#messy show kind show I had the flu when I fell in love with it

[avensthetic]

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐄, 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔

𝐀𝐈 𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐀 (deco*27)

i said i liked you, but i lied i love you, i didn't want to hurt you but i love you, so love me all day long i want to look back together and laugh about this song

𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖, 𝙖𝙞 𝙠𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙖

━━ ╸you always talk about the dark parts, the scars, the past... but never about the way you make me laugh, or how you listen when i talk about my day, how you look at me as if i am everything to you. i know the world hasn't been kind to you. i know it's hard to believe that anyone could love all that you are, the scars and the secrets. but i do. thank you for sharing even a tiny piece of your guarded heart with me. and even when you're so broken, you love me wholly, and for that, thank you.

love, y/n

your head pounded in time with the obnoxious ticking of the bedside clock. you've been downed by a flu, turning your body into one giant ache. through feverish eyes, you saw aventurine hovering, concern etched into the lines of his normally unreadable face. even exhausted from another grueling day at the IPC, he patiently changed the compress on your forehead and helped you force down another dose of bitter medicine.

a wave of tenderness flooded through you, washing away some of the misery. vulnerability doesn't always come easy, but with his hand gently smoothing back your hair, the words were already on your lips.

"hey, you know..." you began, a slight tremor in your voice, "i kinda like you." it was a pathetic attempt of the grand confessions you wanted to make.

aventurine's eyes flickered open, a flash of amusement replacing the weariness. "just kinda?" he teased, a wry smile playing on his lips.

the heat that flooded your cheeks had nothing to do with the fever. it was probably the cold, or the medicine you took, that was making you a tad bit too bold than usual. "okay, fine," you grumbled, turning your face into the pillow, facing away from him. "maybe i kinda...a lot...love you."

silence fell, broken only by your uneven breaths. the weight on the bed shifted as aventurine moved closer. a cool hand found yours, squeezing it lightly. when you finally mustered the courage to peek at him, his eyes held a quiet warmth you'd rarely seen, a kind of vulnerability he only shows to you.

"well," he said with a soft chuckle, "i guess that kinda... a lot... works for me too."

the awkwardness lifted, replaced by a sense of gentle relief. even fever-ridden and miserable, this moment felt perfect - a testament to the messy, beautiful thing growing between you despite all the odds stacked against it.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕 - 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 - 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓

#💌. from me to you #aventurine x reader #hsr aventurine #aventurine honkai star rail #aventurine x y/n #aventurine x you #hsr #honkai star rail #honkai star rail x reader #hsr imagines #hsr x reader

[wolves-in-the-world]

tags on krakenartificer's post about a leverage au where nate enters the priesthood but ends up running cons for people who come to him for help anyway:

#now i need a crossover episode of catholic priest nate who's still running leverage style shenanigans #with father brown [via @trivalentlinks]

thank you for making me stare at the wall in fascination and horror about this crossover

they'd be occasional allies occasional confidantes they'd go behind each other's backs once or twice and only kinda regret it. This nate hasn't gone through the same loss as in canon, but that wouldn't make him a whole lot softer, so he'd be fundamentally irritated with father brown - his tested and unshakeable belief and his optimism about the human condition - and father brown would be generally concerned about everyone on nate's end, and nate not the least of it. They'd play chess together and be fairly well-matched. They'd visit each other's confessionals to check in.

we'd get some interesting acknowledgement of father brown's "I'm nice and simple and harmless" grift (which I could also call power negativity) which is only kind of a grift because he really is that nice and harmless beneath, except that he uses it to get information from people.

flambeau would be utterly thrilled and (playfully?) insulted not to be father brown's only criminal associate.

the leverage crew would be correctly suspicious of flambeau, I think, but sophie would greet him by name - possibly with a kiss to the cheek, possibly eyeing him like he's a viper in their midst - and reference some very improbable occasion when they were after the same prize. He mentions she was using a different name then; he doesn't say what it was. Bonus points if he also had his eye on the dagger in the Rashomon Job but had the flu / was unexpectedly in prison / had to attend a grandmother's funeral at the time.

I have this certainty in my mind that the leverage crew would be largely dismissive of sid's abilities and he'd kind of snort and roll his eyes about it - he's at worst a common criminal and very lower class, so he's used to being understimated - and surprise them with his connections or lock-picking or holding his own in a brawl or fixing an elderly car in the quickest dirtiest way imaginable. (Parker would decide she likes him then; the others would be reassured after seeing how gentle he is when talking with her.) He'd also nope out of leverage's business at a sensible time, because father brown's rubbed off on him and he doesn't actually want that kind of danger - unless the con's personal.

(I'm not sure whether to set this in leverage time or drag it back to father brown's 1950s so I'm settling for mashing the two together and pretending it's not an issue. See also: geography.)

… father brown would have I think one harrowing conversation with eliot where they mention their time in the military, the marks that killing people and losing people leaves on a person - father brown already does this in canon, tells someone it's unfair that they're mired in trauma and alcoholism when he found his faith through trauma instead, it floored me - and after brushing on repentance and god here, he wouldn't bring it up with eliot again. (I think father brown varies on this in canon, frankly, but he often respects that kind of boundary, and I think he'd recognise a wound so sore it should be left to heal however it can.)

(yes I'm playing with fictional priests like barbie dolls but no I'm not comfortable with the conversion aspects, so apologies and bear with me while I skate on past that.)

(he'd describe eliot as a good person, once, or as someone working very hard at it. Eliot would be on edge about that for the entire con, finding a little too much uneasy satisfaction in getting to knock people out and play the bad guy - play at the simpler stuff he used to do. Sophie might catch father brown for a word about it; father brown wouldn't be that clumsy again.)

I think father brown and nate would both talk bunty out of getting involved in a joint kembleford-leverage operation except in the most innocent way possible. The problem is she actually would make a good getaway driver, and she's thrilled with the idea, but she's already had some run-ins with the press and the law and can't risk another; luckily she's better used as a distraction elsewhere.

and I'm sorry to do this, but I think lady felicia's husband would be a mark or potential mark at one point. It would be fraught.

(the main reason I haven't recommended father brown's heist episode (s7e10), aside from not having a background on the politics in it, is that it shows lady felicia as a victim and pulls the heist on her behalf. The show largely convinced me to ignore the messy reality of her and her husband's inherited wealth, but that episode made me kinda uncomfortable - which is a shame, because seeing these characters pull a heist was fucking great.)

mrs mccarthy would be used against her will or knowledge as a distraction while someone's pockets are picked. She isn't told until afterwards, and then only half by accident. She is, of course, horrified. Father brown was absolutely the one to suggest it in planning, but flambeau slips in mid-apology to smoothly take the blame.

I could in fact go on and this is in fact a problem.

—

editing to continue:

I'm actually thinking that father brown might approach eliot from an ex-military angle and not a Religious Authority angle at all - eliot was raised protestant, after all, and it's an entirely different vibe. And I have to think eliot's guarded around father brown for the very fact that he's a priest and seems to mean it in a way that nate, I feel, wouldn't. So they may avoid the topic entirely, or as close to it as they can when brushing on, well, eliot's entire moral injury situation. Which is good news for me.

bunty would admire parker for being different and capable and getting up to exciting things, though would probably fail at any attempts at friendship until she thinks to ask what parker likes doing and ends up learning to pick pockets that evening. The second those two are around buildings tall enough to rappel down she's in danger. (The second parker can slip away at night she's giving the church a go; father brown gives her a look the night before and quietly warns her about the dodgy roof.)

mrs mccarthy decides fairly quickly that hardison is a very nice young man (his nana instincts are online and functional) even if he spends far too much time on the wretched computer. She's determined to feed him and half the time he's determined to find ways to politely refuse, though the strawberry scones are actually pretty good.

she's appalled by eliot's job, and fiercely territorial of her kitchen when he offers help, even just cleaning up, but once she's seen him get in the way of trouble she's absolutely catching his arm and half hiding behind him in any crisis real or perceived. (She still doesn't approve of him.)

lady felicia sees hardison and eliot as two very different kinds of novelties and does some talking to hardison about tech (mostly listening and marveling) and some quietly ogling both of them, and especially eliot once she's seen him fighting. (Eliot unfortunately turned on his charm when he realised she sort of expected it. She doesn't get to chat with charming southern gents all that often - it's very shallow, and she's not serious about it.)

thank goodness bunty's too young for eliot so I don't have to go there. He has to tuck her out of sight in a barn at some point when trouble's headed their way; when the mess is almost cleaned up and she's grabbed a rifle from somewhere to tell the the remaining goon to clear off, with every appearance of competence, eliot takes it from her and disarms it with a smear of blood under his nose and a slightly betrayed expression.

hardison and sid get along, aside from a little initial insecurity on the parker front, and get to bitch a bit about flambeau, who hardison mistrusts from the start.

flambeau... he admires parker, from a distance - professionally and not very effusively - but after he watches her work for a while he seems to realise who she was trained by, and tells her as much. He says he was too, for a very short time, and it's unclear if he'd gain anything from making it up. Says that he and archie had a difference of opinion - and has a way of saying it that implies there might have been fire involved.

#hello. hi. sorry folks. I do in fact recommend father brown (the bbc show) SO LONG AS #you're aware of and comfortable with the fact that he IS a catholic priest. #messy show kind show I had the flu when I fell in love with it #flambeau and sophie would communicate in ways the other characters wouldn't understand and low key flirt like it's breathing #both nate and lady felicia would be jealous and have to DEAL with the fact that they're jealous #this is going to end with nate leaving the priesthood to get to know sophie and run cons with the team isn't it #with father brown's blessing-and-cautions-and-please-stay-in-touch (which he obviously does) #father brown #leverage #orig #this is a separate post to spare the previous OP because I got a bit carried away #and trivalent sorry for referencing characters you don't really know yet!! this just sort of Happened I'm as surprised as you are #can I make this make sense enough to fit one episode's worth of story. maybe. #it would in fact be concerningly plausible to write a modern day fic with a small english village that's apparently stuck in the 1950s #my head's in my hands about this country tbh #catholicism cw #christianity cw #this post may self-destruct after a while we'll see

[calumxkisses]

I Can’t Make You Love Me | c.h.

pairing: calum hood x reader

genre: angst (i’m sorry)

summary: part three of ‘Take My Breath Away’ (part 2 here)

a/n: hello everyone! here I am with part three! i made a promise, i know, and i honestly have no excuses for another angst part. in my defense, there’s going to be a last part, so we’ll see what is going to happen! please, let me know what you think about it and i hope this doesn’t disappoint your expectations. love you all! i also wanna say thank you to the anon who suggested the two songs, they were essential to the creation of this new part. 

songs for this part: can’t make you love me ; whiskey and you ; i love you (choose your fighter)

♡♡♡

Calum was not used to believing in the signs of fate; of course, in everyday life, coincidences used to happen, but he had always stopped to call them that: coincidences. But maybe he was wrong, maybe there really were signs, and one of the certainties he had always carried with him was now crumbling. 

First the fever: he hadn't been ill for years, a few colds every now and then, but never anything overly serious. Instead, this time he was hit with a bad flu, one that leads you to take too many medications to say "I'm fine" and that leads you to spend three weeks in bed. Three weeks, right around the time the wedding was planned. 

Then, the wedding dress was lost. It was made by a stylist, his girlfriend's favorite, and it came straight from France. She had gone to choose it, try it out, customize it, and then never receive it. Apparently, someone had stolen it and they had to postpone the wedding: her grandmother wanted to give her the dress of her dreams (“After all, you only get married once in a lifetime!” The old lady's said) and so they had been forced to make another one from scratch, postponing the wedding.

And then the wedding rings had come in the wrong size, the church had been booked by another couple, everything seemed to prevent the couple from getting married. 

She was exhausted, but she was still convinced to marry him. 

Calum, however, was starting to think again: Michael had told him it was normal to feel stressed and unsure about the wedding before the big day, but he knew there was so much more. Or much less, when viewed from a different point of view. Something wasn't right and he had noticed it more and more.

The truth is, things haven't been going well for a while. The relationship was beautiful, spectacular from the outside, but in his dreams, things were different; he felt it, tried to reject those thoughts, but it wasn't easy.

So Luke had decided to throw him a party. A small party, without too many guests, to try to calm the bassist's nerves. He had invited their old group, the friends with whom they had been in the mountains to celebrate several New Years, with whom they had traveled to Bali more times than they wanted to admit and with whom he had spent happy moments. He wanted to remind him that despite everything, despite the new life that was about to begin, they would be there, by his side, ready to live this new adventure with him.

Calum absolutely didn't want to go to the party. He was obviously grateful to his friends for everything they had and were doing for him, but the only thing he wanted to do was stay home, under the covers, waiting for this to pass quickly and for it to finally be his turn to be happy. He was happy, but it didn't seem like the right happiness, he was experiencing someone's happiness. Of an old version of himself, probably.. but when had all this changed?

It was a question he had often been asking himself lately, usually accompanied by a few glasses of Whiskey. He did not even like that Jack Daniel's, but it seemed the ideal solution when all the weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders, giving him a very strong headache, accompanied by the thousands of doubts that assailed him every day.

But she was always there, ready to close the bottle of alcohol and embrace all his insecurities, accompanying him to bed and hugging him in the dark of the night. She was an angel, and Calum knew it, she was ready to help him whenever he fell.

The room was crowded, although only few people showed up for the party. The place had been decorated with small colored lights, a recurring decoration at their parties, and on the tables there were all kinds of snacks: chips, popcorn, candies, pizza, any food that could have become a craving created by the alcohol.

The music played pop and rock hits, great classics that would please any music lover and that would be the ideal base for any type of dance that occupied the floor.

The girls were by the window, a beer pong table divided them into two teams, and little laughter spread throughout the room with each missed basket. 

His girlfriend was talking with her friends while sipping sub-branded beer at every point of the other team, a smile was on her face as she told everyone about the different ideas she had for the ceremony.

Ashton and the others were a few feet away, their bodies forming a small circle,  everyone seemed to be having a good evening commenting new albums and laughing at old jokes and moments spent together.

Calum didn’t belong to either group, he was on the sidelines of all the others, with a glass of alcohol in his hand, with his body in that room and his mind in a completely different universe. He was not in the mood, he was tired, he kept repeating to anyone who asked him the reason for this behavior and no one suspected anything or investigated in depth, because everyone knew that the preparations for a wedding were not easy, that having just released an album and preparing for a new life was tiring. Everyone understood and left him there, keeping him company only occasionally, when his eyes closed or became too glossy.

He was happy and he was really tired. Things had not gone according to plan and everything seems to be more difficult than he expected. He knew it, and he didn't blame himself for it. Everything would be fine, he would be happy and this would be the last climb before a big view. He would marry a beautiful woman, raise a family, all while pursuing his dream as a musician. Everything would be perfect, fine.

“What are you doing all alone here, loser?” A voice said at his side, a voice he hadn't heard in a long, long time, and that had missed like water in a desert. A familiar voice, which would have saved him from every bad thing.

Luke had called you just a few days before, finding you had been difficult given your continuous travels, but he knew that your presence was essential and he would have traveled the whole world to find you, pick you up and take you there. And not only because the curly-haired boy needed it, but because everyone missed you, because the concerts were no longer the same without you waiting for them with pizza and compliments for all of them. 

Ashton had met you a few months earlier for a coffee in San Francisco because your absence had become painful for him too, he who was used to talking to you on the balcony of some hotel, under the sky of any city ​​was hosting them.

You left, everyone knew you were going to, and no one had tried to stop you. You needed it. You were broken, you no longer had a certain future and you needed to find yourself, your peace, your happiness. 

You didn’t know where you would find these things, so you decided to travel the world with the money you had saved and in the end you were able to find serenity, returning to yourself and the world no longer scared you. 

You had missed Calum deeply and there had been so many times where you had found yourself with your cell phone in front of your eyes, with his contact on the screen, ready to call him. 

And it had happened a couple of times, as the sun was rising where you were and setting where he was, and he had answered you, reassuring you that everything was going well. And you told him about the beautiful places you were visiting, about the cultures you were getting to know, and you found yourself laughing at the foods he would have never tried, but that you swore he would have loved.

Despite everything, as he promised you, he remained by your side and cared for you and that helped you to move forward. You still felt so much for him, and part of you would always love the boy with the pink mug and messy hair, but maybe now something had changed. Now your heart no longer hurted so much at the thought of a future without him by your side, and you really felt happiness when you thought about their wedding. 

Sure, occasionally a few tears still fell, but the important thing was that you and Calum would be happy, even if not together.

“Doll.” It was the only thing he was able to say before hugging you tightly, with a huge smile on his face and his heart ready to explode with happiness.

And you knew that that 'doll' was worth more than the memory hidden behind the word, your badly done Halloween dress and the piece of paper stuck to your chest with your disguise written on it to help others understand.

That 'doll' carried with it all the moments you hadn't spent together, all the movies you hadn't seen together on the sofa, all the moonlit walks with Duke, every Sunday at your family brunches - the family you created with all your friends, which hasn't been the same since you left.

Calum broke away from the hug and his eyes were wet, not from the hours spent awake at night but from the emotion he was feeling in seeing you. And all of a sudden, the room was empty and your presence was the only one that mattered. 

Your hair had been cut to help your new start, but it had grown back and your skin sparkled like your eyes, full of life and happiness.

You were simply gorgeous, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. And beautiful not only for your appearance, but for the light you radiated. You had brought back the light into his darkness and there was nothing he had needed more.

On the other hand, you couldn't say the same. Of course, he was as beautiful as the sun and that hadn't changed, but that sun wasn't shining anymore. His eyes were dull, his dark circles were darker and his face looked paler. His body no longer gave off joy, but it was just there, a normal body. 

But you loved him all the same, because he was your Calum and you knew that it happened every now and then, that his world got darker, that his happiness was rarer, and you knew that you would do anything to make him feel better, to show him how much beautiful the world was thanks to his presence. 

Because the world was a better place with Calum Hood in it. 

“How are things going?” you asked, although you already knew the answer. Michael used to send you messages in which he updated you on their life without you and among the thousand news, he never forgot to tell you about Calum, how his life was progressing and how marriage was destroying him before he even got married.

“Harder than I thought, honestly. I'm a little stressed out, that's all.” He lied. You knew he was lying and he knew you knew, but that meant he didn't feel like talking about it right now, and that was okay. You didn't want to force him, he would open up when he felt the need and you would be there, because there was no reason to run away again.

“You stressed out? I would have never said that. You usually never take anything seriously.” You said giggling and giving him a friendly pat on the arm. He smiled and your heart skipped a beat. 

“How are you instead?” He asked softly, ready to hear you talk again for hours, never getting tired of your voice. A voice that had become a habit over time, which in the darkest nights he heard repeatedly listening to the voice messages you left him.

“I'm fine, honestly. I liked Thailand a lot, it's really special. In the hotel in Bangkok there was a little black elephant walking around and I think I spent half my vacation petting it and the Thai culture is so beautiful, Calum! And Santorini, what a dream! I’m pretty sure that’s how heaven looks like.”

You kept talking, remembering the Asian sun on your skin and the taste of Greek sea water. It was a dream to be able to travel, visit places and cultures that you had imagined since childhood, totally different from what you were used to. You had missed not having someone by your side in exploring these wonders, but traveling alone had helped you, it had made you a different woman. And there would still have been the opportunity to return in the future, accompanied by anyone who wanted to have an adventure with you.

Calum paid attention to all the words that came out of your mouth, noticing the happiness in your eyes in remembering everything you had experienced. You had been happy, the broken heart had been replaced by so much joy. 

He was really happy for you but, selfishly, he longed to see you again with a broken heart, because it would mean that you still loved him. 

But Calum was careful to chase away certain thoughts from his head, after all it was he who didn't stop you, it was he who let you go because you needed it, because he broke your heart and you couldn't look for help in him.

“There is this pizzeria in Naples that makes the best pizza in the world, you should try it. Nothing compared to that kind of pizza we used to order during our  Friday nights, it’s way better. And Rome by night is magical. I threw a coin in the Trevi fountain, you know? I know we don't believe in these things, but I wanted to make a wish anyway, you never know that magic really exists.”

Your voice kept repeating itself in his ears and while you joyfully told him about the wonderful places you had visited, Calum could do nothing but listen to you and imagine himself there with you, admiring the Italian sea of ​​Naples and dancing in front of the Colosseum at night, away from the prying eyes of people, on the melodies of some street artist. There was nothing he wanted more than being there with you, away from all those lies that surrounded him.

And as soon as he heard the sound of your laughter, his heart expanded and Calum knew that nothing was going right because what was missing was you. It was you who filled his days, who made sure that the sun shone even on rainy days, which made the stars jealous of so much brilliance.

It was you who took the joy out of his life as soon as you turned the corner of that old building that long-gone night of his birthday. That January 25 night he had not only lost his best friend, but he had lost what made him choose life above all his negative thoughts. 

As you told him about your adventures, you were careful to tell him only the happy moments, so that he didn't know about the bad days. But the truth was that everything hadn't gone so well and more than once you found yourself at the airport, ready to take the first plane to go back to him. 

There had been many days in which you were locked in your hotel room, hidden under the covers, crying over the loneliness that would accompany you. 

You had spent sleepless nights imagining him in his tuxedo, with his hair tidy - as far as possible - and with his usual spectacular smile on his face, on the altar of a church or on a beach of Balì, the same beach where he was lying next to you to observe the stormy sea, holding you tightly while reassuring you that you would be fine. 

And then the dream would become a nightmare, and instead of seeing you in the white dress, you saw her, shining in her wedding dress, approaching him with her makeup smeared with tears of joy, ready to promise him an eternity of love.

And you were there, sitting on some distant bench or standing at the back of the church, helpless while losing your soul mate.

At the end of your travel, you hadn't visited France. You refused to visit the Tourre Effeil, to walk along the banks of the Seine and to lose yourself in the architecture of Notre Damè. Paris was your dream since you were little, you spent entire afternoons planning your vacation in the French capital and at the age of 13 you promised yourself that you would visit Paris only with your soulmate, only with the one that would have treated you like a queen and that would have loved you like in fairy tales. 

And despite growing up, you wanted to keep the promise made to your little, innocent you. And so Paris was left out and you thought it would be forever, because the only person who could make thirteen-year-old you proud was in love with  someone else.

Then the words ended and as the stereo played Queen songs, your eyes were lost in his. The outside noises seemed to belong to a different space and the world really seemed to revolve around you and Calum. There was no one left but you two, lost in each other's minds. Your hearts had stopped beating, there were only two separate souls, ready to intertwine together. There was no longer just Calum or just you, there was you, together. Something was different, right. 

Nothing mattered anymore and even the eyes of the boy in front of you seemed to have regained their brightness. 

His hand stroked your face, gently bringing the wisps of hair on your face behind your ear, his touch was reassuring and you closed your eyes for a brief moment.

Calum took a step forward and you didn't move, his free hand took yours in his and you didn't pull it back, his gaze moved to your lips and yours to his, and neither of you moved. Neither of you wanted to leave, too caught up in the moment.

“Hey, I didn't know you were coming!” A soft voice said behind you, and the bubble created by you and Calum burst. You moved away, your hearts beating again. She was there, next to him, neither of you had noticed her coming, but her presence could no longer go unnoticed. It wouldn't have been fair.

In the end, he had chosen her. His heart was beating for another girl, whether you liked it or not. His feelings were for her and it was okay, it had to be okay. You didn't go around the world for nothing. Your heart was broken, but now it was healed. Things had to stay that way.

You were happy like that. 

“How are you doing?” She asked in her sweet voice. Her arm intertwined with the boy's and her eyes were watching you intently, interested in what your answer would be. She was so kind, so innocent, and for no reason was she jealous of you. She was perfect.

“Good! Ready to go back to everyday life, you?” You answered smiling at her. There was no way to hate her, you couldn't. You could envy her, sure, but in no way could you hate her. There was no reason to.

“A little stressed out but I can't wait to get married. It was more difficult than expected but my dream is coming true, you know? I'm not giving up now.” A laugh escaped her lips and joy was visible on her face. 

You smiled and looked at Calum quickly, making sure he was still there. His body was mainly turned towards her but his gaze was on you. 

He would have never left you anymore, He had lost you once and he wanted to make sure that that would never happen again. An awareness was making its way into his body, his mind was realizing that something, someone was wrong.

Things were about to change, someone would suffer but someone else was going to be happy forever. Things would no longer stay that way. It was time for things to go in the right way and he knew it.

It had been your laugh, your presence or maybe even your absence, but Calum finally understood.

What he didn't know, though, was that yes, things were about to change, but not for the better. He would be the one to suffer this time. 

“Wait, is that a ring I see on your finger?” The girl said pointing to your left hand and making a little cry of joy. Your gaze shifted to the ring that now occupied your finger, a small smile formed on your face but your heart didn't seem to reciprocate the feeling. The gaze of the boy was now pointed at your hand.

Something changed. 

In Tokyo, precisely, an angel had come down from heaven and stretched out his hand to you. And the sun was shining again, the cherry trees were filled with flowers and life was less disgusting. Your heart was full and not even the return trip could make your mood worse, because you were not alone anymore. The days were full of color again and the world no longer seemed black and white. Your future was full of hope, love, happiness. And you wouldn't have been hurt anymore, maybe, for a while.

A stranger had suddenly arrived in your life, with a happy smile and open arms, ready to pick up all your pieces and show you that you were worth it. He had made you see that everything would turn out for the best, ending up filling your heart with joy and love. It had been sudden, like Calum's proposal, but this surprise had been positive. 

Then he had given you a ring, a promise ring, not for a wedding - it was too early, although the feelings were growing fast - but to promise you that he would be there, as long as there was a chance. That he wouldn't hurt you and that he would take care of you. That he would love you, whatever love is. He promised you that everything would be fine.

“Yes, it's a promise ring.” You smiled thinking about it. You were happy, right? Yes, you were. You were happy, you had to be. Someone was loving you. Still, there was something different, but this wasn't the right time to think about it, after all, you still had to get used to this big change.

Of course, the feelings for the guy in front of you would always remain, for years you were convinced that he was your soulmate, but things had gone differently. And it didn't have to be a bad thing. Finally you would be happy, not together, but still side by side. There was no more reason to run away, you could continue being friends now, without excessive feelings or broken hearts.

Calum's world, however, had collapsed. It had rolled over, traveled at the speed of light and collided with his biggest fear, and it was destroyed. Not to mention his heart, reduced to thousands of bits that not even the strongest glue would be able to reattach together. His chest really hurted, as did his stomach and head, and the flu from several months ago seemed nothing in comparison. Even the mornings when he woke up with a hangover didn't hurt that much, because that pain passed. This, however, would never pass. 

Calum was in love with you. Deeply, with all of himself. He didn't want to admit it at first,it would have caused a huge disaster, but he couldn't keep lying to himself, it wouldn't do him any good. 

Sure, he had feelings for his girlfriend, but it wasn't you. And he had noticed it. He used to believe that the strong affection he felt towards you was just affection, but the months in your absence had been devastating, and it wasn't normal. He wouldn't have suffered so much for a mutual friend, but for you it was different. 

He loved you, and how deeply he loved you. Just a few minutes before he was ready to kiss you, no guilt assaulting him and he was ready to throw away months of wedding preparations for you.

It was you now, however, who no longer loved him. And the pain he felt was probably what you had felt over a year ago when it broke your heart. It was his fault, however, that he had come too late to a conclusion that everyone had come before. 

He loved you, but you loved another, and Calum knew there was nothing more to be done now.

You would have remained friends, sure, but things would definitely change now. Before, at least, there was a chance to go back. He would not get married and his kitchen would be filled with the smell of biscuits again, accompanied by the scattered flour and your dirty clothes, victims of food wars and laughs.

But now you too were engaging with another person and those moments seemed to drift further away and to belong to a distant, unattainable, unique past.

And while you and his fiancée - a name that no longer made him smile - happily talked about your news, Calum thought there was nothing more to be done.

He could have pulled back, but for what purpose? To spend a life alone? Maybe, one day his heart would start beating again for what would become his wife and in the meantime he would give her joy, because she deserved it. She would take care of him and he wouldn't spend sleepless nights in bed alone. 

So Calum drank what was left in his glass in one gulp and apologizing to th two of you, he went over to the drink table and opened a new bottle. And as the alcohol dripped into his glass, tears streamed down his face, mixing with the drink he held in his hand. He didn't even bother wiping them, he was with his back to people and away from anyone who could see him, and he just stood there for a moment, hating himself and hating you, for being so damn beautiful and in love with another, for making his heart beating again just to break it,but the truth was that there was no way he could hate you. 

He loved you too much and he was ready to sacrifice everything to see you happy, even himself. 

“It’s gonna get better, mate.” Someone softly whispered behind him before hugging him.

Ashton had witnessed everything from afar, had seen his friends in love, ready to conquer the world together, and then he had seen them hurt themselves, destroy their happiness for each other, unaware that there was no reason to do so. And even his heart ached.

Calum continued to cry, trying not to attract attention and letting himself be held by his best friend.

Was everything really going to be better?

-----

#calum hood #calum hood imagine #calum hood imagines #calum thomas hood #calum 5 seconds of summer #calum 5sos #calum hood angst #calum hood x y/n #calum hood x you #calum hood x reader #calum imagine #5sos imagine #5sos imagines #5sos angst #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer imagine #5 seconds of summer imagines #angst

[secretobsessionstuff]

I was just thinking about how sweet madix & riley, and alexi & micahs friendship. and it had me thinking....maybe would you write something where madix & riley are both laid up in bed with the stomach flu, riley being worse off. madix tries his best to comfort an emotional and sick riley, but it’s hard when he feels so bad himself. cue a quick phone call to alexi & micah to ask if they would mind bringing them a few supplies and perhaps some help. absolutely no pressure of course! <3

Ahh thank you so much for the lovely request! I’m really happy with this one :) 

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

Madix does not consider himself a sympathetic puker. That’s why when Riley threw up into the bucket for the third time that night, Madix knew it wasn’t empathy that made his own stomach turn.

Riley shivered and spat into the bucket, feeling horrendous and entirely sick of this stomach bug. No pun intended because he was in no mood to be making jokes. All day, his head had been either buried in a bucket or hovering over the toilet. Currently, he preferred the bucket because it allowed him to sit on the couch. It was nice to be able to lean against Madix and have his shoulders rubbed.

Swallowing a sudden wave of nausea, Madix handed Riley a cloth to wipe his mouth. Riley reached for it, but stopped mid-way. His throat bobbed as his face got even paler. The boy still had one more retch in him. Madix, seeing this, brought the bucket back to his lap. He turned his head to the side so as to not trigger his own belly anymore.

With nothing left in his stomach to throw up, Riley dry heaved. His whole body quivered against Madix from the force of it. He might also have been shaking from the sobs that racked his frame. “Madix…make it stop,” he begged, with snot and tears running down his face.

“Oh love, I’m sorry.” Under normal circumstances, Madix might have said that he would gladly take the pain for himself, but he guessed it would be redundant at this point.

Along with the sadness, Madix also guessed that Riley was getting frustrated with this virus. He hadn’t been able to eat anything all day without it coming back up. Then again, they didn’t have much food in the house that wouldn’t unsettle his stomach. They were running low on supplies, and Madix was running low on energy.

He started to suspect that perhaps Riley wasn’t the only victim of this illness when the same nausea hit his system. This was earlier that day when he was trying to get Riley to eat something, meanwhile the food that he put in his own stomach was sitting uneasily. The nausea kicked in then, and he stupidly decided not to upset his stomach anymore by drinking water. No one had been nagging at him to stay hydrated, but now he wished there could be. Riley was much too upset and sick to tell – not that Madix could blame him. Still, he had to tell Riley something, before he threw up right then and there. That would absolutely not make the situation better.

Riley groaned and took the cloth to wipe his mouth. He was indeed frustrated. “I still feel nauseous…” he mumbled while hugging his stomach. “I hate this.”

“Believe me,” Madix said without making eye contact, “I know how you feel.”

“What do you mean?”

Madix rubbed the back of his neck. “I uh…don’t feel so hot either.”

Riley’s eyes grew wide. This wasn’t happening. This wasn’t happening. Normally he could deal with Madix being sick if he was already sick himself. But the human brain is a clusterfuck of an organ, and sometimes it cannot be expected to act predictably. Sometimes your brain tells you that everything sucks, and that crying is the only solution, and that Madix being sick is the worst possible thing to happen right now. Who was going to take care of us?? How would we deal with a sick Madix while we’re sick?? Because apparently Riley’s brain thought of itself and Riley as two separate entities.

“Are you going to throw up?” Riley asked with an unsteady voice.

Madix immediately regretted telling Riley how he felt. He watched his boyfriend’s eyes grow ten sizes, and watched his chest heave frantically. He guessed the combination of having a fever and feeling terrible made the perfect recipe for panic.

Before Madix could lie about needing to throw up, Riley gagged into his hand. The emotions and nausea became too much, and his stomach was back at it again. Luckily Madix shoved the bucket under his chin just in time to catch the bitter yellow bile that spilled past his lips.

Without thinking about it, Madix stood up from the couch after handing over the bucket. Seeing the thick bile come from his boyfriend’s mouth was too much for his own stomach to handle. Saliva was quickly coating his tongue. “Ry, I have to…” he mumbled with a hand over his mouth. “…I’ll be right back.”

Madix felt bad for leaving Riley in the middle of vomiting, but he desperately needed to do the same. His legs led him to the bathroom where he fell to his knees in front of the toilet. The remnants of his lunch rushed up his throat and splattered into the bowl. A wet belch interrupted the stream, but was soon followed by another wave of vomit. Madix squeezed his eyes shut involuntarily, wetting his eyelashes with tears. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the rim.

His stomach gurgled loudly. He felt like the organ was getting revenge for being forced to wait so long. He wrapped his arms around his aching belly and moaned. It was hell, and now he knew how Riley truly felt. Madix couldn’t help but despair at the thought of going through the same things Riley had all morning. And he would need to do it alone.

In his hazy feverish state, Madix had a thought. The fact that his fried mind was able to come up with a thought was shocking, but there it was.

His phone! Where was his phone? He needed to make a call.

But first he needed to gag over the toilet bowl for another few minutes. For now, it seemed like his stomach just wanted to be an asshole and make him think that he was going to puke. The threat of puking never disappeared, but soon Madix got tired of waiting. And fuck, he could hear Riley calling to him from the living room. Riley’s voice sounded thick from having just brought up another sludge of bile.

Madix wanted to go to him, to rub his back and tell him that everything was going to be okay. But if Riley felt anything like how Madix was feeling, he didn’t think that anything would ever be okay. And guess what? What if Madix wanted someone to rub his back? He wanted someone to tell him that everything would be okay.  

That’s when he remembered the call that he was going to make. The phone was in his pocket, but even that felt too far for him to reach. Slowly, Madix propped his back up against the tub and called Micah. He put it on speaker so that he didn’t have to hold the phone to his ear.

Micah answered on the first ring, but could only hear heavy breathing on the other end. “Madix? Are you there?

Madix finally got the energy to respond. He was weak. “Can you…come over?”

“Madix? I can’t hear you very well. You sound all echo-ish.” Micah’s voice was so loud as it reverberated in the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

“No ‘m really sick. Riley too.” Madix felt sweat dripping down his forehead. “Please come over.” He hoped that Micah could understand his messy speech.

There was ruffling on Micah’s end before, “oh okay, okay. Just hang tight. We’ll be right there.”

“Wait…Bring stuff.”

“Bring stuff?”

“We’re…dehy…” he was going to say ‘dehydrated’ but there were some technical difficulties in his brain. The hardware was overheating. He found a solution. “…thirsty.”

                                                      …

With some deductive skills, Micah had a pretty good guess for what was ailing his friends. The echo of the phone call easily told him that Madix was in a bathroom. Dehydration plus camping out in a bathroom were not hard puzzle pieces to fit together.

He and Alexi stopped by the store for Gatorade, soup, and anything else needed to fight a stomach virus. While Alexi debated over which flavour of sport drink to get, Micah rushed him along. “Just pick one! Madix sounded horrible on the phone.”

“What if they don’t like the yellow kind?”

“Oh my god, let’s just go!”

“Fine…” Alexi muttered under his breath, “but if they hate it, it’s your fault.”

Micah accepted full responsibility if they didn’t like the drink, and raced for the checkout. They threw the bags into the car and off they went to help their friends once again.

Upon entering, they immediately found Riley sleeping on the couch with the bucket on the floor. It was still full of bile because clearly neither of the sick boys had the energy to clean it.

While Alexi placed the groceries in the kitchen and began to open the drinks, Micah crouched by Riley’s head. His skin was deathly pale. Micah woke him up with a light shake.

Riley jumped a little as he awoke from his restless sleep. He rubbed his eyes, not understanding what he was seeing. He could swear that Micah was in his house for some reason. And he was right. “Micah?”

“Hey Ry. How are you feeling?”

Riley looked around and spotted Alexi as well. His brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you doing here?”

“Madix called us,” Alexi answered while carrying over a bottle of Gatorade. “Can you sit up and take a sip of this for me?”

Riley did sit up and accepted the bottle. His mouth was insanely dry, but that’s not what he cared about in that moment. “Oh my god Madix. Go help him!” He looked worriedly between the two boys who just showed up. “I know he’s been throwing up in the bathroom, but I just – I couldn’t… I –”

“Shh, slow down,” Micah said softly. “It’s not your fault. I’ll go check on him right now.” As he left, Micah heard Riley ask if they brought any other colour of Gatorade. Yellow wasn’t his favourite.

Micah was scared that he was going to find Madix passed out in a puddle of his own vomit. That was not the case. He found Madix drenched in sweat, not passed out but barely lucid. Madix didn’t even react when Micah came into the bathroom. His head was resting on the toilet seat and it looked like he was fighting another wave of nausea. The bowl was full of half-digested stomach contents. Madix whimpered quietly to himself.

Micah slowly sat down, and immediately put his hand on Madix’s damp back. “Oh Maddy, look at you.” The heat from his back was astounding.

Madix did not open his eyes, but his shoulders lost a bit of their tension. “Micah?”

“Yeah, I’m here.” Micah’s chest ached when the boy reached out his hand to hold onto him. He was usually only very touchy with Alexi, but Madix looked like he needed it to survive. Micah scooted closer and brushed a hand over Madix’s cheek. Of course, he found it burning. Normally, Micah would feel very awkward touching a friend’s face but there was something about Madix’s desperation that made it okay. The way Madix leaned entirely into the touch made Micah forget about any apprehensions.

Madix squinted from the bright light. He hadn’t realized how long his eyes had been closed for. He also hadn’t realized how much he needed the presence of someone else. It was like drowning in dark water. No one around to pull him from the waves that kept pushing him under. No one to pierce the thick darkness where he found himself.

Then suddenly a lifeline.

A choked sob came from Madix. “I feel horrible, Micah. I can’t stop throwing up.”

“I know, I know.” Micah rubbed his back harder. He tried to hold back his own emotions. He had never seen Madix this vulnerable.

“I – I couldn’t…. st-stay with Riley.” Tears streaked down Madix’s face as he cried and struggled to catch his breath. “It hurts…my belly.”

Micah didn’t say anything. He just continued to let Madix know he was there. He wanted to let Madix be completely selfish for once in his life, God knows he deserves it.

If Madix were lucid enough to hear what he was saying, he would have told himself to stop making such a big deal about a little stomach-ache. The good news was that he wasn’t lucid enough, and this provided him with the outlet he needed. Somehow, his head found Micah’s shoulder and he rested it there while he feverishly rambled.

Micah let this go one for as long as he could, but he had to stop it eventually. Madix was hiccupping and crying, and generally working himself up to the point of making himself sick all over again. When the hiccupping turned into empty heaves, Micah spoke. “Okay, hon, you have to let yourself breathe. Can you breathe with me?”

And Micah took a long inhale, making sure that Madix did the same. Through sniffles and hiccups, he copied the rise and fall of Micah’s chest. “That’s it, Mads. Again.”

The two of them took another deep breath in, and Madix’s breathing slowly became less shaky. Micah smiled at the progress. “That’s it, Madix. Everything is going to be okay.”

#emeto #emetophilia #emeto fic #stomach flu #sickfic #stomach bug #multiple sickees #fever #Riley #Madix #Micah #Alexi #platonic caretaking #puking #my ocs #vomiting

[kiirokero]

Tryst (JHS)

Tryst: A private romantic rendezvous between lovers.

Part of the “Protect the Village!” Oneshot series.

Masterlist

Pairing: GroceryManager!Hoseok x Reader

Genre: Fluff, angst, romance, humour, dating in secret, swearing, established relationship (kinda)

Note: I’m so tired please lol I’m hibernating all of April. I know I’ll wake up in the morning and find this absolute shit and cringe at the fact that people saw it.

Summary: Having a best friend with his own grocery store is the perfect equation for late nights looking up at the stars, snacking on cheap junk food, and “Are we about to kiss right now?” Jokes.

Word Count: 4.2k

“Stay away from Hoseok, I don’t like him.”

      Those were the words your brother, Kim Namjoon, said to you when you first saw Hoseok in the village. It was a cool afternoon. It had just rained the night before, so the streets were damp from yesterday's showers. This was your favorite kind of day. Right after rainfall, the weather in Bangtan Village always seemed to be perfect. 

     There was always a smooth breeze as the clouds in the sky slightly dissipated, revealing just a sliver of sun to give the petrichor day a warm feeling. However, the worst part of it was the puddles. Jumping in puddles on purpose may be a fun pastime for you, much to the dismay of your stick-in-the-mud brother, but it was only fun if you did it on purpose. Not accidentally slipping and being caught by a handsome stranger.

      When you slipped in that puddle outside the grocery store your brother always told you to avoid, you weren’t expecting such a handsome man to catch you. You were sure that you were going to get a face full of asphalt, but strong arms suddenly wrapped their way around you and you fell into the chest of none other than Jung Hoseok. But you didn’t know it was him at the time.

      “I’m so sorry!” You said, standing back up with the help of the man in front of you. “It’s okay! I’m just glad you didn’t fall,” He smiled, and you felt your heart rate pick up. “Thank you for sparing me the experience,” You chuckled, nervously scratching the back of your neck. “Not a problem! Be careful, yeah?” He said, waving you goodbye as he went back into the grocery store.

“Why? What has he done that’s so bad?”

      That is what you asked your fuming brother when you told him about the incident in front of the grocery store. “Stay away from him,” Is what he spat out at you, angrily working on the car that was in front of him, hood popped and engine exposed. “You didn’t answer my question,” You retorted, getting annoyed at his pissed reaction. 

      “What part of “Stay away from Hoseok, I don’t like him.” do you not understand?” He groaned, wiping away the oil that spilled onto his hands. Finally looking at you. “The part where you give me a valid reason,” You hit back, standing tall, back straight and arms cross. 

      Namjoon sighed, “I just don’t like him is all,” He said, grabbing another one of his tools to get back to working. “Wow, you totally passed persuasive writing in school, didn’t you?” You rolled your eyes, heading towards the exit of Namjoon’s workshop. “Don’t get smart with me,” He hissed through gritted teeth. “Too late, you’re the one who sent me to school,” You shrugged, walking out of the room and slamming the door behind you. 

      You loved Namjoon with all of your heart. He was there to raise you when your parents disappeared and he was there to catch you whenever you fell. But sometimes you didn’t understand him. You understood that he felt the need to protect you. You weren’t exactly the strongest person health wise, but sometimes he crossed the thin, blurred line of protecting you and sheltering you from being your own person.

      You were a bedridden child. Always catching colds and flus whenever they spread around the town, and you caught them bad. You had gotten better now; you were 21, so your immune system had somewhat gotten its shit together. That didn’t mean you weren’t still an immunocompromised person, but it was better than before. 

      Namjoon was the one who always took care of you. He got you your medicine, he cooked your food (Or got his boyfriend Jin to do it) and he sat with you until you fell asleep on restless nights. He was your rock, and you could never express just how grateful you were for him. But that didn’t mean you weren’t allowed to get mad at him, and you always made sure he knew it. He was the one who made you so headstrong after all, him himself being stubborn as a mule. 

You loved him, and he knew it, but you also hated some of his helicopter tendencies. 

“I hope I see you there,”

      Those were the words that ended your first conversation with Jung Hoseok. No matter how adamant Namjoon was about you steering clear of the man, you didn’t listen. Something about his smile, the sound of his voice, the warmth of his skin made you want to go back and see him again. So you did.,

     One afternoon when Namjoon was busy with cars and you had the time away from your language studies, you went to go see the allusive man. Walking through the streets, you made your way to the forbidden store, not hesitating to step in. “Welcome!” That same cheery voice greeted you. Turning to your left, you saw Hoseok standing behind the counter. 

      When your eyes locked, you saw his face light up in recognition. “Hey! It’s you! How are you?” He said, giving you his full attention. “I’m good,” You responded, walking up to the counter and leaning your hip on it. “I never got your name,” Hoseok said, a smile never leaving his face. “Kim Y/n,” You answered. Hoseok’s looked surprised for a second, but quickly schooled his facial expression. 

     “K-Kim? Oh, cool, cool... You don’t happen to know a um, Taehyung, do you?” He coughed awkwardly, fiddling with his fingers. “No, I’m not related to that Kim. Namjoon is my brother,” You shrugged, curious of his reaction, “N-Namjoon? Oh, he’s... He’s nice...” He shifted on his feet uncomfortably, avoiding your eyes. “He is. He can be a jerk sometimes though. Anyway, changing the subject, I have a proposal for you,” You smiled, hoping to calm Hoseok down.

      Hoseok lifted his head up from the tiles he was intently staring at. “What is it?” He asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. “You know that hill on the edge of town? The one that overlooks the forest that everyone is afraid of?” You inquire. Hoseok slowly nodded his head. “Great! Meet me at 10pm. I hope I see you there,” You said, giving him a wave as you jogged out of the store.

      Dressed in one of Namjoon’s thick sweatshirts and a pair of sweatpants, you sat down in the grass, moonlight illuminating the space around you as you prayed that Hoseok would show up. It was about 9:50, 10 minutes until the designated meeting time you had set. 

      You didn’t even know if Hoseok was free at this time, for all you know this could be his shelf stocking time. But you hoped. You hoped that in your nervous haste you were able to come off confident and persuasive enough for Hoseok to show up and humour you and your weird request. 

      Checking your phone again, the time read 10:06pm. Sighing, you shoved it back into your pocket and wrapped your arms around your knees, resting your head on top of them. You had begun to contemplate getting up and sneaking back home when the sound of footsteps on the grass behind you caught your attention. Whipping around, you saw Hoseok make his way to the top of the hill.

      He was dressed similarly to you; He had a black sweatshirt on and blue jeans. He looked elegant in the moonlight; the shine bounced off his brown hair and illuminated his pale skin nicely. When he spotted you, his eyebrows raised and his chest bounced up and down in a light laugh. He walked over to you, not saying anything yet as he sat down next to you, gazing out into the forest. 

     “You came,” You whispered, unable to take your eyes off of him. “I did,” Was his answer, still gazing out into the forested patch of land. “I was starting to lose hope,” You admitted. “Well, I’m here now,” He shrugged, finally turning to look back at you. “You’re not going to murder me out here, right? Because I can scream pretty loud,” He chuckled, and you playfully rolled your eyes. 

     “Nah, not the homicide kind of person. Arson? Maybe, but homicide? No, too messy,” You joked, earning a real boisterous laugh from the man beside you. “I like your honestly,” He snorted, a sparkle in his eye. “I get that from my brother,” You shrugged. Hoseok deflated a bit at the mention of Namjoon. Curious, you decided to ask him why. 

      Turning your entire body to face him, you squinted your eyes at him, gaining a look of confusion from him. “Whats up between you and my brother?” You asked, getting straight to the point. “Wow you really are like Namjoon, no beating around the bush huh?” He chuckled. After a second, Hoseok sighed and looked down somberly. “We went to highschool together, we even used to be friends, but that changed our senior year,”

“How so?” You asked,

“We got into an argument...”

“About what?”

“Do you always ask so many questions?” Hoseok asked with a smile. 

“Yeah,” You smiled back. 

      Hoseok playfully shook his head, “It was me really, I betrayed his trust in the dumbest of ways,” He cringed. “Do you know that Namjoon’s...” Hoseok trailed off, childishly poking both of his finger together. “What? Gay?” You guessed, “Yes, he’s always been open about it to me.” Hoseok let out a sigh of relief, laying back on the grass. “Well, he told me and asked me to keep it a secret. Not everybody in our school was the most accepting. But my big mouth accidentally let it slip one day...”

“Wow, really?” You said,

“Yeah, I know. Asshole move.” He sighed.

“You got that right,” You poked him in the ribs, earning a hiss from him.

“I deserved that. I honestly didn’t mean to let it slip, but I’ve never been good with secrets. I apologized profusely to him, but he never forgave me. I don’t blame him, the amount of scrutiny he got was disgusting, I wouldn’t forgive me either.” Hoseok stopped to take a deep breath, “He never talked to me again after that. It hurt, but I got over it eventually, accepted that it was all my fault, and moved on.” 

      You nodded, letting out a small hum. “Is this the part where you smite me and walk away?” Hoseok asked, turning his head to look at you. “No. You made a mistake, and you apologized. It’s ultimately up to Namjoon to forgive you, but it’s up to me who I hang out with, and you’re pretty cool Seok,” You said, laying down in the grass next to him. “Seok? ...I like that,” He chuckled. 

“Well Seok, do you know any constellations?” 

      That was the first of many late night rendezvous. The more you got to know Hoseok and talk to him, the more you came to realize that he was a cool person. He wasn’t the bad person Namjoon made him out to be, just a cool guy who made a dumb mistake. 

      Most nights, Hoseok would bring snack from his store for the two of you to eat while you looked up at the sky and tried to spot constellations. Chips, candy, the occasional piece of fruit if you made him mad the previous night and he wanted to get back at you. It was a lot of junk food and philosophical talks. 

By philosophical talks, you mean debating questions like, “What name would you give the ninja turtles besides the names they have now?”

And apparently Donatello is totally a Henry to Hoseok. 

      “Come on Seok, I’m telling you, fighting a bunch of penguin-sized horses is the better alternative!” You argued, stuffing a chip into your mouth. “Uh no I’d be more terrified that way. One horse-sized penguin is enough for me. Plus, it’d be cute!” He gushed, biting into a matcha Pockey. “We’re fighting these animals Seok, and I’m 99.8% sure that you’d get your ass kicked,” You snickered. 

      Hoseok dramatically gasped. “Do YOU wanna fight Y/n?” He asked, leaning forward in an attempt to intimidate you. You leaned forward in response, only stopping when your forehead touched his. You squinted your eyes, unable to keep the smiles or laughs away. “Are we about to kiss right now, bro?” You whispered, bursting out in laughter, falling back onto the grass. 

     “Oh my god, you’re impossible!” Hoseok said between laughs. “But you love me~” You teased after you calmed down. “Yeah I guess,” Hoseok snorted, coming to lay closer to you. You and Hoseok sat there in silence for a bit, enjoying the sounds of the crickets while the two of you looked up at the stars. “Do you remember the constellation we made up together?” You asked, still looking up at the sky. 

      Hoseok hummed, “How could I forget? The night we made it was the night you convinced me to step into that forest. I stand by my point that the squirrel looked a lot bigger from where I was and totally warranted that scream,” He chuckled. “Why is that the memory you always bring up? I confessed my feelings for you that day, you know!” 

      It was a warm night, not a cloud in sight as the moon shown brightly on the terrified expression Hoseok gave you. “You want me to go into the forest? Are you crazy?” He whisper-yelled, like the trees were suddenly snooping in on our conversation. “You lost the bet,” You shrugged, pushing his tall, stiff body towards the tree line. 

      “You cheated in that go fish round!” He accused, still not acknowledging the fact that go-fish is luck based. You rolled your eyes, not stopping your attempts to get the man into the forest. “It’s just, like, 10 seconds standing in the treeline, I’ll watch you to make sure your safe the whole time!” You grinned. Hoseok sighed, defeated, taking a walk of shame towards the looming forest. 

      “Jung Hoseok! Loser of go-fish! What do you have to say for yourself!” You called to him, staying away from the tress because fuck that. You’ve heard the stories. “I’m scared! Tell my mother I love her! Leave the 5$ you owe me on my grave!” He called back, laughing at his own joke. 

       You were laughing along too before an ear-piercing screech rang through the air. Looking up, you saw Hoseok running away from the forest and grabbing your shoulders to hide behind you. “The fuck?” You asked, squinting your eyes to see if there was a bear or something. “That squirrel is possessed!” Hoseok shivered, and there was, in fact, a squirrel in the treeline. Problem was, it looked like a perfectly normal squirrel. 

     “Uhh, that’s just a normal squirrel Seok,” You said, turning to look at the man behind you. “No! It was huge!” He sounded like a conspiracy theorist and it was making you laugh. “Aish, I’m in love with an idiot,” You mumbled to yourself, not quite realizing what you were saying. “W-What did you say?” Hoseok asked, standing back up straight.

      Your eyes widened as you stumbled over your words. “I uh- what? Nothing. I said nothing. Speaking? Me? Impossible. I don’t even know Kore-” You were cut off when Hoseok leaned down and connected his lips with yours in a soft, sweet kiss. 

       His lips were soft and warm, and you felt your heart stutter at the sensation of having him so close. Hoseok was like a saccharine elixir that you couldn’t get enough of. His warmth, his breath fanning against your face, the slight smile he had when he kissed you. It was all knee wobbling sensations that left you stunned once he pulled away. 

“And I’m in love with you,” Hoseok said with a smile, going back in for another kiss.

“The trauma I got from that squirrel will forever be stuck in the front of my mind,” Hoseok dramatically sighed. “Yeah, sure, anyway, you can see it more clearly now, the J and the K,” You said, pointing up into the night sky. 

      On that same nightly tryst, when the two of you were snuggling under the stars for the first time, the two of you ran out of constellations to identify, so you decided to make your own. A J and a K stuck together for “Jung” and “Kim” It wasn’t super visible, but on nights like these you could see it clearly if you knew what to look for. “Oh your right, there it is,” Hoseok said, and you could hear the happiness in his voice.

“Jung and Kim,” You said aloud.

“Kim and Jung,” Hoseok answered back.

      The two of you went back to silence, laying down in the grass, just enjoying each other's presence. Hoseok felt so warm next to you, like a dull fire. You could hear his rhythmic breathing through the noise of the crickets and you closed your eyes. Focusing solely on him. You snuggled up next to him, resting your head on his chest as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder. You felt his soft lips kiss the top of your head as he let out a content sigh. 

      “I wish these nights would never end,” Hoseok said, bringing you in closer. “Me too,” You whispered, breathing in his floral cologne. “I wake up and look forward to nightfall,” You chuckled, intertwining your hand with the one Hoseok had resting on his stomach. “I love you, sunshine,” Hoseok whispered to you after a beat of silence. “I love you too, Seok,”

      Sneaking back into your house was never really hard. Namjoon was a heavy sleeper and the window to your room was a silent doorway in and out. You were glad for living in a one-story house because it made this task so much easier. After you said goodbye to Hoseok with a long, drawn out hug full of unspoken words, you walked back to your house, ready for a good nights sleep.

      Climbing back through your window, you let out a scream as you turned on the light to see your brother sitting there, wide awake, in your desk chair. “J-Joonie?” You asked, feeling your heart drop. “Where have you been?” He growled out, a pissed expression on his face. You didn’t answer, you were too scared to answer. 

      “So you’ve been sneaking out? Do you know how dangerous that is Y/n? Who are you meeting up with?” He asked, voice riddled with anger and frustration. “Nobody...” You mumbled, looking down at the wood flooring. “Nobody, huh? Then what’s this? It’s not yours. Certainly not mine,” Namjoon said, holding up one of Hoseok’s sweatshirts that he gave you. You gulped, heart pounding in your ears. 

      “How do you know that I didn’t just buy a sweatshirt without you knowing?” You defended, not willing to crack under your brother’s intense pressure. “Because JHS is written on the tag, and it’s not in your handwriting,” He retorted, showing that, in fact, JHS is written on the tag inside the sweatshirt. You stayed quiet. 

      “You’ve been sneaking out to see him, haven’t you?” Namjoon asked, his tone getting increasingly colder. Again, you stayed quiet. “Haven’t you?!” Namjoon raised his voice, standing up from the chair. “And what if I have?!” You yelled back, brimming with anger and embarrassment. “I told you to stay away from him!” Namjoon growled, his deep voice reverberating off the thin wall of the house. 

      You blinked back the tears that stung in the corner of your eyes. “Without a valid reason! He hasn’t done anything wrong!” You argued, reaching to grab the sweatshirt away from your brother, but he was faster and held it above his head, out of your reach. “Hasn’t done anything wrong? He’s a backstabbing prick!” 

“Who apologized!” You pointed out, continuing to reach for the sweatshirt you’d grown so very attached to. 

“Sorry doesn’t fix it!”

      “You’re twenty-fucking-five Namjoon, grow up and leave me out of your personal issues!” You yelled, successfully grabbing the sweatshirt from him and holding it to your chest protectively. “Can’t you see that I’m trying to protect you?” Namjoon asked. “This isn’t protecting, this is sheltering. I’m an adult Namjoon! I can make my own decisions.” You stressed, taking a seat on your bed. The two of you finally calming down. 

      Namjoon didn’t say anything, so you took it as a sign to continue. “Hoseok told me everything, I think the two of you should talk,” You suggested, but Namjoon shook his head, “No, there’s nothing to talk about,” You sighed, “He said sorry Namjoon, multiple times,” You said, and you saw Namjoon’s face soften a bit, “Maybe you’ve forgiven him, but your afraid he won’t forgive you for how coldly you’ve treated him.”

      There was nothing but silence and a somber-looking Namjoon. “Admit it Joon,” You said. “Okay, fine. I have forgiven him, a long time ago, and you’re right... I am scared that he won’t forgive my actions. I was horrible to him after the incident Y/n...” Namjoon admitted, taking a seat on the bed next to you. “And when I found out you were sneaking out to see him, I was scared that he’d tell you and you’d see me differently... I’m sorry...” He said, a genuine look in his eyes. 

“He doesn’t say a bad thing about you, Namjoon,” You sighed.

“He doesn’t?”

“No, it honestly just sounds like he misses you as a friend,” 

“...I should talk to him...”

“Come with me tomorrow night, so the two of you can talk, okay?”

       Namjoon and you sat on the top of the hill, waiting for Hoseok to arrive. It was one of the colder nights, so you were wrapped up in Hoseok’s sweatshirt and a scaff. Namjoon, being the weirdo he was, decided that the cold never bothered him and wore a simple t-shirt, jean combo. 

      “Are you sure about this Y/n? Isn’t this your alone time with him?” Namjoon asked, eyebrows wrinkled in worry. “It was, but once the two of you talk, we won’t have to sneak around at night anymore, we can sneak during the day too” You chuckled, lightly shaking Namjoon’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine,” You reassured him. 

      A couple minute later, you heard the footsteps of another person approaching. “Sunshine!” You heard the cheery voice of Hoseok call out for you. Quickly you got up and ran to him, jumping onto him in a (very aggressive but very loving) hug. “Seok!” You cheered, earning a chuckled from the man. 

     Hoseok gently placed you down, looking at you with his brown eyes full of love and admiration. He cupped your face with both of his hands and leant his forehead against yours. “Are we about to kiss right now?” You giggled, giving him an eskimo kiss. “Yeah,” He chuckled, leaning in to give you a quick, chaste kiss, wrapping his arms around you to hug you once more. 

     You suddenly remembered that you brought a certain car mechanic with you and you awkwardly cleared your throat. “What’s up?” Hoseok asked you, pulling away to look down at your nervous form. Pointing your thumb over your shoulder you murmured out “I brought someone who wants to talk to you.” 

      Hoseok finally looked behind you, and even in the moonlight you could see his face slightly pale. “Hey...” Namjoon waved awkwardly, standing up a couple feet away from us. “Hey,” Hoseok replied, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me towards him in an unconscious act of love. Namjoon looked down at the gesture and softened. 

     “I, um- I think we have a lot to talk about,” Namjoon said as Hoseok nodded. “I think we do,” The air between them was so uncomfortable that even the crickets stopped making noise. It was just deadly silent before Namjoon spoke up first. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you,” He cringed.

“It’s okay. I’m still sorry for what happened in highschool,”

“That was 7 years ago Hoseok... I forgave you a long time ago,”

“You did? Then were even,”

     Namjoon’s head shot up from where he was looking at the grass, kicking a rock around with his foot. “What?” He asked, sounding surprised. “I forgive you. You forgive me, were even,” Hoseok stated firmly, patting my back as he let me go to walk up to Namjoon. “Truce?” Hoseok chuckled, holding out his hand. “Truce,” Namjoon laughed along, flashing Hoseok a dimpled smile. 

This was the better ending to Romeo and Juliet. You thought, smiling to yourself. 

     “Oh my god, Y/n, you look fine,” Namjoon chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know Joonie, what if Seok doesn’t like it?” You whined, turning around in the mirror to get another look at the sundress you were wearing. “Seok thinks you look pretty in everything,” Namjoon said, “Seriously, he’s whipped for you,” 

      You smirked, “Yeah his is,” You giggled. “Alright, no more stalling, date time!” You stated, a determined look on your face. But when the doorbell rang, your confidence vanished, and you froze. Namjoon sighed, grabbing you by the arm and dragging you towards the door, opening it and placing you in front of a very smiley Hoseok. 

     “Hey gorgeous,” Hoseok winked, and you had to hold the door for support so your knees didn’t give out. “hEy,” You squeaked out. This was your first official date with Hoseok, out in daylight, with Namjoon knowing. Needless to say, it was a big deal for the both of you. Hoseok was handling it better than you, no doubt. 

      Hoseok chuckled, holding out his hand for you. “Are you ready to go? Not trusting your words, you just nodded, putting your hands in his. “I’ll see you guys later,” Namjoon smiled, waving to you goodbye as you and Hoseok giggled like lovesick idiots. 

Probably because you were. 

#hoseok #jung hoseok #hobi #jhope #hoseok x reader #jhope x reader #bts #bts one shot

[astrea-lin]

MLQC/ Love Producer chapter 25 translation

Spoilers ahead ><  Translated this from Chinese but some parts were really difficult too, I hope it helps nonetheless c:  

------chapter 25-1------- 

Under the inky blue night sky, the moon hung highly.I stood on a surface of water and reached out, raindrops falling onto my palm.There was no sound of rain. I could not feel the temperature of the water droplets, either. 

Surprisingly, the surroundings were quiet, and my hazy expression was reflected on the still water. I seemed to have passed through a long, dark tunnel and ended up in a peaceful lake. However, I almost couldn’t remember everything else that had happened. 

Someone seemed to be calling my name. I opened my mouth, but there was no sound.

There were layers of mist wrapped around me. My body seemed like it was being pushed around uncontrollably. As my world was spun around, I fell deeper into the water.

The sound of rain and shouting echoed in my ears; the shouts unwilling to cease.

I opened my eyes slowly, and subconsciously reached out my hand to block the ray of light from my sight. In the next second, a few familiar faces appeared in my sight. A pair of eyes gleamed, seemingly surprised.

Young boy: “You’re finally awake!” 

Young girl: “We’ve called for you so many times! Quick, call the dean!”

Upon hearing the girl, the young boy turned and left the classroom. I looked at the familiar faces of the noisy children around me, and I lost focus for a moment.  

MC: This is…

Young girl: “I knew it! You’ve forgotten about us! You clearly promised to come back and visit us…”

Young girl: “ Lucien even told us that you just didn’t have time…”

I hurriedly looked around me, like I was being struck. I looked at the organized tables and chairs, the snow-white ceiling, and the resentful girl in front of me. All of my memories were then put together. 

MC: “This place, could it be…”

MC: “Dean...”

Dean: “Are you alright?”

I turned to look at the dean who was rushing over to me, and I didn't dare to confirm my own assumptions. Looking at the dean and the children who were calling my name filled my heart a little.

Dean: “We haven’t met in a long time. What brings you here? Do you have new ideas for your show?”

The children gathered around me, calling my name. One of the children stood closely to the dean, seemingly full of expectations. 

Young girl: “Lucien’s girlfriend is here. Does this mean that Lucien will be here,too? He hasn’t visited to tell us stories in a long time…”

Young boy: “Didn’t you claim that you were Lucien’s girlfriend instead?”

The children started laughing, and the  girl blushed. She chased him around and tried to hit him. I felt a tingling feeling in my nose as I watched them. That’s right, this was the orphanage I remembered. They seemed to be a little older now, but it’s true; they were the children I visited because Lucien brought me to see them.

They remembered my name, and the things I did here. I remembered coming here with Lucien…

This was the world I experienced everything in;  my joy, doubts, and my countless emotions.

MC: “How have you been, recently?”

Even though I did my best to control myself, my voice was still shaking.

The dean was puzzled, but still nodded at me.

Dean: “What’s wrong? Why are you asking such a question so suddenly?”

I tried my best to take a deep breath.

MC: “Everything’s fine, I’m just… happy”

MC: “Happy that I returned.”

Even though the dean was confused, he looked at me, gave me a kind smile, and understood me in his own way.

Dean: “This place will always welcome you.”

Dean: “Come, let’s get up.”

I nodded, and the children rushed to reach out their hands, pulling me to a seat.

Dean: “When did you arrive at the orphanage? Why didn’t anyone tell us so? The children told me that you fell asleep here.” 

Dean: “Did anything happen?”

Looking at the dean’s kind expression, I tried my best to think of my last memory. A beam of light passed me by.

I stood still, and shook my head in the end. 

Young boy: “I know! You must have been too sleepy, that’s why you fell asleep.”

Young girl: “Even so, she wouldn’t have slept on the floor!”

Young boy: “Who says you can’t? You were even able to sleep on the grass while standing the other day, and  I saw that!”

Young boy: “Didn’t the dean always talk about how it’s so easy to fall asleep during this season?”

Young girl: “You! How could you say that out? It’s too embarrassing!”

Dean: “Alright, stop fighting.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at their bickering. I felt a long lost warmth in my heart.

The sun shined on the windows as I looked out, and all I saw was rich greens. The weather was amazing.

However, something didn’t feel right.

Too many things had happened in the past. Even though what I saw were familiar people, I’ve always felt that there were subtle changes.

Why was I at the orphanage? Has the incident that took place in the other world been resolved?

Is he… doing ok?

Then, I received a phone call from an unknown number.

MC: “Hello?”

??: “MC… Your company...”

MC: “Hello? I can’t hear you clearly. Can you speak louder?”

I heard static noises alongside a familiar female voice. I could only struggle to comprehend what she was saying. 

Before I could ask clearly, the call went into voicemail.

My company? Was the call from Anna?

ding--

At the same time, my phone started ringing continuously for a few minutes.

The children around me watched as my phone continued to ring.

Young boy: “Your phone is dancing…”

Text messages, e-mails, news, advertisements…  

Countless notifications flooded in, as though wanting to fill up my phone all at once.

MC: “What’s going on?”  

The flood of notifications stopped, and my screen went dark

I picked up my phone to check for any issues, when my screen lit up once again.

The sender’s name broke into my sight suddenly, and my breathing seemed to be out of pace in an instant.

It’s Kiro.

Kiro: “Welcome back ^^”

------chapter 25- 2------- 

My thoughts drifted to a distant past. Looking at my phone’s screen, I could picture his smiling face, grinning from ear to ear.  Kiro… How did he know of my return?

More importantly, the one who sent me thay text message-- was it really him?

An image of a silver-haired boy came into my mind and I thought of his cold gaze. I couldn’t help but hold on to my phone tightly.

Young boy: “Why didn’t you bring chips for us?”

I stopped for a moment, and thought about a decision I made, and my visit to the orphanage to  distribute the  chips to the children.

MC: “Dean, I’m sorry, things have been too busy these days. How long has it been since my last visit?.”

Dean: “About half a year.”

Dean: “When you last visited, this place was a temporary shelter. The flu affected the whole city, and it was disastrous.”

Hearing about the flu, it rang a bell. All of my memories came rushing back like a surge of waves.

The messy gray-white hall, the girl in a black dress who fell into a pool of blood, the man whom I cried and begged at, and his embrace. 

Victor… How is he? 

I subconsciously put my hand on my chest, trying to find an answer that did not exist.

Dean: “Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?”

I shook my head quickly, let out a breath, and thought of something more important.

MC: “Has the flu incident been resolved?”

The dean let out a surprised expression, and nodded.

Dean: “Of course it had been resolved. Even if you were busy, you should know about things like this. Furthermore, didn’t Lucien--”

Suddenly, strong footsteps came from the outside, and interrupted his words.

--bang---, the door was forcefully knocked open.

The children screamed in fear, and I rushed to  protect them behind me.

Even though my heart was beating so quickly, my first reaction was to react immediately. Perhaps that was because I had experienced too many things recently.

A group of people in uniforms appeared in the classroom. They formed into a straight line quickly, their faces full of dignity.

There was a sudden conflict. In a few seconds, they blocked the path to the exit.

Upon looking at their uniforms, I reacted immediately. They were agents from the task force!

Dean: “Sirs, may I ask what’s the matter?”

I looked at the dean who was walking forward,  my heart full of surprise and suspicion. He’s an ordinary person, so how could he have known about the agents?

Not having time to think, the man who was standing in the middle walked towards us with utmost urgency.

He was holding a device that was slightly larger than his palm. His gaze scanned us, as though he was comparing us with one another.

After a while, he turned to whisper to his teammate next to him. They quickly walked toward us and grabbed the two children behind me. 

Officer: “Take them away.”

I looked at the scene before me in shock, unable to react to the situation.

Young girl: “Dean… MC… I’m scared...”

The crying and shouting in front of me amplified and I felt something tugging at my heart. I rushed forward and held  their hands.

MC: “Your tasks have always been to arrest criminals with Evol powers, so why are you capturing these children?”

The man frowned, seemingly intrigued by my question.

Officer: “You seem to have a good understanding about us?”

MC: “I know...one of your past colleagues.”

The man looked at me for a moment, and let out a cold laughter.

Officer: “You want to talk about favors?  Miss, you’re overthinking. We must take away these two underaged evolvers today. This is an order, please cooperate.”

I looked at the two crying children before me. All this while, I never knew they were evolvers.

However, that man’s tone infuriated me.

MC: “Why must they be taken, just because they are evolvers? Did they commit a crime?”

MC: “Also, how could you discuss the evolvers’ identities so openly?”

There was a dead silence, and then laughter from the agents. Even the dean furrowed his brows as he looked at me.

The officer who captured the children began to speak coldly.

Officer: “3 months ago, the list containing the names of all evolvers was released publicly. ”

MC: “What?!”

Officer: “This is to protect the safety of all citizens.”

Officer: “The massacre at the quarantine zone proved that the potential danger of evol criminals has far exceeded our expectations”. 

Officer: “If the force had not taken control of the scene on time and arrested the ones responsible, every single one of you would probably have been dead.”

Young boy: “Nonsense! The one who saved us was Lucien!”

Upon hearing Lucien’s name, the agent was surprised and showed a hint of anxiety on his face, but soon looked serious again.

Officer: “Anyway, we must monitor all underaged evolvers.”

Officer: “Even though they are still young, it would be too dangerous when they lose control of their powers.”

Looking at the two helpless figures before me, I gritted my teeth.

Be it the massacre, or evolvers losing control of their powers-- it is not fundamentally the evolvers’ fault. Even more so, these children were not to be blamed.

How could they publicly release the names of the evolvers? How are they going to live their lives then?

In a moment, countless ideas flashed in my mind.

The man passed down an order as they moved towards me. I could only hold the children tightly with my body to protect them.

MC: “Wait!”

I took a deep breath and paced myself.

MC: “I am an Evolver too.”

Everyone stopped on their tracks instantly as the man looked at me cautiously. Their reaction convinced me that my tactic was effective.

MC: “I am an evolver too, If you are going to take these children, take me along as well.”

The man ordered the dean to stand at the side, as he reached for his gun.

Officer: “Take the rest of the children and leave. Do not return to the classroom without our orders.”

Young girl: “She won’t hurt us!”

The dean suppressed his feelings of suspicion and we exchanged looks. He nodded and took the children away quickly.

The man waited for them to leave, and took a metal device from his teammate as he placed them on my temple.

I gulped nervously and was prepared to be captured, but I stared at him without showing any weakness.

The device beeped twice and showed: No Evol response.

MC: “?!”

The man shook his head and laughed coldly.

Officer: “Miss, do not interfere with official business.”

I stood in place, staring at the device and its response echoed in my ears: No Evol response.

The man turned to take the children away, but I couldn’t help but run forward. I snatched the device from his hands.

Officer: “What are you doing?”

Countless guns aimed at me, and I was running out of time. I placed the device over my temple like they did before. The device rang sharply, and the man looked at me in disgust.

Officer: “What a lunatic… actually hoping to be an Evolver...”

Officer: “Do what an ordinary person would do, or else I will take you away next time.”

I watched the children being taken with my own eyes.

However, the sharp ringing from the device still echoed in my ears.

No Evol response… How is that possible?

Wasn’t my Evol the reason why everything began in the first place?

Because I have the Queen’s Evol, and because I saw those premonitions-- That’s why the world before my eyes slowly unfolded just like what I saw.

The Queen’s abilities would be awakened once the dimensions are unified. I clearly did it in the Black Cabin! So, why…

Was there a problem with that device?!

I closed my eyes as I tried to focus. I tried to recall how I felt when I used my abilities in the past, but I only saw  darkness. 

No, the Queen’s abilities should be more than just being able to see the future. At that moment, I felt it too.

But then, it seemed I didn’t even have my pre-recognition abilities anymore!

Had I really…turned into an ordinary person?

Hypnos: “Can you feel the helplessness of an ordinary person now?”

A gentle yet distant voice rang in my ears. Its warmth felt like falling snowflakes in the cold winter.

I quickly opened my eyes, and in front of me stood an elegant, slender man. I felt a chill down my spine.

Hypnos: “We met again.”

------chapter 25-4------- 

He was still as lofty as ever.

Even though he emerged from the sunlight, his eyes still brought about an air of coldness. I felt a chill involuntarily.

His appearance gave me a terrible feeling, as if this person was concealing some sort of agenda. 

MC: “Why are you here?”

He smiled, but didn’t answer.

MC: “Is this another vision in my dreams?”

MC: “Was it you who allowed the disclosure of the evolvers’ identities?”

MC: “Were you the one who let the public treat evolvers like monsters? Like what you’ve done before?”

Hypnos smiled and walked to my side. His voice was warm and calm, like he was trying to appease me from being so agitated.

Hypnos: “I think you have misunderstood. This is indeed the world where you made all your decisions.”

Hypnos: “I think I have already reminded you a long time ago, that regardless of which world it is, they won’t have too much of a difference from one another.”

MC: “I don’t believe that this has nothing to do with you.”

His face seemed to show ruthlessness, or was it sympathy?

I was unable to read his emotions from his eyes.

Hypnos: “You’re overthinking it. In this world, I have become an ordinary person, just like you.”

Hypnos: “This is considered as... the price I‘ve paid.”

He let out a gentle smile, but I sensed a hint of danger. Something then flashed across my mind.

MC: “What do you mean by “Price”? Did you exchange your evol for something?”

He looked at me silently, reached out, and brushed my forehead.

I couldn’t help but to take a step back, and my forehead felt cold.

Hypnos: “You will slowly learn about it, eventually."

Hypnos: “My decision was made for you.”

I was lost in my thoughts for a moment, but I quickly realized something.

MC: “Why would I lose my evol?”

He looked at me like he was prompting me to keep talking.

MC: “Was this your plan? Did you make my evol disappear? Why did you do that?”

Hypnos: “Isn't it great to be an ordinary person?”

He interrupted me, his tone peaceful and gentle, like he was treating a child who had just lost her candy. 

Hypnos: “Regarding the Queen’s abilities, It was only a burden to you, right?”

I was stunned by his question. I felt like a rock was stuck between my throat, making me unable to react to what he said.

Hypnos: “Your growth was too slow.”

His cold words hit my heart, word by word. I almost wanted to lower my head to avoid his gaze.

Hypnos: “Or, that the dream world I have created is the place that suits you the most. It’s such a pity that you were not awake.” 

He sighed. My neck felt heavy, but I still held my head up firmly.

Hypnos: “This world might change very quickly, and this change will have nothing to do with you.”

His words concealed a hint of danger, making me too afraid to imagine too much. More and more emotions surged in me.

MC: “I will find my powers back.”

He simply acknowledged after a few moments of silence.

MC: “Even if the world is spiraling towards a worse direction, I am still capable of changing it."

Hypnos: “What can the present-you do?”

He looked at my gaze, now seemingly different. I didn’t want to interpret what his words meant.

MC: “Someone once told me that I am the only Queen in this world.”

MC: “No matter how much things change, I will always be able to alter the ending.”

My words made him stop in his tracks for a moment. He smiled lightly after a long while.

Hypnos: “Then, go and do whatever you want to do.”

Hypnos: “Now’s only the beginning.”

I sat on the floor and watched him leave as I gritted my teeth, refusing to show an ounce of weakness.

I only felt my shaking fingertips when I was the only one left in the classroom.

I looked at my palm, the crystal-clear sweat droplets exposing my fear from before.

However, my uneasiness slowly subsided as a voice entered my thoughts.

Lucien: “Only I can bring you to the Queen’s real abilities, and bring you to the real future.”

It doesn’t matter which world it is, nobody understood about Evol and the Queen as much as him.

MC: “Lucien…”

I couldn’t help but say his name. I felt the chilly spring air wheezing by the window.

The camphor tree in the yard just grew new green sprouts. They softly wavered in the wind, as though someone was gently speaking to them.

I looked at the familiar shade of green, and I felt moved by it somehow.

I was already back.

Will he still be there?

------chapter 25-5------- 

I was in a taxi as I passed by Lucien’s research center. I looked on with mixed feelings.

The scenery out of the windows got further and further away from me. As I thought of everything that had happened,  my mind was like an entangled ball of yarn, unable to get through the huge mess.

MC: “To be an ordinary person…”

I looked down at my hands, and closed my eyes. No matter how much I tried to focus, nothing happened. I could only hear the broadcast the driver turned on, and the reality around me which seemed both familiar and foreign at the same time. Yet, the word “Evolver” kept appearing in my mind.

 Looks like the city has completely accepted the existence of Evolvers during the last 6 months. In fact, many people already have their own opinions about it.

News: “The mastermind behind the massacre, nicknamed  “Hades”, is currently under investigation. We interviewed the highest ranked commander Mr. Leto…”

I heard two familiar names pass me by. Before I could react, the middle-aged man’s voice rang through the broadcast.

Leto: “What Hades did had brought us great harm, and the agency will not tolerate such a crime.”

Leto: “The current investigation proves that Hades’ organization did plan the virus.”

Leto: “The agency called them Organization B, and there was also evidence that their core members fled the scene collectively after the incident, including Hades himself.”

Hades? Didn’t he already…

I was taken aback. I thought of the gun in Victor’s hand, and the man who collapsed in front of me. Soon, I recalled what happened in the other world.

Looks like “organization B” refered to BLACK SWAN, I didn’t expect them to be revealed to the public so openly.

Perhaps the agenda behind this was the same when they revealed the names of the evolvers.

Leto: “We have already gotten a hold of their identities, and are currently trying to track where they are.” 

My heart raced again.

If their identities have been revealed, then Lucien…

I was worried. The taxi had already stopped. As I looked up to see the scenery before me, I froze.

The lone building in front of me was not unfamiliar at all, but this was definitely not the place I had wanted to go.

MC: “Excuse me, did you misunderstand what I’ve said? I said I wanted to get to Lucien’s research center.”

Driver: “Research center? It was long gone. This is Professor Lucien’s research institute.”

I was stunned, and I looked at the vast open space before I noticed the newly installed fences and signs. 

The highest life science research center. 

That place had given me many memories. At the beginning, it was Lucien who led me here. At the same time, he had also become someone I was unable to get close to...Ares.

MC: “What’s going on here?”

Driver: “What? Aren’t you a fan of Professor Lucien?”

MC: “You know Lucien?”

Driver: “He saved everyone in Loveland. Of course I know about him.”

Saved the whole of Loveland city?

I suddenly remembered the kid back in the orphanage, who mentioned Lucien saving them.

MC: “What… Did he do?”

Driver: “Are you not a local here? The whole world should have known about this news, though. If we didn’t have the vaccine Lucien had created, we would all be doomed 6 months ago.”

I was thrown off guard for a moment, but understood quickly.

It turned out that Lucien was the one who resolved the flu incident.

Upon understanding the situation, I wasn’t surprised. Perhaps all this while, I believed that he would be the one to develop the vaccine.

Driver: “Sigh. Fortunately for us, we have a genius around, like Professor Lucien. If not for this, all of us would have been killed by the volers--whatever they are called.”

As I heard his words, I felt a taste I could not quite explain.

If he knew that Lucien himself is also an Evolver, and if he heard the news broadcast regarding the organization previously…

I snapped out of my thoughts, and got out of the car.

This building brought me many bad memories, and I didn’t want to get close to it. There were many girls around me who were taking videos, and nobody seemed to mind the strange barrenness here. 

A few of the girls gathered to watch a video on their phones. From their phones, I heard Lucien’s voice. My heart raced, and I took out my phone as well. I searched for his name on my screen.

News reports and photos of him quickly showed up, all of them related to him saving everyone from the crisis.  

I clicked on one of the articles: .

The man in the video had a content smile on his face. It brought me back to the scene where I met him for the first time.

I know that was the Lucien who had nothing to do with BLACK SWAN.

Lucien: “It is a pleasure to accept this commission from the World Gene Organization.”

Lucien: “I chose to rebuild the building out of respect for its predecessors. It also serves as a wake up call for the future generations to come.” 

I looked at the calm, harmless man on the screen. At that moment, I felt that it was a lie.

I couldn’t bring myself to remember that this man had said many dangerous things to me with that same voice.

However, before I left this world, he clearly already…

Lucien: “The world’s savior?  I’m sorry, but I’m not. I also hope that everyone would not use this term to define me.”

Lucien: “I’m just a sacrifice used in the process of humanity’s evolution.”  

The video paused. The word “Sacrifice” coming from him reminded me of something. I thought of another side to him. 

I quickly thought of how the existence of BLACK SWAN was known to the public. Will the fact that Lucien is Ares be announced too?

Countless questions and worries took over me. 

As I was lost in those thoughts, I arrived at the exit unknowingly.

I put my phone away. As I contemplated on how I should enter the building to approach Lucien, the large electronic gates before me opened suddenly.

A young man in a white uniform rushed out of the doors, and quickly began to speak to me warmly.

Young man: “Are you MC? I’m Amin. Quick, come in!  Lucien’s public presentation had already begun.”

I felt so awkward that I didn’t know what to say. As he gestured for me to enter, I had no choice but to follow him.

He took me through a white hallway, and we entered a lab.

MC: “Actually, I…” 

The young man reached to a closet, took out a white uniform similar to the one he was wearing, and threw it towards me.”

Young man: “Put this on. By the way, since you arrived late, the experiment was over. But professor Lucien still has a lecture going on--”

MC: “I’m actually just here to look for Lucien.”

Young man: “Yes,yes,yes, I know, but we are already late. When we enter, please do not make any noise that would interrupt Professor Lucien. My credits would be affected.”

The young man gave me no opportunities to interrupt him, so I just nodded obediently in response.

Perhaps it was my subconscious desire to see him that made me unable to refuse him.

He took me up the stairs, and a tall laboratory appeared before my eyes.

A group of researchers in white uniforms gathered around, and occasionally took down notes.

The ring shaped screen atop displayed all sorts of formulas and numbers which I did not understand.

I walked closer to the group of people, and heard a familiar voice.

Lucien: “On the road to humanity’s evolution, we will encounter many challenges. However, it is simply a process we have to go through.”

Hearing that voice, I hardly dared to step forward any closer. I knew that I was no longer looking at a screen, but Lucien himself.  

Lucien: “Maybe some people would like to return to simpler experiences, or perhaps… some people would like to look for a shortcut.” 

I kept my gaze down, but I couldn’t help but keep walking toward where he stood.

 Lucien: “...But to find such a shortcut is not easy.”

As I heard the familiar words, I looked up, and my heart raced.

Lucien stood there, wearing his glasses, and was still wearing the same white coat and dark  dress shirt.

Just like that, he came into my sight.

Lucien: “I’m sorry, I’ve been doing the talking all this while. In regards to this experiment, would any students like to express their views? ”

He turned around as he spoke. There was a hint of softness in his eyes.

My heart skipped a beat at that instant as our eyes met. I looked back at him nonetheless, and never tried to avoid him.

It felt like at that moment, there were only the two of us there.

Lucien showed no sign of surprise. Perhaps there wasn't  a thing in this world that he doesn't know of.

My disappearance, as well as my presence, didn’t seem significant enough to surprise him. 

He was calm and composed when he looked at me, as though I had been around all the time, looking out for him, and as if I was going to respond to him.

My heart was full of emotions I couldn’t quite describe. I wanted to say something, but it was impossible to call out to him in his lecture.

He smiled and began to speak.

Lucien: “Could I trouble that student over there to complete the following part with me?”

His words stopped me on my tracks.

------chapter 25-7-------

 Lucien: “Could you assist me?”

Lucien smiled and called the name of the student seated next to me. 

I took a deep breath before bringing myself to look up.

He watched patiently at the student, and occasionally gave him pointers. His smile was distant, as though our encounter was just an illusion.

MC: “He...didn’t see me?”

I've imagined various scenes of our reunion, but certainly not this one. 

At that moment, my expectations felt so pathetic.

I looked down at my feet. I could only let out a helpless smile.

Perhaps most of the people present were not professional researchers. The lecture seemed more like a public discussion.

The dull topics were made interesting by Lucien.

The atmosphere was intense and feedback was being exchanged around the room.

Lucien would occasionally turn towards me, but would not look at me for long.

I was certain that he did, for sure, notice me.

He always kept a smile on his face, as he confidently answered the questions the students had.

Looking at him, I felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

He couldn’t have forgotten me in this world as well, right?

I felt a surge of incomprehensible emotions tugging at me.

Lucien’s gaze fell on me once again, as if I was a plant he adored.

I was a little disturbed, and decided to retreat to the crowd and look at my phone instead.

MC: “When will this lecture end?”

Alongside many advertisements, my phone was full of messages and calls from different people from the last 6 months.  

As I searched through my messages and missed calls, I did not see his name at all.

There was nothing from Lucien.

During the last 6 months, he had never attempted to contact me.

I felt my emotions grow stronger and stronger. I wanted to turn and leave, but I was unable to move.

However, at that time, I didn’t realize that my actions were being noticed by him.

 Lucien: “Thank you for giving me your precious time. I hope that this has not been a boring afternoon for everyone here.”

I finally heard him wrap things up. As I looked up, our eyes met again.

MC: “What is he looking at, exactly?!”

Lucien: “And…”

He paused, and smiled, seemingly deep in thoughts.

Lucien: “Our society is currently changing. Even though it is difficult to notice the approaching new era, we cannot ignore any small changes.”

Lucien: “I need everyone to know that this research center has a purpose different from other organizations or institutions.” 

Student A: “What do you mean by "other organizations"? Are you referring to the special task force?”

The question seemed to cause a commotion, and the crowd began to whisper to one another.

Student A: “Is this because the names of the Evolvers were revealed?”

Student A: “From your standpoint and in the stance of scientific research, you disagree with their actions, right?”

The commotion escalated, and more discussions were brought up.

 I heard someone guess that the student who raised the question previously, was an Evolver.

Student B: “I think I’ve heard rumors about Professor Lucien conducting research on Evolvers. He probably is siding with the Evolvers.”

Student C: “Huh? That can’t be!”

Student B: “Also, according to information provided by insiders, the commander of the task force came and requested for our research materials and data. Professor Lucien did not let them in.”

Student C: “There are indeed many people on the list who are professors themselves. I guess it’s to protect the researchers in their respective institutes ?” 

Student B: “I think that in this situation, the only institute in Loveland city that can maintain a neutral point of view is HuaRui Institute.”

 As a thought flashed by my mind, someone wearing a white coat and a badge entered.

Student D: “Professor Lucien, can you express your opinion in regards to what you’ve said previously?”

I looked at the student beside me, who looked a little mature. He seemed a little familiar to me.

An assistant stepped out in an attempt to dismiss the commotion, but Lucien waved at him to stop. He was still smiling like before, unwavered by what was going on. 

Lucien: “May I ask if you have scheduled an interview with me officially ? Mr reporter?” 

The student beside me shook a little. He appeared to be panicking about his identity being revealed. I just remembered that I’ve seen this person at several press conferences before.

Lucien: “I’ve emphasized it many times. My colleagues and I do not accept interviews unless officially scheduled. We have more important things to do.”

Lucien: “ I hope that the media can do their job well, and clearly think of the content they want to report.”

 Lucien: “Or...think about the values you want to uphold.”

His stable voice put everyone to silence. 

I suddenly realized that what he said were the exact words I’ve told him before.

I couldn’t help but glance at him once more, and sure enough,  his gaze fell on me.

My heart skipped another beat.

When I said those words to him before, his expression back then was the same one he wore when he spoke to the student beside me-- there was no trace of warmth in it.

When he was done talking, Lucien walked down the podium, switched off the projector, and took off his glasses.

 Lucien: “Life is more interesting with small incidents like this, it seems.”

Lucien: “What I’ve said just now can serve as an assignment to everyone.”

Lucien: “I believe that all of you will soon understand the meaning behind this.”

He seemed to be concealing something I didn’t understand, and I am no stranger to that expression.

Lucien… What are you planning?

All I felt was needless worry.

The staff guided Lucien as he left from the other side. I was pushed along by the crowd as they went outside the room.

While nobody was paying attention, I retreated to a corner and waited for everyone else to leave, before sneaking back to the lab.

The lab was cold. The scene I’ve witnessed felt like an illusion to me.

I took a deep breath, and walked towards the direction Lucien took. I soon found an office with a familiar name on the door.

I never saw any other rooms around, and it seemed that there was only his office on that level.

I wanted to knock on the door, but I didn’t have the courage to do so.

Even though I had  gathered enough information, I still couldn’t think of what to say to him when we met.

Should I call him Lucien, or Ares?

At that moment, the elevator doors opened.

I subconsciously hid at the corner as I listened. I heard the sound of footsteps approaching closer and closer.

It was… a woman?

I couldn’t help but peek, and realized that she had already knocked on his door.

It was that girl in a black silk dress from my memories, whose face  was exactly the same as mine. She smiled sincerely.

My heart was pounding rapidly, as I witnessed the office door being opened. 

MC’s other self :  “We finally met again, professor Lucien.”

  ------chapter 25-8------- 

Her voice echoed in my ears. I could not see the expression Lucien had behind the door. I could only see the hemline of her dress as she entered his office.

I could almost hear my own heartbeat. I had so many questions and assumptions. I found myself walking towards the door eventually.

Why would she appear in this world again? Did she have anything to do with the Evol powers I had lost?

Why did she look for Lucien?

What is Lucien doing, exactly?

I felt like a mess. Then, I heard an abrupt, loud noise.

Shocked, I took a few steps back before noticing that the doors were not completely closed. I could hear Lucien’s voice through the gaps. He had a cold disposition, like an invisible blade.

Lucien: “You shouldn’t appear in front of me.”

MC’s other self:  “Oh? I thought you were hoping you could see this face.”

I looked through the gaps, and took a deep breath.

The lights were not on, and Lucien stood in the shadows. The light seeping through the closed blinds was cast on his face.

Reflected on his eyes was… a murderous intent.

It was something I have never seen before in him.

It was an expression I’ve never witnessed.

According to my impression of him, he would never show his emotions so openly like this. Even as Ares, they were always carefully concealed. 

He was holding a scalper, his icy stance revealed under the light.

MC’s other self:  “Looks like Professor Lucien doesn’t welcome me here.”

MC’s other self:  “But to kill me with your own hands… Can you really do it?”

Perhaps it was the cloud passing by outside, covering the sunlight that was present before, as a shadow was cast on Lucien’s face. I saw him tighten his grip on the blade he was holding.

Lucien: “You’re not her.”

His voice was deeper than usual, and I sensed danger.

I was unsure if I should enter and intervene what was about to unfold.

At that moment, the phone on Lucien’s desk rang.

MC’s other self:  “I think… you should reconsider it again.”

MC’s other self:  “I will visit you again next time.”

As I heard her voice, I retreated immediately and waited for her footsteps to disappear.

I paced my breathing for a long time before I was calm again, and I walked back towards the office.

The door was not fully closed, and I even forgot to knock. As I gently pushed the door open, I saw the state of him, and the state of his office.

The small office had a range of lab equipment, all kinds of books, and rich green plants lining the windows. 

It was his usual habit. 

Lucien sat by the window, with his back leaning against the cabinet.

I was unsure about the conflict that happened before I entered. I saw papers, pens, and pills scattered all over the floor.

His clothes were a little wrinkled, and his tie was loose. He looked so different compared to his disposition back at the lecture hall.

I didn’t know why, but I felt sadness. 

There were emotions on his face that I couldn’t get close to. I felt that my heart would get tighter the more I looked.

Perhaps it was because I entered without a word, as he looked at me.

MC: “Lucien...”

He looked at me in a nostalgic way, but looked away the next moment.

He didn’t seem surprised by my presence, just like how he reacted when he saw me at the lecture before. I almost felt like I didn’t exist.

My visit to his research institute and his office were things he should not have expected.  

Even if he expected so, he shouldn’t have acted like that.

I raised my voice, feeling a little infuriated.

MC: “Lucien!”

Lucien still didn’t respond.

I watched as he got up, picked up the things on the floor naturally,  and completely treated me like air.  The emotions I felt got more intense.

MC: “I’m calling out to you…”

Lucien: “Yes. I’ve heard you.” 

Lucien: “I just wanted to… hear it a few more times.”

Lucien: “I didn’t think that you’d be angry… Right, you’ve always been like this all along.”

I saw him smile a little through the corners of his mouth. Apart from the little comfort I felt from his smile, I sensed a hint of… 

Self depreciation?

Why would I feel this way?

His words felt a little strange to me, too.

However, his reaction comforted me. I composed myself and decided to ask him about the scene I saw before I entered.

His response threw me off guard.

Lucien: “Can we drop by the restaurant we went to yesterday?”

 MC: “Huh?”

Lucien: “You don’t like that place?”

He looked up. He seemed to be completely calm, and had a gentle demeanor I never saw in a long time.

Lucien: “Visiting a different restaurant is fine too. After all, if we visit the same one everyday…”

He seemed to be talking to himself, and I quickly realized that something was off.

Yesterday? Going out everyday? Has he… met me during the time I was away?

Or, when I was away, in this world-- there was another me?!

  ------chapter 25-9-------

The sunlight through the blinds carried with it a light warmth, surrounding the small office.

I had too many things to ask him, but didn’t know where to begin.

If there was really another me in this world, then, my current self…

I suddenly felt that the distance between Lucien and me had been a century, despite us being a few steps apart physically.

MC: “Lucien, all this while... have you met me?”

He paused for a moment, and let out a smile.

 Lucien: “Haven’t I always been able to see you?”

His response was still so strange, and I didn’t know how to react to that. I could only deal with my complex thoughts while being stopped in my tracks.

 Lucien: “Was the lecture boring?”

MC: “What?”

 Lucien: “I saw you daydreaming.”

MC: “No, I just haven't gotten used to it.”

After all, the information presented was too complex for me to understand.

 If there was another me in this world with Lucien--

Lucien: “Actually, I felt bored too.”

Lucien: “But we still need to fill ourselves with the boring information, as though they can reduce the fear of what’s unknown.”

Lucien: “To be frank, it is merely ignorance.”

He pulled a chair as he spoke. He closed his eyes, leaned back, and raised his hand to pinch his nose bridge.

I felt his exhaustion, and I thought about the incident that took place during his lecture. 

It’s fine if he saw me as someone else…

But in regards to the questions I have, I still want to talk it out clearly.

MC: “Did something happen involving the special task force?  I heard that they revealed the incident about BLACK SWAN…”

 I thought I saw a gleam in his eyes, like he wasn't expecting me to say that.

Lucien: “Should I be worried about insignificant things like that?”

MC: “What do you mean by insignificant? Isn’t this an important issue?”

MC: “BLACK SWAN had already been exposed, if your identity as Ares gets revealed--”

Lucien: “Such a thing will never happen.”

He looked into my eyes and patiently continued to explain. 

 Lucien: “Everything that they’ve done was all part of my plan.”

Lucien: “Except for that incident...the incident about you.”

As he said those words, his eyes seemed to darken, and I could sense the murderous intent in him that was present before.

Lucien: “I will stop this from happening.”

His voice was terrifying, and anxiety welled up in me as he spoke. I couldn’t help but reach out my hand towards him.

He was surprised by my action and dodged.

When he looked at me again, his gaze was a little frightening.

Lucien: “Has it… gotten this bad?”

I followed his gaze to the table top, and upon seeing pills on the table and the ones scattered on the floor, I realized something.

MC: “Lucien...are you unwell?”

He picked up a brown bottle of pills and looked at it before putting it back on the cabinet.

Lucien: “No, it was just an accident.”

Lucien: “What, are you worrying about me?”

MC: “Yes.”

I nodded to him as I spoke. I didn’t know why, but since I saw Lucien, I kept feeling strangely worried, and I finally let it out.

MC: “What’s going on with you, exactly?”

Lucien hesitated before turning around. His face was covered by the shadows, and his eyes seemed dull.

Lucien: “Why are you asking such a question?”

MC: “Because I think you’re acting very strangely.”

Lucien: “hm?’

MC: “First of all, I want you to take a look clearly, I am MC.”

He was silent for a long while, and spoke again with a hoarse voice.

Lucien: “Yes, I know.”

MC: “ I don’t know what exactly happened all this while.”

MC: “ Even if there is another MC around, she shouldn’t have let you be in this state.”

MC: “Now, I’m already back…”

Lucien laughed lightly.

I stopped, as my words were stuck in my throat. He was closely in front of me, and yet I felt so far away from him.

Lucien: “You seem different today.”

Lucien: “But you are similar to  how you were in the beginning.”

MC: “In the beginning?”

Lucien: “Only that silly girl would ask such questions. It’s just that I haven’t heard it in a long time.”

Lucien: “And I will never hear it again.”

His voice was soft, yet it hit me.  I suddenly realized something, but dared not continue to think about it.

He looked at me when he said those words, but it also felt like he wasn’t looking at me.

He seemed to be overwhelmed with emotions and I couldn’t distinguish them for a while.

I have never seen this side of him before.

It was unfamiliar, but it made my heart ache.

He sighed, and turned to look at the calendar on the desk behind.

Lucien: “So it has been such a long time.”

I’ve noticed that since two months ago on a Saturday, every day after that was marked.

Some of the days were marked with tiny dots, whereas some were messy circles that were scribbled over and over.

He took out a pen and scribbled on it a few times on today’s date.

 Lucien: “I shouldn’t see you.”

I heard his voice getting weaker, and my rapid heartbeat seemed to hurt the back of my head.

Lucien: “But i was unable to control my desire to see you. As long as I think about you, you would appear.”

Lucien: “This is probably humanity’s biggest flaw. If we can really fully evolve, emotions should be eliminated first. ”

Lucien: “Yet, each time you appeared,  you reminded me of my incapability.”

At a loss, I walked towards him.

Perhaps it was because I have never heard Lucien’s voice like this. Or maybe because I saw through his wounds.

There had never been another me.

To Lucien, there was only one MC in this world.

He looked at me bitterly.

Lucien: “So you’ve started looking at me like this too?”

Lucien: “Perhaps in my heart, these were my real thoughts.”

He paused, and his previously soft voice slowly turned into resolve.

Lucien: “So, these hallucinations are fine with me,”

Lucien: “MC,”

Lucien: “No matter what form you take, please continue to stay by my side.”

I understood everything completely. I understood why he was talking to himself,  why he was so devastated, how much he missed me, and why he was acting abnormally.

I was also taken aback by my bold assumption.

I forced myself to suppress the tears that were going to overflow, and I smiled at him gently.

MC: “Okay.”

I leaned forward, and hugged Lucien tightly.

His broad shoulders were shaking visibly.

MC: “Lucien, it’s me.”

MC: “I am not your hallucination.”

MC: “I am back.”

 ------chapter 25- 10----

He was trembling in my arms, and we stayed in silence for a long while.

As the silence was going on for too long, I waited for him to speak.

He took a deep breath, and I felt an air of calmness from him.

I was a little worried, and was about to withdraw my hand from him, but he suddenly pulled me to his side.

His hands wandered around my skin delicately, like he was trying to confirm something. He squeezed my wrist so tightly, and I subconsciously stepped back.

Lucien: “Did I hurt you?”

MC: “No.”

He turned around to look at me, his eyes overwhelmed with too many complicated emotions, and eventually felt like a faint, gentle light.

Lucien: “When did you…”

MC: “When I woke up today, I found myself in the orphanage.”

I knew what he wanted to ask, and I tried my best to explain what happened to him as cheerily and energetically as I can. I felt like all the pain I went through were not important anymore.

MC: “I was looking to seek your help initially.”

Before I could finish talking, he held me tightly.

His embrace made me breathless.

I thought of the Lucien who was at that TV tower, the Lucien who got into a confrontation with me at the press conference, and the Lucien who had forgotten about me in the other world.

All this while, I thought that to him, I was merely a pawn named “Queen”.

I never thought that,,,

MC: “Lucien, thank you.”

His arms around me relaxed after the silence.

Lucien: “What are you thanking me for?”

MC: “Thank you...for wanting me to return.”

MC: “Also, you have told me the same words in the other places, and I guess now’s my turn.”

Lucien: “Other places? Do you mean the other worlds?”

Lucien: “I feel like I remember.”

I thought about what he said to be at Black Cabin, and thought that he might have memories from the other worlds.

MC: “What do you remember?”

Lucien: “Just a few scenes.”

MC: “When you were using your abilities,  I was able to see what I’ve done in the other worlds,”

The word “Abilities” caught my attention, I looked at him solemnly as I pulled away from his embrace.

MC: “Lucien, there’s something I need your help with.”

Lucien: “About how you lost your Evol?”

His reply caught me off guard, and I could only nod.

MC: “You...how did you know?”

I looked at his darkened eyes, and recalled seeing this look in his eyes before.

Lucien: “I know all about it. You don’t have to worry.”

Lucien: “This has to be resolved slowly. You don’t have to think too much about it right now.”

He reached out and rubbed my hair,  stood up to open the blinds by the window, and

sunlight filled the room in an instant.

I couldn’t help but reach out to cover my eyes from the sunlight. As I looked at Lucien, there was already a gentle smile on his face.

Lucien: “Let’s go.”

MC: “To where?”

Lucien: “Since you just returned, don’t you want to go home and take a look?”

I thought of the other world where I could not return to my house. The Lucien in front of me was familiar. He reminded me of the time when he first moved next to my house, and all the silly things I did.

Returning to my home sounded amazing.

Suppressing the warm feelings in my heart, I nodded to him.

Lucien held my hand as we walked out, greeting every researcher who passed us by.

Everyone’s expressions were full of surprise and curiosity. I tried to let go of his band in embarrassment, but he only held it tighter. 

Lucien: “Do the opinions of others matter to you?”

MC: “Not really.”

He never let go of my hand on the way home.

When I saw the area I was so familiar with. I couldn’t help but yell in surprise.

Lucien just looked at me and followed on silently as he watched me run to the gate.

As the elevator continued to rise endlessly,  I took out my key in excitement.

Suddenly, the elevator shook and I lost my balance. I fell into the warm embrace that smelled of flowers and plants.

Lucien: “Slow down.”

As the doors opened, I rushed out. 

However, I realized that the key in my hands a while ago was gone.

MC: “Where did it go… it was clearly in my hands just now.”

I saw Lucien wave the key at me.

MC: “Why is it with you! Oh, just now, at the elevator…”

I reached out for my key, but he raised his hand, refusing to return it to me.

As I looked at him suspiciously, he gave me a helpless look.

Lucien: “Have you been gone for too long, and hence forgetting where your house is?”

MC: “huh?”

I looked at the door in front of me, and looked at it again and  hesitated.

MC: “This should be right.”

Lucien: “So, are you coming to my house?”

Lucien: “if you have doubts, of course I’d welcome you.”

He spoke as he took out his key, reaching for the keyhole in front of me.

MC: “W-wait!”

MC: “I think I got it wrong! My house should be over here!”

MC: “Give me the key!”

I took him to the house next door and pulled my hand away.

At that time, I didn’t know what it meant as the door opened. 

Lucien opened his hands, revealing a silver key. I could feel a subtle change in his eyes.

He looked at the excited girl, with a faint smile on his face.

Lucien: “Then, as your neighbor, can I come in and take a look?”

------chapter 25-13------- 

MC: “It feels so great to be home!”

MC: “but when did you move back here again?”

Not bothering about changing into my slippers, I jumped into my soft couch and shoved my favorite pillow into my arms, feeling extremely satisfied.

Lucien: “After you left.”

Lucien sat beside me, and put on my slippers for me.

MC: “I’ll do it myself.”

I blushed and sat up straight as I looked about subconsciously.

My house was well maintained, just like how it looked like before I left. This feeling gave me the illusion that I haven’t left at all.

My room was still filled with fragrance.

Lucien: “What are you thinking about?”

  Lucien handed me a glass of water.

MC: “Thinking about how I actually came back for real.”

MC: “Until now, I still can’t believe it.”

Lucien: “Yes, it’s a miracle.”

MC: “Did you think that I would never return?”

I deliberately asked him in an angry voice,  but did not expect Lucien’s voice to turn heavy as his hands shook while holding on to the glass of water.

Lucien: “What matters is that you’ve returned, right?”

Lucien: “You won’t leave me again, right?”

I felt that something was wrong when I heard his words, and I straightened up.

MC: “I was only joking just now…”

He tensed up, like a bowstring fully stretched. As I felt that something was off, I felt worried.

I looked around the house, and searched for a topic I can talk about happily.

MC: “Oh,right! The plants along the windows..”

Upon seeing a row of healthy plants, I jumped in surprise, and I widened my eyes..

MC: “Even when I’ve neglected these plants for 6 months, they still grew up well and healthy…”

A black umbrella that was placed against the wall suddenly came into my sight.

I could even smell the fresh rain droplets on the folds of the umbrella.

MC: “Where did this umbrella come from?”

I shook my head, not noticing Lucien appearing behind me.

Lucien: “Come in.”

He pulled up the balcony doors.

I thought I was overthinking it, but I eventually realized that someone lived in this house.

To put it accurately, Lucien had lived here.

I closed the closer doors, and forced myself to calm down.

I then quietly left the bedroom and walked to the living room. I pretended nothing was wrong.

Even though the layout and the furniture were exactly like mine, I already felt suspicious at first glance.

But every corner of the house was full of his traces.

At that moment, he was sitting on the couch, reading a book. The warm yellow sunlight outside glowed around him, setting a peaceful atmosphere.

My chest felt tight, and my heart ached a little.

Perhaps...this was the only way for him to relax after all he had been through.

I sat on the couch while eating fruits, occasionally glancing at Lucien, who was reading,

Should I ask him about it? Or should I wait for him to tell me?

I contemplated, and couldn’t come up with a decision.

My glances towards him which I thought were well concealed, were noticed by Lucien. He walked towards me, and sat beside me on the floor.

Lucien: “Did you want me to sit here so you can stop peeking at me?”

I looked down, too afraid to look him in the eyes.

Lucien: “If you’re tired, do you want to sleep for a while?”

MC: “now? It’s still daytime.”

Lucien: “You should sleep.”

I looked at him, concerned, and nodded.

  MC: “Then I’ll sleep here, okay?”

I patted the small sofa, good enough for a nap.

MC: “I want to sleep at a place where I can see you at the moment I open my eyes.”

His expression changed a little, but agreed nonetheless.

He took a blanket and attentively put it on me. 

MC: “Remember to wake me up later.”

Lucien: “Okay.”

The room got dimmer and cooler as Lucien pulled down the curtains. 

I turned to look at the tips of his hair, and noticed the familiar scent that was comforting as ever.

The tension in me eased. I slowly let my guard down, and closed my eyes.

After a long while, Lucien gently caressed the girl’s hair and her trembling eyelashes as she went through a nightmare.

Lucien: “Are you still able to see them?”   

He gently smiled.

Lucien: “Just sleep soundly.”

Lucien: “As long as you want.”

------chapter 25- 15----

I opened my eyes peacefully,  and could only see a weak, glowing light in the dim room.

It had been a long time since I slept so soundly. I stretched, and took a deep breath.

MC: “Lucien…”

My voice echoed in the room, and it was the only sound I heard. There was no response.

I got up anxiously, and realized that the sky had gotten dark. The time on my phone read 22:15.

MC: “I can’t believe I’ve slept for so long…”

I put my hand on my growling stomach, and went to the kitchen for food as I called out to Lucien.

Even though it was clear that Lucien lived here, I didn’t expect to see only drinks in the fridge. It was cleaner than how a home should be like after being vacant for 6 months.

Lucien: “He… Doesn’t he eat at all?”

I looked around the house once again, and sure enough, Lucien was not around.

Where did he go when it’s this late at night?

I thought I  might as well go outside to look for him, and get some food on my way back.

I walked to the door and as I tried to open it, it was locked tightly.

I was shocked at that moment, but persistently tried to unlock it a few more times. The door  wouldn't budge.

The door was locked from the outside.

My heart was beating rapidly, and my bare feet felt cold. I quickly took out my phone and tried to call Lucien.

Just then, the door opened.

Lucien was wearing his usual outerwear, and froze when he saw me.

Lucien: “Where are you going?”

MC: “I was going to look for you...Where did you go?”

Lucien: “To buy dinner.”

I watched as he put down the bags. There was no other expression on his face, and I felt a little troubled.

MC: “Even so, you didn’t have to lock the door…”

I complained softly, and Lucien didn’t respond. He didn’t explain much, either, as he simply took the food to the kitchen.

As I looked at him from behind, I felt strange.

A voice in my head urged me to ask him, yet another voice was convincing me to give him a little more time, as he had gone through a lot of pain and hardship. 

But I couldn’t let us continue on like this.

I dismissed my thoughts, and called out to him.

MC: “Lucien…”

Lucien stopped and gently looked back. His jawline was clearer under the moonlight, and I realized that he had lost a lot of weight.

MC: “This is… your house, right?”

He paused, and turned to look at me.

Lucien: “Did you realize this from the start?”

Lucien: “Looks like using this method to bring you home was too abrupt, indeed.”

Lucien: “Can you forgive me?”

His unexpected honestly made me hesitate.

 MC: “I...It’s not that I’m angry.”

MC: “You could have just told me.”

MC: “If you say it to me directly, I wouldn’t reject it.”

Both light and shadow were cast on his eyes, as he looked at me quietly.

Lucien: “Okay, I got it.”

MC: “Huh?”

Lucien:Just now you’ve said that you won't reject me.”

Lucien: “So, can we have dinner now?”

...This person is too shameless!

The clock’s hand fell on “12”.

Hearing the sound of water coming from the bathroom, I anxiously rested on the sofa.

Losing my Evol, the released list of evolvers, the odd things Hypnos said, and Lucien acting strangely... 

 I found myself unable to focus on finding back my Evol, and all I could think of was this person.

I had so many mixed thoughts. I walked to the desk, and wanted to write my feelings in my journal, like how I had always done before. However, the cabinet was empty.

Oh, right… that was Lucien’s house.

I still should go back to my own house. At least, I should retrieve what was important to me.

I went to the closet and saw Lucien’s coat. 

In the pockets of his coat, there was a silver key gleaming under the lamp.

I thought I should just go home for a little while… It should be fine, right?

As I reached out to grab the key, I heard the door open softly.

My heart skipped a beat as I turned about. I couldn't breathe at that moment.

There were still droplets on his face, and I didn’t dare to look at his cold, narrow eyes.

MC: “Lucien? I…”

Before I could finish, I felt a pain in my wrist. He grabbed my wrists tightly before I could scream.

Unable to resist his strength, I fell towards him, and I felt the world spin around me. My back hurt a little due to the impact, but what hurt me more was the expression the man in front of me had.

One of his hands was on the door as he shoved me against the wall. I could almost see the panic in his eyes.

I was dumbfounded and my body felt cold. I accidentally bumped into the light switch behind me, and the room went dark. 

Lucien: “Didn’t you say that you won't leave me?”

His cold tone reminded me of the vision I saw in my dream.

My vision felt hazy, and even though I managed to escape countless times in my mind, I still couldn't avoid it then.

I was tensed, like I was being suffocated.

It felt like I was being overwhelmed by an immense shadow. My body trembled as I tried to break free, but I couldn’t move my hands.

Lucien’s eyes gleamed as he seemed to have thought of something. He looked down and leaned on my shoulder gently.

His soft hair brushed against my cheeks, and the pressure on my wrists were loosened gradually. At that moment, I swiftly pulled away subconsciously.

Lucien: “I’m sorry.”

Lucien: “It seems that I’ve hurt you time and time again.”

His hand gently touched my neck, as his fingertips slightly trembled.

I felt bitter. I bit my lip and turned away firmly.

Lucien: “I’m sorry.”

Lucien: “These words... are for you back then.”

Lucien: “Mc… can you still forgive me?”

The haze in front of me subsided gradually, as I heard his breathing on my ears, close and warm. I calmed down a little.

I looked at Lucien, and lowered my eyes after a long while.

MC: “ I can’t.” 

*glass shattering sound* Something seemed to be shattered in the soundless room.

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

#mlqc #loveproducer #loveandproducer #love and producer #mrlove #mr love queen's choice #mr love dream date #mlqc translation #mlqc chapter 25 #mr love queen's choice translation #love and producer translation

[itspdameronthings]

Going Home Chapter 5

Summary: After a pregnancy scare.Apple tries to Santi about it,but he put his foot in his mouth. this chapter is a long one!! hope yall enjoy it.

Warning: fighting and pregnancy scare

Weekend is finally here. Time for resting up from the hectic work week. Not the case for Santi and Apple. She has to work at the ER tonight,and won't be home till the early morning. Santi is babysitting his goddaughter, Mia . For a five month old she is full of energy. He is nervous to no end. Afraid he might hurt her or even give her the wrong food. Frankie gave him a list of things she likes,and what time to feed her. Not to mention her baby food. Also her blanket she sleeps with,and the baby monitor. Santi keeps telling himself” I can do this . no problem. Only two days of this. Apple would be there to help me. “ Speaking of his darling . Who has been working hard. She volunteered to work in the ER since there was a nurse due to the stomach flu. She told him that she would text him from time to time. Before the baby gets here. Went to find his guitar . Just in case he has to sing her to sleep. Or to entertain her while she is in the playpen.

Franke yells for Santi to help him with all of the baby stuff. He needs this time away. Even if it was to teach young army recruits to learn the fine art of flying. Good opportunity for his wife to have a break. Randi comes in with the little baby. Still in her carriage. Sits it on the couch. Looks so cute when she is asleep. Frankie tells Santi,” She will be fine. She just had her bottle. If she cries. Just sing something sweet can't have her grow up listening to metallica.” Santi moans,” aww come on man!! She wants to have a hip uncle.” Frankie just rolled his eyes. Before leaving. Frankie leans down to place a kiss on his daughter’s head,and tells Santi,” Thank you for doing this man. Means a lot. Tell apple jacks hope she does not work too hard.” Santi nods and closes the door very softly so it won't wake her up. He goes over to sit next to the baby. Watching her sleeping so peacefully. Thinking how lucky Frankie is. To have a child. A family. Maybe one day him and Apple can have that as well.

Apple hated lying to her love. How can she tell him that she thought she was pregnant. Took a test that did not seem right. As a nurse. She knows something is not right. Before going to work. She went to her doctor to find out what was going on.According to her doctor’s findings that Apple had a false positive. That made her feel really sad. Thought it would be a nice surprise to tell Santi that he was gonna be a daddy. Since Santi has been spending time with his goddaughter, it's natural for him to have those kinds of thoughts. As soon as she got home. She is gonna tell Santi her sad news. In hopes he does not get mad at her.

On the homefront. Santi is having baby problems. Mia was due for her evening feeding. After giving her a bottle. Santi was burping her,and she spit up on his shirt. Which took him by surprise,” Okay little one. You just made a mess on your uncle. Hope you know that I will be smelling like your dinner. Muchas gracias, little one.” After discarding his messy tee,tries to change her diaper. Thinking he got it round her small body. Picks her up,and the diaper falls down. Mia starts to pee! Poor uncle Santiago, not having a good day. Apple watched that ordeal. Puts a strain on her heart. Seeing him with her broke her heart into millions of pieces. Quietly went upstairs to their room and cried.

After giving the little one a bath.Santi looked out the window to see Apple’s jeep under the carport. That puzzled him.She always calls out to him when she comes home. Something is not right. Soon he puts Mia in her bed,and turns on the monitor, goes into their room to see his darling. Curled up into a ball.Sobbing into her pillow. He lays down behind her,” Hay mi amor, what is the matter? Hard day? Want me to get you something to eat.” She wipes her eyes,” No Santi, Not hungry”Santi brushes a few strands of hair from her face,” Don't shut me out honey. Whatever it is. We can work it out.” She sat up so she could lay her head on his chest. Take a breath,” Before work, I felt like I was gonna puke. Thinking I was pregnant . Took a test. The results were not right. Sooo.. I went to the doctor,and found out it was a false positive!! “ Santi didn't know what to feel right now. Sad that he is not gonna be a dad or she didn't let him go to the appointment with her, Lets out a sigh,” baby, why didnt you fucking tell me about this earlier! Though we were done keeping secrets! “ Apple sits up, starts to pace the floor,” You think it was hard not telling you! I was scared Shooter!! Seeing you with Mia made me think about our future. Feel that we might not have that kind of a miracle!” Santi walks over to her, pulls her into his arms.Let her cry.All he could do is hold her tight. He led her back to bed so he could comfort her. Softly sings to her so she could calm down. While rubbing her shoulder,and placing kisses there,” Apple, thought it was a sign that it is not the time for us to be parents. So don't worry about it so much. We have a little one in the other room we can practice on till then. Won't hurt to keep trying to make a baby.” Apple tried not to get mad,” Santi! You sound like it is your mission to make a baby!! Maybe I don't want to try to get pregnant right after the most sad event of our lives!!” He really put his foot in his mouth again.Caused Apple to get up and go outside so she could be by herself.

After the loud outbursts from the adults. Mia started to cry. Like a flash . Santi rushes over to her, picks her up. Rocking her as he walked around the room looking out the window sees his other baby. Sitting under the huge oak tree. How could he say that to her? All he wanted to do is to make her laugh.Not to make her mad. That thought was dashed when Mia started to cry again,” Guess I just screwed up yet again little one. I love your aunt so much. She is the one for me. Always have been. Not ready to be alone again. Afraid she might leave me. “ She reached to touch his rough cheek. That made him tear up. Soon as he puts the little one back to bed. He calls the one person he could trust.

Apple was not doing better either. So many emotions to deal with.Sad about the test results, mad about Santi’s bad choice of words about making babies. Maybe she is not ready for that. Hoping he would understand if they took a break from having sex. Too many things to think about. So she takes out her phone,and calls Lizzy. After a couple of rings,” Omg! What did Doc Bailey say? Are you or are you not pregnant? “ Apple sobs,” It's a false positive! Told Santi about it. He was so hurt about the news ,and pissed that I didn't let him go to the appointment. Then he had the audacity to say that he wants to keep trying to have a baby! After what I went through. Maybe I don't want to rush that just yet.Lizzy sighs,” Honey, have you two ever talked about having a baby? If not? No time like the present to do this. He loves you so much girl! “ Apple took her friend’s advice to heart. Looked up to see Santi watching her from the upstairs window.

Santi was on the phone with Frankie. Pacing around like a caged animal. He is beyond scared. Frankie said,” Dude! Number one you really put your size 10 foot in your mouth. Sometimes you need to see this situation through her perspective. Apple jacks is scared. Just love her Santi, just love her. Show her that there is more to your relationship that just sex. I know that is not the case.I forgot. We are coming home early. Weather is going to be bad tomorrow. “ Santi sighs,” Are y'all in town?” Frankie says,” we are at the diner. Why don't you bring Mia with you. So we can have a family dinner. Might do you some good.” Soon as he got off the phone with Frankie. Packed up a sleeping Mia,and put her in her carrier. Little does that he know. Apple is gonna join them too. Randi just got off the phone with Apple. Both of them are about to walk into an ambush.

Soon as he got Mia all situated in his truck. Noticed Apple’s jeep is gone. Pays no mind to it. Thinking she might have gone out to get something. While driving. He was thinking about the time they spent together. Got him to tear up again,” Come on Santi! Focus! Do what Fish said “think about her feelings . then sees Apple’s jeep! Thinking she is there to get some take out. No! Sees her with both Randi and Frankie! Broke his heart to see her leaning on Frankie’s shoulder . Crying. Santi takes a breath, goes inside, takes a seat behind them. Frankie nudges his wife for her to look behind her,'' See you made it safely. Give me my baby! OH have I missed you! Wearing a small Metallica tee? Santi really.” Apple looked up from Frankie’s shoulder. Caused her to bail. Santi punched his friend’s shoulder,” This was a setup!! What is the deal! “ Randi speaks up,” Call what you want. You two have an issue that needs to be dealt with! So go!” Santi went outside to catch up with Apple. As soon she gets inside of her jeep. Santi knocks on the window,” sweetheart, I want to tell you that I'm a dick about your feelings. Never wanted to hurt you. Talking to our friends made me realize that. Yes, being with Mia made me think about us having a family. Something we never had the chance to discuss. So let's do that okay? Come out so we can figure out what to do.``Apple got out of the jeep,and Santi pulls her close.Rocking her back and forth. After a few moments, she finally calms down. He kissed her tears that fell onto her cheeks. Apple whispers” Glad that you finally see what my mind was going through. Yes, we have never discussed the family thing,I want the same thing,but lets not try to make it the reason for us to have sex Santi. Give me time to process this. Then we could start again. Can you do that for me Santi? Can you wait?” Santi placed both of his hands on her cheeks,” Of course mi amor anything you want. Was afraid that you would leave me! Could bare the thought of that tore me up. “ she kissed his lips, tasted the salty tear,” Why would I do that? We had another fight. So what! Couples fight. So let me get through your thick head Mr. Garcia. I'm not going nowhere!” He pulls her towards the diner and sees Frankie giving him a thumbs up sign.

#triple frontier #santiago pope garcia #santiago garcia x reader #oscar isaac

[karihighman]

Two is Better Than One: another Upstead one-shot

Hailey thought she had hospitals handled. Besides, it was her that held Jay’s hand the first time he finally got the flu shot.

That was eventful, she thought to herself, thinking back to the morning almost two years ago. Jay was a wreck, complaining the whole way there and back as Voight made it a new requirement for their yearly physical. Hailey knew it was usually required period, so she didn’t know how Jay avoided getting it for so long — especially since his brother, Will, is a doctor at Chicago Med, of all places.

Close and easy. But no, not for Jay. Jay preferred to do things the hard way, which made things interesting for Hailey, though she was used to it by then.

About 6 months after that, Hailey had too much to drink at Molly’s and Jay drove her home. She thanked him for taking such good care of her. “You’re the best partner ever, I love you,” She had said before slowly closing her eyes.

Jay didn’t know what the hell to do with himself, but he knew he wasn’t gonna leave her alone. So, as she passed out in her bed, he camped out on her couch until morning. He even woke her up with the smell of fresh coffee.

“What? No breakfast too?” She quipped, coming out to her kitchen in an oversized shirt and pajama shorts. She must’ve changed, he thought to himself.

Her hair fell in very messy waves around her face, and even with the smudges of mascara underneath her eyelashes, Jay couldn’t help but think she was the most beautiful woman.

And that’s when he realized he loved her too.

It took him a week of semi-awkward surveillance nights and early morning coffee runs before he worked up the courage to invite her to his place. She figured it was just for one of their famous “things that worked,” as their caseload had been ridiculous.

It was. But it also set the stage for Jay’s confession, err, confessions, as he fessed up to Hailey that he never stopped thinking about her slurred words from the week prior.

A very much sober Hailey told him for real that she meant every word, and a very sober Jay repeated those 3 little words back to her. Their whiskey and tequila laid untouched that whole night on his countertop.

They were safe every single night they’d been together. Well, Hailey remembered, except for at Adam and Kim’s wedding.

Oops. In her defense though, they were in Aspen, it was gorgeous, and where else were you supposed to have crazy, over-the-top sex?

That was 2 months ago, and they’d been so busy with work that they barely had time for date nights, let alone time in the bedroom.

They maybe spent 2 nights together since the wedding, one of which they actually just fell asleep on his couch after talking, and the other they both passed out after a night of karaoke with Kevin and Vanessa.

She sighed, as Natalie Manning’s voice brought her back to the present moment, aka: the reason why she was standing in Gaffney Medical Center in the first place. She’d been chasing a suspect when he clocked her on the head with a crowbar.

She had told Jay to go, that she’d be fine as she found her way back to her feet. But, when she faltered a second later, he insisted she go to Med.

She was just thankful Voight forced him to do his statement and finish his paperwork on the incident right then, so he had to duck out of the hospital early.

Will had assured him she’d be fine, if anything she had a concussion. But, upon further inspection, she did have a laceration on her forehead. He gave her a tetanus shot, and pulled her medical chart just to make sure she was up to date on everything else.

When he noticed her oxygen level was low, he consulted Natalie. He wasn’t sure why, since she was perfectly healthy. She countered that maybe he read it wrong, that it was her iron levels. Either way, she ordered a blood draw.

And what she discovered made her stand in front of Hailey as opposed to Will. Natalie white lied and said it was a female issue she needed to discuss with Hailey, she just didn’t tell Will what kind of feminine issue.

“Hailey?” She asked the blonde that sat in front of her.

“Yeah?”

“Have you been feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or anything like that lately?”

“You mean aside from today thanks to my pounding headache?” She tried to joke, but stopped after she saw Natalie’s face didn’t change.

“Yeah, I mean aside from that.”

“Yeah, a few times. But we’ve been working crazy hours trying to catch that burglary crew, which is why I was so pissed off I let the one guy get the jump on me—“

“Hailey,” Natalie said firmly, making the detective go silent.

“You’re pregnant.”

Hailey was shocked. She always, in the very back of her mind, wondered, but she just figured it wouldn’t happen to her. Not like that, anyway.

“Does Jay know?”

“Does Jay know?!” She scoffed, running a hand through her damp hair as Will had to clean her scalp free of any debris from the pipe. “I didn’t even know until five seconds ago! I mean, I suppose I did know...I had this gut feeling, but I brushed it off.”

Natalie sighed, looking down for a moment. “So, you haven’t told him, have you? Or talked to him at all about the possibility?”

Hailey stayed silent, too embarrassed to have been so stupid. She was a cop, for god sake. She should’ve known better, been better.

Natalie looked back up at Hailey, a twinge of solemness in her eyes. “Do you even know if he wants kids?”

Hailey nodded. “He does, I mean, we haven’t talked about it in a formal manner, but I remember he told me at Kim and Adam’s wedding that he wanted this, the whole nine yards. And he grabbed my hand and looked at me like I was the most special thing in the world and was like, ‘and you’re the one I want that with.’ It was the sweetest thing,” she said, getting emotional over it now with the new meaning it held.

Natalie smiled. “See, he just wants the best for you. And I’m sure he wants what’s best for you too. Which means you can’t be so reckless anymore. You could have lost the baby.”

Hailey nodded, realizing she wasn’t just caring for her own life anymore. “I know.”

Natalie added, “And Jay deserves to know, too, Hailey.”

She nodded again, giving Natalie a small, slightly sad smile. She had no idea how on earth she was going to tell her boyfriend that their world was going to change. But, they’d made it through so much together, she knew she had to try.

So, that night when Jay picked her up from the hospital — Will, still clueless as ever to whatever female issue Natalie had talked to Hailey about, told Jay that they were just “finishing up their girl talk.” Natalie had nodded and said Hailey was good to go — she knew she wanted to tell him.

He was walking her up to her door and had helped her inside to her sofa when she asked him if he could sit with her.

“Of course,” he had said, asking her if she wanted anything to eat or drink first.

She shook her head no, but told him she did have something she needed to say.

He got serious, an adorable crease in his forehead taking shape as his brows furrowed in concern.

“What is it, Hails?”

“I—“ she sucked in some much needed air, willing herself to push through.

“Jay,” she tried again. “I’m pregnant.”

He was speechless. And Hailey opened her mouth to tell him anything, like she didn’t mean for it to happen (she really didn’t), or that she didn’t mean to spring this on him (she really hadn’t)...when she realized Jay’s eyes were teary.

“Jay?” She whispered, feeling tears well up in her eyes too.

He just took her hands in his, and looked deeply into her eyes. “Hailey, I love you. So so much. And I’m gonna love our baby just the same. I just— wow, I know it’s not something we planned, but after everything we’ve been through, it just seems like the perfect little miracle, doesn’t it?”

She sniffled, laughing lightly. “Yeah, it sure does.”

She leaned forward and kissed him, Jay kissing her back with just as much softness. He released one of her hands, and he put his on her stomach. Hailey laughed, knowing she definitely wasn’t showing right now.

“What’re you doing?”

“I’m just trying to suss out whether it’s gonna be a boy or a girl” he said excitedly.

“Jay, we can’t tell the sex for months! Plus, I already know you want a boy.”

He looked at her, his forehead creasing once again.

So, she continued. “Don’t you? That way Owen would have a playmate, you could teach him all the sports trivia or to love that damn truck as much as you do, or—“

She paused mid sentence when he vehemently shook his head, disagreeing with her sentiment.

She was shocked. “Wait. You’re actually okay with a girl?”

He smiled, pulling her intertwined hand in his down to her stomach. “Yeah, I am. Because she’ll be just like her mom. Brilliant, brave, and beautiful.”

Hailey knew a few tears slipped down her cheeks that time. “Really?”

“Yes really.” Jay said, smiling earnestly. He brushed her tears away with his thumb. “Plus, I can scare all her future boyfriends away by putting them in the cage or showing up with a shotgun.” He broke into one of those boyish grins that made Hailey roll her eyes.

“You’re impossible, you know that?” She said, trying to stay a tiny bit annoyed.

“Yeah, I know. But I also know that you love me anyway. And I love you—“ he paused, leaning down to talk to her belly. “And whatever this little one turns out to be, a whole hell of a lot.”

“Heck, Jay, language!”

Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. “Whatever you say, Hailey Anne.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “You love me anyway.”

Yeah, that he did. And she just the same.

____

*original prompt by @upsteadlover on Twitter; request made by @onechicagofam_ on Twitter; photos of Natalie & Hailey w/in prompt tweet by @onechicagoedits on Twitter; gif by @xofeno (: // words by me, of course*

#chicago pd #jay halstead #hailey upton #upstead #fanfic prompt #upstead au #if upstead had a baby #pregnant hailey #worried jay #natalie manning #chicago med #infection #based off of that hospital scene #cpd season 7 #fanfiction writing #cpd prompt #upstead prompt #upstead fanfiction #my writing #chicago pd au #if upstead were a couple #if upstead were gonna be parents #otp: we’re good together #otp: my girlfriend #twitter prompt #will halstead #they’d be great parents #season 8 will be their year

[writingbakery]

“[bi]cycles of love”🚲

this little piece was originally written as oc content, then reworked for a different fandom, and finally comes to rest here. it’s very special to me, as i’ve never fully learned how to ride a bike, & i always wanted a friend to teach me, so we could fall in love over the handlebars <3 taglist; @shinhoetoshi @secondhand-trash @keigos-dove @redbeanteax @katsukisprincess @shinsouzone

[pairing; shinso hitoshi x gn!reader]

[warnings; romance, crushes, friends to lovers, growing up together, slice of life, too many bike references]

ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ

┌─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐

pinarello; an italian bicycle manufacturer

based in Treviso, Italy. founded in 1952

raleigh; a british bicycle manufacturer

based in Nottingham. founded in 1885

└─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘

hitoshi loves his bike.

it’s a pretty thing, a pinarello, painted gold over the chrome and cream along the framework. a tiny silver bell sits across one handlebar, the grips sturdy enough to tie whatever he’s carrying on as he rides. the seat is a tan leather, red stitching bold at its seams, just wide enough for comfortable sitting.

six years of wear and tear have left the chains a little rusted, the leather of the seat dimpled in the middle like the indents of hitoshi’s cheeks. the gold is chipped here and there, but he spends every weekend painstakingly painting over the glimmers of chrome, pouring all his pride into the fullness of his tires, the sheen of his spokes.

he can still remember the way his chest had tingled with excitement the first time he’d laid eyes on it, propped up in the tiny garage against his father’s workstation. the bright red ribbon is garish, too flashy & overbearing for such a simple gift, and the rough strokes of gold against the metal are clearly from his father’s calloused hands, but no present has ever been so special in his eyes, and it shows.

he’d shot up like a weed that summer, legs scraping against the concrete every time he dragged his cherry-red raleigh down the street. long outgrowing his training wheels, the bike was a relic even when he’d received it at four years old, and the chains rattled dangerously every time he went over three miles an hour.

still, he’s fond of the old thing, and adding the red stitching to his new bike was a little nod to the bike of his childhood. the only thing he loved more than the raleigh was his pinarello; and the only thing he loved more than his pinarello was you.

you had been in hitoshi’s life since you were born, really, a chubby cheeked tomato of a baby that had babbled excitedly every time you’d seen hitoshi’s too-big, two year old eyes. even so young, hitoshi had felt an overwhelming urge to keep you close, cuddled right up against his baby pink heart that beat too fast whenever you so much as smiled at him.

you had loved the raleigh almost twice as much as toshi did, always begging to sit behind him as he cruised up and down your quiet street. you’d scoot yourself up so close to hitoshi’s back, socked feet against the red pegs of his training wheels, chubby little hands digging into his waist. stuck together like that, your excited giggles would wash over the shell of hitoshi’s ears, smooth and sweet like the breeze.

at ten, you weren’t much taller than you’d been at four, six, eight, always comfortably nestled against hitoshi on the dilapidated raleigh & if it weren’t for both of the chains finally snapping one afternoon, hitoshi would’ve given it to you. the deep, wobbly pout on your lips had been far too much for his twelve year old heart to bear, already thumping with the beginnings of sweet babylove, and that’s how he finds himself promising to take you along on his pinarello always.

the pinarello is bigger than the raleigh, longer & a little wider in the seat and suddenly you’re not leaning forward against hitoshi but sitting, chest pressed tight to his back as you sail around the neighborhood. like this, hitoshi can feel the steady thump, thump, thump of your heart, beating in tandem with the giggles that escape you every time hitoshi rounds a corner too fast, the wind ruffling his messy, home-cut bangs and teasing your pink cheeks.

hitoshi takes you everywhere, to the corner store on fifth & main, the park, the library, to school in the morning and back home at night. those are his favorite moments, when the sky is tinged with dawn or dusk, sleepy whines floating up from the smaller human clinging to his body, warm cheek pressed close against his back. like this, you’re soft and sweet and so painfully close that hitoshi can almost call you his, the love in his chest innocent & fresh like baby powder.

the love grows and grows and blooms so wide and bright that it hurts sometimes, pushes against the confines of hitoshi’s chest and winds up his throat like it wants to bubble from every corner and edge, spilling from his eyes and mouth and ears like kaleidoscope lights, dotted with the shine of your smile.

and yet, hitoshi tucks it close to the ever steady beat of his heart, not quite ready to let it blossom the way it wants to. he’s not prepared to face the light in your eyes, the sunshine of your smile and tell you that your are hitoshi’s everything, just in case you don’t want to be. and hitoshi would be okay with that, really, in the same way you’d be okay with your favorite teddy bear losing its stuffing, or the stars twinkling out slow, one by one. it would sting and hurt and ache but eventually, the world would right itself again, and he’d breathe like he did before he fell in love with soft cheeks and sweet smiles. your happiness has always been his main priority, and he’s determined to uphold that silent promise.

and he spends so, so much time preparing himself for the worst, bandaging up his heart before it can break, that when he finally pours his heart out to you, sits you down on the soft leather seat of the pinarello and tells you he loves you, that he’s woefully unprepared for your face to break out into a smile as wide as the morning sun shining down on them, the gleam of it outshadowed by your pretty glow.

now, he finds himself pacing outside of your house, two down and one across from his own, his best plaid pants on and his good black turtleneck - the one his mother had said made him look “distinguished” - tucked into them, the glint of the afternoon sun bouncing off his silver belt buckle. he’s nervous, and understandably so, the little drops of sweat rolling down his temple and skating along his jaw. he’s regretting letting his mother fill in his eyebrows and line his eyelids with her kohl pencil, certain that you’ll think he’s overdoing it, worry and panic rolling in slow, methodical waves inside him until he’s ready to fake the flu and escape back into his bed.

the soft squeak of a door, followed by a gentle click of its lock snaps him to attention again, and suddenly all the air’s left his body, fear and worry melting into a forgotten puddle at his feet as you make your way down the porch steps and towards hitoshi.

you’re dressed a little more appropriate for the warm spring weather, a maroon pair of corduroy overalls with a baggy black sweater tucked underneath, the collar wide to expose your glitter speckled collarbones. your black creepers have maroon laces to match, and if he squints right hitoshi can see a gold and maroon bumblebee pin in your hair, a gift from him. you’ve got more glitter on your eyelids and cheeks, and if he were twelve still, he’d worry about getting glitter against the back of his turtleneck as you ride down the street on his pinarello.

as it stands, he’s lucky he still remembers how to breathe.

you give a timid little wave, hand covered in pretty silver rings that catch the fading sunlight. “hi, toshi,” you say into the cool air, voice shy and rich with all the nervousness hitoshi’s holding in his stomach. somehow, though, knowing that you’re feeling the same way he is soothes the stress creeping up his throat, and he smiles dopily back before he can stop himself.

“hi kitty. you look amazing, so pretty. really pretty,” he manages to say before the nerves creep up again, the crimson flush staining his cheeks mirrored on your own. you stutter quietly, dig your toes into the dirt and smile; “you too, toshi. you look handsome,” you mumble, but the sunshine is written all over your face. your eyes flick up after a moment to rest on hitoshi’s face again, and you can see the warmth lying there, the fondness that you know is all for you. then they fall just behind him, and the endearment only grows.

right. the bike.

at eighteen, hitoshi still hasn’t gotten his licence - he’s not a bad driver, per say, he just hasn’t gotten rid of his driving jitters, and he’s far too embarrassed to ask his parents to drive them. besides; “i thought it’d be meaningful for our first date, kind of? i did promise to take you everywhere, right?” he asks hopefully, a hand coming down to rest on the handlebars. the answering smile he gets in response warms his heart, the love forcing its way up in the open air.

you easily step up to the pinarello, pausing to wrap soft arms around hitoshi’s waist in a welcoming, calming sort of hug. it’s a silent affirmation, one that he appreciates immensely; you both have always been able to read each other, and he’s certain the relief blossoms out over his face clear as day. swinging a leg over and settling into the seat, he grins up at you widely, face full of unbridled enthusiasm. “your chariot awaits, your highness,” he teases, and that earns him a wind-chime bout of laughter, sweet and tinkling down into his ears. they’re older now, not quite as small as they used to be and your legs are crowded just behind his own, knees knocking together with nervous excitement.

you easily snuggle into hitoshi’s back, one hand reaching up to tuck an earbud into his ear - a recent new tradition of yours, sharing headphones and alternating on whose library they listened to - an easy, soft beat filling the silence. it’s upbeat but slow, a perfect soundtrack to the picnic they’re headed to along the river, a sweet spring afternoon of newfound love. when they get there, hitoshi will drop the pretty necklace he got you from the flea market into the river via sheer nerves, and you will spend too long rambling about nothing in an attempt to soothe your own anxieties. you’ll share a chaste, too-shy kiss in the glow of the sunset, then another, and another until you’re giggling into each other’s mouths, honey soaked declarations of love in the moonlight.

but for now, you’ve got your cheek pressed to hitoshi’s back, your arms wrapped close around his waist and one hand tangled in hitoshi’s own. hitoshi’ll ride slow to avoid the cracks in the sidewalk, your giggles floating up to his ears amidst the smooth melody of their music and he’ll know that everything will be alright, the world will right itself again.

he’ll always love his bike. but he’ll always love you just a little bit more.

#bnha shinsou #shinsou x y/n #shinsou x you #shinsou x reader #hitoshi shinsou #shinsou fluff #bnha fluff #bnha x y/n #bnha x you #bnha x reader #boku no hero fluff #boku no hero fanfic #evywrites

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Sucker For You

Summary (request): May I request a dean x reader for something like ten ways he shows you he loves you?

Pairing: Dean x reader

Word Count: 1,000ish

Warnings: none

A/N: This was very different to write but I adore this so very very much...

The first time you knew Dean loved you was before you were together and he was halfway through bandaging your arm after a hunt. His hands were gentle, a quiver in the tips of his fingers you barely noticed. He carefully tucked the gauze in, resting your arm down in your lap, giving you a short glance, a glimmer of fear on his face when he told you don’t do that again. You nodded, even if he knew you couldn’t promise such a thing. He gave your hand a squeeze, holding on longer than necessary, feeling you give it back. He smiled, knowing things were about to change.

The second time you knew he loved you, you were putting away groceries, trying to organize the pantry when you found something in the far back. A box of chocolate, your favorite kind, a giant sticky note taped to it claiming it was an emergency stash for you and to not be touched by anyone else under any circumstances. You saw the little pack of instant heating pads tucked behind it out of view and smiled before you went back to putting away the food.

The third time you knew he loved you, you saw Dean in the laundry room, standing over the sink with your favorite jacket in his hands. He grunted and you could tell he was scrubbing something into the material. You’d tossed the thing in the trash the day before, believing it was too messy to repair this time. You almost opened your mouth to tell him it was okay but decided against it. Two hours later, you found your jacket draped over the back of the chair in your room, good as new. He never said a word about how it got fixed.

The fourth time you knew he loved you, Dean sat up with you all night, holding you as you tried to fight through a bad stomach flu. Every inch of you was covered in sweat and every time you thought there was nothing left, your stomach would churn. Dean sat on the floor of the bathroom, giving you a pillow and blanket to sit on so you had something soft for yourself. He tied your hair back for you and pushed the sweaty strands out of your face while he rubbed a hand up and down your back every time you felt sick. When it was all over, he washed you up and tucked you back into bed, making sure you got some water and the rest you needed. 

The fifth time you knew he loved you, Baby had broken down outside a small town. The belt had slipped off and Dean had cursed himself for not fixing it when he should have. It was only a few miles give or take back to town so you both headed out on the walk. A storm rolled up fast though and before the first raindrop could fall, he shrugged out of his jacket and undid the hood, throwing it up and over you. By the time you got to town, he was soaked, you were dry, and he gave you a smile he thought you didn’t catch.

The sixth time you knew he loved you, you were driving home from a date, Dean blasting the music with the windows rolled down on a summer night. It wasn’t even a song he liked but it was one of your favorites, Dean singing along to it with you, swaying in his seat as best he could, laughing when you both tripped up on the bridge part. 

The seventh time you knew he loved you, you woke up from a bad nightmare, one that left you afraid to even close your eyes again. He shushed you, murmuring sweet words as he held you close. He’d gotten home from a hunt only a few hours before and you knew he desperately needed sleep. He never drifted off though, kept dancing his fingers up and down your arms, kept you near until you felt warm and safe and fell asleep in his arms.

The eighth time you knew he loved you, you caught Dean cooking a fancy dinner in the kitchen. He was arguing over what qualified as a pinch of cumin with himself, throwing his hands up when something started to burn. You ducked around the corner and heard him dump it in the trash and start fresh. You giggled quietly when you got a text a few seconds later asking that you stay out a little later on your me day since he was still working on Baby. You responded and heard him get back to work, so thrilled you decided to come home early and catch his sweetness.

The ninth time you knew he loved you, Dean tracked you down after you’d screwed up. Badly. Horrendously. Astronomically. You were convinced he was better off without you, better off not knowing you, better off forgetting you even existed. But he found you, easier than you expected. When you stared at him, waiting for the big speech to come, there wasn’t one. He didn’t speak a word in fact. His hand enveloped yours, his other taking your bag and he led you back to Baby. He forgave you for running away, for being afraid and getting caught up in your head. He saw you better than you saw yourself. He would never see what you did. He was good like that.

The tenth time you knew he loved you, he leaned in close, brushing his lips over your own, pressing them together slowly, gently, perfectly. He barely moved away when it was over, just enough to let his breath ghost over you. He opened his mouth to speak, eyes darting around your face before connecting with your own.

“I love you too, Dean.”

#dean x reader #dean winchester #spn #supernatural #one shot #ten ways #spn fanfiction #supernatural fanfiction #spn reader insert #supernatural reader insert #dean fluff #fluff #dean one shot

[patricianandclerk]

Strong

My Ask | My Ko-Fi | My Ao3 | Dragon Age Discord | Requests always welcome!

He needed to ask Varric.

He hovered in the doorway, watching Varric and the serving girl, Shani: wish she’d let me tip her but I know she won’t, too proud, and what does she need me for, anyway? Wish she’d let them give her a different job, she could run this place with her eyes closed if she wasn’t so scared of attention—

“Cole,” Varric said, looking away from Shani. “You gonna sleep on the couch?”

Cole had been sleeping, as of late. It was still new, after the whole thing in Redcliffe, but he slept more, now. Not as much as everyone else did, but he slept, sometimes, and sometimes he slept in Varric’s room, on his sofa, or if Varric was still up and working, in his bed.

“It’s going to rain,” he said. Varric looked at him expectantly, like he didn’t know what Cole meant, which was frustrating, but Varric did understand Cole better than some people did, mostly. “I want to sit in it,” he added. He had noticed, as of late, that this was something most people did not do. Most people ran inside, when it rained, and hid away from it, but why?

“Okay,” Varric said. “But remember to dry off before you lie down to sleep, okay? It’s important you don’t like down anywhere while you’re still wet. Go to Solas or Bull if they’re awake.” He thought about it, going to Solas, who would make the water steam off his skin and his clothes and leave him dry and warm, or the Iron Bull, who would towel him off, but he liked the rain.

“I don’t mind it,” Cole said. “The wet weaves around me, the water wishing to make me a well.” And it did, too. It seeped right into him, down to his core, and it was cold, yes, but not in an unpleasant way.

Varric didn’t like that. “Yeah, but you’ll be cold,” Varric said. “You’ll shiver, and it’ll make you sick. You don’t want the flu, do you?” He could feel the worry come from him: Cole, crying, cold, shivering in bed, coughing and choking, weak…

“No,” Cole murmured, shaking his head. But that wasn’t what he was here for, it wasn’t just to ask if it was okay if he sat in the rain, he wanted… “What about Krem?”

Varric stared at him for a second. “What about him?”

“Do you think he would like to get wet?”

He saw the look on Varric’s face. Couldn’t make out what it was he was thinking, because it didn’t hurt – Varric felt like he might almost laugh, but then he didn’t, and he was slow in saying, “Go ask him, kid, but… Don’t say it like that.” What was wrong with it? What was wrong with getting wet together? A sex thing? He supposed so, but it should have been obvious, shouldn’t it, that he meant the rain? “Ask if he wants to come sit in the rain with you. Maybe hold hands.”

“Oh,” Cole said softly, almost without meaning to, and he thought of Krem’s hands. They were good hands, strong hands, calloused, and he liked them, he liked them a lot. Blackwall got Cole to cut his fingernails, had taught him how, but Krem had shown him how to make them smooth and shiny, had sat down with the little buff and showed him how to make them pink and neatly curved, and it had been wonderful, feeling Krem’s hands holding Cole’s hands, how warm they were, how muscular… “He has very nice hands.”

“Yeah,” Varric murmured, his lips shifting into a small smile. “You tell him that.”

Cole realized, after he had walked all the way down the corridor and started crossing toward the Herald’s Rest, that he had forgotten to say goodbye. He did that, sometimes, but he was trying to get better at it. There were lots of things he was trying to get better at, like listening, when his body said things. His body said a lot of things, said them all the time – that it wanted to sleep, or eat, or pass water, or drink water, or touch.

It was a lot to keep track of, but he was trying his best.

--

Cole didn’t really announce himself, when he showed up with Krem.

He would just appear, and usually Krem wouldn’t jump, because he was used to the guys trying to scare the shit out of him, but with Cole, it wasn’t meant to scare him. He was just getting used to being in the real, human body, letting people remember him, letting the world take an effect on him.

“Hey, Cole,” Krem said.

“Varric says I shouldn’t ask you to get wet,” Cole said. “I think because you could misinterpret it as something to do with sex.”

Krem took this in. “Okay,” he said, tone even. “I see that.”

“But I want to go out in the rain,” Cole said. “Together. You and me.”

Under the brim of his hat, Cole looked little, like a flower stalk made small by the weight of its petals, and he looked at Krem eagerly, concentratedly. He often looked at Krem like that. Krem was kind of used to it, from girls, because he was handsome, he knew that, but Cole did it differently. It wasn’t that it wasn’t sexual – no matter that he didn’t really get the whole thing with Candy, he didn’t think Cole hated the idea of sex – but it was like he was trying to focus on whatever was underneath, rather than his face itself.

“How come?” Krem asked.

“I like how the rain feels. I like how you feel, too. I would like… both.”

“Sure,” Krem assented.

I like how you feel. Krem felt a kind of fluttering in his chest, getting to his feet, and he patted Grim on the shoulder as he passed him by, letting Cole take hold of his hand. Cole was a little bit cold, but not unbearably so – Krem had noticed it when he’d been showing him how to manicure his fingers, before.

That had been… nice. Having Cole in front of him, eagerly leaning into his touch. He liked Cole.

Cole was—

He didn’t want to say pure. Cole wasn’t pure, not really. He wasn’t unsexed, or stupid, or ignorant – he was just different, hugely different, and the way he saw the world compared to Krem, compared to anyone, was so foreign, so far removed, and it was spellbinding, sometimes, to hear Cole’s take on a situation, or description of something.

The rain was coming down hard.

Krem laughed as Cole pulled him out underneath it, glancing down at his feet to make sure the other man was wearing shoes, and then he leaned close, putting their chests together.

“Yesss,” Cole said, emphasising the sibilant sound, and he threw his arms around Krem’s neck, leaning in toward him. Cole was a bit shorter than Krem was, and Krem had to lean underneath the brim of his hat to keep him bending it, and Cole sighed delightedly. “You’re so big.”

“No, I’m not,” Krem murmured, laughing, and he put his hands on Cole’s hips, squeezing.

“You are! You’re strong!” Cole said earnestly. “Your muscles…” He slid his fingers over Krem’s shoulders, to the tops of his arms, squeezing, and there was a look of such delighted wonder in his eyes that Krem felt himself flush slightly, his cheeks burning.

“You want to see how strong I am?” Krem asked softly. The water was soaking into Cole’s blouse, wetting the fabric and making it stick against his skin, and but it mostly ran off the leather of Krem’s vest, soaking a little into his shirt sleeves, and that was all.

“Yes, please,” Cole said, and Krem grabbed him under his thighs. Cole let out a delighted cry, throwing his arms around Krem’s neck again, and he wrapped his legs around Krem’s waist, hooking them around him and squeezing his knees against his hip bones, surging to press their noses together.

His hat fell off, but Krem just stepped over it, his boots squelching in the wet grass, and Cole’s nose was freezing against his own, but he was laughing so brightly, it was a wonderful sound.

Krem spun a little on his feet, spreading his hands on Cole’s back, and Cole ran one hand up over Krem’s hair, breathing a little more heavily.

He wondered, what it would be like, to kiss him, to feel Cole’s mouth under his own, to—

“You can,” Cole said breathlessly. “Please.”

Krem leaned up, and Cole’s mouth brushed against his, eager, a little messy, and Krem kissed him back, leaning one way as he tried to adjust his grip on Cole’s thighs. He was heavy, but not as heavy as he looked, and—

“On the floor,” Cole said.

“It’s muddy,” Krem replied.

“Please?”

Krem dropped.

He fell onto his back, Cole on top of him as the rain poured around them, and Cole laughed, his fingers running through Krem’s hair, his knees either side of Krem’s waist, and he kissed Krem’s mouth again, more chastely, this time.

“It’s better like that,” he said.

“Yeah?” Krem asked. “You don’t like tongue?”

“I think?”

“Let me try,” Krem said, and kissed him again, more controlled this time, slower, cupping his cheek. Cole hummed into it, and then he pulled back, looking thoughtful. “Still better with no tongue?”

“Yes,” Cole said. “But that one was better than mine.”

“Okay,” Krem murmured, laughing. “I’m covered in mud.”

“Yes,” Cole said intently. “We’ll have to have a bath.”

“We?” Krem asked. “No, I don’t think so.”

Cole’s face fell. “But—”

Krem grabbed him by the sides of his chest and rolled them over, delighting in the way Cole squealed and slapped at him as he was thrown on his back in the mud.

“Get inside, both of you,” Solas called from the stairs as he went into the main hall. “If you catch the flu, Cole, I shan’t nurse you to health!”

“He’s lying,” Cole said softly, smiling down at Krem, shyly, sweetly. “He would.”

“Yeah,” Krem said. “Solas loves you, Varric too. And the Chief. Guess everybody does.”

“They all like you, too,” Cole said, cupping Krem’s cheeks. He was colder, now, and it was time to go inside, even as the rain pounded around their heads.

“You sure?” Krem asked, arching an eyebrow. “I never got the impression Solas liked me much.”

“If he didn’t,” Cole said, “he would have asked me to go inside, with him. He left us out here. He thinks you’ll take care of me.”

Krem’s heart beat a little faster. “Oh?”

“Yes,” Cole said. His teeth chattered, and Krem chuckled, pushing him up onto his feet, and he picked Cole up again, under his back and the back of his knees, carrying him bridal style, Cole’s hat in his hands. There were hot springs that put the water in the baths, so at least it’d be hot instead of cold when they went down to them.

“See?” Cole asked. “Strong.”

“Well, I gotta take care of you,” Krem murmured. “Can’t let the egg man down.”

“Egg man,” Cole repeated. “Does Solas eat eggs?”

“Hey, Cole.”

“Yeah?”

“Let me kiss you again.”

Cole kissed the side of his mouth, and then again, and again…

“Your cheeks are hot,” Cole said.

“I’m blushing.”

“I like it.”

“Yeah,” Krem murmured. “Me too.”

#as defined by dictionary #cole #krem #dragon age #fanfic

[mincyclopedia]

YOU = I

pt. 2

genre; fluff, angst

pairings; Namjoon x reader

idolverse!au; Namjoon turns to you whenever he needs help, but is he being too dependent on you?

a/n: this is the second and final part of YOU=I. it’s longer than i expected and i feel guilty that i’ve finished this first instead of jk’s soulmate au story. pls forgive me :’) but as always, enjoy!

for those of you who’d like some context, you can find pt. 1 right here!

“Y/N? Are you ready to go?” Namjoon called out as he entered your apartment.

He expected your usual cheery self to greet him as he walked further inside, but things seemed different that night. The normally fragrant incense by the entrance was left unlit, and your shoes cluttered messily on the ground. No lights were on, instilling a sense of foreboding. 

Namjoon’s heart dropped when he saw your frail figure curled up on the couch. 

“Y/N, baby?” He rushed to your side. 

Your bloodshot eyes opened slowly, “Namjoon? Why are you here?” 

“I-i’m here for our date, remember?”

“Didn’t I text you this afternoon that I wouldn’t make it?” You coughed, “I’m sorry, it’s just... I don’t think I can go out tonight.” 

Namjoon cursed internally, realizing his phone had been dead since lunchtime. 

“Sorry, I didn’t read your text. What happened?” 

“Just a bad case of the flu. I went home early today. A good night’s rest should do the trick,” You answered as you stood up from the couch.

“And where are you going??” Namjoon followed you from behind, afraid that you might lose your balance.  

“Dinner,” You muttered as you opened the fridge, “You haven’t eaten right?” 

“No, no, no, you should rest, Y/N,” He reasoned and pulled you back to the couch.  

You found yourself falling back helplessly on to the soft mattress, too weak to retaliate. 

“But, I feel bad... You’ve been looking forward to our date and I—”

“This doesn’t look like a normal flu to me,” Namjoon frowned as he touched your forehead, “You’re feverish.”

“I’m telling you, I’m fine,” You slurred. 

“Baby please, rest.” He shushed you, “Please, could you do this for me?” 

His hand softly rubbed your back, trying to calm you down. 

And as much as you wanted to resist, you had to admit you had no more strength in your legs. Your eyes slowly faltered, giving in against your will as your consciousness faded. 

“That’s right,” He muttered softly, “Sleep.” 

Soon after, your breathing leveled and your expression softened as you fell into deep sleep. Namjoon could finally sigh in relieve. Ruffling his hair in frustration, he blamed himself for not opening his phone sooner. And it definitely was because of his dependent nature that you’re sick, he just knew it. 

He shouldn’t have been so reliant. Beyond all the vigor you displayed, you’re human too. He’s angry at himself for not being so observant earlier.  

But could you blame him? 

It was just that easy to depend on you. Helping him when he broke or forgot an item is one thing, but sometimes after a long day of recordings, practices, and interviews, all he needed was you. The feeling of falling into your warmth and presence calmed him during days when he just didn’t feel like himself, and you were always more than happy to oblige. 

What he didn’t understand is why you wouldn’t confide in him in return, even when you needed it the most. His arms were there, wide and open, ready to offer you all the support and strength you needed. But just like now, even when you’re weak and tired, you just wouldn’t let him help. 

Namjoon shook his head to get rid of his thoughts. With another deep sigh, he walked towards the kitchen to—well, at least attempt to—make dinner for the both of you. 

—

A few hours later, you woke up with a start. The living room area was gloomy, empty, and unfamiliar. You felt cold and weak in the darkness. Instinctively, you walked towards the only source of light you could see, coming from the small gap below the kitchen door.

“Namjoon? What are you doing?” Your sleepy voice echoed in the room.

“Y/N! Why aren’t you asleep?” Namjoon asked in panic, immediately hiding both of his hands behind him. 

“Joon, it’s almost 10. Don’t you have practice early in the morning? You should get back home,” You replied. 

Namjoon moved to the side, revealing a messy bowl of soup and what seemed to be side dishes. “I, um, tried making us dinner,” He said, smiling sheepishly before rambling, “I mean, it’s not as good as yours, but uh, at least you don’t have to cook for me. You should just sit back and—” 

“What are you hiding there?” You immediately asked when you found his posture odd.

His eyes went wide, “Me? Nothing, I—” 

Your eyes squinted, “Let me see your hands.” 

“Uh, promise you won’t be mad at me?” 

“Hands, Namjoon-ah,” You repeated. 

He finally gave in, slowly showing the injured fingers he had clumsily covered with thin tissues.

You sighed, “Come on, let’s get this cleaned.” 

—

A few minutes later, the two of you sat on your bed in silence as Namjoon watched you apply medicine on the fresh cuts. He felt guilty for not only making a mess your kitchen, but also injuring himself when you’re sick. 

He needed your help.

Again.

“How are you feeling now?” He began, eyes heavy with concern. 

“Kind of dizzy, but I feel a bit better,” You replied. 

“I’m really sorry, Y/N,” He said, eyes meeting the floor, “I shouldn’t have cooked without you.”

You didn’t answer, still focused on treating the wound.

“I just thought… once in a while, I should be the one taking care of you since, you know, I always burden you with things,” He finally confessed. 

You glared at him as you finished wrapping the bandage around his thumb, “Who said that?” 

“I don’t know, it just came to me. I should learn to do things myself. I mean, I always tell you to help me with this and that… I know I’m a bad boyfriend.” 

You chuckled lightly, rendered speechless.

“And leaving my boyfriend alone when he needs me would make me a bad girlfriend, right?” You looked at him lovingly, leaving a tender kiss on his injured finger, “Is this why you hid your hands from me?” 

Namjoon slowly nodded, eyes doe with guilt. 

“Joonie, I would never think of you as a burden. People need help sometimes, and I really don’t mind helping you out. What you go through, I go through too.” 

“Exactly, Y/N,” He replied, “You look after me all the time, but whenever you’re in trouble, you don’t tell me. And I feel shitty knowing that I’m always on the receiving end. I want to help you too,”

You shook your head, “Your work doesn’t allow such liberties, Joonie. You know that. I never tell you because I don’t want you to worry. You already have rehearsals, composing, and producing to worry about.”

He sighed, “I just wish I could do more, for you, for us.”

“Hey, this is enough. The fact that you felt bad showed just how much you care, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re always so thoughtful for my sake, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.” 

“Still, you gotta tell me these things, okay? You’re not alone anymore, Y/N. When you’re sick, when you need help, when you just... want to see me in general—I don’t care. I also want to be there for you. No matter what, I’ll try my best.”

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s... a force of habit, but I promise I’ll trust you more.”

Namjoon kissed your forehead, “I’m sorry too. And I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

You laughed, “How? You’re showering me with so much love already, it’s more than I could ever ask for.” 

“I have a lifetime for you, baby. So you better stick around to find out,” Namjoon pulled your body closer and pressed his lips on yours. 

“Stop,” You pulled back with a giggle, “No kisses tonight, Joonie. You’ll catch my fever.”

“Hey, I’m you and you’re me, right? What you go through, I go through,” He joked, “If it means I get to cuddle with you for the whole day, a fever doesn’t sound so bad.” 

With that, you finally melt into his embrace as Namjoon kissed you again, a vehement warmth seeping through your cheeks. 

There and then, you were reminded once again of the reason you’d go lengths just to make your boyfriend’s day a little bit better. No matter how big or small the issue, you’ll always be there for him, because your heart knew that right by Namjoon’s side is truly where you belong.

—fin.

masterlist

#namjoon #bts #kim namjoon #bts kim namjoon #bts namjoon #namjoon fanfic #namjoon fluff #namjoon angst #bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts angst #bts x reader #bts x you #namjoon x reader #rm fanfic #namjoon x you #namjoon x y/n #bts x y/n #mincyclo: u i #RM #joonie #mincyclopedia #RM fluff #RM angst

[professorsta]

Andromeda Tonks

OK so here’s my headcanon of her life but I didn’t want to write it but I’m impatient so here it is in bulletpoints!

* she was in an arranged marriage all her life to a pure blood family from France

* she grew up with her betrothed. Visiting eachother every holiday or ball or birthday, their affections ever more forced as the years went on

* it wouldn’t be for years until Ted and Andromeda finally met, having bumped into each other in the hallways because of Teddy’s lack of observation

* after bruising her knee and elbowing her in the chest, Ted offered if he could buy her something at Hogsmeade to make up for it

* she agreed and they quickly became good friends

* he was the first person to ever make Andromeda feel like, herself. Where she didn’t have to play pretend to get him to like her because he already did

* he saw through her acts of deceit and lies, the things that have been taught to her her entire life. He made Andromeda feel like a woman, and she was like a addict, obsessed with the feeling of love and happiness Teddy gave her

* during this time her relationship with Mercel had also began to change

* their hogwarts graduation had just passed, and because of this Mercel decided to move to England to work closer with Andromedas father, and to be able to officially begin courting Andromeda

* it was now the talk of the town between the pure blood family’s whenever Andromeda was seen hanging onto Mercel’s arm during a ball, or seen together at a dinner, the candle light hiding the fact that neither party are speaking

* sometimes though, in moments of weakness, when Teddy’s laugh or smile started to drift from her memory and the stiffy etiquette of the purebloods got to her, Andromeda would allow Mercel to take her hand into his. Tracing his thumb across the ring that adorns her left hand until she’d slowly slip her hand away and place it onto her lap

* this went on for months. Andromeda going back and forth from pretty doll holding onto Mercels arm, to the woman who loved to read as Teddy wrote, who lived to find out she actually loves fries when Teddy forced her inside a diner with him

* everything seemed ok, not perfect, but ok, until Mercel began to start acting more, colder, towards Andromeda

* his smiles forced and faked, his eyes losing their young, naive glint, leaving only cold, lifeless murky brown depths

* he became more possessive, more serious, all the kindness she knew vanished and instead replaced a wicked man much like her fathers friends

* it felt like being with a stranger

*at this point Mercel had taken a liking to slapping her, if she spoke out of term, or argued, or sneezed at the wrong moment

*he also liked taking Andromedas hand now, no longer waiting for her consent before he’d grip her tight, his thumb always tracing the cold metal of her ring, as if he’s reminding her who she belongs to

*Teddy finally noticed it one day, hanging out at his apartment with her and their friends

* she was stiff as she sat, wincing whenever she would get up, touching her side as she would, as if it ached

* Teddy confronted her once everyone had began to leave, and in her loose lipped state from all the wine, she told him, not everything, but some, and it doesn’t change the fact that he still held her the entire time, no one having done that for her before

* Andromeda stayed with him that night in his room as he slept on the couch

* but later in the night Andromeda came in with his duvet and slipped in beside him, his tired eyes opening to a full head of brown hair

* it was like all walls fell after that night, and they slowly started to love eachother

* Andromeda was hesitant, believing that their love affair wouldn’t lead to anything happy or good or wonderful like they hoped to think. She was destined to marry Mercel, not a muggleborn like Ted.

* and Ted? Well he always knew he he could fall in love with Andromeda over and over again from the moment they met. He was willing to wait for her, if she only asked him to

* they hid their relationship, of course, the last thing they needed was Bellatrix breaking down Teddy’s door

* but inevitably their lies would catch up to them, and after missing one to many dates with Mercel, it finally did

* it began like any other day. Andromeda woke up beside Teddy, his snoring more like a dull hum as Andromeda got out of bed and started getting dressed for her time with her family, the familiar back and forth already running her ragged

* but when she finally stepped inside the dark hallway of her childhood home, she could feel trepidation creep into her mind as she walked into the parlor, nervous to find her entire family sitting with Mercel

* he wasn’t supposed to be here today

* when her family saw her in the doorway, they asked her to sit, and so she stayed standing, demanding to know what was going on

* they told her that they knew what she was doing, whoring herself out to a muggleborn, disgracing their family

* her family showed her photos that had been taken of her and teddy by a private detective they had hired.

* and in the end it hadn’t been Bellatrix who had told, although she did find joy in her sisters misfortune, but Narcissa, having told their parents after seeing Andromeda and Teddy together at diagon alley

* accusations and threats were thrown as her parents tore her wand from her grasp and handed it to Mercel, who had been watching from afar

* “everyone has agreed, and we all think it is best if you begin living with Mercel until the wedding”

* and so, with no allies and no means of escape, she did

* Andromeda stayed with him for months, forced to lie to Teddy, cut contact off with her friends, live as a prisoner in her own home. It was worse than a nightmare

* she remembers one time when she had been trying on wedding gowns where she had completely broke down into tears, sobs never stopping as she fell to the floor, almost in an outer body state

* she had stayed in bed for weeks after. The healers said that she must have been triggered into hysteria, that somehow, she has developed PTSD

* which wasn’t a surprise to Andromeda, for she had started using both heavy amounts of foundation and glamour charms in the morning

* months past after that incident, and Andromeda started noticing that her dear beloved began to leave her wand locked in the drawer in his side table, something he never used to do since he always had the wand on his person

* and so when they began their nightly bedding rituals, she started to undress him, quickly grabbing the keys to his bedside table before the rest of the nights events began

* she hid the keys for three days, acting as if she had the flu, allowing herself rest as her family had their annual Wednesday tea and stroll in the garden

* as the hours passed, Andromeda inneacted her plan.

* she unlocked the drawer and held her wand with shaking hands as she quickly got changed out of her night gown and into her muggle pants and sweatshirt that she had hidden

* Andromeda was quick when packing but not quick enough before the door opened, revealing a startled Narcissa in the doorway

* she had come up to check on Andromeda at their mother instances, and as her mother asked if everything was alright, Narcissa, without breaking eye contact with Andromeda, yelled back yes, but that she was just going to check her sisters temperature

* Narcissa had closed the door then, and stood staring at her sister, or more, the bruises her sister had been hiding under a glamour and foundation

* Narcissa had known, Andromeda realized, and her heart sank, thinking that probably everyone did

* “if you do this, I’ll never see you again” Narcissa had said and Andromeda let out a sigh before giving her sister a sad smile

* “I’ll miss you everyday”

* then with a swish, Andromeda apparated herself to a liquor store a couple blocks away from Teddy’s

* she used some muggle money Lily had given her and called Ted, huddling inside the payphone as it began to rain

* Andromeda wouldn’t be able to describe the amount of pure relief she felt as she watched Teddy step out of his car, his hair messy and eyes sunken from lack of sleep.

* but as she ran into his arms, rain completely soaking them both as they walked hand in hand to his car, the ring from her finger left forgotten down a drain, Andromeda thought that maybe one day, she could

#harry potter #andromeda tonks #tonks #nymphadora tonks #the maruaders #Ted tonks #remus lupin #the marauders headcanon #lily evans #alice longbottom #dorcas meadows #narcissa malfoy #bellatrix lestrange #the black sisters #the black family #andromeda tonks headcanon #harry potter headcanon #hp

[celtics534]

Natural Chapter 14!

It’s time for the next installment of Natural!

Also read on: FF.net and AO3

Harry’s mouth trailed down Ginny’s neck and across her chest, not stopping until just above her navel. He allowed his attention to focus solely on her. Nothing else mattered. The world could combust and it wouldn’t make a difference as long as he and Ginny were still together.

“Harry?” Her voice was delightfully husky.  

“Hmm?” He didn’t stop his ministrations at her abdomen.

“We can’t keep avoiding our parents.”

And that was one way to calm his randiness; mention their parents. Harry rolled off her and fell back against the messy sheets. “They haven’t asked any questions yet.”

Ginny turned to face him, lifting her head up on her elbow. “That’s because we keep claiming we have practice or the flu, but I know my mother. If we dodge another family dinner she’ll just show up at the house.”

Harry brought his hands up to scrub his face. Even after two months, the cool metal that rested on his left hand still both startled and thrilled him. They had been married for two months. Two amazing months, filled with quidditch and honoring their nuptials, though they both took off their rings when they went out in public, hoping to keep a low profile. If either of them was spotted with gold on their fourth fingers, it would be on the front page of every newspaper you could think of (and some you wouldn’t expect).

But even being unable to wear their rings out on the town hadn’t brought them down from their high. No, the only regretful thing that had been nagging at them over the past sixty days was the lack of family time they’d had. Neither of them wanted to tell their parents they had gone out and gotten married without including their families. So instead of going to the Weasley family dinners or luncheons that Harry’s mother (and Sirius, whenever he felt posh) hosted, the couple had begged off, claiming hectic schedules or bouts of illness.

No one had argued with them (both families knew how crazy quidditch and life could be), but the end of the season was almost upon them. The Harpies had their final game next week, having been unable to clinch a season win without the help of their new star chaser for most of their games. Puddlemere, however, was in the lead for the title. Their final regular season game was next week, against Holyhead.

Ginny bopped her husband on the nose. “Earth to Harry. Focus, luv. We have to tell them before some reporter snoops around and finds our certificate.”

Harry knew she was right, but fuck, he didn’t want to upset their families… He didn't want to imagine his mother’s face, let alone Molly’s! He took a deep breath and turned so he faced her. “How about we invite everyone out to dinner the night of the game?”

She considered it for a moment. “That could work. And if we’re in public our mothers can’t scream too loudly.”

“That was my thought as well.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Because I came up with the plan, though, I think you should be the one to tell them.”

Ginny let out a snort. “In your dreams, Potter.”

“You are in all my dreams, Potter.”

Harry was rather proud of that line, but Ginny’s jaw just dropped. “Oh… I sometimes forget my last name is Potter,” she admitted.

“I don’t.” Harry gave her a wicked grin and turned them until he reclaimed his position above her. His mouth grazed her ear. “I love calling you Mrs Potter.”

A sudden thought hit him as he made his way from her ear to her cheek. “Next season, we can make it so your jersey says Potter on it.” Harry couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. “I can’t wait to see you with my name on your back.”

“I didn’t know you were so possessive, Mr Potter.” Ginny’s tone held bite, but Harry looked into her eyes and saw no anger. Actually, if he was reading her right (and Harry was sure he was), Ginny was more than a little turned on.

“Possessive makes me sound so egotistical. The others can look, but I reserve all rights to touch.”

Ginny leaned back and let one eyebrow raise. “Who gave you that kind of power?”

Instead of giving her a verbal reply, Harry closed the distance and kissed her, letting his teeth pull at her bottom lip when he drew away. “Feel free to tell me no whenever you want.”

The way Ginny drew him back to her was all the response he needed.  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“What a presentation we’ve had today!” Mothers said for the third time since the final whistle had blown. The game had seemed so one-sided from the moment the two teams had mounted their brooms. “Weasley was in perfect form. Twelve goals and seven assists. Incredible!”

“Too true, Phil,” Gregory agreed. “The Harpies came out looking for blood.”

“And there was a bit of that. Morgan’s health report has just come in and the healers are saying he’ll make a full recovery before the first game of the playoffs.” Mothers let out a little chuckle. “I can count the number of times a keeper has knocked a beater out of the game on one hand.”

Gregory laughed along with his fellow announcer. “We all knew Hansen had a strong arm, but now Morgan now knows better than most.”  

“One final recap before we change over to the Kenmare and Falmouth. Puddlemere has won their final match of the regular season by a mere ten points. The score being two hundred and seventy to two hundred and eighty.”

“Potter made a spectacular catch!” Gregory praised. “He was perfectly in tune with the chasers and their position. If he had caught it a minute sooner they would have lost. I don’t think we’ve had such a nail biter all year!”

“Not for the Harpies at least. With Weasley back, the vibe has changed.” Mothers tapped his fingers on the edge of his desk. “Weasley has become such a staple in their lineup. Leading her team with -” He paused as a mane of red hair walked out of the Harpies tunnel. “Hold on now. Speak of the devil. Weasley has come back onto the field and -- yes! -- that's Potter exiting the Puddlemere pit.”

The two announcers watched the couple meet to the by the Puddlemere tunnel. “Every time these two play against each other, we get a lovely scene,” Gregory told the listeners.

“Our local hopeless romantic, folks.” Mothers chuckled fondly. “Wait… Hey, Dan, did you see that? The gold in Potter’s hand. Do you think he kept the snitch?” The average listener was able to hear Mothers shuffle things around. “My trusty pair of omnioculars.”

Mothers zoomed into the display before him, Potter and Weasley embracing. “It seems to be… No way!” He shoved the omnioculars into his partner’s hands. “Is that a ring?”

“Now who’s the hopeless romantic.” Gregory’s laughed, but accepted the proffered item. Five seconds passed before Gregory turned to look at Mothers. “That’s a ring. And Weasley has one too. Are we looking at the Potters?”  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Molly Weasley considered herself a fair woman. She liked to think the punishments she’d given her children over the years had been just and appropriate.  And she’d never judged someone for something they couldn’t prevent.

But if that was true, why had her daughter (her only daughter!) gotten married without her? And then, why had her child let her find out about her nuptials through two quidditch announcers? What had she done to deserve such treatment?

Molly stared at the two guilty young adults. “Care to explain?”

“Mum,” Ginny started, but seemed unable to elaborate. She looked towards her husband. Husband! Molly’s daughter took a deep breath before starting again. “Mum. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing.”

As much as Ginny had hoped that would placate her mother, those words had only rekindled her fire. With a voice both quiet and filled with rage, Molly began speaking. “Even if that was the case, why didn’t you come and tell me after? Why is that you’ve waited… how long was it?”

“Two months,” Harry muttered, not meeting her eyes.

She gave a sharp nod. “Two months. Two months my baby has been married. Not even Fred and George have done something so-” Molly couldn’t even think of a word.

It was Harry who chipped at her wall of anger. “I’m sorry, Molly. We should have told you.”

“Damn right you should have.” Molly pointed between the two. “I want to know everything, and don’t think for a second this means we won’t be having a wedding.”

Ginny exchanged a quick glance with Harry, as a smile slowly spread across her face. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Mum.”

“Good.” Molly stood to go make a quick stew for dinner. “Now, Harry, go get your parents over here. We have some things to discuss.”

Once Molly walked out of the room, Ginny released a tense sigh. “That went better than I thought. But I’ve got to say, that quiet tone is much scarier than her yelling.”

Harry nodded fervently. “I thought she was going to skin us alive.” He looked down at his hand. “How could we forget to take off our rings before the game?”

Ginny shrugged. “We were kinda too busy with our… pre-match ritual... to think about jewelry.” She gave him a light push so he stood from the sofa they’d been sent to the moment they’d arrived.  “You best go fire-call the Potter brigade.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Such a lovely day for a wedding,” Arthur commented as he and Ginny stood by the back door of the Burrow. It had taken only a week for Molly and Lily to be satisfied with the wedding plans. The real challenge had been finding a date that worked for both families. That had taken a few months, but they’d finally found a day where everyone in the whole Weasley-Potter clan could be in attendance. In that time, Harry’s team had been able to clinch the championship title and Charlie’d filed all the paperwork to travel from Romania. And if you believed in serendipity (which honestly Ginny might because of this moment), they were having their wedding party on the day she had Harry had met just a few years ago.

Now after months of listening to her mother excitedly chatter about all the perfect placements and ideal seating charts, it had finally come to life -- and Ginny couldn’t help but feel a little more than grateful for the obsessive discussions between Lily and Molly. They really had created her dream wedding. Simple, yet elegant.

“You know,” Arthur mused, brushing a stray hair from Ginny’s face. “I always imagined this day differently.”

Ginny turned to her father. His face had a look that she only could describe as bittersweet. “What do you mean?”

“Well for starters, I didn’t think you’d already be married to the man I’d be giving you to.”

They both chuckled at his joke. Over the course of the last few months, the fact that Ginny and Harry (now called Hinny by the numerous articles penned about them) were already married had become a running gag between the two families. The only people who didn’t participate in the jokes were Molly and Lily, both of whom were still a little peeved at their children.

“What else?”

Arthur smiled at her. It was the same smile that he’d had when she had run up to him as a little girl, a frog clutched in her tiny fingers. She had been so happy with herself on that occasion and all she had wanted to do was show her findings to her dad.

“I’m so proud of you, Ginny.” He pulled her into a tight embrace and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’ve grown into a remarkable young woman and I know you and Harry will continue to make each other happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, happiness.”

Ginny had promised herself one thing: That she wouldn’t be one of those brides who cried during her wedding. She was already married to the man for starters, also she hated tears. But Merlin, her father had gone and fucked up that plan.

“Don’t cry now.” Arthur held her at arm's length and moved his thumbs to brush at the slowly falling tears.

“I love you, Dad.” She moved closer to kiss his forehead. Taking a final deep breath, she forced herself to stop being sentimental (at least for a bit), and backed away just in time to see Bill approach them.

“Hey, you ready?” Bill smiled at her; he’d had inherited that smile from their father.

Ginny tucked her arm into Arthur’s, using her free hand to check for any stray tears. “More than ever.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“And we now would like to present, the not exactly newlyweds, but our couple of honor... Mr and Mrs Potter!” Lee Jordan, the twins’ friend from school, called out from his DJ perch.

The crowd laughed and clapped as Ginny took Harry by the hand and led him to the dance floor. Harry gave her a small grimace but took charge once she situated herself in his arms.

“I wish I didn’t have two left feet,” Harry complained as he swayed them to the gentle beat of their first song.

“Well, my two right feet make up for it.” Ginny leaned up and gave him a quick kiss, much to the delight of the people watching. It wasn’t a large group of people really. Just both their teams, their families and school friends (some of Harry’s had come all the way from America).

"Ah, the true linchpin of our marriage. Together, we make one passable dancer."

Ginny laughed and rested her head over Harry’s heart. Somehow the beat of the song matched the rhythm of his heart. Thud - thud - thud. She let the words wash over her as she used Harry as the bass drum.

When you say You love the way I make you feel Everything becomes so real Don't be scared, no, don't be scared 'Cause you're all I need

“This isn’t so bad, I guess.” Harry’s head had been resting atop her head and she  felt more than heard him speak.

“I would hope getting to hold your wife would be at least acceptable,” Ginny teased as she tilted her neck to look at him.

He was smiling in that way he reserved for only her. “Trust me, I always appreciate getting to hold my wife. I just appreciate what happens when I hold you in private a little more than dancing like a ponce in front of everyone.”

“Now, Mr Potter, don’t start talking about such naughty things when my mother is a mere fifteen yards away.”

That caused his smile to become a coquettish smirk. “Your mother being nearby has never stopped us before.”  

Ginny had to hold in her chuckle. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, Harry.”

“Trust me, I have every intention of both of us finishing. You may even be able to take a second lap.”

This time she couldn’t contain herself. Ginny laughed and kissed her husband. “I love you.”

Harry’s hand came up and caressed her cheek, his eyes never wavering from hers. “Ditto.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Does this mean you’re taking a second honeymoon?” Max (one of Harry’s old school mates) asked, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively. After a few bouts of dancing, the married couple decided to sit down and rest their much abused feet. They had already made rounds to thank guests and they’d eaten the perfectly-cooked meal Lily had selected. Now, they were sitting at the head table, joined by a bunch of friends.

“We never really had one the first time around,” Harry admitted as he took another bite from the most delicious cake he’d ever had. His mother really had outdone herself with the catering selection.

“Where are you guys going?” Neville, Ginny’s friend, questioned.

“I picked the island of Tenerife in Spain.” Ginny leaned closer to Harry and opened her mouth for a forkful. Harry rolled his eyes fondly before cutting her a large bite and presenting it. She patted his cheek in thanks and blissfully chewed her dessert.

“Oh, I’ve had reports of high numbers of Crumple-Horned Snorkack mating on the Canary Islands around this time of year.” Luna Lovegood watched them with a dreamy look that slightly alarmed Harry. No matter how many times he had talked with Luna, Harry was still surprised by the woman’s words and actions. “Are you going to join them?” Luna added serenely.

And somehow she’s topped herself, Harry thought. He exchanged looks with Max and Duncan. They both were biting their fists to hold in their laughter.

Ginny, however, took it in stride. “Maybe they’re gonna join us.”

Harry turned to his wife, unable to even think of words; his old school mates gave up trying to hold in their chuckles.

Luna nodded understandingly. “Yes, you would want to be the dominant species. Good thinking, Ginny.”

Neville just shook his head, used to the way his two friends worked. Harry blinked rapidly for a few moments before pulling his laughing wife to her feet and leading her to the dance floor.  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“¿Quieres otra copa?” the waiter asked as Ginny sipped the last of her tinto de verano.

“Sí, por favor.” She handed him her empty cup and he walked away. Ginny took the opportunity to lean back in her sunbathing chair and look over at her nicely-tanned husband. His wide-brim hat was pulled over his face, shielding him from the Spanish sun.

Ginny reached across the almost nonexistent gap between them and started walking her fingers up his arm. She could feel the goose pimples rise as she made her way up to his shoulder. Moving her mouth next to his ear she murmured, “Hola, guapo.”

It took a moment for Harry to respond, but when he finally spoke, Ginny could hear the smile in his voice. “Are you flirting with me, señora Potter?”

“Sí, eres muy caliente.”

At the speed of lightning, Harry took off his hat and kissed her. “Te amo, mi amor.”

#natural #hinny #hinny fic #hinny fanfic #Harry Potter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter fan fiction #harry X ginny

[lexinthelibraryofdreams]

Family (Part I)

Imagine: “Someone needs to write a fic where Spencer figured out his girlfriend, or wife, is pregnant before she even thinks that’s a possibility as to why she has been feeling sick. It’d be super soft and I’m all here for it.”

Words: 1423

A/N:  a friendship-offering for the lovely @reid-effect  Sorry it took me like a billion years to write but I was actually afraid of posting it :/ I don’t think I ever edited any other fic that often and heavily and I’m still not 100% satisfied. Hope it does your idea somewhat justice

Also the title is dumb but I couldn’t find something better. If you have some suggestions, feel free to tell me :)

Warnings:  -

You quickly brushed your teeth after getting off the floor and walked back to the bedroom, where your husband was still in bed. He blinked up at you, brushing his messy locks out of his face. With a smile, you sat down on your side of the bed and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Good morning,” you mumbled against his skin and he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you down next to him. After wriggling into a comfortable position, you started drawing patterns onto his chest while listening to his heartbeat.

“You are up early,” he said and you hummed. “Yeah, I probably caught something. Yesterday I felt nauseous already but I don’t think it’s something serious. Don’t worry,” you replied with a smile and pressed a kiss to his jaw. “Okay,” he mused and brushed his fingers through your hair.  “Do you have to work today?” you asked and he shook his head, much to your joy. “Awesome. We deserve some time together,” you hummed and reached up to draw your fingers through his hair. After a while, he stretched under you and you craned your neck to look up at him. “You hungry?” he asked and you shook your head. “No, don’t think food is any good after vomiting,” you said and he raised an eyebrow, so you shrugged slightly. “But a tea would be nice,” you added with a sweet smile. 

He chuckled and sat up after you rolled off of him. “Alright. I’ll be back in a second,” he said and you smiled. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” you replied before rolling onto your back. You skidded upwards, leaning against the headboard, then you grabbed the book off of your night stand and started reading, hoping to zone out the lingering feeling of nausea and dizziness. You hated being sick, so if it wouldn’t die down in the next few days, you had to go to the doctor. When Spencer put down the cup on your night stand and sat down next to you, you closed the book and smiled at him. “You are an angel,” you mused before pecking his lips and taking the cup. 

“School starts in a week, so if it isn’t anything grave, you should be fit by then,” he said and you nodded, taking a sip. He had put some honey in it, just like you always did. Small gestures like that still made your heart flutter and sent a smile across your face, no matter how long you had been with him.  “I sure hope so. Don’t think that the students’ parents appreciate me spreading around the flu,” you replied with a grin and he chuckled. “Yeah, you might be right with that.” His eyes wandered towards the book. “Frankenstein?” he asked with a smile and you shrugged. “I wanted to stock up on my knowledge of classic horror literature. And even you can’t deny that it’s just that.” A grin crossed his face. “Wouldn’t dare.” At first he had found your interest for the horror and thriller genre somewhat strange but after getting to know you, it had just become another part he fell in love with. 

“Want me to read to you?” he asked and you nodded, nestling into the bed as he grabbed the book. Wrapping your hands around your cup, you listened to him, watching him intently while he read to you and a content smile settled onto your face. In moments like these you wondered how you had been so lucky to meet and fall in love with him.

After a while, he set down the book and looked back up at you. “Did you even listen?” he asked with a soft smile and you nodded. “Of course. I can listen and admire you at the same time.” You emptied your cup and put it back down onto the night stand. “How about we order some lunch. I mean, I’ll take something light but I’m starting to get hungry,” you suggested and he nodded. 

The two of you spent the rest of the day cuddling on the couch and watching movies. You were wrapped in a blanket and propped up against his chest, with his arms around you. It was starting to get late, when you stretched a little. “I really needed this today. I know it wasn’t really exciting but I enjoyed it,” you said and he smiled, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “So did I.” He brushed his fingers through your hair and you closed your eyes, enjoying the sensation. After another few moments, you sat up and yawned. “Damn, I didn’t do anything and still am tired as hell,” you mumbled and absentmindedly rubbed across your chest in hopes of relieving some of the built up tension there. Being caught in your own thoughts, you didn’t notice for a moment that he was watching you intently.

“What?” you asked and he only shook his head. “Nothing. Go to bed, you need some rest. I’ll clean this,” he gestures towards the take out boxes on the coffee table,” and do some work, then I’ll join you, alright?” You nodded and pecked his cheek before wandering off into the bedroom. You changed into a fresh set of pajamas and brushed your teeth before practically falling into bed. Immediately, you were out like a light, only waking up briefly when Spencer crawled into bed and pulled you up against him.

Your night was cut short again when your stomach started to rebel. A quick glance on your alarm clock showed that it was way before your usual wake up time. Again. Normally, you would have just turned around again but today your body had a different plan for you. When you felt your throat tighten, you bolted out of bed and into the bathroom, accidentally waking Spencer. He followed you quickly, brushing your hair out of your face and holding it back as you leaned over the toilet. His hand trailed up and down your back and once it was over, he handed you a glass of water which you used to get rid of the most of the taste. While you pulled your hair into a messy bun - a precaution in case your stomach decided to turn again - he was looking through the cabinet where you stored your medicine. “Sorry for waking you,” you said and suppressed a yawn, then took out your toothbrush and toothpaste. 

He only shot you a warm smile and replied, “Well, I usually can imagine more fun things to do at five in the morning but I don’t mind. That just confirmed my suspicions.” You raised an eyebrow at him. “What suspicions are there?” you asked but he only handed you a pack of pills. You looked down on them and it hit you like a truck. “I believe you are pregnant,” he said softly as you stared at the birth control pills in your hand, which you should have been supposed to take again after your period. You would have, if you had gotten your period in the first place. Normally you would have noticed but the stress of school starting soon and you taking over a new class had somehow allowed the fact that you were almost two weeks past your usual date to slip past you.

“Are you okay?” he asked and put a hand on your forearm. You nodded and swallowed, then looked up at him. “Yeah, I mean, I’m kind of out of it at the moment but I think I’m alright. I mean I always wanted kids and...” you stopped your rambling when a thought crossed your mind. You had never talked to Spencer about the matter. “Um, I know we never, you know, really talked about this-” you started but stopped when he put his hand on your cheek. “You have no idea how incredibly happy I am at the moment,” he said quietly and earnestly and you could see it in his eyes that he meant every word. Yours started to burn with tears as you smiled at him which he returned. “I’m glad,” you said and put your hand on his, “You will be an amazing father.” His face softened a little and he pulled you into a hug, pressing his face against your neck. You knew about his doubts because of his own parents but you would make sure to remind him every day from now on that he was a million times better than them. 

Part II

#criminal minds imagine #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x reader

[namjoonchronicles]

salvation | jk

​It’s in the wee hours of the morning when Jungkook shifted in bed to find the warmth he knows should be near, isn’t there next to him. He slid his arm down the empty space with his eyes still closed, only to feel coldness of the bed sheet, crumpled underneath his palm. His eyes peeked through his lashes and he squinted to see better. He hoped that by blinking a few times, the sight gets better.

Positive. You weren’t there.

Like a child yearning for its loss stuffed animals they go to bed with, disappeared, Jungkook poke his head down your side of the bed to see if, comically, you fell off. “It isn’t like her to fall off the bed but, just incase she did,” he silently thought.

No. Nothing.

The rug is still there in position, your phone is still charging on the floor, right by the standing night lamp that’s turned off. The only thing that’s shining is that moon night lamp Jungkook got you from last year’s anniversary. “Where is she?” Jungkook sighed. He sat on the bed and turned sideways to the direction of the bathroom. The light was on, judging from the gap between the floor and door. “She’s in the toilet...” he muttered to himself.

Although he was suppose to fall back asleep knowing that you will come to bed when you’re done, something tells him that he probably should check you out. Make sure you’re alright. The cold bed sheet suggests that it might have been awhile. Call it superstitious, call it impossible, call it anything but love, but when a soulmate is in pain, the other felt it too. No matter how far. Or how close. You just feel it.

Jungkook’s bony legs slip out of the comfort of the duvet, and kissed the wooden floor gently before it absorbed the weight of Jungkook’s body with a mild creak, not loud enough to be heard if it was in the day. His oversized white tee slips to show his collarbone, while his sweatpants rode up to his calves on one side. His light brown hair, tousled and deliciously messy. The bangs poke his brows as he made his way to the bathroom door.

He readied his knuckles to knock but changed his mind and curved his palm to envelope the knob until something stopped him from doing so.

His eyes focused, and enlarged a bit. Breathe caught in his throat when he heard sniffings.

Tiny whimpers. Sobbing. An excruciating sound of a broken soul trying to keep her voice as small as possible so no one could hear her falling apart. He could hear her bare feet against the tub, pushing herself up.

He imagined you sitting at the end away from the shower head, shed off your shells and held your soul bare in the open for the walls to see. And he was envious. Envious of those very walls who could see you in your most vulnerable moment. He wanted to walk away. He didn’t think he was able to listen to your silent cries anymore so he should crawl back to bed.

If you have wanted him to have the privilege to see you cry, you would have allowed him to. Instead, you chose 5AM in that bathtub instead of him. The least he could do was to respect your decision and wait until the sun rises, to ask. That is if, if, he could ask.

“No. I’m her husband, this is my job.” His words ring in his head and he turns the knob slowly.

Visibly shaken, you quickly wipe away your tears. “Oh..fuck. Baby, you’re awake,” you were obviously flustered, digging the heels of your palm into the sockets of your eyes, harshly ridding any apparent evidence of a defenseless moment. “I suddenly caught a flu, can you believe it? On a freakin weekend...” you chuckled and climbed out of the tub, knees weak from staying in one position too long. You almost fell if it wasn’t for Jungkook to capture you. Sliding his grasp off of you gently, you smiled but your eyes were casted downward.

Still hiding. Still pretending. Still concealing. Still.

You dashed for the sink and twisted the faucet until water flows out. Cupping your hand underneath the flowing water, you took the pooling water to your face and wash away remaining tears. Jungkook opens the door widely now, he leans his head back to it, watching you and your ‘show’. He crosses his arms next, frowning. You saw his tongue dig into the inside of his cheek as he watched you clean up and you couldn’t help but to gulp out of the intense gaze.

You forced out a smile that he didn’t return and slowly walked out of the bathroom when he said in a deathly low grumble, “What happened?” 

"I don't like it when you do something like this. When you don't talk to me..." He added, his eyes followed you to the bedroom, "I'll make you feel better, just please." You shook your head, busying yourself by arranging already neat books by the racks set by the window, next to his collection of bluetooth speakers. "I'm okay, I just don't feel like talking about it right now, okay honey? You weren't supposed to remind me about it. Talking about it, hurts me." Your voice died and subsequently ended the conversation. You already feel like ending the day, and the sun isn't fully out yet. You know you hurt his feelings by saying what you just did, but you had to. Talking about it, doesn't solve it. It doesn't solve anything. You hated confrontations. You don't like talking about things that hurts you, it's better to hide.

"I shall be no source of trouble to anyone. I shall be no burden to anybody." The words echo in your head like a mantra, and it escaped your lips before you could even stopped yourself. You couldn't look into Jungkook's face, because you know he'll be devastated by it. He watched your head drop as you circled the bed and brushed lightly on his shoulder, muttering in half-anger, half-upset at him, "...I told you not to marry me, didn't I." His eyes struck to the wooden floor, and his lips parted a little, agaped. The words, they stung. He could feel the air stood still, as if time had stopped briefly, and resumed. His feet froze, his mind paused a second before it began to race in thoughts to give you a reply but he can’t find the exact words to say so, he held a fist next to his thighs, words die in his throat instead. And you? You walked out as if you said nothing to ruin a person, completely. Ruthless being.

Why would you say something like that? Why would you say something so hurtful?

Clearly something painful had happened and you're pushing everyone out, including him so you could understand what your heart was saying or at least what they attempt to say. You once told him that, "My alone time is sometimes, for your own safety." But you've become silent for too long that it began to worry him. And without a clear guidance on what to do, Jungkook is forced to learn languages he was not equipped with, emotions and unspoken words. Unequipped, incompetent and flawed was what he continuously feel whenever you turn away and put up your walls like these. Your fortress. The one he remembered taking down, but couldn’t remember how.

How to say you want to help, but you don't know how or where to began?

Jungkook waited patiently. Jungkook watched you spend your whole day in complete silence, and even if its not an official cold war, or lovers quarrel, he couldn't help feeling worried that you were not being yourself. When you come home to a vibrant character and a vivid smile almost everyday, you will feel it when it's gone. A deafening absence. The torments of not being able to ask what he wanted so much, because he wasn’t the kind to say it out loud, was torturing Jungkook inside out. 

"How long is she going to be like this?" Jungkook sighed inwardly. He already felt his chest, heavy from the intense worrying and when he stepped into the house with a foreign feeling, he wondered if you could have gone somewhere to retrieve your peace. 

And he knows very well where that is. 

Jungkook slips out of his jacket and abandoned his bag by the living room sofa before he knelt next to the coffee table and fit himself underneath it. You were laying under, staring upward at the underside of the table. Your feet sticking out the other end. And by the looks of it, it had been quite awhile, it seems. 

Now with Jungkook joining the tiny space, you glanced to the side at the view of his incredible jawline and smiled weakly. Now you both are staring at the underside of the table and your legs are next to his, very much smaller than his. You gave him a lopsided smile and inhaled before you speak, hoping that what you said before didn’t affect him much, "How was work?" You meekly asked, first sentence you have said in 23 hours.

"Same old, same old." Jungkook shrugged, and he turned his head to you, eyes wide and wondering, "And you?"

You chuckled short and smacked your lips together before, “Have you ever wonder why laying on the floor, underneath a table is so comforting? Isn’t it weird that we both find these very, calming?” Jungkook hummed as a reply and began, “I’ve read an article about it before, and they say, it’s because it mimics the atmosphere of a womb. Apparently, it was the last time we actually felt very safe, so because we are seeking the same comfort of being in our mummy’s tummy where we were the safest, laying underneath a blanket, tables, closet, felt comforting...”

“I remembered laying just like this and my mom was like, what in the world are you doing under there,” you giggled, “and I told her, the internet is faster here, when the truth was, I felt very happy and protected. I used to think that it was weird until I heard from Jimin that you do it too.”

Jungkook’s helixes turns red and his eyes crinkles when he smiled wide, and you took the time to relish that beautiful face, whispering in your heart that you’re sorry for the words you say when you’re under emotional turbulence. He didn’t deserve it. He didn’t deserve to be treated that way. He didn’t deserve me. 

You don’t know how to share your problems, because you’re used to keep them bottled inside. You were angry at yourself for taking time to think about something that shouldn’t matter to you. All you wanted was to be accepted. 

The conversation died, and silence followed. Unlike most silence, this one was so comfortable it almost made you drift to sleep. But before you lose complete consciousness, you whispered his name and, "...sorry. I've said a few things I don't mean. I know you were just worried, but I just hated myself for thinking about it too much when it's probably nothing worthy of my time."

Jungkook blinked slowly and he softly replied, "...it's okay. We all have those days." . . . "A high school friend got married yesterday. And everyone from my high school went..." you smiled, "...but I wasn't invited." 

Jungkook stayed very silent. And you could understand why he would react that way. "I thought I wasn't affected by it, but when I go home after a day with my cousin, I...I really was hurt. And you know what I said to myself?"

You giggled lightly, "Maybe they forgot, maybe it slipped out their mind. Maybe this, maybe that. Maybe they didn't mean it, maybe I'm just too sensitive," You giggled again. Self blaming is something you're known to do when these things happen. It was not the first time. Many engagements, birthdays, weddings, baby showers that had gone by without you. They come up with different excuses every time. "They posted the pictures they took at the wedding, inside the groupchat I was in. Everyone in that group chat went to the event and they couldn't find time to announce it there and instead just come to post pictures, so I said: Wow. And left that group. Childish, wasn't it?"

Jungkook switched to his side and stared at your side profile. "But I needed to console myself. I needed to be away from them. I never knew why I even considered them as friends...maybe I was too, weak. When you want friends so badly, you don't care if they're good people or not. But that was me then. And some people I know now makes me realise that I'm more than what I think I am, and that being friends with me is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not just a privilege."

"Quality over quantity," Jungkook leaned his forehead on your your shoulder and murmured. "I couldn't tell my mom because I know what she'll say. She’ll think that I was the one who made myself so unapproachable and she’ll blame me for everything. And I don’t need a repetition of what I told myself many times. I'm used to keep things to myself, Jungkook. I am my own help, my own saviour, my own salvation. And then..." you paused, "...and then you come around."

Jungkook gaze up to you. Those beautiful brown orbs sparkle at you, windows to his soul. "And you wanted to be that. And I'm afraid that I don't know how to share that job I've had, my entire life. And I have to be honest, that I'm scared. I'm scared that when I trust, I get betrayed; that when I give, I won't get back. And it used to be fine. People can do all kinds of shit on me, and I'll come back to the same person that hurts me and let them do it all over again; and I told myself that it's what I deserved, but you, Jeon Jungkook. Oh you, Jeon Jungkook... you're like a mirror to me. You help me feel what I give away, and for the first time in my whole sad life, I finally know what love actually is."

“I think you forgot one important thing about me,” he waited until you gaze up to him and, “...I left my hometown at 14. I don’t have any friends. You and I, we’re both loners. We have our own little world.”

Jungkook draped his arm over your waist, "...You never needed those dry-ass people. Sometimes, you don't realise that you are being kind to people who don't even deserve your kindness, and I've had enough of that. If someone ever tries to bring you down, all you need to do is text me their name and location, and I'll give them a black-belt full-course meal with desserts and appetizers." His words got you giggling and you rubbed his forearm gently, "...I always forgot that you have a black belt in taekwondo."

He leans on his elbows at you and jerked his head up, causing it to bang against the table. Your hand flew to the sore spot immediately as he face planted into your tummy, whimpering like a baby.

Chuckling, "...be careful!" you rubbed his head. He slide out first since he took the most space and then he pulled you up by the arm from the floor. "I think we should just call delivery..." he suggested.

You nodded and smiled, gratefully. Thankful that he isn't the type to pester for a home cooked meal like every other husbands out there that you know of, by hook or by crook. Jungkook waddled to the kitchen area where the house phone were and as he dialed the number, and leaned his back to the counter, his head angled upwards slightly, you couldn't help thanking your heaven for an angel sent from up above. As his voice talking to the restaurant dimmed to the background of your mind, you thought to yourself that you don't have to save yourself anymore, for you have,

"A help, a saviour and a salvation all wrapped in a person called, Jeon Jungkook." And as if he heard you, he snapped his head slowly in your direction, smiled and winked.

Then slowly, you disappeared to the hallway and into the bedroom you shared. Jungkook snapped his head to his phone on the counter and grabbed them with one hand. 

Wife: Mrs. Jeon. Bedroom. ❤❤❤❤❤

Because he said: If someone ever tries to bring you down, all you need to do is text me their name and location, and I'll give them a black-belt full-course meal with desserts and appetizers...

#bts #bts jungkook #jeon jungkook #bts fanfic #bts one shots #bts scenarios #jungkook au #jungkook scenarios #jungkook imagines #jungkook fanfic #jungkook #jungkook x reader #jungkook ff #kpop fanfic #bts jk #grubby jungkook #jungkook fluff #husband au #husband jungkook