#this au makes me feel bad because its unethical | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

clanwarrior-tumbly · 3 years

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Ok i got an monster tom x scientist reader au universe thing and no it does not take place in the red army base

Reader is a scientist and is asked to run some tests on a new specimen/monster they found, and when reader sees the specimen/monster they actually think it's kinda cute but then some other scientists shock him and even stick some needles in him and reader just feels bad for the specimen/monster at this point so nighttime rolls around and they hack into the cameras to shut them off and wear a mask so they won't get caught and go to the main room where the specimen/monster is they the reader introduces themselves to the monster the monster, thinking they're gonna hurt them, immediately backs off obviously scared and reader convinces the monster that they're not gonna hurt them and the monster shrinks as he's mostly human and says "your not gonna hurt me?" And they reassure him that they're not gonna hurt him and they sneak into the readers car and drives off the lab that the monster was in and reader asks what the "monsters" name is and says their name is "tom". Then reader makes a pit stop to a store real quick to get tom some clothes and then reader drives to they're home and introduces tom to their room and asks if they want some food/ take out or not an he says yes and they get some chinese food and watch some TV, after eating they both go to bed and reader suddenly finds themselves in Toms arms whimpering a little, and reader just kinda decides to pet his hair and rub his horns a little bit which make him purr then tom wraps his tail around reader and asks them to do it more and they do do that untill they notice that he's asleep then they both fall asleep.

Whew, I enjoyed writing this one ^^

Summary: Reader, a scientist, rescues Monster Tom from the lab that experimented on him and brings him home

...............

"Dr. [L/n], I'll let you oversee today's tests on TR-03."

"Alright, chief." You smiled awkwardly as your supervisor handed you the clipboard. It contained the subject's information: a one-eyed horned monster of an unknown species, though your colleagues have theorized it to be a demon. "What kind of tests are we running on it?"

"Resistance to electric shocks. There's evidence of uranium possibly circulating in its blood, so you'll be watching them extract samples as well."

As he explained, your smile gradually dropped as you looked over the information, seeing a ton of redacted information, including several incidents of the destruction it caused prior to its capture.

"So it's gonna be shocked and stuck with needles? Sounds painful."

"Its armor is thick, so it shouldn't feel a thing. Besides...I don't think you need to worry about whether it'll be painful for it." Your supervisor spoke in a rather condescending tone. "After all it's just an animal."

"I...yes, sir. I'll go oversee the tests right away." Not wanting to argue further, you just left his office and wandered through the building.

You were eager yet anxious to meet this monster.

Eventually you reached the area where the creature was being held, climbing up the stairs that led to the skybridge so you could look down into its holding chambers.

It was a massive dark purple creature, with two bright violet horns and a single black eye. Surprisingly it was allowed full movement, though judging from the many claw marks on the walls...it wouldn't surprise you if one day it was chained up to restrict such behavior.

You actually thought it was..kind of cute? It looked scary in pictures, but up-close it didn't seem as terrifying.

That only made you feel more pity for it as other scientists entered the chamber, clad in protective suits, with electric prongs and needles.

Almost immediately the monster seemed aware of what they were going to do, its eye widening as it stood on both feet and cowered in the corner. It growled in warning, only for a scientist to jab its leg with a prong in response, eliciting a roar of pain.

You physically flinched, feeling bad for the creature. But you took notes on its response to electric shocks.

Subject recognized equipment immediately, perceiving them as danger. Responded painfully to electricity.

Soon after being tortured, the monster seemed dazed, allowing another scientist in a hazmat suit to approach it and stick a needle into its hip. The vial of blood collected turned out to be red, with a glowing green aura.

As you took more notes, you heard a small whimper and looked down, seeing that the monster wasn't putting up a fight.

Instead it was...crying?

Sure enough, tears leaked from its eye as more of its blood was drawn, being electrocuted as some sick form of "sedation". It was hard to tell whether the people inside felt any sort of sympathy, but they just took their leave without saying a word to each other. Only a mere nod.

You didn't want to be here any longer than you needed to, so you finished your report and began heading back to your office.

Though you noticed the monster looking up at you, and you couldn't help but frown and murmur a simple:

"I'm sorry."

.............

After your shift was over, normally you'd go home for the night.

But on the ride home...you kept thinking of TR-03 and couldn't shake the images and sounds of its pain.

The way it responded to just seeing the prongs, and the way it looked at you as though it was begging for help, seemed far too human for it to be just a mindless animal.

Of course, you never questioned the secrets this lab kept--not wanting to be fired. But they seemed to be hiding a lot of stuff about this specimen, never speaking about its origins or even what it was capable of.

You may have only seen it for the first time today, but you wanted to know more about it. And you had a feeling that you won't get the answers you wanted by asking around.

Oh no..you were going to free it in order to find out the truth.

Not just to satisfy your own curiosity, but also because...the way it was being treated was far too cruel. To the point where it was crying.

You couldn't stand for this unethical treatment any longer. You had to do something..and be smart about it lest you got killed or worse.

After making a quick stop at a store, you found a mask and changed your clothes, completely disguising yourself. Then you got back in your car and returned to the lab, parking it somewhere far away so that you can sneak inside.

Fortunately you had security access in case any of the specimen breached their chambers. Thanks to your hacking skills you were able to disable every security camera you could find, putting them all on timers so they'd turn on later in the morning. You didn't want to rouse any suspicion.

That was the easy part.

The most important and difficult task lied ahead.

...........

As soon as you entered the monster's chamber, it woke up and grumbled with annoyance. Clearly it didn't like its rest being disturbed.

Though upon seeing you and the mask you wore, it tilted its head. "Grrrah..?"

"Shhh, it's okay." You whispered, removing the mask so it could see your face. While you were awestruck to actually see it up close and personal, you knew you had to keep calm.

But that might've been a mistake as it seemed to recognize you--the one who was watching it earlier today. It immediately backed into a corner, terrified as its chest began heaving with anxiety.

You couldn't blame it for its reaction, though your gently put your hands up and hushed it. "Please don't panic. I'm not here to hurt you. I wanna get you out of here."

"Hrrgrah?"

"Mhm." Smiling, you just pretended you could understand it. "I don't like how they treat you here. They call you an animal but..I know you're more than that."

The monster calmed down a little, before glancing up to the opposite corner. He made a noise of confusion upon seeing that the security camera's annoying red light wasn't blinking.

"I shut that off so nobody can hear or see us."

"H...ack..?"

You blinked, surprised that it could speak some English, but the fact it wasn't cowering like before was a sign it was trusting you. "Yep, I hacked the whole security complex. Now's our chance to escape, but..ah shit."

Suddenly, it never occurred to you: your mission was focused on getting to the monster, but you never considered how you'll get out with the monster.

"Damn..I'm not sure how we'll sneak you out without...." However, you trailed off as you saw it changing into a smaller form.

But it wasn't just shrinking, it was actually turning partially human.

How curious, nobody told you about that. Maybe that was part of the redacted information.

The monster turned out to be a human male, who still retained his horns, tail, and dark scales and fur, which covered his body. His brown hair was messy and spiky, and interestingly enough he had two black eyes.

He didn't have any clothes, obviously, so you took off your coat and put it around him. "So you're human, huh?"

"Your stupid friends' experiments wouldn't let me turn back for a while..." He grumbled in a slight British accent. "You sure you're not gonna hurt me?"

Understandably he got defensive, knowing you were working for the people who tortured him. But you shook your head. "No, I won't. I'm quitting this shithole and I'll take you with me." You took his hand reassuringly, noting that it was still clawed.

He gave you the tiniest of smiles in return. "Heh, glad we're both in agreement."

Soon you both quickly made your escape, luckily not running into any trouble. Your car was still parked right where you left it, so you got in and drove off.

You definitely won't miss working for that lab.

The roads were mostly empty at this time of night, so you were able to breathe easy knowing nobody's gonna chase you. Now seemed to be the best time to talk with the monster.

"So uh..do you have a name?" You spoke up. "I know they call you TR-03 but it doesn't feel right to call you that anymore."

"Tom." He answered as he looked out the window. "My name's Tom Ridges."

'Huh, that explains his code name.'

"I'm [y/n]." After noticing a nearby plaza, you saw a clothing store and decided to make a quick stop there. Tom seemed to be confused, and a bit worried when you left him in the car all alone, though you reassured him you were just buying some clothes for him.

He waited, trying to keep himself out-of-view in case any strangers got too nosy. But before long you were back, opening the driver's side as you peered in and sighed with relief, seeing him halfway out of the chair.

"Jeez, you scared me..thought somebody got you." You sighed, shaking your head.

"S-Sorry, not trying to get any unwanted attention. It's the last thing I need.." He sat upright, though he was surprised when you handed him a bag. Inside was a blue hoodie, boxers, and gray sweatpants. "Oh, cool."

'That's all he has to say?' His reaction was a bit underwhelming. 'Then again..maybe he hasn't processed that he's never going back to that hell chamber yet.'

You just shut the door and waited for him to get dressed, and when he tapped on the window you got back into the car. He definitely looked more comfortable now.

After giving him a smile, you continued on your way home, feeling glad that you rescued him from that place. You had no idea if he had any place to go, granted you don't recall seeing any information on his address nor any relationships.

So he'll stay with you.

...........

"Luckily I got a spare room. Excuse the mess." You chuckled as you showed Tom the extra room in your house, turning on the light. "You can stay here for as long as you'd like."

He nodded as he looked around, before feeling his stomach grumble. In embarrassment he put a hand over it, glancing at you. "Sorry..the food they had was shitty, I'm sure you knew."

"Yeah...you want takeout?" You took out your phone. "I don't feel like cooking tonight so I was gonna order some anyway."

"Sounds good."

"Alrighty, I'll call in the order. We can go watch TV while we wait."

Once more Tom nodded, following you into the living room space where you both sat down on the sofa. He sighed and leaned back, turning on the TV while you ordered some Chinese food.

This situation felt so...comforting and familiar..

For a moment he gazed at you, seeing you look through the menu.

He knew he wasn't the only prisoner back in that lab. So he couldn't understand why you'd choose him, of everyone you could've helped, but...he considered himself lucky.

For once he felt like he could let his guard down a little.

Some time later the food arrived to your house, and you both ate it while watching various TV programs. You asked Tom a bit more about his home life, though he didn't have much to talk about.

Whether he didn't want to say anything or forgot it thanks to the experiments was a mystery, but you wouldn't pry. You'll get your answers sooner or later, though not tonight.

Tonight you both deserved a good rest.

Afterwards you headed off to your own room, letting him know that he can knock on your door if he ever needed anything.

You got into your pajamas and crawled into bed, yawning.

It had definitely been an eventful day. You were eager to sleep in, knowing that you won't ever go back to your boring (and unethical) job.

But just as you had turned off the lights and dozed off, you heard your door creak open. With a slightly annoyed sigh, you sat up and turned on the lamp beside you, before seeing it was Tom.

"Tom? Your room is..."

Though you fell silent when you heard him...whimper? His eyes were white, indicating he was in some kind of distress.

But he crawled onto your bed, practically situating himself in your arms while making sure he didn't jab you with his horns. You were perplexed by his actions, though you finally realized..

He was just scared.

You held him in your arms, rubbing his horns soothingly and petting his hair, murmuring promises that he was safe. In response he nuzzled up to you, tail wrapping around your body as you both laid down.

You only stopped for a moment as he started purring, which made you chuckle softly. "Purring, huh? That's new."

"Can you keep doing that?" He grumbled, closing his eyes. "It was nice till you stopped."

"O-Oh right, sorry." You continued the previous motions, deciding to hum a small song as well to help him sleep.

Eventually you stopped once he dozed off completely, and your cheeks felt warm upon seeing how adorable he looked. 'And to think I was afraid of this guy?' You mused, before turning off the lamp light.

Soon enough you fell asleep as well.

If this is how Tom expressed his thanks...you'll take it.

#clanask #anonymous #eddsworld x reader #ew tom x reader #monster tom x reader #scientist reader

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themountainsays · 2 years

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okay this isnt hate im just curious, why do you like incest ships?

Hi anon! :D well since you asked so nicely, I'm going to explain.

I just think there's something oddly romantic about it. I jokingly tell my friends it's double the love, right? Family love × romantic love. It's Love^2. It's just a very different dynamic from what you may see in normal ships, because you also got a sibling or cousin vibe going on, and I personally find that adorable. I love to think of an older sibling being protective of the younger one and whatnot. And I LOVE the whole incest guilt aspect. The characters in a relationship feeling gross and scared and... And the reassurance that they're alright, they're good enough, their sibling/cousin loves them, they're not gross or disgusting or dangerous. They deserve love and they deserve to be happy just astshfjfnnfnfnfndndn 😭

Okay, I admit i like to project my own internalized homophobia on incest guilt narratives. I struggle with my own insecurities a lot. Sometimes I hate myself a little and I wish i could be normal 😂 ahh but internalized homophobia in fanwork can be quite controversial now, can't it? Or in media in general. Oh, look, another film about a gay character hating himself. Another fic with stupid poor-taste drama trying to shove homophobia into an escapist coffee shop AU in which everyone in the protag's friend group is gay and nobody bats an eye. No one wants to talk about internalized homophobia. It's annoying. But incest guilt? Incest guilt is pretty much a staple of the genre. Your fic may look strange and odd and poorly thought out without SOME difficulty. The lack of shame and secrecy wouldn't make sense. The lack of anger - at yourself and at the object of your affections and at everyone around you - wouldn't make sense. I find it very cathartic to read and write, especially when that moment of release comes, and the character is reassured that they are Good. They are alright. They are safe to be around and they are capable of being loved. In fact, they already are. They don't have to be scared.

Of course, I KNOW I could write about internalized homophobia. I know I will find people who enjoy that sort of catharsis, too. But incest guilt hits different because, well, I know homosexuality isn't immoral or dangerous. There's not a lot of tension there imo. It's like a soft tiny fluffy poodle werewolf crying "stay away from me! I'm a monster!" I just don't buy it. But incest? Oh, incest is a terrible thing. It's not normal, like homosexuality. Now, you do ask yourself - is this character fucked up in the head? Are they immoral? Unethical? It's not a harmless little poodle anymore; now it's an actual werewolf looming over the little Red Riding Hood and baring it's fangs at her. When the werewolf says "i'm a monster", you think "it kinda has a point".

Which gives more weight and intensity to that act of love when the figurative red riding hood hugs the werewolf - i think Guillermo del Toro spoke about this, how the monster shouldn't need to change into a prince charming. The beauty comes from understanding and loving the monster as it is. I'm in love with that concept. It's what my (unpublished) bear fic sorta revolves around lol. With our modern conceptions, its easier to love a normal gay than to love a gay in love with her sister. It takes more. Knowing and loving what seemed unloveable. I think there's a lot of beauty in that.

Of course, this is all a fantasy. There's nothing beautiful about REAL incest. Real incest is harmful and horrible and disgusting. But I'm not thinking about REAL incest, I'm talking about fantasy incest. A romantiziced version of incest that doesn't actually exist. Personally, I like narratives in which the protagonist is the exception - they're not bad or dangerous even when most other similar cases are. This is why I don't LOVE intergenerational incest. I just can't wrap my head around the fantasy of "healthy" intergenerational incest. The age gap and power dynamics are too great. I don't enjoy "abusive" incest either. It may be """""more realistic""""" but it doesn't feel sweet or romantic or beautiful to me. I don't understand how other people like it but I'm not a cop and I'm not their mom i ain't telling strangers online what to do. I can only see it as cute or romantic between siblings or cousins. It requires some suspension of disbelief, yeah. I don't mind that. It's a fantasy, after all, in the same way that there's something deeply romantic about sending love letters to your lover fighting in the trenches, but lmao you do NOT want a REAL loved one to go to war, you just want to read a sad book about it. I think it's important to have the critical thinking skills to KNOW this "romantic incest" is a fantasy, and enjoy it as such.

There are a few other reasons as well - I've always had a bit of a morbid fascination with incest, maybe that's why I loved Percy Jackson and The Lion King 2 so much as a child 😂 I think it's fun to play with a combination of sibling/cousin dynamics and romantic dynamics between two characters. The fluff is fluffier. The angst is angstier. There are some narratives that simply work better with incest in it *cough* bear fic *cough*. Plus, I get the feeling I'm more comfortable with the abstract concept of incest than many people outside the continent may be, because it's such a common theme in latin american literature. So I never felt scandalized or particularly grossed out. I thought it was weird and kinda yikes when i was younger, but that was never the hill I wanted to die on. Now I'm a hopeless romantic, and I want to read about star-crossed lovers too scared to follow their heart and love each other as openly and honestly as they always wanted, and I find that incest shipping does the trick just fine.

#incest cw #shipcest #yeah #that's the reason anon #i just think it's neat #edit: i may have to find this again in the future so i'm giving it a weird and specific tag #la llama que llama #llama pronouncef as shama

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ranboo5 · 2 years

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i definitely see what youre talking about, however, when I personally heard the headcanon, it appealed to me as an explanation for in canon external influences, like twitter votes determining the presidency (because the literal trick they used to achieve the manberg presidency wouldnt be possible)because otherwise I dont know of another explanation i like,

and also gives additional depth to lmanbergs issues(aka the fucked upness is a plus or me in some places) ( like trying to rig the presidency, isnt just hiding from their small group [that were more like friends with a hierarchy than citizens], and actually feels like a crime)(also, tubbo being a bad president, it would also give a point to the propaganda and would make the butcher thing more unethical [since the people inside the butcher crew were basically the only ones logging on while also part of lmanberg at the time, it felt weak when its supposed to be a governmental act without the permission of the "citizens"] none of this is to say it isnt bad the way it is in canon but makes them have more of an impact for me personally the only thing i would say i disagree with in your post is " the entirety of history is in the grip of those like 30-odd people most of whom know each other" Since in any story, even with multiple povs, we arent meant to assume that the events we see or are told about are the only ones that exist or "matter" theyre simply the most relevant to whatever the story is. Like in a story with a king that rules a kingdom, but is centered around family drama. they are simply side characters, so we dont see what other stuff would matter to them if they were real people

also,my idea of it being populated maybe differs? i visuallize it as being moderate to small village (depending on the time)

My point is much that all of these concerns go largely unaddressed? Like taking Ranboo as a microcosm. Yr telling me L'Manberg is populated and that man isn't worrying about assassins 24/7? That he doesn't have a bodyguard from Tubbo at least while in Snowchester that he can't decline? Like, I'm not saying the fucked upness is bad; as I said in the tags of my beeduo rant I'd be really interested in reading an AU fic that dealt with these implications. But that's the point: dealing with those implications. Reading the states on the DSMP as having a populace fundamentally changes how the characters we center on operate and how the story carries itself and it's not something that's congruent with what we see. Again, it would be a fascinating AU -- but it would be an AU. L'Manberg etc having a population would create concerns that would necessarily affect characters' actions and risk calculus in ways that it does not do in canon

I would also like to highlight specifically this

Since in any story, even with multiple povs, we arent meant to assume that the events we see or are told about are the only ones that exist or "matter" theyre simply the most relevant to whatever the story is.

That's. My problem. Many of the stories in the Dream SMP are, and in this would doubly be, about politicians and political acts. It would be about the administration of the state. Due to the fact that the only agents in the story are the ones that are acted characters, the only influences on the politics of the state that at all affect the story are the ones from those acted characters, and due to the fact that an RP is pretty fucking stupid if you never have characters that interact, all of thsoe characters have some familiarity.

This is completely fine in the scaled-down sandbox examination of the DSMP; for instance, Niki and Connor especially act basically as "common man" characters. They are the functional populace. However, if you assume that there exists a whole state of people outside of them,,,

There are going to be other political opinions and movements that are going to have infighting and a lot more direct power and relevance to the state administration and the ONLY ones that the story deems relevant are those that are put forth by people who directly know members of the ruling class. The events we see and are told about are the events that are relevant to the governance of the state, and the concerns of anyone who wasn't at some point a direct acquaintance of the president are not among them (because THEY DON’T EXIST THEY AREN’T WRITTEN)

The only influences the “population” ever has on the story are the votes and there are other explanations that lack the problems that giving the DSMP a population would have (divination is the one I tend to go with. Little bit of divine rule and/or superstition on the DSMP lmao). It’s like trying to fix a tear in a plastic tarp with a welding torch

#it kind of spits on the format of the DSMP and how political interaction with and reading of it works #like the DSMP as it is cannot support that systemic weight

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koko-bopp · 4 years

Text

Arrogance

kim dongyoung x male!reader

word count - 1.4K

genre - Fluff? | College!au | enemies to lovers!au

warning(s) - Some sexual tension, arguments, arrogant reader, a kiss, competitive relationship

synopsis - You're determined, driven and a student who carries himself with confidence, never accepting second place as an option. Doyoung mistakenly gets himself into your bad books, and yet he also finds himself crushing on you.

“You got the answer wrong.”

He frowns, looking up at you from the economics papers and at you, “Excuse me?”

You two were a good six feet away from each other; this was his dorm, so you took it upon yourself to at least be respectful around his own comfort-space, what would normally be back and fourth insult-banter kind of just because ‘you do what you need to do and I’ll do this, but only if you beg for my assistance, I’ll help.’

You two were only freshman and it honestly started off with you to just striking up a casual conversation. A ‘hi’ ‘hello’ ‘why’d you pick econ?’ ‘i don't know’ ‘you don't know?’

"I'm actually doing Politics, Economics and Philosophy," you huff, grinning at Doyoung, but shifting in your seat to fix your sweater, "This is just my elective."

"Ah," Doyoung nods in approval, "Smart boy."

You can’t really remember why or how you two started getting really standoff-ish, it kind of just started happening after you two were looking at the first-exam scores at the pin board after the class.

“How do you think you did?” Doyoung asks, having stepped next to you since you both wanted to look at the paper properly after the crowd around it had lessened.

“Very well, it seems,” You respond, not looking at Doyoung but a triump smile on your lips as you just stared at the result.

The answer confused Doyoung, he instead decided to shift his gaze from you and onto the pin board.

[Y/N] [L/N] — 100%

A hundred? You got a full score? Doyoung was really surprised, especially because he’s only seen you take a handful of notes in lectures and barely go to see the tutes while he’s already gone through so many lecture notes and– how did you get a hundred? Doyoung turned to you again, his eyes wide, “Did you cheat?”

You frowned, turning to Doyoung, “Was that an accusation?”

Doyoung realised what he said, then immediately tried to back-track, “No, I just– you know, it’s just unlikely to get a full score.”

You fully faced Doyoung, your chest facing him as you spoke, your eyebrows were knitted and your hand was in your pocket, your whole aura giving off a ‘as a matter of fact’ tone, “I work hard to be where I am, Kim,” You state, his name rolling off your tongue with dislike, “And more imporantly, I don’t need unethical methods to be better than you.”

Doyoung didn't know how to react to that, he was kind of shocked. You two had been a little competitive during beer pong over at Johnny's party, sure, he also joked about doing better than you in the Econ paper, and maybe he also took a bet he could get nurse's number because he was kinda cute but surely... surely, you never took any of that to heart.

It just had become a hate-love relationship after that. If Doyoung noticed you were stuck on something; he'd give you the answer, you get him coffee on Thursday's because you know he spends the night playing videogames with Johnny on Wednesday, Doyoung makes snarky remarks about your outfits and you'll make insults about his. You guys don't hate each other, but one will always have something to disagree with when it comes to the other; Doyoung's competitive, but as a joke. You're competitive, you want to win, but you're also a huge asshole about it.

Like, you always want to win, but you make sure Doyoung— and anyone you're competing against for that matter– knows that you're always four steps ahead before they even have a chance to look in front of them. You're a tease like that, you answer questions with a question, you make comments that stimulate questions that aren't related to the topic just to throw people off-track. İt has to be the political and philosophical part of your subject, you carry all this whit like a postman does with letters and just distrubute it when you feel like it.

But, it wasn’t long before Doyoung had identified that he may have a crush on you.

It made a bit of sense. You’re beyond attractive, and even more when you’d furrow your eyebrows to focus on a task, of bite down on something not even realising you’ve done it. There was a time you were chatting with Mark who was sitting behind you that day and someone thought it would be a smart idea to have a go at you; watching you tear them limb by limb just from your words and facts? Your confidence just, its just admiring, watching you answer questions with the will to learn and engage and sometimes even educate.

And if it wasn’t intellectually, then definetly physically. Sometimes he’s catch you at the gym close to campus, and just, you know, stare for a moment too long, maybe? He’d sat next to you one time at a tute and your hands just looked super nice for some reason, maybe they’d look better around his neck, though.

Maybe it’s is your attitude. The way you carry yourself, your passion to be the best and do the best in everything you do. Dedication is an admirable strength and it’s very evidently a quality you posses.

Yeah, maybe it’s just that.

"I said," you mocked, leaning forward, throwing the pen on the bed, "You got the answer wrong."

"Oh, yeah, smartass? Why you so obsessed with me? Don't you have your own things to do?" He barks.

There was a joking tone in his voice, You picked up on it. "Don't jeopardise my scores. I'm relying on you just as much as you are on me."

He scoffed, re-reading his answer on the case-study paper before looking back at you, "Nothing's wrong with it."

"Okay," you sigh, a bit dramatically, "If you say so."

Doyoung goes over it one more time. There's nothing wrong with it, and he was getting more and more mad at you questioning his credability, “Seriously?”

You don’t even look up from the paper you were holding, he just watched you highlight one of the passages from the text in the neon yellow as you spoke, “Don’t worry about it, damn, I just made a mistake, Doyoung.”

Doyoung threw the paper back onto his desk before getting up from his seat on the chair of his desk and walking over to you. You were sitting on the edge of his bed, and he took the paper out of your hand and disregarded it anywhere just to get your attention.

Doyoung frowned angrily, looking down at you as you rolled your eyes, placing your hands behind you so your palms were holding you up while also gazing up at the male, “What?” you ask, a bit more rhetorically than not, “You’re seriously upset because I thought you made a mistake?”

“No, this isn’t just about that,” he spat, “This is about you always pushing me into the second place box because you can’t handle anything less than number one. This is about you being so damn pretty that I literally don’t want to beat the shit out of you because of it. This is about you acting like this so often that there’s times where you’ll walk past me and I’ll get worried as to why you’re not flicking the back of my head!” Doyoung just kept going on with his rant, and while you sitting there just watching him and actually, maybe, listening to him for once was making it a bit easier, “All because of a joke in freshman fucking year, you just— I don’t even know! You just hate me because I humoured your integrity? [Y/N], for fucks sake, you always act like you’re better than—”

Doyoung didn’t even know what happened next, he had suddenly landed his knee in between your legs while the other kind of hug off the bed, a hand on your shoulder and the other clutching on the fabric covering your chest as a support. You’d pulled him down from the center of the blue and white stripped t-shirt he was wearing, just to place his lips onto yours.

Doyoung was beyond shocked at first, his eyes had flown open but the feeling became so gentle and mellow that he couldn’t even stop his body from relaxing and his eyelids fluttering shut. Was this what he was waiting for? For you to just give up your arrogance for a minute and just kiss him already?

Your lips were so,,, soft.

Was that what you wanted? To kiss him? because it seemed to be something he wanted without even knowing it.

You pulled away a few moments after Doyoung had relaxed into your touch, opening your eyes slowly and carefully, then rolling your eyes at the male, "Also, I feel like you should know, that I got the nurse's number, and I was gonna wait until I knew what I wanted as my prize," you said, still keeping a hold on Doyoung's shirt.

He scowled, hitting you on the shoulder, "You kiss me and then you just–! How heartless are you!? That was literally my first–! You know what–?"

"Go on a date with me," you interrupted, "That'll be my prize."

Doyoung could feel his heart in his chest, his cheeks flared pink at the demand but he was also deeply touched, "Are you... are you seriously?"

You chuckled softly, looking at the male you just kissed, "I should really get going."

"You– you're an asshole," Doyoung pouted, his grip on your shirt never leaving.

You winked and grinned at Doyoung, "I'll pick you up at three tomorrow," you stated, before adding; "Don't be late."

194 notes · View notes

bellalikeskitties · 4 years

Text

mixed ☾

pairing: jung jaehyun x reader x seo johnny

being a rare half-turned and half-true born vampire with dangerous men at the tip of your fingers proves to be difficult

word count: 2.2k+

genre: vampire au, doctor au (just a dash)

warning/s: blood, injuries, kidnapping, suggestive themes

It wasn’t even late at night yet, but here you were. Tall men cornered you in a dark alleyway after a small chase away from the city. “You’ve got nowhere to run, lady!”. One of them says, and he takes something out of his pocket. Seeing the silver glint, you groan. “Okay. Let’s not be hasty". They laugh as your back hits a wall.

“Give us everything you have, and we won’t hurt you". Exhaling, you take out your wallet and phone, placing it on the ground before raising your hands up. “Will you let me go now? I don’t want any-”. He quickly presses the knife into you, watching the light disappear from your eyes. “Can’t sweetie. You’ve seen our faces so letting you run isn’t an option”. You sink to the floor as he pulls it out.

Chuckling, he wipes his weapon off and bends to pick up your items. “You should have just let me leave, man". They freeze. You lift your body, grimacing at the pool of blood around you made. “What? Don’t act like you’ve never seen a dead person talking before". He gasps in horror as he stares into your red glowing eyes.

You smile and flash them your fangs. “V-vampire! A vampire!“. He stutters and crawls back. The rest of his friends flee, leaving just you and him. You take your belongings and taunt him, “Boo”. He shrieks and blacks out. You laugh but quickly wince, the wound in your stomach proving to be a problem. Groaning a bit, you leave the scene and head home.

In this world, vampires existed, but they weren’t the sparkling, garlic-hating, can’t-see-reflection kind. They were the blood-thirsty, undead, God-fearing kind. They were divided into two halves. The Divine and Cursed, or in easier terms, the trueborn and turned. You were a rare kind. Made from a true-born mother and turned father.

You were a myth, the impossible. The blood of the divine was not compatible with those of the cursed, any child conceived from a turned would die. That’s why most male trueborns rarely select turned females as their mates, wanting to keep their bloodline sacred. Your mother was one of the elite; powerful and well respected within the Divines.

She fell in love with a male human. Turned him into her kind and did the unthinkable. She was pregnant with you. They were beyond elated, but their happiness was short-lived, just like your mother’s life. As soon as you were born, her own divinity passed to you. It killed her and drove your father insane.

Unfortunately, the turned were called the cursed only because they were. As their bodies accepted partial divinity, they were burdened to love and worship the vampire that made them so. Your father, out of grief, killed himself. Leaving you in this sinister world alone.

You push your body into the tub, grimacing when the warm water turns red. You didn’t expect to be mugged, even more, because they were human. Most of your kind avoided you, they hated your rare case. Scoffing, you remember the disgust and fear your trueborn relatives had when they first saw you. Only your aunt liked you, she raised you and helped you get on your feet. Telling you weird stories about your sort.

One day she told you about why they disliked you. You had the power to rule over all the vampires. You were the most perfect kind; the most loved and blessed by God. You could walk under the sun, but you had no heartbeat. You could eat human food and human blood too. But most importantly, you had the authority to make every vampire worship you.

“(y/n)! You’re hurt!”. Just like this one. Jaehyun was a trueborn vampire from a noble family who had been alive for centuries. Their family was one of the richest, dealing with major businesses all over the world. He met you while you worked at the hospital, immediately going on his knees and saying you were the love of his life. “It’s not that bad, Jae. Just a few stitches and I’ll be good to go”. With a small pout, he crouched and moved closer to the tub.

“It doesn’t matter you’re still hurt”. Another man says, leaning into the door frame. Johnny was also trueborn, but his folks were one of the more terrifying ones. They dealt with shady stuff and attacked humans for no reason or for fun. While Jaehyun was ‘courting’ you, he found you. Smelling your scent from a distance, he approached you and quickly became attached. After a few months, they were both endurable. They visited often and would do anything you asked them to do.

You sighed, watching the two fuss over you. “Johnny could you pass me the kit?“. He nods, reaching over the cabinet to pass you a container. As you pretended to be human, you landed yourself a decent education and even a well-paid job. Working as a doctor had its downsides, you were constantly tired and overworked. But you had access to an excessive amount of blood for your monthly cravings.

At the hospital, you were the kind and talented senior, always looking out for everyone while still being competent to save tons of patients. Among your race, you were the samaritan, handing out ‘food’ and help to the vampires who had no power or weren’t able to suppress their hunger and harmed humans. Slowly, you had a group of individuals under your protection. Their lives changing, because of your kindness.

Wincing, you poke the needle through your skin again. You finally finished after a few knots here and there. Sighing, you press your head on the mirror. A hand brushes on your shoulder. “You okay?“. You watch your reflection in the mirror. You looked paler than usual. Johnny lifts you and walks to your bed. Clutching onto his shoulder, you relax, thankful they were there to help you. “Get some sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning“.

One of them tucks you in and the other brushes the hair from your face. You close your eyes, feeling the exhaustion of taking a knife directly. The men continue to talk. The last thing you hear was something about ‘fucking someone up’. The next morning you’re up and ready. The boys asked up to stay home and rest for the day. You argued, saying your work would definitely make you better.

You walked through the hallways, your coworkers greeting you. Fortunately, your day went by with no complications. A few ‘people’ you’ve helped before dropped by and gave you flowers, saying they got news of your attack last night. You remember the two, they said they would stop by and check up on you during your shift. Your visitors left after you thanked them, but now your office was filled with different plants. That’s why you were walking, looking for places where they needed some help. Fortunately, the ER paged for you.

It wasn’t that far, but you still had to walk there. It was fairly short, but due to the injury you had, it took longer than expected. A longer and a more unexpected turn. While you rounded the corner, you had accidentally bumped into someone. Although you didn’t mind and made your way, that person didn’t. He forcefully took your arm and hauled you to him. “Found you“. He whispered. He had bloodshot eyes, chapped lips, and deep bags. He scared you.

“Oh, my God! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!“. You knew exactly what he was, a crazed trueborn who wanted the ‘ruler’ to reign over them. You’ve met one in the past and successfully escaped from them, but his grip on you was unrelenting. “Let go“. You pushed away from him, terrified. He grinned, jabbing his hand into your wound. You gasp and fall back.

“You can’t leave. You can’t leave me, us! You’re the only hope for us!“. He snaked his bloody hand around you, dragging you away. Looking around, you searched for someone to help. You could’ve stopped him, but you were practically human at that point. You hadn’t fed in weeks and your body was too busy healing you.

Heavy breaths left your lips. You were essentially dead, but everything still hurt. Somehow, you had grabbed his shoulder to stop him and he turned to you. “Why can’t you understand?“. He yelled. “You are our only salvation! Only you can deliver us from evil, you can be one with God!“.

Tears slipped through your eyes. You were drained, tired of your life constantly at risk. He was talking about you being a God and that made you sick. “Please, just let go“. You choked and screamed, but he was determined to take you with him.

“What do we have here?“. A familiar voice echoed in your ears. You whipped your head back and there they were. The man turned to them. “Nothing. Turn away if you don’t want to get hurt“. You sobbed, the relief washing over you. “I could say the same to you“. Johnny’s eyes flashed and in a second his hand was on the man’s neck. Jaehyun rushed to your side, holding you as you cried.

You buried your head into his chest, not wanting to listen to whatever Johnny was doing. “What took you so long? I was waiting for you“. The younger man cradled you. “We were dealing the man from last night, princess. I’m so sorry we were late“. He was stroking your back gently like you might break if he did anything else.

You finally felt your nerves ease, sniffling a bit before looking at Jaehyun. “Can you tell Johnny to stop? He doesn’t need to go that far“. He looked reluctant but signaled to the other male. You hear something drop and footsteps moving to you. “(y/n), how long has it been since you fed?“. You jolt and push yourself up. A bloodied mess in front of you. You grimaced, patting your side.

“(y/n), I asked you a question. I expect an answer“. Johnny was staring at you, eyes glowing. They held no evil intentions towards you, you knew that, but he still frightened you. Licking your lips, you murmur. “2 months“.

They both sighed. Knowing you fasted again. It’s not like you hated drinking, it just seemed unethical and weird. Johnny lifted your blouse, examining your wound. “If you had just fed, this-“, he poked your wound teasingly, “would be gone by now”. You pushed him away, and the younger growled, “Don’t give her more pain“.

Rolling his eyes, Johnny used his nail to make a slight cut on his wrist. His blood flowed freely and your senses spiked. Hunger resonated in you, the tips of your fingers tingled at the scent. It wasn’t like you couldn’t feed on each other’s blood. Actually, it was something only mates do. The two men frequently feed you with their own blood. It should’ve marked you as theirs, but because of your divinity, it never did.

“Stop, (y/n). Don’t fight it“. Jaehyun held you in place, his hands firm on you. The other placed his wrist gently on your lips, letting you suckle on his skin. You sighed, the deathly thirst in you burning down. You felt lighter, and the stab didn’t bother you anymore. As you sighed and relaxed, the other men watched with a sinful gaze. Filling their minds up with your vulnerable state. To male vampires, feeding each other was as similar to having sex, but you didn’t know that.

You continued to lap and suck at his skin, whining when he removed his arm. “Ah, Johnny“. He clenched his jaw and watched you pout. Only then did you realize the heavy breaths Jaehyun was making and the tight grasp he had on you. You feel your face flush when you notice the tightness in their pants. “Princess, don’t say my name like that in public, unless?“. You choked, stepping away from them. “W-what? I-I mean, we should, um, clean this up“. They both chuckled. Your stuttering made their hearts melt.

You were glad none of the patients walked by. If they had, Johnny would have killed them on the spot. Jaehyun found out who your attacker was. A deranged turned vampire whose trueborn died. He was looking for something to ease the pain, and sadly, it was you.

“I’m fine, auntie. It wasn’t serious at all“. You lied through your teeth, pressing the phone into your ear as you leaned into your couch. They finally persuaded you to stay home this time, focusing on healing instead of work. “Don’t lie, I heard from one of my friends that the Jung and Seo family helped you“. You could feel her fuss through her voice.

You hummed. You weren’t sure what to do with them, but they didn’t mind. They were content with you by their side. “With them with you, you could just really be the ‘supreme ruler’!“. You laughed with her. When she said that, you felt like you could do it. But you weren’t influential, nor did you have the strength to do it, for now. “Yeah, leading the entire race doesn’t sound too bad, sounds fun actually“.

You had said it with no intentions. You just went with the flow, chatting with your favorite relative. But to the two trueborns who were secretly eavesdropping, it was a mission. Their smiles were wide, blood rushing, they were excited. Excited to see you rule over them.

yay vampire au! how was it? im not used to writing about graphic scenes yet so

anw, hope u guys liked it

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tearsofsyrup · 4 years

Text

unwrapped

— The only two people missing from Jihoon’s own birthday party are you and him.

pairing. lee jihoon / reader

genre. fluff, angst, smut, friends to lovers au

word count. 3.3k

warnings. profanity, descriptions of sexual activity

notes. happy birthday, our beloved genius. I hope you guys enjoy.

Your disappointed pout stuck out like a sore thumb among all the happy, drunken faces in the room.

Loud hollers, goofy dancing, stuffy air, various odors of alcohol, overplayed music, dimmed lights, intoxicated conversations and your solemn figure in the corner. You didn’t belong there and that was no surprise to you, that was no reason to stand and sulk like a child whose lollipop was taken away. And that wasn’t the reason why.

You hadn’t come there to party or watch Seungkwan and Seokmin have a dance off, anyway. The sole reason for your presence was that you simply wanted to see Jihoon. And it shouldn’t have been too demanding of a wish to have fulfilled considering that this whole spectacle was a celebration of Jihoon’s own birthday. Or you thought that it wouldn’t have been too demanding of a wish.

To be fair, Jihoon had been there. Mainly to greet everyone who had bothered coming and participate in some conversation before everyone got too drunk to care anymore. And you had really appreciated seeing him then.

But when you had later gone to find him, in order to wish him a happy birthday personally, it was as if he had vanished. You were only in a small apartment that he shared with Jeonghan and Seungcheol so you would have found him if he was there. Meaning that he wasn’t, he had fled.

And your whole purpose for showing up had turned to dust. Hence the disappointed pout on your face.

You didn’t bother masking it, as you knew everyone was too busy or too drunk to notice. But you knew wrong, you discovered when Jeonghan found a place by your side, half-empty glass of whatever in his hand. His hung lids told you he had been enjoying himself, like the rest.

“Hey!” He announced and you pursed your lips. “There you are.”

Funny, you thought. Since you weren’t the one missing.

“Hey, Han.”

Jeonghan quickly began making tsk sounds at your unenthusiastic reply.

“What’s got you so down, huh?” he questioned.

You tried to shrug him off with a “nothing in particular,” not ready to admit that you wanted to know where Jihoon had run off to. Because you knew Jeonghan more than well enough to know that he’d see right through you if you revealed even the slightest of clues concerning your feelings. That was the last thing you needed.

You expected him to leave then, due to not wanting to let your mood affect his fun. But a look of pondering instead formed on his face and you watched him closely, curious to know what he was considering telling or not telling you.

A curiosity that was short-lived.

Jeonghan suddenly leaned in, breath fanning across your sweaty neck and you stiffened in surprise.

“He’s probably on the roof,” were the words that brushed against the shell of your ear, before he leaned away with a smirk.

You really should have known better. Of course Jeonghan already knew. You were just surprised that you were only now finding that out, after so many years.

A red that blended in well with the environment bloomed across your cheeks, your heartbeat a little louder and a little faster. Jeonghan chuckled at your flustered expression.

When you didn’t pretend to be unaware of what he was talking about, realizing that such an act would have been entirely fruitless, he sent you a suggestive wink before finally leaving you alone.

And his hearty laugh reached your ears about fifteen minutes later, when he caught sight of you sneaking out of the apartment. A blush was painted across your face yet again once you closed the front door behind you.

Hurried, hopeful steps brought you to the rooftop, until you actually found Jihoon there and you froze.

It was a cold night in the late fall, breath visible as you exhaled, muscles instinctively tensing as your body was embraced by the low temperatures and your hand squeezing the door handle. Jihoon’s side was visible to you as he sat on the floor, back leaned against an air conditioning unit with a bottle of wine in his hand. And you were nervous all over again. You thought feelings like those would have slowly started dissipating the better of friends you became, but your theory was never proven right in that regard. He was there, alone. And you were there, alone. The moon and your yearning heart your only other company.

You considered turning back for a second, a sudden rush of sense invading your mind, realizing that he had probably left the apartment because he had wanted to be left alone.

But it was his birthday and nobody should be alone on their birthday.

That was the argument you used to justify the steps that you took forward and the inevitable slam of the door behind you.

Jihoon’s head turned at the sound and you swallowed your spit.

“Hey,” you greeted quickly.

“Oh. Hey.”

He blinked the surprise away from his eyes, looking at you hovering over him as he sipped his wine. You had always liked his eyes, especially when they were watching you.

Your toes curled inside your boots, muscles complaining about the chilly breeze on your skin.

“Can I, uh... sit?”

He gestured to the space beside him with his free hand and an encouraging nod and you didn’t wait to proceed. The floor was cold against your butt and you hugged your knees tightly.

Enough time for Jihoon to take another sip from his bottle passed before you spoke.

“So... You come here often?”

Jihoon huffed a laugh and you smiled, feeling proud that you broke his frown for a moment.

“Uh, yeah, actually,” he revealed and you nodded.

“Is it usually to... escape from your birthday parties?”

He sent you a quick glance as he smiled and you shrugged.

A sigh fell from his chest and he allowed himself another sip.

“I’ve never been all that into celebrating my birthday so... extravagantly. This was more for Jeonghan’s sake, really,” he explained, watching the sky pensively as you watched him in the same way. “And everyone only came here to get drunk and act wild anyway, so...”

You pursed your lips as if to keep yourself quiet, but the words inside you insisted.

“Well, not everyone...”

Your head dipped a fraction in slight embarrassment and Jihoon turned to watch you, the corners of his pink lips curling. Your windpipe tightened.

He whispered a quiet “thank you” before turning away, nose directed towards his lap for a second before he took another small sip.

Feeling exposed in the silence surrounding you, you gathered yourself.

“I kinda agree, though. Parties like this are never as much fun as they’re made out to be. For me, at least.”

Jihoon hummed. More quiet followed. And you already knew he didn’t feel the same about you.

He didn’t feel what you had felt for him for years, an instant crush having turned an immortal crush until you no longer knew where the line between crushing and loving was. There was a reason why you were the one who came looking for him and not the other way around. You knew he didn’t feel the same way. Because up until only a month prior, he had been too busy loving his girlfriend for there to have been any space for any thoughts of you. He had been so in love, he had all but radiated pure bliss. And none of it had been for you.

Forced to watch him ogling over someone else like how you ogled over him, you had learned to contain your feelings and live with them unquenched. Yes, your heart had ached occasionally but otherwise you had managed it all quite respectably. Until they broke up thirty-one days before his birthday and your heart had unethically soared once the news reached you. And you had hated it but you still loved him and he didn’t feel the same. He was still in love with her. It was obvious in the permanent creases on his forehead and dull sheen across his eyes.

And despite knowing and understanding, you stayed seated beside him. Because no one should be left alone on their birthday.

Thankfully, Jihoon didn’t seem too peeved.

In the cold silence, you shuddered, holding your legs firmly to your chest as the moon glared at you mercilessly. It pressured you to speak and you wanted to, but didn’t know what to say.

So, “sorry I didn’t get you a gift,” was what came out.

Jihoon chuckled unabashedly, shaking his head slightly.

“Why in the world would you have?”

Your fists clenched against your arms and you watched the ground, wondering if he really didn’t know how you felt about him.

“Right,” you agreed, having been stupid to suggest such a notion. “You’re right.”

When nothing more was said and another pause found its place in your conversation, you glanced Jihoon’s way carefully, finding him lost in thought as he stared towards stars hidden by a city’s sky. And something squeezed your heart at the sight, threatening to choke it or pop it or crush it. Because he was probably thinking of her.

It was a stark reminder of how unbearable that feeling was. You needed to distract yourself from it.

“Are you doing any better?” somehow seemed like the right question to ask and he sent you a quick look, apparently not expecting the question. Another sip of wine swam down his throat and he watched his lap again.

“Hmm,” he started and you almost felt bad for what you had asked, hoping that you hadn’t overstepped any boundaries. “I don’t know, really. ‘Cause I can’t-... I can’t remember exactly how I felt earlier.”

You understood what he meant and roughly translated his response to ‘no, not really’. A lack of surprise never managed to fully fend off disappointment, did it?

And silence blanketed your forms once more, having proved to be the most talkative visitor during your whole encounter. An uncomfortably talkative one. That made your ears hurt and made you unsure of whether you were fit to keep pushing it away every time it showed up.

You didn’t have to, though. Jihoon took this punch.

“And how are you doing?” was his sudden question.

You weren’t expecting it, eyes wide as saucers as you turned to him with something akin to disbelief plastered over your face.

Unsure of what he was referring to, if anything in particular, you stuttered out a strained “g-good.” Jihoon chuckled then, sporting a look of fondness if you would have taken a guess. It made a warmth spread in your chest and it felt nice.

Until a cool breeze brushed against your form and you visibly shivered, shoulders curled forward uncomfortably.

The man beside you noticed, proceeding to hold his bottle of wine out for you to take. You did, liking the mild burn with which the red liquid tinted your throat. But when you went to borrow another sip, some of it missed your mouth and ran down your chin before carelessly dripping onto your shirt.

“Shit.”

Jihoon immediately began laughing as you wiped your chin with your hand before inspecting the stain on your shirt with furrowed brows. And as he kept laughing you diverted your focus to him, unable to keep a smile of your own from forming at the sight and sound of his laughter.

“I’m glad you find my misery amusing,” you muttered, no real contempt to be found in the seams of your words.

Jihoon nodded enthusiastically, laughter slowly calming. “Me too.”

And another silence paid a visit once you handed him his bottle back, but a less disturbing one this time. One that you didn’t immediately feel like you needed to break. Though, you still did, after a while.

“Sorry for coming up here and disturbing you, by the way.” You felt like you needed to tell Jihoon that.

You saw his head shaking in your peripherals, hand waving dismissively.

“No, no. The company is actually nicer than I’d have thought.” His head turned to you. “Thanks.”

You let your eyes find his.

“Oh. No, it’s nothing,” you insisted, also shaking your head slightly.

Jihoon sighed gently.

“No, it’s something.” A brief pause introduced his next words. “You are.”

And you really wondered if he knew your feelings then. As did your heart, begging for answers as it pounded harshly in your chest and sent blood to glow through the skin of your cheeks.

But as he smiled at you, head tilted and soft features complimented by the moon that cast its light upon them, his eyes still looked like they were dying. And it hurt.

You knew he didn’t feel the same. Yet your heart persisted, its stomach growling and wanting and it was becoming unbearable. Because even though you knew, your heart was saying that you didn’t. And your heart was suddenly so loud, louder than your brain as you watched Jihoon beside you.

“Jihoon,” you called, quietly.

He hummed, encouraging you to continue while turning to watch you again. With dying eyes.

Your heart hurt.

There was so much you wanted to ask him, then so much you wanted to tell him, then even more you wanted to ask him again. But all of that felt too complicated and you couldn’t bear it in that moment, sick of chaos and uncertainty.

So the simple question that won the race to fall off your tongue was “can I kiss you?”

Jihoon quickly looked surprised, eyes wide and exposed in your direction. Despite the heartbeat in your ears and the nervous lump in your throat as you put your happiness on the line, you found yourself wondering for what reason he was surprised. Was he surprised that you wanted to kiss him or that you had asked to?

But the internal question dwindled away once Jihoon’s expression morphed into one of wonder, panic and dread beginning to swell in the pit of your stomach. You thought you started sensing nausea as the muscle in your chest pounded violently, meeting Jihoon’s stupefaction with a face probably drained of all color.

Until he nodded, ever so subtly.

You stopped breathing, stopped feeling, stopped working. Surely, you must have been mistaken, you thought.

“Really?” you asked, dumbly, all bodily functions frozen.

Jihoon tried to suppress a chuckle at your comical disbelief, smile radiant on his face.

“Yeah.”

For some reason you hesitated. Before leaning in and pressing your lips to his. And butterflies made themselves at home among your innards. And cozy warmth grew from your chest before spreading into the rest of your body. And Jihoon’s hand held your neck while yours clenched his shirt. And his tongue was soft as you licked it slowly. And he tasted stronger of wine than you did. And his scent was so comfortable and disarming. And you realized that you had been the one to ask him for a gift, even though it was his birthday. And you pulled away. And he pulled you back. And you melted in his arms. And his fingers grazed the skin under your shirt. And your own brushed through the dark locks of his hair. And a tingling heat started to whine below your navel. And you kissed and kissed and kissed, the moon and your cheering heart your only other witnesses.

Your heavy, materialized breaths mingled in the air between you as Jihoon pulled away, half-lidded eyes watching you unerringly. You could feel the deep color that stained the surface of your cheeks, enjoying that Jihoon had it, too. Pleasant tingles danced inside your rib cage and the low temperatures around you were no longer as bothersome.

Then Jihoon cursed, his head hanging.

Slightly alarmed, you voiced a breathy “what?”

Jihoon held and released a breath, then met your gaze again.

“The apartment’s filled with people. We can’t go there.”

Your heart skipped a beat then, breath hitching for a moment. Because there was only one thing he could have been implying with such a statement, the dilated pupils of his eyes only supporting your suspicions.

Jihoon did not wait for a reply, as he soon dove in to leave gentle kisses along your neck and it felt so good you didn’t realize when your eyelids fell shut again. But still, you couldn’t help but wonder why he would have wanted to go even further with you.

You let your eyes meet his as he pulled away again and held you, all but breathing into your mouth.

“How far away is your place, again?” he asked.

A few moments passed but no words fell from your tongue, speechlessness choking at your ability to speak.

Jihoon noticed, suddenly looking worried.

“A-are you alright?”

Your muscles tensed then, figure instinctively leaning into him.

“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just-... Are you sure you wanna-.... with me?”

A frown formed wrinkles across Jihoon’s shadowy forehead and he needed a moment before answering.

“Wha- Yes, yes. I want to.”

“Why?”

His gaze shifted between your eyes, occasionally your lips, before his light touch tickled your jaw softly, a sigh escaping his lungs.

“Well, because I’m attracted to you. I guess.”

Your whole body felt as though it was set aflame then, dopamine creating a delightful daze that doubtlessly made your eyes light up.

“Are you really?” you questioned, words tasting like sugar.

Jihoon grinned tenderly, nodding before confirming that “yes, I am”.

Of course you couldn’t resist.

So the two of you took the next bus to your apartment, exchanging shy looks and repressed giggles through lighthearted conversation as he held your hand through the ride and you were on cloud nine. After arriving at your place, a couple of moments passed of endearing awkwardness before either of you found the courage to make a move again. But eventually he did, in turn leading you to your bed where the two of you gently undressed one another between kisses and more repressed giggles. Giggles which later turned into moans and grunts and your hands gripping onto the skin of his back and his breathy praises brushing against the side of your neck and your sticky foreheads pressed together. He called you beautiful and made you feel beautiful and all you knew how to respond with were whiny gasps of his name that he seemed to enjoy wholeheartedly. And your heart never stopped singing.

When you were watching something Netflix had recommended you a while afterwards, his shirt hugging your form and his lean fingers playing with yours, he turned to watch you instead of the movie that was playing. And he kept watching you until you were forced to watch back. And you noticed that his eyes were still dying. And your heart’s singing lowered in volume.

“Thank you,” his smooth voice told you, smile charming across the pink of his mouth.

You smiled, too, looking down bashfully for a second. And you heard the small crack that formed in the walls of your heart but were too scared to ask the question which could have given you the answer capable of mending that crack. Because another answer to the same question could have broken your heart entirely.

“Happy birthday,” you said, making Jihoon grin and you loved him.

You knew he didn’t feel the same about you as you did about him. And now your heart knew it, too. But you also knew that he did feel something for you, whatever that something may have been. And for tonight, that was enough.

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blarrghe · 3 years

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Aaahhh hand holding!!

squeezing hand for comfort and encouragement for Dorianders? :D

Hi! Thank you for the ask! I didnt forget about this project, I just got a bit bogged down. Anyway I finally finished this little bit of wedding shenanigans for What if we were and will hopefully follow it up...soon...

This is an ongoing modern au Dorianders series. You can read them all in order on AO3 or just this prompt fill under the cut.

Anders had never actually been to a wedding. He’d skipped the Chantry portion of Donnic and Aveline’s nuptials, for obvious reasons, and mostly pouted in the corner for the short while he attended the reception. Other than that, he didn’t even know any married couples. At first, he was almost looking forward to the service. Intrigued, anyway; he wondered if any part of the rituals would involve magic. They did, it turned out. Quick, sparkly bits of magic that were supposed to convey blessings, but mainly just looked showy. It also turned out that there were about five hundred of them, scattered throughout a four hour long ceremony, with a great manner of pomp and rhetoric the same as in any Chantry around each one. Stand up, sit down, chant some verses, stand up again. For four fucking hours. So it was no wonder that his mind began to wander.

First, he scanned the faces of the crowd. Justice often had a good sense for people, flashing alarm bells of blue heat and aggravation over the unpleasant types, but even with help Anders’ judgement wasn’t immaculate, and in this crowd, all he could feel was a general wave of discomfort. Lots of the worst kinds of people were present; captains of all sorts of unethical industries, and politicians to boot. Not to mention the nice brothers and sisters of the Chantry itself, stationed around the pews like palace guards, all shrewd-eyed and deceptively pious. Or maybe he was projecting, and none of the smiles were laced with judgement and malice. Though, from the way Dorian flinched under them too, he more got the feeling that, as different as a Tevinter Chantry was, it was all sort of the same.

Which was how he found himself once again devoting too much of his focus to Dorian. Dorian didn’t set off alarm bells in his mind, and he could be counted on to roll his eyes over the more dreary verses and to laugh under his breath at Anders’ attempts to make him by cracking rude jokes under his own, and pretending to nod off here and there. He pointed out bad hats with enthusiastic judgement and gave an exaggerated yawn to the third round of archaic traditional vows, but grew appropriately quiet and attentive at the gentle parts.

He looked gorgeous, of course. All done up in formal robes — black, which at a wedding made a statement, but he could get away with it, events being what they were. It was a good distraction, watching Dorian, until it wasn’t. He went down from standing to kneeling with the rest of the congregation, muttered his verses wrong and shot Anders a few roguish looks, and his thighs, when they went back to sitting in the pew, were almost close enough to be touching Anders’. His hands kept flashing distractingly as he fiddled with the wedding programme, or absently flipped through a book of verses — they were decorated with too many bright gold rings and shiny black nail polish, and they moved with all the grace and flair of a magician performing sleights of hand. He also smelled like something; dark, woody and spiced and somehow a compliment to the incense and must of an old gilded Chantry hall, while still at odds with it all. It was all almost enough to keep Anders’ mind busy through the ceremony, and he made it through the first two hours just sort of floating on Dorian’s pretty coattails, thinking about things he shouldn’t be thinking about while sitting under the gaze of a revered Father and various lay Sisters, and delighting in the act of doing it anyway. But even sex appeal and lighthearted blasphemy couldn’t keep him busy through all of it, and, apparently, it couldn’t keep Dorian’s beautiful hands calm either. About three hours in, they both started to get twitchy.

There was a point — Anders couldn’t even say what it was, a particularly dark scowl from a Sister, or a whiff of too much smoke from one of the great lanterns of incense floating overhead, or just too many wrong notes in the song, but there it was; deep discomfort in his stomach, shivers in his shoulders that wouldn’t quell no matter how hard he tried to make them, sweat in his palms — and he got up. Slid awkwardly out of the pew, squeezing around politely scrunched-up legs and still managing to jostle every knee he passed, and snuck around to the back of the hall, through an archway, and finally shoving his way through a big stone door that he hoped would lead outside.

Thankfully, it did. The air was clear and the day was sunny. Even with the colourful brilliance of sunlit stained-glass in the hall, Anders had almost forgotten that it was day, under the fog and weight of all that smoke and mumbling of verses. He breathed in, then out, then in again, smelling the freshly cut grass and the blooms of late season flowers in the Chantry’s overflowing garden. He slunk back a bit, towards the walls all sprawled over with vines and in behind a growth of prickly rosebush that was more thorn than flower, and sank into the slightly cooler air that its shelter provided. The Chantry was a pretty, impossibly old building, all high, vaulted roofs and crumbling white stone pillars, statuary of Andraste and her various disciples littering the grounds. He leaned against a pillar to steady himself, and kept breathing.

“Hiding in the bushes and you aren’t even smoking,” Dorian’s voice tutted out at him with mock disappointment, the rosebush rustling as he made his way around it to where Anders leaned in the scraggly shade, sending more floral notes into the air.

“Needed a break,” Anders muttered with a shrug. He’d lost track of how long he’d spent out here, just breathing, and a wave of guilt and embarrassment hit him for being found hiding.

“Maker, you could have told me. If I’d known we were going to skip out on the ceremonies to loiter in the Chantry gardens, I’d have scored some elfroot first.”

“I don’t smoke.”

“Of course you don’t. Well, don’t hog all the fun, if we time our exits from this hiding spot properly, we could cause all sorts of scandals.”

Anders grunted.

“Or we could simply catch our breaths and then rejoin for the final vows, and no one will ever be the wiser.” Dorian continued, the humour draining quickly from his voice, eyes settling on Anders with a look of unmasked concern.

“Yeah. I’m — I’m fine, we should probably head back in.”

“Well, if you’re fine,” Dorian said, “personally, I feel I’m crawling out of my skin, but I think I can tolerate a few more verses before my lungs give out.”

“Hm,” said Anders, which must not have been the response Dorian was looking for, because he frowned and crossed his arms.

“You know, the Chantry I went to growing up had fantastic bushes for hiding in. I became very well acquainted with them. Not without consequence of course, I’d inevitably get caught and dealt a right smack, but a young, investigative mind can only take so much repetition before it begins to turn to mush, so what’s a young budding genius to do?” He sighed with exaggerated wistfulness, sarcastically emphasising his point before going on; “a particularly sadistic Sister had it out for me. Every week being expected to sit quietly in service, and it was a smack if you missed a line or dropped a book or cleared your throat too loud or… just for anything, really. Still feel my hand itching every time one of the Sisters looks at me wrong.”

Anders nodded again, still mostly busy taking breaths.

“I imagine a Circle wouldn’t be much better…”

He nodded once more, this time with a sigh.

“Anders?”

“Did I ever tell you I blew up a Chantry? Well. Seminary, really. The one in Kirkwall.” He just sort of said it, not even in tones that were particularly hushed. Anders kept his eyes pointed away, meeting anything but Dorian’s own, and inadvertently found them landing in the empty stone gaze of Andraste’s, her smooth, placid face peering over the topiary at them.

“You — wait.” Dorian was looking at him though, intently. “That made the news even here. Wasn’t that the shot that rang out across all the Circles down south? Beginning of the great collapse?”

“That's not all my fault,” Anders interjected quickly, though some part of him wanted to replace the word “fault” with “credit” and then to proudly take all of it, though he really couldn’t claim that, “but it did cause a fair amount of disruption, yeah.”

“Huh.” Anders carefully broke contact with the eyes of the marble prophet, finding Dorian’s still examining him closely. He swallowed, and then Dorian shrugged. “Good for you.”

“Not sure why I agreed to come to this. I suppose I thought a Tevinter service would be different, somehow, but I keep expecting a bolt of lightning or something to crash down upon me from the heavens.”

It was not exactly the response he’d expected. It wasn’t like he went around telling everybody that he had, prior to his expulsion from the University of Kirkwall’s medical school, helped to orchestrate an explosive attack on the school’s seminary institution, taking a large chunk of the city’s gleaming pillar of a hightown Chantry with it, but he was fairly certain the response most people would have fell solidly short of good for you. Dorian made no signs of striking him with anything — lightning or otherwise — however, and the skies remained clear.

“Nonsense. Laugh in the face of the Maker’s judgement, that's what I always say.” Dorian declared boldly.

“I'm sure that does wonders for your career,” all that exaggerated bravado was doing something, but still all Anders could manage in response was some mild sarcasm and a raised eyebrow.

“It most certainly does not,” Dorian continued to exaggerate in his responses to everything except Anders’ actual admission of a felony, “I deplore anything less than a suitable challenge.” Dorian flashed him a proud grin.

Anders tried to laugh, appreciating the attempts to lift his spirit. It came out as more of a sigh. “Right. Well I'll be watching your drinks at the reception.” he promised, keeping his eyebrow raised.

“And I suppose I should be watching your back in case of mortally offended Ferelden Chantry Sisters.” Dorian countered, flashing him a smile that was less braggy, this time, and very far from the usual all-talk sorts of smirks he gave out like favours. A reassuring smile; soft, glint of concern still twinkling in his eyes, no teeth, but no suggestive bit of pout or sly lean, either.

“You know, I heard there was one from Lothering who was quite stabby,” Dorian’s smile picked up confidence from Anders’ weak attempt at a joke, and Anders found that his mouth was almost on its way to one too.

Then Dorian took his hand. Placed his right over Anders’ left, fingertips cool, rings smooth and metallic points of hardness against Anders’ knuckles. He squeezed once, pressing those cool fingertips into the supple give of Anders’ palm firmly for a fraction of a moment, long enough to be exhilarating, quick enough to be careful, and then he let go.

“Thanks,” Anders mumbled, dislodging his eyes from the care in Dorian’s before he pushed himself back to standing upright, ready to leave the bushes behind.

“You’re doing me a favour here, remember?” Dorian corrected with a quiet scoff. He strode off ahead, out of the bushes without catching his robes on a single snag, and slipping quietly back into the Chantry through a small, vine-covered side door.

#my fic #what if we were #dorian x anders #dorianders #modern au #went back to work and it sux but at least i finished this

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opalai-pixel-witch · 3 years

Text

“Thank you!! I’m happy to hear you liked that one ^__^ Kittens seem to make everything cuter…even if I’m not so good at drawing them ;;=o=;;”

–The kittens you drew are cute :3

“Yeah, I remember the first time I finished the main story and I was super excited to see that there was more I could do after the credits! I was surprised to see Death in Bjørn’s house and watching him and Pesto interact was a lot of fun ^o^ PP’s games are full of surprises it would seem, you have no idea how excited I got when I heard my son’s singing voice ;u;”

–You mean the scene where he sings to a scared viking friend?

I like that scena too, I even started to sing cuz I alredy knew the lyrics ;) I like see Pesto play the bass :D

“Oooh, do you think that Red-Eye is one of those two dead guys in the background of War’s introduction? :o Makes me wonder just how far back the creators have been planning…and that’s a really interesting take on what they could be doing! When I think about Milky and his team I think about the show Truth Seekers—I dunno if you’ve seen or heard of that, but basically there’s a guy who investigates the paranormal in his spare time and he’s somehow recruited a few people into his investigations, and eventually they uncover a cult putting some shady nanotech in peoples’ brains. It’s really good in my opinion, but anyhow I like looking at that kind of thing and Milky makes me think of that o.o”

–“Truth Seekers”, it´s the first time I… read(? XD )that name ^^;

Red eye thing in the background was said by one of the developers, search “Manual Samuel week” on Youtube and you will find Ozan’s videos, he talks a bit about how MS and HH are connected ;) 👍

“Well in that case, I’m glad that I could pique your interest! >u> I admittedly have trouble with feeling like I “belawng” anywhere and keep getting paranoid that I’m just intruding in whatever fandom I join, which makes my hesitation towards making new stuff and trying new things even more of a pain =A=”

–Feel I’m just intruding in whatever fandom I join also happens to me :,v

There is a web serie called “Tres Acordes” and I liked it a lots; one week and I started to draw it and I feel bad because didn´t one month from I started to see the serie, I fel I musted wait more, but I didn´t share them cuz ; when one month and the serie liked, I that feeling and started to post my drawings

Currently I follow the serie, I don´t know if the fans or the creator like my drawings, but I have fun, at least I know I don´t uncomfortable them, I draw the characters representing some episode or some trait of their personality ^^

“Honestly I tend to have more fun participating in smaller fandoms because it feels like…there’s more heart put into them, if that makes any sense??? I’m not entirely sure how to word it :P I have yet to run into any crazy fandom discourse so far (knock on wood), but I understand that that’s also a danger when it comes to bigger fandoms ;;o_o;; Regardless, however, I love the PP fandom and I’m really happy to have found a friend to talk to about it!!”

–Yes, that´s true, in small fandoms there´s more heart, cuz it´s about supporting the original work and its creators, I also prefer small fandoms, in the Tres Acordes there are few that are dedicated to create something for the serie, that´s great, I feel more free to create and it hasn´t become toxic; there is a small fandom that I like to create content for, but there´s a group of fugoshis who make it toxic, they only post NSFW work and only support that content, which makes you don´t want to be in the fandom (I left it for a while thanks to they), in my case, I try to support all decent works to motivate people, and thanks to that I met a group of people who have healthy fun in that little fandom and we support each other ^^

…

(New drawings) ;v :

https://sta.sh/22aj2xyaqwj3?edit=1

…

“I watched a review of Helheim Hassle in which some guy was calling Bjørn a complete loser and now I am enraged”

–That´s it! I´m killing this guy! I don´t care if it´s written or not! Throw me in Human Jail! I don´t CARE! >:v

--------

Aw thanks!! I’m glad you think so ;u;

Yeah, when I got to that scene and Pesto said “you start singing, Bjoharn” I paused the game and freaked out for a moment, all “AGDHFMXKDISKSB I GET TO HEAR MY SON SING?????” I love that scene sooooo much ;;o;;

ALSO Pesto just has the most amazing bass skills...like she learns everything by ear and has a great memory for how it goes and seems to know exactly where to put her fingers, and all she needs to be able to do that is to listen to the actual song once and then just a brief recap of it??? Pesto’s bass-playing just kicks a whole lot of ass >o>

It’s a great show in my opinion, it’s very interesting! I think it’s by the same people behind the Cornetto trilogy, if you’ve heard of that :o I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in that sorta premise ^_^ (...unless they happen to be sensitive to the “eye scream” trope)

I watched that entire series before writing this reply, it was a lot of fun to watch! I think I missed any mention he might’ve made about Red Eye, but it’s pretty cool to know that those three guys in the background are creator cameos o:

Fandoms are a tricky thing indeed...it feels like NSFW artwork is kinda unavoidable no matter what fandom you’re in, and while I don’t make NSFW stuff myself I know that people are gonna draw what they’re gonna draw, and as long as it isn’t hurting anybody or portraying anything unethical it’s not really my business to call them out on it. However if people are gonna post stuff like that, they should be very responsible about making sure the wrong demographic doesn’t see it, giving plenty of warnings and tagging stuff appropriately, all that stuff. I don’t know what protocol there usually is for that sorta thing, but everyone should make sure that nobody gets scarred for life by anything and that everybody gets along and doesn’t make anybody else feel unsafe!

You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re intruding in fandoms! If your contributions to the PP community are any indication, you probably bring a lot of cool stuff to any fandom you join! Personally I look forward to you submitting things here and I always love seeing your new drawings ^__^ It’s always fun to be able to talk to you about what we both love in the PP verse and swap headcannons and stuff!

Your new drawings are, as always, absolutely brilliant!! I love the reverse AU one (Skeleton Bjørn = very yes) and also the one with you (if that person is you?) hugging Death |D His expression is great, all “yep, this is my life now”

...I see you brought Pesto with you...might I join you on your quest? I must avenge my viking son >_>

#submission #dani

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mithranqueersmusings · 4 years

Text

Before This Dance Is Through V

Chapter: 5/16

Rating: M (Smut Warning)

Summary: Ringo's being going through a dry spell for the last year or so and when he regretfully tells his best friend John, he insists on taking them to an all-male strip club for some "fun". Ringo isn't sure whether it's the alcohol, his desperation or a mixture of the two but he thinks he might be falling in love with a stripper.

Tags: AU - Strippers, Modern Setting, Smut, Slow Burn

Pairings: George Harrison/Ringo Starr, John Lennon/Paul McCartney

AO3 link here / Fic masterlist here

Despite what John had suggested, Ringo didn't go back to The Helter Skelter the following week; he'd considered it when John sent him yet another late night text but ultimately decided it wasn't the best idea. Spike had been playing on his mind daily and Ringo wasn't sure he was prepared to face him again. Instead he focused on his drumming and searched for a few more students to teach, which were fairly easy to find. Usually Ringo enjoyed his time off, he understood he was lucky that he didn't have to work a 9-5 job just to get by, but recently he wanted his fill his time up as much as possible, to distract himself.

One of his new students seemed incredibly interested in him, they'd spent an hour just chatting in his living room before they'd even moved over to the drum kit. Ringo wasn't too fussed, he was getting paid by the hour so wasting time was beneficial to him but he didn't want to give the guy the wrong impression. He was a little bit older and attractive enough but Ringo simply wasn't interested.

"Why didn't you just go for it?" John had asked him when they next met up.

"I dunno..." Ringo mumbled, but a part of him knew very well.

He'd given the guy another lesson since then and it became clear that the guy's interest in him wasn't going away any time soon. Ringo felt bad about the whole thing, wasn't he just doing exactly what Spike was doing to him? He tried to act as professional as possible the second time around in attempt to get the guy to back off, considering he hadn't heard from him since he was hoping it had worked. What was wrong with him? Was he really going to make himself suffer like this all because of one guy? And not just any guy, a stripper who had shown absolutely no interest in him at all. It was ridiculous, he kept telling himself, but no matter how much he tried to convince himself that he had to get over Spike, he would still think about him every day without fail. Trying to distract himself with clients had been working somewhat, but it had been difficult, especially when his best friend was John Lennon.

youre gonna love me

The text came through when Ringo was sat in a café getting some lunch. He'd finished with one of his younger students, a sweet girl who's parents had tried to convince her to try a more 'ladylike' instrument but she had promised only to give up the drums if she was awful; much to her delight, and Ringo's for being able to prove the stereotypical parents wrong, she was pretty good. Seeing her always put Ringo in a good mood, the parents mostly stayed away partly due to the noise but mostly due to disappointment, which meant they could joke around together. Ringo could tell she admired him and he welcomed it gladly, one of the best things about teaching was inspiring others, at least for him it was.

do i not already?

well yes but youre gonna love me EVEN more

what have you done

well i happened to stop by the club last night

oh god what did you do

wow is that how little you trust me

can you blame me

suppose not ANYWAY i got talking to paulie

surprise surprise

do you want the good news or not???

fine fine sorry

AS I WAS SAYING i was talking to paulie and he told me that your special little someone has an onlyfans account

first of all fuck you for calling him that second of all wtf is onlyfans

oh sorry i didnt realise you werent living in the 21st century

...... care to grace me with your knowledge?

basically its a website where you can post exclusive stuff for ONLY FANS to see its not a porn site or anything but its basically where people sell their nudes MEANING spike has an account so you can totally see loads of raunchy filthy perverted pics of him

but i have to pay?

well weve all gotta make a living

i can basically see him naked for free

but this way you wont get all freaked out and embarrassed well you will but nobody will know at least so do you want the link or not???

Ringo paused for a few moments, he was gripping his phone tightly in both of his hands as he unblinkingly looked at John's words. If his mind was going to decide to make him suffer by enabling his intense interest in Spike, he may as well get something out of it.

fine

where are your manners richard??

can i please have the link to the strippers nude photos please john please

alright calm down let me know if its worth while i might have a look

idk if im even gonna look at it paying for porn is a little dated

treat yourself ringo id offer to pay but im broke

if youre broke why were you at the strip club last night?

well SOMEONE had to go

they really didnt

im supporting my local economy

i dont think thats how that works

sure it is anyway here you go

Ringo stared at the link for a while, his eyes even began to blur, he didn't want to risk opening it in public even though he knew there was little chance of anyone seeing. He finished his lunch in a hurry and headed home quickly, only when he was in the privacy of his bedroom did he dare open it. First he had to make an account, when he saw the screen loading up asking for an email address and password he just turned his screen off and put the phone down. This was far too much effort for something he shouldn't really have been doing in the first place. But it only took a few minutes for him to pick the phone back up and begin signing up, he used an old email as it felt less seedy that way and he didn't want to risk his name cropping up anywhere for Spike to see. Now he could load up the link properly and take a proper look at Spike's profile.

Just looking at the small profile picture was enough to startle Ringo a little, the dark eyes looking into the camera with that unreadable glimmer behind them. He was shirtless in the picture, Ringo wondered why that didn't catch his attention first, with the frame cutting off just before it showed anything too explicit. The header was a photo taken from the club, showing him in tight, leather pants and tassels on his nipples which matched the whip he held in his hand. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He'd spent so much time and effort trying not to think about this man, attempting to keep him out of his mind as much as possible. Ringo knew that if he went through with this all that progress would be lost, he'd be giving in to whatever strange obsession he'd developed for Spike, one that no doubt wasn't going to lead to anything good.

Ringo kept staring at the screen as though it was going to tell him what he should do. Spike's profile had no description, which wasn't very surprising, and it dashed any hope Ringo had of discovering something new about him. Right before he was about to put his phone down again, it vibrated.

howd the wank go??

john i dont care how long weve been friends asking how my wank was will always be weird

youre right sorry so how did it go???

if you must know i havent had a wank i havent even paid for entry

now whos the one being inappropriate??

ha ha

why havent you???

feels weird

oh i see youll consume a bunch of unethical porn for free but god forbid you actually give sex workers any actual money

you are the last person who can lecture me about unethical porn

hey now watch yourself ringo if you dont get a subscription I WILL

go ahead

and ill tell you every day what sexy sexy pictures hes posting ill tell you EVERY SINGLE TIME i have a wank over them

every time? i dont think youve got enough data for that

im not joking

neither am i you wank A LOT

ringooooo just buy it i swear to god if its not worth it or you regret it or whatever ill give you the money back

on top of the money you already owe me?

have you always been such a capitalist

youre not doing a very good job of convincing me

fine spikes cock now are you convinced???

maybe

naked pictures of spike whenever and wherever you want them all for the low low price of 10 quid a month convinced??

fine fine if itll shut you up

im starting to think thats code for 'i really wanna do this but im too embarrassed to admit it'

i hate you

now that DEFINITELY code for 'john youre right' anyway theres no time to be telling me how right i am all the time youve got dick pics to look at even i wont stand in the way of a good wank so dont bother replying to me until youve paid for that subscription young man

im older than you

DONT BOTHER REPLYING

Ringo let out a sigh and rested his head against the bedroom wall from where he was laying on the bed. He opened up the link again and his thumb hovered over the subscription button, why couldn't he just do it? The money wasn't an issue, it could've cost half as much or be double the price and he'd still be debating it all the same. Somehow it felt like an invasion of privacy, after all Spike hadn't told Ringo about it himself, but then again that didn't necessarily mean he didn't want Ringo to see it. After all it was like John said: everyone has to make a living somehow. Sometimes Ringo wished he could turn off that part of his brain that was so empathetic, so concerned about how everyone felt and what they were thinking. He knew that he wanted this, so why wasn't he allowing himself to have it? Ringo could see that he was being ridiculous, as he was with almost anything involving Spike, and after lying there for a while pondering and debating he decided to flip a coin. Heads would mean he got the subscription, tails that he didn't. He watched the coin spinning through the air after he flicked it upwards, then snatched it and slammed it down onto his forearm before slowly moving his hand away: it was tails. What a relief. Ringo chuckled to himself for being so foolish, settling down into his bed; it was still only around midday but he didn't have anywhere he needed to be.

So why didn't he feel relieved in the slightest?

This whole thing was getting tiring, the constant debate between what he believed he should do and what he wanted to do, and it seemed like it wasn't going to be ending anytime soon. Apparently he was in this for the long run, whatever that meant, but if he was going to turn down relatively attractive guys practically throwing themselves at him, he may as well go all the way. While he was putting in his credit card information, he stopped to think around three of four times, but once he'd finished and the images became accessible to him, his brain was barely able to conjure up a coherent sentence.

"Jesus..." Ringo breathed out as his eyes flicked across the plethora of pictures loading up on his screen.

There was a lot of them, and a lot of Spike was on display. Most of them were pictures taken at the club, either from a professional photographer in the audience or photos he'd taken himself in the mirrors backstage - Ringo could even see glimpses of Paul in the background of some of them. The ones that caught Ringo's eyes the most were those that seemed to be taken in his house, these also happened to be the ones in which Spike tended to be fully naked. It was very different experience to see him like this: a static image that he'd intentionally taken of himself and posted for so many people to see, an image that couldn't look back at Ringo and make him feel that strange mixture of excitement and shame. He began scrolling down the feed which only revealed more and more enticing photos. Ringo began to feel himself hardening, he suspected it had been happening for a while now but he'd been far too distracted to notice. He felt like a teenager discovering porn for the first time, it was difficult to remind himself that this wasn't anything new. Seeing Spike naked shouldn't have excited him so much, and yet it did.

One picture in particular drew Ringo's attention: Spike was stood in front of a bathroom mirror with a loose black tie lying against his bare chest, one hand was holding a phone and the other gripping his cock. He had dark eye make up on and his hair was messy. Ringo wasn't sure exactly what it was about this photo that was so enticing but he couldn't take his eyes off it. The prominence of his collarbones, the faint curls of his dark hair, how his slim fingers wrapped around himself. Slowly Ringo slid his own hand under the waistband of his boxers as he stared at the picture. At first he hesitated, his fingers stopped right above the base. It's not like this would've been the first time he'd touched himself while thinking about Spike, it would've been far from the last he imagined, but this was different. It was more concrete, more of an admission. Nothing felt quite as real when it's only being imagined, the haziness of lust fuzzing up the mind as it so often did, but now with a very real photo of Spike in front of him - which he'd paid to see - the feeling was far more tangible, far harder to ignore.

He'd come this far, he told himself as his hand sunk lower until his fingers were running along the length of his semi-hard cock, he may as well go all the way. To begin with Ringo stayed looking at this single picture as he slowly pumped himself, but as his lust began to grow he perused through more and more pictures: Spike kneeling naked in front of a mirror with a loose cigarette hanging from his lips, lying in the bath with bubbles only just about covering his nakedness, spread out on the bed with a gag in his mouth, handcuffs forcing his slim arms behind his back with his cock throbbing. None of this was anything Ringo hadn't seen before, like most people in this day and age he'd searched through the darker corners of the internet - sometimes willingly, sometimes John was to blame - but to see Spike in such a way was like an entirely new rush. Each picture drove Ringo further and further on, at times he almost dropped his phone with how sloppy his movements were becoming. Who took these photos? Ringo figured it was best not to think about it, the possibility that Spike had a boyfriend who took all these pictures of him would've been the quickest way to kill his erection.

Ringo began moaning and cursing wantonly as he got closer and closer to his orgasm, he had to stop flicking through the pictures because he could hardly concentrate on what his other hand was doing, so he settled on a final one to help him finish; it wasn't particularly strategic but he was definitely grateful that he selected the one that he did. In it Spike was looking directly into the camera, allowing Ringo to gaze longingly into the rich brown of his eyes and how his dark lashes curled beautifully around them. He was shirtless with nothing but a necklace on, the same necklace that Ringo had seen him wearing in the record store and Ringo couldn't help feeling a sense of satisfaction that he'd seen it with his own eyes, as though it meant something. Deep down he knew that it didn't but his inebriated mind was latching onto it. The nudity in the photo was hardly interesting Ringo by this point, although it would be wrong to say that he completely ignored the flatness of his stomach or the faint shadows of his ribs beneath his pale skin, it was the personal aspect which truly affected him.

This wasn't just lust. Lust Ringo could understand, he could compartmentalise it and give into it without much shame or a second thought. If this was just lust, he would've bought the subscription without a care and touched himself looking at the nakedness of Spike's body as though it meant nothing more than a way to get off. Yet here he was on the brink of orgasm looking into another man's eyes, eyes that felt like they were looking straight back at him as though they were sharing this moment together. It wasn't hard to imagine Spike's hand in place of his own, those deep eyes watching Ringo come undone piece by piece. Ringo's hip began to stutter, his leg twitching a little as he had to drop the phone down onto his lap as his head fell back against his pillow as his orgasm approached. It wasn't the image of Spike's naked body that filled Ringo's mind as he came, it wasn't his arse or his cock or even his chest, it was his face, his voice, it was him.

Ringo lay breathless on his bed for a while, the clarity that arrived as his orgasm subsided wasn't welcome in the slightest and he was reluctant to pick his phone back up to see Spike's eyes looking at him once again. There was no use in feeling ashamed about it, no point in trying to deny it any longer: his feelings for Spike were more than a mere passing fancy, that was clear. Exactly what he was meant to do about these feelings was far from clear but that wasn't something Ringo could figure out right now with cum on his stomach and the daylight seeping through his bedroom curtains.

When he'd picked up his phone he'd closed all the apps immediately, doing his best not to catch a glimpse of what he'd been so eagerly looking at before. Just as he was about to step into the shower to clean himself off, his phone buzzed; he almost couldn't hear it over the music he was blasting out. It alerted him for a moment as though it was going to be a message from Spike stating he knew exactly what Ringo had just done - it wouldn't have really surprised him had that been the case, Spike's face almost always looked like he knew something that nobody else did - but fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, it was John.

sooo how did the wank go

who knows but on a totally unrelated note im about to get into the shower

well before you do that i have even more good news

can it not wait?

NO because you might cum just at the thought of it and then youd be wasting a good shower

well arent you considerate and unnecessarily graphic

thats me anyway im taking you to the club next tuesday whether you like it or not

im still waiting for the good news

well if youd let me FINISH next week theyre doing a special event and we just have to go youll never guess what it is

what is it?

guess

you just said ill never guess

youre no fun

WHAT IS IT

alright alright keep your hair on its a crossdressing event high heels make up probably a few wigs all that good stuff

im still waiting for the good news

OH COME ON youre telling me you dont want to see spike in heels and fishnets with some lovely lipstick on

Ringo gulped. It wasn't a difficult image to conjure up his mind, considering he'd been staring at photos of Spike for the past twenty minutes and it excited him to say the least. He did want to see that, very much indeed.

#the beatles #beatles #beatles fanfic #the beatles fanfic #beatles fanfiction #george harrison/ringo starr #ringo starr/george harrison #ringo starrxgeorge harrison #george harrisonxringo starr #starrison

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ameftowriter · 4 years

Text

Sengen Week - Day 3: Cola | Feat. Ace Attorney AU

@sengenweek

I am late to the party cause I got sick and just fully recovered after so long. Either way, here it is! I used this as an excuse to push myself to write a snippet of the Ace Attorney AU I’ve been plotting for a while now. I hope you all like it. Also at the end of the fic is some details of the characters.

Happy New Year to All! :D

Ao3 | ffnet

Title: Two Laywers and a Cola

Summary: After the Scientist Attorney, Ishigami Senku has gotten his not guilty verdict on his controversial client, the one and only Magical Attorney, Asagiri Gen. It was back to his normal routine at the office. That is until someone decides to join his team without him knowing.

Ishigami Senku's performance at the courtroom yesterday rose the popularity of the Ishigami and Co Law Offices.

Also it's infamy.

The Paralegal/Assistant Ogawa Yuzuriha browsed through the various mail, as she always does every time she opens the office for the day and she has already seen about half of the numerous mail received were various hate mail and death threats. She sighed as she knew that this would happen once Senku had not only cleared his client's name, but also solved the case itself.

That normally wouldn't be a problem, as Senku always does that.

The issue here, was Senku's client. The infamous Magical Attorney Asagiri Gen.

The case turned out to be a very easy one, according to him, in fact it was so easy for Senku that he solved it within a day. And even revealed a dangerous conspiracy to not only kill Gen but to destroy his reputation. A fact that had sent the courthouse shaking and Gen along with it.

But it's not like Senku cared about it.

Even with said client warning him about the consequences of taking his case.

Once again, Senku did not give a crap about it.

And he won. Easily.

Yuzuriha sighed once again as she set aside all of the hate mail they've gotten and placed them all in a box to be destroyed later.

The door to the office opened, with the said attorney, Ishigami Senku coming in and yawning as he sets his keys at his desk.

"Morning!" Yuzuriha greeted him cheerfully.

"Morning…" Senku yawned again as he took off his jacket and hung it at the rack. "More of those letters huh?"

"Yeah…" Yuzuriha sighed for the third time, "They haven't stopped. And I think some of them are from the same person, over and over again…"

"Figures." Senku sat in his chair as he picked his ear absentmindedly, “Its that bastard's fault anyway. He brought this all on himself for doing sleazy shit on his own cases…"

'You're the one to talk, Mr. Scientist Attorney…' Yuzuriha wished to verbalize that but she knows better than to do that to Senku.

So with another sigh she spoke again, "Well if it's any consolation, we have a lot of messages from potential clients."

"It's probably because they want the attorney that solved the "impossible case" to defend their useless asses." Senku continued to pick on his ear.

"Yeah…" Yuzuriha couldn't argue with that logic, "From now on we'll be even busier than ever…"

"Them's the works I guess…" Senku leaned back in his chair, "Let's listen to them and-----"

Suddenly a loud knock at their door made the two jump.

"Who the hell is that at this early in the morning?!" Senku said in an annoyed tone.

"It's probably one of the potential clients!" Yuzuriha chimed in excitedly, "I'll get it!"

She stood up from her desk and went to the door.

Never did Yuzuriha nor Senku would ever expect who would be coming at their office.

He carried a case of six of cold cola in glass bottles no less and he wore his usual attire (that ridiculous tailcoat Senku calls it) and greeted the secretary with the most enthusiastic smile he could produce.

"Good orning-may! Ms. Ogawa!" He handed one of the bottles to her hands, "Such a nice day out there isn't it? Tis a shame that were locked in this stuffy office!"

Yuzuriha was too shocked to say anything and accepted the bottle.

“Don’t worry…” He assured her, “It’s ice cold! The best way to drink a cola don’t you think?”

“Uhh…”

“Why is it suddenly so noisy out here?” Senku got up from his chair and walked through the hall to see. The last person he wanted to see right now.

“AH! Senku-chan! There you are!!” Asagiri Gen greeted the attorney, “Oh! I suppose I should call you boss from now on huh?”

“Huh? Boss?” Senku was handed a bottle of cola against his will. “The hell are you talking about?”

“Oh? Don’t you know?” Gen sat on the couch as he pulled out a bottle and opened it in one swift motion, which to this day still baffles Senku, “Starting today, I’ll be working here now! As another lawyer at the Ishigami & Co. Law Offices!”

“Huh??!!”

“What??!!”

Gen took a swig of his cola as the first two members just stared at him blankly.

For what took like forever, Senku finally got back to his senses and sets down the cola bottle at his desk and stood next to Gen, as he loomed over him.

“OBJECTION!!!”

“What. The hell. Are you doing. In. My. Office?!” If looks could kill, Senku would have already killed Gen ten billion times over.

“Eeek!!” Gen jumped up from his seat, surprisingly not spilling any of his cola, “Sen-- i mean Boss-chan, please don’t kill me!”

“Answer the damn question Gen!” Senku demanded brushing off the cutesy honorific.

“Geez, way to greet the newbie around here…” the lawyer placed his half drunk cola down at the coffee table, “Well, if you must know. I it-quay my firm! To be precise, I closed it down as of today! I took all of my documents and shut down the Asagiri Law Offices once and for all.”

“Really?” Yuzuriha finally spoke as she approached him with great concern, “Was it really that bad?”

“Hmph…” Senku sounded impressed, “Didn’t think you had it in you, you fraud magician.”

“I wasn’t lying about the consequences, Ishigami Senku…” Gen spoke matter-of-factly, “True, you may have uncovered a great conspiracy amongst our fellow lawyers and the justice system and saved my life in the process. But at what cost?”

“About what?” Senku answered flatly, “And why should I care about that?”

This took Gen by surprise, and Yuzuriha sighed once again for the fifth time.

“What do you mean?!” the bi coloured lawyer was taken aback by this response, “I just ruined your reputation! People are out there giving you glares and death threats! And you’re saying that you just don't care?!”

“Well…” Senku, the Scientist Attorney picked his ear as he looked at Gen with a mild disgust, “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been having a lot of potential clients because of that fiasco.”

“What?!”

“It’s true!” Yuzuriha chimed in, “It seems people have taken a liking to Senku’s skills as a lawyer and wants him to get their acquittal!”

“If they really are not guilty, of course.” Senku continued, as he flicked away some earwax on his fingers “Sucks to be them if they’re truly guilty.”

“Wait wait…! HOLD IT!!” Gen felt like his mind was blown, “And you don't care if your client gets a guilty or not guilty verdict?! What kind of Defense Attorney are you??!!”

The Scientist Attorney then looked at the Magical Attorney as if he was the most dense idiot on the planet.

“The one who brings out the truth.” He answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, “You, Asagiri Gen, of all people should know that no matter how nice or kind our clients would be, that there's always a chance that they’re hiding something sinister. We defense attorneys should strive to uphold justice for those who deserve it.”

“They’re innocent until proven guilty.”

“I know. I don’t mean the vice versa, I mean, if you’re gonna work in this office. From now on, you should focus on being a real lawyer for our new clients. Understand?!”

“Are you saying, that I'm ...?” Gen couldn’t believe what he just heard.

“Heh, Welcome to the Ishigami & Co. Law Offices. You fraudulent Magician.”

“Ahhh….” tears welled up in Gen’s eyes as he leapt towards Senku to give him a hug, “Thank you! Thank you so much, Senku-chan!!”

“Get off of me you moron!” Senku struggled to push his new employee off his body, “Yuzu! Don’t just stand there, help me!”

“But..” Yuzuriha giggled slyly, “You two seem to like each other! It’d be a shame to break you two apart!”

“No way in hell!” Senku continues to push Gen away.

“Awwwww… You’re so mean, Senku-chan! I mean Boss…” Gen whined as he released Senku from his hug.

“Stop calling me that, it’s weird….” Senku’s face wrinkled in disgust, “Just Ishigami is fine.”

“Okay! From now on, I’ll call you Senku-chan!” Gen happily accepted the terms. His own terms. “But please, from now on, call me a Mentalist. It’s much more fitting and oper-pay for my job description!”

“You know what… Fine! Have it your way, “Mentalist”!” Senku threw his hands in the air in defeat, “But since you’re part of this team now, you better work your ass off doing all of that paperwork you caused.”

“Gladly!” Gen nearly skipped for joy, “Where is it anyway?”

“Umm… it would be right over there…” Yuzuriha hesitatingly pointed at the gigantic stack of paper from the floor that was so high that it almost reached the ceiling.”

Gen shook from the sight, “Wha--- What the--- You want me to do all of this??!!”

“You warned me about the consequences of taking your case right?” Senku gave Gen a sadistic grin. “So… TAKE THAT!!”

“YOU’RE SO MEAN, SENKU-CHAN!!”

The cola bottles were now left and forgotten by the coffee table. The Ishigami & Co Law Offices has acquired a new lawyer, Asagiri Gen, the Mentalist Attorney.

And with that, the case of the odd lawyers has come to a close.

For now at least….

_________________________________________________

Some Details:

Ishigami Senku: Known as the Scientist Attorney, He is known for using science at his court appearances to explain his case and defend his client (sometimes borderline unethical). The young and skilled attorney has gotten the attention of many as he not only passed law school as Suma Cum Laude he also aced the Bar Exam. He was offered to work at so many law offices but he quickly decided to make one of his own the Ishigami & Co. Law Offices. He's been tracking down a missing person's case for a long time.

Ogawa Yuzuriha: Senku's super skilled and diligent, Assistant, Paralegal, Secretary, and sometimes his caretaker too. She and Detective Ooki Taiju have been friends since childhood has always helped and supported Senku in his scientific endeavors and even when he decided to become a lawyer, she took it upon herself to help him anyway she could. She promised Senku's dad to take care of him while he was in space. She always has to remind him to eat and sleep, especially when they have a difficult case. Though she never has to water the office plant, Rei.

Asagiri Gen: Known and also infamously known as the Magical Attorney. He always made it look like he magically already got the not guilty verdict all ready for his client. He would manipulative and sleazy ways to achieve this, and sometimes borderline illegal. He would psychologically manipulate the court to his favour and is easily get everyone to agree to him. Because of this he is both loved and feared by his peers, except for Senku who doesn't give a hoot about it. He became Senku's client after being accused of killing his own client just as he got his not guilty verdict. Senku won and also won his loyalty to him.

#sengenweek #sengen #ishigami senku #asagiri gen #ogawa yuzuriha #dr stone #dr. stone #dcst #ace attorney #ace attorney au #fanfic #sengenweek 2019

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misscrawfords · 4 years

Note

Shipper asks: 1, 2, 4, 19, 27, 30, 32, 40?

1. Talk about the first ship you ever had.

Probably Laura and Almanzo from the Little House books. My mind was blown when I got to the end of Little Town on the Prairie and Almanzo asked Laura out and suddenly little 7 year old me (or whatever) discovered romance. I can still basically quote the dialogue from the proposal scene in Those Happy Golden Years from memory.

2. Talk about three of the most important ships throughout your life.

Harry/Hermione. My first fandom OTP, the first ship I wrote fic for, the first ship I read and wrote meta for that essentially took me through my entire adolescence and formed my views on relationships, fiction, writing, and fandom. I love you, H/Hr.

Matthew/Mary. The ship that got me back into fandom for better or worse after a long break, which introduced me to some of my closest online friends and at least one genuine offline friend too, the ship that led to me writing a novel that I’m truly proud of (it’s Consolation Prize and you should go read it now) and become semi-well-known as a writer to the extent that I met a literary agent in Manhattan. (Tragically, I have not yet actually written anything for her and it was like eight years ago now so IDK if she would even remember me or care about me but still - it happened!) Matthew/Mary was literary, intelligent, historical and full of longing and I basically did a masters degree because of them.

Ben/Rey. The ship that smacked me in the face one day when I watched a trailer and suddenly realised that they were the culmination of every literary and romantic impulse I had been searching for since I was about 15. I was not expecting to fall so hard and so deeply. They’ve reignited my writing once more and I have learned so much from them and the fandom that has passed on into my understanding of stories and mythology. Once again, I owe a fictional ship a heck of a lot.

4. What’s your current NOTP?

I’ve been thinking about this all day trying to think of one and I don’t think I have one... There are ships that don’t do anything for me, of course, and ones that make me go “Huh? How on earth do you get “romance” from that?”. Ron/Hermione is my biggest one. Finn/Rey is another (and currently even more so thanks to JB’s ill-advised comments). But NOTPS? Nope. Because ultimately shipping is fictional and there’s no such thing as a bad ship, just personal preferences. I actually quite like (as a kind of academic exercise) taking the apparently least obvious couple you can imagine and then somehow finding a way to make it work, because actually what it’s doing is nothing to do with romance per se, but everything to do with finding common ground and developing as a person through your relationship with another person and that is a very rewarding thing to think about and gets to the heart IMO of what makes an interesting ship.

19. Have you ever shipped something despite yourself?

That feeling of “We’re going here? Oh yes, we are definitely going here” and hating yourself? I feel like I have... but I can’t think when! I’m trying to think of my most absolute trash ships but... but usually they’re not really bad.

27. Is there a ship you’ve shipped for most of your life?

I guess, Darcy/Elizabeth? I first read P&P when I was 7 and I started reading P&P fanfic when I was 11 on the computer in the library and I guess I still ship them so... yeah!

Also Fatty/Bets from Enid Blyton’s Five Find-Outers series because I definitely shipped them before I understood when shipping was and I must have been very young when I was reading those books.

30. Name a couple of fandoms in which you have no ships.

Being in a fandom with no ships!? What is this!? Well, I guess I haven’t really shipped anything in Doctor Who since the days of Rose Tyler so that probably counts. And I can’t say I really ship anyone in The Good Place. Like, Chidi/Eleanor is fine. It’s cute. It’s obviously endgame. But I’m not invested, not going to read fics or anything. If it didn’t happen I’d be okay also.

32. Share five must-read fics.

Oh, this is LOVELY. Fic rec time!!

1. A Girl in Black by @khaleesa

I'm not as sad as I should be. That's what makes me sad. The Titanic sinks, Patrick dies, and rather than wait at home to meet the new heir of Downton, Mary tries her luck in London, where she meets Sir Richard Carlisle instead. [Alternate S1]

Richard Carlisle/Mary Crawley. (Such an aBooSiVe ship lolooolol.) Still the definitive Downton fic for me. Such a good AU!

2. Down the Isle by @loversinfiniteness

Down the Isle, a reality dating show, is roommates Jane and Tom's guilty pleasure. Under the sun of an indeterminate hot country, millions watch the contestants in their search for love. The weird twist? They're all characters from P&P, Emma, Mansfield Park and Persuasion. But this isn't a butchering of Austen: love, whether it's in bikinis or bonnets, is ever the same thing...

(A slightly unhinged Love Island AU featuring many of Austen's characters. Everyone is wittier and less eager for romance than the real contestants on the show. NOW COMPLETE!)

If you like Jane Austen and you like modern AUs you need to read this even if you think it isn’t your cup of tea. Trust me, it is.

3. Disconnect by Weatherbug02

Rey was an unpopular YouTuber for years before her channel skyrocketed. Kylo was a YouTuber with millions of subscribers who couldn't keep his mouth shut. After a misunderstanding, both parties became part of a famous rivalry known throughout the internet. Neither had seemed too keen on resolving it, but after five years, people start to notice a change between the two.

Reylo social media modern AU and one of my favourite fics. I would recommend Play to Win here but basically everyone has already read it!

4. The Eagle’s Nest by HeartofAspen

COMPLETE! Hermione's eighth year at Hogwarts is already going to be difficult in the aftermath of the war, but it is further thrown into upheaval when Headmistress McGonagall orders a re-sorting of all students to promote inter-house unity. But when the Sorting Hat sends Hermione to Ravenclaw with Draco - and without Harry or Ron - how will she cope? [AU, Dramione] Prevalent alchemy.

Yep, this is 70 chapters of slow-burn Dramione with very interesting world-building. Go read!

5. And All the Devils Are Here by queenofchildren

It's a simple story, really: Girl meets Boy. Girl hates Boy. Girl and Boy infiltrate the most popular reality dating show on television to expose its unethical treatment of contestants and have to act like they're falling in love... And suddenly, the lines get blurred between the sparks flying on screen - and the real thing that grows when the cameras stop rolling.

This is a Benvolio/Rosaline from Still Star Crossed modern AU reality dating show fic. Huh? You might say. Or maybe you’ve never watched the show. Not important. This is a great fic with bonus Shakespeare references.

40. If you could change one thing about your OTP, what would that be?

The ending, of course.

But which OTP does this refer to, I hear you ask.

ALL OF THEM, YOU FOOL, ALL OF THEM.

Ask me about shipping

#that was epic #but also very fun #go read those fics #they're great #klarinette49

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celosia-starfall · 5 years

Text

A Chance Encounter (Part 1)

This is part of a multi-chapter fanfic that I’m going to be working on! But I just wanted to post this first part of it for the second day of the Hetalia Extravaganza by @weekofhetalia !!!

AO3 LINK

AU: Futuristic Fantasy

Pairing: Romano x Canada

Summary: In a world where magic and technology are at odds with each other, Lovino is a fire faery that has escaped from an American laboratory that had been holding him captive in order to experiment on him. After escaping, he managed to flee across the border into Canada, where Matthew finds him nearly unconscious in the cold and carries him home in order for Lovino to heal.

Prologue

This world… It has the potential to be such a beautiful place, Matthew. I only wish that you would be able to see and experience all of it to the fullest… But there are dangers. Dangers that I hope you never have to face. And with these dangers, there are rules that you need to follow. Rules within the constraints of human society that you have to follow so that you don’t get hurt.

What rules, Maman? Why would someone try to hurt us?

Oh, Matthew… That’s just the way things are. People can be needlessly cruel, especially humans, and they’ll shun or hurt or use anyone that they see as different from them, even if it’s other humans.

But that’s not right!

I know, mon coeur, I know…

...Maman… You keep talking about humans as if humans aren’t the only other beings around…

Because they aren’t, Matthew. Humans have never been the only ones that live on this planet, even when they had always wanted to believe it as such… Fairies and other magical creatures exist, and now that their existence has been exposed to society, they are hunted down for various reasons by humans and tend to have to pretend to be humans as a necessity to their survival.

Does that mean magic is real!?

Yes, magic is very real. With the exceptions of mages, humans don’t have magic, which just gives another reason for humans to hunt down the creatures to exploit them for their magical qualities: mermaids for their scales to give humans the ability to breathe underwater, fairies for fairy dust, dragons for their tough hides… The list could go on forever…

But why would they do that? Why would humans be that mean!? It’s not fair!

No… It’s not… They do it because they see magical creatures as lesser beings, refusing them the same rights as humans and often using them as slaves or for the advancements of...science. That’s why it’s so important for the Fae to stay concealed, because otherwise, if a human finds out about their true nature, then their life may as well be over. And with the advancements made in technology, it’s only become that much easier for humans to discover Fae that are in hiding. Do you know how, Matthew?

It’s...because of all of the iron, right?

Yes. Iron in any amount will make the Fae feel sick; prolonged skin contact with iron can cause rashes and burns; and if it gets mixed into their blood stream, then in many cases, it can prove to be fatal… That’s why mages have it easier than other magical creatures. It’s because they aren’t affected by iron, since they’re still technically human.

But, Maman, what about technology? Wouldn’t it be able to detect if someone has magic?

No, technology and magic are polar opposites. Those who believe that science is key see magic as an unnatural ability and something that shouldn’t exist in this world. Because of this, followers of science see anything of magical origin as a bane to society. Though likewise, most of the magically gifted see technology as a dangerous thing. Magical beings still manage to survive in this tech-advanced world, but they’re suffering because of it…

...What do you mean? Maman, what’s happening to them?

I told you that humans will hunt down magical beings for trying to gain their magical abilities, but it’s not just that. Scientists will often capture Fae to study them in an effort to scientifically explain the phenomenon that is magic. Other scientists will use them as lab rats because they’re able to handle a greater amount of physical stress than a simple human can. They’re denied equal rights to humans, and there are many scientists that end up going overboard and using...unethical methods. Many magical beings have been subjected to the equivalent of torture as a result.

But… But why? They haven’t done anything to deserve that!

It’s what humans do all in the name of Science and Progress.

That’s terrible… But why are you telling me this now?

Oh, Matthew… My darling… I need you to know all of this, so that you know how to be safe and how to take care of yourself. The world is a big, dangerous place… For as many beauties there are, there are just as many dangers. And I’m not always going to be able to be around to protect you. Something big is going to be happening. I don’t know what it is or when, but I can feel it, and I need you to be prepared. Just in case… Do you understand?

Yes, Maman. I understand. I’ll… I’ll try my best.

I know you will. And just remember, I’ll always love you, Matthew.

I love you too, Maman.

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

Chapter 1

Lovino had finally managed to escape the lab, but he had paid dearly for it. The dark-haired Italian fae had just enough energy left to hide his wings and pointed ears before he collapsed into a shivering heap beside some waste bins just off one of the main streets.

It was cold out, and being a fire fairy, cold was the last thing he needed. Sadly, no one in this God forsaken town, aside from a trash collection machine or maybe a few cats, would probably ever glance in the direction of the bins where he was.

Matthew let out a deep breath as he walked down the street, watching his breath form in the cold air. He always preferred taking these walks instead of driving. It made him feel more connected to the actual earth somehow. He enjoyed being outside more than most people thought was natural considering all of the so-called luxuries that were provided by the technology of this era.

Sighing, he kicked a rock along, accidentally hitting it too hard one time and sending it into one of the side areas that held waste bins. Watching the rock hit the wall, his attention became focused on something that was on the ground near the bins. His eyes widened when he realized that it was a body, immediately rushing over and kneeling down next to the person, realizing how bad of shape they were in on closer inspection.

"Oh...oh mon dieu..." He hesitantly reached out a hand to place it on the dark-haired male's arm, but he stopped himself. "U-Umm...pardon, monsieur?" he asked quietly, concern filling his voice.

There was a soft groan heard as Lovino barely managed to crack his hazel eyes open to peer up at the human that was leaning over him. His first instinct was to run, to get the hell as far from the dangerous being as possible, but he wasn't in any shape to move.

He slowly blinked once before giving up on trying to stay awake. It was too fucking cold and he'd been though too much pain, suffering, and stress to be able to do more than stare up at the man briefly, his mind not quite functioning properly. His eyes slipped back shut and he went limp as his consciousness left him.

When he saw the male's body go limp, Matthew struggled not to panic, taking in deep breaths of cold air to calm his nerves. Reaching out, he placed his fingers against the side of the dark-haired male's throat, breathing out a sigh of relief when he felt a pulse. "Thank dieu," he murmured, taking off his coat.

Biting his lip to keep his teeth from chattering at the sudden loss of warmth, he moved the other male into a sitting position in order to put the coat on him. Taking a deep breath, he put one arm under his knees, the other behind his back, and lifted the male up before carrying him down the street as fast as he could without jostling the stranger too much, heading toward the Canadian's home.

Lovino instinctively curled into the sense of warmth the Canadian offered. It was only natural that he seek out warmth. It was vital to his survival as a fire fairy, after all. He started shivering slightly as his body tried to make its own warmth. His breath was a bit shallow, but still showed slightly on the cold air as he was carried to somewhere he didn't know.

Matthew shifted the other in his arms, pulling the male closer against him in order to share his body heat. He had no clue how long the other male had been out in the cold, but it must of been for quite a while. Swallowing thickly, he let out a sigh of relief when he saw his home coming up, causing him to pick up his pace. He was panting by the time he reached the front door, the cold air making his chest ache as he sniffled slightly, stepping inside the building when the door opened.

The Canadian let out a sigh as warmth washed over him, the door closing behind him. He immediately carried the dark-haired male to the bedroom, laying him down gently on the bed before walking over to the closet and pulling out several heavy, warm blankets that he placed atop of the male. Matthew bit his lip as he looked down at him, his eyebrows furrowing in concern before going and sitting in the chair at his desk to wait for the male to wake up.

Lovino continued to shiver for a bit under the blankets until he was once again warm enough to relax into the warmth of the bed. After a bit more time, he groaned and shifted under the blankets a bit before blinking awake. As he realized he was in an unfamiliar place, he started to fight against the heaps of blankets on him in an attempt to escape whatever was restraining him. He was frantic to escape, still caught in the nightmare he had actually lived for some time before escaping from the lab.

Matthew had nearly fallen asleep in his chair before he heard movement coming from the bed. His head shot up when he realized that the other male must be awake. He quickly got out of the chair, approaching the bedside hesitantly as he held his hands up in front of himself in what he hoped seemed like an unthreatening fashion.

"U-Umm... H-Hey... Don't move around like that. You'll get hurt more than you already are. You're safe here, okay? I'm… I found you outside and you were cold and hurt, s-so I carried you to my house...umm..." He bit his lip, worried about the dark-haired male's reaction when he woke up. "I-I don't know what happened to you, but I promise I won't hurt you, alright?" he murmured, taking a tentative step towards the male.

Lovino's breath was a bit ragged and there was a bit of a feral glint to his unusually bright hazel eyes. At the sound of the Canadian man's voice, he froze and turned his eyes on the blonde. He met violet eyes with hazel before visibly relaxing slightly. "Why? Why are you helping me?" There was a hint of distrust in the Italian's voice. In his personal experience the only reason a human would show interest in him was if they expected something in return.

Matthew blinked in surprise. "Why wouldn't I? You were hurt and cold. I couldn't just leave you out in the cold to possibly die," he murmured, furrowing his eyebrows in concern as he tucked a few strands of his blonde hair behind his ear. "It was the right thing to do. There are such things as morals, you know..." He trailed off, biting his lip as he looked away from the man's hazel eyes. "I'm sorry. Umm...my name's Matthew, by the way..."

Lovino arched an eyebrow as he listened to the blonde's explanation. He knew of morals; he just didn't realize that any humans still considered them all that important. He paused for a moment before divulging just a small bit of information to the seemingly harmless and rather nervous-looking blonde. "You can call me Lovino." He started to try and sit up again only to be held back by the damnable heap of blankets. "Let me up," he half-way growled.

Matthew nodded, moving over to him and helping pull the blankets off. "Sorry about that, Lovino. I wasn't...really sure what to do..." he murmured softly when he got the last blanket off of him, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly as he took a couple steps away from the bed. "Umm...I could show you to the bathroom if you want to take a hot shower or bath, while I make some food and get a first-aid kit or something..." He bit his lip as he fiddled with the edge of his shirt.

Lovino hesitantly sat up before nodding. "A hot bath sounds nice." The thought of soaking in almost boiling water sounded almost heavenly to the still slightly-chilled fae. It would give him a chance to take stock of his injuries and wash away the fine layer of dirt that covered him and his badly tattered clothing. He rubbed his wrists lightly where there were red marks. "Maybe the first aid kit after..."

"Of course. And you can borrow some of my clothing too, since we're probably about the same size..." he murmured, looking over the male slightly before biting his lip and turning around to the closet, taking a couple of the blankets with him to return to the closet before taking out a couple of sets of warm clothing.

He turned back to Lovino. "Umm...if you could follow me...I'll show you to the bathroom," he murmured. "The first-aid kit is under the sink. And umm..." he hesitated before continuing. "If you need any help with taking care of any of your wounds, just call for me..."

Lovino shakily stood up from the bed. He swayed slightly at the light-headedness that assaulted him briefly, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through it. He cautiously approached the blonde. "Umm. Grazie..." He mumbled before huffing softly. "Well, lead the way."

Matthew simply nodded, concern filling his eyes as he led the other down the hallway and stopping in front of a door that he promptly opened. Stepping inside, he placed the clothes on the counter by the sink before opening the cabinet underneath and pulling out the first-aid kit which he also placed on the counter. He turned to Lovino. "I'll just leave you to it, I guess..." he murmured, heading to the door. However, the blonde paused for a moment before looking back over his shoulder. "Is there any type of food in particular that you would like?" he asked softly.

Lovino shrugged. "Nothing with meat in it..." He moved slowly to inspect how the bath worked. It was a bit more advanced than the standard clawfooted tub he had been hoping for. He managed to figure out the contraption before turning the water on and filling the tub with steaming hot water that would make most people flinch back and add ice to it.

As soon as the blonde shut the door, he stripped off the rags he was wearing and sank with a groan into scalding water, savoring the way the heat seemed to invigorate his body. He sank down into the bathwater up to his neck as he soaked a bit, almost dozing off at the comforting sensation.

#HetaliaExtravaganza2k19 #APH Canada #aph romano #aph south italy #canmano #romacan #romanada #hetalia #Magic #fairies #fantasy #fanfic #fiction #a chance encounter fanfic #nyo france

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not-all-that-chic · 6 years

Text

A Summer With You

Yoongi x Reader [Hybrid!AU]

“ Nearing my graduation, the stress of being alone when the time comes forces me to make a decision: befriending a hybrid. ”

trans. | I want this one to last forever.

genre | Angst, Fluff

wordcount | 10.8k

warnings | language, sexual themes, implied rape, abuse, character death

rec. track | ♫ ♩

The phone rang a few times. I chuckle at my friend; she never picks up. Finally, she answers and she breaths into the line.

"Did you run to the phone again?"

"Okay. Let me explain."

I laugh.

"So, I was jamming to my ringtone hella hard. Cause you know how Skyway is my favorite song."

"It is. Uh-huh."

"So then I realized, wait, that's my phone ringing! So I ran— but I picked up!"

"It's okay," I sigh into the phone. Typical of her. "I actually wanted to ask where you got Peanut from."

"My dog?"

"Yeah, your dog Peanut."

"It's on the Gangju and Huanghe intersection. It's a really nice pet store-"

And I wince.

"—Okay I know you hate pet stores, but I'm just saying that's where I got Peanut from. My dad came and bought him for me as a birthday gift."

"I wanted to go to a shelter to get a pet. Not a pet store."

"I totally understand that! But recently, with all the hybrids being thrown into shelters, full-blown animals are getting less frequent in shelters."

"That's horrible. Both the fact they're euthanizing innocent animals for space and the fact they have humanoids in animal shelters." I frown.

Ever since scientists discovered a way to cross humans and animals, hybrid pets have become the norm. And the problem with that is that although they don't have the intelligence of humans, they shouldn't be treated so horribly.

On top of that, over half of the hybrids are born with defects and live about as long as their animal counterparts. It's disgusting. I would go as far as to say that they shouldn't exist, for their own sake.

"I think you should get a pet. You've been stressed right?"

"Yeah. I'm close to graduating and I'm really panicking over my thesis."

"Maybe you should just get a boyfriend. Bet that would help."

I blush.

"Okayyyy. Bye." I hold the phone in front of my face.

"Bye~"

After hanging up, I look around my decorated and furnished apartment, but then realize despite its fullness, it feels empty. Maybe I should check out that pet store she talked about. With that in mind, I grab my keys, lock the door and go to my car.

As I drive to the store, I ponder. Who exactly gave scientists the bright idea to create hybrids? Humans and animals have evolved differently, so why combine them? The hybrids are entirely dependent on humans, like dogs or cats, but much more pricey and difficult to care for.

Not to mention how fetishized they are in the media or fiction. Why on Earth would someone want to have sex with a hybrid? It's just...unethical.

And that's not even the worst of it.

Before I know it, I've arrived at the store. The Flower Pot. A name much more fitting for a floral shop than a pet store.

I'm greeted at the entrance: "Welcome to the Flower Pot! Where friendship grows!" A boy with a boxy grin practically screams at me.

I suppose that's where they get the name. Not resisting my curiosity, I explore the well kept and cute store. The floors have a cute, sparkly confetti pattern and each section is labeled with a scripted, pink sign. It's cute. I find myself smiling at the fish tanks with soft pink sand beds.

I tap a glass with a bright yellow fish. It swims away, kicking up little bubbles. In another tank, there's a small, lime-green salamander.

"Need some help?" I jump at the voice. When I turn around, I'm greeted by a tall and kind looking boy. His name tag reads 'Jungkook'. He's smiling, looking like a bunny himself.

"Oh. I'm looking for a companion."

"Okay! Follow me then please!" He walks quickly and I'm almost left behind. I speed past a few cat cages until we reach the back of the store. There are at least ten glass containers lining the walls.

All of which holding hybrids. I nearly vomit. I feel sick just watching them. Jungkook motions me forward. One of the hybrids jumps forward, his cute, black kitty ears standing up.

"Hello! I'm Jimin!" Surprisingly, he talks! Why are such intelligent...creatures being held captive in enclosed spaces?!

"I'm sorry, Jungkook, but I'm not interested in a hybrid."

"What?" He asks, eyes wide. "Why not?"

"I don't think a hybrid should be enclosed in a space barely big enough to fit a dog. I also think it's wrong to have them as pets. It's inhumane." He smiles.

"I completely agree, but my friend told me something once. Uhhh," he pauses, trying to remember.

"Oh right! "If you take one and treat it how it should be, then that's one less hybrid being treated badly." Or something like that." He rubs his neck and chuckles.

That's an incredible point. If everyone were to take that initiative, maybe hybrids could begin to live well. Or at least better than they are currently.

"Jungkook!"

"Oh! Sorry. Taehyung is calling me. I'll be right back, okay, Miss?" He doesn't wait for me to respond as he runs to the front of the store.

As soon as I return my attention back to the wall, Jimin is smiling at me patiently.

"Your name is Jimin, right?"

"Yes. You're really pretty and smart. Can you please take me home?" His eyes are wide and sparkly. That's too cute. And really shocking. Something slams against the glass on the container to Jimin's left.

"No! Take me home! Please please please please please-" I walk in front of the container, and the dog hybrid's tail wags wildly. His face and smile instantly brighten.

"Hello. What's-"

"I'm Hoseok! It's so nice to meet you! You're so nice! And your hands look soft! Can I touch your hand please?!" His energy catches me by surprise, but I smile and reach a hand forward into one of the little holes in front of him.

The Golden Retriever hybrid eagerly shoves his head under my hand. I giggle at his reaction.

"Wow wow wow! I'm right! Please take me home! I hate being in this box! I wanna run around and lay down on your bed so you can pet me some more—PLEEEAASEEE?!"

The reality hits me once again. These hybrids are captive. They want to leave so badly. I step back and remove my hand. Hoseok whines, but eventually just sits down. They're probably used to being rejected.

On Hoseok's left is an empty box. Beside Jimin there is a sleeping dog hybrid of a larger breed. German Shepard by the looks of it. For the most part, the containers are empty. I assume it's because people have already adopted them. To a good home, I hope.

A furry tail at the very end catches my attention. I walk to it and notice this container is far away from the others. Inside, the hybrid flinches upon seeing me and backs deeper into the corner.

His build is significantly smaller than the others. He's as skinny as a stick. Now I see his tail is patchy and missing fur in some areas, where the skin looks more like a human's skin than an animal's skin. The ears are huge— almost as big as his head — and split at the tip. While the inside of the ears is furless and an angry red color. And his eyes are black and beady, to the point I can't see the pupil.

A mutated hybrid, no doubt. He looks frail and he knows it. I hold back my angry tears and kneel down, to appear less scary.

"Hi," I tell him my name and make my voice as small as possible. He watches me, silent and cautious.

"Hi," he responds. The smile on my face is warm and I'm sure he can feel it.

"What's your name?"

"...Yoongi."

"It's nice to meet you, Yoongi." His body relaxes and he uncurls his legs. The clothing on his body are clean, but they look old. And he doesn't have shoes on.

I scoot closer to him and reach my hand out. He quickly gets defensive, eyes wide, as his back tries to swallow the wall.

"I promise I won't hurt you, Yoongi." He blinks multiple times and furrows his brows.

Finally, he creeps forward, just enough for me to brush the tip of my fingers against his ears. They're the softest thing I've ever touched. He shivers and his eyes are wide in wonder. Despite his weird appearance and mutated genes, he's cute. Someone like Yoongi doesn't belong here. None of these hybrids do.

"Can I ask what you are?"

"...Chinchilla." My mouth gapes in shock. I've never heard of a Chinchilla hybrid. He notices my expression. "Is that...bad?"

"No!" He flinches at my pitch and I quickly apologize. "It's not bad at all. You're really special." His eyes take me in as if I'm the greatest thing to exist. I blush. He raises his hand toward the glass, but before he does—

—Yoongi backs away from my hand.

"Find any you want to adopt?" Jungkook comes running back, his Timberland's stomping with each step. Once I look back to Yoongi, he's back to his corner, as if nothing happened.

"I-"

"Yoongi? Did you like Yoongi?" The employee sounds like he's going to burst. I look back to Yoongi. His eyes have changed as we share eye contact.

"Yes."

"W-wow! That's great! Did you hear that Yoongi?! Someone's taking you home!"

"Why do you sound so excited?" His expression changes as he motions me away from Yoongi's cage.

He whispers, "Yoongi has been here for a very long time."

"How long?" Jungkook's sad smile tells me everything.

"Since he's a mutated and frail hybrid, no one has wanted to adopt him. He's very quiet, too."

It makes tears gather in my eyes. People are so cruel. Yoongi may have some defects, but he's never had contact with anyone outside of that cage. His shyness is a result of his lack of interaction. How could he possibly be at fault?!

"What about the other hybrids?"

"NamJoon is that sleeping hybrid-" he points to the dark-haired dog hybrid "-Is scheduled for an adoption tomorrow."

"How long has he been here?"

"About a month. It takes longer for hybrids to get adopted. As for Hobi and Jimin, they've been here for two weeks. But they're so friendly, they could be adopted any time soon."

Frowning, I look back to Yoongi, whose eyes haven't left mine. I don't understand animals— or even humans —much, but I can tell Yoongi doesn't want to be here anymore.

"Can I adopt him?"

"Yoongi? Of course! He's $1,000." My jaw drops at the price.

"What?"

"That's extremely cheap for a hybrid. Most average hybrids go for around $5,000. The rare ones anywhere from $10,000 and up."

"Is it because he's mutated?" Jungkook looks melancholic when he nods.

"He's also very old for a Chinchilla. After all, hybrids take the lifespans of the animal." Clenching my teeth, I grip my shirt angrily.

"I'm a college student. I can't afford that..."

"...It's okay. Don't feel bad. You can come to visit him anytime. Just... don't tell my boss I let you, okay? She would have my ass." After he finishes whispering, he goes over to Jimin's cage and pets the cat hybrid.

I sigh and stuff my hands in my pockets. I'm so sorry Yoongi. Checking the time, I realize it's time for me to go study. Giving Yoongi one last look, I wave.

He jumps— cute —and waves back.

"I'll be back, Yoongi. I promise."

My day consisted of boring lectures and an empty evening shift. Time seemed to have passed at a snail's pace. I— for some reason beyond my own consciousness —was anxious to see Yoongi again. Maybe I pitied him, for having lived so long in those glass containers. Alone. Never played with. And in his final years of life. I can't be certain the other hybrids were adopted into good families.

But something is better than nothing.

I grip the steering wheel tightly and sigh. Yoongi was not ugly. He was cheap. Maybe soft-spoken, but he is bound to make someone happy.

My feet tap on the wet concrete. The door jingles from the rusted bells above. The Flower Pot. Sad in its name, as if hiding the fact it kept hybrids. At the counter was Taehyung again.

"Oh! Welcome back! Are you here to see Yoongi?"

"Yes." His face softens.

"That's so nice of you. What's your name?" I tell him my name and smile.

"I'm Taehyung, but you could just read my name tag to find that out. Thanks for coming back. You're welcome here any time." Nodding, I stuff my keys into my pocket and walk to the back where the hybrids are.

Jimin is gone. Did someone adopt him? Hoseok greets me happily, letting out a bark-like sound.

"Oh oh oh oh! You're back! I'm so happy! Welcome back! Can you pet me?! Please? I missed you!" It's fascinating how animal-like hybrids are. But so much more intelligent.

"Sure, Hoseok." I pet his soft hair and his leg hits the wall.

"I'm okay! I do that by accident. Sorry."

"It's okay. And can I ask you something?"

"Of course, but please keep petting me!" He closes his eyes, his huge tail thumping against the wall and his leg shaking.

"What happened to Jimin?" His tail falters and his eyes open, reflecting something sad.

"He got adopted yesterday..."

"What's wrong?" I ask, sympathetic. Seeing this bright pup so upset squeezes something inside me. His ears flatten on his head.

"The man that adopted him kept pulling on his collar. And his d-daughter..." tears prickle his eyes.

"Shh, it's okay. You don't have to tell me anything." I gently run my fingers through his hair. He shakes his head and leans toward my hand.

"N-no. I can do it. His daughter, she was grabbing him."

"How so?"

"Grabbing his...pee pee." I feel bile in my throat.

"I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault. Jimin... he was so sad. I don't want him to be used like a... sex doll." Before I know it, a tear trickles down my cheek.

"I wish I could have done something." Hoseok smiles up at me with hope.

"I know you would have. I can tell." Hoseok touches his chest. "You have a big heart."

Choking on a sob, I lean my head against the glass. Hoseok does the same.

"I wish it could be better. Hybrids are people too. You don't deserve this..." Hoseok starts making a strange rumbling noise. Not a purr, but like a soft growl. It's not comforting, but it's his effort that counts.

"Bonding with Hobi, huh?" I jump and turn around. Jungkook. Embarrassed, I stand up and look anywhere except him. "Hey! No need to be shy. Me and Tae talk to them, too."

"Oh. That's good of you guys."

"I'm really really happy you came back to see Yoongi. And Hobi, too, now since Jimin and NamJoon are gone." When I look back at the containers, only Hobi and Yoongi are left. The latter of which I hadn't noticed. But he's watching me, awe written all over his face, hands pressed against the glass.

It's as if he couldn't believe I would come back.

"I have a question."

"Shoot."

"Where do you guys find the hybrids?" Jungkook brings his finger to his chin in thought.

"I'm not sure. Only my boss knows that. But by the end of the month, these containers are occupied again. Well, except the hybrids that aren't adopted." Frowning, I think back to Yoongi.

"How long has Yoongi been here, exactly?"

"Sorry. Confidential. My boss tells me I can't tell the customers Yoongi's age." He rubs his neck with an awkward smile.

I shift my weight on my leg and cross my arms. This boss of his must be a horrible person.

"Why?"

"It makes him more appealing to buy, not that it has ever worked. When I tell you Yoongi has been here a long time, I mean a long time. You can't imagine." Tears prick at the corner of my eyes. There's no way no one has never shown interest in Yoongi. It's unfathomable. I look back at the hybrid who is sitting there fiddling with some hairs on his tail— cute.

"Sorry. I just-"

"It's okay. It's okay. I was like that, too, when I got hired." He sighs and turns around. "Listen, I gotta go restock the shelves. You have a good night."

"Thank you. You, too." When he leaves, I turn toward Yoongi. His eyes widen when I look at him. Smiling, I go to sit in front of his container. He curls into himself, making himself smaller.

"Hi, Yoongi."

"Hi..." I come closer to the glass and he looks down.

"How are you?"

He blinks, mouth opening and closing before giving me a simple, "Okay."

"Really? Tell me about your day?" He vigorously shakes his head and brushes his tail. "No? How about I'll tell you about mine, then you tell me about yours?" Yoongi considers it a while and eventually nods.

"I had a really boring day. I sat in a class all day and then my work was empty. There weren't any customers."

"Was it...big?" His question caught me off guard.

"The class?" He nods. "Yeah! It's like the size of five of this store."

His mouth opens wide, a cute sound of awe escaping. It makes me smile.

When I first met Yoongi, I thought he would be more aggressive, but he's so gentle and adorable.

"So what about you, Yoongi?" He jumps, probably still thinking about how big the class was.

"Me?"

"Yeah. Tell me about your day."

The hybrid looks down. Something unintelligible is said under his breath. If my ears don't deceive me, he just whispered, "It's not important..."

"Of course it's important. Your day was really important. I think it's important." He grips his tail again.

"I slept."

"What did you dream about?" Yoongi whips his head up toward me. His eyes blow out and suddenly he squirms. I see his Adam's apple bob as he places his hand on the glass. I put mine on the glass above his hand.

"Oh. Ah... I can't tell you."

"Why not?" I put my hands on my hips playfully. He leans against the glass.

"C-can you..." his words trail off shyly.

"Hm?"

He shifts around and quickly blurts, "Can you pet me like you pet Hoseok?" It takes me a moment to understand what he's asking, but when I do, I smile softly.

"Yoongi, you're really cute." And unexpectedly, he sputters in embarrassment.

"W-why?" Once I pet his head, he starts shaking.

"Because you're so sweet and well-mannered. And physically, you're cute." He leans into my hand further and finally, I can really feel the softness of his hair and ears. Chinchillas really are soft. His face is practically pressed against the glass. And his whole body seems to react to my touch. It's fascinating to watch him slowly warm up to me.

My watch ruins the moment as it beeps loudly. Yoongi jumps away with a small squeak— so darn cute —as I look down. I frown when I realize it's time for me to leave.

"Sorry, Yoongi. I have to leave." As I begin standing up, his hand reaches out of the hole to grab my sleeve. But I suppose it was a thing of the moment since he retracted it as soon as it came. Judging by his uncertain expression, I know what is worrying him.

"I promise I'll be back again tomorrow," I say as I rub behind his ears. This time a little smile appears on his face.

The next day when I return, it's a bit earlier in the day since I would be working late night. I skipped my free period to come and spend a while with Yoongi.

When I arrive, Jungkook is at the counter instead of Taehyung. He smiles and waves.

"Welcome! You're here at a different time today." Leaning against the counter, he places his head on his palms.

"Yeah. I work late today. I didn't want to miss seeing the hybrids though." Jungkook stands up straight.

"Oh! I think Tae is in the back with a customer. I think Hoseok might get adopted."

"Okay. Thanks, Jungkook." At what he said, I don't know if I should be happy or worried. Who knows who will adopt Hoseok.

When I reach the back of the store, there's a thin, gangly looking man in a pinstripe suit. His beard is patchy and his eyes are thin, bags underneath. Hoseok is outside of his cage, a leash around his neck. Once I get over his height, I notice the sad look in his eyes. His whole body seems to sag.

"-Here are the papers, sir." Taehyung hands the man a folder as the man frowns.

"Why this mutt got so many papers?" The man's Chicago accent is thick as he tugs on Hoseok's leash. The Golden Retriever hybrid flinches and comes down. I step forward more. Gosh, I want to stab this man.

"It's policy when adopting a hybrid to have all their information. They are part human." Taehyung's voice is tight, although his expression betrays nothing.

"Human? This mutt's about as smart as an acorn!" The man laughs.

"Actually, dog hybrids are among the smartest, especially a Golden Retriever like Hoseok-"

"This thing ain't good for nothing except sex and killing. That's why they were created, kid. Don't be giving me none of that pretty shit." Hoseok whimpers at his words. The man pulls on Hoseok's leash harshly, making the poor pup cough and bend over. Taehyung sighs and clenches his fist.

I see red and can't bear to watch a second longer. Stomping over to the man, he sees my approach.

"What you-" I sock him in the eye and hit his pressure point. He falls to the ground. Heaving, my lips pulled in a snarl, I bend over my knees. My anger made me breathless. How can this man be so stupid and heartless and just horrible to treat a kind hybrid like Hoseok like that?! Hybrids should have never been created, to avoid suffering like this. I can't recall a hybrid ever being treated well.

"Thank you," Taehyung tells me once I've calmed down. I'm shocked.

"What?"

Hoseok jumps me, whimpering and whining and tears staining my shirt.

"I would have done that myself, but my boss would have fired me. I hate people like that."

"Why are you and Jungkook working here if you know what goes on?" I ask, outraged. Hobi's buries his head into my shirt.

"I trust you, so I'll let you in on a secret."

"Okay?"

"We've actually been freeing hybrids secretly. You remember how I told you about NamJoon?" I nod. "Me and Jungkook and a few other friends have been combining money to buy the hybrids and release them to hybrid sanctuaries."

My mouth is agape. So is this store... is a front? No way. They can't afford to release every hybrid. And Hoseok was just about to get purchased.

"What about the hybrids that don't get freed?"

"Well..." he smiles sadly, regret swimming in his eyes. "We can't save them all."

"I see..."

"That's why I'm glad you knocked out that guy. Hoseok can stay longer and that buys us time." Upon hearing his name, Hoseok parts from me and asks me to take his leash off.

"What about Yoongi?" The words pour out like vomit: uncontrolled and with a bitter taste.

"The owner...keeps him." My mouth is agape in horror. I can't stop myself from dry heaving. Why is there something so horrible going on behind the scenes? Where does this person get the hybrids? Do they abuse the others?

"The only reason we told you the price is that we thought you might actually take him. People don't even glance his way anymo-"

"What does your boss do with him?!" Taehyung shushes me to keep my voice down.

"I don't know. But I've stayed overnight a few times. I can hear things." I can't believe my friend bought a dog from this store. It makes my stomach lurch at the thought.

“What kind of things?”

“...Moaning-” Taehyung winces as soon as he says it. I cover my mouth in shock and disgust. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. That’s so horrible.”

"Every time I see Yoongi in that thing pressed against that corner, I feel so sorry. I feel sorry for his existence." Hoseok notices my distress and envelops me in a hug, rocking me back and forth.

"I won't stop visiting. I'll save up money. I want to take Yoongi away from here," I tell Taehyung with determination.

"Please do. I'm sure Yoongi would be so happy to hear that." Hoseok yawns and Taehyung chuckles.

"Wanna know something? He stares at the door every time that bell jingles. Yoongi."

"Really? I'm glad he's so fond of me." I grin and go to sit in front of Yoongi's cage. He comes up to me quickly and leans his head on the glass. Taehyung tells Hoseok to get back into his container and the hybrid falls asleep as soon as his head hits the blanket. He leaves Yoongi and me alone.

"Yoongi." He smiles. Just smiles. Can hearing his name make him that happy?

"Hi." He sounds less shy today. "You know what I dreamt about?" It visibly shocks me to hear him initiating the conversation.

"Sorry, sir. You probably were drunk."

"Damn. Can't remember anything."

"Shall I escort you to the door?"

"Yeah whatever."

"What did you dream about?"

"...You." His face is buried deep into his hands and I find myself blushing. That was...cute. For lack of better words.

"What about me?" I press him. He shakes his head, shy again. It probably already took so much for him to say that. "What if I say please?"

"Maybe..."

"Fine. Yoongi, will you please tell me what your dream about me was about?" Reaching toward his ears, I pet the soft, but slightly mangled appendages. Despite his mutations— no, because of his mutations —I find him so beautiful.

"I dreamt that I was holding your hand..." It makes my heart feel so weak. My whole body is warm and happy at hearing it.

"Do you want to hold my hand?" He looks back at me as his beady eyes search mine.

"...Can I?" His question is so innocent.

"Of course!" I stop petting him and hold my hand out. And for a while, Yoongi stares at it, as if he has never seen a hand before. As if my hand is sculpted by God himself. For Yoongi, it might just be that way.

Finally, his fingers brush mine and I feel my whole body alight. It was strange. His hand awkwardly wraps around mine. I laugh. He looks at me in confusion, eyebrows furrowed.

"Did I...do it right?"

"Mm. Sort of. Like this-" I interlace my fingers with his, feeling his digits slide with mine perfectly. His hands are warm and sweaty, a product of his high body temperature and nervousness.

He looks at our hands and moves them around, awestruck. Smiling, I come closer to be more comfortable. Yoongi closes his eyes and pets his tail with his free hand. A soft smile forms on his lips.

"I like it."

"Me, too." We sit in silence as he eventually leans against the glass. This makes me so happy. I've had so many friends, boyfriends, pets and yet none make me feel quite like this. So utterly complete. I want to know Yoongi more, but for now, this is enough.

"Thank you." Laughing, I watch the smile on his face transform into a gum-filled grin. He looks content.

"For what?"

"Coming to see me." I lean against the glass and he does the same.

A whole week passes. My semester finals had me staying up night after night and I didn't even have time in the day to eat. Day in and day out: studying. But I couldn't contain my joy— and guilt for not being able to see the hybrids —once I heard those familiar rusty bells jingle.

"Woah. You look worse for wear." Languidly, I turn to Taehyung at the counter.

"Thanks. Finals have not been gentle on me."

"I'm sure seeing Yoongi and Hoseok will brighten you up. I heard that animals and hybrids can reduce stress."

I yawn and send him a lazy thumbs up. He laughs.

"He missed you!" He yells at me once I'm past the entrance. It puts a smile on my face. I missed Yoongi, too. How has he been without me here to talk to him? Despite the guilt, I couldn't put aside my health and future for Yoongi. But now I was wholeheartedly his.

"Hi hi hi hi!" Something big and warm tackles me. And licks my neck? I wiggle in discomfort at being attacked. The person latched onto me eventually removes himself. I'm greeted by a beautiful heart-shaped smile.

"Hey, Hoseok," I say as I pinch his cheek. The hybrid gets off quickly and runs around excitedly.

"Oh boy! We should play! Let's play!" He runs somewhere in the store, effectively leaving my sight. My eyes drift and I see Yoongi on the floor, legs criss-cross and with a bowl of soup on his lap. When we lock eyes, he jumps and looks away.

Was he...mad at me?

I finally hear Jungkook chuckle. He was probably hearing the commotion.

"Nice to see you back. You came at a good time."

"Yeah. I was about to ask."

"For about thirty minutes three times a day, we take the hybrids out to eat and play-"

"Kookie, can I please use this ball?!" Hoseok rams into Jungkook. The employee laughs but shakes his head.

"Sorry, Hobi. You know I can't let you play with merchandise." And even as Hoseok whines, Jungkook stays strong. The Golden Retriever pouts and sits down to chow down on his food, making a huge mess. I laugh.

"How have they been?"

"Hoseok missed you a little, but fine. Yoongi, though, he asked for you every day."

"Be quiet!" Said boy protests, his cheeks big and lips pressed into a pout.

I walk over to him and grab his empty hand. He gasps and looks our hands.

"Sorry I didn't visit. I was really busy. I missed you, too."

His face softens and he smiles, but he decides to be stubborn as he looks away from me.

"Prove it."

"I will." With that, I gently bring him into my arms and press his head to my shoulder, treating him like fragile glass. He tenses up and I see his fists clench. I shush him to make him calm down.

His body feels warm and soft like a blanket. I pet his head and play with the hair around his neck.

He squeaks. I giggle. Eventually, he returns the hug and nuzzles into my shoulder, shaking and squeaking. We relax as I hum softly near his ear.

"Wow. I knew Chinchillas could squeak and shake, but I've never seen Yoongi do it. He wayyyy likes you," Jungkook explains as he begins picking up the food dishes.

Yoongi— for such a small hybrid —is still strong, since his iron grip doesn't want to let go.

"Come on, Yoongi. It's time for you to get back in your container-" I hear something gets knocked over. "-You, too, Hoseok!"

"Nooooo. I'm not tired yet!" Hoseok jumps up and down like a spoiled kid.

Patting Yoongi's back, he finally let's go. We both stand up. Yoongi looks so small and frail curled inside his cage, but he's still taller than me.

Jungkook unlocks the boys' containers and he practically forces Hoseok inside. Before going to crawl into his container, Yoongi turns around and smiles at me. He places on my head.

"You're small."

Was that him playing around with me? For some reason, it sends a flutter in my stomach and straight to my soul.

"You're not that tall, either!" Yoongi grins and hugs me again, placing his chin on my head.

He let's go and says, "It's okay. I like it." For once, it's me blushing furiously and not him. Crawling into his own, Jungkook comes to lock it, but Yoongi puts his hand up to stop him. Reaching his hand out to me, I interlace my fingers with his.

"Come back. Please." And as commanding as it sounds, it's accompanied by a shy smile and a Yoongi blush.

"Of course. I really promise to come every day from now on, okay?"

"Okay." He sits against the wall as Jungkook finally locks him up.

His gummy smile is on his face again, I send him my own. Shyly, he asks, "...Pinky promise?"

Giggling, I reach through the hole and interlace my pinky with his.

And at that moment, I made a decision. I would save up and buy Yoongi. Somehow I would save up those $1,000.

"Anatomy is canceled for the day. You're all about to graduate. Enjoy some freedom. I have to go somewhere." The whole auditorium erupts in cheers. People quickly disperse and those that don't, talk to their friends.

"Hey," my friend grabs my attention. "Let's get outta here?"

"Alright." We grab our bags and walk down the steps and out of the door. The hallways are mostly vacant. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about the pet shop."

"Oh yeah! I've been so busy I forgot to ask."

I rub my forehead. How typical of her. Jennie is either ditsy or cold, there is no in between.

"I actually didn't adopt anything."

"What? Why not?"

"To be honest, the moment I got there, this guy led me to the hybrid cages." When I finish saying this, Jennie looks sad.

We make it outside to the park near the labs.

"Hybrids are so cool and cute, but have you heard the news?" We settle down on a bench.

"What?"

"Since hybrid anatomy is so close to humans, they've been experimenting on them. And the government for some reason is totally okay with it."

"It's sad, but at this point, what can we do." I shake my head.

"Sorry for interrupting. What were you saying?"

I cross my arms and start, "When I went, I saw a mutated hybrid. He's been there for so long that the employees don't even want to tell me."

"Aww. Poor guy."

"Yeah. I was really considering buying him, but even with all those issues he's still $1,000." Jennie frowns and leans her head on my shoulder.

"Hybrids shouldn't be bought and sold. That's so...wrong!" Nodding, I sigh.

"About a week ago, I've started taking extra shifts. I want to get him out of there."

"Seriously?!" Jennie gets off my shoulder and watches me. I lock eyes with her and furrow my brows. "Holy shit! You're serious!"

"Yes," I whisper, as I smile at the thought of the hybrid I met a month ago. He's really so sweet, although he has some sassy moments. And of course, he's always so excited to see me. Yoongi is also handsome, a great bonus. I've grown to care for him beyond an owner and pet— not that it was ever like that anyway.

"Hey. What's with that face?" Jennie pokes my side with a dumb grin. "You looooveee him?"

"...I actually haven't thought about that. Maybe."

"Wait what?! I was joking! But if you do, then go for it. Hybrid and human relationships are..."

"Well, I hope in the future, it will be accepted." Jennie goes back to her side.

Silence passes over us.

If I can adopt Yoongi, will I be able to support both of us? What does he eat? How does he sleep? Bathe? What does he like? Can he work?

Is he interested in me how I'm interested in him?

"What's his name? And what is he? Like, hybrid."

"Yoongi. And he's Chinchilla." She squeals in my ear when she hears that.

"Cute! And soft. But don't they live for like five years?"

The one thing I didn't want to think about. The thing I keep pushing to the back of my mind. If Yoongi is old and Chinchillas only live for ten years, then how long would I have with him? Even if he was young, ten years is nothing for a human. A distressed expression appears on my face.

"Sorry for asking about it. It's probably not something you want to think about."

"Don't worry about it. I already knew; I was just in denial."

"Hey! Don't look so glum! Enjoy Yoongi a lot and don't worry too much, okay?"

"Alright, Jennie. I will," I say to pacify her as I force a smile to my lips.

But now, I can't help worrying.

Jingle. The bells sound really loud. When I look up, they're not rusty. I guess they bought some new ones.

"Good morning! You're here bright and early! I think Yoongi's eating breakfast," Taehyung tells me. I smile and go up to the counter.

"I actually am saving up to buy him. I'm really close!"

"O-oh really?" Taehyung is shocked and his expression morphs into melancholy and some shade of regret. But I brush it off.

"Yeah. I can't wait. I think next week is my big bonus."

"That's...good. The new hybrids are also coming next week. That container of his will be for another hybrid..."

Grinning, I chirp, "Yep! See you, Tae!" I quickly walk to the back.

I've been meaning to ask Yoongi his age, but Jungkook or Taehyung have been present and I know they won't let him answer. I'm hoping that today, Jungkook will be busy.

To my surprise, Jungkook is cleaning out Hoseok's container. It makes me explode in joy.

"Did you guys buy Hoseok?" Jungkook jumps and hits his head on the top of the container.

"Ouch."

"Oh. Sorry, Kook!" I walk over and rub his head.

"No worries," he waves me off as he leaves the container. "And actually, Hoseok got adopted by a really nice guy. I think his name was Jackson. He was about as energetic as Hoseok. I'm sure he's in a good place."

Jungkook locks the container.

"Wow... That's amazing. I'm so happy."

"We are, too. This month was pretty good with the exception of Jimin. Poor guy." We stand in silence for a bit as if sending Jimin our prayers.

"It's okay. You guys are doing great."

"Thanks. I'm glad you're here to keep them company. We can't be here all day. We have other animals to take care of and other things to do— Speaking of which-" He starts gathering his rag and broom. "I have to clean up!"

"Huh?"

"The inspectors are coming tomorrow and this place has to be spotless!" Jungkook runs off.

I send my thanks to the heavens.

"Hey. I'm here, too." The sarcastic remark reminds me of Yoongi's presence.

"Hey, Yoongi!" I sit beside his container later that week.

"Hello." He smiles and scoots forward. Yoongi pokes his hand outside of his enclosure and interlaces our hands. My blush appears.

I cough awkwardly.

"Um, I hope this isn't a strange question, but how old are you?" Yoongi tilts his head and looks around, trying to remember.

"I think...ten years old." My stomach drops.

"W-what? Are you sure?" I can feel myself shaking.

He doesn't have very long...

"Yes. I remember celebrating my birthdays. They put those number candles. In March I turned ten."

My grip on his hand tightens. I look down to avoid his eyes.

"And...h-how long have you been here?"

"Ten years." Tears stream down my cheeks.

"I-I'm so so sorry, Yoongi!" The sobs I've been holding in can't be controlled anymore. I cough as my throat feels like there's a golf ball lodged inside.

Why has he been suffering for so long? Having to watch hybrids adopted right next to him every day, watching and progressively losing his own hope of being taken home. The owner of this shop does God knows what to him when the store closes. How much has he gone through? And for this to have been the short, miserable existence he has had.

He'll die having experienced nothing that makes him happy.

Instead of telling me it would be okay, he places his hand on my head and pets me. I look up, surely a mess.

"You pet me like this when we first met. It made me feel better." He runs his fingers through my hair and hums. I sob harder and lean against the glass.

"Y-Yoon-gi."

"Don't cry. I like you happy."

My sobs reduce to hiccups and I stop crying. It does work, shockingly. When I look up, Yoongi looks drowsy.

"Better?" He yawns. "I'm tired. If I sleep and you're still here, wake me up."

His eyes slowly drift closed as he slows his petting.

I can't help wondering: Is he actually tired, or...is this something else?

Tomorrow is my bonus paycheck. I can adopt Yoongi and at least give him the best I can in the limited time he has. I can't wait. Practically running into the store, I yell a quick, "Hi, Taehyung!" and run to the back. Jungkook is on his phone waiting for Yoongi to finish his food.

Yoongi hears me approach and his scraggly Chinchilla ears perk up. He grins his typical, gum-filled grin. I see a few pieces of stray food between his teeth— the poor baby was probably starving —, but instead of being disgusted, I feel even more endeared.

"Hey, guys!" Jungkook looks up and jumps out of his chair.

"Great! You're here! Watch Yoongi, okay? I really gotta poo!" Scrunching my nose, I look Jungkook up and down with feigned disgust.

"Eww. Didn't need to know that, Kook."

"Yeah yeah. Okay, Mom," he sighs with an eye roll. He leaves us alone.

I grab his chair and come closer to Yoongi.

"Hewwo," he says through a mouthful of spinach. It's so cute that he loves spinach so much.

"Hey, Yoongi. I actually wanted to talk to you about my plans for tomorrow." He nods, accidentally dropping a piece of food, pouting. Gosh, he's so cute it melts my heart and insides.

"I've saved up enough money to adopt you. So I get a direct deposit tomorrow and with all the money I can come and take you home! I've been thinking about it for a long time and I've always wanted to adopt you. How does that-"

Yoongi crushes me into his body. He's shaking and his fingers clench the back of my shirt as if I'll leave him. His knees buckle and we end up on the floor. I can hear and feel his near hummingbird speed heart rate. And by God, is his breathing hard.

"T-thank you! Thank you so much!" When I hear his voice straining and the first tear touches my thin t-shirt, I near cry, too.

"Whatever for? I've always wanted to adopt you. I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner." He shakes his head.

"For showing me that not all humans are bad."

"Yoongi, you don't have to thank me fo-"

"I want to. You're my favorite person."

A burning chill runs up my back, arms, head— my whole body. I can't believe my ears.

"What?" He removes himself and searches my eyes, his own red and sparkling with tears.

"Can I say that?" Blushing, I take him in. I'm happy I could give him this simple, but rare joy.

"Of course. You're my favorite person, too." Yoongi's eyes widen, but he grins. Then, he blushes, hesitant.

Evidently, he catches me off guard when he presses his lips against mine.

I melt all over again. Of course, I press against him. He wraps his arms around my shoulders and I watch his eyes flutter shut. My own follow. Bunching up the fabric at his chest with my hands, I smile into the kiss. It doesn't last very long, but it's so soft and so full of love that it's better than any kiss I've had in the past. It has meaning.

He leans his forehead against mine.

"Did you like it?"

"Yeah. I did." He grins looking a bit more confident.

"Can I do it again?" Not a second elapses before he presses his lips to mine again.

This time, he's taken the experience from the first time and kisses me with more force. His lips move and dance with mine. I sigh, feeling content just like this. Something pokes my bottom lip, and I blush, realizing it's his tongue. Yoongi's chest is heaving against mine and he forces himself against me, pressing his body impossibly close.

"Woah! Didn't expect this after doing my business!"

We push away from each other upon hearing Jungkook's voice. I recover quickly, but Yoongi is red like a tomato and furiously picking at some skin patch on his tail. He looks like a kindergartener who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Cute.

Everything he does is so cute, who am I kidding.

"Wow. You weren't joking. All in cash, too!"

I woke up early the next morning— well I actually stayed awake until my deposit came in at midnight —to come to adopt Yoongi. None of my classes were this early, so I wanted to bring Yoongi home to help him get acquainted with my home. He just woke up and was rather confused why Jungkook woke him up so early.

But as soon as he saw me, he came and leaned his head on mine and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"All in cash, too, sir!" Taehyung laughs at my response.

"Alright, well, everything is all set. I'm happy you finally could take Yoongi home..." his voice drifts off as he glances over to hybrid. I notice this.

"Tae?"

"Actually, could I talk to you outside?" Nodding, I follow, but then adds, "Without Yoongi." Yoongi shrugs and tiredly leans against the counter.

The bell jingles.

The door shuts.

We walk a little away from the store.

Taehyung runs a hand through his hair and sighs. "Yesterday when you told me you were going to adopt Yoongi, I was so nervous." He hesitates.

I urge him to continue.

"Yoongi is ten years old. And Chinchillas don't live long. I think you've already noticed how tired he is recently."

Something heavy drops in the pit of my stomach. This again. Frowning, I look at Yoongi inside. He's almost asleep again, just leaning against that counter.

"As an employee, it's my obligation to tell you this."

"Okay, Tae. Please- just- just go on."

"He's going to die soon."

I swallow. Hard.

I've been avoiding that word. To put that word and Yoongi in the same sentence together, it's making me distraught.

"...I know. I still want to adopt him."

"I'm happy his last... months, weeks, days— who knows, are with you. He's been happier than ever-"

"It's nothing. He deserves better. Even much better than what I could give him." Taehyung nods and smiles, placing a hand on my shoulder. He can tell I don't want to discuss it anymore.

"Oh!" He reaches into his pocket for his phone. "Tell me your number. I'll text you mine and Jungkook's numbers. We are like this-" He crosses his index and middle finger. "-Now."

I giggle and roll my eyes. "Sure. I'll come by a few times. Maybe we can hang out like actual, normal friends."

"Eh. Maybe don't count on that. Anyway!" He pushes me back into the store, the jingling bells waking up Yoongi. "Take care of Yoongi! He's fragile!" Said hybrid rolls his eyes and follows me out of the store.

"Bye, Tae! Tell Jungkook I said hi and bye!"

We walk to the parking lot and Yoongi takes in everything with wide eyes. He touches my car and presses his face against the glass. I laugh.

"Get in, Yoongi!"

He looks overwhelmed, eventually asking, "You can go inside?" It makes me slightly sad, remembering how he's never gone anywhere except inside that store.

"Yes. Just pull on that handle." Once he sits inside, he finds more shocking revelations.

"There's so many buttons..."

"Don't touch them, okay? I don't want anything to happen." He obeys as I lean across the dash to buckle him in. Yoongi presses a kiss to my cheek. Sputtering and fighting a blush, I return to my seat to find a smirking hybrid.

"Okay. What kind of music do you like?"

"I can choose?"

"Of course!"

"Hip-hop."

"Oooooh. So cool, Yoongi." He nods and crosses his arms, feigning coolness.

But as soon as the car actually goes on the road, he's pressed to the window. He points at places through his window, in awe. All of which I promise to take him. By the end of the trip, my smile almost hurts, having never left.

Once we get home, Yoongi is so happily talking his head off about hip-hop that I don't dare to interrupt. Not that I want to; he's so cute when he's passionate. Plus, he never talks this much. I shove my key inside.

"Welcome home!" Yoongi cautiously steps inside. He slowly sits on the couch.

He looks up at me like a kid on Christmas. I've never seen Yoongi so happy.

"Like it?"

"Do you live here?"

"Huh? Well, yes," I respond, perplexed by his question. He yawns and lies down on the couch.

"Then I like it."

His simple words make my heart pump and toes tingle. The little smile on his lips as he rests on my couch has me like putty in his presence. Although his sudden tiredness worries me, I ignore it; he has had an eventful morning after all.

I check my phone for the time. He could nap for an hour before I had to go to class.

Tomorrow was the weekend. As I check the weather, I realize it would be absolutely perfect to go to the beach. Maybe Yoongi could use some sunlight. I laugh to myself.

I giggle at Yoongi's struggling to put the t-shirt on, his cute, pale belly wiggling. He eventually gets it on, a perfect fit.

"Sorry if it's old. It's one of my sleeping shirts. It was the only thing I could find that would fit you."

He brings it up to his nose and inhales deeply. Then, he shakes his head and smiles.

"It's fine. I like how it smells like you."

Damn. I clench the fabric around my chest dramatically.

"So-! Cute-!" He grabs my keys and hands them to me. By the awkward body language, I can tell I've embarrassed him.

I give him a once over and can't help the smile on my face. His cute little board shorts. It takes a lot of willpower to forego the trip and just cuddle him on the couch.

"Let's go."

Despite how many times I had to tell Yoongi to keep his seatbelt on, the trip was fun and quiet. Also, the fact Yoongi wanted to hold my hand made driving more difficult.

The beach is empty, probably since it's so early in the morning. Yoongi pulls on my bag.

Brows furrowing, he tells me, "Let me hold your bag."

"Why?"

"Taehyung used to put on movies for us to watch. Isn't it romantic for the boy to take the bag?" I look around, mentally looking for a spot to settle down before turning my attention back to him.

"Okay. Thank you, Yoongi." The bag slips from my fingers, but he does something unexpected.

He switches the bag to his other hand and holds my hand. We both blush furiously, but Yoongi can't seem to look me in the eye, so he looks away. Being careful of the dry seaweed, I lead him over to an empty spot.

"Sit here while I set up the umbrella." I remove my towel. Then I kneel down and prepare everything for us.

"You..."

"Me?"

"You look beautiful."

When I turn to Yoongi, he seems sincere.

"Poetic aren't you? Oh! Yoongi! We should build a sandcastle!" Upon finishing, I noticed the bucket and shovel.

"What is that?"

"I'll show you." The hybrid comes beside me, ears twitching with curiosity.

"Help me put sand in this bucket."

We work together until I carefully place the bucket upside down. When I remove it, the sand stays. Yoongi is in awe.

"I'm not done yet," I say as I begin drawing little decorations. Then I make a door. He gets the idea and carefully uses his fingers to carve little divots and ornate designs.

"Me and mom used to build sandcastles all the time when I was little." He smiles.

"What is she like?"

"Really nice. And she never gets mad at me. She's really smart, too. She is pretty even now. She's like an angel."

"You are just like her then. An angel." Our fingers touch and I look up at him. Next to me, Yoongi has a tender look in his eyes. He leans forward, planting a kiss on my temple.

My hand gets engulfed in sand and Yoongi flinches.

"Sorry. I ruined it."

"It's okay. Sandcastles are really great, but they're bound to go down."

"Oh," he whispers. And for some reason, he starts building it again.

"Do you want to do something else?" He numbly shakes his head.

"I want to build it again. I want this one to last forever," he explains, then turns to me. "It's the first one I made with you. It's more special."

Blinking, taken aback, I nod and help him.

Standing up once we finish, I grab his hand and help him up, but he nearly falls over. I panic and bring him close to support him.

"Yoongi?"

"It's okay." His eyes glaze over and I only now notice how weak and out of it he seems. Like a newborn dear, taking clumsy steps. He takes a few breaths and eventually rights himself.

He's weak. He's old. He's going to-

I stop the thought as I blurt, "Want to go get some ice cream?"

"What is ice cream?"

"It's difficult to explain, it's better to just try it." I grab my bag— which he takes out my hand in order to hold my hand —and very nearly drag him to an ice cream stand.

The man at the stand regards us with a fond grin.

"Pretty girlfriend." Yoongi blushes and I sneakily squeeze his hand.

"Thank you..."

"What can I get you?"

"One scoop of sea salt vanilla for him and a strawberry for me." Yoongi mentally notes what I said. I'm too scared to get him any other flavor for fear of his stomach not being able to digest it.

"Here you are! Three ninety-five."

Once I pay and we get seated on a bench, I eagerly start eating the dessert. But Yoongi, on the other hand, stares at it like it's an alien.

"Lick it." He observes how I do it before giving a cute, kitten-lick. His expression lights up, now devouring it like he won't ever eat again.

"Wow. I take it you like it?" He looks up from his treat, mouth stained with ice cream. Laughing, I grab a napkin and wipe his mouth.

He nods and struggles to say, "Gants." I laugh at his poor thank you.

After we both finish and our bellies are full of ice cream, I lean my head on Yoongi's shoulder. He follows and leans on mine, exhaling deeply. I can hear him yawn above me.

"I'm glad we could spend time like this, Yoongi. I really like you and I'm so thankful to have met you."

"Me, too..." His voice is quiet, and his body seems to sag. Maybe we can go home and relax after this.

Yoongi suddenly touches his chest. And he shakes. He takes a deep breath and doesn't breathe for a while.

"Hey, weirdo, what are you doing?" When he exhales, his heart starts pounding loudly. Yoongi sighs and grabs my hand, squeezing it.

"Nothing. I'm okay. It's nothing." Despite how strange it sounds, I ignore it.

"Can we come again tonight?"

"Tonight?" I look up at him, and he looks down at me with a pained expression.

"Yes. Please."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm okay. I just really want to come again." Nodding, I oblige to his wishes, but I can't help but worry about his odd behavior.

Just as I promised, when we finish eating dinner, I take him back down to the coast. I don't quite understand why he wants to come. As far as I can tell, he looks more ready for a long nap. But I still humor him and bring him down to the same spot.

The sandcastle was still halfway up, although the wind has definitely eroded it. Yoongi practically plops onto the ground. I don't bother setting up an umbrella and just get out a soft blanket and some cushions. After we get comfortable, Yoongi uses my lap as a pillow.

He takes a deep, shaky breath and touches his chest.

"What do you want to do?"

"Nothing. I just want to sit with you here a while."

"Oh," I mumble. For a while, I just run my fingers through his hair and watching his peaceful face. He looks like he's about to sleep.

"Are you tired, Yoongi?" When his eyes open, there are some unshed tears. My heart clenches, worried as to why he is so upset.

"I...yes."

"Why are you crying?"

"I am?" He wipes his eyes and forces a smile on his face, but I can't tell it's fake.

"You can tell me what's wrong."

"I'm sorry." Now confused, I watch as he grabs my hand and lays a kiss on the palm.

"Why?"

"Because... You've given me everything and I left you with nothing."

Frowning, I insist, "That's not true. You've given me a lot. Plus, I don't need material things. You're very precious to me. You've become the most person in my life."

He flinches hard when he hears that.

"Don't let me be that. It makes me feel so sad."

"Yoongi, you've been acting so strange today. As soon as we got home, you went to sleep. Then, when I asked you if you wanted to watch a movie, you told me you were too tired." Yoongi rolls over toward me and hugs my midriff.

I feel his tears on my shirt.

"I'm sorry."

"Yoongi. It's okay." I push him back so I can face him, and his eyes are swimming with a lot of things I can't place.

"Oh, Yoongi..." He clutches his chest.

Yoongi closes his eyes and breathes a few times. We sit there for a few minutes. I pet his head. The waves crash especially hard and our little sandcastle finally falls over. I smile at the memory from this morning. Yoongi was so happy to just be with me.

"Sorry. I have some thoughts really eating at me right now."

"It's okay. But never hesitate to tell me okay?" And for seemingly forever, Yoongi stares at me.

Then blurts, "I love you. I wanted to say it before I regret not saying it."

My heart beats out of my chest and if a human body could smile, every cell in my body would be smiling.

"I love you, too." He smiles his gummy smile. Again, he touches his chest. Closing his eyes, he grabs my hand again and squeezes it close to him.

"I'm going to...take a nap, okay?"

"Sure. We can go home after."

"...Yeah. And... Thank you so much for everything. My last— Uh. I'm glad you could take care of me for..."

He can't finish his sentence, as if something is holding him back. A little tear slips down the corner of his eye, but I don't catch it.

"I was in that place for so long. My entire life. Thank you for showing me love and happiness."

"Of course."

"And. I love you. A lot."

"Me, too."

"Can you say it? Please?" His voice cracks.

"I love you."

He smiles, still with an iron hold on my hand. His chest slows down. I can hear his heartbeat slowing, too. Such a calm, gentle thing. The waves crashing are the opposite. I didn't think I would get so attached to someone so fast like I did with Yoongi.

Sighing, I look down at him and squeeze his hand.

And I notice how oddly cold he is.

"Should have asked for a blanket, dummy." I drape it over him.

And then I notice that his chest isn't moving.

I furrow my eyebrows.

And then I realize I can't hear his heartbeat.

I gulp.

"Yoongi?" Lightly, I shake him.

He's as still as a rock.

Oh no no no no. Not now.

"Yoongi? This better be a joke!" I choke. Shaking him more vigorously, I start heaving.

Why now? Why?

I lean against his chest and can't hear or feel anything.

"Yoongi! Stop it right now!" My voice cracks. Before I know it I'm sobbing. I place my finger under his nose: no breath. His face is cold. I lean against his chest again, hoping for something.

The only thing I hear is my own heart.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" I grip his shirt, throat tightening, and stomach twisting. "I didn't know it would be so soon!" The tears running down my face are relentless.

How could he look so content and happy while my whole world is crumbling?! Why does time keep going, when I feel like it just stopped?!

"I'm so-so sorry. A month wasn't e-nough!"

He spent ten years of his life suffering and alone. It's not fair. Not fair for him or for me.

"I'm- I'm sorry I didn't do- do enough for you!" I hiccup. "You do-n't deserve th-this!" Bringing him toward me, I bury my face into his shoulder and squeeze him to me.

My tears reverberate:

Tap tap. Tap tap. Tap tap.

If only his heart sounded like that.

"I'm sorry, Yoongi."

90 notes · View notes

koko-bopp · 4 years

Text

Blood & Affection

zhang yixing x gender neutral!reader

word count – 1.4K

genre – mafia!au, psychological? fluff? Bro y'all have full permission to question my sanity, I don't even know.

warning(s) – gore, torture, sadism (none inflicted on the reader), mentions of sex.

synopsis – Practically married to a leader of a mafia, mind you, he loves you quite a lot despite his occupation.

"I think–" Yixing began, though swallowed the heavy sigh, just because he was that little bit out of breathe from his... sport. "–I think you learned enough, no?"

He didn't get a response. He'd be surprised if he had. The man sitting in the chair had his arms and legs bound to the chair tight enough that Yixing could witness the rope slowly ripping off the flesh it was tied upon. It looked bad, it would look bad even if you disregarded the fact that the man had approximately six kitchen knives and a mechanical pen penetrated through the skin of his hands just below his knuckles.

Yixing almost admired him. Almost. It took three knives to get him to talk, that's three more than any person Yixing has needed to deal with. But adding another three and a pen was only neccasery to satisfy the gangster's amusement.

Sadistic? Yes, without a doubt.

Fun? Yes, without a second thought.

Unethical definition of fun? Eh. Debatable.

There were waterfalls of red emitting from the top of the victim's hands and making its way to pool onto the concrete floor. The blood glistening under the lightbulb hanging on top of them, honestly making a nice painting out of the colour on uneven colours of grey.

It'll be a bitch to remove the stains, Yixing almost felt bad for the cleaners that operate on the lower floors.

But he needed answers to the whereabouts of his missing weapons, he didn't sacrifice massive amounts of money just for his deliveries to go missing. So in Yixing's mind, six knives and a pen is pretty vanilla to stick into someone's body. He had better things to care about then the comfort of someone who is delaying his plans much longer than he is willing to appropriate.

"Now," Yixing said, taking off his blood-stained black gloves, "I have the love of my life to get back to. Just scream out when they really start hurting and Kyungsoo will be happy to pull them out." He gently tapped the side of the other's face twice, at first for good measure, then kind of cringing at how much the man was sweating. Guess he couldn't blame him.

"Sleep well." Yixing smiled, and if you looked from a distance, it seemed rather sympathetic, but if you looked hard enough, Yixing honestly gave donkey shit about how the other was feeling.

He exited the space, closing the steel door behind him. His clean hands went up to the blazer of his suit, fixing the article of clothing that droplets of blood scattered across it. He seemed to have stepped into the liquid, because there seemed to be a trail of red footprints following his steps. Again, it was the least of his problems.

"Bǎobèi?" A bright smile made its way onto his face. He opened the double doors of his luxury living room, happy to be seeing you peacefully reviewing your client-notes as well being surrounded by a couple of papers and books. Though, seeing you under him wouldn't be too terrible either. He stood at the door like a happy puppy with his hands holding both door's handles, not fully being in the room. "Was I too long, honey?"

"Enough for me to dread my job as a health professional," You joked, looking up at him from your notes with a grin. "Do I get a 'thank you' for finding the driver of your missing toys?"

Yixing chuckled, entering the room and closing the door behind him. He made his way towards you in a completely relaxed demeanor, some would even say affectionate. Your fianceé placed one hand on the arm of the couch where your elbow was rested, and another on the neck of the furniture, trapping you with his body a generous length away from you. "Definitely more than a 'thank you', Honey."

You smiled, reaching up to gently touch Yixing's cheek and shift that little bit to place your lips on his.

It was soft, that little bit of metallic taste coming from, well, his job, but fait enough for the both of you to enjoy the sensation of Yixing dropping his hand down to cup the space just under your jaw, bringing himself forward to get more of what he wants.

"Yixing–" You managed to breathe out, pulling away from your fianceé quick enough before he continued to escalate the moment, "I still have work to do."

"And? Is it urgent?" Yixing asked, stopping himself from rolling his eyes.

"Somewhat," You responded, caressing Yixing's cheek, "I've got one of your boys here who failed their drug test, so I need to follow up with them."

"Shit. Which one?"

"You know, legally, I can't tell you. It's an invasion of their privacy," You chuckled.

"But..." Yixing pouted, "You're my partner, my baby, you can trust me. And mind you, I'm the human embodiment of 'fuck the law'."

You couldn't help but laugh and roll your eyes, "Technically, we're not married yet–"

He didn't let you finish your sentence, just quickly joining your lips with his before locking eyes with you to talk, "Yet. We're not married, yet," Yixing corrected, before sighing, "But regardless. I'll stop prying. Though, please be in bed before midnight, and eat something if you have to."

You smiled, "I'll be upstairs in an hour."

"I'll be waiting," Yixing respond, quite lovingly.

224 notes · View notes

missytearex · 6 years

Text

To Read List - Ziam

This list is purely for myself to keep track of everything I still want to read. Its gonna change as I actually read though them and find more stuff to add.

Find fics I’ve already read here.

Ziam

Four Arrows (Led You to Me) by transteverogers

An au where people get tattoos of their soulmates and everyone works in a hotel

(AKA the one where I wanted an excuse to do handy man!Liam and soul mates)

Playing With Fire (Never Felt So Nice) by transteverogers

Liam's known he's special since he was 7.

(AKA the one where they all have superpowers and go to a boarding school, where Harry's incapable of talking about his feelings, Zayn's not the ass for once and Niall just wants people to stop thinking about sex)

Six Degrees Of Separation by ghostrider

Where Liam is the bad boy and Zayn his sweet, smart, nerdy boyfriend. They are happy until one day, Liam breaks up with him. Zayn, however has fallen too hard to be able to pick himself up. So his best, annoying and stupid, friend Harry, comes up with an annoying and stupid plan to get his best friend his ‘dumbass of a boyfriend’ back. And that plan involves a certain Louis Tomlinson who Harry hates (loves) with a passion.

Everything On You Intoxicates by zipplekink

Where Zayn maybe stalks that fit guy from his Intro to Lit class on Instagram

until you believe it by lizee

And Zayn’s not usually like this, Zayn never volunteers to do extra work, let alone work that requires him to think and commit, yet his stupid mouth doesn’t seem to get the hint. “I could tutor you,” he finds himself saying. “English was pretty much the only subject I got decent grades in, even won an award or two in writing. I reckon I could help y’ out if you were okay with that, of course.” Stupid, stupid, stupid.

or, where Zayn and Liam meet at a sixth form party and Zayn offers to tutor him. He doesn't expect himself to fall in love with the kid while he's at it.

The Money Maker by deniallisstrong

"This is who I gotta pretend to be in a relationship with?” Zayn whines, shaking his head when he sees the crinkly-eyed boy with the styled quiff, the hoodie, the sunglasses.

“You’re no looker yourself,” Liam snorts, squinting his eyes at Zayn as he pulls off his sunglasses. But he’s lying. Of course he’s lying. His cheekbones are sharp enough to cut wood, his eyes bright enough to start a fire. But Zayn doesn't have to know that.

Zayn is perplexed—already—by Liam. He’s sharper, quicker than he expected. With a sigh, Liam slides down his hood, tiredly sliding his fingers through his hair. “Alright, well, let’s get this… thing started. I want it over as soon as possible.”

Zayn wonders suddenly what Liam’s hair feels like, has a strong urge to reach forward and kiss him back into the wall, find his own fingers in the boy’s brown hair.

Zayn's lying, too. But Liam doesn't have to know that.

(Or a fake relationship AU where Zayn struggles to hide his fond for Liam, and maybe--just maybe--Liam has the same problem with Zayn) [Started from the Tumblr prompt: Fake relationship AU]

Ridiculous by scottmcniceass

They are every cliched high school story. The jock and the rebel. The popular boy and the outsider. They shouldn't fit, and they definitely shouldn't work, but they sort of do anyways.

Nobody Knows You Baby (The Way I Do) by transteverogers

Zayn and Liam accidentally get nominated for cutest couple at school and Louis makes a bet with them that they won't win.

(AKA the one where everyone was betting and nothing is accidental)

You Know I Got You by zipplekink

“You don’t think I look stupid?” Zayn murmurs, fingers spreading across Liam’s thigh to tug him closer. He keeps his hand there, resting against his inner knee, gently cupping it and smoothing a thumb across the rough material of his jeans.

Liam snorts, he can’t help it. His breath is catching in his lungs just looking at Zayn because he is so beautiful, and he can’t grasp the concept of how Zayn doesn’t get it.

[Alternatively, the one where Zayn and Liam will do anything to protect and take care of the other, but admitting their feelings well -]

You Never Give Up On Me by sunshinexbomb

Zayn doesn’t know if it’s funny or a little sad that they keep skirting around this thing they’ve gotten themselves into. Sometimes it hurts knowing that Liam never asks him to stay even though Zayn knows he wants him to. He wonders how long he can keep doing this, can keep waiting for Liam, and he doesn’t know if it scares him or not that he could possibly wait forever.

In which Zayn is an English teacher tempted to write awful poetry about the warm coffee color of Liam's eyes, Liam is a primary ed teacher and single parent who thinks he's too busy to be in a relationship, Niall and Harry are the sickeningly cute newlywed teachers in the school, and Louis is a drama teacher who is not-so-patiently waiting for the day of his own wedding.

Let's Be Alone Together by we_are_the_same

After getting his heart broken, Liam escapes his life in London by boarding a plane to Amsterdam. Along the way, he finds someone just as lost as him. Together they might just be able to find themselves.

“You’ll need coffee shops and sunsets and road trips. Airplanes and passports and new songs and old songs, but people more than anything else. You will need other people and you will need to be that other person to someone else, a living breathing screaming invitation to believe better things.” - Jamie Tworkowski

Thanks for being that person for me, Li.

ZM.

Or, maybe in the end it doesn't matter so much where you end up, as long as you aren't alone.

You Know How I Feel by LSFOREVER

AU. It all starts because Liam decides to take some classes at his Aunt's art studio.

Let Lips Do What Hands Do by erstwhiled

You're not supposed to fall in love with students, it's unethical or something.

a game that I'm destined to lose by we_are_the_same

college!AU. Liam doesn't like Zayn, because Zayn keeps falling asleep in class yet manages to get straight A's all the time while Liam barely manages to scrape by, and if you ask Liam Zayn is just a complete dick who thinks there's nothing wrong with becoming Liam's colleague at the on-campus coffee place.

Permanent by scottmcniceass

At twenty-six, Liam has made a name for himself as one of the best football players of his generation. He's in the prime of his game when a car accident threatens to end his career permanently. Depressed and hating the world, Liam heads back to his home town to take some time off and find himself again. He doesn't expect to find life pretty much the way he'd left it eight years ago, and he definitely doesn't expect to find something that might make him want to stay permanently, but that's what he gets.

say it out loud by ieatravioli

Liam has a younger sister who is deaf and he meets Zayn; an alumni from his sister's school. Zayn has just found out that he's qualified to receive a Cochlear implant and decides to go through with the procedure.

The Difference Between Knowing and Knowing by luxover

“They say I’m in a band,” Liam tells his mom. He squeezes his eyes shut, his phone pressed tight against his ear. “I don’t even remember any of it.” In which Liam gets temporary amnesia and forgets things even more important than the fact that he's in a band.

Cold Gym Floor Honeymoons by jannika

A High School AU where they are all in competitive Marching Band and out to make their senior year their tenth championship running. Louis wants to lead but not grow up, Zayn hates everything except for all the good things that keep happening to him, Harry is good luck and maybe just a little naïve, Niall only ever has whiskey and is glad he gets a guitar solo, and Liam has only ever done this in theory but he can't wait to put it into practice. Also featuring Louis crawling into Zayn's window a lot, which is no one is jealous of at all. Honestly. And a High school Zayn can't wait to get out of, even though the five of them sort of run it.

the truth or something beautiful by blackwayfarers

"Oh," Liam says like he's been hit in the sternum, turning to Zayn with his eyes wide and running his hands back through his hair. "Oh my God, that's it. Your family, they must have thought – like, because you invited me back home for Christmas and, oh, God – they think we're boyfriends."

Snail Jellybeans by thesilverwitch

Liam has been in love with Zayn since the moment he first saw him in the Hogwarts Express. Five years later, and he still hasn't quite figured out how to tell him that.

Or, the one where Liam and Zayn are pathetically in love with each other (but take too damn long to let the other one know), Louis refuses to admit he has crush on Harry, and Niall just wants there to be a food marathon.

the spark is not within me by crookedcrown

This is not how Zayn thought his life would turn out. He was going to go to university. He was going to be a teacher.

But now he runs errands for a gangster named Paul in South London - picking up packages, collecting money. Then he's sent to pick up a boy who's just been released from prison and...

Well, this isn't the life Zayn had imagined, but it's the only one he's got.

Don't Go by scottmcniceass

Liam's out of the country most of the year because of his job, but he needs someone to take care of his dog. Zayn thinks he's hit the jackpot when he starts renting the room in Liam's apartment. He gets the whole place to himself most of the year, and all he has to do is walk and feed a dog.

He never expected to fall in love with Liam, but it happens anyways.

Hear My Beating Heart One Last Time by khaleesiq

“Is this… is it normal?” Liam asks. “To get more than one result? “Not at all,” she replies, and Liam’s heart pounds a little harder in fear. “They have a word for it, but it’s dangerous and you can’t tell anyone, not even your parents, what you are.” “What am I?” Liam asks, getting more nervous by the second. “It’s called Divergent,” she tells him in a hushed voice. (Or, a Divergent AU that doesn't follow the book series at all and Liam is Divergent and hiding and Zayn is Erudite and trying to save Divergents.)

until the stars are all alight (orphan_account)

Liam is a retired former astronaut with the World Space Agency in the year 2134. He was once the ace pilot and pride of Britain until tragedy pushed him out of the service. He's approached by astrophysicist Louis to join a crew that's being assembled to go rescue an astronaut left on the Mars Space Station. This is Zayn Malik. Liam is the only pilot available with the experience necessary to fly a mission to a damaged station.

Slowish burn.

your albatross, let it go by darlingjustdont

They’re all here for a reason, Liam’s not stupid. They all have reasons to be in a safe house in the middle of Budapest, and here’s proof. They might need to talk about it soon. Not now, though, when one of them looks to be shaking apart at the seams.

They've all been so hurt, and they're trying to piece themselves back together.

Clean by unfortunate17

Liam's been in love with Zayn almost as long as he can remember and living in a heavily policed, alien, post-apocalyptic world doesn't change this fact. Things would be simple, he thinks, if Zayn would just come to understand the feelings he has for Liam (they exist, Liam is positive of this) and then maybe they could be happy together. But, Zayn is fickle minded, and he likes to mess with Liam's head - though sometimes, Liam is convinced there's something innately off about him and his memory. There's a reason why Zayn is like this, Liam thinks, but unfortunately he just can't seem to remember why.

A story that features: a house that becomes a home, two people with the same face, and a love that stretches beyond death.

I Think I'm Going To Win This Time (orphan_account)

“But this is my job, Louis. This has been my dream since I was a kid whose dad came home with his first pair of skates. I’m scared to lose this.”

“Who said you’re losing this?”

“No one is out yet Louis… We don’t know.”

“I can't tell you what to do, Liam. But he’s the happiest I have ever seen you with anyone and he looked so happy with you.”

“What should I do?” Liam deflates.

“Liam, I can't decide for you. Hockey is everything for us. It was once our hobby, our dream, our goal, and now it’s our life. But in a few years from now when we’re old and rusty and retired and watching young lads take our place. Is it Zayn who you want by your side or not?”

Liam has decisions to make and sometimes they're more heart breaking than the outcome.

Inside the Pocket of Your Ripped Jeans by ellipsometry

Fuck Niall, honestly. Fuck him for telling Zayn about this – he of all people should know that despite his leather-jacket-and-cigarette façade, underneath it all Zayn is just a hopeless romantic. And when dealing with hopeless romantics you can’t go serving mysterious, hunky, salt-water-washed strangers up on a silver platter. You just can’t.

It's a simple concept, really: Take a photo, then leave a photo. But, like most simple things, Zayn manages to make it much more complicated. So by the time Zayn meets Liam for the first time, he's been carrying a picture of him around in his pocket for nearly five months.

Iron & Ivory by transteverogers

Liam knows he's a shitty shadowhunter but he doesn't need Zayn Malik- the son of the reasons his parents are dead- of all people teaching him to fight.

(AKA the one where they don't hate each other and then do and then they sort of don't and they really do and then they really don't and then one hates the other until they actually fucking talk for once)

Clockwork by unfortunate17

Genetic engineering in humans, though declared illegal worldwide, wasn’t always forbidden. In fact, Zayn is a living example - wings sprouting from his back and an infinite number of languages ready for use on his quick, tongue. His boyfriend, Liam, brings back all the painful parts of his life with a father who worked on the Human Engineering Project, possessing a sort of fascination with these “hybrids.” Zayn hasn’t told him and doesn’t plan on telling him. But as he learns, there’s no way to run from your past - or identity.

So let's say, I'll come another day by sophieisgod

Zayn meets Liam in 1999, swinging on the gate in his back yard. Liam meets Zayn in 2010, killing time in McDonald’s on the most important day of his life. They have adventures, conquer the world, and fall in love. A story about fate, timing, free will, wonky genetics, parallel universes, significant tattoos, emotional haircuts, sudden nudity, sex crying, and a Batman t-shirt from HMV.

Or, in which Zayn is the time traveller’s wife. No spoilers.

Never the Same Tide Twice by sunfair

Zayn is a successful pop star from the UK, transplanted to LA. He is the product of completely contrived and neatly packaged PR and marketing, including a fake name. Liam Payne is a professional surfer who lives alone in a bungalow on the beach, taking a break after a string of successful competitions. When their paths cross accidentally and it's clear that Liam doesn't recognize him in the slightest, Zayn drops his tired pretenses for the opportunity just to be himself for once.

Somehow I Still Carry On, Burdened By Fears by slashter

He doesn't realize how much pain he's in until the hot water hits his shoulders. He hisses at the sting but lets the water pound his aching muscles anyway, washing himself with Liam's body wash and shampoo, then toweling himself off until he's practically pink. His knees are already buckling as he makes his way over to the dresser, grabbing a pair of clean boxers, and he eases himself into bed, wrapping himself in the cold sheets. He doesn't cry, no, not at all.

[Or the one where Liam's been kidnapped but doesn't remember Zayn and Zayn struggles with loss and love and heartbreak all over again]

we press play don't press pause by snuffleslove

in which zayn's a dancer of one sort, liam's a dancer of another, and harry, niall and louis are all damn good musicians. or, in which zayn's determined to prove that he doesn't fit in anywhere, and along the way discovers that he's fit in all along.

Connected by lazy_daze

Liam works at Poundland and Zayn does the windows displays - it's no Selfridges, but it's a start. When they open a musical box that Zayn borrowed from Styles Antiques, something interesting happens...

to this breathing end by magneticwave

Liam should know better, when he opens his email and the most recent message is from Louis with the subject line: YOU NEEDTO WWATCHI THIS IMEDIATELY. // Or, Zayn does a Hysterical Literature session and blows Liam’s fucking mind.

I'm a frail evergreen, be a bauble hanging off of me by jannika

Liam has a brand-new job just in time for the holidays and just in time to be assigned one of his brand-new coworkers in the annual holiday exchange. One of his brand-new coworkers who happens to be that incredibly attractive guy who works in the art department.

Or ridiculous holiday fluff in which Louis, Liam and Zayn are coworkers. Liam is trying to get to know Zayn, Louis has a master plan, Zayn's making a bet with himself, Niall's making a different bet, and Harry is a biased judge.

fooled around and fell in love by tachycardia

“I have a proposal - a proposition,” Liam corrects quickly. “For you.”

Liam and Zayn pretend to be engaged.

Some Love Wait Till Its Time by wasp

It hadn’t occurred to Zayn that they would start loving other people, people that weren’t each other. That it would be devastating but they’d survive, they’d keep on going with their lives. It hurts a lot more than Zayn expected.

University!AU where heart-in-the-right place but always-trying-to-save-people Liam Payne meets slightly pretentious hipster Zayn and tries to mend his broken heart.

higher than the moon by tinyweirdloves

au. zayn is an art model and liam should not be staring this much.

But the sun comes up instead by blackwayfarers

Zayn Malik, charming and confident fraternity vice-president, meets shy but achingly endearing high schooler Liam Payne at a kegger and everything just goes straight to hell.

Burning Away From Inside by scottmcniceass

They're a little too dysfunctional to be considered superheroes, but they do their best.

The List by scottmcniceass

Louis constantly gets Liam into trouble. Zayn is always there to get him out of it.

How Blue Is Your Heart by estrella30

The reporter smiles gently. “No pressure, it’s just that you’re at a gallery opening, so I was curious. Do you have any favorites you’re hoping to see?”

“Oh, you know.” Liam laughs softly. “Not really. I’m just along to keep Harry company if you must know; he’s the art guy of the group.

or, a Zayn/Liam fic based on the tumblr post here:

Zayn is a famous artist and Liam is in a famous boyband and they meet at an art gallery opening

Tunnel Vision by scottmcniceass

In which Zayn is an award-winning popstar with a knack for getting himself in trouble, and Liam is the bodyguard he didn’t want to hire who has a few problems with staying professional.

Some Girls by Rave

“I did some research,” Liam says, busily pulling up Safari. His voice sounds masterfully, miraculously steady in his own ears. “I think probably the best thing to do is like, get to know yourself. Um. And your, like. New equipment."

Zayn wakes up a girl. Liam tries to be helpful.

Hollow Creatures Don't Feel the Earth Shake by wasp

Zayn didn't think he'd ever see Liam again, that much was a fact to him. He never wrote and he never called. Zayn wrote letters, he wrote loads of them but he never had the courage to send them because it felt like Liam left him, didn't want anything to do with him and without Liam there to tell him otherwise, it was so easy to believe.

And Wonderful Is True by jannika

An AU in which Louis owns a bar he should probably close on Wednesdays, Niall turns down job offers, Zayn doesn’t make art anymore, Liam’s scones come premade and frozen, Harry cooks in other people’s kitchens, and two of them are lying. Or the one where Liam, Zayn and Louis are too tangled in each other to move anymore until Harry shows up.

When we meet on a cloud by retts

'By the way, Liam, Zayn here is your biggest fan. He’s a total fanboy. Practically lives in your tag on Tumblr, he does.'

Zayn is going to kill Louis.

Can I Keep You by scottmcniceass

Liam is always trying to do what's best for himself and his daughter, but raising a kid on his own at twenty-two, on top of juggling school work and a full-time job, isn't easy. Zayn just wants a chance to show Liam that he's not going to walk out on them. And Liam's daughter, Emma? She just wants to keep Zayn.

i'll see you down the line by blurrychildren (roadsider)

AU where Zayn works in the snack shop of the local skating rink and Liam’s a hockey player (worse, an attractive one).

Tangled Up in You by marcel

It turns out Zayn’s flatmate is essentially a disney prince. Zayn wonders how this became his life.

There's Probably a German Word for This by matchsticks_p (matchsticks)

Harry uses Nick's radio dj powers for evil and also for love. Or, a story about Harry and Nick pretending to date while trying to get Zayn and Liam to date for real.

wished upon parallel lines by pendules

AU. In which they go to a performing arts school, Liam is a piano genius, and Zayn has a secret.

do firemen dream of exploding sheep by blathering_kat, fiarra

It's Zayn's first year as an English teacher, and when he hears that the drama department is doing Shakespeare - and one that they're reading this semester - he has to see. He just wasn't expecting the exploding sheep.

Maybe One Day They Will Mean Something by wasp

Seeing Liam pressed up against Louis, soft, satisfied smile lighting up his face, does pretty much make Zayn want to crawl into a hole and stay there for a while but this is much much worse. He prefers Liam fussing over Louis to see him biting his lips until they’ve about to burst.

This Is What We're Doing Now by Rave

“Cursed me,” Zayn said mournfully. “Mm’a victim.”

“Bollocks. I dared him to let me turn him into a person who lets himself have a little fun in public,” Louis said. “Temporarily! Temporarily. He’ll be back to his sulky old self in a couple of hours.”

“You put a curse,” Zayn said. “On me. You’re a bad friend. Can I touch your hair?” (Hogwarts AU Yule Ball snippet.)

you're the answer to the question I didn't know I was asking by estrella30

everyone thinks zayn and liam are shagging. that is, everyone except zayn and liam

the boys of summer by countthestars

Louis cracks open his can and holds it up in a toast. “To the best summer of our lives,” he declares.

“To graduating high school,” Harry adds.

“To beer!” Niall crows.

Liam looks around the fire at his three best friends in the entire world, the rest of summer stretching out in front of them as vast and endless as the ocean. There’s nowhere on earth he’d rather be.

“To friendship,” he says.

Four cans clink together in a toast and just for a moment, Liam feels like he’s invincible.

;

Liam is 17 the summer he falls in love.

Take My Hand (I Promise) by sunshinexbomb

And really, that’s what Liam is, Zayn’s anchor. Keeps him from floating off in his own thoughts and fears and angers. Whenever Zayn needs him, Liam’s there with a gentle touch, a soothing gesture that feels just right.

or four times liam holds zayn's hand to comfort him and one time zayn does the same for liam.

Listen As We Go by sunshinexbomb

“What would people think?”

“What would people think of what?” Louis asks.

Zayn opens his eyes to glance at Louis’ confused expression. “Of the CEO of Malik Developments going out with an eighteen year old kid?”

AKA in which Zayn is a young CEO, Liam is his college boyfriend, and it’s all a big secret even though they both wish it wasn’t.

You Will Always Burn As Bright by sunshinexbomb

There’s no way anybody could truly love the boy with the black wings.

Beam Me Up by StormDancer

One Direction fans really are from everywhere...

Here I Stand by StormDancer

Zayn lifts his chin, turns so that he’s facing Harry. He doesn’t look at Liam, because he can’t bear to look, and because he’s really not trying to be mean or pointed. Liam can do what he wants. But Zayn drew a line in the sand a long time ago, and it matters. “I’m not hiding, Haz. This is who I am. They can deal with it.”

Cry Into Your Shoulder by StormDancer

It's 3 AM, Liam's world is falling apart, and all he knows how to do is to let Zayn fix it for him.

Cards on the Table by StormDancer

Slowly, very slowly, Zayn nods. “After the job,” he agrees, and turns to leave. But then he pauses, with his hand on the doorknob, and Liam braces himself because he knows the signs of a Zayn Malik bit of wisdom coming. “But Liam—” he talks to the side, not looking back, “You keep on wanting me to show my hand. But you--you’ve barely got any money in the pot.”

In which Liam pines, Zayn broods, Louis is manic, Harry charms everyone, Niall makes the best sandwiches, and stealing the money is barely the point at all.

As He Moves by scottmcniceass

Zayn thought he wanted to know where Liam worked. Apparently he thought wrong.

Burning Away From Inside by scottmcniceass

They're a little too dysfunctional to be considered superheroes, but they do their best.

Connected by scottmcniceass

Fed up with Zayn and Liam skirting around how they feel about each other, the rest of the band devise a plan to get them to own up to their feelings.

(Or, Zayn and Liam are oblivious and annoying, the rest of the band can't handle it anymore, and handcuffs were probably not intended to be used this way.)

Lover Dearest by scottmcniceass

"First rule, babe," Zayn says, leaning down. His lips slide over Liam's jaw, barely there, just a soft pressure, fleeting and gone as soon as it came. "Never trust a vampire."

He's grinning as he climbs off Liam, heading for the door. Liam watches him go, thinking that he's wrong. The first rule should be to not fall in love with one.

The Way It Is by scottmcniceass

Liam makes a habit of drunkenly stumbling into Zayn's room, and Zayn makes a habit of lying to everyone about how he feels.

Only Place I Call Home by scottmcniceass

Liam works at a coffee shop; Zayn is a homeless street performer who plays just outside the shop. Sometimes Liam brings Zayn coffee and donuts and in exchange Zayn sings for him.

Every Little Secret by scottmcniceass

It’s always Liam, isn’t it? Since he met the damn guy, he’s crawled under Zayn’s skin like he was made to fit there and the only way to get him out would cause Zayn serious harm.

(Or the one where all the boys are in boarding school except Liam, Zayn sort of hates the world, and he wants nothing more than to save Liam from it.)

What We Become by scottmcniceass

“Nervous?”

“No.”

“It’s okay if you are,” Harry says seriously. “I mean, I know I would be. Like, if there was ever a date that was destined to go bad, it’s probably this one. Werewolf goes on date with the son of a werewolf hunter, who’s also training to be a werewolf hunter when he’s older, while another pack of werewolves are practically massacring the town, and no one has no idea how to stop them. It's not a question of what could go wrong. It's a question of what could possibly go right, and I'm willing to bet the answer to that is nothing."

I'll Be Strong For You by scottmcniceass

When Zayn breaks his leg attempting to skateboard over Harry's car, he ends up stuck in the hospital for two weeks. The only thing he doesn't hate about the hospital is the gorgeous volunteer, Liam, who is almost annoyingly sunny and happy. But Liam's got a secret a secret hidden behind his impossibly bright smile.

Good Thing At a Bad Time by scottmcniceass

Zayn prefers to be on his own. It's easier to survive when you don't have to worry about anyone else. Liam leads a large group of people that have taken residence in an abandoned prison. When Zayn wakes up in a prison cell, all he can think about is finding a way out. Liam makes him want to stay.

Chaotically by scottmcniceass

The way Zayn plays makes Liam feel a lot of things, but mostly it just makes Liam want him.

Floating On The Water by scottmcniceass

Liam just wants to get through his last summer working at Malik Resort before University without incident. Of course, life is never that easy, and he ends up getting roped into giving the bosses son, Zayn, swimming lessons. That wouldn't be so bad, if Zayn didn't happen to hate him so much.

Your Fingertips, So Touchable by scottmcniceass

When Liam gets upset, he tends to retreat into himself. Zayn helps him through it.

Such a Flirt by scottmcniceass

Five times Liam thinks Zayn is playing around, and one time that Zayn proves to him that he isn't.

keep this love (in a photograph) by carissima

"So Liam asked you to slide down his pole then?" Harry yells over the music.

Zayn nods for a second before he starts frowning. “Wait, no, not like that! He was being nice!”

"You’ve called Liam nice like, ten thousand billion times tonight," Harry points out. "You fancy him!"

"Do not," Zayn protests. His head feels heavy so he lets it drop onto Harry’s shoulder. "He’s just -"

"Nice?" Harry supplies unhelpfully.

Or the one where Liam's a fireman, Zayn's a photographer and yeah, there's a calendar shoot or two involved.

i will hold you closer by carissima

"Liam, put your arms around my neck," he grits out, relieved when Liam nuzzles closer, probably seeking warmth, and his arms wrap around Zayn's neck. allowing Zayn to breathe again. "God I need to go to the gym," he mutters as he turns and heads for the elevators.

Or a five times (plus one) story because Zayn actually picked Liam up onstage and I had a massive meltdown over it.

silence and sound by carissima

Frustrated and tongue-tied, Zayn does the only thing he can think of in that moment and he surges forward, pressing his lips against Liam's.

The last thing he expects Liam to do is kiss him back.

Or the one where Zayn's jealous of Louis and Liam's closeness after Liam splits up with his girlfriend and it takes them a year to figure it all out.

Tower by threeturn

As usual Zayn is unreachable: a fairy tale.

When it came time to leave, it was never the right day by jannika

"Did you want me to come rescue you from the handsome not-really-a-stranger during the blizzard with the car I don’t have?" Louis asks.

AU. Zayn can't get home from work because of the snow storm. Liam lives right around the corner and isn't about to just let Zayn freeze. Fluff.

Baby, I Want You by slashter

Zayn's bruised and marked up good, shaking and moaning with Liam's name on his lips, and Liam doesn't think he's ever loved anyone this much before.

But Zayn's not there in the morning, and even though he's under an unnecessarily thick duvet, Liam feels so, so cold.

[Or the one where Zayn won't admit his feelings unless he's drunk and Liam pines. A lot.]

You Reflect In This Heart Of Mine by slashter

Liam bites his lip. "I, uh...wasn't happy with myself, really. It took me a while to realize it, but eventually I couldn't deny I was..." He pauses, contemplating. "...different. And I didn't like it. So I kind of forced myself to be with Anne and told myself to love her. I rushed into marriage and all that but it wasn't until we had Harry that I realized that I hadn't changed. And Anne was angry, of course, and she gave me Harry, but I'm so glad she did, I honestly wouldn't be happy at all if it wasn't for him." "I get it." Zayn says, finally. "I wasn't happy for a lot of my life because I'm also--" He smirks, winking at Liam. "--different." Liam's breath catches and his heart beats a bit faster, but he just nods and tries to play it off. "But I'm perfectly fine with it now, really." Zayn adds, turning his face back to the sky and closing his eyes again. "Me too." Liam says, softly, and it might just be a trick of the light, but he swears he sees the corner of Zayn's mouth turn up into a smile.

[Or the one where Liam takes Harry to a boy scout camp for the weekend and meets Zayn and Louis]

Marvel by sunnysideup

Liam saves Zayn's dog. Zayn steals Liam's heart.

it's a love story by robpatFF

Liam has a fever and Zayn makes incredible soup. Or alternatively, that one schmoopy sick!fic

Armour of Faith by photo41

In 2014, Zayn Malik, an army medic, is still out in the Middle East- he's stationed as humanitarian relief along the Iraqi/Syrian border. Exploring, he innocently touches a carving in an ancient cave- and suddenly finds himself thrust into a much different war in the year of our Lord...1188.

Hurled back in time by forces he cannot understand, Zayn's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with the Knights Templar and the Third Crusade. He is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of knights, Lords and Kings that may threaten his life ...and shatter his heart.

For here, not only will he need to find a way home, but he also may find the love of a past-life.

Ring Me Up, Cash Me Out by ThankYouMerlin

“For you, yeah?” Liam grinned, almost shy, as he backed away towards the front door of the store.

“For me, yeah,” Zayn turned the peanut butter cup between his fingers. “Thanks, Leeyum.”

Liam blushed as he pushed through the door and left.

“Well,” Louis said. “If you two are quite finished.”

or, the one where Zayn, Harry, Niall, and Louis work at a convenience store in the town where Liam lives.

alternately titled: all i wanna do is (gun shot, gun shot, cash register noise) and make you my honey

You're My Favorite Story by ziammehome

A zombie outbreak leaves Liam teamed up with Zayn, a stranger with a motorcycle who saves Liam's life. Their world has been turned upside down, and all they really have is each other.

you'll never treat yourself right, darling, but i want you to by wafflehood

He loves it, the singing and the touring and the fans and the boys, his boys, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, not being a fireman or an Olympic runner, and he’s so, so grateful for everything he’s been given, everything they’ve been given. But sometimes he reads hateful tweets, or comments not meant to be hurtful but end up feeling like a punch in the gut anyway, listens to people belittle everything they’ve achieved, and he doesn’t mean to let it get to him, but it does.

(or, in which Liam doesn't love himself, (or think he deserves to be loved by anyone else), and Zayn tries to show him why he should).

The Visible Beauty of a Voice That Sings by luxover

"You have the most beautiful voice I've ever seen," Liam says, whispering because it's a secret, because it's truer than anything he's ever said in his entire life.

Good Morning (orphan_account)

It’s the last weekend before the start of University. Oh, and Liam's birthday. Leave it up to Liam’s best mate Louis to drag them all off to London for “a weekend you’ll never forget.” Liam doesn’t think Louis’ plans ever included meeting Zayn Malik… the one person who makes Liam’s birthday anything but what he planned it to be

let's pretend it's love by wafflehood

Pretend!boyfriends fic in which Liam and Zayn get papped while hamming it up for Louis and Eleanor, and management decides the easiest way to deal with the resulting hysteria is to let it run its course.

You're a good sign by retts

‘Anyway, thank you so much for your help. You didn’t have to. You could have just walked on by like everyone else.’

Did that make Zayn sound bitter? Perhaps a tiny bit but the boy just laughed, a bright sound that made people look at them even more weirdly, still on their knees and talking like they weren’t blocking the way.

‘I couldn’t,’ said the boy honestly, pushing his fringe back, revealing ears that were pink at the tips.

‘Then you’re the nice one,’ said Zayn. If niceness had a face, Zayn was probably looking at it. He stuck out his hand suddenly, startling the other boy. ‘Er, I’m Zayn, by the way. Zayn Malik.’

The smile Zayn received sort of took his breath away.

‘Liam Payne. It’s very nice to meet you, Zayn.’

Or Liam and Zayn in four different seasons + one more because life is basically a circle.

My favourite book by retts

The thing he missed most was Zayn. All of him, from his cranky morning self to the wanton boy fucking down on Liam’s dick later that night (and sometimes in the afternoon as well). The one who could spout poetry like it was his native tongue and the one who could barely say anything when he was deeply upset. The one who wore fake glasses and felt at home in Liam’s clothes. The one who was mad for kids and shrieked at the sight of spiders. The one who cried in Ghana and the one who drew superheroes who looked like Liam. The one who didn’t eat pork and the one who quietly but fiercely loved Allah.

Zayn. Liam’s Zayn. The one who, not long ago, had whispered things in Urdu into Liam’s neck that felt like beautiful promises.

secrets I have held in my heart (are harder to hide than I thought) by swallowsmateforlife

Zayn and Liam are in love. Everyone knows except for them. Cue romantic rides up the chairlifts, snowy weather feelings, and a whole lot of cute.

Written for the Ziam Winter Fic Exchange. The prompt I chose was: "The boys go skiing and get snowed in. Do they have to cuddle for warmth? How does their relationship change after 3 days of only each other’s company? Hint: SEX."

Yours Faithfully by threeturn

Planet-hopping popstars Liam and Zayn are used to odd presents from their intergalactic fanbase, but when an alien admirer gives them Harry and Louis, the gift comes at a particularly awkward moment in their relationship. Also featuring a gang of rebel girls and a sentient spaceship called Niall.

i'll always have you by somerdaye

what if tattoos just randomly appeared on our skin at key points in our lives and we had to figure out what they meant for ourselves?

i do the same thing, i get lonely too by detectivemills

Aside from creaming his pants for a fictional character, though, Zayn's doing okay. Except for the fact that he has to start most of his days by locking his cat out of the bathroom and wanking for twenty minutes.

O Green World by Suchthingbutnever

At the verge of summer, with his Bachelor thesis waiting and stale coffee in his cup, Liam stumbles over a person, hunched-over and blood-shot and so, so bright.

be a place that i call home by lightseep

sometimes, home is a person. and sometimes, home is lots of people and sometimes home is two very, very little people.

This Love Left a Permanent Mark by harrietelizabeth

Liam’s memory of Zayn is a summer afternoon, scraping enough money together between them for ice creams and a pack of smokes, the window open in Liam’s room to entice a breeze inside. It’s midnight conversations and early morning kisses, still half asleep. It’s all the words Liam never knew how to say until he heard them from Zayn’s lips.

And Zayn’s memory of Liam is….well, that’s the problem. Liam has no idea.

Be cruel to me ('cause I'm a fool for you) by frenchkiss

“Baba, can I get the same job as Leeyum when I grow up?”

“If you want, flower,” Zayn snorts, ruffling her hair fondly. “Liam here can teach you.”

“Oh, no, I can’t have someone who could potentially love penguins more than me threatening my job,” Liam says in a fake-serious tone. “I mean, Raani here even has a t-shirt and I don’t think I can compete with that.”

“No, no, Leeyum, I won’t steal your job,” Raani shakes her head hurriedly. “I’m only five, I don’t think I can steal your job until I’m old.”

Or the one where Zayn is a stressed out single dad, Liam might just be what he needs, Louis and Niall are always happy to babysit and Harry's a loud snorer.

Written for the Ziam Winter Fic Exchange.

I Think I'm Falling by wasp

Zayn wasn’t supposed to die, he wasn’t supposed to fall - he had wings. He had the biggest, strongest, most beautiful wings out of all of them. Liam made a deal for Zayn's life. It was the easiest decision of his life.

only fools rush in by vanessamary

"That rockabilly sound wasn't as simple as I thought it was." - Carl Perkins, 1954.

It's 1956 and Autumn is descending on the town, when Liam, Louis, and Jade find themselves expanding their horizons, learning abut life, love, and everything in between, all to the tune of that rockabilly music their parents keep warning them about.

The Underdogs by blackwayfarers

Zayn Malik hates everything about winter. He hates the snow, he hates scraping the ice from his car, he hates freezing every time he steps outside, he hates wearing hats and heavy jackets. In fact, the only thing he doesn't hate about it are his hockey player buddies and his childhood best friend, Liam Payne, the teenage star hockey player and captain of their small town team.

An AU about boys learning how to deal with a terrible Canadian winter.

I Taste the Sparks on Your Tongue (orphan_account)

He decides, in these shadows of his house, with this new feeling raised over his skin, that this is his favorite place – right next to Liam.

Or Zayn might've fallen for Liam a long time ago, but Harry is the one he awakens him to the idea that Liam has fallen too.

Baby You Were Meant to Keep by amazonziti

It’s honestly not Zayn’s fault Liam gets himself stuck in the Underworld.

we were just kids in love by transgenicveins

'it's just Liam and Zayn and red dirt and the hot sun and a whole new uncharted world of music.'

take this sinking boat and point it home by snuffleslove

Liam's on his way to get groceries when he hears the music. It's low and beautiful, seeping through his skin and settling in his bones and Liam forgets about everything else, makes a sharp turn towards the source of it, nearly turning over his bike in his haste. He rounds two corners before he finds the boy, sitting on an overturned bucket with a guitar in his lap and a bike carelessly toppled by his feet.

Or, a Once the Musical AU but I write a happy ending instead because those are so much more enjoyable. For anyone who hasn't seen the musical (you should), this is basically angsty zayn/li kidfic.

storm in my blood by snuffleslove

Zayn's managed to peel himself away from the window and he curls up, hides his face between his knees. Harry tries to offer him some kind of comfort but Zayn shrugs him off. He's closed his eyes but his body remains rigid and Liam's lost, has no idea what to do. He stares back at the girls. From this distance he can barely make out the phrases, but the neatly printed blocked letters that form the words Miss your uncle Bin Laden? We dont! and No burkas for Perrie! burn bright in his mind anyway, and he needs no reminder.

All the Stars and Boulevards by snuffleslove

A university AU in which Louis, Zayn, Harry, Liam and Niall are students at Columbia and take the city by storm.

Like Peter Pan (Or Superman) (orphan_account)

Zayn has spent most of his life up until now in a cloud of smoke, hiding from his past, being different. When a firefighter named Liam rescues him from a fire, Zayn starts to realize maybe Liam's saved his life in another way... and he's not quite sure he's ready to be that guy he should've been all along. But maybe, just for Liam, he can?

a tornado flew around by snuffleslove

just another achy ziam canon fic featuring a piny zayn and a piny liam and all knowing bandmates, and i'm really bad at summaries, just read, ok?

the bittersweet between my teeth by gaysubtexts

liam and zayn grow up together, louis, niall, and harry tagging along later on. that's it.

If Losing This Game Still Won Me the Bronze by jannika

An AU spanning a decade, in which the world is huge and they’re all just trying to find ways to handle it. Harry and Louis fight, Niall plays guitar, Liam runs, Zayn draws, and there are stars stuck on ceilings and chocolate and books Liam doesn’t read.

Once For Everybody Who Got Left Behind by pukeandcry

Liam doesn’t know how to wrap his head around this, because the question shouldn’t be -- the question should be how is there a ghost in his room, not whether or not he’s done something to offend it. “Well, like. I might’ve told him that ghosts don’t exist?”

“Oh, no, he doesn’t like that,” Louis says.

(or, the AU where Zayn is a ghost, and Liam moves into his attic).

two sets to one by retts

Whatever. They play tennis, except for Niall who's Louis' physio. And there are cameos by actual tennis people. And Harry's still a minor, so. And Liam and Zayn are signed by Adidas. Together. Because they play Doubles, of course. They are all so gay, except for Niall again who really needs to get some.

Romance and conflict in Melbourne Park. Bring on the heat.

to a very crowded place by blurrychildren (roadsider)

Zayn is arrogant and a fencer (and kind of an asshole, actually), and Liam really shouldn't be as good as he is, dammit.

Like Flying (orphan_account)

The Olympics are really just an excuse for falling in love. Plus fencing and gymnastics.

Let's be young, let's pretend that we never will die. by jannika

in group sessions they all have to repeat over and over that it wasn't their fault. It was like they had an illness, really. Couldn't be helped. But now that they're better they can be reintegrated back into society.

Liam wonders if reintegration will stop the nightmares he can't seem to shake during the day.

In the Flesh style Zombie AU.

The course of true love never did run smooth by Rosesnfeathers

He lets them talk to look around the room while eating his roasted chicken and to his own despair, he meets Liam’s eyes across the room from where he sits with Niall and their friend Sophia. She talks to Liam but it looks like he is not listening, he is looking straight at Zayn and even in the distance, he can see the coldness in those brown eyes. Zayn lowers his eyes then and concentrates on his food, his chicken being a lot less judgmental than Liam fucking Payne and it hurts a lot less to concentrate on his food than to stare into those eyes. Welcome to seventh year Zayn, nothing really changed and he still hates you just as much.

Or the one where Zayn and Liam are in Hogwarts and kind of hate each other.

according to your heart (my place is not deliberate) (orphan_account)

The fading light brings the world into prospective – the team standing shoulder to shoulder, halfway buzzed on alcohol and cigarettes, grinning goofily at the sky. His boys nudged hip to hip with him and he couldn’t think of another place to be.

(or: a university-volleyball au in which Zayn hates the game but he does it for a scholarship. And for Louis. And possibly for the new freshman setter who keeps teaching Zayn new things.)

And You Know For Me, It's Always You by takemeorleaveme

To be completely fair, the whole town fell in love with Zayn and his son, Tahir, long before Liam ever did.

The Gilmore Girls AU I thought would be a good idea and it turns out, it was.

with every last breath, i feel you on my skin by englandziam

Autumn is his favourite time of year, the soft colours inspiring new sketches in his mind and marking out mental images of distinct paintings. He’s also reminded of his favourite memories – bringing Aashir home on a late Sunday morning and Soraya’s first words uttered in between giggles of Liam decorating them in a flurry of falling leaves. Liam shyly sliding a ring into his palm with a soft, hopeful smile clinging to his lips after he’d woken Zayn with tea and toast in bed, the sigh of relief he’d breathed when Zayn had mumbled an inevitable ‘yes’ over his lips. .

we are the quiet ones by englandziam

Zayn feels invincible, in the midst of this small town with a couple of best mates and literature students who seem to get him. He misses home but as every day approaches these people feel less like strangers and more like family.

(Or a University AU where Zayn is an English student and Liam is the football captain).

I See You Babe, But We Are Both Blind by SoftlyandSwiftly

Zayn's fairly certain the world actually hates him. He's got the shittiest luck, and fate seems to want to fuck with him. But maybe that's exactly what he needs.

One Direction returns to London for a break from their Take Me Home Tour in August 2013, and after an unfortunate run-in at a coffee shop, Liam and Zayn find themselves in a fake relationship. Except, it ends up not feeling fake at all.

(Basically, I wanted to write fakedating!ziam).

They Fall in Love Like This... by SoftlyandSwiftly

Liam Payne meets Zayn Malik the day he auditions for the X Factor, and it's absolutely mental that Zayn is what he remembers most about that day.

The Killing Type by protagonist_m

Liam breathes hotly through his nose, eyes twitching shut as he squeezes a bit more on Zayn’s neck. “Do you know how dangerous what you’re doing is?”

Zayn draws in his own ragged breath. “Do you?”

Zayn is a doctoral student who goes to great lengths to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Liam is heading the biggest serial murder investigation London has seen in half a century. And before this, he'd never been sent a love note via corpse.

simple truths of belonging by soofyahn

"He doesn’t think about Zayn, anymore. He doesn’t smoke and he doesn’t daydream and he doesn’t picture those dark eyes catching on his for only half a second, begging so many questions: what are you doing? Are you happy, now? How are you? No, really, how are you? Liam doesn’t think of him. He doesn’t."

Liam spends ten years building the career for himself that he’s always wanted, and spends the same span of time falling out of communication with the one person he can’t reason why he misses. They find each other, again, stumbling around each other for a moment until they fall together in new, unpredictable ways.

even as a dream by zadonis

Life was stable, and that's all that they could ask for, but both of them knew that the time would come with the University ran out of food, when there would be nothing else for them to feed to the fire other than themselves, and Zayn feared that day would come a lot sooner than either of them could hope for. The world has been frozen over for 15 years. Very few people are surviving through the struggle of hypothermia and hunger, but somehow Zayn is. He found a way, he found a love, and he'll stick with it to the end. (a ziam au where there's a lot of snow, a handful of cats and dogs, and a miracle or two in the middle of all of it)

give him the time, he'll know you meant it by Dreams

“What is it, Payne?” Zayn has his back to him, but it’s not like the puppy eyes were ever gonna work.

“I really, truly need your help in Potions. Please, Zayn.”

Zayn turns his head, still not looking at him. His profile looks breathtaking in the dim light of the fire. “You have one chance. Meet me at the Library tomorrow at four. We’ll see after that.” And then he’s off, rushing up the stairs.

(Or, the one in which Liam's failing Potions but then Zayn helps him and they fall in love.)

Together Making One by zenamored

Another thing he really likes about being with Zayn—he’ll never go hungry while he’s around.

Four times Zayn cooks for Liam and one time Liam returns the favor.

people fall in love in mysterious ways by vanessamary

He may be mad in inviting Zayn along tonight, prolonging something that was only supposed to last one night but he couldn’t stand the idea of never seeing Zayn again. He couldn’t get him out of his head, is the thing. Not the way he smiled - with his tongue between his teeth - or the way he brushed his fingers over Liam’s skin - as if he’d been there before and knew what spots to touch. It’s impossible to forget, even though Liam knows he just might have to. If he has to deal with Louis’ snarky comments and Harry’s pitying eyes, so be it.

or a Ziam Weekend AU

Every Step by zipplekink

Every step Liam takes, it's for her, Lily. And every path he's journeyed has somehow led him to Zayn.

I'll See You (in Gold and Blue) by iambluehead

Liam is a keeper for the Tutshill Tornadoes, a Hogwarts dropout, and, at seventeen, the youngest professional Quidditch player in England. Zayn is a seventh year Ravenclaw, most likely the next Newt Scamander, and maybe the only boy in the entire wizarding world who doesn’t keep up with Quidditch. It takes a dragon, three near death experiences, and most of the Daily Prophet’s gossip column journalists for them to figure it out but somehow, they get there in the end. Featuring Louis as Liam’s scheming teammate, Harry as a media intern who just wants an exclusive (and a boyfriend), and Niall as the world’s biggest Tutshill Tornado fan and Hogwarts’ biggest ladies’ man.

put no one else above us by tachycardia

Zayn moves into a house during his last year of university, and he finds people to learn and know and love.

and you take me the way i am (orphan_account)

It’s incredibly relaxing, even in this small space, the way they’ve always been. Such a distraction that he doesn’t think, not for once, about agreeing to lie to his family and Zayn pretending to be his date and how easy all of this might be.

(Liam needs a date to a wedding. His family loves to match him up with blind dates. He doesn't want that. He needs a date... and, well, why not Zayn. Pretending to be boyfriends for a weekend isn't the worst idea he supposes. Liam is horribly wrong.)

Literally, Not Figuratively by SoftlyandSwiftly

Louis locks Zayn and Liam in a closet to force them to confront their feelings. But he's missing a crucial detail.

(they say home) is where you go to rest your bones by darlingjustdont

There’s a warmth in his chest that expands until he feels buoyant almost. Like he could potentially fly. What a fucking cliche. “You okay?” Liam asks, sliding up behind him and pressing a kiss to the nape of his neck. “Never been better,” he replies. “Why do you ask?” “You’ve been staring into the cupboard for about three minutes, babe. I don’t think you’re going to find Narnia there, no matter how hard you look.” Zayn snorts and turns so Liam’s bracketed by his legs. “You’re a dork.” Liam shrugs. “You love it, though,” he answers easily and Zayn’s breath catches for a minute. “Yeah, I do.” Zayn's managing just fine as a single father. Louis and Harry are a help, as much as they are terrors, but it's Liam who brings him home.

we may fall (but we get up again) (orphan_account)

It's Liam's favorite moment - helping someone else create a memory. He's always the best man, the one holding everything together at a wedding. And, one day, he's going to fall madly in love and create that moment for himself. And he knows it in his blood - that moment won't include some cynical, smug bloke named Zayn Malik.

(alternately: a 27 Dresses AU where Liam is everyone's favorite best man and he just might be madly in love with his boss ... and maybe with an arrogant writer who hates weddings as much as Liam loves them, too)It's Liam's favorite moment - helping someone else create a memory. He's always the best man, the one holding everything together at a wedding. And, one day, he's going to fall madly in love and create that moment for himself. And he knows it in his blood - that moment won't include some cynical, smug bloke named Zayn Malik.(alternately: a 27 Dresses AU where Liam is everyone's favorite best man and he just might be madly in love with his boss ... and maybe with an arrogant writer who hates weddings as much as Liam loves them, too)

I was a king under your control by frenchkiss

Liam Payne, co-captain of The Rogue and notoriously fierce pirate of the Seven Seas, meets runaway Zayn Malik. This is their love story.

Die Young, Stay Pretty by teaandtumblr

Zayn is happy being a hairdresser who minds his own business; that is, until someone called "Liam" has to come in, dragging his friend on the back of a bet. And, really, Zayn didn't stand a chance.

Remember Me by burymeinziam

In which Zayn and Liam need to forget before they can remember.

kettle and mirror by yasgorl

The delivery truck made it halfway up the long, rutted road, quickly turning white in the evening snow flurry, before leaving its burden at the turn into Liam’s driveway.

Or, the one where Zayn is a robot.

Riding The Horizon by burymeinziam

Zayn has a choice. He’s on the edge, riding the horizon, blurring the line between life and death and he has a choice.

I Don't Know Who I Am (but i find myself in you) by unfortunate17

in which zayn is a controversial, international RnB star and liam never leaves his hospital room.

You've Got Me. by whatisthistho

He took a step closer to the edge of the pier, peering down over the railing before pushing himself up and over it, his hands holding onto the railing that was now behind him. He’d thought about this so many times. So many different ways to do it – but none appealed to him but this because well – Liam couldn’t swim.

Or - Liam is spiraling and Zayn wants to save him.

Viva la Vida by iambluehead

In which Liam is not a princess, but needs saving anyway; everyone is just a pawn in a dangerous game of politics and brutality he’s not sure anyone knows how to play; there’s more than one side to everything and maybe no right side to anything; and you can find and love and learn to live without people even after you’ve lost them. And instead of a princess that needs saving, there might be a boy who never needed anything, except maybe something worth dying for.

(Or, Liam is the crown prince of England who gets kidnapped by rebels and finds out that the world is a big, ugly place full of beautiful, broken-up people who may never get a happily ever after, no matter how hard they try.)

you can coax the cold right out of me by loveontherocks

“Give me a week.”

Zayn raises his eyebrows. “What?”

“Give me a week,” Liam repeats. “Seven days. Just come hang out with us and let me show you what we do. Please? If by the end you still hate us and everything we stand for, then I won't stand in the way of your petition. Just let me show you.”

“A week?” Zayn asks. “That's it?”

It's a good argument. Seven days and he can meander around hungover college kids and make a list of all the reasons Greek Row shouldn't continue.

Nodding, Liam reaches out his hand to touch Zayn's arm. Zayn doesn't brush Liam off.

“Alright, fine. One week, Liam. And I'm not easily amazed, so I hope you've got something interesting to show me.”

Laughing, Liam rescinds his hand from Zayn's forearm and shakes his head. “I think you underestimate us, honestly. But just you wait.”

or; zayn drafts a petition to shut down the frat houses, but liam convinces him not to.

i'm begging you to keep on (haunting me) by loveontherocks

If Zayn were anywhere but here, he’d think it’d be hilarious. For fuck’s sake, he’s arguing with a goddamn ghost.

And, if Zayn was in complete denial, which he sort of is, he’d think this was a fever dream from knocking back too much alcohol and too much caffeine.

He’s probably lying over the dining room table, in a coma or something, because fuck, he lives alone.

or; Zayn lives alone in a blue house until he doesn't.

you're writing lines about me, romantic poetry by loveontherocks

There’s a moment where there’s just the soft quiet, a calmness that blankets Liam and this boy, just the sound of their breathing, the rain pelting the glass, the turning of a page. And then, the boy begins to read in a voice that’s akin to a whisper, accent thick over his words, the lilt of his tongue serenading Liam with romantic poetry he’s never heard and probably won’t remember, but Liam takes the time to listen the boy’s voice, the words he speaks and how the lines of poetry curl around his heart and make a home in his arteries.

or; Zayn reads poetry to Liam in the middle of the night, in the middle of a bookshop, because they're in love.

Work by coffeewordangel

Turns out Zayn is kind of shit in bed. Liam really loves him anyway.

You Make Me Strong by justyrae

Liam's a pro-boxer, Zayn is his trainer and it turns out Liam has a jealous streak.

When My Heart Is Lonely by Hannyski

19 year old Liam Payne is looking for a way to fund a University course in Behavioural Psychology when he finds the advert for a job playing au pair to three kids. The money sounds too good to be true but it’s worth a shot and that’s how Liam ends up standing on the doorstep of one of the biggest mansions in Bradford, wearing a suit two sizes too big for him and an earnest smile that refuses to falter.

Zayn Malik is 17. Zayn Malik does not need a babysitter. Zayn Malik resents being called a kid. Zayn Malik is spiralling out of control.

Zayn Malik is the oldest sibling placed in Liam's charge.

Inevitably, they clash.

Lifeguard by Mintyshark

Liam works as a lifeguard in his grandparent's neighborhood. But when being distracted on the job leads to a near fatal accident, he finds out how to forgive himself.

Christmas In August by catholicschoolgirl

It sounds so cliché to say that it just happened but – it just happened. Or the one where Zayn is a teen father.

Should Call You That More Often by SoftlyandSwiftly

Based off of a prompt sent to my tumblr: ever since zayn left 1d i've wanted a fic where liam and zayn try to make their relationship work even though they wont be seeing each other as much. skype dates and liam flying zayn out for a tour gig or liam flying home any break he gets to see zayn. for the smut, i imagine zayn being very desperate for liam, constantly wanting his cock and maybe jumping him as soon as he sees him, maybe liam's desperate to eat zayn out, open him up for his dick. ;)

(including a skype call, a phone call, and desperate, needy Zayn but sadly not any tour gigs)

Sounds a Lot Like Love by SoftlyandSwiftly

Zayn doesn't give into this feeling often, but sometimes this is exactly what he needs.

Where Else Would I Be? by SoftlyandSwiftly

Zayn's home again after leaving One Direction, and he's having more trouble adjusting than he'd thought. He's just tired, and he misses the boys. Luckily, a certain boy fixes that.

Literally, Not Figuratively by SoftlyandSwiftly

Louis locks Zayn and Liam in a closet to force them to confront their feelings. But he's missing a crucial detail.

What the Word Means by SoftlyandSwiftly

Zayn's been a little (a lot) in love with Liam for so long now that he doesn't even really think about it anymore. It's just a constant hum in his veins, and he's fine with it he swears, even though Liam has no idea. But then a certain word slips out of his mouth, and well things change.

Just Let Me Know by SoftlyandSwiftly

Zayn wakes up in a hospital, eyes blurry and head pounding, only for a doctor to tell him he's lost two years of his life. And if that's not awful enough, something's different with Liam, off like something has changed, and Zayn doesn't understand. Until he does. And then it's somehow worse.

wanting, wishing, waiting by words_unravel

This is Liam, fourteen to eighteen. This is Zayn, doing his best not to notice.

Not Even the Bad Guys (Could Take it All Away) by iambluehead

"Not even the bad guys in the dark night could take it all away" Or the superhero au where Louis is (literally) electrifying, Niall is like a less green hulk, and Harry has X-ray vision because if there’s a God, he’s cruel. Oh, and don’t forget Zayn, the most powerful superhero since Batman who’s trying to keep himself from falling apart by keeping secrets, and Liam, the ex-soldier and superhero who hasn’t found out what his power is yet, and just hopes it’s something that will save them all.

For Liam, Forever Ago by ThankYouMerlin

And you know it's different now but that doesn't make it easier.

A Full Course Meal by LibbyWrites

Liam had been dreaming about having his own restaurant for a few years. Money was always an issue, though, so when he heard the Food Network was recording a few episodes of Chopped in his city, he let his best friend talk him into participating. Many things could go wrong along the way; from ruthless rivals to impossible ingredients, from unforgiving judges to his own mind getting in the way. He spent long nights fretting about the possibilities and still, he never could have guessed what Chopped really had in store for him.

Life is so simple when I am with you (orphan_account)

Liam rings the doorbell and steps back, shoving his hands in his pockets nonchalantly. After twenty seconds or so the door opens and that’s when Liam’s entire everything does a complete rotation.

Because it’s Zayn who answers the door but it’s not Zayn. Zayn was oversized Nike hoodies and plastic chavvy necklaces and an almost shaved head but now… Zayn is… pretty?

Or the one where Zayn is a manipulative little shit, Liam wants a someone, Harry can sleep through anything, Louis wants to give Liam a kick up the arse and Niall's everyone's fave. Featuring Doniya as Liam's bestie.

i could drink a case of you by lovely_ziam

Liam is a firefighter. Zayn is an art journalist, and neither of them do this - (until they do)

Boy Most Likely by saltwatergirl

Zayn’s the chair of the abstinence club, Liam’s the last person anyone expected to join it.

Long As There Are Stars Above You by alienharry

"There's a meteor shower tonight, actually. Thought this might be something you'd like."

Zayn watches Liam for a moment, takes in his soft grin and honest eyes. He's nothing short of breathtaking on a normal day, but when he does these small simple things, Zayn's head gets a bit fuzzy with it. "This isn't a date, you know"

"I'm aware,” Liam laughs.

"Just making sure."

If Zayn were ready to start dating again, he'd want this. He'd want nights alone on the roof and sharing takeout. He'd want the bookstore dates, silent films, watching meteor showers on the roof and teasing each other until they're both giggling. And he'd want it all with Liam.

This isn't a date, it can't be, but God does Zayn wish it was.

Zayn's just finished his undergrad and is ready to stop messing around with strangers and get more serious about his studies as he prepares for his dream job. No relationships, no sex. Which is harder than it sounds when Liam Payne comes into his life.

#ziam #one direction #1d #to read #mine

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