#when i showed my friend the extra image he was like “YOU GAVE HIM A DIVORCE?????”

[jarofstyles]

Illicit- 4

Heyyyy my loves! Here is part 4 of Illicit and a better look into Harry's behavior without Y/N... not a nice man but he's OUR man <3

Check out our Patreon where we have exclusive writings and early access to the next 2/3 parts of Illicit!

Series Masterlist

Wc- 3.3k

warnings- asshole h, infidelity, slight violence, paparazzi

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Harry was reaching a boiling point. 

Katherine had stolen him away from Y/N for the night, under the guise her father set as a business dinner. Said he had something to discuss with him at a new, up and coming restaurant that it was imperative that he came tonight. He had to peel himself away from Y/N who was curled on his couch with her laptop in her lap, doing a bit of clothing shopping while he leaned against her to help veto and approve on things she was on the fence about. He had been having a very good time being domestic this afternoon to be forced away was already pissing him the fuck off. 

So to find a table clear of said man and just see his daughter there with a scheming beam on her face? It was the worst possible option. Of course, she assured him that her ‘daddy’ would be coming shortly, but by the time their entrees arrived, Harry was fairly certain of what was happening. 

H: I need wine when I get home. 

Y/N: Yeah.. someone sent me an article. 

Harry’s stomach dropped when she sent the link, an article that must have only been published just a few moments ago. A photo of a preening Katherine across from him had been snuck. Thankfully his face was blank, ever so practiced. She was leaning across the table with a preen all over her face, the angle taken so you couldn’t see the third drink set out for her father who was mysteriously not there. 

This had to be a set up. He wasn’t giving the image of the doting, in love boyfriend that Katherine wanted and she was obviously a bit more cunning than he had originally anticipated. He was beginning to piece things together again, and he was getting more furious by the minute. 

The real anger stemmed from being taken away from one of the rarer nights he didn’t have work to check up on periodically, and he’d cleared it just for her. It was like she somehow knew how to piss him off out of some fucked up intuition. While Y/N had the owner's manual on how to make him happy, Katherine knew how to make him irrationally angry. Despite his asshole behavior he was still nice compared to the whole plethora of things he wanted to tell her.

He had no qualms about embarrassing her publicly. It’s where she had weakness. Her reputation. 

H: I’m leaving in a moment. I have a theory about this. Brant Jr never showed up. 

Y/N: Seriously????

H: Yes. What ice cream do you want me to pick up on my way home, my love?

Y/N: ……

Y/N: You’re good, H. Mint Choc pls <3

H: Anything for you. I’ll be home soon. Go get changed into something more comfortable. 

Harry tucked his phone back in his pocket, turning to Katherine who had been watching him curiously. “So when are you going to admit you stole your father’s work phone and tricked me here?” He had waited until the waitress was in earshot. This was a story he wished would actually show up on TMZ. “Because I was having a very important evening and was torn away from people I had meticulously scheduled to come here and discuss ‘emergency business’ changes. I didn’t ask you to dinner because I didn’t have time for these silly things, and because I didn’t want to.” Harry tugged his wallet out. “You are childish. I knew that. But messing with important business shit because you’re trying to trick me into a dinner and planting one of your friends at another table to get some clicks for your weird fangirls living vicariously and extra money?” He pointed directly where he had found one of her friends, the redhead’s eyes widening as Harry caught her phone up and gave his stone cold glare. “My business isn’t a fucking game, Katherine. Wasting my time when I’m doing things because you’re throwing a childish tantrum because I can’t shower you in affection every hour of the day? What did we discuss last time?”

“Harry, darling, you’re being a bit loud-” Katherine chuckled nervously, eyes wide as she had been figured out. The waitress and tables close could clearly hear him. She hated negative attention and had been working at trying to market them as some sort of ‘it couple’, which wasn’t going to work for him anymore.  He was growing tired of this scheme and really needed her to just end it so the contract could be over, null and void. 

“I can be louder, if you want.” He said ruthlessly. “I can let all of your little friends know the image of our relationship you paint is a sham, that you try to make me out as someone who I never had been, and never will be for you. I am not in love with you, Katherine. I told you, if you wanted to date me that it would be on my terms. If that makes me an ‘asshole’” He sneered, “So be it. I’ve never lied about my stance in dating you. I let you prance around and use my name to get into clubs that your own last name is too irrelevant to get you into, I allow you to pose photographs of me though you know I despise it when you do, I allow you to use my yacht and I let you use my home in Los Angeles before I sold it to have one of those stupid influencer parties you love to post about although, I know you hate half of those girls.” He knew his voice was carrying, but he didn’t care.  “You are the one hurting yourself by making this relationship out to be anything but it is. A means to an end.” For both of them, but she would know now just how onto her he’s been. 

“I’ve let it go for a while. I’ve allowed you to do what made you feel better because if it kept you off of my back while I handled things on my own, I was fine.You even harassed my friends for the lake house keypad number, which is fucking pathetic.” it really was and Harry had been mad since then, but this was growing past a disrespect he was willing to accept. “ But you’re fucking with business now. I will not ever stand for it. If I say no, it means no. If I say not tonight, it means not tonight. If I say to stop calling, stop fucking calling me.” He let his voice seethe while his face remained mostly it’s usual cold sneer, throwing a few bills on the table. “Continue fucking with my business and see how that ends up. Your father could build up a company, and I can take it down just as fast.”

He stood up, righting his jacket as he watched her pale face, knowing he had just scared her. He didn’t care. Maybe there was something wrong with him, but he truly, to the bottom of his heart, didn’t care about her feelings. The one girl he cared about was waiting for her mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

“Are- Are you threatening me?” She shriekd quietly, making Harry pause, calling their waitress all the way over.

“It’s not a threat, but a promise.” There was no questioning that he meant it. Looking towards the waitress, he handed her a generous tip and nodded, leaving the restaurant to find flashing cameras. One particular flash pissed him off, and catching Harry in a bad mood was not a good thing to do. 

His hand shot out, grabbing the surely expensive to the man’s camera, and threw it forcefully onto the pavement. It shattered into little pieces, the lens crackling on the sidewalk and the plastic of the body falling into shards, his blank stare going from the broken beyond repair camera to the sputtering camera man. His face was tomato red while Harry’s jaw remained sharp and clenched, raising a brow in challenge. 

“What the fuck! My fucking camera!” He bellowed. “I’m gonna sue the fuck out of you!” 

Harry grabbed his business card out from his pocket, handing it to the man. “Reach out. It will be a pleasure to beat you in court.” 

His car was in the lot, which he quickly got to and peeled out of the parking lot. He wasn’t even inside of the shop yet when he got a call from Y/N. Her contact photo brought a smile to his face, answering it as he briskly walked inside the automatic doors and grabbed a little basket. 

“Hi, my love.” He murmured, making his way towards the back, knowing the exact brand she wanted from the freezer. 

“Did you really break a camera?” Y/N squeaked into the phone. It made him laugh, not pausing in his expedition. She was still relatively new to his life and didn’t seem to google him like everyone else who met him. Even if it felt like she was meant to be with him forever, that their souls had always been familiar, she hadn’t seen much of that side of him yet. 

“Yes.” He hummed. “Shoved it in my face, blinded me for a moment. I was already angry. The photographers know it's a risk when I’m involved, darling.” It was sort of his thing. If people got too close, hit him with it, intruded on his personal space, he was quick to rid himself of the problem. They were lucky he chose the camera and not the person behind it. Harry really didn’t care, and he knew some would label him as toxic or maybe even crazy, but it wasn’t something he cared about. His temper was notorious. 

“Christ! H!” Y/N laughed in disbelief. “Hannah sent me an article. There’s a video circling social media. I haven’t watched it yet.” 

“Good. Don’t, it’s a waste of time yeah? Told you I’m an open book for you, sweetheart. Can ask me any questions you’d like when I get back to you.” He tucked the phone between his shoulder and cheek, opening up the freezer door to grab their designated flavors. “Stay comfortable for me, I’m just about to check out and get home t’you. I’ll talk to you in a bit.” It was something Harry wished he could have happen every day. Going home to her. She was the centerpiece of his home now and her absence was palpable when he got home and she was at her own place or out and about. 

They said their goodbyes and Harry found himself lost in his head as he used the self check out to pay for their sweets. He avoided most social interaction when he could because everyone always had a favor to ask him, a question, a dig. It was nice to be able to pay and avoid the pointless small talk with a cashier who usually didn’t give an actual shit, or someone who obviously gave far too much of one. His lone wolf lifestyle suited him just fine- but now Y/N fit into it. She wasn’t just anyone, her voice didn’t grate on his nerves, and he was in love with her. He figured adding another lone wolf to his life wouldn’t hurt- not when it was her.

—-

“Harry…” Y/N laughed, licking her spoon clean. “While I am most definitely proud of you for how quickly you can come up with comebacks and witty words, I’d prefer they not be needed at all.” Her smile faded, leaning further into him. The man had stripped himself of his suit and found his clothes after a quick shower, trying to rid himself of the disaster and waste of a night. Now he was going to be with the woman he had been looking forward to spending time with for the rest of the night. 

“Unfortunately, s’part of the job.” His thumb rubbed over her shoulder as she leaned into the man, his neediness even more apparent when he’d plucked her up from her spot and sat down to settle her in his lap. “Paparazzi are, for some reason, something that still is a thing and they make a pretty penny on photos of me because I like to dodge them.” Harry was not the stereotype of a nepotism child. He did work for what was given to him but he was under no false pretenses. He knew that he was born into an almost impossible wealth, one that some of his peers had deluded themselves into thinking they could be anything. The so-called ‘self made’ millionaires as if they didn’t have billions to cushion their blow if they were to be shot down. He liked to hide away from the attention part of it the best he could, but sometimes appearing at things was a necessary evil. 

“I know.” The angel in his lap grumbled. “I know it is but it still makes me irritated that you have to worry about it. That they’ve gotten so far in your face that you were even able to do that. It’s just rude and invading your privacy.” Her little pout did something to his formerly black, charred heart. 

Y/N was his opposite in a good way. She was love and warmth and light and morals. Harry was cold, cruel, darkness. Iron compared to gold. If it were anyone else, he thinks he may be slightly annoyed by their cheerfulness, their optimism. Harry had seen a lot of the world and a lot of the bad sides of people, skeletons hidden in closets and the life of the elite. It was hard to be optimistic at times when he’d seen such hopelessness, but she managed to peel back some of the grimy layers in his dim outlook in life, his cynical snarks and soften the jagged edges just a bit. He wasn’t a changed man- no. He didn’t have rainbows out his ass, he wasn’t a warm being, but he held the new wick that was lit up in a dim glow when it came to her. He could be good to her. Thankfully Y/N wasn’t looking for more. She didn't want to change him. 

“Oh, my love.” He sighed, his hand chilled from the ice cream coming up to her chin. “It’s alright. They’ll learn at some point. Besides… It isn’t a normal occurrence when I just go out, not normally. Katherine called them, I’m positive.” The mirth in his eyes returned at the reminder of the woman. “I’m going to call Brant tomorrow and let him know of the antics, but I’m going to threaten again. I don’t want to be under this contract anymore.” His voice quieted, looking at Y/N who dropped her eyes from his. His stomach twisted, knowing where her head went. “Hey, sweetness. Look at me.” He urged, trying to catch her eyes again. “You know that I’m looking for every way out, yeah? If I can’t use that, m’gonna move on to the next idea. It’s hard when I’m contract bound, but I’m going to make her break up with me.” 

Honestly,  he was surprised she hadn’t just from tonight. It had him suspicious of her. There was no way that her ego wasn’t bruised from his spiked tongue tonight. He’d made sure other people heard the verbal hits, made sure some of it would be sold to the same publication she was trying to make a few bucks off by planting her friends to take photos. There was a prayer in his mind that maybe that would move it on, make her give him up. Surely, she was someone’s dream trophy wife. Sure as fuck not his, but maybe someone else. 

“I know. I just hate….” Y/N paused, giving her eyes back to him. “I hate that she makes you so miserable, but I’m glad that you hate her. I feel like an awful human being, but I just hate so much about her and It makes me feel like there’s something wrong with me.” 

This was news to Harry, surprisingly enough to actually show on his face. She’d mentioned disliking Katherine before but to see her struggling with her hatred towards the woman who was trying to claim her boyfriend as hers in the public eye, it made him feel even more guilty. He didn’t want this for her, he didn’t want her upset- but he knew that it was his own fault. 

“There’s nothing wrong with you, Y/N.” He said seriously. “I know that hatred isn’t something that your pretty heart feels a lot so m’sure it does feel a bit off but I promise you, it’s worth hating.” There was a pause, thumb squeezing her jaw slightly and watching as it popped open from the little trick. “If I had to see you out with someone else… I’d be murderous. If another man said you were his, I’d enjoy knocking every tooth from his skull.” His jaw tightened. There was no way. Every time he thought about it it made him ache, so he knew that it must be similar to her. Though he couldn’t imagine Y/N’s gentle soul to be murderous, she at the very least must be angry. 

“Cool it, cowboy.” Y/N crooned, watching as his brain was visibly showing his thoughts on his face. “No one is coming to get me. I’m all yours.” It was like she was soothing a dragon. To be fair, Harry was pretty sure that if it could, smoke would be coming from his ears or his nose. Y/N could read him very well but to be honest, he did little to hide his emotions from her anymore. His girl was just good at knowing him, and he appreciated every moment of it. He couldnt lie and say that her insistence of being his didn’t please him- it absolutely did. 

Harry had quite a few morally gray qualities and one was his possessiveness. Words like that, telling him that she was all his, it made him hard. Settled him in a primal, animalistic way and he wasn’t going to stop it. Y/N had been clued into it, knowing the exact right thing to sway his mood a different way. Knowing that the woman curled up to him thought of herself as his, that she was fully belonging to him and would be proud to be his as soon as they could be in the limelight. Harry would be equally as happy with people knowing he belonged to her, and he had no shame in labeling himself as so- but Y/N was playing into his weaknesses. 

“You are, aren’t you? And I’m yours.” His voice dropped an octave, moving his hand down a little bit to cup the side of her neck. “No matter what she tries to play to the public, no matter the image shes trying to sell, I belong to you, sweetheart. Heart and soul. It’s all yours.” No truer words had been spoken. Harry was an honest man, most of the time, but this wasn’t something he would lie about. He wouldn’t declare his heart as hers if it wasn’t. “My messy little girl.” He swiped away a bit of ice cream from the corner of her lip with his free hand, bringing it to his mouth to suck it away, keeping her eyes on his. Her ice cream was melting in the tub in her hand, and Harry had a better idea on what too with it now. 

“Let’s not talk about her anymore, my angel.” He suggested, gently moving her closer to him. “Why don’t you let me have my sweets now, yeah? Taste them off of you?”

#jarofstyles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles one shot #harry styles fanfic #harry styles smut #harry writing #harry styles imagine #harry drabble #harry styles blurb #harry styles writing #illicit #illicitrry #cheaterrry #cheating harry #harry styles cheating #cheating h #ceo harry styles #rich harry styles #harry styles au #harry styles one shots #harry fanfic #harry styles fic #asshole harry #asshole h #harry smut #harry fluff #harry angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst

[bifuriouswaterbender]

Edge of Seventeen

I'm a little later in the month than I normally am, but here's my February entry for @steddiemicrofic at a T rating. The prompt was "edge" with the word count 509. I know I'm a little behind Valentine's Day, but enjoy!

Their security hated when Steve did this. They always tried to talk him out of it, and the compromise included at least two members of the team standing near him and a few extra joining the venue security on the other side of the barricade. But he loved the feeling of being part of a crowd, of looking up at Eddie just like any other fan.

"And that's what I am," he'd told a reporter at the Oscars last year, Eddie's arm wrapped possessively around his waist. "I mean yeah, he's my husband too, but I'll always be one of the fans." The absolute heart eyes Eddie had sent his way were still making the rounds as a reaction image on social media.

Steve thought he had a similar expression on his face now. He leaned against the barricade, fans pressing in around them. There was a woman practically hanging on his side that reminded him of Robin. Clearly Lawrence on security didn't like that she was touching him, but when Steve had made it clear that he was fine, there wasn't much the guard could do.

"Jeff thinks I'm a sap for this," Eddie continued, practically purring into the mic.

"No, no," Jeff said. "I know you're a sap for this."

The crowd around Steve laughed, then laughed again as Gareth added the slap stick sound on his drums.

"You see what I put up with?" Eddie complained, but his smile never left his face as he flipped off his friends. "Anyway, it's time for my annual tradition. It's the only time of year I let myself be this gooey on stage."

That was absolutely a lie, and Steve was sure the whole crowd knew it. But when Eddie had found him in the crowd and crouched at the edge of the stage to talk right to him, Steve wasn't going to tease him about it. Not right now anyway.

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby," Eddie said. "I gave you a Springsteen last year, which means it's an off year. I get to pick something else, and while I know you were hoping for ABBA, I can't quite give up my metal card that swiftly."

The crowd laughed again, especially since Eddie had serenaded Steve with Take A Chance On Me six years ago. This year, Steve had seen the betting and predictions online. ABBA had been a pretty strong contender.

Eddie continued, "I figured it was time for a badass lady I haven't sang for you before."

This time the crowd screamed. Steve's smile grew, then grew wider as he recognized the guitar riff of a song he'd convinced Eddie to dance to on New Years Eve. He'd been hoping for some Stevie Nicks.

Apparently so had some of his new friends because the crowd screamed as they placed what it was.

Steve loved his husband's fans and their support. But most of all, loved that they could stand here in a sold out show on either side of the barricade and have a moment just for them.

#steddie #steddie microfic #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #stevie nicks #my writing #my fanfic

[luna-andra]

Domesticated!König Headcanons: Meeting the future In-Laws ✨

Image: @Skavod29 on Twitter (Source)

I was floored by how much attention my first headcanon post got. Y'all had me fucking emotional and I am so happy it's something people actually like. It keeps me coming back to post more of my silly little ideas. Forever grateful for your support! ❤️

I also need to reiterate that my blog/posts are 18+ so MDNI, this one has some NSFW bonus HCS 💋

If you missed the first one, here :) StepDad!Konig is here!

I got other stuff! Masterlist pinned on my blog

When you decided it was time for your parents and König to meet, you were tempted to slip a Xanax into his morning coffee. It is not like he hasn’t said a polite hello and a few words over the phone or when you facetime them, but now he was finally meeting them in person. You’ve seen him more calm talking to two- and three-star generals than this, the kinds of things that rattled your nerves.

You swore he changed attire more times than you did. The sight of him re-rolling his sleeves on his button up shirt made you intervene before he undid them all over again. He paused when your hands held his, then flicked his azure eyes up to you. “They’re gonna love you, my king.” Your gentle smile and comforting words got through to him.

They welcomed you and the mystery man with open arms at their front door. Mom never knew how to keep her thoughts to herself, but she really did mean well. Of course, the first thing they all notice is how König has to duck under their doorway to come inside. “You weren’t lying when you said he was tall,” mom said. You gave her a warning look followed up with an apologetic smile to König. He managed to chuckle it off, it was nothing new for him. It did make him curious about what else you’ve said to your mom about the two of you.

You gave König a tour of your childhood home, nearly having to pry him from the wall of photos of you and your family. He had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face of the little timeline displayed in pretty frames; your first elementary school photo, a photo of you in a boy/girl scouts uniform, another of you during extra-curricular activities (band/orchestra, JROTC, sports, theater, robotics team, etc.), a prom photo with you and old friends, and lastly your high school graduation picture. König wanted a copy of one of them to keep in his wallet, mom promised to get him one behind your back.

König's field day got better when you showed him your childhood bedroom. Depending on how you last had it decorated, you were either low key bashful or regretting even showing him. It was like traveling back in time for him, giving him a glimpse of the kid and teen, you used to be. A chance to fall in love with every facet of you.

He was getting more comfortable when he found out your dad wasn’t out to get him as much as he thought. They ended up sitting in the living room, talking about a topic after your dad played twenty questions to figure him out. Something either about guns, hunting, hiking, fishing, blue-collar work, and if your dad is a veteran, they got along faster than you could imagine. You and mom caught up in the kitchen as you helped her finish up with cooking and setting the table.

If you have siblings, they showed up in the nick of time before dinner, to share embarrassing stories of you when you were a kid, or the stories you all waited to tell when you all were adults to avoid from getting in trouble. König watched and listened as you got more animated with laughter. Loving every second of this. He had a handful of memories he could count on his hand that were of happier times, but your memories became his favorite ones.

Everyone pestered the two of you for the story of how you met. And since you’ve been doing most of the talking, you looked to König to tell the tale. Your eyes never left him as he started the story from his point of view, recollecting the moment he saw you and how he was trying to come up with an excuse to try and talk to you. It donned on you that this was the first time you were hearing the way he saw you. “And now we’re here,” he concluded, looking over to you with a grin and a touch to your hand underneath the table.

NSFW Bonus:

König couldn’t stop thinking about taking you in your childhood room, nearly fantasizing what it would’ve been like if the two of you met as teens/younger adults. Indulging in the idea of sneaking into your bedroom window or standing outside with a boombox in 80s/90s style fashion.

Of course, your parents offered you to stay with them, not wanting you to have to rent a hotel room or travel back (depending on how far away you lived from them), so the later the night got, the more distracted König became with fulfilling his dirty thoughts.

It was just like the old days, having you home and hearing the music coming from your speakers when someone passed by the doorway. You were just showing König your CD collection, right?

It definitely wasn’t because you were trying to muffle your moans and screams as he pounded you into that fucking mattress. Making you a drooling and brainless mess under his rutting hips. He kept praising you for taking him so well and for being so quiet like the good little fuck thing you were, making it harder not to cum so fast. Secretly, this was your fantasy too, and you wanted it to last a little longer than the 10 minutes of foreplay and fucking you had already endured.

Likes & reblogs are always appreciated! Stay tuned for more to this unexpected series! Asks are opened for requests & ideas for others.

#konig #konig mw2 #konig cod #konig call of duty #konig x reader #konig x y/n #gn y/n #gn reader #headcanon #konig x you #konig headcanons #call of duty #call of duty mw 2

[makeitmingi]

The Cat and Dog Game [Chapter 28]

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yunho x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Chef!Reader, RestaurantOwner!Yunho, MaitreD!Hongjoong, Waiter!Yeosang, Waiter!San, Waiter!Mingi, SousChef!Seonghwa, SousChef!Wooyoung, PrepChef!Jongho

Summary: Yunho's dream was to open and run his own restaurant. But he doesn't know anything when it comes to cooking. Until you came along and accepted the job, bringing with you a small crew. How will the black cat tame the energetic golden retriever?

Word count: 3.3K

It was stuffy and you wanted to leave. Well, you could say youu expected it. All these events were about image and connections. Seonghwa's older brother had broken away from the group the moment you entered. Okay, to be fair, it wasn't by choice, he was dragged away by one of the Park's business acquaintances.

"Here." Seonghwa handed you a champagne flute. You needed some liquid confidence before your own father and stepmother had to whisk you away.

"I want to get out of here." You mumbled lowly to him.

"Sweetheart, it's only been 10 minutes." Seonghwa chuckled. But he knew what you meant, he wanted to get out of there too.

"That's 10 minutes too long. I don't belong here, Hwa." You sighed, taking a sip of your champagne, shooting someone a fake smile as they walked past you. You had no idea who they were.

But it didn't matter. That's what you have been taught growing up. Even if you didn't know the person, they knew you so you have to be friendly to them.

"Ah, there you are, (y/n)." Your father came over with a fake smile planted on his face. You smiled in return, letting him wrap an arm around you to greet you. His eyes cast over to Seonghwa, who bowed respectfully to your father.

"Thank you for accompanying her here, Seonghwa. And always taking care of her." He said to your best friend, as if you weren't there.

"It is no problem at all, Mr (y/l/n). We take care of each other." Seonghwa smiled. With that, your father led you away. You cast Seonghwa a look and he gave you a subtle nod.

"Were you late?" Your father asked softly.

"Of course not, appa. I would know better than to be." You replied, trying not to scoff at the end of your sentence.

"Good." He hummed and brought you over to where your stepmother was engaged in a conversation with another couple. It was showtime, you needed your game face.

"Ah, there she is. Come, sweetie." Your stepmother beckoned you over like a dog.

"Good evening." You smiled with a polite bow of your head as you approached them. You really wanted to call her 'mom' to play into the facade but there was still a boundary that you could not cross. There was only one person you would call your mother and it wasn't this woman in front of you.

"This is Judge Kim Soohyuk and his wife." She introduced. Seeing how he had this almost arrogant smile on his face, you knew he was regarded as someone important.

"Nice to meet you, judge Kim and Mrs Kim. It's an honour." You shook hands with them.

"What a beautiful young lady." Judge Kim chuckled and his wife giggled, nodding in agreement.

After speaking to your father's colleagues and your stepmother's connections, you excused yourself for a drink and moved through the crowd to find Seonghwa.

"(y/n)?" A familiar, soft voice called out to you. You turned around and you immediately relaxed, seeing who it was.

"Mr and Mrs Jeong. I'm so glad to see you! What are you doing here?" You said, letting Mrs Jeong hug you. She let out a soft squeal as she wrapped her arms around you, as if she was seeing her own child. You sent Mr Jeong a smile.

"Mr boss is one of the donors on the board. So he got extra invites to attend. Yunho's running the restaurant so he couldn't make it and Gunho's at his internship." Mr Jeong explained.

"I should be at the restaurant too but I couldn't leave my parents." You said.

"I know." Mrs Jeong smiled, showing you she understood everything without you needing to explain any further.

"We didn't know you were Mr (y/l/n)'s daughter." She said softly and held your hands, rubbing the back of them with her thumbs, as if to silently comfort you.

"Yeah... I haven't told Yunho and..." You chewed your lip.

"Don't worry. So you and Yunho? You're a thing now? Or becoming a thing? I swear, my son doesn't tell me anything." She chuckled.

"We've been a few dates, taking it slow. He wanted to accompany me tonight but I knew he was needed at the restaurant, especially when Friday nights are our busiest." You giggled. You didn't even know when mr jeong disappeared but when he came back, he had a plate full of finger food.

"Honey! Isn't that a bit much?" Mrs Jeong laughed, seeing how much food he had.

"These small little sliders never fill you up. You need at least 5." Mr Jeong clicked his tongue in annoyance. Seonghwa, who was also finally free of his parents, came to meet you.

"I can see where Yunho gets his big appetite from then. He's just like you, Mr Jeong." You laughed.

"Mr and Mrs Jeong." Seonghwa greeted as he came to your side.

"Seonghwa, right? One of the sous chefs." Mr Jeong asked. Seonghwa nodded in confirmation and bowed respectfully, shaking hands with them.

"Let's take a picture, I'll send it over to Yunho and make him jealous." Mrs Jeong suggested. You nodded and leaned in with Seonghwa to take a picture with them. Only a few minutes after she hit send, her phone started ringing. She handed her phone to you to answer.

"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING THERE WITH (Y/N)?!"

"Good evening to you too, Yunho. How am I? I'm okay, thanks for asking. I hope the restaurant is doing fine." You said, almost rolling your eyes at his dramatic ass.

"Oh, (y/n)! It's you. Sorry for yelling. Hi, (y/n). You look amazing, by the way. But seriously, why are my parents there?"

"If you must know, Jeong Yunho. Appa's boss is one of the big donors for the night so they gave him more slots to have guests." Mrs Jeong took her phone back.

"Hi... omma..."

"(y/n)." Your father called you. You nodded and bowed to Yunho's parents quickly before walking over with Seonghwa following suit.

"You see?" Mrs Jeong changed the call to a video call to let Yunho see you. You were so... docile. It was like Yunho was looking at a different person, he had never seen you like that before.

"She's beautiful."

"She is." Mrs Jeong nodded in agreement. You were wearing an off shoulder dress, starting from dark, midnight blue with a cascading gradient down the dress, ending with white at the end of the skirt. There were even gems dispersed sparsely around the dress, looking like stars in a night sky.

Yunho felt like all attention should be on you. Yet, you remained meek and submissive, obediently standing by your father's side with a fake smile as you spoke business with his acquaintences.

"Your brother is studying overseas, right? How capable. What is it you do again?" One of the ladies asked, almost with disdain.

"Culinary." You replied.

"Oh... So you... cook... for other people..." She raised a judgemental eyebrow. But you were used to it, so you were unphased, nodding at her question.

"It's only temporary. You know young people and their fickleness. Just until she's ready to take over for me." Your father lied.

"That's good. A lot more promising career choice." The lady finally smiled at your father.

"I remember how much potential you had with your law and accounting skills. It would be a shame to throw it all away, you know? Especially when someone of your father's calibre basically handing you all his skills and contacts." She flirted with your dad.

Luckily, your stepmother was not around to see it. Or maybe unlucky, she might see it and leave him. You knew this lady would take the chance to be your father's partner. Any of these ladies would.

"(y/n)." A familiar voice called.

"Uncle Junghyun. It's great to see you again." You smiled and bowed your head but the male hugged you instead.

"Junghyun, I didn't think you could make it." Your father hugged the male. Junghyun worked alongside your father, they've known each other since they were kids so you always saw him around growing up.

"Caught a last minute flight." He chuckled.

"So, how have you been? Still cooking up a storm?" He asked you with a fatherly smile.

"I'm doing good, uncle. Still adventuring through all the kitchens that come my way." You laughed. Despite being like your father in every way, he had always been supportive of your culinary journey.

"You'll have to fill me in when we have the time." He smiled. You nodded your head.

"It's a promise." You said, just like you always did as a kid. Noticing your father had moved on, you quickly made your way to him, bowing apology for lagging behind. Before coming to these events, you father would always send you a list of people you'll meet and their projects for you to read up on.

"My stepbrother and I were discussing your recent surgery with the myofiber cell sheets to repair brain tissue. We usually hear it being used for heart muscles but the brain is impressive." You lied.

"Oh, you know my work?" The older man didn't even bother to hide how shocked, yet impressed, he was.

"Of course. You're the first doctor in South Korea to successfully harvest stem cells and grow the cell sheets." You added.

"Wow, thank you. I've been wanting to try skeletal fiber sheets. It will be beneficial to have it here in South Korean hospitals for bone healing." He said.

"Of course, were you thinking of including osteoblasts (cells used in new bone formation) into the mix?"

"I do. You sure know your medical knowledge." He said, looking at your father.

"My brother is the one with all the medical knowledge. I mainly read and learn all these." You smiled. Smiling up at your father, he nodded in agreement, shooting you a proud smile. You were trained well by him, you knew how to act.

Although you've not seen your stepbrother is years, thankfully, you had to speak highly of him. That was your role, to shine the spotlight on him and his surgeon career.

"Finally, we get to see you, dear." A lady greeted you as your father finally let you go.

"Omonim, abonim. It's great to see you. I've missed you both." You grinned and hugged Seonghwa's parents.

"Aigoo, you've become so much thinner. Is Seonghwa not feeding you, my daughter?" Mrs Park frowned. She always looked after you like her own daughter.

"I am." Seonghwa came just in time to defend himself.

"All you do is eat her food like always." Mr Park rolled his eyes, making you laugh. Mr Park was just as whipped for you as Mrs Park was. You were the daughter they never had and they liked to spoil you.

"Please, I make sure she eats. Not my fault she breathes coffee like it's air." Seonghwa exposed.

"Hwa!" You hissed.

"(y/n)... I told you too much coffee is bad for you. Do you want me to ban you?" Mrs Park scolded. You pouted and shook your head while Seonghwa snickered.

"Stop him. You see? He's always mean to me." Two can play at that game. Now it was your turn to throw Seonghwa under the bus. Seonghwa's eyes widened as his parents came down on his with scoldings and lectures on how he should be taking care of you and treating you like a princess.

"I hate you so much." Seonghwa said through gritted teeth and a tight smile.

"Aww, I love you too, Hwa hwa." You smiled innocently.

"You two are always arguing one minute and inseparable the next." Mr Park chuckled, shaking his head at the both of you. That's true, that was your dynamic.

"Anyway, Seonghwa's been telling us about the new place you both are working at and how interesting it is." Mrs Park said.

"Yeah, it's definitely different from the other places we have been before. And it's a new place with just the 4 of us as the kitchen crew. So we're learning as we go. But it has been fun to say the least."

"That's good, that's good. You've always worked in high end restaurants, maybe it's good to change things up." Mr Park smiled.

"It is. We have a lot more creative reign at this place for sure. The owner's guidelines are easy to stick to and broad enough for us to play around with ideas. He lets us decide all the menus, from breakfast to dinner." You explained.

"We'll have to drop by some time then." Mrs Park turned to her husband, who nodded in agreement.

"Sure but please give a prior warning. Don't just show up and surprise us." Seonghwa sighed. His parents have always done that at the previous places you've worked at.

"No promises." Mr Park laughed.

"We'll go out for a meal soon, hmm?" Mrs Park held your hand with a soft smile.

"I'd like that." You said, hugging her. She giggled, patting your back. You can proudly say that Seonghwa's parents raised you in your parents' absences.

After Seonghwa's parents were called away by other business acquaintences, you took the chance to sneak off for a breather. You found an outdoor deck area. Seonghwa came to sit with you.

"You haven't eaten anything since we've got here. Do you want some food?" He offered. You shook your head with an assuring smile. You never ate at events like these, with all eyes on you, it was hard to stomach anything. You knew you only had a few minutes before you needed to go back in.

"Last time I disappeared for too long, my father never forgave me for being missing. So I should head back in soon to greet his connections." You sighed.

"Just a while more then we'll head home, okay?" He rubbed your arm.

"Hwa, you can enjoy the ball. Don't let me be your party pooper. I'll be okay." You promised, feeling the guilt settle.

"You aren't. You know I don't like these events too, it's just a chance to compared whose child is better, it's useless. I'm not even in my family business." He rolled his eyes.

"I wonder which inheritor my dad is going to pitch my hand in marriage to tonight?" You chuckled.

"Well, you're going to be taken soon so for Yunho's sake, I hope no one." He laughed. You leaned against his shoulder and took a deep breath, closing your eyes for a few seconds. Even your cheeks ached from all the fake smiles.

"I wish things were normal. That I can bring Yunho home and introduce him to my parents. But I know that'll never happen." You spoke absentmindedly.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Seonghwa said, holding your hand. You shook your head.

"I've accepted it as the reality..." You sighed again.

Although you wished to stay out there with Seonghwa until the end of the event or just go home, you knew you couldn't. So you both went back in.

"Snuck out?"

"You know I'm always finding a way to sneak out, uncle." You said to the smirking male. Of course he knew, he used to help you stay hidden from your father and stepmother, causing him to get lectured by your father. He never liked how they only spoke highly of your stepbrother.

"How is it, really? Living on your own, making a career for yourself." He asked, sipping his wine.

"It's been great. I'm not alone, I still have Seonghwa, Jongho and Wooyoung with me to support me." You smiled softly.

"Feels like there's someone else?" He raised an eyebrow. You contemplated telling him about Yunho. Sometimes, he would let things slip to your father unintentionally.

"At the moment, it's nothing serious." Was all you said.

"I'm happy for you, kiddo. You deserve to be happy again." He said, gently patting your head.

"Thank you. I am slowly getting there." You admitted. He nodded his head, genuinely proud of you. After all, he was the one who loaned you money to pay for your first house when you moved out.

"(y/n), there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you. What did I say about disappearing? Your stepmother and I have people to introduce you to." Your father came with a disapproving frown on his face. You knew your father was always a little jealous that you acted differently with Junghyun, like he was your father.

"Sorry, dad. I'm coming." You bowed your head to Junghyun with an apologetic smile and walked to where your father was, letting him lead you back to the social introductions.

"You shouldn't act so chummy with him." Your father said as you both walked through a secluded hallway.

"Why? You wanted him to be close to me since I was little. You even said that if anything happened to you, he would take care of mum and I." You frowned.

"I just don't want people to get the wrong idea." He shrugged.

"Wait, what wrong idea? They know I am your daughter and they know that you're Uncle Junghyun's friend AND business partner."

"Why do you think he hasn't been around much after your mother died? There were rumours floating around." Your father turned to you. You stopped and looked at him.

"Rumours? What kind of rumours? And even if there were, you've known him since you were kids..." You said. This was news, what sort of rumours was there? You didn't even think much about him not being around after your mum died. You just thought he was working.

"There were rumours that you were his child, not mine. It was embarrassing and harmful so I told him to stop coming around." He revealed.

"Embarrassing? That's all you care about? Did you care about mum, being falsely accused? Or your own best friend. Don't tell me you actually believed those rumours." You crossed your arms.

"Of course not. I cared about your mum, I did it to protect her and her image." He frowned.

"Sure..." You nodded.

"I will not be disrespected by you, young lady. Know your place. It was a mistake to let you get close to Junghyun. He encouraged your bad habits" He clicked his tongue.

"What bad habits? You wouldn't know, dad. You were never there." You pointed out.

"He helped you run away from home, gave in to all your little temper tantrums. That's why you turned out to be like this." He gestured. You wanted to bite back, that your uncle saved you, he gave you an escape. But it would be futile to argue with your father right now. Taking a deep breath, you turned to walk away.

"Where are you going now? You are not done." Your father said firmly. You turned around, fighting back the tears.

"Bye, dad. I'll see you when you want me to." You bowed your head respectfully and spun on your heel to walk to the exit. As you were exiting, you sent Seonghwa a text.

"Wait, you left? Where are you? What happened?"

"It's okay, Hwa. I'm okay. I'm on the way home already. You should stay with your parents. I'll see you tomorrow." You said.

"No, you're not okay. Geez, (y/n)... What did he do? I'll meet you back at your house."

"Hwa, please. I already feel like shit that you always have to comfort me when I fight with my dad. Please, I just need some space to collect myself. I'll be okay." You begged, sitting in the cab.

"Okay, fine. Call me later."

"I will. Thanks, Hwa." You tried to fight the tears and the strain in your voice before hanging up. You took a deep breath and sent a text to Yunho instead of calling him. You didn't want him to worry if he heard how shaky your voice currently was.

~

Series masterlist

#kpop #kpop scenarios #kpop series #ateez #ateez scenarios #ateez series #ateez x reader #ateez imagines #ateez yunho #yunho ateez #yunho #yunho scenarios #yunho series #yunho x reader #yunho x you #yunho x y/n #jeong yunho #jeong yunho scenarios #jeong yunho series #jeong yunho x reader

[pablitogavii]

can you do an image in Ibiza and reader sends gavi like a lingerie photo or a spicy text while at dinner with the boys and he can’t control himself and when you get home he punishes you (smut)

Spicy Text

What a good idea ;))

Obv SMUT ahead!!

Your POV

When Pablo invited me to go to the dinner with him and the boys, I gladly declines since I knew Aurora wasn't going and I didn't feel like being the only girl.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay amorcito?" he asked me like a thousand times until I pushed him outside of that door myself telling him to go have a fun night with his friends.

I was never one of those girls who needed to be by her man 24/7 but tonight when he was gone, I started missing him a little extra...if you know what I mean ;)

I was guilty of checking out some of those fan edits they made and let me tell you they make a girl excited..especially when she has the real thing in her bed every night..and I really needed him in this bed right now!!

I peeked through the door of our bedroom seeing that Aurora was asleep in the living room before pulling a new lingerie I got before vacation from my suitcase and putting it on..I had an intersting idea pop into my mind.

I checked myself out in the mirror smiling before grabbing my phone and taking a quick pic before texting Pablo.

amorcito: the room is so cold without you papi ;)) sent pic

I smirked to myself and not even a second later he opened it and started typing. It surely came as a surprise but I knew he will save that photo onto his phone(even though he would deny it!).

pablitoo: i'm weak nenaaa!! why do you look so good!???

I smirked at his text knowing that playing with fire like this will only get me into trouble later but not being able to resist it..it was way too much fun to play with him like this.

amorcito: it's the new one just for you papi ;)

pablitoo: stop playing with me nena!!

I knew it! He was getting frustrated and I was enjoying myself way too much to stop right now..come whatever punishment ;))

amorcito: or what??

pablitoo: or i'm gonna rip that off your beautiful body and make you regret making me hard!

Fuck!! He was just as needy as me right now..maybe if I keep pushing he comes home earlier??

amorcito: show me how hard you are papi..

pablitoo: it hurts me soo much preciosa.. sent pic

You chuckled at his secret picture of his pants that showed clear bulge that made your thighs close in anticipation...fuck he was so beautifully hard right now!!

amorcito: if you were here right now, I would...

pablitoo: you would what princesa?? ;)

I knew not replying would only make him angrier and that hopefully makes him come back and 'punish' me in his special ways.

pablitoo: amor??

pablitoo: you can't get me going like this and then ignore me!

I chuckled turning off my phone putting it on charger before heading to the shower..well that was certainly fun!

Pablo's POV

Joder!! She did not just turn me on and then ignore my texts! She's playing with fire and I was on the verge to get into my car and teach her a proper lesson!

"Should we head to the club boys??" Mario said and but there was no way I was going anywhere with bulge in my shorts and my mind fixated on that lingerie hugging her body so perfectly..fuck, I needed her badly right now!!

"I'll pass. You go ahead" I said and they all gave me a suspicious look smirking amongst each other ready to tease me about being 'needy' for my girl but I knew they were just jealous..cabróns!

"I'll go back with you" Javi said and we separated with the rest getting into my car as I was speeding towards the villa holding my crotch so that he doesn't see the bulge. Damn it, pricnesa!

"Hermano, slow down or we won't make it home!" Javi said and I apologized although still trying my best to go through traffic quickly as we finally arrived to the villa.

"You're back so early!" Aurora greeted us at the door hugging Javi and smiling at me as I asked where my girl was.

"I heard the shower turn on when I woke up.." was all she said before i rushed towards our shared bedroom locking the door behind myself.

I came into the bathroom seeing that sexy body of hers in the shower surrounded by water and light fog that made the bulge in my pants only grow more.

I took off my clothes quickly (i didn't think I could do it so quickly before) before stepping in quietly and snaking my arms around her wet torso making her jump.

"Dios! What are you doing home so early cariño??" she played dumb but I could tell she was smirking behind my back as I turned her around grabbing her neck and making her look up at me with those dopey eyes.

"My naughty girl was misbehaving so I came to teach her a lesson.." my hold tightened but only enough to cause shivers before my lips slammed on hers as we devoured each other while water fell on top of us.

"I really needed you Pablito.." she whined and I knew she was trying to get herself out of trouble like always but I was not in the mood to show her any mercy tonight..tonight she will get what she deserves.

"So you thought teasing and then ignoring me is the way to go? Hm?" I pushed her against cold tiles roughly and she whined shaking ehr head while her hands touched my wet abs caressing them gently.

Fuck! she was driving me mad!!!

Your POV

I LOVED whenever he would get rough like this which is why I 'misbehave' ever so often waiting for him to tame me like only he can.

His hand around my neck while his mouth devoured mine was the definition of heaven when suddenly he pulled away looking down at me with a big smirk on his face.

"Since you didn't tell me what you would do if I was home..how about you show me instead.." he smirked pushing me into my knees and I felt my core drench at this while I looked at his long hard shaft.

I was about to grab it with my hands when he pulled back making me look up in confusion.

"What do you say princesa??" he smirked and I pouted nodding my head obediently. Last thing I needed was to push him too far and make him not allow me to cum tonight. I needed to give him all he wanted.

"Please, papi..let me suck your cock like a good girl" I said and he nodded his head petting my head while putting his cock into my mouth groaning when I hollowed my cheeks and started sucking him.

"Fuck yeah! Just like that princesa..show me why I shouldn't punish you" he groaned throwing his head back while I sucked him diligently feeling his dick pulse inside my mouth before swallowing all he would give me.

"Good girl!" he said rising my chin up and smiling down a t me before grabbing my body and taking me to our bed.

"Mm are you gonna make me cum now papi??" I bit my lips feeling more needy than before especially after tasting him a few seconds ago.

"Now you are going to cockwarm me until the morning..and if you behave and hold it, I might make you cum when we wake up" he said making me lay on my side and slipping inside of me while holding me tightly against himself.

"No...please papi! I was your good girl" I tried moving but his hold on my hips tightened and he held me in place.

"Good girls don't tease amor! And if you continue to whine like a brat, I won't let you cum for the whole damn vacation!" he threatened and I knew better than to take that chance nodding my head and keeping still while he kissed the side of my shoulder.

"That's mi niña buena..goodnight amorcito" he said getting comfy and I felt my walls contract around him.

"Night amor" I said closing my eyes...I couldn't wait for the morning! ;)

Damn! Pablito was mean to us :// but I hope you liked the story <3

#pablo gavi #pablo gavi x reader #pablo gavi icons #pablo gavi x y/n #pablo gavi x you #fc barca #fc barcelona #fc barça #gavi #gavigif #gavira #pablo martín páez gavira #pablo gavira #pablogavixreadersmut #gavi x reader #gavi x vini #gavi x you #gavi x yn

[thislovintime]

Remembering David Jones, and sending thoughts to his family and friends.

(Footage in this edit from the Blu-ray set, Getty Images, Australian TV, Extra, the 1990s documentary; audio 1 from Peter's 1999 interview with GOLD 104.5.)

“Genuine, reliable and huggable, Peter is a natural person — really gets off on talent — loves other musicians and can jam along with the best of ‘em. I saw him holding his own with Hendrix, Stills, Young. He encouraged me no end. Bought me my first guitar and my first drum kit. […] He used to walk with a swagger, shining his arms with a confident air. He calmed hysteria, and lifted depression. ‘Dried banana, anybody? Piece of orange?’ — smiling, waving, running his hands through his hair. He knew all the crew by their first names. Kids crying at his feet he lifted and hugged like a father calming a child. […] He’s the most musically talented of us all by a mike. His songs are real. ‘For Pete’s Sake’ — which replaced the Monkees Theme at the end of some of the shows of the second season — is one of my all-time favorite songs by anybody. I’ve joked a lot about Peter giving everything away. But it was true. He was always giving his spare room to someone who needed it for the night — anyone. And he always seemed far away somewhere — in a different space. But I’m glad I know him. Of all the things he gave me, he gave me lots of laughs — and food for thought.” - Davy Jones, They Made A Monkee Out Of Me (1988) “I enjoyed [Micky] the most, respected Mike the most, and loved Davy the most.” - Peter Tork, Hartford Courant, February 26, 1982 “Davy adored performing, and adored meeting and greeting his fans. He was tireless in making himself available to sing a song, do a dance, shake a hand; whatever was asked. I had heart-to-heart moments with him that were among the best in my life. I was blessed to know and work closely with him. He was one in about 6 billion, give or take. We won’t see his like again. He left much too soon. I share your sadness. Thank you again for this chance to contribute. God bless and keep you all.” - Peter Tork in a note for a Pennsylvania memorial event for Davy, also shared via Peter’s official Facebook page, 2012 Peter Tork: “He was a master of many aspects of this kind of thing [entertaining], and, you know, and we had some very wonderful personal connections, and I’m really sad to see all that gone.” Q: “He just seemed to be a fun guy. I know he loved horses.” PT: “Sure did.” Q: “And obviously loved Peter.” PT: “Sure did. Loved him.” - 94.5 FM (Phoenix), 2013 “[Micky] and Mike and I have a very cordial relationship and share a lot of common topics. We go to lunch together when we’re all in town and have a good time. I love and respect each of these guys in their own way, although the real joys that I shared with Davy were special. At one point we had some good hard connections but as the years rolled on, those things faded away. But I am sorry to see Davy go. He was the one member in the group that I had the strongest human connection with. I still have two guys that I love and respect left from the band, but we share a different dynamic.” - Peter Tork, Review Mag, May 27, 2016

#Davy Jones #David Jones #Peter Tork #Micky Dolenz #Michael Nesmith #Tork quotes #Peter and Davy #long read #can you queue it

[simmerandwrite]

Sink Into Me - 05 - mob!Steve Rogers x plus size! reader

Summary: You were simply doing a good deed, pulling the handsome stranger out of the way when a car jumped the curb. Little did you know that the life you saved belonged to Steve Rogers, the Army veteran turned art dealer with connections to the Brooklyn crime syndicate.

Steve Rogers, who won’t stop calling you his guardian angel.

Steve Rogers, whose new goal in life just might be repaying his debt to you.

Steve Rogers, who isn’t shy until it comes to his feelings and will stop at nothing to keep you safe.

Chapters: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Wordcount: 6k

Warnings: some smut in this one, vague references to violence, canon level violence (series), body image issues (series)

Notes: thank you all for reading! means a lot to me. i’d love to hear your thoughts and remember, a reblog goes a long way for a writer on this hellsite!! ( if you see me in the wild, i’m @simmerandcry​​)  

--

As happy as you were to have Steve laying beside you in bed, you weren’t ready to sleep yet. Not when you hadn’t seen him in almost a week. Sure, you had both very quickly made up for lost time – you weren’t sure you’d be walking straight tomorrow – but it was these quiet moments, just the two of you, that you cherished the most.

With your head resting on his bare chest, you traced your fingers along the tattoos that decorated his skin. The eagle, the poetry verse, the cross, the script displaying his mother’s name - you liked how they all seemed to tell a story and also provide an extra bit of insight about Steve.

“Which one did you get first?” You asked quietly, propping yourself up slightly to get a better scan of his torso. He had pulled his boxers back on after you cleaned up but he still had plenty of skin showing. “And which one hurt the most?”

Steve glanced at your curious smile then scanned over his chest. “This one hurt the most, against my ribs.” He tipped to the side slightly, revealing a traditional style tattoo that lined the right side of his torso. “And the first..” A laugh escaped him, moving his hand to tug at the waistband of his boxers. He pointed to the faint outline of a fading tattoo, just a few letters that adorned the front of his left hip.

You twisted to see what he was pointing at. “I never noticed that - what does it say? ‘Punk’?”

“Yeah,” Steve was laughing again, running his thumb over the letters. “Me and Buck gave each other tattoos one night. Dumb teenage shit, you know?”

“That’s strangely… endearing,” you laughed along, letting out a long breath and returning to your spot resting against him. “Bucky’s your best friend?”

“Seems a bit juvenile to say it that way, but yeah. I trust him with my life.” Steve circled his arm around you and held you closer somehow. The light touch of his fingertips grazed your shoulders. “Me and him, we’ve.. We’ve been through a lot together.”

“Can you tell me something no one else knows about you?” You closed your eyes, fighting off the heavy wave of sleep that was creeping in. “Not even Bucky?”

“Hmm.” Steve paused, taking the extra moment to press a kiss to the top of your head while he thought of his answer. “I closed on a new property today.”

You opened your eyes again. “Okay, that’s… a fact, I guess.”

His chest rumbled, smirking. “I bought a cabin in Connecticut, near the state border. It’s a little thing - triangle A-frame structure, two bedrooms, comes with a canoe and a kayak, there’s a trail down to a lake..” 

You couldn’t help but push yourself up again, turning to smile at him with wide eyes. “It sounds beautiful! Just an investment property orr…”

“No, it’s for me. I want somewhere to escape the city. It needs some work but I want it to be all season.”

“I can’t wait to see some photos.”

“Maybe we could..” Steve trailed off, eyes closing momentarily before he opened just one to peek at you. “Could up there on a weekend? Just us two?”

Your cheeks warmed at the thought of a weekend away with Steve, away from everything, cozy around a fire. “That sounds like a dream.”

“Well, let’s make it happen, sweetheart.”

 ---

“Hey, you’ve barely even commented on that terrible design - where is your head right now?”

You sighed, tearing your empty stare from your TV across the room and down towards where Maria was sitting on the rug. You had invited her over to binge the latest season of your favourite reality tv fashion show and, well, you were clearly being a bad host. 

Truthfully, you were lost in your thoughts. You’d been drawing in them a lot over the past few weeks. You could feel your work life balance slipping away as another busy project season approached. And moving had thrown you for a loop. But mostly your mind was racing thinking about Steve. Your pros and cons list about him and the state of your relationship was growing on each side.

God, the pros were so good. He was attentive, kind and interesting. You both had fun together, you laughed a lot and he cared as much about Hercules as he did you. And the sex was amazing - he really enjoyed taking care of you. Steve was strong in his convictions, fought through adversity, and remained passionate about the things that mattered to him.

But on the other hand, you knew it was fair to have doubts. Steve was busy with work and whatever else was going on in his life and you didn’t see each other as often as you both would like. And there was the large mystery of what he really did for work anyway, though you could put enough pieces together. Quiet phone calls, an endless list of people who seemed to report to him, the illicit activities at the club, his resistance to the police… 

“Are you okay?” Maria shifted slightly, pausing the show and turning to look up at you as you clutched a pillow anxiously on the couch. 

“I’m just thinking about Steve,” you finally admitted, closing your eyes and collapsing back into the couch.

“What else is new?” Maria joked, eyes narrowed as you watched you. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve been willfully ignorant about his..” You hesitated. “..His work.”

Maria scooted closer, propped up on her knees. “Okay, yeah, let’s dig in because what is all that about? I was kind of joking about the mob thing but..” Her eyes grew dramatically wide. “Wait.” Reaching for her phone, she tapped on the screen and looked back at you. “Hey Google - what does a mob boss do?”

“No, come on,” you laughed, though it was mostly to hide your concern. “It’s going to burst the bubble, you know? The minute I really admit all this out loud.”

Maria scanned over the webpage illuminated on her phone. “It’s kind of a spectrum of information here. Whatever this thing is he’s running, they could have their hands in a lot of stuff like loaning money, tax fraud, political racketeering, illegal weapons, murd–”

Shaking your head, you reached for her phone and took it from her. “Stop, please. I don’t want to..” You sighed and draped your arm across your eyes. “Last week, I was staying over at his place and he got a call in the middle of the night. Something so important he had to leave for an hour but of course he didn’t give me any details. But that can’t be a good thing, right? I’m not an idiot.”

Maria just sighed, your name quiet on her lips. “I know you’re not an idiot. But maybe.. I don’t know. Maybe this was only meant to be short term.”

A beat of silence sat between you both. Eventually, you took a deep breath. “Steve is a good person.”

Maria nudged you with her elbow. “Is he?”

“Yes! The side of him I see is… good, I think.”

“And the side you don’t see?”

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

Maria said your name softly, enticing you to peel your arm away and look at her. “It just sounds like whatever Steve does - lawful or illegal or whatever - it could be dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt or caught up in something you shouldn’t be a part of.”

“I don’t want that either,” you replied quietly. A dramatic groan followed as you fell sideways onto the couch cushions. You knew Steve would never, ever let you get hurt. The real problem though was - what could even be potential harm for you? Wasn’t being with Steve just adding to that big potential risk? Maybe it really was time to admit that and maybe it was time for a hard conversation. “It feels like I met the right person at the wrong time.”

Maria offered you a small sympathetic smile. “It also feels like it’s time for the second bottle of wine.”

 ---

Even thinking about starting the conversation with Steve intimidated you. Deep down, you knew you were just delaying it on purpose - remaining perfectly content in your honeymoon phase. 

After a long workday, you had collected Hercules from his daycare then headed home, showered and talked yourself into being bold enough to bring it up with Steve. You met him at Shield, where he promised he was just about done with some paperwork then you could find somewhere to go for dinner.

You waited patiently in the chair across from his desk, fingers tapping against the arm of the chair as you watched him. Out of all the days, it was this day he had chosen to reveal to you that he sometimes wore reading glasses.

And fuck if he didn’t look even more attractive in a pair of glasses. Now your stomach was swirling with anxiety and something else, too. You weren’t sure how much longer you could contain yourself.

“You okay?” Steve’s voice broke through your thoughts. You met his gaze over the desk. He had stopped his pen from marking up the ledger ahead of him, staring at you with stoic curiosity instead. “I’m almost done, I promise.”

“No, no. Take your time.” You waved your hand and looked anywhere else in the room. 

He kept a photo of his mom on the corner of his desk. A framed antique movie poster decorated one wall and–

“Sweetheart?” 

You sighed and looked back at him. “I’m fine. Just.. I had a long day. My boss has been micromanaging me like crazy and… just tired, I guess.” 

You could tell he didn’t really believe you, but thankfully he didn’t press. He did drop his pen down, though. With one swift motion, he closed his ledger book and leaned back in his chair. 

“C’mhere, my tired girl.” 

With another sigh, you pretended for a moment to consider rejecting how he was inviting you over to his side of the desk. But you couldn’t resist. You stood and shuffled your way over there, letting him gently perch you on the side of his desk as he stood from his chair.

His hands found your hips quickly, as he leaned down and looked into your eyes. “We don’t have to go out.”

“No, no,” you shook your head. “I want to! I just..” You scrunched up your face, trying to find something convincing to say. “My mind is all over the place today.”

Steve gave you one of his little charming half smiles, slotting himself between your legs and moving his hands up to cradle both your cheeks. His thumb brushed over the apple of your cheeks. “Do you wanna tell me what’s going on?”

Before you could let out the breath you were holding, across the room someone banged on the door. Steve grumbled under his breath and opened his mouth to dismiss whoever was there, but instead the door rushed open.

“Rogers, your phone broken? We were supposed to start this meeting twenty –” 

You tried to turn your head to see who was there, but Steve held you steady. A series of expletives left his mouth as he stepped back for a moment, shouting towards the door. 

“And since when do we meet in my fucking office, Russo?” Steve dropped his hands and moved towards the door, acting as a barrier between you and the opposite side of the room. You craned your neck to see them standing on either side of the doorway.

“I’ll meet you at the bar then..” The other voice eventually replied, footsteps disappearing in the hallway.

“Fuck..” You heard Steve muttering again. 

Well, date night was definitely off the table, you were certain of it.

“Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I double booked and –”

“Steve, it’s fine.” You dismissed him immediately, hopping off the desk and meeting him in the middle of the room. “I can take my rotten mood home, it’s probably better this way.”

“I’ll get Shaun to take you home, okay? He should be downstairs.” 

You could see the genuine disappointment on Steve’s face. He clearly felt bad that his meeting had slipped his mind but it occurred to you that certain things were probably easier for him to prioritize and, well, where did that leave you?

You just nodded and accepted the offer. Steve grabbed your hand and guided you back down to the main part of the bar, making one quick hand motion to his driver, who immediately jumped to attention and hurried outside to pull a car around.

“Come over after?” You brought your hand up and poked his chest. “I’ll order a pizza?”

He nodded, reaching for his wallet. “Let me pay for it, at least.”

“Steve,” you laughed, stopping his hand and looking over your shoulder briefly. You didn’t recognize a few of the people lingering around the bar, a few of which were clearly watching you and Steve. “It’s okay.”

He sighed, head shaking. When you resisted again, he held up his hands in defense. “Fine, but I’m coming over with a pint of gelato then.”

You smiled. “Sounds amazing.” You looked back again, then raised up onto your tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I’ll see you later.”

---

Steve sent you a few updates throughout the night. That his meeting went longer than he hoped, that they had to meet up with someone else, that he was sorry and would be there soon. When he finally showed up, you had already packed the pizza away and changed into your pajamas to sprawl out on the couch. Hercules was sprawled out under your feet just the same.

When he opened the door, you twisted and offered him a smile. Though it disappeared quickly when you got a better look at him under the lights in your kitchen. You didn’t mean to gasp but when you narrowed your eyes, you couldn’t believe what you were seeing. 

“Steve - are you bleeding?” You leaped up from the couch and met him near the kitchen sink, pulling his shoulder in an attempt to see his neckline better. “There’s blood all over your—“

“Shit.” He took a step back from you, letting out a long breath as he lifted a hand to his collar. “Fucking shit.”

“Are you hurt? What happened?” You twisted your head again, trying to look but he turned away. “Steve.”

Silence hung between you both. 

Eventually, he cleared his throat. “I’m fine. It’s…it’s not my blood.”

You took a step back, trying to ignore the heavy feeling that took over your stomach. Maybe you were about to have the dreaded conversation sooner than later. 

Steve turned on his heel and looked at you, teeth gritted as he found his words. “It's, uh, an occupational hazard.”

Brow furrowed, you frowned. “This isn’t funny.”

He pulled at his collar and sighed again. “I’m not laughing.”

“Steve.” You walked backwards until you hit your couch, perching yourself on the end with crossed arms as you watched him across the room. He wasn’t making this conversation any easier - shedding his jacket and collared shirt left him in just a goddamn white tanktop and fuck if he didn’t look so incredibly built. “Did you - did you ki-”

He cut you off, head shaking as he muttered out your name. “Please don’t ask that question.”

You took a deep breath. “We have both been ignorant here, okay? And I don’t want to ask but I don’t know if I can avoid it anymore so.. So, you’re in.. the mob? You run the…”

Steve smirked, briefly, then shook his head as his jaw tensed. His discomfort was evident in every twitch. “That’s an archaic term.” He let the air out of his lungs then reached for his jacket. “No, we can’t do this. I won’t do this.”

“Tell me the truth!” Your voice came out louder than you intended, but you carried on. “I’m not an idiot, Steve. And neither are you. I’m smart enough to figure out that whatever you consider your ‘business’ - it’s above the law, or below it, I guess.”

He gritted his teeth for a moment as he considered his words. “Fine. I guess we’re talking about this now.” He paused. “It’s my responsibility to manage a network of people, alright? People who..”

“You can’t even say it out loud,” you scoffed quietly, shaking your head as you looked away. 

Steve huffed, calling your name to grab your attention again.  “What do you want me to say, huh? That I have a team of people working for me. I loan money, I make trades and get a cut, I turn a blind eye to things when necessary. I don’t always follow the rules or act with civility. That part of my life -I, I don’t want you involved, okay? So forgive me for trying to shield you from that.”

“Don’t act like you’re doing me a favour, Steve!” You sighed. “I don’t get it. You’ve shown me who you are - who you really are - time and time again and that version of you, I just.. how does the Steve who has a little hideaway cottage upstate, who-who funds after school programs in his neighbourhood - how does he kill people!?”

Steve took a step forward, your name on his lips. “Listen to me, I didn’t—”

You choked out a dry laugh “Stop. You have literal blood on your hands.”

He shook his head, mouth agape. “I use force when I need to and I like to ensure my message is understood by any means possible. But unless absolutely necessary, I don’t take lives.” 

“How am I supposed to believe that?”

“I told you I’d never lie to you.”

You didn’t reply. 

“You called me, sweetheart. Remember?” He closed in the space between you and reached for your hand. “Those idiots were breaking into your apartment and you didn’t dial 911, you called me. Why?”

Hesitantly, you extended your arm and let him squeeze your hand. 

He brushed his thumb across your knuckles. “Because you know that deep down, maybe the cops wouldn’t get there quick enough. Maybe they wouldn’t help you at all. You’d get a report, one follow up call and nothing else. I know there are good cops but they are overworked and outnumbered. And the bad ones.. I’m doing my part and taking care of my city in any way I can.”

You looked up at him again. The blood was still staining his neck. With one firm tug, you removed your hand from his hold. Your voice shook. “You should go.”

“I think we need to— ”

You flicked your wrist to the door. “Go.”

Though you could see him resisting, Steve relented and stepped back from you. His mouth opened to argue but snapped shut quickly. Gripping his soiled shirt, he moved towards the doorway. 

“Steve?” You stood up and he paused, meeting your glossy eyes. “Do you think you’re a good person?”

“What matters more is if you think I’m a good person, sweetheart.” He paused and waited for a reaction from you but you remained motionless. “I’ll, uh- goodnight. I’m sorry.”

Just as soon as the door clicked shut, you collapsed onto your couch, consumed by your tears. 

 ---

You weren’t entirely sure why your day went so poorly - was it your boss and their awful attitude? Was it the coffee you spilled all over your lap at lunch? Was it the fact that ignoring Steve and every thought about him was grinding on your emotions?

All you wanted was a hot shower and dinner under a blanket on the couch. That was it. You just had to make it home. You figured at least the bad day was behind you as you headed to your apartment. Because you couldn’t imagine it getting worse.

Hah. 

You [6:51PM]: hey You [6:51PM]: i know we left everything up in the air You [6:51PM]: but I don’t know what to do  You [6:52PM]: I think someone is following me

Maybe you were being paranoid. Because you were in a hurry. For that same reason, you couldn’t be certain the same man from the subway was following you to your bus stop. But when you hesitated and turned down a side street, pretending to be very interested in the fruit display outside some nearby bodega, he slowed down too. And when you opted to turn back and join the line at Starbucks, as a test, he followed. 

You tried not to panic. 

Your first thought was to message Steve, a habit you had been struggling to resist all week. He’d reached out a handful of times since your fight but you had done a damn good job not replying. But now? He was the first person to come to your mind.

Moments after you reached out to him, your phone rang. 

You brought it to your ear as you waited in line. “Hi.”

“Are you safe? Where are you? Can you share your location with me?”

You let out a long breath. “Sure, just a sec.” You pulled your phone away and did as he requested. “Done.”

“That’s perfect, thank you sweetheart. I’m on my way to meet you. Are there a lot of people around you?”

“Yes, plenty.” 

“Great. My GPS is telling me you’re at Starbucks? Is that right?”

“Yeah - want me to grab you a cake pop? You seem like the cake pop type.” You paused. “I’m just gonna order - should I call you back or..?”

“No, you’re good. I’ll be right here. Go ahead.”

You smiled at the barista, trying to maintain your composure. Pulling your phone down slightly, you ordered. “Just a tall americano, please. With a bit of milk.”

Steve chirped in your ear. “Decaf?”

Oh, shit. It was after six already. And here Steve was, in the middle of your panic, reminding you of your own caffeine sensitivity. You paused before paying for your drink. “Can you make that decaf, please?”

After you paid, you heard Steve again. “I’m about a block away.” God, he was moving fast. You could hear honking behind him. 

“Okay, I’m uh..” You faltered, scanning the crowd for the man who has been following you. You ducked behind a couple sitting at a tall table when you noticed him lingering near the door. “The guy.. I think he’s waiting for me to leave. Maybe. I don’t know, actually. I might have made this whole thing up or -”

“Just stay where you are, keep talking to me.” It sounded like he was walking now. “Whatever your gut tells you, it's important. Nothing wrong with that, I promise.”

You hummed a quiet agreement. That kind of justification did make you feel better but your doubts continued to creep in. Grabbing your drink as your name was called, you took a few steps forwards and finally spotted Steve at the door. 

“The guy in the blue jacket?”

You quietly confirmed, finally meeting Steve’s eyes across the sea of people waiting in line. The sight of his smile, though just there for a moment, mostly settled the turmoil in your stomach. 

“Just stay right there until I come get you, okay?”

With a final nod, Steve ended the call and returned his phone to his pocket. Then you watched as he very subtly stepped up to the man you had described, leaning in to whisper something in his ear. 

The man froze. 

Steve reached out and gripped his shoulder, guiding him outside and beyond the window. Then you lost sight of them both and you tried not to let your mind wander. 

You sipped your coffee, sliding into a chair at a free table - though you were smart enough to keep your back to the wall, waiting for Steve to come back for you. Finally letting yourself breathe, the gravity of the situation seemed to settle in you. Why was someone following you? Was this connected to the break in at your apartment again? Was it something related to Steve?

Steve. 

God, you couldn’t believe how he dropped everything to come protect you from whatever this was, if it was anything at all. Actually, no, you could believe it. Because Steve had proven many times that he cared about you and your wellbeing. 

“What matters more is if you think I’m a good person, sweetheart.”

Could a good person do bad things? Didn’t that make them a bad person? Fuck, you didn’t want to get into the moral gymnastics of this again. 

You were freed from the spiral of thoughts when Steve dropped into the seat across from you, eyes narrow with concern. You knew he was searching your face for distress, pain, anything.

“You okay?” Finally he spoke, slowly reaching his hand out to grab yours as it sat on the table. You squeezed back as he held on.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“He didn’t touch you?” 

“No, no. Kept his distance enough that I was second guessing myself but..” 

You wanted to ask who the guy was, if Steve knew him, why he might be following you. But you didn’t really want answers to those questions.

“Let me take you home,” Steve let your hand go and nodded towards the door. “Do you need to get Hercules?”

You revealed a small smile though it faded quickly. “I do.. but..” You swallowed the lump in your throat and closed your eyes. “Can I.. I don’t want to be alone.”

“Okay, let’s grab your boy and we’ll go to my place.”

---

Despite the straight lines and cool tones that decorated Steve’s apartment, you felt comfortable there. The entire journey to get through his door, from the car ride to the elevator, you felt like you were holding your breath. But walking into his living room, as Hercules padded across the kitchen floor to slurp up some water from a dish Steve had left for him, you felt the tension release from your shoulders. Finally.

You fiddled with the sleeves of your sweater as you crossed the room, stopping in front of the large windows that looked down onto the city. You felt small suddenly.

Behind you, Hercules’ wandering footsteps came to an end as he flopped down in the middle of the living room. Then, you could hear Steve walking towards you too, slowly. 

He stopped at your side, casting a brief sideways glance to you before he shifted his gaze to the skyline.

You swallowed hard, tangling your hands together as you spoke. “I called you.. that night... Because you make me feel safe, Steve. I can’t really explain it but it’s something I’ve never felt before..” A small laugh escaped you. “Even now, wearing my heart on my sleeve, I think I should be scared and yet..” Turning your head to the side, you met his eyes. “..I’m safe.”

You couldn’t read his reaction. Was it confusion, relief, understanding? He dragged a hand across his jaw before looking away again. 

“Steve?” You grabbed his nearest hand. “Thank you.”

To your surprise, Steve pulled his hand back for a moment then turned and brought it up to cradle your cheek. His eyes burned with something you hadn’t seen before - something deep, intense. “You don’t have to thank me - you shouldn’t have to thank anyone for caring about you, sweetheart. It’s an honour — it’s my privilege to keep you safe.”

You were shrouded in him - the intense feeling of protection radiated through his stare, through his touch, his words. Why couldn’t this be easier? Right then, it felt easy but you knew it wouldn’t always be that way.

You closed your eyes briefly then looked back up at him. “What do we do now?”

He licked his lips, resisting breaking eye contact with you. “Who I am- it doesn’t go away.”

“I know. Logically, maybe walking away makes sense.. before this gets more tangled. But I just don’t… that’s not what I want.”

Steve stepped forward, closing in the space between you. “Okay. Then what do you want?”

You couldn’t answer. You wanted to smash your lips into his, run your hands down his back, feel him on top of you. But your logical brain stopped you. With all the willpower you could manage, you pulled away and took a small step back. “I want to.. uhm. Shower. Do you mind if I—”

Steve took a step back too, nodding. “Of course. Yeah. Go ahead. There’s fresh towels in my bathroom..” 

With a solemn nod you turned and headed down the hall, doing your best not to look back at him. 

Fuck, you were so totally fucked. What the fuck were you doing?

Steve’s shower was incredible compared to the one in the guest room. Spacious, with heated tile on the floor and a rainfall shower head. You turned on the water to warm up as you undressed, opening the door to his small linen cabinet to grab a towel. Then you saw it - the neat stack of your preferred shampoo, conditioner, lotion and body wash. 

Had Steve grabbed those just for you? You could cry just thinking of him walking around CVS and matching the toiletries to the ones you kept in your own bathroom. You wrapped the towel around your torso and moved the soaps to the bench in the shower, then peaked your head out the bathroom door. 

“Steve?” You called out his name, hearing quick footsteps heading your way. 

He stepped into the bedroom and met you at the door frame. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just, uh..” you hesitated, taking a deep breath. “I can’t figure out how the shower works.”

He frowned. “Huh. I can show you the-” His face turned to a smile instead, taking in your coy smirk. With one hand he reached for the hem of his shirt. He gave you another look, as if to make sure you really wanted his company. 

You grabbed his hand, letting your towel drop to the floor. “Come on.”

Steve didn’t waste any time tearing off his clothes and joining you under the water. Once you were both well soaked, the whole shower filled with steam as his lips found yours. 

He was hungry for you and you were hungry for him too. Gone were the doubts and fears and worries as you were left with just Steve - with his calloused careful hands and his soft lips, his calculated touch. He was a man with a mission. 

“Fuck,” you whimpered out, breathless as Steve’s lips moved towards your neck. “Steve, I..” 

“Tell me what you need, baby. Tell me and you can have it.” His hands snaked over your body, gliding easily over every inch of your skin. 

You gasped as his hands gripped your ass, before slipping around to the front, between your legs.

“There.. Yes,” you breathed out against the shell of his ear. “Make me come, please. Fuck me, tell me I’m yours..”

One of Steve’s hands came back up to capture your lips again, to cradle your jaw as his other started to play a symphony between your legs. His fingers moved gently at first, circling your clit slowly to warm you up. His tongue danced against yours, grinning against your mouth as you let out a tiny whimper. “Is that good? Is this what you need, my love?”

My love? The man was going to kill you, unraveling you inch by inch, touch by touch. 

“Yes, yes!” Was all you could muster to reply as Steve sped up, challenging both himself and you to get you there with a bigger impact. You barely had time to prepare yourself for the climax, shaking against his hand as his lips clamped down against the skin of your neck. 

You could tell he was going to leave a mark there.

You didn’t care.

In a swift motion, he moved his hand from between your legs to the outside of your thigh, lifting it up against his hip and pulling back enough to align himself with you. On your other leg, you raised yourself onto your toes to meet him and then you heard it - that deep, sensual growl that echoed from his chest.

“Holy fuck, baby,” he seethed through his teeth, head tipped back momentarily as he pushed himself fully into you. You pulled him back to your mouth, holding his cheeks in your hands as you breathed him in. “I need this - need you..” 

He collapsed against you, thrusting slow and steady, eliciting a whine from you with every extra push. And then, before you could even understand what was happening, Steve was lifting you - hands gripping the underside of your ass cheeks to hold you steady. You nearly protested, thinking about the sheer physics of what was happening - but damnit, Steve was stronger than you realized. 

“I won’t let you fall, baby. Won’t let anything happen to my girl, I promise..” He answered your racing questions without hesitation, keeping you safe and secure in his arms as he fucked into you with an unmatched intensity. Christ, you feared the tiles might shatter behind your back. 

“You’re my girl, all mine..”

You wondered momentarily if the subtext behind his words matched yours. When he said you were his, did he mean it? In his heart and soul? 

“Wanna do this forever..” He continued, head nestled beside your own as his pace increased. “Wanna make you feel good, happy. Safe. Want you around me forever.”

You were nearly bursting at the seams, anticipating the wave of feelings as another orgasm approached. “Steve..” you were breathless, barely audible in his ear. “Come with me, baby.”

“I’m close..” he returned, pulling back to find your lips. “I’m gonna— ”

He collapsed against you as he reached his peak, grunting as the last motions of his hips tensed and he flooded into you. He held you there, legs shaking around him as you came down from your own climax. 

You both caught your breath, lost in the sound of the water hitting the tiled floor. 

 ---

Steve never wanted to take his moments with you for granted, especially in the early morning light. You were a dream under the golden rays - somehow attached to his side in your sweet slumber. This was all he dreamed of. Silent, calm, serenity. 

Resisting his urge to check his phone, he shuffled and pulled his arm around you, keeping your back cradled against his chest. Fuck, even your half dressed form under the sheets had him ready to go first thing in the morning. 

You rustled under his hold. “Morning..” The rasp of your first spoken words melted his heart. 

“Did I wake you?” He asked before pressing a kiss to your neck, hot breath tickling your skin. 

“No, no. Internal clock. Herc probably needs to go out..”

“He’s still asleep,” Steve replied, pausing to crane his neck and check on your sleeping dog just outside the doorway to his room. “Content.”

“Me too,” you said quietly, pressing your hips back against Steve. All of him. A low moan escaped you. “Very good morning..”

Steve took that as enough of a cue and let his lips get to work. Kisses were pressed against your neck and shoulders as the hand tucked around your waist reached below your shirt. With every twist of your nipples, your hips moved more aggressively. 

Steve grinned. “Let me take care of you, baby.” His hands explored all over - from your chest, across your soft stomach to underneath the waistband of your underwear. “God damn, I love how you feel. All ready for me..”

It wasn’t long before you were shaking at his hands and he was lifting your thigh to slide in, hungry and relentless to really feel you. He held you tight, your bodies moulded together as the city woke up beneath you. Steve breathed out your name again and again, like some kind of secret prayer. 

With a firm hand gripping your hip, he let himself go with a possessive growl. God, he could start every day like this forever if you’d let him - a reminder to you both of how he felt for you, how you were tied together, how you’d both get to think back to this moment during every other hour of the day. 

Eventually, you had to leave the bed and return to the real world. 

Steve took you home, waited as you got changed for work as he caught up on his own outstanding messages. Then he took you to drop off Hercules and delivered you safely to the front door of your office. 

After one or two or three kisses, you reached for the handle of your door. He called your name to stop you. 

“Steve, I’m already late,” you frowned, tipping your head to watch him. 

He sighed, though a small apologetic lined his face. “Just one more thing. Next weekend - would you be up for a road trip to the cabin? We can talk about.. everything.”

You thought for a moment then nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Leaning in, you stole another kiss. “Okay, I’ve gotta get upstairs. Thanks for the ride. I lov-” You blinked and caught yourself. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Steve watched as you hurried away. He sighed, teeth clenched, only putting his car back into drive once you were safely inside. 

With a tight grip on the steering wheel, Steve headed into Manhattan. The early morning traffic would normally bother him, but he didn’t mind the extra time with his thoughts before he made it to his meeting. 

If he could even call it a meeting. God, he hated the mind games his mentor liked to play. Elusive, tricky and always trying to teach a lesson - Nick Fury was a force to be reckoned with. 

Steve pulled up to the The Gemini Hotel, nodding to the young kid scurrying working the valet desk as he handed over his keys and headed inside. Steve didn’t bother even sparing a glance towards the attendant at the front desk and he ignored the concierge too, striding directly to the elevator to head up to the penthouse. Conveniently, he ran smack into Fury’s right hand man once Steve stepped into the elevator. 

“You’re about twelve hours late,” Phil Coulson started, eyes stealing ahead as they travelled upwards. 

Steve didn’t reply. When the elevator dinged, Steve surged forward and hurried down the hall to the familiar suite. With a grunt, he pushed past the security guard waiting outside the door and made his way inside.

“Good fucking lord, can’t a man read the paper and eat his croissant in peace?”

Steve ignored the commentary from Nick Fury, who was leaning back in an office chair with his feet propped up on the desk. Steve reached across and pulled the newspaper away, slamming his hands down on the desk and staring the other man down. “Fury, we need to talk.”

--

Up next: drama, probably. and some more Steve POV.

CHAPTER 04 - CHAPTER 06

#steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers x you #steve rogers fanfic #mob boss steve rogers #steve rogers x plus size reader #steve rogers x curvy!reader #steve rogers x curvy reader #marvel fanfiction #simmerandwrite #simmerandcry #story: sink into me

[azulera]

We Go Together

Pairing: Jadon Sancho x Black Reader

Summary: Jadon wants everyone to know he’s yours.

Notes: don’t know where this one came from really bt i literally gave myself b*tterflies while writing it … it was so fun and i think its so so cute. also helloo to the JS25 girlies how are you :) hope u enjoy :)

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

“This is so random, but, I can’t lie. I hate braids. Like, on girls.”

Jadon looked at Reiss from the side of his eye, barely lifting his head from the back of the couch. Maybe they’d been vegetating on the chocolate-colored sectional too long, the blue light exposure from watching TikTok after TikTok finally getting to his friend’s head. It had to be that.

“What, bro?”

“They’re childish, brother, look.” Reiss leaned over, showing Jadon a clip of a girl being spun in a salon chair, with bright blue box braids trailing down the cape around her back. Reiss sucked his teeth twice before the video even ended. “It’s a little kid’s hairstyle, like primary school plaits. I do not rate them.”

Jadon laughed in a loud burst of sound, and shook his head at his friend’s wild take. Reiss’ complaining had triggered an image in his mind that easily refuted each of the critiques he brought up. He pushed the phone away from his face.

“Nah, you’re tripping. Braids are fire. Especially with the little baby hairs out, slicked down and that.”

“Noo, bro, the baby hairs get so extra!” Reiss rocked in his seat. “It’s gotta go, the whole style’s dead.”

“Maybe on gyal you see, but my girl, her things different. I’m telling you.”

“Oh my days– you almost did it, you know? You almost made it ten whole minutes without mentioning Y/N. It’s been 2 years, bro, we get it, you’re locked down, it’s cute, whatever.”

Jadon shrugged, a smile on his lips that he didn’t care to hide.

“I’m jus sayin.”

Reiss laughed, and switched subjects to show him another TikTok he thought was hilarious, but the picture in Jadon’s mind that his friend had summoned was too strong to ignore now, the warm feeling in his chest too sweet to pass by quickly. He half-listened while Reiss explained the meaning behind the joke, and scrolled to your Instagram profile. He went back a few weeks to spring break photos where you were sea-side in a flowy linen outfit with waist length braids falling over your shoulders, caught in the ocean wind. A minute later, he’d reposted the photo to his story, with a caption below.

“I love box braids. 😍 And my girl 😍”

He smiled again when it published, his thousands of followers viewing the image and leaving a flurry of cherry red hearts rising in the corner of the screen. Reiss, realizing he was no longer being listened to, peeked over Jadon’s shoulder, and rolled his eyes.

“You are such a simp, bro. I would banter you more if I wasn’t a little bit jealous.”

“Don’t worry, brother, it’ll happen for you one day. When you stop hating on girls’ hairstyles, I bet. Saying braids are dead, nah, you’re mad.”

Reiss shoved against his shoulder, but quickly slipped back down his internet rabbit hole, and a text came into Jadon’s phone.

Y/N: not u reposting my old pics lol you were lurking?

Jadon: No Jadon: Actually yeah Jadon: Reiss was trashing braids and i had to set him str8 Jadon: Can you come by?

Y/N: you 2 are mad i swear Y/N: and i thought u and him had plans after the match?

Jadon: Nah the braid comment was too much Jadon: I wanna see you

Y/N: yeah thats poor from him. i can be there in an hour :) Y/N: and i just got fresh braids done yesterday, i forgot to tell you lol

Jadon: 😍

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

“What’s your middle name then? William? Zachary?”

The question registered only faintly in Jadon’s headset, all his focus instead zeroed in on the pixelated movements of his starting XI as they ran alongside Marcus’ XI. The teams were so well-matched that every possession was a battle, and the 85th minute found them in a deadlock with one goal each. It wasn’t quite the time for casual conversation.

“My middle name? What do you mean? No-no-no-no!”

One of his center backs made a sloppy pass, and a pressing forward had intercepted it. Thankfully, the keeper recovered and the score remained 1-1.

“Stop trying to distract me, bro! It won’t work.”

“M’not, I swear! It’s just the letter there on your bracelet. It’s catching the light and I can see it through the screen. And it’s not J or S, so.”

Jadon looked down at his wrist for a moment, at the thin gold chain draped along the left one with a capital letter and small, earth figure hanging in the center. Marcus was right – the jewelry did shine in the light coming in through the window and glowing from the computer monitor, and the sight twitched the sides of his mouth.

“It’s not my middle name, it’s for–wait, wait–”

Jadon paused the game and Marcus cursed over the headset. Still, he went on unbothered, more than happy to provide context around the question his teammate had innocently or not so innocently posed.

“So the letter, that’s for my girlfriend's name. She bought it for me for my birthday, couple years back. It’s nice, innit.” The grin that had started as a twitch now stretched across his mouth. “And the little earth thing is like, it’s like a reminder. That when I’m away, different country, different city, whatever. She’s always with me.”

Marcus smiled at him over the monitor, shaking his head even as his fingers itched to get back to the match.

“Aw look at you, Sanch, big softie. It’s too bad your missus ain’t here now though, to save you gettin whooped in FIFA.”

“No, you’re lucky she’s not here, really, cause I’d have been on a hattrick. It’s a miracle you’re even gettin a sniff, bro.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, stop chatting then and press play. Five more minutes and then we’ll see.”

Jadon resumed the game and leaned forward in his chair, his thumbs flying over the buttons. When his team paused for a corner minutes later, thoughts of you, which had been simmering under the surface ever since Marcus’ inadvertently brought you up, flashed through his mind. It was hard when he was in Manchester, and you were in London, but the little spiel he’d given his teammate reminded him, just as the bracelet did, that if the two of you could ever be considered “apart” it was only ever in a physical sense, never an emotional one. There was nothing that could separate him from you as far as he was concerned, unless he were to tear his own heart out of his chest or something equally dramatic. He decided instead to raise his hand to his mouth, pressing the letter charm softly to his lips. It was your name he whispered against the gold, uncaring if Marcus could hear, as he sent the cross flying towards the box.

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

“Can I help you find something, sir?”

The salesgirl rested a hand on his forearm as she asked, and Jadon flinched at the touch. He’d been in the shoe store for a few minutes already and no one had noticed him yet, but the intensity of her look told him he’d been recognized. She was suddenly stood so close some of the hair from her ponytail brushed against his shoulder, and he could see the dark clumps in her heavy lashes. Her fingers were cold.

“Yeah, actually,” He stepped away from her while he talked, letting her hand drop. “I’m looking for a pair of those, uh, ugg slippers, slides, the ones with the fur. Do you have those?”

“I believe we do!” She flashed him a smile that lasted too long to be comfortable, and then turned slowly on her heel. “Follow me.”

They walked to the winter footwear section and she lead the way, walking slower and swinging her hips more than was necessary for the 30-second trip. Her performance, however, was lost on Jadon, who had opened up his phone to read his most recent text thread.

Jadon: Baby pick a color, it’s important

Y/N: for what?

Jadon: Don’t worry about it just pick Jadon: Red, blue, black or brown

Y/N: don’t even know what i’m choosing 😳 Y/N: but i’ll say red, it’s our fave

Jadon: 👍🏽

They’d come upon the display of slip-ons, and the girl swept an arm over them, slipping back into a sales monologue about their current popularity with customers, and how the fur-lined interior was more comfortable than any other ugg shoe she’d tried. He thought her boss must be somewhere around, but noticed there was no one near them.

“Do you have the red ones in an 8? And also a 5.5.?”

“Let’s just see!” She bent at the waist, searching the rack of boxes for the numbers he’d requested and making little noises of exertion all the while. Jadon’s eyes were still on his phone, searching for the notes app entry where he’d saved your clothing and footwear sizes and preferences years ago.

“Ooh, I’m sorry, sir, it looks like we only have the red ones in a size 8 and up. Are you sure you need the 5.5?”

She’d moved down into a squat, and now looked up at him through her lashes, biting on her lip. Her eyelids fluttered like there was something stuck on them.

“Yeah, I gotta have them. One second, please.”

Jadon: Pick another color, sorry Jadon: show you why in a bit

He looked up from his phone, waiting on your reply, and found the girl staring back at him. She took his returned gaze as some sort of invitation.

“You know, we sometimes have more stock in the back, extras that don’t make it on the shelves. We could go take a look together, if you want? The door has a lock on it.”

Jadon’s eyebrows flew into his hairline. He looked around the store bewildered, at a temporary loss for words, because all he could think to say was “Don’t you see my girl standing here?” and regrettably you weren’t. He couldn’t believe that anyone could look at him and not see that he was yours.

“Woah, no – absolutely not–” He stepped away from the girl for the second time, putting his hands up between them to maintain the distance. “I’ve got a girl, still.”

“And? I’ve got a man, too. But you’re Jadon Sancho.” She blinked her lashes harder, looking at him again with a challenge in her eyes that he wanted no parts of. Now, he wished he’d said “no” when she’d asked to help him.

“Nah, you have lost it.” Jadon laughed shakily, still in disbelief that she was propositioning him so boldly when he had your name written right there on his forehead. Or at least that’s how it felt. He shook his head and walked to the furthest part of the shelf where the brown colorways were kept, keeping a wide distance from her crouching frame.

“I’ll find them myself, yeah, thank you.”

The girl made a frustrated noise that he would’ve had to strain to hear, before she stood, her eyes still focused on him. She paused a moment, and with a shrug, took off to another part of the store.

Jadon breathed a sigh of relief. Just after, his phone buzzed with your response and it was just as he imagined.

Y/N: brown, then. it looks good on both our skin (whatever it is)

His smile returned.

At the register, he snapped a photo of the two stacked boxes just before they were bagged up and pressed send.

Jadon: Early bday present for u ❤️ Got a pair too cus I wanted us to match

Y/N: 😁 omg! thank u babey Y/N: that’s so sweet Y/N: i didn’t think you fancied them tho

Jadon: ❤️❤️❤️ Jadon: Yeah they look bare comfortable Jadon: And i need people to know we go together when we go out 😭 u don’t kno what i go thru

Y/N: ugh ur so brave, going out in public for me Y/N: thank u for ur sacrifice

Jadon: my **pleasure, innit ❤️

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

“That’s what you’re wearing? You're sure?”

Jadon continued primping himself in the mirror beside you, flattening the crease in his jeans, and fitting clear glasses onto his face. Lastly, slowly, he dragged his palms down the lines of his shirt, and turned to admire the details on its back.

“Of course I am, what you mean? Got it customized and everything, just for your special day, didn’t I?”

The shirt was jersey material and a bright lilac purple with two grey stripes down the front, but the other side was what had made your breath catch when he’d pulled it out of his bag. Y/N’S BOYFRIEND it read, in sparkly block letters across the back.

“I love it! I love it so much. I love you! Come here.” was all you managed at first, through rapid kisses to his lips, cheeks, and neck, but now that the shock had passed the meaningfulness of the gesture began to set in. You hugged him from behind then, feeling the prickle of the glittery letters against your chest through your robe. The love and appreciation you felt was overwhelming.

“How’d you know I’d wear purple, too?” You murmured into his back.

“Cause I just know.” He answered, looking extremely proud of himself. His hands curled around yours as they travelled up his chest, bringing the left one up to his mouth for a kiss.

“You'll make me cry, you know. Ruin my make-up.”

“Nah, none of that. Go on, finish gettin ready.” He squeezed your butt gently. “They’ll have shut the lights off already, and I need everyone to see.”

Now, inside the small party being held in your honor you were convinced the shirt looked even better, shimmering under the flashing dance-floor lights and complimenting his tanned skin. Together with your lavender shirt-skirt set you looked like brown-skinned Barbie and Ken, like two halves of the same whole, and knowing so made your “birthday girl” glow increase tenfold.

Through the night you floated between groups of friends and acquaintainces, trading memories, laughing hard, and saying thank you for the thoughtful gifts and warm messages given from those who’d come to celebrate. Jadon stayed by your side without fail, clocking the eyes on his garment as he passed, and it seemed the the edges of his smile extended each time there was a whisper of “Aww” or a gasp of surprise. Every now and then he would drop your hand, letting you stray a little ahead of him before wrapping an arm around your waist or joining hands again, so that anyone who hadn’t seen the first time knew exactly who “Y/N” was. When you realized what he was doing, it first made you laugh, then feel warm, and then drag him onto the dance floor so you could pull your bodies close.

“I’m not gassin it, am I?” He asked into your ear, hands carefully pressing your back to his chest. “I’ll go chill, let you dance with your friends.”

“Nah, you’re exactly where I want you.” You leaned your head back onto his shoulder for a moment, closing your eyes, feeling the gentleness of his hands on your waist, of his voice in your ear. Remembering how it was your name on his back for all these friends and strangers in the party to see. The music bumped and your bodies’ continued swaying to it.

“I’m happy you’re here, baby. And I can’t stop thinking about your shirt.” You let out more of the happy giggling that had characterized the night. “It’s my favorite gift so far.”

He shrugged, and you felt the movement against your back.

“I’ve been out the city for a while, innit. Just want to make sure people know what it is, that they ain’t forgot.”

“Do you think I don’t do that?” Your body stilled between his arms. “Is that why you’re on about it so much?”

“No, I don’t think that.” He guided your waist to keep moving again, making a lazy circle in time to the beat. “But I gotta make sure. You know that with me people always got something to say, innit. Always speculation, rumors and that. So I do what I can to make sure there ain’t no questions, about us, I mean. Cause there ain’t.”

“Well, I don’t think nobody’s gonna get confused after tonight. You couldn’t have made it any more clear.”

Jadon only laughed, his actions tonight already saying far more than a million words could. He ducked his head down into your neck for two, three warm kisses, squeezing at your hip, and his soft lips on your skin made you shiver.

You turned in his arms towards him, wrapping yours around his neck.

“It makes me feel so good, though, that. That you’re so proud to be with me. Makes me feel very lucky, and special, very in love with you.”

“You are special.” His lips twitched, fighting a smile, and you scratched one hand into the hair at the back of his neck. ”You’re everything. And you’ve held me down for so long, baby, there ain’t even nobody else to think about. It’s just you, innit.”

“I love you” you spoke, a smile breaking across your features, leaning against him, cradling his face, parting his lips in a gesture that said mine. He returned the kiss and the three words in one breath, his heart thumping, and the only thought in his head a repeat chorus of yours yours yours.

#jadon sancho x reader #jadon sancho imagine #jadon sancho blurb #jadon sancho fanfiction #jadon sancho x you #footballer x you #footballer x reader #football imagine #football fanfic

[cammslush]

6REEZE; each member has their own special and adorable darling (but you don't know they think that way about you).

-----

Content warning(s): Yandere themes (unhealthy obsession), mention of injury and blood, blood consumption (via sweets)

Let me know if I missed anything.

-----

Part I: Lead Vocal - Venti

Alcohol isn't something that idols can just drink on the daily like Venti wishes. But, the sweet taste of apples is still something he's allowed to savour – only if they're not part of the sugary delicacies that he insists on eating everyday before and after practice.

"I said that you could eat apples – not apple smoothies, not especially with extra sugar!" The manager of 6REEZE, Jean, had already warned Venti about the drawbacks excess sugar brings to his health and body image, but alas…Advice is like the breeze, blowing through one ear and then out from the other.

"Ehe, did you?" The cheeky lead vocal grinned playfully at the poor manager, "I can't help it, though! You wouldn't stop eating desserts prepared by none other than your bestest, dearest friend either, would you? Neither would I!"

Not ever heeding the health advice of any of his peers, not even his fellow 6REEZE group mates, Venti just keeps eating all the desserts sent to him by his beloved friend with the sweet tooth he never knew he had. Ah, could it be the abundance of apple flavour or the fact that there's just that hint of alcohol inside?

Or could it be purely because it's you, his dear friend, who made those sweets with your own two hands, as a reward for his efforts as an idol?

'Hi Venti! I watched your group's newest music video today and I can tell you that you've been working really hard! I made apple smoothies this time, please share them with all your group mates. Thank you for your hard work!

- ____'

That was the note attached to the tray that was left on the front door of the idols' shared living accommodation. Ah, he could practically hear your cute voice from the written words.

You told him to share, but…

The 5 other empty glasses of apple smoothies say that he didn't really care about that. Well hey, his name was the only one mentioned in the note, no? You mainly made those treats for him, right? Doesn't he have the freedom to drink them as he pleases?

That is the justification he gave himself in his head. He is shamelessly selfish when it comes to you.

Despite everything, Venti is still a picky eater. If the other desserts aren't to his liking, of course he'll share with Aether and the others. "But mine is still the best, because ____ likes me so much more!" That is what he often brags to his friends about while enjoying his dessert. He's a little narcissistic when it comes to you.

Of course, Venti also isn't one to take and not give back. Your regular treats filled with sugar (and love, he believes) gives him enough energy to do his very best during practice and on stage. He would be lying to say he could survive a day without them. So as a thank you, he is doing his very best to show off for: none other than you!

"This song is dedicated to my bestest friend who has always supported me and the rest of 6REEZE! I love you!"

He says that on stage so carelessly, people would think that this 'love' he's talking about is purely platonic. In reality, he really hates saying the phrase 'best friend'. Why can't it be 'darling'?

Aether had to pull Venti backstage during the intermission, "Hey, fans might get suspicious if you word it that way…!"

The golden-haired star was the only one acting this outward about his thoughts, but a few other of his group mates wondered the same thing.

"Suspicious?" The confident lead vocal smiled, just as carefree as before, "Don't idols always say stuff like 'I love you' to their fans? What's the big deal, Aether?"

"You were saying it to a specific person. I get that you like your best friend a lot but you've seen this happen before. Everything an idol says could lead to consequences right now."

"Consequences like what?" Venti wasn't allowing reason to get into his stubborn skull. Why, was it so wrong to express how much he appreciates his dearest darling? No one will ever think he meant it romantically anyway.

"Like creepy stuff such as getting stalked! Or ____ getting stalked! You've been in the idol industry longer than any of us, Venti. You should get it, right?" Aether shook his leader's shoulders, "Last time this happened was with Lumine…!"

Yes, the idol industry is a horrible place to be. Parasocial relationships crawl within the shadows of a healthy idol-fan association. Plenty of people who think that they are privy to the lives of anyone who shines on stage.

Yet, Venti just ate a yummy mouthful of his favourite apple crepe, prepared by the one and only, you. As long as you and your sweets exist, Venti can never feel the slightest bit of stress or fear. He doesn't need any cheap wine anymore, he easily gets addicted to whatever dessert you send over next. It probably would taste even better if you personally fed him with your own hands…What a shame you couldn't be allowed near him just in case some paparazzi takes pictures.

"It's alright," the idol twirled his braid with a finger, "I'm sure nothing will happen to me or ____. I'll make sure nothing happens. I'll just sing a song and everyone will forget about it! That's always how it works, yes?"

Aether already gave up on trying to convince Venti of anything.

Just then, a note slipped into their break room from under the door. Venti's eyes glimmered in delight upon seeing his darling's signature all the way from his seat, "Ah, there it is!"

Nothing makes his day better than seeing a note of that design. He snatched it up from the ground, excited to read more of your praises about how he's been doing such a great job in his concert performance, or how good his new outfit looks.

If only security would allow you through so he could hear the praises coming straight from your mouth instead.

'Hi Venti,

I watched your performance just now. Everyone did a great job, and it seems the huge audience thought so too! I have to apologize in advance, because I won't be able to make any more sweets currently. I injured my hand while making something, but I managed to finish it, so here you go! I could only make enough for you. Tell your friends I'm really sorry I couldn't make any for them.

- ____'

"..."

That's all?

His heart…kind of broke.

No mention of how he mentioned you on stage just now? The song just for you? Did you like it? Not only that…

No more desserts from you for Archon knows how long…? How could he possibly survive without the sweets filled with your utter care for him? He might just have to go on hiatus until you get better. Maybe then he could finally see your adorable face again…

Oh, how impatient he was to swing the door open to reveal the tray of delicacies. Them being the last ones you're making until your hand heals makes them all the more precious.

"Macarons…" Immediately forgetting all his stress and worries literally seconds prior, he picks up the tray from the small trolley outside the door with a bright smile on his face.

"____ sent treats again?" Heizou asked.

"As expected of my beloved friend," Venti already bit off a piece of macaron, savouring the sugary goodness in his mouth. It tastes so divine, most likely made from all the love you have for him. You love him, don't you?!

You really do have an Archon-given talent for confectionery. Although…

"..." Venti stood in place, a strange feeling stirring in his heart. He ate the whole macaron and picked another from the tray. They're apple flavoured, yes. But why does it taste a little bit…different from what you usually make? He twisted off the top of the macaron slowly...

"..."

…No wonder!

Little drops of dark red accidentally mixed in with the light green filling. Must be from when you injured yourself.

Forget wine, forget apples. Forget the suspicious looks on the other 6REEZE members' faces. You must've put that in specially to enhance the taste, just for him. Mhm, little drops of crimson blood.

The desserts taste so much better this way! Now he is re-energized for the rest of the concert!

You'll still watch him, right? As a thank you, he'll steal the spotlights just for you!

#genshin impact #yandere #yandere genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #yandere genshin impact x reader #venti x reader #yandere venti x reader #yandere venti

[swappingbryn]

It Was Never Enough

There was no doubt, Justin had gone through drastic changes over the years. From his squeaky clean image as a barely legal new comer to the pseudo thug tough guy he is today. But few people know the (main one of many) reason for his change was actually due to his poor financial management, coupled with gambling.

Few people recognize that many of his tattoos were the result of lost bets with friends or private auctions with fans to select tattoos (with an extra premium on special places). As a way to hide those tattoos, he had to get more just to make them look normal.

As soon as his popularity skyrocketed after turning 21, as more and more money came rolling in, his spending increased, quickly outpacing his earnings. By 25, he had no choice but to churn out more music because he had taken massive advances from the studio and had to pay them back.

And his money problems only got worse when he got married. He refused to curb his spending and refused to let his wife know how bad their situation was. Despite hemorrhaging money, he still threw it around. He even chartered a plane for a week to bring them on vacation for $100,000, a two hour car ride away, when first class tickets on a commercial plane round trip would have only been $1,000 total.

Live Shows

Finally his financial manager put his foot down and made Justin cut spending slightly and find new income streams, which resulted in private live shows for high paying clients. But it was never enough. After even private shows (with increasingly provocative content) wasn’t enough, his finance manager came to him with a possible solution, renting out his body.

Justin was reluctant but gave in when he saw how much high profile people were renting for. He once again (stupidly) refused to be represented at the meeting, choosing to represent himself. He felt like he had reached an amazing deal and thought he’d be debt free in no time, not realizing how bad his situation was. This poor (obscenely wealthy) guy was paying him $100,000 per day to use his body, until Justin was debt free.

After the swap, Justin saw his body walking out of the building thinking how he’d be himself again in no time. The only problem was Justin was so in debt that even at $100,000 per day, $3,000,000 month, $36,500,000 per year, it would take at least five years to repay what was owed. His former finance manager came up to his now old, obese body and told him “I can’t believe you accepted that offer, it will take years to repay at this rate.” Justin was astounded, he fought and raged. After a month of his new prison cell of a body he even set up a meeting with the agency and demanded the swap end. They were very polite and said “of course, we can end the swap right away,” “oh thank god, when can we do this?” “Immediately sir, as soon as the payment clears, the swap will occur.” Justin was confused, “what payment?” “Sir, the contract you signed, the contract you negotiated, specified that the swap would only end when the debt was repaid. Until that time, only the new Mr. Bieber can decide to break the agreement by agreeing to accept what has been paid already as payment in full. I take it you are not ready to make payment now?” Justin was forced out of the office as he tried to fight.

Justin tried to FaceTime his body, and when it connected, he saw it was smoking a cigar. Justin started to yell again but the call disconnected. He tried to call back but was greeted by an error message. Then a call came in from an unknown number, “Hey MITCH, sorry bro, but I don’t want you calling me directly. I just blocked you from MY phone. This is a pay phone, I didn’t know these still existed haha. Don’t try to contact me until you’re ready to pay me everything you owe to swap back. I don’t have time to deal with you.” And the number disconnected.

Month after money, he watched his balance owed decline slowly. He owed so much that even the astronomical payments mostly covered interest. It took 15 years to finally be repaid. Justin’s body was not past his prime and had lost most of its earnings potential.

@mr2swap

#submission #request

[captainremmington-13]

New Year, Same Problems

A Bellova x Coriolanus One-Shot

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own The Hunger Games franchise, the images above, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, or any of the characters in this fic other than Bellova. I also do not condone the beliefs or actions of Coriolanus or Bellova.

Summary: A week before the beginning of the school year, the Academy hosts an orientation night for new and returning students. As the top members of the upcoming senior class, Coriolanus and Bellova are instructed to write and present a two-person speech during the lecture part of orientation. Neither of them are thrilled. 

⚠️Warnings⚠️: swearing, alcohol consumption

A/n: This takes place at the beginning of their senior year of the Academy. Also, I HIGHLY recommend you catch up on my series, A Lady Made of Snow, before reading this.

“No, I will not reconsider. You two have the best grades and academic records in your class. Therefore, you must be the ones to give the speech.”

Bellova’s jaw clenched, and her lips curled into a snarl. “Fine.” She pushed past Coriolanus and exited the room, muttering profanities under her breath. 

Professor Satyria Click sighed. “As brilliant as she is, she has room to grow in the emotional control department.”  

Coriolanus laughed good-naturedly. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Satyria looked at the clock hung just above the door. “Well, I don’t want to keep you waiting. The luncheon has probably already started, I don’t want you to miss the opportunity to catch up with your friends.” 

Coriolanus smiled. “Of course. I’ll see you at the orientation, professor.”

He gave her a parting kiss on the cheek and left the room, heading towards Heavensbee Hall, where a luncheon was being held just for the new senior class of the Academy. The seniors had been required to attend a meeting regarding the beginning-of-the-year orientation held for new and returning students. As the highest and oldest class, they assisted the teachers in explaining the ways of the school. Many of them were assigned with showing new students around the campus. 

However, being the top students of their grade, Bellova and Coriolanus has been tasked with writing a speech about their experience attending the Academy. When Professor Click told them this, they both protested, insisting that they should write separate speeches instead of collaborating. But alas, their complaints went unheard.

Bellova sat at a small table, purposefully ignoring anyone who tried to converse with her. The school year hadn’t even started yet, and she was being forced to work with her most irritating classmate. 

She wasn’t surprised that Satyria had paired them up. They both had solid social skills, and excelled in public speaking. In short, they were the definition of model students. 

“Bellova!”

She scowled, looking down at the table to avoid making eye contact with the person who called her name. “Leave me alone.”

Coriolanus sat down across from her. “Believe me, I wish I could,” he began. “It’s not like I enjoy working with you, but I have no choice in the matter.”

Bellova sucked in a breath, trying to ignore the pang or hurt the insult caused. “We need to get started on the speech as soon as possible. I don’t want to leave it until the last minute, like that one time in History-“

“Will you drop it?” Coriolanus snapped, his lips curled into a small pout. “I’ve apologized to you thousands of times already, you’re just trying to get a rise out of me.”

She smirked. “Anyways,” she said, ignoring his frustration. “I’d invite you to work at my place, but my father has an important meeting with some Senators and would hate to have any extra visitors. So we could go to your penthouse instea-“

“No,” Coriolanus said hastily. “No, we can’t.”

Bellova’s eyes narrowed. “And why not?”

“My Grandma’am is sick, and she does not want to be disturbed.”

Bellova knew he was lying. He may have been able to fool others, but not her. He knew that she read him like a book, and usually didn’t try deceiving her. But for some reason, he felt it was necessary this time.

She shrugged, brushing it off. “Alright. Then what about the library? I think it’s open to seniors and staff, but not to the other students. It’ll be nice and quiet.” 

Coriolanus nodded. “That sounds fine. What time do you want to meet?”

“Three o’clock. I have a manicure appointment at one that’ll take at least an hour, but I should be able to make it to the library by then.”

Coriolanus scoffed. “You’re such a princess.” 

Bellova flipped him off while simultaneously taking a sip of her drink. He rolled his eyes and stood up, slinging his Academy bag over his shoulder. “I’ll see you later,” he said, and walked away briskly.

She watched Coriolanus leave the hall, her gaze burning into the back of his head.

Silently, she hoped he would put his bitchy behavior aside while writing the speech with her. Or she’d be tempted to stage an unfortunate accident so she could do the whole thing herself. 

________________________________________________

Bellova stifled a yawn behind her perfectly-manicured hand, glancing at the ginormous clock on the wall of the library. She had been working non-stop for almost three hours, and her body was beginning to shut down. She was tired, hungry, and thirsty, effectively putting her in an agitated mood.

They had made adequate progress, at least. Only a few sections remained unwritten, and they were certain they’d complete it before the sun set.

Coriolanus nudged her elbow, causing her to recoil instinctively. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked.

Bellova scowled. “Nothing. Focus on your work.”

“Technically, it’s our work. It’s a co-written speech.”

“God, Coryo, can you just shut up for once?” she hissed, rubbing her temples aggressively. “You’re giving me a fucking headache.”

The boy frowned, setting down his pen. “Seriously, what’s going on? You always have an attitude, but this is a bit much, even for you.”

Bellova slumped forwards, crossing her arms and resting her chest and head against the table they were working at. “I don’t feel well.”

Coriolanus sighed. “You forgot to eat a proper lunch again, didn’t you?”

She huffed. “How did you know?“

“You do that far too often, especially when you have a lot of work to do.”

“I didn’t know that you noticed. Or cared.”

Coriolanus frowned, and stood up from his chair. 

“Where are you going?“ she murmured, her eyes closing due to fatigue.

“To get you food and some coffee. If we’re going to finish this speech tonight, you need your energy back. I don’t want you dozing off while we’re supposed to be working. I’d have to douse you with water to wake you up.”

Bellova groaned, still resting her head against the table. “Don’t you fucking dare, Snow. I’ll bury you alive.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” Coriolanus pushed pushed in his chair and left the library, silently thanking the founders of the Academy for allowing cafeteria food to be free for students. 

He barely had enough money to pay for his own food, let alone pay for someone’s who never had to worry about going hungry.

.

.

.

Coriolanus returned shortly, placing a steaming mug of coffee and a sandwich before Bellova. She was still resting on the table, and her breathing had slowed. She was asleep.

He sighed, and patted her on the shoulder gently. No response. He prodded at her arm a few times, which did nothing. 

Finally, he resorted to poking her in the ribs.

“What the-“ Bellova jolted awake, instinctively swatting at whoever had touched her. Coriolanus barely managed to avoid getting scratched by her nails. “What the hell was that?”

“I brought you food. Now eat.”

She sat up slowly, muttering curses under her breath. “No need to be so bitchy about it, Coryo.” But she complied, quickly eating the sandwich and drinking half of her coffee before speaking again. 

“That better?”

She nodded. “Yes, I feel much less brain-dead than before.”

Coriolanus smiled slightly. “Good. Now let’s keep going.”

________________________________________________

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

“Fuck!” Bellova shrieked, hurling her lipstick across the room, not caring where it landed. 

She had spent almost three hours getting ready for the orientation. It took her half an hour to decide on an outfit, and she eventually picked out black dress pants, a black corset that definitely pushed the Academy dress code, and a black blazer. She paired that with extremely high platform heels. Ever since Coriolanus had surpassed her in height, she wore heels when he was in her presence.

She was going to be really late if she wasted any more time.

She darted out of her room and down the stairs to meet her driver, snatching her purse off the table and practically pushing the Avox at the door aside to exit the building. 

Her driver started the car as soon as she entered it. As they drove towards the Academy, Bellova tried to gather her bearings. She didn’t want to make a bad first impression on any of the new students. Even though some of them were still quite young, she knew they could be incredibly judgmental. 

She also knew she and Coriolanus would be labeled as role models. They had always been star students, the top of their class, and avoided trouble. The only exception was the whispered banter that sometimes got heated during in-class discussions, and the arguments that occurred once class was no longer in session. 

If they were both less stubborn, they’d make an exceptional team. Alas, neither of them were ever willing to back down and admit defeat, so the game would continue. 

Unless one of them was forced to quit.

.

.

.

Bellova practically sprinted through the sea of students, searching for Professor Click. Heavensbee Hall was packed, as the entire student body was crammed into a single room. 

Finally, she spotted the communications professor at the front of the room, talking to Professor Demigloss. “Professor Click!” she said over the noise, maneuvering her way through the crowd. 

“Oh hello, Bellova, dear,” Satyria beamed. “We were worried you wouldn’t be coming.”

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said apologetically. The professor waved her hand dismissively.

“No need to worry, we’re running behind schedule anyways. You go catch up with your friends and I’ll fetch you and Mister Snow when it’s time for your speech.”

Bellova nodded, and went to go find her fellow seniors. Within seconds, she found her group of friends standing near the beverage table. 

“There she is!” Persephone said happily, coming over and practically dragging her towards the group, which consisted of Festus Creed, Lysistrata Vickers, Felix Ravinstill, Diana Ring, Arachne Crane, Clemensia Dovecote, and Sejanus Plinth. 

“Hi there, Bellova,” Sejanus said, giving her a warm smile. “We were wondering when you’d show up.”

She winced slightly. “I was running a bit late. I put a little too much time into my makeup, because I insisted on doing it myself instead of having my stylist do it. She always pokes me in the eye while doing eyeliner, it’s quite annoying.” 

Arachne giggled, and Bellova bit the inside of her lip to keep from wincing. Arachne’s laugh sounded as atrocious as nails raking across a chalkboard.

“Well, you look beautiful,” Felix said. “I’d say you’re most beautiful girl in the senior class.”

Bellova smiled, though the comment made her slightly uneasy. She knew Felix still had feelings for her, despite them coming to an agreement to just be friends. He had confessed his love for her at the last end-of-year gala, but she politely turned him down. 

“Hey!” Arachne protested, elbowing Felix. “There’s other girls standing here, you know.”

Felix grimaced, rubbing the spot on his arm where Arachne had made contact. “Yeah, I’m aware.”

The Crane heir opened her mouth to protest again, but Dean Highbottom’s amplified voice over the speakers cut her off. 

“Students, please take a seat. The orientation is about to officially begin.”

As everyone around her began finding a place to sit, Bellova saw Professor Click standing near the small stage at the front of the room She rushed over, tapping her on the arm to get her attention. 

“Hello again,” the professor said, smiling. “Coriolanus should be making his way over any time now. You two will give your speech after Professor Sickle talks.” 

As if on cue, Coriolanus appeared at Bellova’s side. He was wearing a dark purple dress shirt and black slacks. It briefly reminded her of a luxurious purple coat he used to wear all the time as a little boy. 

“How are you feeling about this?” he asked her quietly. 

“Fine, I suppose. I’m good at public speaking, so I’m not worried.”

Coriolanus hummed, glancing around the room. “The lowest level of students looks younger and younger every year, I swear.”

“That’s because we’re getting older, Coryo,” Bellova replied in a condescending tone.

Instead of insulting her like she expected, he laughed. “I suppose so. But some things never really change.” 

“True. We’ve always been each other’s fiercest competition, and I doubt that’ll ever stop.” 

He shrugged. “We’ll see.”

________________________________________________

“Oh, well done, you two!” Professor Click squealed. “That was perfect!”

Coriolanus and Bellova looked at each other, exchanging happy grins. They had been flawless, and the students seemed much more interested in their speech than the teachers’s.

“Thank you, professor,” they said in unison. 

“I should have you work together far more often,” Professor Click gushed. “You’re such a good team.”

Bellova stepped away from Coriolanus instinctively. “Yes…Yes, we are,” she said, lying through her teeth. 

The professor didn’t seem to notice. “Enjoy yourselves for the rest of the night, you’ve earned it.” And with that, she departed. 

Coriolanus turned to Bellova. “I’m not sure I’ll survive another year of doing projects with you.”

Bellova rolled her eyes playfully. “Fuck off, Coryo.“

He smirked. “Such vulgar language for a Capitol heiress.”

“I’ll always speak my mind, no matter what.” Bellova grabbed two drinks off the tray of a passing Avox, and handed one to Coriolanus. “You need to unwind.”

“I agree,” Coriolanus said, taking the glass. He raised it, signaling a toast. “To success?”

“To success.” They room small sips of the champagne, and smiled at each other. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but something about his presence was making her skin feel clammy and her heart beat irregularly. 

A small group of students approached them, giggling loudly. They couldn’t have been much older than thirteen. Bellova raised an eyebrow, stepping backwards slightly. 

“Can we help you?” she asked. 

One of the girls stepped forward, her cheeks flushing red with nervousness. “Um…we just wanted to say th-that you’re both really smart and cool.”

Coriolanus chuckled. “Thanks.”

Clearly, the young Academy students were enamored by Coriolanus. Bellova didn’t blame them. If she was in their place, she’d be nervous too. 

One of the boys coughed up. “I have a question.” 

“Yes?” 

“Are you two dating?“

Bellova saw Coriolanus’s face turn pink. She laughed, turning to face the boy who had just spoken. 

“No, we’re not. In fact, I’d rather die than be his girlfriend.”

“Hey!” Coriolanus exclaimed. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” 

She shrugged. “It’s true.” 

It was a lie, a bold-faced one. 

But unlike Coriolanus, she was skilled in the art of deception.

.

.

.

“Well, I think I’m going to head home,” Bellova said, her head resting against Persephone’s. She’d been at the Academy for hours, and was tired of the loud chatter of her fellow students. 

“Alright,” Persephone said warmly, squeezing her friend’s hand. “I look forward to seeing you on the first day of classes!”

Bellova kissed her on the cheek and bid farewell to the rest of her friends. She exited through the large doors of Heavensbee Hall, and walked down the several flights of stairs it took to reach Scholars Road.

On the ride home, she couldn’t help but contemplate the awkward question that young boy asked. Honestly, the audacity of adolescents to ask their superiors such personal things! Bellova would never have asked a senior student something like that when she was their age. 

Not only was it nosy of them, it forced her to imagine what it would be like to have Coriolanus as a romantic partner. She was sure it would be her own personal hell. They already fought so often, and dating would only make the animosity worse. 

But there would be some positive elements. He was charming, well-mannered, socially and academically intelligent, and undeniably handsome. She was genuinely surprised he’d never had a girlfriend. He’d been asked out by many people in the past, but turned them all down. It made sense, given that he saw them as unequal to him. 

The only one he had ever admitted was on his level was Bellova.

She sighed. She knew that one day, he would aspire to find someone to pursue a relationship with and marry. 

But nobody in the Capitol was truly good enough for him.

Except for herself. 

✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊

TAGLIST: @daenerysqueenofhearts, @squidscottjeans, @euphemiaamillais, @gracieroxzy, @effectwalker, @mystargirl-interlude

Author’s Note: Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think in the comments! I’ve had this idea in my head for awhile now, and finally had a chance to turn it into an full one-shot.

If you have any one-shot ideas, pls leave a comment below or send something to my inbox!

Also, let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

#coriolanus snow #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #coriolanus snow x oc #coriolanus snow x reader #the hunger games #original character #tbosas #one shot

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.52 Home

As soon as we settled at the table, I complimented her appearance immediately. I may have been a dating noob, but I grew up with two women in the house and learned a lot about what women liked. She blushed, playfully asking me to stop, saying I was doing too much. See? Simple and elegant. She picked up the menu to hide from me, and I told her to order whatever she wanted and not to be shy. But she placed the menu down and gave me a concerned face instead, and everything inside me tensed up. What have I done now? Am I too late??

"Luca... Why are you doing all of this? I mean, I appreciate it and everything... I'm just a little overwhelmed."

Drat! This gesture was too big, and the whole simple elegance thing was a common thread which weaved together her entire life. I took a deep breath, desperately trying to steady myself and find the right words to explain my intentions and fix this.

"I... I understand if it's too much," I stammered. "I just wanted you to know how special you are to me. We both know I haven't really done a good job of showing you, so I just thought... Sorry to overwhelm you. That is the opposite of what I wanted to do tonight."

Her eyes softened, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, making me hopeful my words had reassured her that my intentions were pure.

"Awww Luca! I don't know what to say!"

Thank the Watcher! I'm not sure what I would have done if I couldn't salvage the moment.

"You don't have to say anything. Just enjoy."

The server came and saved us from an awkward yet very tender moment and took our orders, and I was happy to hear she accepted the gesture despite being uncomfortable and ordered something interesting.

I asked about her day, and she began telling me a wild story about a man who had been rushed in for emergency surgery. They thought he had triple threat based on his symptoms and prepared to operate. But before they put him under, he began to yell and writhe in pain. They asked where it hurt, and he said his stomach. He kept yelling, "Get it out! Get it out!" The doctors didn't know what to think or what was happening. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream blared throughout the operating room, and an alien burst through the man's stomach!

She laughed so hard she couldn't sit up straight.

"Oh my Watcher, you should have seen your face!"

Her laughter was so infectious, I couldn't help but join in. It seemed we both had a dormant goofball trait hidden somewhere.

"Wow. You really had me on the hook," I said, still laughing.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I couldn't resist!"

"You're a really good storyteller, you know that?"

"Thanks. I love stories. I wanted to be an actor when I was a kid, and I wrote wild tales all the time and acted them out with my toys... Guess that's still in me."

"Sounds like you were quite a character."

"I was an only child. I kinda had to be."

I couldn't imagine being an only child, going through what I went through alone. My sister was my best and only friend, even though she annoyed the hell out of me.

The food arrived quickly, and Sophia squealed in excitement about whatever she had ordered. It looked good enough to snap a picture and hang it on the wall. My dish looked incredible too, but hers had a little extra something special.

As we ate, we continued our conversation, sharing laughter and stories. Despite the time we had already spent together, seeing her smile, observing the expressions on her face, and hearing her voice after only knowing her through words and a static image was an almost surreal experience. I could have watched and listened to her all night. Her presence had an intoxicating effect on me.

Once our bellies were full and our abs couldn't take anymore laughter, I paid for the meal and prepared to leave. I had two things I wanted to do, but one I refused to do at the restaurant.

I pulled out a rose and handed it to her.

"I'm sorry this date was such short notice, but I'm happy you could join me tonight. Uhhh...I'm glad you're in my life, and...I'm looking forward to spending more time with you."

Her twinkling eyes and wide smile were so rewarding.

"Luca!! You're so sweet! It's so funny you did this because," she too pulled out a rose, "I was gonna give you one!"

"No way!"

"I'm looking forward to spending more time with you too, and you are very special to me."

What were the chances two sims arrived at a date carrying not only gifts for each other but also the exact same gift? The feeling of being on the same page with someone was like finding a missing puzzle piece. Just imagine if this one-up behavior continued. A relationship would become a never-ending race to the top when both parties always tried to out-do each other. We'd never stop growing, and progress would never stall. I'd say we were positively laying the groundwork for a strong and stable future.

For the second thing I wanted to do, I asked if I could escort her home. And, no, it wasn't for that. I just wanted privacy. Plus, I wanted to make sure she got home safe.

"I haven't laughed so hard in ages," I said. "Thank you."

"I should be thanking you! That meal... It was fantastic."

"Sophia... Can I kiss you?"

"I was hoping you would."

Although I had already experienced my first kiss, this one felt like a genuine first because I mustered the courage to initiate it, and my nerves were unexpectedly jittery. As I approached her lips, my heart pounded in my chest. The same kind of hunger I experienced with Yasmine was there, but it wasn't as intense. Sophia was like a plate of warm comfort food, something you want to savor and enjoy. And I did.

"That was nice," she said with the prettiest smile.

We stood at her front door with our eyes locked in a silent exchange before I realized she might misinterpret my lingering. I mean, if she was down, I would not decline. But we didn't have to do everything in one night. Comfort food, remember? I could come back tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. We had all the time in the world.

"I think I've hi-jacked your night long enough, heh," I joked. "I know you have an early start."

She nodded, though it looked reluctant. I didn't want to go either, but I gave her hand one last squeeze and tried to say goodnight.

"Luca, wait..."

My eyes widened in surprise, and I held my breath as my ears eagerly awaited whatever she'd announce.

"Do you trust me?" she asked.

"Yes," I said much quicker than I imagined I would.

"Do you trust us?"

I froze for a second. This was it. This was the moment I leveled up in manhood. No more scared little boy. After some hesitation, internal pep talks, sweaty palms, and deep breaths, a yes stumbled out of my mouth, though weak and non-committal. My goal for the night was to convey my readiness to upgrade our friendship, and that poor excuse for a response did not come close to doing that. I had to try again and cleared my throat.

"I believe in us," I said in full confidence.

"Then stay."

YES!!

"Okay," I said calmly, trying to hide my excitement. "Yeah. Sure, I'll stay."

She held my hands.

"Not just tonight. I don't want us be apart anymore. Come home to me."

Home...

That word reverberated within me, echoing like a chamber. I was seriously taken aback, as if someone had thrust me into a time warp. It wasn't until I quieted my mind and relaxed my body that I understood why it affected me so deeply. That's what she felt like - home. Comfort food! I'd been confessing it all night, yet I was oblivious to what I actually meant. Moving in with her was sheer madness, and I had never been more terrified. But I took solace in knowing she would be there to face it alongside me.

It shouldn't have surprised me that the first step into the next chapter of my life would be a leap as big as the Strangerville crater. Earlier, I said I shouldn't pressure myself to enter into a relationship right away. We could remain friends until I felt comfortable pursuing something more, and living with her would accomplish the exact opposite of that. But to be honest, I didn't care anymore. All my dreams revolved around being with her, and now, that dream was within my grasp. Despite being consumed by fear, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for daring to take the leap. That's what a man does.

#ISBI challenge #sims 4 story #sims 4 gameplay #adolting #adolting gen 3 #luca winston murillo #sophia aguilar

[daily-linkclick]

What is the theory abt lg being from an alternate timeline? I’ve been seeing a lot of ppl talk about it and idrk where it comes from, and what are your thoughts??(have a nice day!!)

this ask magically appeared in my inbox just today but apparently it was sent weeks ago, holy shit! thank you for waiting op LMFAO

anyways, it's a theory that's been around before season 2, iirc! mostly because we had little to nothing lore wise around their powers, and its just fun thinking about while we waited for anything canon. there were a few things that did hint at lu guang being from an alternative timeline, being that we don't know his age and backstory, and his weird hair color (not a lot of people sporting full white hair, or any unnatural hair color in link click, at least)

those aspects don't necessarily point to him being from an alternate timeline, but they also could be hints towards it! but there's new content that makes this theory potentially canon! it's from this music video played during Bilibili World. it features an alternate mv for vortex, which is interesting because we see lu guang falling first:

in it, there are several shots with cheng xiaoshi wearing completely different outfits, some injured and one seemingly dead? Plus a frame that shows four cxs's merging into one. maybe it's just ooo pretty visuals, but there's a looot of imagery that implies different timelines (shard fractals, reflections, mirror images, etc)

There's also this shot, with lu guang wearing an alternate fit we've never seen - and he's wearing more black in this one?? his s1 fit also featured a dark shirt and pants but his flannel color was more dominant. this leads me to believe that this is lu guang but less experienced (another timeline).

maybe all of this is just non-canon for marketing, they did market lu guang as dead for all of pre-s2 lol, but i like to believe this is them teasing lu guang's past! even if he's the main character, he's someone who's past we know the least of. i'd argue we find out more about side characters than we do about him actually - which makes me (and a lot of other people) think he's from an alternate timeline!

that's the gist; i'll put my own thoughts under a read more so this post won't be insanely long

my own thoughts on the theory is that i think lu guang is from multiple alternate timelines. the frame with multiple cheng xiaoshis, and the one where four merge into one makes me believe lu guang met cheng xiaoshi in his timeline, but cxs either died or had a miserable life. he kept going into different timelines in an attempt to save him / be in a timeline where cheng xiaoshi is actually safe and happy, and finally got to the timeline we see in the show.

though that part requires him having more than just the power to look into what happens in a photo. but there's been proof of lu guang hiding what he knows / has with cheng xiaoshi (re: him hiding the fact emma died, and him hiding the photo that liu tianchen gave him). he's also an incredibly private person. if he hides from his closest friend, who's to say he isn't hiding something from the audience either?

we also don't know how they got their powers. if lu guang originally had the power to dive back into pictures, then it would make sense on how he's able to go to different timelines. also, studio lan clearly emphasizes the fact that the pair are two halves of a whole, and the show is more interesting because of that dynamic.

as an extra: lu guang's doting nature makes a lot of sense too, he just doesn't want to see cheng xiaoshi miserable again! it's a pretty known fact that cheng xiaoshi didn't have any friends (besides qiao ling) before lu guang, and his life insantly got better when they finally were a trio (interesting that it was mainly because of a mysterious person that popped out of nowhere). here's a fun twitter thread by t3mp0s about the trio's dynamic

lastly, i just think it'd be fun if at one point cheng xiaoshi slowly discovers what lu guang did in his past for him. and how hypocritical lu guang would sound after saying "past or future, leave them be" if he never applied that to cheng xiaoshi! either way i still want to see a cxs saving lg arc man... they keep teasing it EVEN IN THE MV

that's it!! i know link click's best quality is the trio going through other people's stories, but i think they're preparing us for the biggest one: lu guang's.

#link click #link click spoilers #dlc asks #i draw cheng xiaoshi a lot but listen i love thinking about lu guang more . he is so mysterious #HOPE THIS WAS UNDERSTANDABLE LOL #i didnt say anything abt the two as a ship in this post bc im someone who could do with or without it #but my god studio lan is not helping their case when they say 'yeah theyre two halves of a whole character' #i love doomed gays #lmk if there was anything i cld say more honestly i wrote this in a haze #because its my favorite theory #lu guang

[sofasoap]

Interlude two : Everyone deserves happiness.

Pairing: König x  f!Reader ( OC aka “Mini” MacTavish ) + Simon " Ghost " Riley

Summary: Bit of family moment. Family love all round. Takes place just after "Thank you for everything."

Warning: T to M theme, slight swearing. A/N : Character of Mini MacTavish is from @saltofmercury fic “ “The Favorite MacTavish” ” which she graciously let me borrow and write bit more expanded universe. Please go read her wonderful story to get bit of background, while you are there, go read her wonderful CoD fics too!

 “masterlist” for more prequel to this Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

“.. You are like a brother to me and Johnny. This will always be your home. I want us to stay as friend. I am so sorry.”

“ I will not hurt her. I love her very much. In fact, I am here today to ask for permission for marriage in the future.” Your head is still reeling from all the events that happened over the Easter weekend at your parent's family farm. A "pre-proposal" and breaking someone else's heart at same time.

"OH I am so happy you are settling down, I was losing hope on your brother to bring me a grandchild or a partner. He is not getting any younger!" Your Ma gushes as you two were doing dishes.

" Ah Ma, you know Johnny... I doubt he can settle down anytime soon with his flirtatious nature.. Just let him be." You know Johnny too well. The Casanova. While he is very respectable towards his interest, you doubt your brother will find his ONE anytime soon. He seems to be enjoying all the attention. " He is just like your Da when he was younger.. Chasing all the girls around their skirt.." Your Da? the calm and quiet and serious Da? You can't imaging. You burst out in a fit of giggle.

"How about you Simon? Anyone caught your eyes or interest?" Your Ma being a nosy body. Ghost hand paused in the air putting the dishes away, and you two look at each other. ' Ma, don't be so nosy. I'll make sure to find a nice lady for my big brother here." you bump his bicep with your head after finishing rinsing the last dishes, trying to end the subject. Ghost smiled down at you. The pain is still there, but you can see the slight change. " I think your cousin Alex's older sister is still single the last time I was talking to her Ma during Christmas gathering..." " MA PLEASE." Both you and Ghost rolled eyes. "Fucken Steaming Jesus, why is it still so cold outside." You heard Johnny complaining as the men coming through the back door. Your Da and Johnny was showing König around the farm. " Languages Johnny!" " Sorry Ma." You put on a kettle to get ready to brew some tea. You push Simon to the table to sit down with the boys. " Go. Thanks for helping." Walking over to your.. boyfriend?fiancé? (technically he hasn't propose to you yet) you gave him a kiss on the cheek after waving him to bend down a little. Still not use to PDA , he blushes and pick your hand up and give it a kiss. " Hello teddy bear, how was the tour?" "Good.."

" I am surprised he is pretty knowledgeable how the farm runs." Your Da mentioned.

" I.. I use to spend summer holidays at my Oma and Opa's farm up in the mountain... I use to... um, still do help them with works when I go back...." "OH good, extra pair of hand to help around so Da won't work me overtime like a slave everytime I come back." " Don't be so lazy Johnny." You smack your brother on the head as you serve up tea and scones. " Be nice to your brother." " Yae be nice to me Mini." "I’ll gie ye a skelpit lug!"

Ghost sits there, sipping on his tea and observe the family interaction. He feels like an outsider intruding this intimate moment. He longs to feel the love and bond that he never really get to experiences as a child. "Come on, Simon, help me out here. She's being nasty to me." " You asked for it." Taking another sip of tea, Ghost shows absolutely no sympathy towards Soap. " See? Even he agrees." you stick your tongue out.

" You should hear him in action. Wouldn't shut up over the com."

" Pahh. this crabbit is even worse. The bad jokes I had to endure." " ... I .. I think those jokes are funny.. " König pips up timidly.

" Three to one Johnny." You fold your arm across the chest and puffed. Ghost is going to miss all this when life goes back to normal.

" Got everything?" You look around your bedroom, checking for anything you forgot to pack. "I think... So." " Alright let's go." König picks up both of your luggages and heading towards the front door. Simon and Johnny already there at the front, your Ma was in deep talk with Simon while your Da and Johnny was checking something out on the phone beside them. You see Simon listening intensely to what your Ma had to say, as she has serious expression on her face and patting his hand makes you wonder what they were talking about. Finally she pulls him down for a hug which Simon returns with slight hesitance. The boys heading back to work immediately for next mission, you had to say goodbye to all three of them before you leaving on different flight, back to London while they flying over to the continent. You tearfully say your farewell to König, as is everytime for long distance relationship, saying goodbye was never easy. He promise to visit you again as soon as possible, with even prospect of visiting his family in Austria and show you around his grandparents' farm. König glancing side way, noticing Ghost and Soap is talking amongst themselves and not looking at your way, he bend over, pull his mask down and gave you a quick kiss, while wiping your tears away. " I will see you soon Liebling, I promise." He whispers. He hates seeing you cry. you nodded your head, he pull you in for one last tight hug before you went for final hugs with Ghost and Soap. You have no idea the next time all three of you see each other again was in dire circumstance. "...What did my Ma say to you?" " ... She said I am welcome anytime to your house..." " You know you are always welcome." " ... she said she sees me as another son that she didn't give birth to." " Simon, I respect you as a commander , a colleague and also as a brother from different mother right? Mini loves having you around as well. You ARE part of my family." " Thanks Johnny." " Besides, I need someone to help me to keep an eye on König." "... I think it might be the other way round. König probably get hassled by Mini than he does to her." "... That is true."

Farout I am making this chapter more into broken heart Ghost than König x reader fic lol ooops. I just want to round off his feeling for Mini, moving on from unrequited love onto family big brother love.

I am slowly easing Ghost into the MacTavish family household...trying very hard not to make it too forced. This boy deserves happiness and i WILL GIVE HIM HAPPINESS even in this König route ( and even though I hurt the poor boy with rejection...) I am imagining both König and Ghost are comfortable enough not to wear mask/face covering in private setting with their family.

#könig #könig call of duty #könig x reader #könig x you #könig x y/n #simon ghost riley #simon riley #john soap mctavish #johnny soap mactavish #soap mactavish

[guess-my-next-obsession]

Dressing Room Tears

pairing: frankie morales x f!reader

rating: M (body image issues, weight gain, classic dressing room meltdowns, frankie being an angel, mild nudity i guess)

word count: <800

a/n: starting the year off with an entirely self-indulgent lil oneshot because I! feel! insecure! and wish that i had a frankie to gently remind me i’m hot piece of ass regardless of my weight! also, unedited, unbeta’d, un-everything 🫶🏼

frankie masterlist | frankie playlist

The mirror had never been your truest friend, your reflection controlling most of your teen years whether you realized it or not. The girl you saw never seemed to quite match the image of yourself you had created in your head—her stomach was a bit bigger, her hair frizzier, her hips carrying dips that you didn’t realize you had.

Now that you were older, it became a bit easier to take the occasional harshness of your reflection, but you’d be lying if you said there weren’t days when you’d much rather shatter the glass into a million little pieces rather than look at yourself.

Today was one of those days.

To start the new year, you and your dream of a man, Frankie, had decided it would be a nice treat for yourselves to go out and revamp your wardrobes, his clothes all covered in grease or littered with holes to prove how well-loved they were, while yours simply just felt too…suffocating.

You’d gained weight since January of last year—happy weight, Frankie called it—and though you’d never been anywhere near thin, you still struggled to accept the extra twenty or so pounds you’d gained this year.

Standing in the dressing room of an H&M, you fought back tears as you tried on your third pair of jeans—the largest size they seemed to carry in stock was a size 10 while you were at minimum a size 12 these days. You felt like an insecure teenager again, sucking in until you were out of breath in hopes of just getting the zipper to close.

“You good in there, baby?” Frankie asked from the other side of the curtain, apparently finished with trying his own clothes on. You swallowed thickly, fanning your eyes in hopes that it would prevent your tears from falling, but it was no use.

“Can you come in,” you croaked with a sadness-strained voice. Frankie was quick to slip into the dressing room, closing the curtain shut behind him as he gave you a concerned but soft look. An exhausted sob left your lips as you gestured at the jeans that weren’t anywhere near buttoning and then at the pile of other too-tiny jeans on the bench. “I’m too fat.”

“What? Baby,” he sighed and wrapped his arms around you, cradling your face as it buried in his neck. “You are not the problem here, your body is not the problem. You just need a bigger size, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Apparently there is because every single store we’ve been to today doesn’t sell my size,” you complained in a tearful whine, your voice muffled by his shirt.

“Once again, that’s these fucking fatphobic stores’ fault, not yours.” He pressed his lips against your temple and kept them there as he held you until the ache in your chest began to fade. “Come on, why don’t we leave this shithole and go get some food in your belly. You haven’t eaten today.”

“Thought I was being sly,” you joked as you pulled away to peel off the jeans that brought on this whole episode.

“Baby, look at me,” Frankie gentle gripped your chin and stopped your frantic changing, taking the time to admire your lower half in just a pair of modest cotton underwear, his hands lowering to traverse the curves of your body that he’d long laid claim to. “You are the most beautiful fucking woman in the world. Not just because of the soul you carry inside, or your mind, or your heart, but also because you’re fucking sexy. Just how you are.”

“You’re just—“

“Don’t you dare,” he warned with a smile. “I’m not saying this for the hell of it, baby. I mean it. You’re a fucking smoke show. Don’t let these clothing stores fool you into thinking you’re too anything.”

“What did I do to deserve you?” you beamed, cupping his cheek in your hand.

“I ask myself that very question everyday,” he replied. “I have no idea what good deed I’ve done that’s earned me you, but I’m sure glad I did it.”

Frankie placed a chaste kiss on your lips and smiled against you.

“Sushi or pasta?”

You joined him in grinning. “Sushi now, pasta later?”

“I like the way you think, baby.”

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fluff #frankie morales angst #frankie morales x y/n #frankie morales fanfiction #frankie morales oneshot #frankie morales fluff #frankie morales x you #frankie morales x reader #frankie morales

[mimilind]

A Magical Classmate - Part 8

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Reader

Rating: T

Chapter Word Count: 3500

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

Draco and you start dating for real. When he meets an old friend, part of his burdens may be lifted from his shoulders.

8. A Wizard and a Muggle

After Draco made up his mind, it was like turning a switch. He changed from morose to cheerful, and after many more sweet kisses he asked you to follow him home. 

Unlike the last time you were in his apartment, now there was no need for him to hide anything from you. He showed you how he used spells for everything from cooking to cleaning his teeth, and some of his wizard equipment too. He had a clock with strange numbers and symbols, and several sets of black robes which you recognized from the Halloween party.

“No wonder you didn’t know how to use electrical stuff when there are so many spells. And how sly to dress like your real self for Halloween!”

He smirked. “I thought it was a brilliant idea.”

Next he pulled out a photo album where each image moved. Most of them pictured a chubby toddler smiling toothlessly into the camera.

“You were such a cute baby.”

“Really? I think I was ugly. Look, I had no hair at all.” He traced an image with his finger, where baby-Draco was riding a broomstick across a neat lawn. “Flying is what I miss most from my old world; there is this sport we have, where we use broomsticks and different balls and I was rather good at it.” He absent-mindedly rubbed the callouses in his palm. Perhaps he had gotten them from gripping the broom handle.

In the next picture a handsome man with long, platinum hair was posing in a chair, his lips curled in a contemptuous smile. The likeness with Draco was striking, apart from the arrogant expression. It could only be his deceased father. 

Draco frowned and turned the page.

Another photo showed a beautiful woman at a concert piano, her fingers dancing soundlessly over the keys. 

Draco’s frown disappeared and instead he looked sad. “That’s my mum. She taught me how to play.” He nodded at his own piano.

“Do you miss her?”

“Sometimes.” He shut the album closed and put it back. “Want to see my potions? I made most of them myself.”

He had rows of bottles with labels in his neat handwriting. You examined one marked ‘dreamless sleep’. “I can see now why you like chemistry.” 

“The subject has many similarities, yes.” He took the bottle from you and put it back. “I don’t think I will need this tonight.” He gave you a small kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you came. I always hated sleeping alone.”

“Same.”

His words reminded you of how late it had become. With everything that had happened you weren’t sleepy at all.

“Shall I put out an extra mattress or will we share my bed?” Then he quickly added: “I meant for sleeping, not…” His voice trailed off and his cheeks colored rather cutely.

“We can share.” You were secretly relieved he had no other expectations; you didn’t think it a good idea to rush it and sleep with a guy on the first real date.

Preparing for the night together with Draco was very different this time. Now you were sober, and had all the things he told you still fresh in your mind. When he undressed and exposed his tattoo you now knew the meaning of it, and though the sight of him in a tank top still gave you butterflies, it also reminded you of his dark past.

It felt a bit awkward and embarrassing to take off your pants and socks in front of him, but that disappeared when you slid under the comforter and was met by Draco’s warmth and now familiar scent. You edged close and pressed your nose against the crook of his neck, and he put his arm around you, softly stroking your back over your t-shirt.

Despite the late hour, neither of you were tired. Protected by darkness you talked, sharing more about yourselves; childhood memories; hopes and fears; personal things you had never told anyone before. 

When you could think of nothing more to say, you started kissing again. Lengthy, intimate kisses, so gentle and soft your heart swelled with fondness. 

After a while the kisses changed, becoming more intense. Draco raised himself on his elbow, leaning over you to deepen the kiss, slipping a hand under your t-shirt to caress your bare skin. 

You responded with the same eagerness, mimicking his movements. When you explored his broad shoulders and hard, flat chest, and felt his heated skin against your fingertips, new emotions stirred in you.

Draco drew back first. “Maybe we should sleep,” he mumbled breathlessly. “It’s already past sunrise.”

You willed your heart to slow its pace, glancing at the windows where a faint light spilled in. Seagulls squeaked outside, a common sound around dawn in this city. You estimated it was three or four in the morning. 

“Sure. But this time of year it’s always past sunrise.” You gave him a last, sweet kiss. “Good morning then, and sleep well!”

“Good morning,” he replied with laughter in his voice, looking adorable with mussed hair and chapped lips from all the kissing. 

Not long afterwards you fell asleep in his arms with a smile lingering on your face.

You were surprised with how easy it was to get used to dating Draco. How his magic became part of your everyday life in the same way as his company grew familiar and comfortable. It soon felt completely natural to let him warm and dry you with charms after a cold swim, or eat a meal he used spells to cook. When you had a headache you swallowed a potion rather than medicine, and if you wanted to get somewhere it was very practical to ask Draco to apparate you instead of taking the bus, even with the nausea you got from the teleportation.

Draco adapted to you in a similar way. Under your influence, he learned to dress like a muggle and how to use all the electrical appliances in a normal home. He bought a TV, a mobile phone and a Playstation, and no longer had to be bored when alone in his home. Not that he was alone much; the two of you alternated between staying at your apartment and his, and you rarely spent a night on your own.

This day was warm and sunny; Sweden was showing its best side. You were at a beach not far from the city with Catrine, Andreas, Martin, and Martin’s boyfriend.

Draco lay stretched out on his back on a patch of grass between the bare, smooth cliffs, closing his eyes against the sun. He wore only swimming trunks and had used a spell to hide the Dark Mark; it was apparently a bit of a hassle to keep up which was why he normally preferred long sleeves.

You took the opportunity to admire his body, rare as it was to see him shirtless outdoors. You found him especially attractive now, in an adorably scruffy way; his hair disarrayed and damp from bathing and his jaw covered in stubble, and a healthy tan contrasting with a scatter of fair hairs on his chest and stomach that continued in a thin line down to his trunks. The sunshine painted his ripped torso golden and the mesmerizing sight gave you flutters. 

Suddenly you wished you were alone at the beach.

He opened his eyes. “I’ve been counting back. We’ve dated for two months today.”

Catrine made two thumbs up. “Yay! This calls for a party.”

“Why not? You’re all welcome to my place tonight, then.”

It became a wild, but fun party. The morning after you were tidying away empty bottles and scores of burst, heart-shaped balloons (a gift from Martin), feeling perfectly well thanks to a dose of one of Draco’s amazing potions, when he came out of his lab looking slightly concerned. “This was the last batch; from now on we’ll have to resort to muggle medicine.”

“Can’t you buy more?”

“No, I can only get the ingredients from a wizard apothecary and if I show up in the magical community my cover will be blown.” He sighed. “I wish I had polyjuice potion; then I could have gone there looking like someone else. As of now, I’ll just have to make do without potions.”

You didn’t like the sound of that at all; you had gotten too used to his potions to give them up. 

You pondered over it for a few moments. “What if you use that concealing spell? You could go to the apothecary and take it off long enough to buy what you need.”

“Hmm. I doubt any shop owners in this country know me by sight… it might just work.” A pleased smile broke out on his lips. “I could buy more glassware as well, and a new cauldron.”

“Can I come too? I’d love to see a part of your world.”

He firmly shook his head. “No. Too risky.”

By now, however, you had become an expert persuader, and Draco clearly had a weak spot when it came to obliging you. It didn’t take long for him to budge.

“Alright then,” he acceded in mock exasperation. “You’re too curious for your own good.”

Draco chose an early Saturday morning for your visit since he figured the place would be basically empty at that hour. He apparated you to the entrance, which was located downtown in an underground garage. When you arrived, fighting your usual nausea from such transportation, a sickening smell of stale urine worsened your condition.

“I had imagined it to be a bit more stylish,” you said, covering your nose.

“Wait to judge until you see what’s on the other side.” He went over to one of the walls and stood in front of a spot that appeared no different from the rest of the whitish-gray surface. Using his wand, he tapped a pattern.

“There; it’s open.” He took your hand. “You need to trust me for the next part.”

“Always.”

“Then close your eyes.”

You closed them only partly; you didn’t want to miss what would happen, but when he commenced to lead you through the wall they squeezed shut by their own volition at the last moment.

You opened them again at the other side – widely. “Oh my God,” you breathed.

Entering the Swedish wizard shopping area felt like being transported back in time at least a century. The buildings were quaintly mismatched, with pillars, turrets, and decorative trim, and the street was paved with uneven cobblestones. 

“Welcome to Trollstavenyn. Pretty neat, eh?”

Under the disillusionment charm, and a silencing spell to hide your voices, Draco could show you around, explaining what was in the shops, and you gaped at everything with excited awe.

“Amazing. I wish we could go into them all and look more closely.” You pressed your nose against a window with an assortment of animals inside. 

“We’d better not.” He took your hand again. “Let’s shop for potion ingredients now. I’ll need to remove the muffliato charm so remember to keep very quiet.”

The apothecary was even more intriguing than the other shops you had passed. On the crowded shelves you saw jars and bottles of everything imaginable, from powdered spiderweb to unicorn lashes soaked in rum. 

Draco pointed his staff to himself, turning visible again, and walked up to the counter where an elderly witch was labeling glass bottles. “God morgon,” he greeted in Swedish. “I need some ingredients.” He handed her a list. 

He was waiting as she packed his purchases into a bag when the doorbell rang and a beautiful witch entered. Unruly curls cascaded down her back almost to her waist.

“Draco?”

You went cold. Oh no! This was exactly what he had feared. To be recognized. Would he have to move away now? You couldn’t stand the thought of losing him!

On hearing the witch’s voice, Draco’s frame grew rigid, his features undergoing a strange transformation from neutral to haughty. 

He slowly turned around with a contemptuous sneer on his lips. “Why, if it isn’t Granger,” he drawled.

She closed the distance in two long steps, looking genuinely delighted. “I can’t believe I found you of all people, here, in this small town! Where have you been these years? How have you been? You just disappeared. Everyone wonders what happened to you. And your mum… I used to work with her and even she doesn’t know where you are.”

His sneer immediately disappeared. “Mum… works?”

“Yes, can you believe it? But she’s changed. A lot.”

“Is she, uh… well?” His voice was neutral but his face betrayed his coiled tension.

“She’s worried about you. And misses you, of course.”

“Oh.”

The look on Draco’s face wrought your heart. You slipped your hand in his, squeezing it. 

The witch narrowed her eyes. “Is someone there?” She looked vaguely in your direction and you held your breath, keeping as still as you could.

Draco frowned. “I have to go.”

“Wait… It’s been so long. Can we talk over a butterbeer or something? I want to put your mum at ease. Please.”

You squeezed his hand again, looking at him encouragingly. His cover was already blown; he might as well talk to her and find out more about his mother. You knew he missed her too and regretted he had had to leave. Whenever the topic of parents came up, he would grow rigid with repressed emotions.

“Alright then,” he muttered.

As the witch led the way to a nearby inn, you were dying to ask Draco about her. Was she one of the kids he had mentioned who would pretend to be his friend because they envied him? Or was she one of those he had bullied? But if so, she wouldn’t have looked so glad to see him…

The inn was small and cozy, with wood paneling and a merry fire burning in the fireplace despite the warmth of summer. Draco and the witch received their drinks, and you eyed them curiously. They smelled sweet, like toffee. Maybe you could try one too after the witch had left. 

The witch sipped her butterbeer. “I still can’t believe I chanced to meet you. I’m only here for a brief visit to learn about the Swedish Short-Snout dragon’s healing properties. For my research.”

“You study healing, then?”

“Yes, and soon finished, too. This research is for my final thesis.” She continued talking, first about her studies, then mentioning several names, relating what they did now and who dated whom – small talk, that you had a hunch was mostly meant to make Draco at ease. 

When she was done, a silence ensued. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to take another sip but the bottle was empty. 

“Draco…” She leaned across the table, becoming serious. “I’ve been meaning to thank you, but you disappeared so soon after the war there was never an opportunity.”

He blinked. “Thank me?”

“For not turning us over to… him. That time in your manor. We were caught, and I know you recognized us, but you said you weren't sure who we were. You saved our lives.”

“Oh.” He shifted his stance again. “Well, then we’re even, I guess… You guys saved my life in the war too.”

“Have you been in Sweden all the time since it ended?”

He shook his head. “I went to South Africa first, to a sanctuary for magical creatures. I, uh… volunteered, actually. After Dad died, I just wanted to get away from everything. Get a fresh start.” He looked at his empty bottle, twirling it in his hands. “It didn’t work too well, as it were; as soon as people heard I was British I’d get questions about the war. All the questions I didn’t want to answer… Then I figured with my looks I might pass as a Swede and moved here instead. Unfortunately the language was complicated as hell so I thought ‘screw it, I can’t pretend to be from here’, and joined a muggle university as an exchange student.”

“A muggle university? You live among muggles?” The witch’s eyebrows rose so high they disappeared under her curly bangs.

“I know; ironic, isn’t it? I thought it would be the last place anyone would look… But, getting to know some muggles, I found that… It became more than just a hiding place.” He glanced at you. “I’ve made friends here.”

”There is someone there! I knew it.” Her piercing eyes brushed over you again. ”You can show yourself; I don’t bite.”

Draco and you exchanged gazes and you nodded your head. He could reveal you; the room was empty and your table wasn’t visible to the innkeeper. And you didn’t think this woman was a threat. 

He touched you with his staff.

The witch gaped at you. “You brought a muggle with you? You really have changed, Draco… I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” She stretched out her hand. “I’m Hermione Granger. Pleased to meet you.”

You recognized the name; she was one of the three who had been Draco’s chief adversaries at school. He had recounted to you many of his past squabbles with the trio, sometimes with amusement when he described the more harmless pranks he had put them through, other times with obvious guilt over his behavior. 

That considered, you were surprised Hermione acted so friendly. You didn’t think the warmth was feigned.

“I suppose I have changed, yes,” he said. “It’s been liberating to be an unknown nobody. And to do some good.”

Hermione smiled. “You’re so much like your mum. She’s a volunteer at St Mungos Hospital and works with patients who were injured in the war. She feels guilty for being part of the side who did that to them.”

He looked thoughtful at that.

“Can I tell her about you? I don’t want to expose you if you don’t want to.”

Again you were baffled over the kindness and consideration of this woman. If she kept his secret Draco wouldn’t have to leave you after all. Relief filled you.

Draco seemed to have similar thoughts. He met Hermione’s eyes for the first time, replying with gratitude in his voice. “You can tell her I’m well and that I’m happy, but please don’t give away that you know where I live… you can say we met at Gringotts or something, and I didn’t give you the details.”

“Alright, I will.” She rose. “Can I send you an owl the next time I’m in the vicinity? I’d love to keep in touch. If it’s alright with you, of course.”

“Sure.” He suddenly blushed, dropping his gaze again. “Hermione… For what it’s worth. I’m sorry for everything… I was a jerk. I don’t deserve your kindness, really.”

”Think no more of it. And I’m sorry too; my friends and I could be a bit harsh at times. Everything was either black or white when we were kids. But we all grew up, thankfully.”

“Surprisingly, we did.” he smiled wryly. “If you see Potter, tell him I still think he’s a twat but that I’m sorry.”

She grinned. “I will. But you should tell him yourself or he won’t believe me.”

When she had gone, Draco renewed the charm that hid you, and bought another couple of drinks, handing one to you. It tasted like it smelled, sweet and syrupy.

“Well, that was awkward,” he said.

“She seems nice. And you did well; apologizing like that was brave. I’m proud of you.”

“I’m honestly a bit proud too.”

“Will you go see your mother?”

He looked thoughtful. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

You leaned your head against his shoulder and he put his arms around you.

“I support whatever you decide.” 

Draco was silent and brooding the rest of that day. In the evening when you lay in his bed, he kissed you with unusual tenderness. Like the first time. 

“I’m so grateful for this. For you, for my friends… I’m a lucky bastard.”

“You deserve it.”

“I disagree.”

“No, you really do. You saw what kind of person you were and left him behind together with the rest of your old life. You became a new, better you. After giving so much up, you deserve everything good coming your way. You deserve friends. You deserve forgiveness.” You looked deep into his eyes. “You deserve love.”

He replied with a long kiss, overflowing with feelings.

You responded, and then gently pushed him onto his back. You kissed a trail down his neck, and each of his many tiny scars and nicks from hexes thrown on him in the war, and then the faded Dark Mark. Showing him how none of his past mattered. 

“I love you,” he mumbled thickly.

Your chest filled with warmth at hearing those words for the first time. “I love you too.”

When you started to doze off in his arms a long while later, you felt happier than you thought possible. Draco loved you. Even if he decided to return to his own world you were certain he would take you with him now. 

You also felt hope for him, for a happier future. Hermione’s visit had shown him he wasn’t as hated as he had thought. He would get closure eventually. A chance to make everything right again. 

He deserved that.

A/N:

I'm leaving it open whether Draco returns to live in the wizarding world or stays in the muggle one. But you, Reader, will be at his side, no matter what. :)

Thanks for reading, and don't hesitate to comment! I always love to hear from you and what you think about the story.

Note: The wizard town Trollstavenyn is a pun, “trollstaven” = the magic wand, and “Avenyn” is a famous Gothenburg street. :) My husband made up the name for me, so I assume it’s peak dad humor. XD

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

#draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #draco x reader #draco #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #university setting #fanfiction #fluff #feel good #draco x you #draco malfoy is nice #muggle reader #tom felton #A Magical Classmate #Mimi Lind