neck, trying to keep reality at bay.

“Somehow I doubt that will work, but you are The Savior, you could give it a go.”

Emma sighed deeply before turning around in Hook’s arms, her back to his chest, so she could face their interloper. She placed her hands over his hand and wrist where they were wrapped around her waist. It was still dark as she faced Neal, so hopefully he wouldn’t see the eyeroll she’d just given him when she saw this silhouette of his hands on his hips like some outraged father.

“Good morning, Neal,” she called to the shore cheerfully. “I must have lost track of time, I didn’t realize it was already your shift for bathing.”

“It’s not,” he muttered, “it’s still the middle- not the fucking point,” he interrupted himself. “It’s not your shift either, what the hell are you doing out here?”

As much as Emma wanted to tell Neal that she and Hook were doing exactly what he assumed they were doing, she abstained. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” she snapped.

“It is my business,” he snarled back, “we’re supposed to be here for Henry.”

“Don’t you dare!” Emma started, voice rising with rightfully earned indignation. “We came here to save Henry who is now safe and sound aboard the Jolly, but the reason we are here is because your deranged fiancée dragged him through a portal to sacrifice him to a madman.”

“So you’re just going to throw away any chance of rekindling what we had, of being a family with Henry; so you can get laid by a dirty pirate.”

Emma pulled Hook’s arms around her tighter, keeping him anchored to her when she felt him start to pull away. She didn’t need these two getting into it again.

“Oi! I bathe quite frequently, mate,” Hook quipped. “I was doing so when Swan and I happened upon each other.”

“Shut up, Hook,” Neal retorted.

“The one good thing that came from us, was Henry, but our relationship is long over. There is nothing to rekindle,” Emma sighed. She didn’t want to be mean, but she needed Neal to understand that she wanted nothing to do with him romantically. And she was not going to be lectured by the man who’d already blown up her life once. “Maybe one day, you and I can be friends for Henry’s sake, but that is the most we will ever be.”

“Ems, you don’t mean that. You’re under his thrall, it’s not real.”

Emma completely ignored the bait, choosing instead to stop this exchange in its tracks. “Hook and I are kind of busy,” she said with a lighthearted tone, while turning back around to face Hook. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she called over her shoulder, ”If there’s nothing else, we’ll see you later.”

“You mark my words Emma, when he abandons you after taking what he wants, you’re going to look back and regret this moment.”

“He’s stuck around through more shit than you ever did,” she called back, looking straight into Hook’s eyes.

Properly dismissed, Neal stormed off, muttering curses the whole way.

Emma dropped her head to Hook’s chest, exhaling with relief. “That felt good,” she said.

“Well done, lass, though I’ve yet to see you fail, so I am not surprised Baelfire is no match for you. But perhaps we should make our way back as well,” Hook suggested. “I do believe he will be stirring the pot, come morning. You may want to be there to head off the storm.”

“I don’t care if he goes back to tell everyone, it’s not like it’s a lie, and at least this way, they will know we’re safe, and not missing. With any luck, we’ll be left alone for a bit,” she purred.

“Are you sure your parents will approve of you spending time with a dirty, one-handed pirate with a drinking problem?”

Emma’s head jerked up and she eyed him scrutinously. “First, you need to get Pan and Neal out of your head. Second, the only person who gets to decide who I spend my time with, or how I spend it, is me. And third, how do you know I don’t want you to be dirty,” she teased as she took command of his mouth with her own.

Not giving him a chance to think further, Emma quickly kissed him again. She slid her tongue past his lips, rolling it against Hook’s, who was quick to reciprocate. She wrapped her lips around his tongue and sucked on it, eliciting one of the sexiest noises she’d ever heard. It was half growling and half begging for more. The buoyancy helped him to easily lift her and she instinctively surrounded his body with her legs.

Hook broke the kiss, in favor of exploration. His hot mouth trailed down Emma’s neck, licking here and nibbling there, never too rough, he didn’t wish to mark her, at least not where it would be visible. He palmed one of her breasts with his hand while running his thumb over her already pebbled peak. “Gods you are perfect,” he murmured before taking her other breast in his mouth and alternating between gently suckling and the graze of his teeth.

Emma moaned softly in pleasure and torment as Hook worked her up, her clit throbbed and she longed to feel his hand or his mouth between her legs. Grabbing a fistful of his hair, she pulled his head back and gazed into his eyes, want and desire evident in her pupils which were blown wide and the way her tongue licked salaciously over her bottom lip before she bit down on it.

She unwrapped her legs from around Hook’s torso, in favor of standing again. Sliding her hands down his back, she squeezed his ass cheeks before pressing her body against his. “I want you,” she whispered when she felt his hardness against her stomach. Emma reached between them to wrap her hand around his thick length.

“Swan,” Hook choked out, pulling her hand gently away from his overly eager cock. “I really don’t want this to be over before it starts.”

Emma smiled knowingly, the very thought of making him come early amping up her need. “Okay, you lead,” she agreed.

“Come with me.” Hook led her toward the far end of the pond, which was actually far larger than she’d realized. They rounded a large looming rock which cloaked the entrance to a small cave by the shore.

“You just know all the secret spots, don’t you?”

“I discovered many hiding spots over the years I spent on this cursed island,” Hook acknowledged. “I usually walk to this side of the water’s edge to deposit all my belongings before bathing. One can never be too safe with the keeping of his hook.” Extending his hand to Emma, he led her out of the water and into the shelter.

They entered far enough to have a little privacy, but not so far as to be pitched in blackness. Hook pulled her over to a natural, rock-formed shelf. “Do you want a towel, milady? Perhaps my shirt?”

“I want you,” Emma growled, yanking on his hand and pulling him flush against her body and attacking his mouth again.

“Mmmm, as you wish,” he uttered between ardent kisses.

Emma whined when he broke away from her again, “Hook!”

“Patience, darling,” he teased. Then he quickly grabbed his jacket and his towel, laying first the jacket down on the cave floor, followed by the towel. “So you don’t get sand in every crack and crevice,” he advised with a mock bow.

Emma laughed at his naked bow before tackling him to the makeshift bed and straddling his hips. She wove the fingers of her left hand with his right, and wrapped her other hand around his wrist before pinning them above his head.

She didn’t miss the way he jumped when she embraced his wrist, a fleeting look of helplessness crossing over his face. She kissed him softly, tenderly, wanting to calm his nerves about his perceived flaw. When she felt his body relax against hers, she started to trail kisses across the line of his jaw before veering back up to his ear. “Has anyone ever told you, you are beyond gorgeous?” she whispered before sucking his earlobe into her mouth.

“I tell myself this all the time, but it does sound much lovelier on your luscious lips.”

“These lips?” Emma asked, sitting up just slightly and running her tongue along her bottom lip.

“Aye, the very ones,” Hook struggled to get out of her hold, as he tried leaning up to taste her lips.

Emma kept a firm hold on him though, enjoying this little bit of control. She could feel his cock against her ass, hard for her, twitching each time she nibbled and sucked at his skin. She continued to trail kisses downward, along his neck, across his pecs. His hips thrusted upwards when she bit down on his nipple and flicked her tongue over the sensitive flesh. “Patience,” she mimicked his earlier command.

Hook’s melodramatic exhale made her giggle as she scooted further down his body, gently rubbing her wet core along his cock. “Bloody hell!” Hook cursed while deftly flipping them over.

“Don’t you want to see what else these luscious lips can do?” she asked with a wicked grin.

“Gods above, I do. But I swear you will unman me the moment you wrap your lips around me.”

Emma smirked at him, eyes alight with lust.

“You little minx, you like that idea don’t you?”

“Maybe,” she admitted, a confession really, despite the ambiguity of the answer. She’d already resumed stroking him.

“Fuck,” Hook hissed at her touch. He was torn between his ego needing to pleasure her first and his baser instincts demanding he let her do her worst.

Emma watched Hook, saw him struggle with the decision, his eyes squeezing shut when she ran her thumb over his tip. Without waiting for his answer, Emma rolled them back over and licked from his base to his tip before sucking the head of his cock into her mouth while continuing to pump him.

Her clit ached as she reveled in the wrecked expression on his face, Hook was watching her every move, lip pinned between his teeth as he struggled to hold out. She knew he was close when his hand balled into a white knuckled fist on his stomach and she gently cupped his balls to massage them. The sound that left his mouth was positively feral as he came hard, warm and wet in her mouth.

She savored the moment, he hadn’t lasted long, and she’d been the one to do that to him. But that was all she had, a fleeting moment before she was being rolled to her back.

Hook held her in his blunted arm and dove in for a kiss, not caring at all that his taste was still on her tongue. He smiled against her lips when he felt her spreading her legs beneath him. “Eager, are we?” he asked between kisses.

“Don’t tease,” she panted into his mouth.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Hook slowly caressed his hand down her neck, stopping to play with her breasts for just a moment before continuing down to where he knew she was desperate to be touched. He parted her lips with two fingers and slid his middle finger into the warm wetness waiting for him. “Gods, Swan, you’re soaked.” His cock was already coming back to life as he thought about sliding into her wet heat.

Emma’s eyes rolled shut as Hook massaged her clit with her slippery wetness and any response she could’ve made was forgotten. Her mouth parted with an involuntary whimper when he switched it up, suddenly, but oh so easily slipping two fingers deep inside her. She contracted around his fingers, then pushed down, welcoming the penetration.

Hook fucked her with his fingers, circling his thumb over her clit, while watching her cheeks flush pink and her breasts bounce as she rode his hand. Longing to taste her, he repositioned himself between her legs, chuckling at her whine of protest when he had to stop for a moment.

“Oh fuck,” she panted when he resumed loving her clit, this time with his tongue. He alternated between licks and flicks and sucking. Emma’s head spun dizzily, she’d experienced oral sex, but apparently she had never experienced mind blowing oral sex. She threaded both hands into his hair and tried desperately not to be too rough. “Oh my god, I’m gonna… I’m gonna…”

Hook chose that moment to thrust his fingers back inside her and Emma was gone, she came harder than she ever had, warm and tingly and wet as Hook continued to thrust his fingers into her and suck on her clit. She saw stars or dots or something behind her eyelids and there was a rush of waves nearby, or maybe that was just the adrenaline coursing in her ears. The little aftershocks pulsing and throbbing in her clit were heavenly and oh my god, that was fucking amazing, she thought.

“Get up here,” she purred, pulling on his hair.

“It seems someone was just as primed as I was,” Hook smirked as he slid back up the length of her body.

Emma silenced his smugness by wrapping her legs around waist and flipping him to his back. The rush of air that left Hook’s chest made her chuckle as she placed her hands on his cheeks and whispered to him between kisses. “Well, you’re very, very skilled,” she praised.

“You set the bar very high, love.”

Emma beamed at his compliment, her cheeks warming. She wasn’t sure what it was about this man that made her feel unlike she’d ever felt with another man. Like she was special and desired, it made her feel sexually free in a way she never had. Sitting astride Hook’s solid body, she caressed her hands along his chest, exploring his now dry chest hair, it was just as thick and glorious as she’d imagined.

Emma could see the scars littering his flesh and she’d felt more when they’d been in the water and her hands had explored the expanse of his back. She wondered how rough his life had been to have this many physical scars. Her heart constricted a bit at that thought, especially already knowing he had just as many emotional scars as she did. She was both taken aback and a little frightened when she realized she wanted to know so much more about Hook. Maybe it was time to stop running from good things, Emma thought, her mind once again weighing the pros and cons of a relationship. Her train of thought was lewdly interrupted by a thrust of Hook’s hips, his hardness tapping at her back.

“Ready so soon, pirate,” she said in a husky tone while rising up on her knees and guiding him to her core. She ran the tip of his cock through her wet folds, both of them moaning with unadulterated lust.

“Fuck yes,” he growled, thrusting his hips upward again.

Emma cried out as his tip slipped inside her, a wave of arousal pooling and her belly tightening with want. She slid down his generous length, slowly savoring the drag against her slippery walls. She planted both hands on his chest and stilled her movements when he was fully seated, adjusting to his size.

“You alright, love?” Hook asked, squeezing her hip gently while he circled his thumb over her hip bone.

She nodded her head and opened her eyes, which she didn’t realize she’d shut, to gaze down at the gorgeous man below her. “You feel good,” she praised, lifting her hips and sinking back down on to him. Emma set a languid pace, delighting in the sensation of fucking, the drag along her walls, angling herself so he hit that spot.

“That’s it, lass, take what you want,” Hook encouraged as Emma rode him; slowly at first, then building in pace as her cheeks flushed and a light sheen of sweat broke out across her forehead. He wished, not for the first time tonight, to be able to touch her with two hands. He encouraged her to touch her breasts as he changed course to play with her clit.

Emma’s thighs began to burn as she worked to bring them both to that sweet edge of release, and the delicious friction between them built higher and higher. She palmed her breasts, tweaking her nipples and watched as Hook thumbed her clit in time with her thrusts. His hooded eyes roamed her body, and he bit down on his lip as he watched his cock disappear inside her heat over and over. She liked watching him watch her and the small grunts he gave each time she impaled herself and ground against him were hot. Emma found herself at the edge of bliss again and she whimpered as Hook began thrusting up into her.

Hook was having a hard time controlling his ardor, he wanted to flip them and plunge deeply into her. She was a vision, flushed pink, sweaty, breasts bouncing as she rode him to the edge. And then he heard her...

“Come with me, Killian,” she panted.

...and he was undone. The plea in her tone as she said his name and the massage of her walls against his cock as she began to come, ended him. He came hard and hot with a cry of her name, filling her with his seed until it began to spill as she continued to ride him through both of their releases.

As euphoria traveled throughout her body, Emma slumped into Hook’s body. She’d never felt so gratified as her entire being thrummed with bliss. Hook turned them to their sides and kissed her fervently. Wrapping both her arms around him, Emma gave as good as she got, their tongues and lips engaging lovingly. She lost track of all time as they lay together, parting only when they needed breath. “That was-”

Hook covered her mouth much as she had covered his earlier. “Don’t,” he whispered with a pleading look in his eyes.

Emma wrapped her fingers around his palm and removed his hand, giggling quietly. “I didn’t mean it the first time, and I damn sure wouldn’t mean it this time,” she assured him, noting how his shoulders sagged in relief. “I was going to say that was amazing… brilliant,” she murmured into his ear.

Hook chuckled, remembering the time he’d said those words to her. “Aye, Swan, we still make quite the team.”

Emma could only smile at the seamless harmony that flowed between them. And she kissed him once more before snuggling into him.

As a sated exhaustion made itself known in her body, Emma rejoiced that it was still dark outside of the cave. A vigorous yawn and stretch wracked her body, and Killian chuckled lightly again.

“Did I wear you out?”

Emma laughed as the same yawn tore through Hook, no sooner had he spoken his teasing words. “I think we wore each other out,” she snickered.

“Aye lass, I believe you’re right. How about we get washed up and head back to the Jolly? I’ll give you the captain’s quarters, even though you lost.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Brag much?”

“What is the fun in winning a wager if I cannot gloat?”

“Such a pirate,” she muttered before rolling him to his back again. “How about we share the captain’s quarters?”

“Deal,” Hook accepted without hesitation.

A half hour later, they were standing in the cave, bathed, and mostly dressed, Hook had gone to get Emma’s clothes for her from the opposite shoreline.

“Shall we?” Hook asked, offering Emma his hand. He frowned when she made no attempt to move.

“I’d rather…” she started, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“Ah, I understand,” Hook said, quickly understanding. “Shall we head back in separate directions? Or perhaps, I’ll just stay here for a bit and come back later in the morning.”

Emma rolled her eyes again, this time with a bit of frustration, as she placed her hands on her hips. “That is not what I was going to say.”

Hook raised an eyebrow in question, waiting for her to explain.

“Has nothing I’ve said tonight gotten through to you? Or did that mind blowing sex make you forget?” She took his heavier than expected leather duster from where he had it draped over his arm and turned around to lay it out on the cave floor.

Turning to face Hook again, she cupped his face in both hands. “Let’s recap, I like how you make me feel, I’m not worried about everyone finding out, best oral ever, sensational sex, no running away. I fancy you, Killian.” Emma finished her statement with a gentle kiss.

The gobsmacked look on Hook’s face made her laugh out loud. “I was going to say I’d rather spend the rest of the night here with you. We already know everyone else will know we’re safe. Even if Neal doesn’t outright blab; if Mary Margaret and David start to worry, he won’t hesitate to spill what he knows.”

“You fancy me, love?”

Despite heavily stroking his ego by admitting he was the best she’d ever been with, it figured the part he’d pick up on was the closest she’d get to any kind of outright confession of feelings. Emma smacked her hand to her forehead. “Yes, Killian, I fancy you. Don’t get all cocky about it.”

“On my honor, I’ll not get cocky,” he promised before leaning in to kiss her, “as I quite fancy you as well. But you already know that.”

Laying down on his jacket, the two snuggled together, Emma in panties and Hook’s shirt and Hook in his birthday suit.

“You needed to get naked again to go to sleep?” Emma asked with a little sarcasm in her tone.

“I’ll have you know that style and comfort do not go hand in hand, Swan. Those leathers, though appealing to the eye, do not make for great sleep clothes. Besides, all pirate’s know the only way to sleep when there’s a lovely lass in his bed, is in the nude. You know… easy access.”

“Why am I not surprised by that, Killian?”

“I’ll never tire of hearing you call me that,” he answered.

“Killian,” she whispered.

“Aye, love?”

“Nothing, I just wanted you to hear me say it again.”

A boyish smile broke out over Killian’s face as he pulled her in tighter to his side. “Good night, Swan.”

“Goodnight, Killian.”

The End

Tagging some lovely shipmates - please let me know if you don’t want to be tagged - or if you’re reading and want me to tag you.

@laschatzi @qualitycoffeethings @hookedonapirate @wordsmith-storyweaver @kmomof4 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @wyntereyez @hooklineandswan @teamhook @let-it-raines @whimsicallyenchantedrose @spartanguard @tiganasummertree@apromisednightcap @xemmaloveskillianx @elizabeethan @cocohook38 @optomisticgirl @darkcolinodonorgasm @jennjenn615 @timeless-love-story @girl-in-a-tiny-box @thesschesthair @galadriel26 @ultraluckycatnd @lifeinahole27 @therooksshiningknight @kday426 @djlbg @superchocovian @itsfabianadocarmo @lfh1226-linda @delightfully-difficult-pirate @thejollyswan @csalltheway @xarandomdreamx @vvbooklady1256 @withheartfulloflove @resident-of-storybrooke @mcakers @gingerchangeling @searchingwardrobes

#csnlny #cs fan fic #cs ff #captain swan #cs is my otp forever

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wavesmp3 · 3 years

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eye choose number 13 + anyone you want! i tried to choose the driest one mwhahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhaagaga

[breaking the rules] 13. the first glass of fresh water - sangyeon (the boyz) x reader - dystopian au | wc. 1.3k - a/n: hehe choco i’m actually really glad you chose this prompt for the reason you did, it sort of became a challenge for myself like how much can i twist the prompt into something wild and tbh i had wayyy too many ideas for what this could be, but the one I went with is set in the same world and loosely related to “you hide; i’ll seek”

—

sangyeon is a rule follower.

so when someone above his pay grade tells him to give you, the capital’s most recent prisoner and alleged arson of the embassy building, a glass of water and nothing else, he does exactly that. of course it doesn’t help that you down the glass too fast, too eagerly. as if it’s the first glass of fresh water you’ve had in years. it doesn’t help that you hold the empty glass upside above your mouth, waiting for even the very last drop to fall in. and it certainly doesn’t help that you meet his eyes from across the cell, hold out the dry glass, and whisper, “please. one more.”

sangyeon is a rule follower. even when every ounce of his consciousness tells him not to be one.

—

sangyeon learns pretty quickly that you’ll probably never grow to like him.

he figures that when you refuse to get up as he brings you food for the third day in a row, it’s probably better that you’re ignoring him completely rather than screaming in his face or throwing glass at his feet like some have done before.

and there’s one particular morning where you must be too hungry to wait, that you meet him by the door of the cell as he slides the tray towards you.

“the least they could do,” you mutter scornfully reaching for the glass of water first, “is give us some good food.”

sangyeon doesn’t say anything in the moment, isn’t even sure you wanted him to hear. and yet despite that, he finds himself sneaking some of the guard food onto your tray before handing you your next meal.

—

“you know there’s this saying,” you murmur one day when sangyeon comes to deliver you a meal and a glass of water as he’s told to do, “down in the basing district. people say that if you end up at the peaks, you’re as good as dead.”

sangyeon had heard the lanier prisons called that before. he assumes the name comes from the mountain range surrounding it. a prison in between the peaks. but he’s less surprised by the name you call his dreaded place of work, and more surprised by the fact that you’ve even spoken to him with what sounds like a little less venom than before.

“are you from there?” he asks swiping his id tag against the scanner to open the tray slot of your cell door. “the basing district?”

“yeah.” you return, standing up from the corner of the cell. you reach for the water first. “just one glass?”

you down the entire drink before he can even respond. “it’s the rule.” and after a moment of your blank stare taunting him further, he adds: “not really my call to make.”

“and so what? you just blindly follow every rule you’re told?”

“well, no i-“ he stops himself. suddenly noticing something different about your hair. between the cell bars, just barely, sangyeon can see that you’ve made the effort to style it today. “yeah.” he finally responds. “i guess i do.”

you laugh, a low sound that reminds sangyeon of spite more than anything else. you grab the tray from the slot, and walk back to your corner muttering, “must make for an easy, privileged life then.”

and with the way you say it, sangyeon can’t say for sure he knows what you mean.

—

“i had this friend back in basing,” you tell sangyeon on his break as he pours you a second glass of water, “who made the best cookies and tea.”

he hands you a cracker and takes one for himself. “what’s his name?”

“if i told you i’d have to kill you?”

sangyeon stops mid-bite, sits back slightly, and stares at you staring at him gravely. for a second, he’d forgotten that you’re technically a prisoner. “oh.”

your face suddenly crumbles in laughter. “i’m kidding. his name was jacob.”

“was?”

sangyeon’s never heard a laugh die so quickly.

—

walking you to your daily interrogations is one of sangyeon’s newer responsibilities. it’s a job he’s done before, definitely not one he’s fond of. but for some reason, making the walk from the cells to the interrogation rooms, feels inexplicably foreign when he does it with you.

sangyeon’s been told time and time again to never initiate conversation with the prisoners, and yet today he almost doesn’t resist the urge to ask how you feel. luckily, you start talking before sangyeon can break one of his rules. “these interrogations are pointless really.” you mutter, and as impossible as it seems, he thinks you sound a little bit sad. he frowns. “it’s always the same questions.”

you reach the door to the room before sangyeon can make out a response.

the interrogation rooms are small. tiny really. with four black walls, a small table in the middle, two plastic chairs, and a two-way mirror on the farthest wall. usually, after dropping the prisoners off, sangyeon leaves from this wing of the lanier prisons, scurries away from his least favorite part of the peaks as fast as he can. but today, sangyeon finds himself seated alone on the other side of the two-way mirror, watching you fiddle uncomfortably in between your handcuffs. you both wait for the interrogator to come.

she does eventually, and she looks exhausted more than anything. she follows the rules, almost as precisely as sangyeon does, first hooking you up to the lie-detector, test-running the signals, and finally starting the recorder before having said a single word.

“okay,” she gruffs, flipping a page in her binder, “let’s just get this over with.”

the interrogation goes faster than sangyeon had imagined it would. he finds himself thinking back to what you had said before entering the room, about the questions being the same, and realizes that you were telling the truth. sangyeon feels like a spectator to a dance of some sort, like he’s watching you both run through a routine that you’ve been practicing for too long.

“your id number?” she asks.

“319507.” the machine flashes green.

“your name?”

“don’t have one.” red.

“are you from the mei district?”

no, sangyeon thinks to himself remembering the conversation you once shared.

“you mean the wastes?” you scoff.

the interrogator sighs. “are you from the mei district, also known as the wastes?”

“yes.” green.

“do you know someone by the name of yoon jeonghan?”

“no.” red.

“were you ever in contact with joshua hong?”

“no.” green.

“is jacob bae dead.”

“no.” red.

“have you ever heard of the Resistance?”

“yes.” red.

“are you a member of the Resistance?”

“maybe?”

“are you a member of the Resistance? yes or no?”

“yes.” green.

“did you know they had plans to infiltrate the lanier prisons?”

“yes.” red.

“did you know they had plans to set fire to the embassy building in the basing district?”

“no.” green.

“did you set fire to the embassy building?”

you falter at that. pausing for the first time since beginning. hesitating for what the interrogator must think is a second too long. suddenly, you look up, eyes glazed over as if watching your reflection in the two-way mirror. it just so happens that your eyes find sangyeon.

finally, you answer: “no.”

and with the way you say it, sangyeon knows it’s the truth

(the machine flashes red.)

—

it’s a few days after that particular interrogation that sangyeon has the guts to ask.

“did you do it?” he begins timidly.

“do what?”

“burn the embassy building?”

he meets your eyes, and for a while you don’t answer, you just stare back.

finally, taking a sip from your glass of water, you say to sangyeon, “i think you already know.”

sangyeon takes a sip from his own glass, and somehow, it feels like the first.

you’re right, about a lot of things really, but concerning this, specifically, you’re right: sangyeon does know. he also knows that he’s a rule follower. except that when he finds himself sneaking back towards your cell after his shift with a stolen set of keys and an id tag that doesn’t belong to him, he supposes he hasn’t been much of a rule follower since the day he met you.

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stitch1830 · 3 years

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Misc #16 yOU SAID BE HONEST STOP HITTING

Taang - Misc - #16 - “YOU SAID BE HONEST STOP HITTING.”

“Be honest with me, Twinkletoes.”

Honesty. Aang thought. That was something he was good at! He was so good at honesty he should’ve been called Honest Aang. “Of course, Toph! What is it?”

“Do I look fat?”

Fuck.

No, no, no. This was a trap. A trap.

The airbender froze. The second she asked the question Aang knew he was a goner, and so did she. Even if he wanted to lie, he couldn’t. And if he said that she looked… full… healthy… glowing?

Yeah, no. That wasn’t going to slide. She’d see (hah) right through him and he was a dead man. No one ever got away with calling a pregnant woman fat, and Toph Beifong certainly wouldn’t. It was like she wanted to pick a fight today.

Aang wondered if he could somehow squirm out of the truth. Blatantly lying was out of the question. But technically she wasn’t fat… that was just the baby…?

That wouldn’t work, no. What if he said she looked great? She did look great. Big, but… great…

Oh Spirits. Why did he have to marry the World’s Greatest Lie Detector?

“Well?” Toph raised an eyebrow at him and began tapping her foot. She already knew he was panicking, but now she was making him squirm.

Relax, Aang. You can do this. He told himself. Aang braced himself, and was honest. He rambled, “You do look rather big but that’s just because you’re a miracle worker creating life and I love—OW!”

The Avatar received a barrage of hits from his wife, hard ones at that.

“Agh, ow! Toph! Stop hitting me!”

“You called me fat, Twinkletoes!” she said in between hits. “What did you want me to do, lie?” he yelled, still cowering from the blows. “You know that wouldn’t have worked!”

“Could’ve at least tried, you dunderhead!”

“Would you please listen? I had more to say—ow!” Okay, that was it. Aang resorted to yelling some more. “YOU SAID BE HONEST STOP HITTING!”

“NO!” she screamed back.

“You just wanted an excuse to hit me!”

“And what if I did?” she challenged. “You gonna stop the miracle worker from doing what she wants?!”

Aang groaned and complained up until the moment Toph stopped hitting him, which continued for quite some time.

Honesty never hurt anyone, they said.

Huh. Well Aang begged to differ.

......

Too many prompts to choose from, but here they are (this one came from the sentence starter prompt):

Sentence Starter Prompt

Emotional Prompts

Prompt List

Send a prompt and a ship! (ATLA)

#taang #atla #toph #aang #toph and aang #quote writing prompt #part 3 #my asks #thanks for the ask comfy!

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0shewrites0 · 1 year

Text

2022 Fic Year In Review

Thanks for the tag @queen-of-boops

This year in 2022 I...

Started and completed the following chaptered fics:

I’m Yours (Lucas x MC, in villa fic, slow burn)

crossroads (Lucas x MC, post Casa Amor rewrite centered around the Blake drama, very angsty and dramatic)

Started the following chaptered WIPs:

Seamless (Kassam x MC, in villa fic, angsty, slow burn, currently posting)

if not today, maybe tomorrow (Eddie x MC, non-canonical villa rewrite, currently posting)

in the land of gods and monsters (Will x MC, AU fantasy, not yet published)

Wrote/completed the following oneshots:

A Fine Line Between Love And Hate (Lucas x MC, angsty, angry, passionate)

A Bite Of Your Love (Youcef x MC, vampire AU)

One More Chance (Lucas x MC, mutual pining, second chances)

The Heart Wants What It Wants (Gary x MC, rewriting Operation Nope, light angst, fluffy)

Of moss irises and monochrome worlds (Ciaran x MC, Christmas fluff/romance)

Too Many Maybe’s (Eddie x MC, angsty, no happy ending - now prologue I of “if not today, maybe tomorrow”)

All Your Lies (Kassam x MC, lie detector test, angsty, no happy ending - will be a chapter in “Seamless”)

Reached the following milestones:

My first ever posted fic still has the most hits (2,185)

Seamless became my most kudosed fic (111) 🥹

My word count on ao3 is over 284k and that's minus all the chapters I've already finished to post later. I'm stunned, honestly 🥲

I challenged myself and wrote for LI's I didn't feel comfortable writing for at first (basically everyone except Lucas LMAO)

Made myself a hardcore Kassam stan after falling down a rabbit hole one afternoon, which led to me writing an entire fic with chapters. To this day, it's my favorite fic I've ever written.

Participated in 2 gift exchanges, 1 reddit prompt and 2 tumblr prompts

I only joined the fandom in June '22 and have already made so many friends and grown so much as a writer, for which I am immensely grateful 🤍

Tagging: @perfectlysunny02 @lithopsy @ellegreenwxy @crimswnred and anyone else who wants to join in! (No pressure 🫶🏼)

#litg #litg fanfic #litg ff #litg fanfiction #year 2022 #year review

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whatisreggieshortfor · 2 years

Text

Just a Feeling…

After a disaster of a test, a silver lining waits on the horizon.

Will x MC

For the @litgwritersroom prompt of the lie detector test.

Disclosure: I just don’t like Tom, so he’s just a dick.

He/They pronouns for Will.

Will had a deep burning feeling in his gut that he couldn’t place, never looking too deeply before and letting himself be swayed with the wind. He was never anything but pliable, so it was throwing him off, but they kept telling themself it was just a feeling. Just a feeling…

Seeing you with Tom should have made him happy for you, right? After all, he had asked you not to recouple with him, and he and Thabi had tried to give it a go twice, though even the second time he could tell they were drifting apart rather than drifting closer. And now he was with Valentina again. Valentina, who was smart and beautiful and opinionated and funny- and a little bit of a schemer during the dinner shopping trip. But she wasn’t giving Will that easy feeling he expected to get when he thought about ending up like his parents. Your words would flash through their head every time she’d get annoyed with him, saying that his parents didn’t start out with no fighting, no couple does. Still, he couldn’t help but feel like it should be easier. When he was coupled up with you, the only thing you had disagreed on was when they asked you to let Thabi pick him. You’d even immediately told him about attempting a physical connection with Bruno and Youcef when they showed up, though the two of you had only been together a day, to avoid causing him to learn later and making drama over it. Even as friends, you never got annoyed with him. You actually asked for his help with fixing the sink when most people would shoulder him out of the way, or expect him to do it on his own. You were a professional, but you made him feel like his help was a necessity, all while making him laugh.

And he was happy to have a friend like that. Content with the way things were.

So why did his stomach turn to lead the second he heard Bruno call out that he got a text?

Will was petrified of what questions Valentina was going to come up with when the lie detector challenge was announced. She’d thought she was sneaky enough about checking in to see if his head had been turned, but he always knew exactly what she was doing and gave her the answers they knew she wanted to hear, and now that plan was about to bite him in the ass. So much for avoiding arguments, he thought to himself as he sat with the other boys. He was shocked to hear Tom say he planned to ask you tough questions, and he could see the boys were too, judging by Bruno’s head shooting up from his notepad, James making a noise that sounded like he wanted to protest, and Youcef just shaking his head silently. You were all of their favorite person. You had been since the moment you dropped in as the bombshell. You helped Thabi get the courage to pursue James, after she’d worried herself about taking your former partner for a second time. You laughed at Bruno’s jokes, even when no one else did, and promised him over and over that you were going to be first in line when he made it a career and started headlining in the comedy world. You talked with Youcef about his life growing up with a single parent, no trace of pity on your face, only empathy. None of them could fathom why the boy that had barely known you a week felt the need to go hard on you. Will finally voiced that thought, “It’s not like she hides things. She always says exactly what’s on her mind, whether it could hurt your feelings or not.” Tom, on the other hand, couldn’t be as boring as he was without having some kind of scheme up his sleeve. Will just didn’t think it was possible for someone to be that much of the embodiment of beige- fancy, posh beige, but beige nonetheless.

Said boy only offered a shrug, “I would rather use the chance to my advantage.”

Brow furrowed at the guarded answer, Will turned back to their own notepad. He may have been afraid of what Valentina would ask, but that didn’t mean he was going to be tough on her.

Sitting in the lounge was a nightmare. Everyone was nervous, from new couples to the ones that had been there for a time already, and it was suffocating the room. Will caught your eye as you looked at them, and he saw the mischievous glint as you winked before you were suddenly standing on your hands and cheering to yourself, “There we go! From this angle I can finally see all the smiles I love.” Everyone cracked up, feeling some of the tension loosen. Except Will, who smiled in delight at your usual goofiness, but was more distracted by the fact that you said ‘all the smiles you loved’, and Tom had been behind you as you looked out at the room. ‘Probably reading too much into it.’ They reminded themself.

The producers came in with a surprise twist, announcing that, by public vote, if you were caught lying by the machine you had to answer it until the machine deemed you telling the truth. Apparently the populace didn’t get enough drama watching the Islanders explain away their bad responses outside of the test in previous years, so they wanted to make sure they didn’t have an easy way out.

Thabi had gone first, as Bruno read her questions in varying goofy ways to try to help ease the leftover tension, and it helped her. James had been gentle with his questioning, just asking her questions about if she enjoyed coupling with him, and if she thought they were doing okay. She passed with flying colors and had beamed brightly at him when she exited the room.

Youcef was next, and it was rather clear from the start that there would be drama between him and Najuma about the answers he gave, such as being open to exploring a connection with someone else if they were inclined. Valentina looked both uncomfortable and unsurprised as she was asking him about it. He never said who, though, but Will needed to be blind to miss the way the Frenchman’s eyes skidded over to you for a brief second before his gaze went to his partner. It wasn’t a surprise though. While the two of them had been fairly hot and heavy since he arrived, it was never more than a surface level attraction.

Valentina had gone through rather quickly right after, James asking her questions that didn’t require much thought. Just who her initials fancies were, and if she chose someone other than Will who it would be. Will figured he might’ve hit the nail too on the head with that one, though he couldn’t deny he was happy Bruno was right up there with him for her.

Tom went with Najuma, who gave him your first question that should’ve been easy to answer. Will knew there were a hundred different reasons they could name without taking a moment to think about it. But when Najuma asked why Tom chose you? He said he didn’t know. And the machine immediately screeched in protest. “I-I just mean it was a few things.” Another screech. He was clearly starting to get mad, arguing that the machine couldn’t know if he was lying if there were multiple responses it could be. The producers stepped in as Will glanced at you, but you seemed resigned as they told Najuma from behind the scenes to skip to the next question and they’d come back to it.

But Will had to admit that the severity of your next question caught him off guard.

Even Najuma looked pained, sympathetic for how you must feel if you decided you needed to ask it. So she drew up a deep breath, “Did you only choose Y/N because you thought she’d be the easy head to turn?”

Tom’s eyes widened, “What? No, of course not!”

Will felt his heart leap out, trying to run to comfort you, as the machine screeched that it was a lie. He spun around before he could second guess it, finding you in Angie’s embrace. The paramedic didn’t look surprised, just opened her arms a bit so that they could join her in cocooning you. Will didn’t notice the unsurprised but hurt look that flashed across Valentina’s face at how quick he was to run to you. The two of them heard you let out a watery laugh, “You know what’s crazy? I’m not even upset he didn’t like me. I’m bothered that people get that impression of me on the outside.”

“They’re crazy, babes.” Angie argued immediately, “You had been in a friendship couple, is all. It’s not your fault that it seemed like that. Waiting for a connection is fine.” Friendship couple? Will had thought you and James were hitting it off before Tom stole you away.

Will’s turn was next, when the producers decided that they got sufficient enough footage of what was inevitably going to be drama from Tom, and he followed Thabi back to the hideaway. Before they could reach the hallway though, Will had glanced back to make sure Angie could handle keeping you safe from Tom’s outrage, though he had faith in your best friend to take care of you. He was even more comforted by the fact that he saw most of the Islanders move to sit so closely that Tom couldn’t get near you if he tried. Strapped in, he really thought his nerves would hit harder, but he was so focused on worrying about you that he didn’t even hear Thabi ask the tester question, “Huh?”

She gave him a gentle smile, “I asked if your name was really Willem?”

“Oh, yeah. It is.” He reached up to fiddle with his hair, only for a producer to yell at him for lifting his arms that high while connected to the machine, so he settled for picking at his nails.

Thabi placed a comforting hand on his knee, “Try to relax, babes. Honesty is the best policy.”

‘Until you hurt someone.’ They thought bitterly, but gave the sweet girl a smile and a nod. “I’m ready, Thabs. Let it rip.”

She gave him a firm nod, trying to remain looking positive for him as she cleared her throat for the first question, “Okay, Valentina has asked if you enjoy being partnered with her.”

“Yes.” He breathed a sigh of relief when the machine dinged. Of course he enjoyed it. She was a right laugh, and she was gorgeous. As long as they weren’t arguing he had a good time.

Thabi grinned encouraging, though when she glanced at the next question Will could see it turned forced, “Good job. Next, um, next question, uh,” Will watched as she grimaced, “Would you still have picked Valentina at the last recoupling of you had gone first?”

Will had to think about that for a second. He had liked her well enough, but would he have picked her if he chose first? His brow furrowed as he ran through his memory of that night by the fire pit. Tom had picked first again, and chosen you again straight out of the gate. And Will…he had that lead feeling in his gut when he watched you stiffly accept the boy’s cheek kiss before you sat down. But did Will really want to be honest and hurt Valentina? Of course, whether he was honest or not, the machine would tell her and she’d be hurt. Finally he realized he needed to say something, “I don’t think I would have.”

Thabi gave him a sympathetic look when the machine dinged. Sure, they both knew that he was wishy washy about his couples, everyone knew that, but to be proven right that he wouldn’t have chosen her was more of a confirmation than they’d ever gotten. “Okay, babes. You’re doing great. Honesty is best. I’m proud of you for not trying to hide the truth so far, no matter what happens.” He gave her a strained smile, but he genuinely appreciated how sweet she was, “One last question babes, and it’s probably…it’s probably the biggest one. Here we go. If you could, would you steal Y/N from Tom?”

Will’s mind’s eye flashed with him and Angie seeking you out to celebrate Lexi leaving, how easy it was to enjoy such a moment with you that could’ve hurt. He remembered how he felt when you called her out on your first day, the way they had wanted to when she was acting two faced. Remembered how you always tried to make him laugh, and never judged him for falling asleep during conversations even though everyone else got annoyed, sometimes you’d even just settle in and nap beside him. “…yeah. I think I would.”

They held their breath as the machine processed their answer, until the ding rang through the air. Facing Valentina would be tough, but he was more worried about facing you.

Walking into the lounge, the two of them were shocked to see Tom- boring, quiet Tom- screaming at you as Angie hid you behind her back. She was as unaffected as ever, not backing down as he barked through her at you. But Will was pissed no one was doing anything. He opened his mouth to say something , but Tom caught sight of him first, “There he is! I knew how much time you two spent together meant that you cracking on behind my back. Bloody perfect that it gets to come out after you’ve already made me look like I’m some absolute tosser.”

“You’re sure acting like one now.” Angie snapped, your hand clasped tightly in hers. She opened her mouth to snap again, but her phone went off and everyone could see the mild relief that flooded her features as she checked it, “Y/N, babes, it’s your turn and I’m asking your questions.” You nodded eagerly, clearly wanting out of the room, and you ran out without even glancing at anyone else. But as you passed Will, your eyes flicked up and he felt his breath catch.

Was that hope in your eye or was it just their own wishful thinking?

The other Islanders gathered around, ignoring Tom still griping and groaning in the background, eagerly ready to see what you would say to whatever your questions were. Valentina had given Will a look, one that said she was hurt but not surprised, accepting but still grieving. When he almost approached her, she just shook her head. She needed time to get over it, but she gave him a small thumbs up, just to indicate they might be able to be okay eventually and he accepted that.

Angie’s voice called everyone to the screen, “Okay, Y/N, tester question, who’s your best friend in the whole world?”

A startled laugh sprang from you at the uncharacteristic cheesiness of the girl, overwhelmed tears springing to your eyes as you beamed at her, “That would be you, Angie.” The machine dinged, and Angie actually looked taken aback.

“I didn’t mean just in the Villa, babes.”

“Neither did I.” You shrugged, giving her a grin and she mirrored it back.

Clearing her throat, Angie grabbed the cards set out for her, “Okay. We both know this is about to suck, so let’s just get it over with, yeah?” You snorted but nodded for her to continue, “Have you been grafting on anyone else since coupled up with Tom?”

You shook your head until a producer called out that they needed verbal responses, “I don’t think so. I don’t think I’ve even grafted on Tom.”

Angie smirked as it dinged again, “Good. You deserve better than him anyway, and I hope you heard me say that, Tom. Now, question number two,” you giggled again and Angie tried to keep her smile at the sound before reading out the next one, though she grumbled under her breath about what a douchey question it was, “Next question is, have you been trying to get into Will’s pants behind Valentina’s back?”

Will felt everyone’s eyes snap over to him, and he was already shaking his head as you answered, “No. I would never do that to one of my mates.” No one was surprised when the machine dinged again. You’d proven to everyone that you weren’t that kind of person, but Will still heard Valentina’s sigh of relief when it was confirmed.

“Perfect, babes. We knew you weren’t like that,” Angie reassured firmly, never a waver in her support as your friend, “Last question, and I haven’t looked yet so we’re gonna find out how bad it is together. You ready?”

You nodded, “I’ve got you with me, and I know at least some of the others will be on my side through the aftermath of this.”

“I’d have a word or two for anyone that wasn’t. You aren’t the villain here, babes.” And they knew Angie was right, glad you had someone so steadfast on your team, “Last question, after leaving your friendship couple, why were you still- oh for the love of- you expect me to read this!?” Angie’s face contorted in anger as the producer confirmed she needed to ask the question as written. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Angie gave you a guilty expression, “Just remember I’m here, okay, babes?”

“Always, but you are making me nervous.” You tried to joke at a time like this. It was what they all loved about you.

Angie squeezed your knee before starting again, “After leaving your friendship couple, why were still against letting Tom get with you?”

You pulled a disgusted face, but Will saw the hurt and anger in your eyes, “Because I’m not some floozy.” You growled out, “I’ve had feelings for one person since I got here, and I’m not gonna shove them away on a place like Love Island and bed whoever wants me, whether I’m with that person or not.” They saw you freeze as you said more than you intended, and everyone watched as the machine took its time before finally letting out a noise confirming you were truthful. Angie was quick to start pulling the wires off of you, taking your hand as the two of you made your way back to the lounge. Tom was raring to go again when you walked in, but you didn’t give him the chance as you tore away from your best friend. “You have some nerve!” You shouted, “You don’t care about me, your questions proved that. So stop acting like I hurt you and went behind your back when I’ve made it clear from the start that I do not want you like that! I tried and tried and tried to be friendly, but if I end up in a couple with you again, I am leaving the show. I refuse to spend another night trying to pretend I’m not sneaking out to the daybeds when the others fall asleep and acting like I just happened to wake up early the next morning because my bed mate can’t keep his hands to himself!”

Tom finally looked sheepish, but it did nothing to settle the anger and disgust on the other Islanders faces. Valentina marched over to where you were facing him down, stepping in front of you, “You ruined her chances of being with the one she wanted twice, and I won’t let you do it again. I am officially breaking off my coupling with Will, and if anyone stands between them being together again, I’m sure Angie will help me reign down hell on them.”

“You’re goddamn right!” Angie shouted, hands cupping around her mouth.

You were startled by her statement, as were all of the others, but as Tom took one last look around and stormed out when he realized he had no allies, you took her wrist and gently pulled her to face you, “Do you really mean that, Val?”

Valentina sighed, but she smiled softly, “I won’t lie, I’m a bit bummed that it didn’t work out for us. But while you were in there, I realized that I never really turned his head anyway. He was never mine. Always yours. And you were always his. This is Love Island, so I’m not going to fault you for that.” You pulled her in to a tight hug with your gorgeous smile back on your face, eyes meeting Will’s across the room.

In the midst of the destruction from the test, it did seem as though there was a silver lining. An old coupling might be back on the horizon. And that thought helped Will return your smile. This recoupling could turn out better than all the others, they thought to themself, it was just a feeling.

Masterlist

#litg writers room #litg season 4 #litg bombshell #litg will #litg will x mc #will uses he/they and we respect that here #lie detector

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