rnrin

[rnrin]

❝ꜱᴏᴜʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴄʀᴜꜱʜ❞ — chapter nine | coriolanus snow

「ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ:」 SFW | Coriolanus, hints of somnophilia/non-con [spoiler! Coriolanus steals some kisses while reader is asleep, and reader kinda does the same] | lmk if I missed anything

「ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ:」 young! Coriolanus Snow x fem! Reader

「ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:」 Coriolanus leaves you to check out the arena, the night before the games and... WELL... WELL... you find him!

「ᴀ/ɴ:」 for those who asked, i tried my best to deliver, please give me your feedback and reblog! Thank you!

Beta read by the FABULOUS @nowitsmissing

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Coriolanus Snow left you alone. He had to sneak out and check out the arena. The Hunger Games would continue forward. He needed any leverage he could get. Even if it meant to leave your side for the night. He found his clothes in the same bag that you had kept empty of food in. He changed into them.

He bites his lower lip to distract himself from the pain. This was of higher priority. He could rest when he wins. At least, that's what he tells himself as he finishes buttoning off his shirt. Before he could walk out of the room, he leaned down. Your eyelashes were big up close, and so, so enchanting. He felt annoyed that he noticed such a minuscule thing. It was not of importance how long or short your eyelashes are, they added to your beauty.

He couldn't talk himself out of it, he pressed his lips to yours. Your lips were soft. Your lips were perfect. Your lips were poisonous, and addicting because how could he ever stop himself after he already had a taste? So he pressed another kiss to your lips, a bit harder than the previous peck. He pulls away with a gasp and swallows his shame roughly.

“I'll be back,” he whispered to you before he pressed another kiss, unable to stop himself. There was nothing friendly about this. This was a man at the edge of the cliff, one more step and he would fall into a pit of obsession. Nobody can drag him out of it. He barely stops himself from stealing another kiss from you. He forces his legs to walk away from you, it pained him more than any of his physical wounds.

The security around the arena was nonexistent, each peacekeeper in guard sleeping. He slipped right in, checking out the debris. The middle of the arena had huge blocks of fallen pieces of debris, all the weapons will be placed there tomorrow. He checked out around the area and found tunnels to go under and even a vent to hide in.

He turned around ready to leave and relay all of this to Lucy Gray Baird. However, an uncharacteristic yell leaves his lips as he sees you. Your arms are crossed in front of your chest and your face in a frown. So unlike how he left you on the bed resting. He swallows and wonders briefly if you informed anyone of his breaking. He was also curious about how you found him.

It's not like he has a tracker on him, right?

“How did you find me here?” He asked, nervous and tried not to fidget too much.

“I just thought ‘What is the most stupid thing Coriolanus can do?’” your voice turns sarcastic, “Surprise! It led me here.”

“Very funny,” he mutters, not amused at all, “And it's Coryo now.”

“You lost your ‘Coryo’ privilege, Snow.”

Guess he will just have to earn it back.

He pouts, knowing exactly why you were mad. But certainly, you could see the reason why he had to leave despite being freshly injured. He had to survey the place! Get leverage! He has to win at all, otherwise, what's the price of his life?

You walked up to him, pulling him down by his shirt collar. His breath hits your lips. And he could kiss you again. Of course, he didn't. He wanted to steal another kiss so bad that a soft nearly audible whisper of your name fills the air.

“You didn't even leave a note or a warning or anything.”

“Sorry,” he whispered, hoping that apologizing despite not regretting his actions would fix everything. Or at least get his nickname privileges back.

You scoff, “You don't even mean it, Coryo.”

You called him Coryo again, he didn't need to mean it. He would take the win. He gives you a small smile. “I am sorry,” he repeated, trying to put some heart into it.

“A liar and a thief,” you whispered, your eyes glinting with an emotion he couldn't decipher, “Truly one of a kind you are, Coriolanus.”

He frowned. He understood the fact he was indeed a liar. But where did the talk of being a thief come from? Before he could question you further about calling him a thief. You begin to drag him back into your car on the cold night. He sits at the window seat in the front, you beside him. He didn't ask if you had a driver's license. He felt like he was better without knowing.

“Was the Zoo the next location?” You asked your tone on edge with leftover anger over his actions.

“Yes,” he replied with the gentlest tone possible, not wanting anything to trigger an eruption. He fidgeted with his hands, wondering why he had come here when he could have used the night to steal kisses instead. When he could have slept with you, his arm around you and your heartbeat matching his. Such an ideal night, and he ruined it.

“So what did you find, pretty boy?” You asked.

He blushed at the nickname you called him. He doesn't give attention to his heated cheeks as he replies rather enthusiastically about everything (not everything, he kept some places a secret, only for Lucy Gray's ears to hear) and strategies (again not all of them).

You even add some pointers along the way. And he enjoyed the conversation thoroughly. He never thought he could connect with you like this, but he couldn't deny that he was happy about it. His lips stretched in a grin as you both discussed plans for Lucy Gray to win.

“Don't you care about Jessup?” He asked, the chain of conversation interrupted because he wasn't the only one with tribute. So why were you helping him?

You looked at him briefly before looking forward again. “You and I both know that poor boy is as good as dead,” you said, your voice hard, “I would rather let you win instead if I am out of the games.”

Coriolanus nods at the answer. That was understandable. “I am sorry,” this time he meant it, “I should have woken you up,” he looked at the window, ashamed, “It was a foolish thing to do to leave you alone without warning.”

“I am glad you have the brains to understand what you did wrong, and the guts to admit it,” you said, and he felt proud like he got the hardest question in an exam right. “You're forgiven as long as you don't do it again.”

He nods but doesn't make any promises. He did what he had to do. He will do it again, and take you as company the next time. That way he's not fucking up.

Soon, the car reaches its destination. He gets out of the car and you decide to stay, parked in front of the zoo gates. He quickly decided to only tell the key points to Lucy Gray because he refused to let you be alone for too long at night.

He walked into the zoo and reached the cage where he called out the Songbirds’ name. Lucy Gray appears before him with a concerned look. “Is everything alright?” She asked.

“Yes,” he confirmed and began to explain. He said not to run towards the weapons first and go to the hiding place. He tells her to wait it out and a few more strategies so she has better chances to survive and he has better chances to win. He doesn't notice Lucy Gray's tears but a sob catches his attention.

He's annoyed because it's time to listen to him and not be a child if she wants to survive tomorrow. Instead, he gives her a handkerchief he found in his pants pocket and hands it to her to wipe away her tears. He softens his tone and speaks slower. Even using easier terms to make it look like child's play.

Lucy Gray nods and agrees to his plans. She returns the handkerchief and he stuffs it back in. “It's going to be fine,” he said, “You're going to win, Lucy Gray.”

“I can pray, Coriolanus,” Lucy replied, her voice vulnerable in a way that reminded him of the fact she was a teenager like him. She even had a soulmate, Sejanus Plinth. And she loses it all if she doesn't win tomorrow.

“You will win.” He will win.

And with that, it's goodbye and Coriolanus leaves the zoo. The ride back home is quiet. You don't ask what he and Lucy Gray talked about. He doesn't offer any information either. It was a comfortable silence that he needed. He went to his old habit of stroking his soulmate's scar. Was it just him or did the scar seem to be healing?

He couldn't check it out in front of you. Within minutes you parked in front of the penthouse, and he wanted to ask you inside. There's no way he wanted you to drive alone at such late night.

But inviting you inside would mean revealing his secret. The secret that he kept for a decade. The secret was his motivation for everything. The secret that could ruin him.

Was ensuring your safety worth revealing it? He could ask you to call his landline when you reached home, but each minute until you called would be nothing less of hell for him. His mind overthinking possibilities with the result of you being hurt. He wasn't sure his poor heart could take it.

Both of you step out of the car. He can't make up his mind. He opens his mouth to invite you in or say goodbye he doesn't know. You speak first instead. Your eyes meet his blue ones.

“How many kisses did you steal, Coryo?”

He wants to lie. He knew in his mind that it wouldn't do him any good. He feels his palm sweat, his fingers itching to touch the scar to calm himself down. He was sure that he was going to have a heart attack in the next minute or so.

“Three,” he answered, ready for whatever curses and punishment you would give him for his sins. He would go on his knees for you, let the cold street scrap his skin and crimson stain the spot if it meant your forgiveness. He would grovel, and beg, strip himself of his pride for you.

Or he could manipulate you. Fill your mind with lies that it's what friends do. Being district, he doubted you had many friends of Capitol culture. He could lie, lie, and lie. It's what friends do.

As his mind fights to choose his next course of action. You flash him a vixen smile, and whisper, “You didn't have to steal them.”

He couldn't even process what you meant before you pressed a kiss on his jaw. His eyes closed and let out a shaky breath. He gasps softly when the next press of your lips is so close to his lips.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, please, kiss him.

You don't. You pull back and grin. It takes him an embarrassing moment to come back to reality. His ear burning, and his lips parted waiting for the third kiss you never gave him.

“It's what friends do,” you shrugged, lying to yourself and him. Both of you had to, there's no other way around it. Coriolanus knew why for him, but what about you? Were you simply playing with the strings of his heart? He would allow it for now.

For after the Plinth Prize, you will be his.

“Come with me,” he said, “It's not safe to be traveling so late at night.”

You agree with him without much protest. He noticed your discomfort as both of you walked up the twelve flights to reach his broken, shameful, secret home. He grits his teeth, awaiting your reaction to the truth of the Snow family.

You don't say anything. “Show me where I will be sleeping, Coryo,” you yawn instead, not even disgust on your face from the rotting wallpapers.

He is surprised and grateful. He feels an uncontrollable urge to hug you, and barely keeps himself from not wrapping his arms around you.

“I suppose you wouldn't mind sharing a bed with me,” he said, quietly, not wanting Tigris or Grandma’am to wake up. You nod in affirmation and he shows you his room with a bit of confidence. It was just as horrible as the rest of the house but it was his.

The bed in the corner with clean bed sheets. The stack of books and finished assignments on his desk. His wardrobe, the wood old and chipped. But all of it was his.

You immediately made your way to the bed and made yourself wholly comfortable. Like it was yours. And in a way, everything of his is yours. He would give it to you if you asked nicely enough, maybe throw in a kiss or two.

You pull the covers up and wait for Coryo to sleep in. Usually, he would wear his pajamas, but right now he couldn't bring himself to care. He lays down, mindful of his injury. He turns towards you. His eyes searched for yours, and the air mixed with both of your shared breaths. Not even an inch apart were both of you due to how small his bed was.

He closed his eyes and whispered goodnight. He doesn't get a reply. He fills his mind quickly falling back to the darkness as his actions catch up to him, taking away whatever strength he had left.

The last thing he feels, which surely is a dream, is a press of your lips against his. Stealing a kiss. And he hears you whisper, unsure if it's a dream or not but he will remember the words until he dies.

“I have you now, Coriolanus Snow. I won't let you go.”

[rnrin]

hi! i saw your post about snow omg, can i request a coriolanus x mentor!reader where she’s similar to like clemensia but she’s more close to corio and they have a secret relationship? thank you in advance if you do this rq! love ur tsitp writings sm 🥹

snow and roses: part I (coriolanus snow x fem!reader)

pairing: coriolanus snow x reader

warnings: none!

summary: you and coriolanus have been dating in secret for months, all it takes is one songbird for everything to come into the light.

a/n: first time writing for snow and I'm very excited about it! I've always loved the hunger games and this movie was insane in the best way so please enjoy! I will be making this a series and this is only part one so stay tuned for the rest!

word count: 2.2k

join my taglist here.

"You're going to get it Coryo, don't stress." You soothed the boy as you sat next to him. It was barely even six in the morning and the pair of you had woken up, well he had woken up and you with him as he blatantly needed your support, desperate for the Plinth Prize.

You didn't need the prize, already coming from a wealthy Capitol family and yet you felt the same hope that he would win as you would for yourself, stomach twisting into knots at the thought.

"There's good candidates Y/N, it feels as if the odds are already stacked against me." He sighed, leaning over as he sat so his elbows rested on his knees, head in his hands.

"The odds are in your favour Coryo, you're special. Different." With that he looked at you, a small smile gracing his pale lips. He leaned up kissing you gently, fully embracing the special moment before he got up from his place next to you.

"I'll see you at the Academy?" He asked, knowing you had to leave quickly back to your own house in order to change but also in order to avoid the suspicions of your own family who had no idea of your relationship with Snow.

"Of course." You replied, also standing up and pulling on last nights clothes as you left.

You studied the dark an empty halls of his house, ensuring Grandma'am was nowhere to be seen before you quickly walked to the door, exiting un-noticed until Tigris came around the corner, seemingly equally in a rush and holding a shirt you knew must be for Coriolanus.

"Oh, hello Y/N." She smirked as you both stopped, unsure how to approach the conversation. She was one of the only people who knew something was going on between the pair of you and still she wasn't quite sure what it was.

"Hi Tigris. You look lovely today." You said quietly, feeling like a scolded child even though you hadn't done anything wrong.

"Well if you're here I can only assume Coryo is awake, I'll see you again I assume?" She replied.

"Yes and yes." You answered awkwardly before hurrying away once again, letting out a sigh of relief as you heard her enter the house. You could only hope she wouldn't mention your interaction to Coriolanus.

You walked into the Academy at the same time as you did everyday, conveniently when Coriolanus would also show up.

"Coryo!" You yelled, spotting him across the room. He turned his head to you as though it was a surprise to see you, it wasn't.

"Y/N. What a pleasure." He smiled with his typical Snow charm, allowing you to link your arm with his.

"How are you feeling?" You asked him, thumb gently rubbing his bicep through his shirt. You rounded the corner past the food and yet you both avoided it for different reasons. You having already been fed by your family and their lavish lifestyle and he too nervous to even look at it.

"Never felt better." He replied with false confidence but no one else around you had to know that.

"Snow always lands on top." You teased as you entered the hall, spotting your friends if that's what you could call them stood in the centre of it all, as they usually did, talking about everyone around them no doubt.

"Y/N and Coriolanus, finally some real competition has arrived." Said Arachne, a glass in her hand and a smirk on her face as she always seemed to appear in public.

"Be humble now Arachne, you never know who will be chosen." You smiled, turning on your Capitol attitude in order to fit in. You were Capitol born and raised but your family taught you to be humble and kind. It was clear this wasn't common among parents here.

"Have you tried this lamb? It's scandalous." Said Felix, it made you chuckle how he used such a word to describe food.

"Only the vulgar eat with their fingers Felix, daddy not teach you table manners?" Snarled Festus, it was as though there was always a secret competition between the two of them, never quite made clear, never making sense.

"Maybe he would've if he wasn't so busy running the country. Hey they called us here for the Plinth prize right? 'Cause I heard Doctor Gaul's in the building." Felix changed the subject, knowing he had won. It was impossible to lose as the President's son you supposed.

You hadn't noticed but now Felix had mentioned it you took in the strange atmosphere, tense and mystery lingering in the air. "That is peculiar." You said, holding onto Coryo's bicep tighter subconsciously.

"Plinth. Look at his spawn. Who would've thought you could buy your way into the Academy." Felix once again snarled, he was always filled with such anger though it seemed todays anxiety only heightened this.

"Well you can't buy class. Did you see his mothers outfit? Sorry his Ma's." Festus joked, seemingly over his small tiff with Felix.

"Dress a turnip in a ball gown and it'll still beg to be mashed." Said Coriolanus, playing into their pompous ways. You knew he didn't agree, not really.

"Don't do that we all know you like him." Arachne spat with her spider like venom, raising her eyebrows at Coriolanus.

"I don't like him Arachne, I tolerate him. He's district." Said Coriolanus and he seemed pleased with his answer as you felt him relax under your touch. You however did like Sejanus and weren't afraid to show it.

"If I hear one more time how immoral these Hunger Games are I'll put him in the arena mys- Sejanus. You made it to the Reaping for once." Festus cut himself off, caught by Sejanus himself.

"And you made it to graduation Festus, we're both shocked." Sejanus replied and you couldn't help but snicker, hiding it as you realised no one else shared the same reaction. "Y/N, always a pleasure." He smiled at you politely. You couldn't help but note the way Coryo's jaw clenched, neck twitching as he looked at you to gaze your reaction.

"As are you Sejanus." You nodded. Arachne scoffed quickly mentioning the only thing she really cared about, the prize.

"Spill it, who won the prize." She asked.

"Well, no I'm not gonna ruin my father's big day. No one here actually likes him, but they do love his money." He once again hit back at the group around him, you felt sorry for the boy. Alone in a room full of people. "You know what that's like don't you Arachne?" He dug the hole deeper and you internally smirked, grateful someone was brave enough to stand up to a powerful woman like Arachne.

As the Captiol's anthem began to play you made your way to your seats, sat next to Coriolanus you placed a kiss on his cheek and whispered 'good luck' in his ear, though you didn't really think he needed it.

Doctor Gaul's chuckle resounded around the room in a menacing echo that always managed to make you shrink into your seat.

She commended you all for being star students before untroducing the creator of the games: Casca Highbottom.

He went on to tell you all that today was not the day the prize would be given out but instead there would be one more task to challenge you all and gage your true worth. Everyone seemed confused but not Sejanus.

"What's going on?" You whispered to Coriolanus. He sensed your anxiety placing a calming hand on your knee but gave you no other response which reassured you that you had not been left completely in the dark.

"The Plinth prize will no longer be determined by who was the best grades. But by who is the best mentor in the Hunger Games." With that there was outrage, to you it was dehumanizing for the tributes, 'mentored' by people their own age but for the others they only seemed to care whether they were given someone strong or weak. A 'runt' in Arachne's words.

The reaping commenced and you couldn't help but wish to be anywhere but here. You didn't want to do this, you didn't need the money yet you were forced to have another's life in your hands.

You got a small girl from 8 named Wovey, seeing her face on the big screen left you determined, determined to help her in anyway you could on the path to being a victor. Even if that meant Coryo may lose the prize.

Snow's tribute left the room in horror, her stage presence and brutality sent shivers down your spine, though you supposed that the outer Districts had it harder and that sort of survival must be built into her.

Standing up on shaky legs you grabbed Coriolanus up from his chair and outside of the room, you needed fresh air and you needed to talk to him about what you were about to face, arguably harder than any other test the Capitol could give you.

"Slow down Y/N, I can hardly keep up." He said, words laced with worry.

"I don't believe I can do this Coryo, did you see my tribute? She's hardly eligible for school never mind to be put into an arena where she's going to be killed. She's only a child." You paced while he leant against a pillar, beginning to eat some food he a had smuggled from the buffet table.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice Y/N." He tried to help but only made it worse as you realised you were trapped in yet another one of the Capitol's games. He seemingly realised this. "Hey, hey. If there as anyone in that room who would get that tribute, I'm glad it was you. Arachne would've given up on her by now. With you she has a fighter. A chance at surviving." He said while grabbing your wrists to stop your pacing.

"It's not that simple Coryo-" You tried but he cut you off.

"It is Y/N." He said sternly and you understood what he meant. It was either play into their games or become apart of them, no other choice. "You're a born winner Y/N, give her some of it hm?" He stared down at you as he spoke and his blue eyes while at times piercing sucked you in, heart rate lowering almost immediatley.

"Okay." You said.

"Okay." He smiled, reaching a hand around your neck to bring you into a kiss. It started off slow and caring though quickly intensified as he turned you both around so now you leant against the pillar instead of him.

His hand tightened around your neck, not enough to actually cut off air but just enough to make you feel dizzy as he pushed his body further into yours, keeping you against the cold cement and trapped in his arms.

Your mouths clashed together intensely, tongues colliding in a rhythm you though you would only ever be able to find with him in this lifetime. He was your everything, your light in a blizzard.

"Ahem." Coughed Casca, drawing the two of you away from each other with baited breaths and rosy cheeks. "Just like your father, yes we were best friends. Once." He said, and with that it felt like you weren't even in the room.

"Tell me Mr Snow, what are your plans after these games?" Casca asked.

"I hope to go onto the university sir, naturally." Coriolanus answered, pulling his waistcoat straight where it had been wrinkled by your tight grip.

"And if you fail to win the Plinth Prize, what then?" Asked Casca, it suddenly became clear to you that he knew something, just what he knew you were unsure of.

"We'd pay the tuition of course." He scoffed, insulted at Casca's insinuation even if it was true.

"Look at you, in your makeshift shirt and too tight shoes. Trying desperately to fit in when I know the Snow's don't have a pot to piss in." Casca said. You felt your own heart drop and so you couldn't imagine how Coriolanus felt, the insult to his pride was one you knew he wouldn't take well and so you grabbed his hand subtly, hiding it behind your back as to not show any sign of weakness to Casca.

"Goodluck with that poor little Songbird." He said, and with that he left. Leaving you to do damage control.

"Ignore him Coryo, he's trying to get into your head." You reassured him, moving a Snow white hair from his face. His jaw looked similar to the way it did earlier when Sejanus had so much as acknowledged your presence.

"He's right Y/N. From the moment my father died I lost. The odds were never in my favour." He spat out, though his actions didn't match his words as he gently removed your hand from his hair before beginning his exit of the Academy. "Come on now Y/N, I've got a songbird to catch." He said sarcastically.

You sped after him hoping Casca's words hadn't knocked him too much, after all, Snow lands on top and he wouldn't be the one to change that.

TAGLIST: @runningfrom2am, @riordanness, @suvgs, @charmed-asylum

[rnrin]

[rnrin]

Would you do the first move or not?

#out of curiosity #crush #love life

[rnrin]

how do you think about dating someone who older than you?

#kinda love him #curious #dating #love story #love life

[rnrin]

Tommy Shelby Aesthetic

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

[rnrin]

stay a little longer.

tumblr’s algorithm works best with reblog’s not just likes so pls reblog my work ! <3

pairing: boyfriend!heeseung x fem!reader

genre: fluff

warning(s): kissing n’ cuteness overload !!

word-count: 0.7k

request: “clingy heeseung showering you with love.”

networks: @k-labels n’ @enhanet

authors note: heyy I haven’t posted in a while but here’s a lil something !! sorry if it’s not good, it’s been a little while since I’ve written a cute drabble so I’m rusty !! anyway,, big thanks to my boo @reivrze for beta reading n’ helping me with this fic 🥹🫶🏼 happy reading, everyone !!

The bright tint from the window illuminated his features with a glowy undertone, and the shadows that remained in the darkened parts of the room perfectly shaded the structure of his jaw and his slender nose. Strands of his now overgrown bangs, scattering across his forehead, a few landing on the pillow beneath him. His maroon lips, in the form of a pout, were still swollen from hours earlier. His eyelashes moved along with his eyelids as he pretended to be in a deep sleep.

It was obvious that he had woken up just a few minutes ago but was in no way ready to leave your side. Your boyfriend, Heeseung, made it his own personal mission to cling to you like a koala. His hands wrapped tightly around your body as he pulled you close. Not failing to mutter a string of nonsensical words under his breath before giving you a quick little peck on your shoulder.

“Hee, I need to get up.” You whispered, your hands coming up in an attempt to remove his own which was clearly unsuccessful. His grip tightened, allowing him to nuzzle against you even more. “Heeseung.” You called out, a small smile tugging at the corner of your lips as you earned a slight whine from the other.

A chuckle escaped your lips as his hands ran down your sides, pulling you closer—if that were even possible—into his chest. “Just stay a little longer.” He murmured, his voice hoarse and groggy from having just woken from his slumber. A kiss was placed against your skin again, this time a little longer, before he pulled away and placed another on your cheek. You couldn't help but giggle at his antics, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the softness of his lips against your skin.

“I'm going to be late.” You giggled as he began to leave a trail of kisses from your cheek down to your neck, your hands resting on his shoulders.

“I know,” he muttered, his breath hot against your skin. “But I can't resist you.” You smiled, feeling a rush of electricity spread through your body. He always knew how to make you feel special, even in the simplest of moments.

“Just” kiss “fifteen” kiss “more” kiss “minutes." Heeseung grumbled, his hands roaming your body as he continued to shower you with affection.

“I have a meeting with Jay today, Hee.”

“Just reschedule; he'll understand.” He pouted, his eyebrows furrowing as he tilted his head cutely at you. You couldn't help but smile at his adorable expression: “I can't, Hee. You know how important this is for the company.” You gently pushed his chest; you tried to get out of his grasp for what seemed to be the millionth time in the past twenty minutes.

Although part of you was fighting yourself for not just dozing off again in his arms, “But it's Saturday, and I don't want to let you go; I'm comfortable,” he complained, lips forming into a pout once again. You laughed softly and cupped his face before planting a soft kiss on his lips.

His lips were soft, and the vague taste of mint merged with the subtle taste of caffeine, which confirmed your assumptions about him waking up early. The kiss was slow and gentle, his lips overlapping with yours at a slow yet passionate pace. The warmth of his breath against your lips caused your heartbeat to increase in speed. You couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as his hand delicately cradled your cheek, pulling you closer to him.

The scent of his cologne combined with the mint and caffeine, creating an intoxicating aroma that enveloped you both and the air that spread around your intertwined limbs. You felt yourself melting into his embrace, lost in the moment as the lips you called home moved perfectly with your own.

Breaking the kiss, you placed your index finger on his lips to stop him from distracting you any further. “I'll reschedule; you win.” You giggled, grabbing your phone and scrolling through your messages to text Jay you couldn't make it in today.

“Yes!”

© enaus — do not plagiarize, repost, translate, or copy my work, thank you ! <3

[rnrin]

Why Didn’t We Work Out?

Summary: James Potter had two girlfriends in his seventh year at Hogwarts. Y/N Y/L/N, who he dated for five months; and Lily Evans, who he dated afterwards. When he’s dared to call one of his exes, guess who’s number he dials…

A/N: timeline for reference: reader and James dated sept-feb. James and Lily dated mar-aug. This takes place one year after graduation. 3.8k word count

It was a Friday afternoon and everyone was all gathered at James’ apartment having a few drinks to kick off the weekend. As the empty bottles started piling up, they got the idea to play truth or dare, courtesy of the deck of cards Sirius found on his way to the flat. They were all still laughing at what Dorcas confessed to when Sirius nodded at James.

“Alright Prongs, you’re next.” he says, practically bouncing in his seat.

James, ever one for theatrics, picks up the deck of cards and shuffles it around before picking a card from the bottom and turning it over.

“What does it say?” Alice asks impatiently.

“Call your ex and ask why it didn't work out and if they’d ever consider giving it another chance.” James says before putting the card down.

Everyone hollers at the task before Marlene manages to calm them all down.

“Guys! Shut it! I wanna know who he’s gonna call.” She says before turning to James. “So? Who’s it gonna be?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Sirius asks, “It’s gotta be Evans.”

“No-“ Alice disagrees.

“Who else would it be?” Sirius asks.

Everyone argues back and forth while James sits quietly, wondering who to call. He knows who he wants to call, but he doesn’t know if they’d want to speak with him.

“This could change everything,” Marlene says, ever the romantic, “This could be your second chance, James. You should call the one you miss the most.”

“The only one you’ve ever really loved.” Dorcas agrees.

“The one that got away.” Alice says softly, a knowing look in her eyes.

“So, Evans.” Sirius repeats, causing everyone to either laugh or roll their eyes at him.

James doesn’t pay them any mind, he continues to stare at Alice, releasing a shaky breath when she nods encouragingly at him. Of all his friends and classmates, somehow Alice was the only one who knew his true feelings. While James assured everyone that he was fine when he and Y/N broke up, Alice had been the one to stumble upon James crying one day. He had confessed that he missed you and Alice had told him that she did as well.

She didn’t think you’d stop talking to everyone else when you guys broke up. She knew you had your own set of friends prior to dating James, but she had hoped that you’d still hang out with them every now and then. Considering that Marlene and Dorcas were already best friends, leaving Alice to be the third wheel among them, she had enjoyed having a girlfriend of her own, and cherished your company. It hurt Alice to see you pass them by in the Great Hall, not even glancing at them, as you made your way to the far end where your friends were.

Alice had tried to convince James to talk to you, to which he always refused, stating that it was done. After a while, everyone got back to teasing James about Lily, putting you on the back burner, and when he and Lily finally started dating, you were all but forgotten; being brought up only in passing, remembering something funny you had done, before moving on to something else. No matter how much time had passed, Alice always saw the sadness in James whenever you were brought up. His smile always seemed dimmer and his eyes filled with longing. Even if James had managed to fool everyone into thinking you were just a girl he dated for a few months, a girl that he was over; Alice knew that was far from the truth. That being said, he picks up the phone with shaky hands.

“Guys he’s calling!” Marlene shouts excitedly.

“Put it on speaker!” Sirius demands, causing everyone to cheer in agreement.

James types the number and presses “call”, nervously bouncing his leg up and down.

“She might not even answer.” he tells the group, though it sounds more like he’s trying to convince himself.

“What if this isn’t even her number anymore? What if she somehow knows this is my number and lets it go to voicemail?” He asks, looking at his friends.

This comment causes most of them to furrow their brows in confusion, wondering who he could be talking about, considering he and Lily still talk on occasion. But if he wasn’t calling Lily, then who?

The phone continues to ring, causing a pit to form in James’ stomach. “I don’t think she’s gonna-“

“Hello?” a feminine voice asks on the other line. The woman can be heard talking to someone in the background, wishing them a good weekend. She gets a chorus of “you too” in return before a door opens and closes shut.

“Hello?” The voice asks again. Remus reaches over and smacks James on the arm, snapping him out of his stupor.

“H-hi, hey!,” James stutters. “Y/N?” he asks, causing his friends to look at each other in confusion. You and James dated for a few months at Hogwarts but they didn’t think it was that serious. Not serious enough for him to call you instead of Lily for this dare. After all, he had spent years pining after Lily, not you.

“…yes?” you ask into the phone. Your voice comes off soft yet confused.

“Hey,” he says again, and then rolls his eyes at himself, “It’s James.” he breathes out.

“Who?” you ask, causing his heart to drop. “Wait, sorry, hold on really quick.”

Everyone hears you fumble with your phone for a bit before your voice rings out again, this time sounding louder than before.

“Hello?” you ask again, checking if the sound is better.

“Hi,” James answers, not knowing what else to say.

“Oh, that’s much better. Sorry about that,” you laugh softly, “Who is this?” you ask again.

“It’s James…” he says with a grimace, half expecting you to hang up on him.

“James…” you repeat, as if you’re in thought. “James from Hogwarts?”

“Yeah…” James answers, looking at Remus who just shrugs his shoulders. James from Hogwarts, he thinks to himself, that’s what she remembers me as?

“Oh shit,” you curse, surprise evident in your voice, “I didn’t recognize you. Your voice sounds so different on the phone.”

Everyone snickers at your comment.

“How’d you get this number?” you ask and immediately, the laughter stops.

“I uh…I ran into your friend Charlotte like a week after we graduated and I asked her for it.” James says sheepishly. He hopes nobody comments on the fact that that’s a long time to have someone’s number and not call them.

“And she gave it to you?”

“Well I say ‘asked’ but it was more like begging,” James admits, blushing as remembers following her around as she did her shopping, pleading with her to give him your number.

“Huh. So what do you want?”

“Just needed to ask you a question, love.” he tells you, the term of endearment slipping out without him even realizing.

“Okay…” you trail off, unsure of what’s to come.

“How are you?” James finds himself asking instead.

“How am I?” you repeat with an incredulous laugh. “You called me to ask me how I am?”

“No, sorry.” James shakes his head, even though you can’t see it. “That’s not the question. But I do want to know.”

“I’m fine.” you say simply.

“Yeah?” James asks, a soft smile on his lips as he talks with you.

“Yeah.” you confirm, wishing he’d just hurry up and get to the point already. “So…”

“Why didn’t it work out? Between us, I mean…” James asks breathlessly, finally asking the question that’s been plaguing his thoughts for the past two years.

“James,” you sigh, “Why are you asking this now?”

“I don’t know,” James says honestly, ignoring the stares of his friends. “It’s always bothered me; not knowing why you broke up with me. But no matter how badly I wanted to reach out to you- to ask you- I just didn’t. I was too scared. But I-I need to know what happened. Can you- from your perspective- can you tell me why we didn’t work?”

“I don’t know,” you sigh, “I just felt like you didn’t love me.”

“What?” James asks, horrified. “Why- how could you possibly think that?”

“Come on,” you scoff, “You know-“

“No, I don’t,” James interrupts, shaking his head furiously. “I-I thought I was a good boyfriend. I thought-“

“You were,” you coo, feeling the need to reassure him. “It wasn’t all bad. You were funny and kind. You were caring. You were patient with me and my short temper and you always managed to make me smile whenever something was bothering me.”

“And your friends,” you sigh, causing them all to perk up at their mention. “They welcomed me into their group with open arms. They never made me feel like an outsider. I-I studied with Remus, I would play-fight with Sirius; Alice and I would have sleepovers all the time and stay up talking and giggling until three a.m.”

“Then…why?” James repeats, even more confused. If everything was as great as you said, why break up?

“I…I’m not an idiot, James. Even though we weren’t in the same circle, I knew about Lily. Merlin, the whole of Hogwarts did. Through the years, I would hear in passing every now and again about you two. I knew you fancied her. I knew she had been the only one you had ever been serious about, which is why I was so confused when you started paying attention to me.”

“Is it so hard to believe that I thought you were beautiful? That I enjoyed your company?” James asks.

“No, but us crossing paths was a chance encounter.” you stress. “We had been taking the same classes since first year, James. But it wasn’t until Professor McGonagall changed the seating arrangement in seventh year that you finally noticed me. Do you remember why I turned you down the first couple of times?”

“You said you didn’t want to cause any problems between me and Lily. But I told you there was nothing going on between us.” James tells you, growing frustrated.

“Yes, but your actions told me otherwise. How many times did I see you playing with her hair, or whispering in her ear?”

“I was talking with her,” James defends.

“You were flirting with her!” you correct. “You were dating me and flirting with her. I don’t know how you didn’t realize it when everyone else in the bloody school did.”

“Do you have any idea what that was like?” you ask harshly. “Having to hear day in and day out for months ’oh, it’s just a ploy. He’s doing it to get Evans’ attention, and I think it’s working. It’s only a matter of time before one of them makes a move’”

“And then I go to you, my boyfriend, for reassurance, and I don’t get any. Instead, my feelings are brushed off and I’m called, what was the word again? Oh, right, delusional. Yes, I loved you, but I couldn’t do it anymore, James.”

“And anyway,” you huff, clearly worked up by this conversation, “This was two years ago, I don’t understand why you’re calling me now asking me why it didn’t work out. If you were so bothered by the break up, why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Because I wanted you to be happy!” James shouts, standing up from his seat. He moves away from the couch and starts pacing the living room, running his free hand through his hair in frustration.

“I feel like we should give them some privacy,” Marlene whispers to the group.

“Shh!” Sirius shushes her, waving her off.

“I loved you so much, I would have done anything for you to be happy. That’s why I let you go without putting up a fight. I was doing what you wanted.” James sighs dejectedly.

“What I wanted?” you repeat skeptically. “What I wanted was for you to fight for me! For us! I wanted you to show me and everyone else at that damn school that I was the girl for you; that I was the girl you wanted! But you didn’t do that!”

“Instead, you went running to Lily!” you laugh coldly, “Just like everyone knew you would!”

“That’s not fair,” James says, sadly. “If I had known that you-“

“That I loved you? That I wanted to be with you?” you interrupt. “What? Would we still be together right now? Married, living in a nice little cottage, a couple of kids running around?”

Beep.

“Y/N-“

“You’re right,” you sigh, “I’m being too harsh. If you didn’t know that, then clearly I wasn’t the best girlfriend either.”

Beep.

“Merlin’s beard, what is that noise?” James asks exasperatedly.

“My phone, letting me know the battery’s about to die. Good timing, too.” you huff.

“You were a bad boyfriend, and I was a bad girlfriend. That’s why it didn’t work out between us. Let’s leave it at that.” you say quickly, rushing to finish the conversation before your phone dies.

“I hope everything works out between you and Lily. Or whoever you’re seeing now. Truly, I do. Take care, James. Do not call me again. I won’t answer.”

And with that the phone call ends. James stands there, in the middle of his living room, staring at the phone in his hand. It’s silent for a few seconds before Dorcas awkwardly claps her hands, getting everyone’s attention.

“Alright, who’s next?” She asks, softly. The fun atmosphere ruined by the heaviness of the phone call.

“You guys go ahead,” James says, making his way towards the door.

“Mate, where are you going?” Remus asks, standing from his seat.

James freezes at the door and turns around, making his way back to the living room.

“It’s not over yet.” he says with a shake of his head.

James reaches for his card on the table and hands it to Remus, before heading towards the door again, dialing someone else and putting the phone to his ear.

“Still gotta ask if she’d consider giving us another chance.” he tells them before speaking into the receiver.

“Hi, Charlotte? It’s James! Yeah, James Potter. Listen, can you curse me out another time? I need Y/N’s address. Why? Well apparently she broke up with me because she thought I didn’t love her. And I didn’t do anything to stop her because I thought she didn’t love me. Yeahhh, so I need her address so I can tell her that that wasn’t the case at all. Brilliant! Thanks, bye!”

Everyone stands in silence, unsure of what to do now.

“Should we keep playing?” Sirius asks.

“Or pack up and call it a night?” Remus adds.

They all stare at each other for a moment before Alice bolts from her seat and rushes to the door.

“I’m too invested in this! I need to know how it ends! James!” she calls, running down the steps, “Wait for me!”

Everyone else is quick to rush out the door, chasing after James and Alice into the night.

[ t i m e s k i p ]

You’ve just come out of the shower when there’s a hard knock at your door. Not expecting anyone tonight, you stand up with a confused frown on your face.

Running your fingers through your damp hair in an attempt to make yourself look presentable, you head towards the front door. The knocking has gone from rapid, consistent taps to a heavy fist pounding against the wood. The door shakes so much, you’re scared it’ll fall off its hinges. With your wand gripped tightly in your hand, you yank it open, only to become more confused at the sight that greets you.

James Potter stands on your porch; out of breath and hair disheveled as he stares at you. Looking past his shoulder, you see all his friends standing on the sidewalk. Sirius, Remus, Peter, Frank, Alice, Marlene, and Dorcas are all watching you as well. Alice has a beaming smile on her face as she waves enthusiastically at you, clearly happy to see you again. You awkwardly raise your hand at them in greeting before turning your focus back to James.

“I know you said you didn’t want me to call you again-“

“So you show up at my house unannounced?!” You shriek.

“And why are they here?” you ask, gesturing to his friends.

“They followed me!” James shrugs helplessly.

“What are you even doing here?” you ask, rubbing your temples in an attempt to rid yourself of the headache you feel coming on.

“To tell you, in person, that I did love you.” James says, releasing a shaky breath.

“….Alright. Thanks for stopping by.” You nod at him. You try to close the door, only for James to push it back open with his hand.

“No, Y/N, listen to me. I’m sorry for whatever I did that made you initially doubt my feelings for you. I’m sorry I was a tosser that didn’t listen to you when you tried to tell me what was bothering you.” James tells you sincerely.

“It’s okay,” you shrug.

“It’s not.” he says with a shake of his head. “I should've told you all this back then, and I don’t know why I didn’t. But I’m telling you now. Yes, I fancied Lily for years but that stopped the moment I met you.”

You roll your eyes at that and James grabs your hands, squeezing them once before continuing.

“I don’t know how you did it, but one interaction with you and I was hooked. Nothing else mattered and nobody else compared. I found myself looking for you in the great hall and in between classes. I’d ask around about you because I wanted to know everything that there was to know about you. I felt an actual ache in my chest whenever you turned me down. It was so bad I had to see Madam Pomfrey about it because I honestly thought I had an arrhythmia.” he says, which causes you to laugh and roll your eyes again, this time in affection.

“I didn’t fight for you then, so I’m fighting for you now. The truth is I liked Lily; but I only ever loved you.”

You widen your eyes and gasp at his confession. Somewhere on the sidewalk, someone, most likely Alice squeals.

“I loved you on that first day, when you shared your inkwell with me after I forgot mine in the dorm. I loved you when you watched all my quidditch matches, even though you weren’t a fan of the sport. I loved you when you hung out with my friends, even when I wasn’t there and when you spent Christmas with me and my parents.”

You bring a hand up to wipe your eyes before placing it back in James’ hold. You sniffle and grin at him, chin quivering as you do.

“I loved you every second that I dated you. I loved you when you broke up with me. I loved you the whole time I dated Lily, which sounds horrible-“ James admits, causing you to laugh.

“But it’s true. That’s actually the reason we broke up.” he admits, “I couldn’t be with her- or anyone for that matter- when my heart belonged to you.”

“I loved you then and I love you now.” James tells you, gazing lovingly into your eyes. “And I need to know if there’s even the slightest possibility of you loving me too? I know I let you down last time. But-“

James doesn’t get to finish his sentence. Having heard enough, you surge forward, getting on your tiptoes to place your lips against his. James immediately brings his hands up, cupping your face gently as he kisses you back. When you pull away, he follows, placing another chaste kiss against your lips. James kisses you all over your face, causing you to giggle before he leans his forehead against yours.

“James,” you call softly.

“Hmm?”

“Look at me.”

“I can’t” he tells you with a shake of his head, forehead still pressed against your own.

“Why not?“

“Because I’m scared this isn’t real. I don’t want to open my eyes and realize it was just a dream.”

“Does this feel real?” you ask, squeezing his hand with your own.

“Yes.”

“What about this?”

Your other hand comes up to cup his cheek. James sighs at the warmth, pressing a kiss to the palm of your hand.

“Yes.” he nods, slightly.

“Then open your eyes, Jamie.”

James takes a shaky breath in before slowly peeking his eyes open. Once he sees that you are in fact, still there, he releases the breath he was holding. James tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear before cupping your face in his hands.

“I love you.” you tell him, cheeks warming at the look of complete awe that he gives you.

James kisses you again before pulling you into his chest, wrapping his arms around you in a tight hug.

“I love you” he whispers into your ear, causing you to smile.

It’s only when Alice squeals loudly that you remember everyone else was still there. You pull back and share a shy smile with James before turning towards his group of friends that have been standing on the sidewalk.

“I guess I should invite you guys in?” you say, glancing at James briefly before turning towards the group again. “I can order some pizza and you guys can fill me in on what you’ve all been up to.”

Alice is the first to run up your steps, shoving James to the side and pulling you into a tight hug.

“I missed you so much!” she exclaims as she makes her way into your home.

Everyone else slowly makes their way inside, either hugging you or giving you a quick pat on the shoulder in greeting.

You’re about to head inside when James pulls you back.

“What? What is it?” you ask, looking up at him worriedly.

“Nothing,” he shakes his head, gazing at you with a soft smile. “Just wanted one last moment with you before we head in.”

You roll your eyes and grab his hand, pulling him behind you as you walk in.

“You’re acting like you’re never gonna see me again.”

“Am I?” James asks.

“Only for the rest of your life.” you tell him, pulling his face towards yours for another kiss.

“Um, enough of that!” Sirius calls out, “I believe we were promised pizza??”

[rnrin]

war tactics and kisses - y.j.w

no one can get on jungwon's level. absolutely no one. he's just not interested. all his time is spent training and making sure his team wins in capture the flag. so, why is he kissing you good luck before the game? (son of athena!jungwon x child of aphrodite!reader)

tagging: @bluejayjay @heesunminies

genre: fluff

member: jungwon (enhypen)

warnings/notes: gn!reader, cameos by other idols

a/n: second installment of my demigod series! enjoy!

"aphrodite?! again?"

your head snaps up to see a certain huang renjun frustratedly running his hand through his hair as lee heeseung, head counselor of hermes cabin, calls out the team assignments for today's game of capture the flag.

lunch in the mess hall is dwindling down to a close, but the excitement among the campers is palpable. everyone's anticipating this afternoon's capture the flag, eager to show off the skills they've learned and maybe poke a tiny hole or two into their enemy's armor.

"don't act so disappointed, huang!" you call out from the aphrodite table, all of the campers' heads turning towards your direction.

"who altered everyone's armor the last time so our team could sneak past the opponent?" you add, raising an eyebrow at the son of athena. he pokes the inside of his cheek with his tongue, rolling his eyes as he turns away.

"that's right! the aphrodite kids did!" you call out, the rest of your siblings snickering beside you.

heeseung stares at the two of you from the front, lips pressed together as he waits for everyone's laughter and hollers to settle down.

"moving on," heeseung's voice booms through the mess hall and the air turns quiet, the son of hermes calling out the assignment of the remaining cabins. renjun stares daggers at you from where he's seated, and you retaliate by giving him your sweetest smile and winking.

renjun looks away, face crumpling in disgust, his lips moving at a rapid speed as he presumably rants to his siblings about how oh-so-insufferable you are. a hand lands firmly on his shoulder, shaking him slightly, and your gaze shifts to the person beside him.

yang jungwon.

jungwon leans closer to his brother, whispering something that seems to calm the older child of athena. renjun gives you one last look before completely turning away. your eyes widen slightly when jungwon locks his gaze with yours, a small smile playing on his lips. you smile back, turning away after a second, the heat from your cheeks becoming almost too much for you.

two weeks ago

"they're going to see us sneaking past them," jungwon had complained, ripping his helmet off to wipe away at the sweat collecting above his brow. you tried to seem casual then, but the way jungwon's hair stuck to his forehead made your heart skip several beats.

'mom wouldn't mind if i end up liking an athena kid, right...?'

you eyed the other campers with you. a total of ten people, four athena kids, four aphrodite kids (including you), and two of hypnos' kids. all tasked to play offense, with only one goal in mind: grab red team's flag.

"why couldn't we have been teamed up with hecate's kids. we could have asked them to make us invisible or something," jungwon grumbled, kicking away at a rock at his feet. you clear your throat, grabbing at jungwon's arm.

"i have an idea," you declared, making the whole team eye you with newfound interest. you peered around, trying to make sure no red team stragglers were nearby.

"some of the other aphrodite kids tried this before, but it never lasted as long as they needed it to," you began, signaling for everyone to huddle closer. "we can alter appearances to a certain extent, and that includes clothes."

the other aphrodite kids perked up, eyes widening as they realized what you're on about.

"we can try to disguise ourselves as part of the red team, but it'll take a lot of concentration and convincing our mom to make it last until we reach the flag," you continued.

"won't the actual red team recognize us?" one of the other athena kids asked.

"by the time we're close enough for them to see our faces, it'll be too late," you replied with a satisfied smile.

you turned to look at jungwon. "you say you know where the flag is."

jungwon nods.

"how far are we?" you asked.

"not much. it's just across the clearing over there," jungwon said as he pointed to a small forest clearing a few hundred feet north. "ares kids always use the same spot to mount their flag."

"you know, this might work better if we make an offering to mom," yuna, one of your siblings spoke up. you pondered on this for a moment before nodding.

"you're right," you agreed. you let out a deep sigh, clasping your hands together and squeezing your eyes shut.

"mom, just let us pull this off and i'll let you choose my next boyfriend," you muttered under your breath. your siblings erupted in giggles.

"that's your offering?" jungwon questioned, face crumpling further into confusion.

"mom loves playing matchmaker with her kids," you informed him with a roll of your eyes.

"okay," you began, nodding to the other aphrodite kids. "let's do it."

---

"any news from your mom?" a voice speaks up from behind you, nearly making you drop the sword in your hand. you turn around to see jungwon approaching you, reaching for a sword of his own.

the armory is busy with campers getting fitted for the game, metallic clangs and raised voices filling the enclosed space. you shift closer to jungwon as a gaggle of ares kids pushes past you to get to the shields.

"careful," jungwon says, his hand coming up to gently lay against the small of your back. you purse your lips, trying not to make it so obvious that you're about to turn into a blushing mess.

"about my mom," you begin, sheathing the sword you had in your hand. "i haven't heard from her yet. although, judging from the way we pulled that tactic off the last time, i'm ready to bet that she loved that offering."

jungwon snickers, inspecting one of the swords closely. "oh, she really did. we wouldn't have won that without you."

you giggle, trying to play the whole thing off.

"where'd the cocky child of athena attitude go?" you ask, playfully nudging jungwon's arm.

"cut us some slack, gorgeous," jungwon teases back, grinning at you. "we hard carry our team every capture the flag."

your face seems to reach an unimaginable level of heat at jungwon's use of the word 'gorgeous'. you're used to people complimenting you on your looks, but when an incredibly handsome son of athena by the name of yang jungwon says it, even a child of aphrodite might buckle.

"is that why almost everyone in the athena cabin is single?" you ask, trying to shift the conversation to something else.

"perhaps," jungwon muses, strapping his sheath around his waist. "romance isn't something that athena kids are particularly concerned with."

"obviously," you retort, grinning at the way jungwon rolls his eyes at you.

"this conversation is going nowhere, but what did i expect, talking to an aphrodite kid about romance?" jungwon rambles. you gasp, punching him lightly in the arm.

"my mom would be very upset with you," you say, feigning offense.

"yeah, well, my mom's upset with your mom," jungwon bites back, raising an eyebrow as he leans in close, as if to taunt you. you back away slightly, eyes going wide.

the two of you stand there, staring at each other for a few seconds before both of you burst out laughing, jungwon's eyes even filling with tears from how hard he's laughing.

"they probably think we're both dumb for having this conversation," you manage to get out in between giggles. jungwon wipes away at the tears in the corner of his eyes as his laughter settles down.

"let's finish up here," jungwon says after heaving a sigh. "i'm gonna need our fashion expert by my side as we strategize."

you look at jungwon, confused. "fashion expert?"

"that's you, gorgeous," jungwon declares with a wink, walking away right after.

---

"hey."

you turn your head to look at jungwon, deep concern etched across his face. the two of you are on your way towards the woods, your team heading towards one direction while the other team trudges the other way.

"is everything okay?" jungwon questions, grabbing your arm, effectively stopping you in your tracks. jungwon lets the rest of the team pass by, only letting you go and resuming his steps as he lets the last person pass the two of you.

"i'm just nervous about today's game," you admit, matching jungwon's slow pace. "i've never been put on flag guarding duty before."

jungwon smiles, laying a hand once again on the small of your back.

"i trust you. i mean, you're not so bad for an aphrodite kid," jungwon muses, earning another punch on the arm from you.

"you hate aphrodite kids, i get it," you say exasperatedly.

"i don't hate you," jungwon replies, his dimple showing even deeper as he smiles at you.

"in fact," jungwon continues. "i dreamt of you last night."

you give jungwon a look, your eyebrows nearly shooting off your forehead.

"you what?"

"well, i thought it was you at first, but then i realized it was only someone who looked like you," jungwon explains.

great, now you're even more confused than you were five seconds ago.

"she said, 'you seem like a good guy. intelligent, with an equally smart mouth like your mother. you and ______ would work well together, if i may say so myself'," jungwon continues, scratching nervously at the back of his neck.

"i didn't understand what in tartarus was going on at first, so i asked her who she was," jungwon rambles on even further. "all she said was she's meant to look like the person i admire."

your heart starts to race as you piece together jungwon's story. a mysterious woman who looks like you appearing in his dream? talking about being a good match together?

"i've heard that your mom, you know, aphrodite, appears different depending on who's looking," jungwon says a little timidly, his hand practically gripping at the back of his neck by now. the tips of his ears are bright red.

"as in...she's meant to look like who the person is crushing on."

"yang jungwon, i can't believe my own mother would choose you as my next boyfriend of all people and not tell me first!" you cry out, your hand immediately clasping over your mouth as a few of your teammates curiously look back at the two of you.

"and you have a crush on me? since when?" you practically screech.

"since...since...i don't know!" the pitch of jungwon's voice rises with yours.

"and you did tell her she could choose!" jungwon argues, his bottom lip jutting out in an adorable pout. "and she clearly chose me!"

"are you sure that was her? and not just some crazy dream?" you frantically ask, gripping at jungwon's wrist.

"i woke up smelling like roses, ______," jungwon deadpans.

you nearly scream.

the two of you are once again left staring at each other, both of your expressions unreadable. the seconds tick by painfully slow but neither of you don't know what to do or say next. jungwon's eyes flit down to your lips for a moment then back up to your eyes.

oh, my go—

you have no time to react as jungwon cradles the sides of your face, pulling you close and placing a sweet kiss right on your watermelon lip-balmed mouth.

"ya, yang jungwon!"

the two of you pull away, your heart racing as the realization sinks in that holy gods, you just kissed yang jungwon. you turn your head to see renjun in the distance with one hand on his hips, his other arm brandishing his sword and pointing it in both your and jungwon's direction.

"you can make out later after we win, now get your asses over here!"

you glance at jungwon and he smiles, offering his hand up to you, which you gladly take. the two of you make a mad dash to catch up with the rest of your team.