#and they have in turn written her with just a slightly lighter hand and more culturally intelligibly in english | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

alexias-putellas · 4 months

Text

the first date conundrum // a. putellas x reader

a.putellas x reader

based on this request.

i loved writing this one icl

you loved the beach. it was one of your favourite places on earth, especially at sunset when it was quiet.

your barcelona teammates knew this, most of them joining you more often than not. you’d even had a few team bonding nights on the beach, building sandcastles with ingrid or splashing in the water with clàudia and jana.

you didn’t mind sharing and they didn’t mind when you sometimes rejected their company, opting to sit in the sand alone.

there was only one thing you liked more than the beach.

your captain.

alexia had been one of the first people you met when you’d signed with barcelona, her and mapi becoming your favourite tour guides as they showed you all the best spots and their personal favourites, ingrid sometimes tagging along as well.

it didn’t take you long to realise that your feelings for alexia weren’t entirely platonic and when mapi figured it out too, you knew she was never going to let you hear the end of it.

“do you have a valentine yet?” she had asked you before training one day, nudging you playfully.

“no.”

“there’s still time, chica.” she patted you on your shoulder and you slapped her hand with a scowl.

“leave her alone, maría.” ingrid said as she made her way towards you both.

“yeah, maría, leave me alone.”

you poked your tongue out at the spaniard, soon realising that her tone wasn’t teasing like normal. it sounded more curious.

really, that should’ve been your first clue.

your second clue should’ve been when alexia approached you after training that same day.

“hola.”

you jumped, turning around and smiling brightly at the blonde. “oh, hi, ale.”

you walked side by side and if you hadn’t been so giddy about nutmegging mapi a few times, you probably would have noticed how fidgety she was.

“are you doing anything later?” she asked suddenly and you hummed as you thought.

“i don’t think so, why?”

“there’s a new restaurant opening—“

you gasped, cutting her off. “the one ingrid keeps talking about? yes, we should all go!”

alexia stood dumbfounded as you rushed over to mapi and ingrid, your mouth moving a mile a minute. once you’d finish talking, you’d practically skipped over to your car, seemingly forgetting all about your conversation with the spaniard as you waved happily to her before driving off.

ᡣ𐭩

alexia glanced down at her watch with a slight frown, your unusual lateness making her worry spike. even mapi and ingrid got to the restaurant before you.

“no y/n?” ingrid asked, obvious concern written on her face as she looked around.

“not yet.” alexia muttered.

“stop worrying,” mapi said with a roll of her eyes. “she will be here.”

a few minutes passed and just as alexia reached for her phone, she heard a familiar giggle.

turning around, she wished that the first she noticed was how pretty you looked but it wasn’t. your arm was linked with ona’s, lucy not too far behind.

alexia’s shoulders sank slightly and she felt mapi pat her arm.

“hello!” you chirped happily, smile brightening as you locked eyes with the tall blonde. “look who i found!”

when you asked if they could join you, alexia didn’t have to heart to say no. you clapped excitedly and dragged ona inside, the two of you blissfully unaware of the conversation behind you.

lucy was laughing quietly as mapi explained the predicament and eventually, alexia found herself laughing too.

she felt lighter when lucy had explained that you had always been painfully oblivious to people flirting with you, always mistaking it for kindness.

your arm was still linked with ona’s as the four of them joined you both, being led to a table in the quieter side of the restaurant.

“hey!” you whined when lucy swiftly separated you and ona, poking your tongue out at your international teammate.

you slid into the booth first, latching onto alexia’s wrist and pulling her next to you. ona, lucy, and ingrid sat across from you, leaving mapi to sit on alexia’s other side.

the night was going fairly well, the food was delicious and lucy was telling yet another story about something funny you’d done whilst at england camp.

you rolled your eyes, reaching for your phone as it buzzed in your bag. your eyes immediately shot up to ona as you read the text but she didn’t look at you, she was frozen in place staring at her lap.

you cleared your throat, muttering an apology before slipping away, leaving behind a confused table of people.

taking a deep breath, you clenched your fists at your side, staring up at the darkening sky as you willed your tears away.

you had half a mind to go back in there and drag alexia away but your embarrassment far outweighed that feeling. if you’d have just shut up and let alexia speak, you’d be alone with her and on what you could only imagine to be the best date of your life.

“hey,” you heard alexia say softly behind you. “are you okay?”

her hand was on your shoulder and before you could stop yourself, you whirled around and crashed into her arms. it wasn’t unusual for the two of you to be physical but your hug had her reeling.

“i’m sorry, ale,” you whispered, feeling utterly miserable. “i didn’t mean to ruin everything.”

if you hadn’t sounded so distraught, alexia probably would’ve laughed at your dramatisation of the situation.

“you have not ruined anything, cariño.” she whispered back, pressing a quick kiss to your head.

she didn’t let go until you did, reaching up to gently wipe at your eyes. your lip was jutted out slightly as you gazed up at her. “no?”

“no,” she confirmed with a nod. a smile grew on your face and you suddenly felt shy under the blonde’s gaze, your shoes becoming very interesting. “vamos.”

“what?” you looked up, brows furrowed.

“the night is still young, no?” she asked, smiling softly. her hand grabbed yours and you couldn’t help but grin, letting her drag you to her car.

you weren’t too familiar with the streets of barcelona since alexia or mapi were usually the ones to take you places but as alexia drove, you knew exactly where she was headed.

within ten minutes of parking, you were sat by the little rock pool you’d discovered on the beach, a content smile on your face and an ice cream cone in your hand.

“ale, look!” you gasped, free hand pointing at something in the water. “a star fish!”

another gasp followed as you spotted a small school of fish and alexia mentally noted to take you to an aquarium.

“are you looking?” you nudged her, pulling her out of her head. “mira! isn’t it pretty?”

“sí. very pretty.”

but when you looked at her, she was looking at you. at first, you were bothered that she wasn’t looking at the water but then you realised what she meant. your cheeks burned and she laughed softly, finally leaning forward to see what you had been pointing to.

“estàs bé?” she asked quietly after a minute of silence.

you nodded, moving closer to her and resting your head on her shoulder. you were at your favourite place with your favourite girl, you had never been more okay in your life.

#woso imagine #woso fanfics #alexia putellas #alexia putellas imagine #alexia putellas x reader

472 notes · View notes

soft-girl-musings · 5 months

Text

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - CHAPTER 1 (Strangers In The Night)

Noir!Jake Lockley x WOC Lounge Singer!Reader

written in collaboration with + header by @mrs-lockley

chapter 2 chapter 3 chapter 4 chapter 5

cross-posted to ao3

tags: late 1940s Noir AU, Reader is WOC coded but with no physical description besides being slightly taller than Jake while wearing heels, no use of Y/N

wc: 2,222

fic summary: Of all the gin joints in all the world, Jake Lockley walks into yours. Unfortunately for him, it's not quite the start of a beautiful friendship.

A/N: can't believe this is the product of covid-induced hcs and thots between me and @mrs-lockley, thank you so much for encouraging this buddy (also @lunar-ghoulie if i had a nickel for each time you've sent an ask/dm about a WIP and it ended up being where i put all my energy, i'd have two nickels. which isn't a lot but it's hilarious that it's happened twice).

----------

On nights like tonight, Jake Lockley regrets his choice of profession.

It’s a dreary November evening, darkening by the second as the New York streets grow damp and cold. The wise had decided not to venture out; the blindsided rush across slick pavement to whatever shelter they can find. The desperate stay on the clock and curse their luck.

He should know by now that when a client says they’ll be “just a minute,” it’s a boldfaced lie: even if they have every intention of being efficient, he’s been stranded on the curb more times than he can count.

So he keeps the meter running. He’s seen the duds his regular client has on each week; the man could afford to fork over a few extra bucks. Might even build character.

The steady rhythm of the rain had been fine at first, but after half an hour parked beneath the neon sign of The Paper Moon– hat, coat and gloves doing nothing to ward off the chill creeping into his cab– every raindrop taunts him in his isolation.

To hell with this.

He shuts off the engine, pops his collar, and braces himself before stepping out onto the street. The rain falls fast and hard, so he rushes toward the brick exterior of The Paper Moon. He’s never been inside, but the glowing crescent of the sign had piqued his interest the first time he’d dropped his client here. He may as well see what all the fuss is about.

The doorman– a tall, dapperly dressed unit with a neutral grimace– casts a wary look his way. Jake ducks into the alley beside the building. Guess it’s exclusive.

Through the rain he spots a side door with a meagerly covered stoop, upon which is hunched a smaller, yet equally well-dressed figure. The young man’s tawny complexion pops against the emerald green of his just-too-big blazer, mist gathering in the dark brown waves slicked back from his creased brow. He grips a cigarette between clenched teeth, stuttering curses around it as he strikes a flimsy matchbook to no avail.

“¿Necesitas un fuego?”

At his offer, Jake is met by startled, impossibly wide brown eyes. The shock turns to glee as his face breaks into a toothy smile.

“Sí– sí sería genial, señor.” He makes room on the stoop, his dimpled cheeks betraying his youth. Jake pulls out a lighter and deftly lights the end of his cigarette, earning another dimpled grin after a few christening puffs. “Muchísimas gracias.”

“No hay problema.”

He lights one of his own, the smoke mixing with the fog of his breath as he holds out his free hand. “Jake.”

“Mauricio.” His newfound companion grips his hand and shakes vigorously.

They sit in silence for a few moments, their subtle exhalations and the slowing rain the only sounds between them.

The mood is disrupted by shouting from the other side of the door, followed by clattering and the unmistakable sound of someone falling. The door behind them flies open and a lanky, dark skinned man in a matching green blazer pokes his head outside.

“You’d better get your tail in here, Maurie. She’s in one of her moods tonight.”

“Rats, alright,” he groans, taking one last drag of his cigarette before stamping it out with his heel. Mauricio straightens his blazer and pushes a hand through his hair. He pauses at the door and looks back at Jake.

“Do you wanna come inside, dry off for a spell? We put on a mean show,” he swears. The kid's face isn't one Jake imagines people say “no” to very often.

“...Yeah, alright. Thanks.”

“Great! There’s a couple of tables toward the back that should still be free, you can sneak in there no problem.” Mauricio holds the door open a bit wider for Jake to step through. “If anyone gives you any trouble, just tell ‘em you’re with me.” With a wink and another winning smile, he darts off to follow the other blazer.

Jake finds his spot easily enough, taking in the atmosphere as he weaves between tables and patrons. So this is The Paper Moon.

The building’s drab exterior is deceptive: inside is a small lounge, bustling with activity and humming with life. Richly draped walls envelop the space, with ornate lamps and soft candlelight radiating from every table. The room looks as warm as it feels, a welcome relief from Jake’s prior solitude.

He takes off his soaked coat and loosens his tie. Across the room Jake sees his client– a cold, calculating Mr. Wesley– who gives a curt nod, as if granting his permission to take a load off (for now).

He orders a drink from a slightly bewildered waiter and continues to survey the space. People of all shapes and sizes occupy tables and barstools, with the chatter of at least three languages creating a dizzying buzz around him. The crowd dies down when stage lights flash on at the far end of the room.

Out marches the band: the guy who'd clambered to the back door sits at the piano, cracking his knuckles before playing a few notes on the keys; an older man with a similar complexion props an upright bass in position, riffing along with the scattered piano melody; an impressively mustachioed fellow polishes the mouthpiece of his trumpet; Mauricio settles in behind a set of drums, waving a stick in the air when he spots Jake.

As warm as he's gotten after coming inside, the temperature seems to skyrocket as the click of heels and the shimmer of the last band member crossing the stage sends his heartbeat right into his throat. In walks– no, floats – a vision, evening gown the same color as the richly painted lips that curl into a smile as easily as breathing. Something Jake seems to have forgotten how to do.

He can’t take his eyes off you.

----------

There’s something in the air tonight.

Maybe it’s the smoke lingering on Mauricio’s jacket (you’ve told him time and time again how smoking before a show irritates you; he must have snuck a pack backstage), or maybe the weather has you out of sorts. Whatever it is, you’re one false step away from losing your cool. Which, of course, cannot happen. Not onstage.

As the band warms up, you take one last look in your compact mirror, blot your lipstick, and take a deep breath. It’s showtime.

The moment you step onstage, you turn on the charm. Nothing can touch you up here. Not when there’s music to play, a band to lead. A night to make unforgettable.

You approach the microphone and smile. “Hello again, darlings. Did you miss us while we were away?”

Applause and cheers echo back to you from the audience. There’s a distinct two-toned whistle that rises above the noise, but you don’t think anything of it.

Not until you scan the crowd and see something– someone – that doesn’t belong.

Lounging at the previously unoccupied back table is a man you’ve never seen before. Which wouldn’t be a problem if you didn’t know the face and name of everyone who enters your club.

His eyes stay trained on you as you nod to the band to begin. One outlier a bad night will not make– you’ll deal with him later. For now, you let the caress of the opening notes ease the new tension in your body, and you start to sing.

With six shows a week, one would think the routine would become tedious. Quite the opposite: any night you play the same standards with the band is bound to be a good night. The chemistry between you and your boys is perfect– even on an off night like tonight, you still manage to follow each other and make the same hour of music sound brand new.

You lead one song, then another, completely in your own world. Of course, the constant cheers and occasional audience participation don’t hurt. But just when you hit your stride and forget your troubles, that whistle rings out above the noise.

The stranger's on the edge of his seat, rapt attention never leaving the stage. Seems innocent enough, but you’re still on high alert.

The set comes to a close, ending with a vibrant flourish. The band improvises a steady beat as you take a sip of water, then smile once more into the microphone.

“Oh, stop. Really…. well, alright, you can keep going,” you croon at the crowd as they cheer louder.

You gesture to the band. “Let’s give a big round of applause to The Jays, what do you say?”

“On piano we have the dazzling Jackie Thomas,” you call out as he trills a fancy melody a little louder than the rest. “Followed by this absolute Adonis on the bass, Benny Hayes,” you add as the smooth licks of his instrument sound out a reply.

“Let’s hear it for Leo Castellón and his magnificent mustache on the trumpet,” you tease as he blasts out a tune. “And our baby bird on drums, Mauricio Farrés!” You raise your voice as the youth bangs out a closing rhythm.

“And as always, I’m Ms. Songbird. We hope you’ll join us again soon, my doves. Goodnight!”

The band plays themselves out as you descend downstage to the front of the room. Time for the next act.

You know how to work a crowd both on and offstage; hospitality is as much a part of the gig as the music. Tonight’s a full house, but you take your time gliding past each table, front to back. Does everyone have their preferred drink? How’s the food? Was the music to their liking? All questions you ask with genuine interest, but you know the answer: everything is perfect.

"Hey, little songbird," a voice calls above the noise.

Everything except him.

You've been avoiding the back table for a while, trying to collect your thoughts before confronting him. No time like the present, I suppose.

You turn to see the outlier standing by the table he’d commandeered, a shimmering bundle of rhinestones dangling from his hand. The glint of a grin catches the low light the same way your traitorous earring does.

You touch your ear and your face grows hot. “Where did you–”

“Fell off as you floated by the last few tables, angel.”

Your heels tap out a warning as you approach. Toe-to-toe, with the added height of your shoes, you practically tower over him. Your brow furrows as you size him up: too forward to have something to hide, too laissez-faire to be up to any obvious trouble. All the same, you don't trust him.

You look him up and down; he does the same. "You're not very tall, are you?" More of a challenge than a question as you reach for the rhinestones in his hand.

Leaning back against the table, jewelry dangling just out of reach, his sly smile grows. "Well, miss, I tried to be."

"Right." You snatch the earring back before he says anything else. "I see you also tried to be discreet, and that didn't go so well for you, did it Chuck?"

"Actually, it's–"

“–club policy to check your coat at the door. Something our hostess would have insisted upon, meaning you– ” you emphasize as you lean in, fingertips pressed to the tabletop by his side, "–slipped in under the wire." You search his face for anything to betray his intentions. "Now how did you manage that?”

The stranger lowers himself into his seat, hands raised in surrender. "A little backstage access, courtesy of your drummer there." He nods toward the stage: you catch a glimpse of Mauricio clumsily ducking back behind the curtain. You'll scold him later.

His gaze shifts across the room. “See that fella over there– the one who looks like it'd kill him to smile? I’m just waiting to drive him home, like I do every week.” He grins again, that same look in his eyes. A look that sets you on edge. “Just a humble cab driver, miss– nothing up my sleeves.”

“Didn't know cabbies could be so exclusive,” you say, still eyeing him. James Wesley has been a regular for a few weeks, but you've never met his driver.

“With what he tips? Doll, I'd do damn near anything he asked.” The stranger chuckles, sipping his drink.

You know what he means: the wait staff has noted a major uptick in gratuities since Mr. Wesley has started frequenting the lounge.

“Very well,” you offer stiffly. It all checks out, but you get the feeling there's something he's not telling you. “I hope everything is to your liking.”

You turn to leave, but he takes your hand before you can go far.

“Oh believe me, it is… Ms. Songbird. ” A wink and a smile play on his lips as he swiftly presses them to your knuckles, letting go just as fast. You storm away before giving the satisfaction of showing how flustered you are.

“Mr. Manalo,” you beckon a waiter as he passes. He stands at attention. You gesture to the table you’d just left, not bothering to look and see if his eyes are still on you.

“Watch out for this one, will you? I get the feeling he isn’t just here for the music.”

----------

A/N: !!!! every story i write becomes my new favorite, but Noir!Jake has carved a pretty special spot in my heart this autumn. so excited to share more of him with y'all!

as always, thank you for reading :)

addtl tag list: @fandxmslxt69 @shadystarlightgentlemen @casa-boiardi (lmk if you'd like to be added to/removed from this wee tag list)

#my works #moon knight #moon knight fanfiction #moon knight au #jake lockley #jake lockley fanfiction #noir!jake lockley #jake lockley x reader #jake lockley x fem!reader #jake lockley x woc!reader #jake lockley x poc!reader #jake lockley/reader #jake lockley/fem!reader #jake lockley/woc! reader #jake lockley/poc!reader

151 notes · View notes

stayarmytinyzenmoa-l · 4 months

Text

Prominence [A.1]

Social Media AU ; Idol AU ; Added Unit AU CW/TW: Language Genre: Comedy, Romance Pairing: NCT x Idol!Reader, Yangyang x Reader Y/N Pronouns: Female (She/Her) Word Count: 5.5K

(1/?) [NCT Masterlist] | [Other Groups Masterlist] | [Prominence S1 Masterlist] | [Prominence S2 Masterlist]

Notes: AKA me wanting to write an alternate season where all of us second-male-lead-syndrome bitches won. Also, rq, should go without saying but this is completely separate from S2 and will not be referenced in S3, I just like being delusional. Also this is a direct branch from s1, it's an alternate season soooo yah Disclaimer: Please remember that this is an AU and a work of fiction, obviously the idols mentioned/written about in this story would never partake in these actions. The idols mentioned in this work are meant to be seen more as face claims rather than the actual idols themselves

Feedback is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for reading!

28th December 2021

You were a mess.

And, really, he didn't blame you. Back-to-back scandals leaving everything on the line, if he were in your shoes he'd have isolated himself too. Maybe he wouldn't have shut everyone out, but, then again, he hasn't exactly been in this situation before, feeling like everything could have been gone in the blink of an eye. He's never felt so... hopeless.

Not when you forgot his name. Not when you didn't do so much as spare him a glance. Not when you didn't remember him when you were grouped into NCThree. Not when you announced that you were dating who was, most likely, one of the most eligible bachelors in the 4th gen.

And not now, he wouldn't let himself. Look at you, he'd never seen you like this, and he never thought he would too.

And then the fantasy ended. Leaving you here with him, two soju bottles in and a third being opened. And a secret tossed into the open when it should have been kept locked away.

'(Y/N) you have to promise me that nothing will change after this, okay?' He said that and you swore to him that nothing would. But he knew, he knew this was a bad idea, so why did he want to keep going with it so bad?

“(Y/N). You’re my best friend,” saying it out loud really puts more into perspective, “[and I love you].” Those three words carried so much weight that as soon as he said it, he felt his shoulders become lighter. You only nodded.

“Yangyang, you’re my best friend, and I love you too,” you laughed. You didn’t get it. “That’s not really a secret, buddy. I’d take a bullet for you,” you continued. Yangyang shook his head. He expected this much, but now that he has to spell it out, it feels even more awkward.

“No, (Y/N), you don’t get it,” he puts his hand on your shoulder now. “You’re my best friend. And I love you.” He said it again, and still the weight carried. It felt wrong to tell you this now.

“I… oh,” realization was clear in your eyes. Your lips fell slightly ajar as the cogs turned in your mind. They closed and you looked away for a moment. Yangyang pulled away from you and folded his hands together instead, looking off while you processed. You were quiet for a while, both of you were, your hands were playing with the cap of the soju bottle in front of you while your expression changed only slightly, and it got Yangyang wondering just what you were thinking in your head.

But you were still quiet, you have been quiet. Just what were you thinking about? There was always this pride you both held in being able to understand what the other was thinking but, for the first time, he couldn't read you at all.

"(Y/N)?" He's testing the waters now. You promised.

"I think... we should head back now," you pushed the bottle away. Yangyang turned away from you and straightened in his seat.

"Yeah, let's go," he nodded his head and waited for you to step off the stool first before following you.

"Auntie, we're leaving now," you said without looking back.

And that was the first time, in a very long time, that Yangyang had felt hopeless.

"She didn't say anything?" Dejun was at the edge of his seat, and so were the rest of WayV, Renjun, and, of course, Mark. Yangyang had just finished recounting the [details from just a few hours] earlier to this grouping of curious members, and, to say the least, their expressions were grim or near unreadable. Some listened intently, while others seemed to be distracted.

"Nothing... just... 'oh' and that was it, that was the end of the conversation," Yangyang's eyes glance to some corner of his room. Not a good time, he knows he should have waited, it was too rash on his part.

"What did she say on the way back? Or when you got back?" Mark probes.

"Nothing," Yangyang had this despair in his eyes. "I... I think I really ruined things between us," he shakes his head.

"No, don't say that," Kun comforts him. "She's probably just processing everything right now, you know it wasn't really the best time to drop this on her."

"I know!"

"Then why did you do it?" Renjun sighs.

"Hey, don't be like that, you're the one who encouraged me to tell her the truth."

"Well not right now, Yangyang," he groans.

"But... she really didn't say anything? This is (Y/N), right? No smart quips, no badly timed jokes, nothing?" Mark hugs the plush to his chest.

"That's what's got me so worried," Yangyang rubbed the back of his head harshly. "She promised nothing would change, though."

"Seriously, Yangyang?" Ten groans. "Everything will change."

"Dude, not now, I know I shouldn't have dropped this on her now," he runs a tired hand down his face. "I know... I know it was selfish of me to have even said anything, but part of me felt like it would've been more unfair to keep it a secret from her, especially when there are just so many secrets around her right now," he mutters.

"No, you're right... but I think I'm gonna go check on her," Mark stands up, handing the stuffed animal to Renjun on the way. "She's... she's my best friend too, I feel bad about lying to her," he shakes his head and leaves the room.

"I fucked up," Yangyang shakes his head. He should have waited. "I don't even know how I'm going to fix it."

"Maybe don't," Kun offers, "I can't speak for her, but everything seems to be out of her control for now, wait for her to get back to you on this."

"Yeah, I get what you mean," Yangyang nods, "but I can't just... pretend that it didn't happen."

"No, definitely don't do that," Xiaojun shakes his head. Ten nods.

"Don't pretend, but don't push either," Ten hums, "and, most important of all, don't ignore her," he shoots him a pointed glare. "She needs friends right now, and her best friend even more. Don't be Yangyang the doomed second male lead, be Yangyang her best friend," Ten crosses one leg over the other.

"Easier said than done, I don't think we'll ever look at each other the same way again," he runs a frustrated hand through his hair.

"Well, she promised that nothing would change, right?" Renjun leans forward, "I don't know (Y/N) as well as you do, but I do know that she keeps her promises. Just give her time, and maybe support her while her career hangs on by a thread," Renjun sighs.

"Yeah, you're all right," Yangyang leans back on his palms. But he couldn't swallow down the guilt.

You sat in your room, hugging your pillow to your chest all the while.

Wow... talk about timing.

You sighed into the pillow and reached for your phone, your thumb hovering over Seonghwa's contact name, and so much more guilt building inside of you. So much shit was going on right now, you were thrown into scandal after scandal and now you had... this to deal with. Most of ATEEZ had always been concerned about your friendship with Yangyang, some louder about it than others, but never did you think that they were right. Maybe the fact that enough of them brought it up should have been a concern to you.

But you didn't want to believe them. You just wanted to hold on to this image you had of your best friend that he was just that. And now so many of his actions have become clouded to you, so many of his intentions have been brought to question, hell, even your friendship with him is in the air now too. Even your future was something you were unsure of now. You couldn't just stop talking to him, that would be impossible considering NCThree. Then again, you were in very real danger of losing your job now so it wasn't impossible.

This is nothing, though, compared to the bigger conflict. You're still in a relationship, a very happy one, or at least you think it is.

So why didn't you give him an answer then? You should have flat-out told him 'no.' You should have rejected him right then and there and had the both of you move on and continue like it hadn't happened, but, no. You didn't give him an answer. And if it was eating you up like this you could only imagine him. How long had he felt this way about you?

If he was a year earlier, maybe things would have been different.

You shook the thought out of your head. You're in a relationship. And one that you were willing to fight for, one that you had been fighting for.

Then, a knock at your door interrupted your thoughts.

"It's open," you took a deep breath as Mark entered, closing the door behind him. He pulled your desk chair aside and sat down, hands in his hoodie's pockets and shoulders relaxed.

"Hey, I... uh... I just wanted to check up on you," he says. You nodded your head and, if possible, you sank further into that pillow you were holding.

"You talked to Yangyang, huh?"

"Yeah," Mark nodded, "but you're my best friend too, and to be honest, don't tell him, if I had to pick a side I'd always choose you first," he says quietly.

"Why would we need to pick sides?" You glanced at your phone again. "It's okay, Mark, you don't have to worry about anything, but if he's looking for an answer..." you trailed off, "I can't give him one."

"If you don't mind, can I ask why?" You're silent for a while.

"Well, I don't want to just heartlessly reject him, he's still my best friend too," you nodded, "I need to come up with a... better way to turn him down without ruining his ego forever," you added with a short laugh, "plus... I can't really think about what he said right now," you muttered.

"I get it, I get it," Mark hums, "but... uh..."

"I know, I promised nothing would change but... Mark, you understand where I'm coming from, right?"

"Of course, I do," Mark sits up a little now, "will... will the three of us change?" His voice was quiet and you couldn't answer him.

"I don't know, I think I'm going to wait for all this to blow over then he and I can figure it out," you said.

"Yeah," Mark answers but he doesn't sound convinced, "if you need anything, though, (Y/N), let me know."

"Can you silence all the rumors?" You asked jokingly.

"Eh, I can probably pull a few strings," Mark tilts his head left and right with a small smile, "you said it yourself, everyone loves me," he tries to lighten the mood and you cracked a small smile.

"Exactly, Mark," you tipped the pillow toward him, "but, seriously, thanks for checking up on me," you nuzzled your head into the pillow.

"Yeah, of course," he says. "I should probably head back now, get some sleep, (Y/N)."

"I will, good night," you watched him get up and head to your door.

"Night," he closes it behind him and you're left on your own again. You laid down in bed, going over your mental checklist of things to do tomorrow, the first thing, naturally, would be to call Seonghwa and tell him about everything that's going on, then you'd have to talk to your managers and sort everything out too, and maybe some damage control wouldn't hurt either. Then, as you closed your eyes, your phone rang on the nightstand next to you and you picked it up quickly, immediately recognizing the ringtone.

"Seonghwa?" Your voice was tired.

"Hey, could you meet me outside really quick?" And so was his. You stood up and walked over to your window. The sidewalks were anything but busy at this time of night.

"Yeah, I'll be down there," you hung up first while pulling on a hoodie and heading out of your room. The dorms were just as quiet as the outside likely was and you moved around carefully so as not to awaken anyone on accident. But, moving to the main room, you saw the small sliver of light coming from the WayV dorms and part of you felt a little sad about it. You turned away and left the dorms, the elevator ride down being unbearably longer than usual.

When you'd finally left the building, there Seonghwa was. His phone was still in his hand and Mars in the other.

"Hi," you looked either way before hugging him. He held you back, his head nuzzling against yours.

But something about it felt... off.

And when you separated, that feeling only grew.

"It's a bit late for a walk, don't you think?" You pet Mars gently with a smile.

"Yeah," he seemed distant. "I need to talk to you about something important," he says. You nodded.

"Anything, did you want to come inside? It's cold out here," you pointed behind you, but he shook his head. "Did something happen?" You asked him. He looked off for a moment before nodding.

"(Y/N)," he says your name, but it felt like it was being held down by a heavyweight, "I've been doing a lot of thinking," he says.

"Mmhmm," you nodded your head slightly, "me too," you answered. And you weren't wrong, there is so much that you both had to talk about in terms of this relationship and in lieu of all the scandals that suddenly appeared.

"Then you know," he says.

"Yeah," you nodded, "it'll take a lot of work, but I'm sure we'll be able to fight our way out of this, just like before, right?" You shot him a tired smile. He didn't return it. "Seonghwa?" You said his name carefully, but he shakes his head.

"I think..." he looks away for a moment, then he turns back to you and hands you Mars' leash. "You should watch him for a while, he's always trying to escape our place," he says. You nodded and Mars walked over to your side.

"Yeah, I'm always happy to take this rascal in," you scratched behind his ears. "But, I can tell that that's not what you're here for, huh?" You tried to look him in his eyes, but he averted from your gaze every time. And, slowly, you felt this pit form in your chest. "Is... are you okay?" You changed your question. He shakes his head and you took a step toward him, and he took a step back.

"I think we should go our separate ways, (Y/N)."

You're silent.

"I don't think now's a good time for either of us to be..." he didn't finish his sentence. And still, you were silent. Mars whimpered next to you, and still you didn't move. You kept looking at him.

"You're breaking up with me?" You asked him with a shaky voice. He looked at you with a gentle gaze. "Why?" Did you even need to ask?

"I'm sorry, (Y/N)," he says.

"Is it the rumors?"

"I-"

"Did I do something?"

"It's not that-"

"If it's because of Yang-"

"(Y/N), just wait, please," he says. You stop talking. "(Y/N), I just think... With everything going on right now, it might be best if we walk on our own for a while, let everything settle down," he says. You didn't respond. "And you're getting busy, so am I, we just won't have time to spend with one another," he continues. You looked down at the ground. "Say something, (Y/N), anything," he says. You looked to Mars, who's ears were down.

"What... what do you want me to say to that?" You looked at him and shook your head. "If I say 'no' then I'm selfish, and if I say 'yes' then everything we've been through together... was for nothing?" You swallowed harshly.

"It wasn't for nothing."

"Then why even break up in the first place?"

"I told you why," Seonghwa shook his head.

"That's not fair, Seonghwa, you know everything happening isn't my fault," your voice wavered. "That's not fair, you can't pin these on me," a noticeable whimper rose in your throat.

"It's not about the rumors, (Y/N), of course I know they're not true!" Seonghwa rarely ever raised his voice, and he knew he made a mistake when you sealed your lips shut. "I'm sorry, (Y/N), I don't think I can continue on with this anymore," he says. You clutched the leash tighter.

"You... that... that's not fair..." you muttered. "We've made it work before."

"(Y/N)."

"I don't think we should give up now."

"I... I can't, anymore."

"Why not?"

"I just can't!"

"That's not an answer, Seonghwa, we've been together for more than a year, you can do better than I can't!" Your voice rose and Seonghwa groaned in frustration.

"It's for me and for you," he says.

"Don't you dare make that decision for me," whatever disbelief you had was slowly being replaced with anger, "you..." you took a deep breath. It wouldn't be fair to him for you to refuse, and you just couldn't look him in the eye. "Fine," you whispered.

"(Y/N), I don't want us to end on a bad note."

"We're not," you shook your head, "but it's not on a good one either. Take however long you need, as long as you tell me eventually the real reason why you wanted to throw away a whole year," you shut your eyes tight, as if locking the tears away. Seonghwa reached out to you and you let him, and he held you close to him for a while, but you couldn't find it in you to hold him back.

"I'm sorry, it's for the best," he says. You shook your head. You couldn't say anything to him, it would've been selfish of you to hold him back when he didn't want to continue on and you could just tell that there was something else, something bigger, that he was keeping from you and if this was how he wanted to play it, without you, then that's his choice. He didn't ask for a break, he didn't leave hope to continue, he just chose to end it all.

"You..." you pushed away from him, "are horrible," you shook your head and you turned to leave. But Mars stood still, grabbing onto the leash between his jaws as if to pull you back. "Come on, Mars, let's go," you pulled on the leash gently, but he stayed put with a small whimper. You sighed and dropped the leash. "Then stay with him," you hugged your arms to your chest and you walked back into the building, taking one last look back. Seonghwa watched you with a distant look in his eyes, and you waited for a few moments, hoping for something, anything really. Was it too much for you to hope that he'd follow you in? Take it all back? Why was he just standing there? You shook your head, he did nothing, and you pushed the button for the elevator, and when it took too long you turned to the side and took the stairs instead. And with each step you looked at your phone, waiting and hoping to get a sudden call or text from him to come back down or to... do something, but, instead, all you saw was the time. 3:45am.

You walked back into the dorms, the main room was empty, dark, maybe a little messy but that was normal for this home. Most of all, it was quiet, everyone, you think, was still asleep or about to be. You felt like you were on autopilot since taking the stairs. Then, right as you turned to walk over to the ANiMA side, that door opened and Jihyun, headset around her neck, spotted you and smiled.

"Hey, you're up... what happened?" Her smile dropped and she walked over to you quickly to wipe the tears off your face with her hoodie's sleeve. You sniffled loudly and you held onto her hands.

"I... he... I..." you swallowed harshly, feeling your words get caught in your throat and turn into short gasps until you finally gave up and hugged her and she hugged you back, wrapping her arms securely around you while your sniffles turned into sobs, and you cried into her shoulder.

"Oh, it's okay, shh," she comforts you, rubbing the back of your head softly. "It's okay, (Y/N)." But you couldn't respond, your voice was being swallowed down. You let go of her first, but she kept her hand on your shoulder. "I know you must be under a lot of pressure right now, (Y/N)," she says. You nodded, but you still couldn't speak, you just pointed to the dorms and you walked off toward it, Jihyun following you as soon as she grabbed a cup of water for you, but when she entered your room, you weren't there. "(Y/N)?" She looks around until she sees the line of light under the bathroom door. "Oh... (Y/N)..." she leans on the wall against it.

You, meanwhile, lay on the ground. You came in here fully intending to just wash your face but, at one point, you were sitting on the floor, then you were on the ground staring at the wall.

What the hell?

What the hell was that?!

It's better for you and him?

What was better? How could this be better? Your whole fucking life is falling apart. You thought that if there was just one thing you had in control it was your relationship but apparently fucking not considering he just broke up with you with some bullshit excuse and... this sucks. Even your dog didn't want to go with you. How badly did you fuck up for him to think that it would've been good to... break up? You sighed and blinked the tears away, but it wasn't long before they were replaced. And so you covered your eyes with your hands instead.

That next morning, the NCT dorms were in chaos. Early morning schedules mixed with personal schedules had everyone up early and without the varying doses of caffeine those same people were cranky.

Such as this one. Jeno banged on the bathroom door.

"Jaemin, stop flexing in the mirror, I have to take a shit," he grumbles. There's no response. "Jaem, I'm serious!" He knocks on the door again and Saeron opens it, holding her shower caddy and blowdryer.

"Thanks for letting me use the bathroom, Jaemin! Sorry, Jen, I just had to take a quick shower," she pats his face and walks off. Jeno covers his mouth and gasps.

"Oh, fuck," his cheeks flush red with embarrassment.

"Who the hell is taking so long in the bathroom?!" Doyoung shouts. The other eight members of 127 looked among themselves and shrugged.

"Ay, wait in line! I'm next," Johnny tightens the towel around his waist and Jungwoo pulls out his toothbrush from his mouth.

"Mm whm ahm," Jungwoo says, mouth full of toothpaste. Finally, the door opens and Yeseul walks out.

"Thanks for letting me borrow your hellhole bathroom," she dries her hair with a towel and walks off, Doyoung's jaw dropping in the process.

"Em? Why were you using our bathroom?" Mark asks.

"Ours is quarantined," Yeseul shrugs.

"Oh, well, if (Y/N) needs to use it she can," he says.

"That's nice, I'll tell her once she leaves our bathroom," she walks out of the dorms.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Mark follows her out.

"Damn! You live like this?!" Jihyun's voice seemed to echo in the WayV dorms. She throws the door open, holding various skin products in hand. "There are no labels!" She has a wild look in her eyes.

"Yeah, there are!" Hendery argues.

"Guanheng! This literally says "Xiaojun's Thing" that's not a label!"

"Well, it's Xiaojun's so it's none of my concern," Hendery rests a hand on his hip and Yangyang opens his door.

"Jie? What are you doing here?"

"(Y/N) has been in the bathroom since 3 am and she's not coming out, and we all have schedules, but we love her, so we're letting her have her time by taking from yours," Jihyun explains, shoving the mystery skin products into Hendery's hands on her way out. Yangyang quickly follows her.

"Since 3 am?! Is she okay?" He asks.

"Yeah, she just needs a couple hours," Jihyun explains. When both walk into the ANiMA dorms, they see the crowd outside of the bathroom.

"(Y/N)?" Seojoon knocks on the bathroom door. "How long has she been in there?" He asks.

"Five hours now," Jihyun looks at the clock.

"(Y/N), we got schedules, I'm sure you look fine," Seojoon says. There's no answer. Saeron sighs and knocks on the door.

"(Y/N)? Honey, is everything okay?" She asks. Jihyun's lips downturn.

"She went out last night, around 3 am, I ran into her on her way in and she was crying," Jihyun explains and Saeron's shoulders dropped.

"(Y/N), we're worried about you, what happened?" Saeron asks. Again, no response.

"At least give us a sign you're alive," Yeseul leans against the door and a loud thud resounds against it. "She's fine," Yeseul nods. "Who am I beating up?" She asks. No response. Then her phone rings with your caller ID on it, and it wasn't long before she answered. "(Y/N)?"

"Sorry..." your voice was tired and scratchy from crying. Yeseul put it on speaker and the girls crowded around the phone, barely leaving enough space for Mark and Yangyang.

"What happened? It's not like you to hole up in there," Saeron asks.

"I... I have to skip schedules today," you say. The girls look at Seojoon.

"Are you sure, (Y/N)? I thought you said you wanted to keep working," he says. Saeron nudges him harshly and he looks at her as if to say 'What?' She only rolls her eyes at this.

"Yeah, I wanna stay home," your voice drops into a murmur.

"That's okay, kiddo, but we're all worried about you, at least let us know what's wrong and how we can help," she says.

"I don't think you guys can help with this..." you answered. "Unless you can find a way to put my relationship back together," your sentence turned into a sob.

Silence.

The girls looked at each other.

"Honey... did... did Seonghwa break up with you?" Saeron asks carefully. She is responded by a loud cry that she could hear from inside the bathroom.

"I don't even know what I did wrong! Sure the rumors flying around about me are shit as fuck but he knows none of them are true! I just don't understand why he'd end things now! He told me it was better for him and better for me but I've been thinking all damn night about how on earth this would be better for me I'm about to be jobless, for god's sake, and now I'm jobless and alone! And, sure, yeah, both of us are getting busy but not that busy it's not like we haven't been this busy before, I don't understand how that's a good enough excuse to throw away an entire fucking year!" You ranted, occasionally interrupted by hiccups and sometimes sobs, and the whole time everyone just listened. "Was it me? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, hon, you didn't do anything wrong," Saeron says.

"Fucking asshole," Yeseul curses under her breath. "I love you, (Y/N), I've always thought he was an asshole," she says into the speaker and you cried louder.

"She can't go out," Saeron looks at Seojoon who only nods.

"I wouldn't want her to either, I'll explain everything to the producers," Seojoon pulled his phone out and dialed them, leaving the group behind. Saeron looks at the boys and nudges her head toward the door.

"What?" Yangyang whispers.

"Say something!" Saeron whispers back.

"Oh, trust, Yangyang should not say anything," Mark shakes his head quickly.

"Dude," Yangyang half whispers.

"What? Why not? If anything he should be the only one talking," Saeron shakes her head in confusion.

"Uh, I, um," Yangyang stammers and Mark shakes his head, he was the first to knock on the door.

"Hey... (Y/N)," he says, "let's talk about it, you shouldn't be alone right now," he says. Yeseul hands her phone to him.

"Do you think he broke up with me because I have a lot of... guy friends?" You asked quietly.

"If he did he's a piece of shit," Yeseul says.

"Emily, be a bit more comforting," Saeron says.

"I know! But... fuck, he really chose now to break up with her?" Yeseul is, rightfully, angry, and when she heard you cry in the bathroom behind her she only got angrier. "Call your cousin here right now so I can beat his ass to oblivion," she looks at Saeron with an unmeasurable rage in her eyes.

"Although I'm sure you would win in a fight against San, violence isn't the answer here," Saeron says. She sighs. "Who doesn't have schedules today?" She asks. "All of ANiMA is booked."

"I can't right now," Yangyang mumbles. Mark shakes his head. Everyone looks at Yangyang, who sighs in response.

"Yeah, I'll check in on her first," Mark says, "I'll let you know if anything comes up," Mark knocks on the door. No response.

"Thanks, Mark, we're lucky that you're not busy right now," Saeron says. "We'll be back in the evening. Mark, text me if anything happens," Saeron says.

"And text me if he-who-shall-not-be-named pulls up," Yeseul rubs her hair harshly.

"Yeah, I will," Mark watches them leave and only Yangyang stays behind. "Dude, do you really not want to go in there?"

"Of course, I do, she's my best friend before anything else," Yangyang says. "But after last night, I don't think it's a good idea if I comfort her about this right now." Mark could only nod.

"Just... no, yeah, you're right. It might be rubbing salt in the wound if you go in there," Mark looks at the door.

"If she even opens it," Yangyang sighs. He puts his hand on the door and twists the knob, opening the door slightly. "Oh."

"Well, I got it from here," Mark sighs. Yangyang watches him go inside, catching a quick glimpse of you on the floor before the door shut.

You were staring at particularly nothing, awake, but staring at the wall. Mark closed the door behind him and sat on the ground next to you and, when there was no response, he laid down too.

"Hey... uh... (Y/N)... why are you on the floor?" Mark asks. You blinked. Huh, you didn't even realize he came in.

"Why are you on the floor?" You shot a question back at him.

"Figured it'd be easier to talk to you this way," he nods.

"Yeah, I guess..."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Well..." your lips pressed in a straight line before turning into a frown, "I..." you sniffled.

"Take all the time you need."

"You know that feeling when you don't want to cry but the more you talk the more you feel like crying?" You asked him, your voice getting slowly replaced by sobs, Mark just nods. "Yeah, um, my life is shit right now," you cried. You rolled on your back and sighed. Mark didn't know what to say to that, there was no silver lining right now, just... shit, you know? Well, you would know but he wouldn't say that. "I must have been a really bad girlfriend, huh? I wonder what he saw that... confirmed that for him."

"Hey, don't say that, you were a great girlfriend to him," Mark shakes his head. “I mean, you always tried to sync your schedules with his, you always spent your days off together, and, I dunno, you were always thinking of him and we thought he did the same for you,” Mark rolls on his back too, both of you lying on the bathroom floor and staring at the ceiling. “Jihyun noona says you’ve been here for a while.”

“Is the sun up?”

“Yeah.”

“Damn…” you closed your eyes, “I’m sorry, Mark,” you mumbled.

"Don't apologize to me, I don't think you're doing anything wrong," he folded his hands over his stomach and you sniffled. "But, you know, lying down on the bathroom floor probably isn't the best way to cope with things," he says.

"Yeah... I know..." you muttered. "I'll be out in a minute," you said. Mark sat up.

"Alright, I'll wait for you outside." When Mark shut the door behind him, Yangyang was nowhere to be seen. Mark shook off the worry, he couldn’t think about the future when you were behind him needing all the support you could have. Support, huh? He wondered if there was even anything he could do to help aside from what he was doing now.

Needless to say, you didn't leave the bathroom in a minute, or in hours for that matter. And when the ANiMA girls walked in Mark knew you weren't coming out for a while. Mark gestured toward the bathroom and Saeron walked in next with a glass of water and small snacks. He took a deep breath and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He just didn't get it. Sure, he didn't know Seonghwa that well, but he knew Yangyang well. Just what exactly happened last night for even him to avoid you?

General Tag List: @stopeatread @bat-shark-repellant @raeincitizen @umbralhelwolf @yangsrose @kazooms @sadcoffeecritic

NCT Tag List: @cherrylovr @minjiville

Prominence: @leesalts @jcngh0-hq @kpopslittles1ut @marsophilia @zwiehe @uzumakioden @mythicalamphitrite @w4yh0me @dear-dreamie @samsemsame @lune1897 @billboard-singer @cookiechristie @multifandomania06

If you want to be added to either tag list or removed just send me a reply to this post, and ask, or a DM and I’ll add you as soon as possible!

57 notes · View notes

roseofhybrids · 6 months

Text

He he he hoo hoo hoo I can get the higher quality screencaps now, time to mess with the levels

The mineshaft We have some human skulls and rib cages (I count at least 3 of each), shovel, lantern, supply box, Indiana Jones hats, cloth roll. Your normal every day mine stuff. Oh, and the weird growths, of course. I thought this was like the red vines we saw in the manor, but these seem to be coming forward and off the rocks a lot more while the ones at the manor seemed to stick flat. They remind a lot of deer antlers.

Next we have the goobers in the cathedral Lottsa pillars, unlit candles, some sort of beam or bench knocked over in the back, a pile of furniture I can't quite make out (one in the front maybe a piano?), and a barrel. Your normal every day church stuff.

N getting dragged to hell hard to make out much in this. Looks to be more bones and goo. I recall someone saying the object N is grabbing looks like Uzi's hat. Hard to say for sure, but the size and texture does seem to match.

The outside of the cathedral Complete with a gravestone/pillar with a pickaxe and miner's helmet, chained up dingoes, and a giant lab space for rent sign. A few ends and nulls written on the skull and stone.

Nori's door, before and after (presumably) Tessa slams it shut. There's no other humans we know of around the place. And I believe that shape in the bottom left is her bow. Not much else to say about these ones. It's too dark to actually see anything inside the room. Though, I will say that the lighter edges we see along the frame when it's open seems a little strange. Like there might be something solid blocking the doorway.

More of the cathedral Another pillar (love those), some sort of entrance in the back, looks like a staircase to the right. Also, Uzi has yellow hand lights

N helping Uzi up Nothing to see after adjustment other than floor

ow Not much the adjustment tells us here either, just get a slightly better view of N getting his fingers broken

It is worth noting that her hand is back to purple here. But in the scene where her hands are yellow, she is not holding the crucifix.

So either the yellow was temporary / comes and goes. Or it turns yellow after the last shot and the scene we saw earlier in the trailer comes later in the actual episode.

I'd thought that maybe that shot of them turning came right after the hand crushing, but you can't see the staircase in that shot. That and the wooden ladder-like supports don't match up with the single one we see in the scene where her hand is yellow.

#murder drones #trailer #md episode 7 #md episode 8 #trailer analysis

68 notes · View notes

shibaraki · 1 year

Text

OUR NORMAL ┊ BAKUGO KATSUKI

tags: GN reader, older pro hero bakugo, reader and bakugo are in their late thirties, bestfriends to life partners, no sexualities stated, queerplatonic relationships, discussions of the future, fluff and casual affection

wc: 1.2k

Everything is warm. The early morning breeze as it skims your cheek, lighter than the heavy blanket strewn across your lap, cooler than the thumb tracing over the back of your hand.

Bakugo Katsuki felt like an extension of yourself. You loved him intensely. Not familial, not romantic. A little out of the norm, his father would say. This thing between you had never been clarified; it never needed to be. More than a best friend and not quite lovers. Your relationship wasn’t a case of one or the other, there was no part of a map that your finger could fall and detail the journey.

It just was.

Only an hour ago you had crawled out of bed and padded into the kitchen with the pillow case still impressed on your face, rubbing at the swell of affection ballooning behind your fourth rib. Side stepping toward the coffee maker, he’d met your eyes with the beginnings of a tired smile in the short moment your bodies mirrored one another.

Plates in hand, without words he would ask, Balcony?

Decaf with sweetener, light on the milk. You, holding a pair of matching mugs, will nod. Yes.

Breakfast eaten in quiet contentment, you sink back into the cushioned porch swing and enjoy the gentle swaying motion. Now an integral part of your daily routine, it is big and gaudy and not at all suitable for the space. Even still, he had let you buy it.

Hands entwined in your lap, your head lolls onto his shoulder. Katsuki’s breathing doesn’t change, nor do his sights flicker to the movement. Peering up at him from his angle provides you with the generous opportunity of drinking in his aging features.

There’s light stubble shading his jawline, which has softened over the years. Cutting through his right eyebrow to his temple is a jagged line of scar tissue, and another, fainter, diagonally over the bridge of his nose. The crows feet by his eyes deepen when he smiles, when he bares his teeth, when he laughs; as do the lines by his mouth.

“Happy birthday, old man,” you murmur. A grin tugs at your lips. “The big three nine. I can’t believe you’ll be forty next year”.

He snorts, jostling you slightly. “Speak for yourself. Hell, I can’t believe you’ve been bothering me for nearly two decades”.

“Like a rash,” you exhale an airy, pleased sigh as you solemnly nod. “You like it”.

A younger Katsuki would have forcefully pushed the swing chair back and sent your body reeling with a loud cackle to distract from the answer written so plainly on his face. Now he simply turns his lips to your temple and says, “Debatable”.

You hum contentedly, a deep sense of belonging settling in your bones. It would strike any other person watching as unusual — for years now your relationship with Katsuki had been built up by small intimacies and intense commitment that most only ever attributed to romance, yet still the two of you insisted it was nothing of the sort.

And it wasn’t. There had been plenty others; some of which you still talk to from time to time; those who parted ways with you amicably wearing a sad, knowing smile; others that pointed an accusatory finger and fled. You cared for Katsuki in such a way that it intimidated the people around you, and drove them off.

They all told you the same thing verbatim: Friends don’t act like that.

Your nails strum nervously against the ceramic mug as you watch the young family in the complex across from you gather on their own balcony to eat breakfast. The interlocked hands in your lap feel that much heavier.

“So. What’re we gonna tell your parents this year?” you cautiously prod, knowing he had never been a fan of these conversations. “Your mother still thinks you’re lying to her about us out of spite”.

“There’s nothing to tell them. S’not like we’re a proper couple,” he replies with a shrug, cadence smooth and low, as if it were just an inoffensive truth. As if he had never thought anything more of it.

Usually you’d laugh it off and agree. Because Katsuki was right in a sense — you were not a couple. Yet you ask, “Aren’t we?”

The sunlight pools in his iris and it glows when he glances at you from the corner of his eye. Izuku once admitted that he thinks you make Kacchan softer but you’re more inclined to believe the reverse. A simmering, constant source of warmth. Katsuki has always been synonymous with comfort.

“That isn’t a discussion I recall having,” he rasps, still a little sleep worn.

You huff a laugh, knocking your head against his shoulder, “I know. I just… we are. A pair, I mean”.

A small sound of contemplation rumbles in his throat as his gaze returns to the bruised horizon. A crease forms across the bridge of his nose and you quell the urge to touch it. One, two, three, your attention is drawn to the rhythmic tap of his finger against his empty mug. “A pair?”

“Yeah. We go together,” you feel a smile curling at the corner of your lips. “You’re important to me, and you’re my partner. We practically spent our lives together. What else would you call it?”

You watch the emotions pass over his face as he processes your answer. “Dunno,” he eventually breathes. “There was never a label to stick on it. We were always just us”.

You feel yourself simper, ducking to tuck your cheek closer to his shoulder, nuzzling into him. The gentle scent of body wash and fabric softener clouds your senses. “Just us,” you repeat quietly. “…Do you ever see that changing?”

His jaw clicks shut and he shakes his head in disagreement. The stubble on his chin rubs against your skin. Emboldened, you continue, “So why not just spend what’s left of our lives together, like this?”

His thumb slides over your third knuckle and idly skims the empty space on your ring finger. Even the media had been bugging him about 'proposing' to you, despite never confirming a relationship in the first place. At some point he had simply given up on correcting them.

“We can’t. It’s not…”

“Normal?”

Katsuki grunts. The wrinkle between his brow deepens with his frown, and there are faint dimples in his chin that are only ever visible when he pouts. “It’d be our normal,” you offer lightly. “We already share an apartment. A life. Nothing would need to be different”.

“I really don’t see myself caring about someone romantically as much as I care about you, Katsuki”.

When Katsuki feels embarrassed his entire body announces it. He scoffs harshly, shifting in his seat as he turns his head away from you to hide the pale flush of pink staining his cheeks. You fall into a comfortable, albeit pensive silence. Now was the time to back away and allow him time to file through his thoughts. Despite having mellowed out in his later years, he still struggled with finding the right words from time to time.

Clink. He sets the empty mug down on the small glass table, free hand returning to pick at the seam of his sweatpants. The porch swing begins to move again. Pushing the heel of his foot to the ground, Katsuki languidly rocks your bodies back and forth.

“The old hag wouldn’t get it,” he murmurs.

The knots of anticipation slowly untangle from your ribs and breathing comes a little easier. “She doesn’t have to,” you reply. “But I think she’ll be happy to know we have each other. Your dad, too”.

Those sharp, carmine eyes meet yours once more. “Yeah?” he asks.

You nod, “Yeah”.

#bnha x reader #bakugo x reader #bakugo katsuki x reader #just something about myself that I wanted to express in fic #bkg so happened to be perfect 👍🏻#again this is my own experience with QPR #if u come in my inbox saying some BS I will block u

465 notes · View notes

sssammich · 3 months

Text

collateral pt4

author's note: this and the next part will close out this arc, and then posting will slow considerably as i figure out the next arc. in the meantime: enjoy!

ao3 link (opens to part 4)

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

---

The night finally came to a close and Kara’s heart was battered and bruised, her cheeks in a similar state from the amount of polite smiles she provided as people expressed how moved they were about her speech. A speech that didn’t follow what she’d written and rehearsed for two weeks leading up to the wedding. A speech that included so much more, stories and anecdotes of adventures and happiness and jokes and laughter to share with guests: an oral history of their friendship interwoven with the ways that Jack and Lena belonged together.

In the end, all it became was a quiet plea for her best friend to be taken care of, to be loved and cherished—words from a deeply rooted secret she’d simply never had the courage to confess.

Her heart was of two bittersweet halves: overwhelmingly happy for her best friend, yet broken still for what Kara could never have, what they could never be.

She’d stuck to drinking water after the scotch she’d drank with Andrea, glad to clear her mind even if her heart remained in a fog. Tomorrow there was a wedding party brunch before Jack and Lena left for their month-long honeymoon. So despite wanting to return to the comfort of her apartment, she had to stay one more day until she could give herself a break.

As the night wound down, Kara couldn’t help but observe the woman who had appeared out of nowhere, lit cigarette in one hand and gold lighter in the other, and stuck by her side for much of the reception. In truth, the night would have been considerably worse if Andrea hadn’t stayed by her side. Kara had originally brought her friend Mike as her plus one, but he’d long since disappeared to hook up with another guest, exactly as she promised him when she asked him to attend with her.

Her eyes settled on Andrea’s profile, the way her brown hair slid down the side of her head to curtain her face before a hand shot up and carded through her hair to put it back in its place. Then she resumed to quickly type away at something on her phone, her slightly long nails, oval and blood red, audibly tapping against the screen.

“Got a hot date tonight?” she started, trying to tease the other woman, when she nodded towards Andrea’s fast typing.

In response, Andrea only tilted her head, raising a sculpted brow before pursing her lips. Kara fought the desire to look away when Andrea didn’t immediately respond.

Eventually, Andrea leaned forward, closer than she’d ever gotten to Kara. “You could say that.”

Kara barely resisted every temptation to shiver, suddenly aware of Andrea getting into her space; the fresh floral scent of her perfume faint, yet still present. Andrea sat back in her chair and resumed texting whoever, leaving Kara to gulp down the rest of her water.

She was left to her thoughts as she watched the great hall begin to clear out. Andrea had mentioned that she was helping Kara. But that didn’t explain why. It was still a mystery to the reporter, and she had to know. She would find out at some point, but for now, however, she was going to bid her best friend goodnight.

The pair of them were last in the short line closer to the bride and groom, quipping about the remaining guests all the while.

“That outfit is garish. She looks like a walking Jell-o.” A loud laugh erupted from her and she had to quickly cover her mouth when several heads turned in their direction, including that of Lena who cocked her head in wonder even as she resumed talking with guests. Kara stifled her giggling and waved at them in apology, Andrea remaining unbothered beside her.

“That’s not very nice.”

“I’m not very nice.”

Kara shook her head. “I don’t believe that,” she offered before turning back her attention to the line, just missing the way Andrea’s eyes watched her for a few lingering moments.

They waited patiently as the last of the guests shared their well wishes with Lena. Andrea stepped up first and gave Lena a brief hug.

“Congratulations, Luthor. Finally found yourself a good one, huh?”

Lena narrowed her eyes in mock offense, but she only shook her head. “Ben Lockwood doesn’t count, and you know it.”

Andrea and Lena conversed some more about memories Kara wasn’t privy to, an exchange that Kara had never witnessed until now. She knew about Andrea, but only peripherally. She knew that Lena and Andrea’s families ran the same circles and they’d known each other longer than Kara realized. She noted to herself to ask about it sometime later, if given the chance. The other woman flashed a winning smile and she and Lena hugged again before Andrea took a step back just as Kara emerged beside her.

When Lena’s eyes fell on her, Kara’s heart skipped a beat. Lena’s polite smile widened to a genuine one—one that Kara loved being directed at her. She opened her arms and Lena fell into them easily, comfortably, her head tucked by her shoulder. Lena sighed audibly and Kara giggled.

“Tired?” she asked, pulling back to put some distance between them, except Lena kept a hold of her hands.

“Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Well, at least it’s over for now.”

“Ah, Kara!” Jack called from over Lena’s shoulder. He went in for a hug and she accepted it, letting her hands drop from Lena’s hold and patting him on the back. “You have been a godsend, and we just can’t thank you enough for helping make this day perfect.”

She smiled, her cheeks aching. “You’re welcome.”

“And I promise. I will do as you say,” he said softly, an earnest smile on his face, harking back to her speech.

She swallowed the dryness in her mouth and nodded.

“So, brunch tomorrow morning?” Andrea asked aloud, three heads turning to look at her. “Kara graciously invited me to join, but wanted to make sure it was okay if I crashed.”

“Oh, um, of course,” Lena started.

Kara tried to hide the surprise on her face at the blatant lie Andrea just told, when she offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I had some Scotch earlier, and I guess I just ended up mentioning it.”

Lena tilted her head, confusion more apparent on her face. “You…don’t drink Scotch.”

Before she could reply, she tensed as Jack stepped forward and placed an arm around Lena’s shoulders. “Absolutely! The more, the merrier. The dining area opens at 8:30 but brunch won’t start until 10, more officially.”

“Come on, Pulitzer,” Andrea said, hooking her arm around Kara’s own and leaning so that her side pushed up against Kara’s arm. If Kara knew any better, she’d say there was a flash of something that passed through Lena’s eyes. But she knew that the lights and the after effects of the alcohol were most likely playing tricks on her. “Let’s leave the happy couple to retreat back to their rooms. See you two lovebirds tomorrow morning.”

Kara lifted a hand and waved at Lena just as she let herself get ushered away until the two of them were walking out of the grand hall and towards the elevators.

“You invited yourself to brunch,” she commented just as they stood in the elevator car, unsure of what else to say.

“Yeah, and thank God too, querida. You were losing it.”

“What?” She turned to face Andrea. “I wasn’t—I wasn’t losing it.”

“Your feelings are raw, okay. I get it. But if you stuck around any longer, you’d look more pathetic than a wet dog in a snowstorm.”

“Th-that’s not even remotely true. I was keeping it together just fine.”

Andrea took a step forward until the tips of their shoes were practically touching. “Were you keeping it together when Jack placed his arm around Lena?"

When she couldn't give a response, Andrea patted her gently on the cheek. "Listen to me: you’re not fine. You will be, but you’re not fine right now.”

She glared at the woman in front of her. Yet as her eyes roamed Andrea’s face, the shock on Kara’s face told all too well what realization she’d made about the other woman.

Andrea rolled her eyes and made a face. “Don’t make it a big deal, alright? We were kids. Hardly matters now, I’ve since moved on to directing my one-sided affection towards worse people.”

She wanted to ask more questions—she had so many more that were on standby at the tip of her tongue, but just then, the elevator dinged and the doors opened, and Andrea walked out without so much as a glance back at her. It was only after Andrea stopped in front of a door that Kara realized their rooms were right next to each other.

#samfic: collateral #samfic #fanfiction #we are just trucking along #if you're having as much fun as i am say hell yeah lol #supercorp #superrojas

44 notes · View notes

dollsbite · 1 year

Text

˖ ࣪ ☆ — ' A NIGHT TO REMEMBER '

ㅤpairing : morticia & gomez + gn reader

ㅤafterthoughts ; i haven't written in so long so i hope this'll make up for it. enjoy! i don't speak french, so i apologize if the pet names are gendered.

The graveyard is draped in darkness, the moonlight casting an almost film-noir black and white over the moving shadows. Red, perfectly manicured nails press lightly against your skin as the woman takes you by the hand. Beside her a man presses his cold lips to yours, whispering sweet nothings into your ear. You've been here before, at least twice since meeting these two. This time feels different though; the air has changed between you and them.

It's just the three of you, gone is the presence of their rowdy children, the absence of their colorful - yet depressingly dressed family members, allows the howling of the wind to compliment the noises of the nightlife. The stars are out tonight too, they seem brighter than usual, more vivid in the dark sky. A chill runs through you as her hot breath brushes against your neck, causing goosebumps to rise on your skin.

"Are you cold?" Morticia stops in her tracks, "darling, you're shaking."

Dark brown eyes flicker up to meet yours. Her beauty has you in a trance, hair like silk, lipstick contrasting graciously against her pale skin. She smiles seductively, something about the way she moves sends tingles down your spine.

Before you can brush aside her concerns, a sudden weight is draped over your shoulders. The jacket is noticeably familiar, but it's still warm from being worn by its owner earlier in the evening. You look up, finding yourself staring into those famous black eyes, framed with thick lashes. Your hands run across the back of his neck, tracing along the contours of his face. The headiness of his expensive cologne and a hint of tobacco smoke reminds you of his scent when he kissed you for the first time.

Gomez reaches up and lifts your chin, pressing his lips to yours once again. You can feel him smile against your mouth, feeling his warmth spread throughout your body. He pulls away slightly, staring into your eyes. "We can't have you freezing to death, mon amour."

You return his gaze, the same awe in your eyes that you felt when you first saw him. His grip loosens around your waist, allowing you to turn fully towards him. The hushed whispers of the townsfolk are still fresh in your mind, their judgmental gaze burning into the skin of your backside. Just as they would pick apart the family for their strangeness (what you would say was uniqueness), you soon became the talk of the town once they spotted you attached to the hip of the Addams family patriarch and his loving wife.

Now Gomez stands before you, a comforting arm wrapped around your shoulders. His other hand rests on your lower back, gently rubbing the small of your back. The man can't help but feel his heart skip a beat each time you touch him. When you reach up and wrap your arms around his neck, he is overwhelmed by feelings he never thought possible.

"We're almost there, my loves," Morticia says softly, "don't be afraid."

A wave of worry washes over you, the feeling of claustrophobia in this tiny place grows. Yet the couple seems so relaxed, even at the prospect of being surrounded by dead people. You shake off the thought, looking up to see Gomez smiling down at you. He can sense the hesitancy, as does his wife, who glances at him, then you. Her brows are raised, concern lacing her usually tranquil features.

"We'll be fine, mon chéri," he assures you, "you're safe here."

Gomez kisses you softly, one last kiss before heading inside. Your heart feels lighter just having his reassurance, despite being surrounded by so many spirits. It isn't the dead that makes you uneasy; it's them, your lovers. The only ones you trust in this world. The only ones that haven't judged you for your desires. A part of wonders if you should tread further into the unknown, delve into such a peculiar relationship. But another part of you wants to stay here, feeling the warmth of their bodies against yours as the cold breeze blows past your flesh. The two are just so alluring.

Morticia leads the way, her long fingers grasping the iron fence. The family mausoleum lies ahead, it's stone walls standing strong and tall. The graves are decorated in elaborate designs, crosses marking where loved ones lay. The building itself is an old Victorian design, built with integrity and charm. Its doors are open, revealing the cool interior. Its ceiling is high, supported by ornate beams, adorned with bones made of pearly marble.

"Is this where we're going?" You ask, looking at the large tombstone which sits in front of the door. The name etched on it reads: Addams.

Your lover turns to you, kissing your cheek. "This is our resting place, darlings."

He takes your hand in his, leading you inside. The inside of the mausoleum is dark, lit only by candles. They line the walls, flickering shadows dancing across the walls as they're blown about by the breeze. Two caskets sit side by side, Gomez's coffin sits upon the right, empty save for a few flowers, the smell of their sweet scent lingering in the air. Morticia's is placed on the left, the bedding inside her coffin is laced with ruby silk, giving off a red hue. Her name is written on the stone above her, the words eternally carved into the black stone.

"I didn't expect to pass on tonight," Your tone is teasing, "otherwise, I would've had my affairs in place."

Gomez chuckles and Morticia smiles, placing her hand on top of his. "Nonsense, my dear. It'll happen, all in good time."

"This isn't our final stop," Morticia explains, "we still have some business to attend to."

She leads you to the back, opening the door to reveal a small room. The walls are lined with shelves, displaying coffins, urns, and other items you don't recognize. A velvet cloth covers a casket at the far end, the contents within shrouded from view. Gomez places his hand on your lower back, guiding you closer. You follow slowly, peering over his shoulder.

The casket is small, its lid closed. The fabric covering it is tight and creased, as though it has been used recently. Morticia steps forward, gently lifting the cover. Instead of being met with the scent of decay, the pleasant aroma of roses greets your nose. A small box rests atop the mound of sheets, its golden latch gleaming in the candlelight. She opens the box, revealing a ring inside.

"It's beautiful," You breathe, staring at the sparkling gem on display.

"Yes, it is," Gomez agrees, "and it belongs to you."

"I'm not sure..." You glance between the two of them, "it's too much, I-"

"You deserve it, darling," Morticia insists, taking the ring out of the box, "this is from me to you."

Gomez takes your free hand, placing the ring on your finger. You touch the diamond, admiring its beauty. It shimmers in the candlelight, reflecting off of its facets, the light causing it to sparkle like a star. You smile, turning your hand to look at the ring. It fits perfectly, snugly fitting on your finger.

"Now you're ours forever," Gomez whispers, capturing your lips in a passionate kiss.

You hold him close, kissing his neck and shoulders while his hand runs through your hair. Morticia watches, her eyes shining brightly as she touches your cheek affectionately. She pulls away, cupping your chin in her palm.

"Our love will never die," she declares, leaning in to kiss you. You kiss her back, wrapping your arms around her waist as you pull her close. You feel the heat of her body, the scent of her perfume filling your senses. You feel dizzy, your head spinning as she kisses you harder. You lose yourself in her embrace, breaking the kiss to gaze up at her face. You see something in her eye, a glimmer of hope and promise.

"We have our whole lives ahead of us, love," she whispers, "let's make it last."

#poly! morticia and gomez #poly! morticia and gomez x reader #morticia addams x reader #morticia x reader #gomez addams x reader #gomez x reader #the addams family x reader #the addams family fanfic #the addams family fanfiction #the addams family #gender neutral #gender neutral reader #gn!reader #reader insert #x gender neutral reader #fanfiction

176 notes · View notes

mentally-in-northern-italy · 2 years

Text

From the Dining Table — c.f. x reader

**not my gif**

Summary: (based on From the Dining table by Harry Styles) - Following a bad breakup, Conrad is trying his hardest to move on... AKA pure angst.

A/N: hi again!!! just binged tsitp so if you have any requests, send em my wayyy. enjoy this short little thing for now :)

—

Conrad had never been one for phone calls. He found them annoying and inconvenient and hated how little time they gave him to think thoroughly about a perfect response.

But as he laid in bed now, his eyes couldn't seem to leave his phone placed on the nightstand, as he silently willed for it to ring. He wished that your name would pop up on his screen any second now, and your sweet voice would fill his ears once again.

But it didn't.

It hadn't. For months.

"Conrad?" He was jolted to reality as the dark-haired girl in bed beside him gently shook him awake. As he turned his head slightly to look at her, he couldn't help but notice how foolish he had been.

Drunk out of his mind and desperate for any semblance of contact from you, he almost jumped when he saw the girl at a party last night. In the euphoria of an intoxicated and lonely mind, he had foolishly smiled at how similar she looked to you. The same dark hair. The same tan skin. The same eyes.

But he soon found out that she didn't feel the same as you did. She didn't sound the same and in the sober morning light, she sure as hell did not look the same. Her hair was a shade or two lighter, her eyes were a different shape and her skin didn't hold the radiance that Conrad loved about you.

Conrad grimaced slightly when he remembered how your name almost slipped out of his mouth on multiple occasions last night.

"I... I think you should go," Conrad said, averting eye contact with the girl who no longer served as a sweet reminder of you. She bore a more bitter resemblance now. A half-hearted imitation but nowhere close to the brilliance of the real thing.

As he got out of bed, he headed straight for his liquor cabinet, which had expanded in size significantly since the breakup. Conrad had never been one for day-drinking, either, but here he was.

Bottle in hand and his head already going a bit fuzzy, he bitterly thought more about last night and what had transpired at the party. With reluctance, he allowed himself to remember seeing Cameron last night, dressed in a shirt that he was sure he had seen before.

"Conrad?" Cameron had smiled at him, "How are you, man?"

"Fine," Conrad had sighed as his eyes roamed Cameron's blue shirt before it clicked. It was his shirt.

It was his shirt that you had borrowed one time and never returned. Appalled, he had brought his eyes to look at Cameron in anger and he could see it then. He could see it written all over his face. You had moved on after all.

"What?" Cameron had asked and Conrad thought he could sense some hint of guilt in his voice.

"Nothing," Conrad had whispered, "How's [Y/N]?" He had tried to pose it as a nonchalant question but he couldn't control the way his voice shook slightly when saying your name out loud.

"Fine," Cameron had said awkwardly as he scratched his neck, "She's fine."

"Good," was all Conrad could manage before he walked off to grab another drink.

And now, as he sat pathetically in his room, he couldn't help but hope that you would someday call him. Maybe you'd apologize too, for the way things ended. Maybe this time, you would be the first one to break.

But then again, Conrad had never much been for hope. He didn't know how to hold onto it, so instead he gripped his bottle tighter and took another swig.

#conrad #conrad fisher #conradfisher #conrad fisher x reader #the summer i turned pretty #tsitp x reader #tsitp fanfic #tsitp imagine #the summer i turned pretty fanfic #cam cameron #cameron #conrad fisher x you #conrad fisher x y/n #angst #from the dining table #song fic #x reader #conrad fisher blurb

765 notes · View notes

aemonds-wifey · 1 year

Text

The Navy Blue Barmaid

Chapter 4

Summary: You confront Tom on the kiss

Authors Note: Age Gap-Reader is in early 20’s- Tom is in early 30’s.

Warnings: SMUT/18+

Two days had passed since you had kissed Tom. He had not come to the bar either, you began to worry about him. As today was your day off you found yourself wondering into the park by yourself, replaying the thoughts and the feelings you had during that passionate kiss with Tom. You felt at ease with him, yet he was a mystery that you in truth knew very little about, yet like a moth to a flame you were drawn to him and nothing could keep him out of your thoughts.

“I’m just going out for a cigarette Y/N can you watch the bar whilst I’m out?” Otto asked fiddling with his lighter

“Sure no problem.” You answered as you handed over a pint to a middle aged man.

“Brilliant thanks.” He said as he left the bar and went through the back door. You dropped down and picked up some more glasses from the bottom shelf and placed them on the other shelf by the till, the bell ringed as the front doors open and you glanced up and you froze. His eyes were fixated on yours as he stood-he gazed at you as if he had not seen you in a decade, you hesitated to move as the glance you exchanged seemed to have your feet locked-your whole body couldn’t move-he broke the look as he strode to his regular table and sat down. You turned your back and took a deep breath before finding the courage to go over-suddenly you were extremely nervous.

He sat arched over the table, his fingers nervously dancing on the surface of the small circular table, he watched his fingers tapping as you approached him, clearing your throat lightly “Hi…” you said.

He kept tapping his fingers, he only glanced up at you extremely quickly “Mm…hi…”

“Can I get you anything to dri-” you said trembling slightly

“No..I erm…Listen Y/N…about the other night….” He started

You sank into the chair opposite him, his fingers began to tap more quickly -he was nervous

“Tom are you okay?” you asked

He pouted his lips slightly “Look…your lovely and really sweet…but you don’t want to stick around an old geezer like me….” He said looking down at his knees.

Your heart sank for a moment “Can…Can I not be the judge of that?” the hope in your tone was evident and Tom noticed as he lifted his head

“Your anything but old Tom…I was worried when you did not come into the bar…you sure your okay?” you asked with concern on your lips

He darted a look at your lips then met your eyes again “I’m fine…really I just…the sudden noises they…”

You slowly reached over, noticing his fingers tapping aggressively on the table, your own fingers clasped over them gently. With ease the fingers began to slow with their rhythm, Tom’s gasped as a sudden clash of thunder banged outside – he looked around , you gently held onto his hand tighter, with your thumb stroking over the top of his knuckles-he exhaled slowly.

“Its okay…I’m here Tom…” you whispered.

He blinked as his breathing calmed down, in one moment as you looked at him you saw the fear in his eyes slowly fade-your presence was calming in a way he never knew was possible.

He looked at you , his voice went quiet “Are you even real?” he asked breathlessly

You nodded “Very real…”

Your heart leaped as he smiled looking down for a moment, in turn you returned the smile. When he looked up and saw her youthful gaze beam at him-he panicked and retracted his hand “I better go…”

“Please…stay.” You gasped without thinking.

He gently rose from his seat “I..Y/N I like you…but I’m…genuinely not worthy…” he said sadly.

Your hand stretched across the table, desperate for his hand to close around yours again “Tom you are the most-”

He shook his head before you could finish “I’m sorry I just…” he hurriedly left shuffling past you as you got to your feet and watched him go , you couldn’t find the words to keep him from leaving. As he opened the door he looked at you, conflict written all over his face he quickly left -you were frozen, you wanted to run after him and hold him.

“Excuse me love can I get a drink?” A voice from the bar broke you from your thoughts.

You spun around, an older gentlemen looked at you “You alight love?”

“Yeah…sorry I’ll be right there.” You said, you brushed your apron, before you returned to the bar your eyes caught sight of a small leather wallet where Tom was sitting-you quickly picked it up and popped it in your pocket. You could return this later-after you finished your shift.

You sat on the edge of your couch, rocking back and forth gently-the rain was pouring down heavily and hitting against your window. Being alone helped so much but you felt utterly idiotic for pushing Y/N away. You were afraid of opening up to her, she was so young but she was not naïve and there was a feeling of ease around her, You wanted to tell her everything, but what if she rejects you? No she is kinder than that, she listens and doesn't pity you like the other ones have done....maybe you were hasty in pushing her away from you?

As you stood up to walk to the kitchen you tapped your back trouser pocket to find your cigarette pack, except they were in your jacket pocket-its at this point you realised your wallet wasn’t there, a moment of panic struck through you-you felt slightly embarrassed at the idea of going back to the bar and seeing Y/N-the way she looked at you before you left, it killed you-you wanted to hold her…you swallowed your pride for a moment and made your way to the door, as you were a few feet away you heard a solid knocking on the door.

Your hand wondered to the door handle and opened it. Y/N stood there, soaked with her hood barely covering her head. She was beautiful, even drenched in the rain.

Tom leaned over and held your elbow “Christ Y/N you’ll catch your death” he said as he pulled you into his home.

“Thank you…”you said as he closed the door behind you. You stood in the middle of the living room.

“How did you know where I lived?” he asked

You reached in your pocket and produced his wallet “You left this…your address was in the pocket.” You handed it to him and he placed it on the table beside the couch.

“Thanks….I’ll grab a towel..” he said rushing upstairs. You looked around-his home was modest, small and lacking of sentimental objects. You shivered as you felt your coat begin to stick to your skin, Tom came tumbling down the stairs with a large dark blue towel “Love you’ll freeze if you don’t take off that coat…” he said.

You carefully peeled it off , your hair fell around your shoulders-he took your coat and threw it on the back of his couch-he then stood in front of you and wrapped the large towel around your shoulders, covering your arms and bringing you closer to his chest. You dared to look up as he rubbed your arms tenderly, he looked at you briefly. Silently you stood there letting him take care of you “Better?” he asked quietly

You nodded, your chest heaving slightly as he looked at you. His hands resting on your shoulders, his fingers lightly rubbing your skin. As your eyes locked again he was lost in your gaze, you leaned up slightly and caught his lips with yours. He wrapped his arms around you as he kissed you back with tender feeling you had never experienced, the moment shattered when Tom broke away and turned his back to you, his index finger and thumb holding the bridge of his nose.

You held the tower around you as you watched him quietly “Tom…I’m sorry I…” you said.

“No…it’s…I…” he began.

You didn’t say anything, you just watched and waited

“I’m…a mess you don’t want to be involved…your young I’m …” he didn’t turn around, you noticed his fingers tapping against his thigh nervously. You took a step forward, each step was delicate as you got closer to him. Your hand carefully went against his back, your other hand laced with his tapping fingers-they ceased to tap.

“Tom please…don’t shut me out…” you said quietly.

“I’m not…I’m a damaged man…” he said helplessly. “Your too good…to pure and innocent…”

Your hand on his back graced up to his shoulder blade, you leaned forward and kissed the back of his neck-his hand broke away from the bridge of his nose and you felt the tension in him ease greatly. He turned around slowly to look at you , his fingers found their way to your chin, then the back of his fingers smoothly rubbed the soft skin on your cheek.

“What are you doing to me?!” He asked

You smiled lightly “What do you mean?”

“I can’t figure you out…your so young but you…you get me…I feel like I can be myself with you…I can tell you anything…and it terrifies me…” he spoke with such vulnerability you thought he may cry.

“Hey…hey Tom…shh” you said, your foreheads lightly rested against each other as you found your other arm holding on his elbow.

The way he exhaled against you gave your nerves a lightning strike along your body, you both stood in silence and you were sure the only sounds you could hear were the hard rain crashing against the window and both your hear beats skipping violently as you stayed in such close proximity to each other. Tom closed his hands for a moment before moving his head and finding your lips with his, the sweetest and softest moan escaped from your lips as your arms looped around his neck.

His arms fell to your waist and he pulled you against him, Tom squeezed on your hipbone as he deepened the kiss, exploring the corner of you mouth you couldn’t help but smile and moan lightly as you felt something hard pressing against your waist. Your hands returned to his chest as your fingers tugged on his shirt, pulling him even more tightly against your own chest to close any gap that might bridge between you.

You both broke apart slowly as he ran his fingers through your slightly damp hair, his head tilted to look at your tender face as he leaned down and closely kissed the tip of your nose. “You still cold…?” he asked with a playful smile

You smirked lightly “A little….”

His hand found his way to yours “Come with me…If you want t-”

You answered his doubt with another quick kiss, he lead you up the stairs and into the bathroom-a small bath tub lay beneath the window, and a shower was seated in the corner. He still held onto your hand and swirled around to face you. You let the towel on your shoulders fall to the floor, you stepped closer to him and grabbed the bottom of his shirt, he placed his hands on yours to stop you briefly-you frowned “What is it…?”

His breathing became stagnated “It’s…there are some scars I just…”

You lightly pulled on his shirt and lifted it over his head and tossed it to the side of the room, a scar that looked a large bullet wound lay on the left side of his chest, it did not look so scary to you-time had allowed it to heal, Tom still had a beautiful upper body-you leaned forward and kissed the scar so tenderly Tom’s fingers crawled to the back of your head and held your hair so gently he was lost in your affection. You lips kisses their way to his collarbone, you were so gentle with him his head tilted back, in mere moments you found your selves kissing towards standing under the shower head as your lips moved against each others Tom’s hand fumbled to find the lever to turn on the water-instantly you both held onto each other tighter as the cold water hit you quickly, in seconds it then heated up-you both were laughing against each other’s face and neck as he helped you out of your top.

He pulled it over your head, your plain black bra now at the mercy of the hot water going against your body, Tom watched you in awe as you removed the bra-your bare chest now exposed in front of him. He pulled down his trousers and threw them against the door, grinning as he did, making you blush slightly as his boyish charm. He smiled, keeping eyes with yours as he dropped to his knees and pulled your drenched skirt down to your ankles, you stepped out of it and let him throw it away, you were both now only in a pair of underwear, he hooked a lone finger in the elastic of your panties and looked up at you for reassurance, you gave him a quick nod and without hesitation he yanked the underwear down to your ankles, he fell back leaning on his knees and gasped at your bare body before him, he looked up at you again, the running water dripping over his beautiful face made you quiver with excitement in your centre.

He rolled his hands carefully up your smooth thighs and planted the slowest yet softest kiss against you sensitive folds “Tom…” you moaned lightly, your head tipping back as your hands found their way through his dirty blonde hair, now soaking wet. He kissed you there again, your fingers clenching bunches of his hair as you struggled to maintain composed. He found himself back on his feet and crashed his lips with yours, your hands now roaming all around his back and quickly found their way to his boxer shorts, you tugged them down and watched his erection spring free, you kept kissing him and palmed your hand around him, as he kissed your neck he groaned as you stroked him-he planted a playful bite in the crook of your neck as you continued to move your hand up and down him.

He in turn let his finger slide down between your breasts and further down your stomach to your sensitive folds and rubbed against them with his thumb in a circular motion that made your legs feel like jelly, you moaned against his ear as he continued to make you feel good-Tom’s breathing was wild as you strokes on his continued “I’m…Y/N……” he exhaled. He removed his hand from your core and turned the shower off, you took a step back and released your hand on him as he looked you up and down, he swooped you up bridal style, you squealed slightly at his gesture and held your hands around his neck for security. He kissed you before carefully carrying you to his bedroom, another modest room with a large bed, he gently set you down on the bed-lying on top of you kissing your lips straight away. The feeling of his naked body felt so naturally good against yours, your smooth skin felt amazing against his-your bodies writhed together perfectly. He broke from your lips briefly before latching his lips onto your breasts, the feel of them licking your nipples and caressing them with his hands was pure heaven, you did not want this moment to stop.

“Tom please…I need you…” you whimpered looking at him kneel in between your legs, he placed one hand on your knee that moved to your thigh, his other hand was on his cock, he looked at your body adoringly before moving another inch he looked at your angelic face, you knew what he was asking for and you nodded.

He lined his cock up with your entrance, teasing you slightly before he slowly pushed himself inside you-in unison you both moaned in pleasure, he fell down to kiss you as he began to thrust himself in and out of you-setting a pace that was incredibly bewitching. Your hands moved up his arms and held onto his shoulders, he kissed your neck and you heard him moan and say “You feel so good…Y/N…Christ…”

Your back arched to maintain the pure ecstasy you felt with him inside you, your legs wrapping themselves around his waist and with each thrust you felt that you were experiencing something more deeper, Tom brought his head up to face you, his hand placing against your forehead and showered you with the most tender of kisses. You began to feel the control in you was dwindling, Tom too felt his end approaching, he looked at you as you moaned his name once more “Tom I’m….I’m …” your voice broke and as you felt an intense wave of eutopia wash over your body you felt Tom too collapse with your walls clenching around him.

You screamed his name as he slumped on top of you. Both of you utterly spent you blinked repeatedly as the stars from your eyes began to disappear, you both allowed a moment for you to catch up with your breathing-the warmness of Tom still being inside you was a feeling of comfort and in some way it did not feel alien. Tom lifted his head, looking at you and smiling with a genuine look of happiness that made your stomach flutter. He slowly eased himself out of you and wrapped an arm around you, pulling you against his chest , he planted gentle kisses on the top of your head. Both of you now relaxed and exhausted from what you just experienced you kissed the collarbone you were leaning again, Tom held you close against him, his fingers tracing the soft curve of your body which made you feel even more relaxed and you began to feel yourself drift away into a blissful sleep, not before feeling Tom’s head lean against yours and following you into slumber.