#i’m mad that i left it off mid sentence but like

[alltheirdamn]

Killing Me Softly | (Joel x teacher!f!reader)

Chap. 9 Act 1, Scene 1

Summary: Time passes, but the memories remain. Rating: 18+ Word Count: 6.7k Warnings: **THIS CONTAINS SERIES SPOILERS** angst, language, mentions of alcohol, brief mention of vomiting (tw for anyone with emetophobia), slight duel pov A/N: Well... the imposter syndrome has hit me HARD. I'm extremely discouraged by this chapter, but i hope its a decent enough follow-up to what y'all read last :/ bear with me, the last two chapters will MORE than make up for it. i promise.

Masterlist | Ko-fi

Time didn’t exist anymore. 

You woke up. You went to work. You came home.

Over and over, the cycle went, and the days passed with no significance. You didn’t eat much, your appetite dwindling just as much as your motivation. It started to show in the way your clothes hung on your body and how your face thinned out. If you cared, you would go to the store and actually buy food, but the possibility of running into Joel kept you away. 

Joel.

Two weeks had passed since parent-teacher conferences—two weeks since you had hidden the book far away. You considered re-writing your lesson plans for next year; you never wanted to teach Romeo and Juliet again. You weren’t strong enough to analyze a story you had shared so intimately with someone you now considered a stranger because that’s what Joel was now: a stranger. A stranger you could still pick out in a crowd of a million people, a stranger whose lips were still imprinted on your skin even after countless hours spent in the shower. 

He was a stranger, and you hated him.

You were perched on the couch with a glass of wine—as most nights went now—when your cell phone buzzed on the coffee table. You didn’t reach for it initially; it was most likely your mom. She had tried calling a handful of times since you had hung up on her weeks ago. You never once called back, but you listened to the voicemails when you were drunk enough. Your dad had been discharged last week and started physical therapy for his hip. Stella and her boyfriend were moving in together somewhere in downtown Boston. And Beth…your mom never once uttered her name. She knew better than to do that. 

But the continuous buzzing of your phone began to irritate you, and you reached for it with an exasperated sigh. An unknown number flashed on the screen, igniting a sudden burst of anxiety inside your chest. Setting your glass down, you inhaled and answered the phone.

“Hello?” You cautioned.

Your name filtered through the receiver, a voice you weren’t expecting to hear.

“Bennett?” 

“Yeah, it’s me,” he sighed. 

“I didn’t think you’d reach out,” you said. “I tried to see you in the hospital, but Natalie…” You let your voice drift off. 

“I know. She’s not big on the idea of talking to you at all.”

“I’m so sorry again, Bennett. Joel shouldn’t have done that. I really don’t understand why it got to that point. I—.”

“I deserved it,” he said, cutting you off mid-sentence. 

You shook your head, your fingers knotting through the tangles in your hair.

“No, Bennett. No, you didn’t. He could have killed you,” you argued.

“He’s a man of his word, I’ll give him that,” he laughed. 

It was odd to hear Bennett talk so casually about this as if Joel hadn’t pummeled him into the ground. He should be mad, so why wasn’t he?

“Should I be waiting for a call from your lawyer soon?” You asked wearily. 

“If I wanted to come after you or Joel legally, I would be the one to do it. But that’s not happening,” he sighed. “It's too messy of a situation, and I really don’t want to go through the hassle. Natalie says otherwise, but she doesn’t really understand the situation.”

“The situation,” you echoed. “Joel told me his side of things after they took you to the hospital.  I still don’t remember anything, Bennett. Even if I did, I wouldn’t have been able to reach you. You left. You disappeared completely and broke my heart.”

There was a beat of silence. You took the opportunity to down the last of your wine, the beginnings of a light buzz coursing through your veins. Don't get angry, you told yourself. You didn’t feel much of anything anymore, but anger was never too far out of reach. Sitting with that emotion and festering in it was easy if you let yourself. Bennett deserved your anger just as much as the rest of them, but you needed answers more than you needed to feel anything.

“There’s a lot to explain,” he finally said. “I’m not sure if you even want to see me again, but I can drive up to Austin this weekend and tell you everything. Or at least everything from my side.”

Seeing Bennett again would unfurl so many unchecked emotions: heartbreak, betrayal, grief. But it would be something you needed. Joel wasn’t the one you were with those two years following the accident; he wasn’t the one you had walked down the aisle expecting to see. Bennett had been with you through it all. You wanted to hear it from his mouth. You wanted an apology and an explanation.

“Okay,” you exhaled. “We can do that. Will Natalie have an issue with it?”

���Natalie won’t know.”

“You’re going to lie to your wife?” You laughed bitterly at his admission. He was still the same person through and through. 

“She’s fine,” he huffed through the phone. “She doesn’t understand any of this anyway.”

“Whatever you say, Bennett. We can meet at a coffee shop this weekend. Don’t abandon me again. I deserve an explanation.”

“I won’t.”

The guilt in his voice was thick, and you relished knowing he was suffering. Everyone, not just you, deserved to suffer for what they did. 

You quickly ended the call with Bennett and returned to the silence surrounding you. Knowing you’d see him in just a few days was unsettling and uncomfortable. The lingering grief he had left still hollowed out your heart. No amount of apologies would fill it, but it could sew up the remaining holes. 

What couldn’t be filled was the gaping hole Joel had left within your heart. Secrets wrapped in scar tissue and carnage that could never be fully healed, and it still infuriated your love for him still festered inside you. It buried itself deep under the confines of your numbness, but sometimes, when you lay awake at night, you could still feel it. You ached for him in growing unbearable ways, but you had to continue with your life. 

You hadn't prepared yourself to see Bennett the first go around, and you had since thrown out the shit still stained with his blood. Now, you were standing amid a pile of clothes strewn around your feet, your hair still wet and wrapped in a towel, and a face that screamed insomnia. You looked beyond amends.

After another hour of procrastination and a ticking timeline, you threw on the most basic T-shirt and jeans and left your hair a wet mess.

It was only Bennett.

It wasn’t serious.

Nothing was these days. 

You pulled into a spot in front of a cafe a little ways into town, your car sitting idle as you stared at the storefront. You could faintly make out Bennett’s silhouette sitting in the window, yet your body wouldn’t move. You were feet from all the answers, but the anxiety bubbling inside you made you immobile. Did you actually want this? Was it better to be blissfully unaware? 

Would the answers hurt you more than help you?

Before the constant questions led you to flee, you opened your door and decided to face the truth. Walking into the cafe, your eyes connected with Bennett, and your heart sank. Even from a distance, the scarring on his face was horrible: a thick, red, jagged line stretching down his temple and ending at his cheekbone. Another raised scar creased his left eyebrow, dragging down the arch over his eye. 

Joel did this. 

Inhaling, you met him at the table, sliding into the chair without a word. Bennett’s lips curled into a smug smile, one you still hated, and his eyes glazed over your body. 

“You look like shit,” he stated. 

“You’re one to talk,” you shot back, rolling your eyes. 

He shrugged, leaning back comfortably in his chair. Your eyes flicked down to the ring on his finger, the gold shimmering through the sunlight hitting the windows. 

“She really has no idea you’re here?” You questioned, nodding your head towards his hand. 

Bennett glanced down at his wedding band, his fingers twisting around the metal mindlessly. 

“No, she doesn’t. She thinks I’m out of town on business.”

“And where’s home for you now?” You asked. “I never really found out since you up and left without a trace.” You tried to swallow the bitterness coating over your words. 

“I live in Houston now. I found a firm seeking out a junior partner and settled down in the city,” he explained. “Trust me, I didn’t want to leave my life here, but it was the only option.”

You studied him momentarily, watching any signs in his body language that would frame him as a liar. But you found nothing to fault. 

“What do you mean it was the only option?”

Bennett leaned forward, intertwining his hands together.

“What exactly did Joel fill you in on?” Bennett asked, cocking an eyebrow.

You shifted in your seat. Bennett’s words hit a nerve inside you, one that was buried deep within the numbness and itching to revive itself on a spark of anger. Was there more Joel had kept from you? How much more heartbreak could you take before you completely withered away?

“He said you and I broke up after we moved to Austin,” you started. “That’s when I met him, and we started dating. I don’t know specifics or much more, but Joel said that when I woke up in the hospital, I asked for you, and that’s when my parents decided to reach out to you and cover up my memory.”

“He left out… a lot,” he emphasized.

“Oh.” 

“So, where do you want me to start then?” 

You chewed on your lip, glancing outside as the cars drove down the main road. If you had told yourself two years ago you’d be sitting in front of your ex-fiance learning about a life you never knew existed… you’d laugh. You’d laugh and tell yourself you’d gone crazy. 

“From the beginning,” you sighed. 

Bennett leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head. His eye twitched, the tight scar scrunching the skin around it. You averted your eyes, dropping your gaze to your hands as they fidgeted in your lap. 

“Obviously, you remember us moving to Austin,” he started. “It was probably a month or two after that when we started arguing a lot. You were always mad at me for working too much. You complained all the time that I wasn’t present or whatever.” You deadpanned him when he said those words; it was the same as the arguments you remembered during the engagement. Bennett shrugged off your glare and continued. “Anyway, you finally got fed up with everything and called it quits. You moved in with your teacher friend, whatever her name is… I don’t remember.”

“Maria,” you grumbled. “Her name is Maria.”

“Right, yeah.” Bennett quirked a grin as if he knew the buttons he was pushing. “So, you moved in with Maria and must’ve met Joel shortly after that. We didn’t keep in touch during those two years, but I missed you—a lot.”

Now, it was your turn to hit him with a rueful grin. He was so full of shit, just like you remembered. 

“I don’t believe that for a minute,” you scoffed. 

“Believe whatever you want, but I did miss you. Even with all our fights, I loved you,” he admitted. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you, so after a while, I decided to reach out. I asked if we could go to dinner and talk, you know, work things out. I didn’t expect you to agree to it, but you did. And you know what happened? You laughed. You laughed at everything I said. You told me you were finally happy and in love and that you’d never consider the chance of getting back together. You sure do know how to hurt a man's pride.”

“You probably deserved it,” you said, shrinking back into your chair. 

“Yeah, probably,” Bennett exhaled. “Doesn’t matter now, though. Anyway, after dinner, you left, and that’s when the accident happened. I had no idea until your parents called me to the hospital and explained it all to me. Looking back now, I can see how incredibly fucked up it all was, but I wanted a second chance. Joel wasn’t happy with the plan at all. As a matter of fact, he punched the shit out of me right when I walked into the room.”

“What?” You balked. 

Bennett laughed dismissively, running a hand over his jaw. You tracked his moments, imagining what Joel must have looked like when he saw Bennett that night. An unwelcomed pang of guilt swarmed inside your chest, not for Bennett, but for Joel. You still hated him, but you couldn’t image the pain he had felt knowing he was losing you. The guilt subsided as you reminded yourself he had a choice to step in, but he allowed it all to happen anyway. He was an accomplice to your parent’s plans. He didn’t fight for you, and that realization stung. 

“You alright?” he asked, tilting his head to study you. 

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you faltered. “Just—just keep going.”

“Okay,” he cautioned. “I agreed to go along with your parent's plan. I knew it was fucked up, and I knew it would bite everyone in the ass one day, but I did it because I loved you. I wanted a do-over with you, and it felt like the perfect opportunity.”

You nodded slowly, letting his words sink in. If this conversation had happened weeks ago, you would have reacted differently, but there was no anger left to exhaust. You couldn’t be angry at Bennett, at least not for this. You were still allowed to resent him for what he did during the engagement and for leaving you at the altar, but this? This wasn’t something he did; he went along with everything because he loved you…supposedly. That was still arguable. 

“So, you got your perfect opportunity and decided to fuck it up.” 

Bennett inhaled sharply, drawing his lips into a thin line. There he was, the asshole you remembered. He didn’t like when you called him on his shit, and that’s exactly what you were doing. 

“I tried to make it work,” he argued. “I mean, I tried the best I could. I didn’t want to lose you again. So, yeah, I might’ve tried to prevent the chances of you getting your memories back, but it was because I loved you. Then I just got sick of trying. I got sick of you always asking questions and me having to lie. It was exhausting. And then you started saying Joel’s name in your sleep, and I just—.”

“Wait,” you interjected, holding up your hand. “I—I said his name in my sleep?”

Bennett laughed, running a hand over his face. There was a shift in his demeanor, a mixture of anger and sadness. 

“Why do you think I slept on the couch most nights? I couldn’t fucking stand it,” he grumbled. 

“Bennett, I didn’t fucking know I was doing that!” You shouted. A few people turned their heads at the rise in your voice, but you didn’t care. The anger was awakening inside you again, pounding to get out of the cage you had locked it in. 

“Yeah, I know,” Bennett said, rolling his eyes. “I still hated it. I hated knowing that even when you slept, you still loved him. I was never going to be the person to make you happy.”

Tears stung your waterline, and you swiped them away before they could fall. 

“That’s why you left.” It wasn’t a question. It was a realization. 

“I called Joel the night before the wedding,” he confessed, cringing at the admission. “I told him how I felt, and he told me to leave. Well, he didn’t tell me… It was more like he threatened me. He told me that if I didn’t, he’d find me. We both agreed to stay out of your life, and I think you can piece together the rest.”

You sat before him, speechless. You knew it all along; you were the reason Bennett was unhappy. Instinctively, you always knew it. But hearing it aloud? That was a pain you weren’t ready for. Everything was your fault, from beginning to end. Bennett couldn’t love you, Joel couldn’t fight for you.

Why were you so unloveable? 

None of this was your fault, yet everything pointed directly back at you. 

You had nothing left to say to Bennett, so you shoved away from the table and fumbled for your purse. He said your name cautiously, grabbing your wrist before you could turn away. You tried to free yourself from his hold, but he squeezed tighter. 

“Stop!” You snapped. 

“I’m sorry, okay?” Bennett pleaded. “I really am, whether you believe it or not. I fucked up a lot, and I regret the way I left. It wasn’t fair to you.”

“This apology would have meant a lot more two years ago, Bennett,” you cried, still trying to free yourself. 

“I know it would have, but I’m doing it now. Alright? I’m sorry for everything I put you through, and I know none of this has been easy for you—.”

“You don’t know shit,” you seethed. 

You finally wrangled yourself out of his grip, rubbing your wrist to alleviate the pain from his touch. Bennett stared at you, agonized. You had walked in here hoping for an apology and got it. But it wasn’t enough. What was the point in all of this if nothing healed the pain inside you? 

You stumbled out of the cafe with blurry eyes, the cage bars inside you breaking piece by piece. It was only minutes before the anger fully consumed you, and you needed to leave before you let it wreak havoc on everything around you. You needed silence. You needed solitude. You needed a hole to crawl into. 

Before you could open your car door, Bennett called out your name and tore you away from the swirling thoughts inside your mind. You tried to ignore him, but he was relentless. Whipping around to face him, you came face first with his chest as he pulled you into an embrace. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, tightening his arms around your ridged body. “Hate me all you want, but don’t hate Joel. I can have my own grievances with him, but he loves you more than I ever could.”

You slumped into his chest, letting the anger overwhelm you to the point of complete defeat. Crying in Bennett’s arms was the last place you ever expected to be in, but here you were, sobbing into your ex-fiance’s chest. He held you through each wave of emotions, remaining solid and silent. 

“Hey,” Bennett whispered, pulling away. “Obviously, I don’t know shit about what’s going on with you, but it’s going to be okay. It’ll take time, but you’re going to be alright. I hope you get those memories back one day. I really do. You deserve to remember the things you lost, and I’m sorry for ever getting in the way of that.”

“Thank you,” you mumbled, wiping away the tears streaming down your face. 

Bennett gave you a soft smile and said his goodbyes. You watched him as he retreated to his car, waiting for him to drive away. As you turned toward your car again, you glanced up at the hardware store across the street, meeting the eyes of someone familiar. Someone you didn’t expect to see. 

Joel’s brother, Tommy. 

The resentful glare in his eye was deadly, and you couldn’t hide from it. He saw you with Bennett. He would tell Joel, even without knowing what had just transpired. For a brief moment, you wanted to rush over and explain everything to him, but you stopped yourself. It didn’t matter what he told Joel—at least, that’s what you told yourself. You could only shy away from Tommy’s scrutinizing stare and duck into your car. 

You had been gone too long from your numbness, and you missed it. It was time to bury yourself in your sadness once again and continue trying to unlove Joel Miller. 

**

Joel dumped his tools on the dining table with an exasperated sigh. He immediately reached for the fridge, grabbing a beer and popping it open in one fluid motion. As he leaned against the counter with the bottle at his lips, Joel heard the garage door slam shut. Peering around the corner, he tracked Tommy’s movements as he walked into the kitchen. 

“What crawled up your ass?” Joel grumbled. 

Tommy shrugged off his button-up and tossed it over a dining chair. He ran a hand through his greasy black curls before glancing at Joel. Joel shifted uncomfortably, trying to make sense of Tommy’s demeanor. 

“Seriously, Tommy,” Joel huffed. “Spit it the fuck out.”

“I saw her downtown,” Tommy finally said. “She was with that ex-fiance. The one you almost killed.”

Joel swore he felt his heart stop beating. Tommy must have seen wrong; it wasn’t you. It couldn’t have been you. You wouldn’t seek out Bennett, not after everything. You weren’t even seeking Joel out, even after two weeks of earth-shattering silence. 

“Are y’sure it was her?” Joel asked through clenched teeth. 

Tommy nodded, his eyes drawn to the floor. 

“Yeah, it was her. Not sure what was goin’ on between them, but I saw them huggin’ and all that outside of a lil’ cafe,” Tommy explained. 

“Probably doesn’t mean nothin’,” Joel shrugged, trying to let denial take over.

If he could deny it, then none of this was real. You weren’t with Bennett again—that wouldn’t happen. You wouldn’t do that. Bennett wouldn’t do that. Maybe Joel should have killed him. It would have torn you apart, but at least Joel could sleep at night knowing Bennett would never be in your life again. 

“Joel,” Tommy said, pulling him from his vengeful thoughts. 

“It doesn’t matter!” Joel yelled, slamming his beer bottle onto the counter.

The glass rattled between his fingers, and a slow trickle of liquid began seeping out of the crack he created. Joel glanced down at it, unbothered. 

“She’s not comin’ back, man,” Tommy sighed. “Y’gotta start movin’ on.”

“Go fuck yourself, Tommy,” Joel snapped.

He shoved off the counter and began to retreat down the hall, but not quick enough for Tommy. Tommy sidestepped in front of him, arms folded and a scowl twisting his lips. Joel knew Tommy hated everything about this situation, but he wasn’t the one experiencing the pain. He was just a bystander in all of this; he didn’t lay awake every night tossing over your words inside his head. 

I will never forgive you for this. 

Joel wasn’t losing you. He already lost you. 

“Listen, Joel. I know this is hard on you, but y’gotta face the truth. She’s gone, man. I know you tried your best to get her back, but it’s just not gonna happen. She deserves to make her own decisions for her life.”

“I know,” Joel sighed. “Doesn’t mean I don’t love her, still.”

Tommy’s brown eyes softened as he looked at Joel, his head dipping in agreement. 

“No one said y’had to stop lovin’ her,” Tommy offered. 

“I don’t think I ever will,” Joel said. 

Joel didn’t sleep much that night. Tossing between the sheets, Joel couldn’t steer away the thoughts of you in another man's arms—let alone Bennett’s. When Joel had seen you at parent-teacher conferences, he wanted to fall to his knees and beg for your forgiveness. He knew you had taken the news rough, but seeing you so physically distraught was another type of pain he hadn’t been prepared for. You were a hollow shell of the woman he loved; your voice held so much bitterness when you spoke to him. Your eyes didn’t look at him with love…it was his own personal Hell. Parting ways with you like that nearly killed him, but not knowing what was going on in your life killed him more. Joel had spent two years in limbo after your accident, always wondering what life would be like if he had you back. And then he had it. He had three beautiful months with you, albeit they were spent wearing rose-colored glasses, but he had you again. 

In the blink of an eye, in one messy series of events, he lost you.

He lost you, and he knew you’d never come back. 

**

~Six months later~

You thought time would heal the wounds left inside your chest, but you were wrong. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and nothing felt better. You stopped talking to your family altogether, and the phone calls stopped coming after some time. Beth never tried to reconcile with you, nor did you try to fight for answers. Having your heart broken by Joel and Bennett was one thing, but having it broken by your sister was a different kind of pain. It was visceral. It was a betrayal so brutal you still had yet to recover. Thinking of the things she had said to you in Boston only left you with debilitating headaches; her words festered deeper than anyone else’s. 

The truth is that you are a fucking idiot. And on top of that, you’re a coward.

You weren’t the coward; Beth was. She chose to hold onto those secrets for the last few years and weaponize them against you. You weren’t the idiot; you were the victim. You were the victim in all of this, yet everyone wanted to pin the aftermath on you. 

You were a mad woman, haunting an empty house with no one to confide in. You cut off all friendships with other teachers, especially Maria. You became a hands-off teacher, only going as far as in-class readings, quizzes, and occasional tests when necessary. The students adapted to the shift in your mood, and while you lived with the guilt of becoming that teacher, it was the only way you could survive the work days. The less effort you put into things, the less risk you had for disappointment or frustration. 

Sarah avoided you at all costs during class. She no longer participated in class discussions—which were far and few—but kept her head low and her grades satisfactory. Sometimes, you’d catch her watching you during class, her hazel eyes swimming with concern. You couldn’t stomach looking at her for more than a few seconds. You weren’t sure if she ever reported back to Joel about you, and honestly, you didn’t care. Well, maybe sometimes you did. It didn’t happen often, but there were fleeting moments of unwelcome flashbacks to your time with Joel months ago. Flashes of his hands on your body, his crooked smile, his deep voice. They wove through your mind at the worst moments, and everything hurt again. 

The school year had finally ended, and your days were filled with endless bouts of nothing. You exhausted everything: plucking weeds in your front yard, rearranging your kitchen cabinets (for the seventh time), building a new bookshelf…You found anything you could to keep yourself busy and the wandering thoughts at bay. 

The Texas heat was becoming unbearable, so you opted to spend the weekend indoors, siphoning through your closet. Heaps of clothes cluttered the ground around you as you tore apart each shelf, miscellaneous keepsakes piled in the corner. It wasn’t until you were elbow-deep in the crevices of your closet that you found the book. 

Romeo and Juliet.

The flimsy spine and dog-eared pages taunted you. You sat motionless with your hands hovering over the book, torn between flipping through the pages and setting it on fire. Minutes passed, though they felt like hours, and you remained paralyzed, stuck in limbo between the past and present. You’d tell yourself it was a moment of weakness, but you grabbed the book and let your hands move through the pages. 

“Under love’s heavy burden do I sink.

And, to sink in it, should you burden love;

Too great oppression for a tender thing.

Is love a tender thing? it is too rough,

Too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn.

If love be rough with you, be rough

with love;

Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down.”

The words hit you harder than you expect. Staring at the margins of the pages, scribbled with your words and thoughts, you blinked back tears. You thought you were strong enough for this. Tossing the book halfway across the bathroom, you succumbed to the tears that pooled in your eyes. Laying on the messy floor, you wrapped your arms around your shins and stared at the book as it taunted you from across the room. Your eyes caught onto something peeking out of the pages, and you slowly tilted your head. 

That wasn’t…

No. 

You couldn’t pull yourself to your feet, so you decided to crawl to where the book lay. As you got closer, you started to make out the grainy features of Joel plastered onto a Polaroid. With shaking fingers, you lifted it into the light, your eyes growing wide. Basked in the hue of sunset sat Joel, his broad torso dressed in a white shirt, with the biggest smile plastered on his face captured in a moment of laughter. Something sparked inside your chest as you stared at it longer, your eyes memorizing every softened feature of Joel’s face. He still had that patchy beard you were so familiar with, the sparse spots along his jaw no different than they were now. Creases around his closed eyes proved that his laughter in the photo had been genuine. 

You missed his smile. 

Shaking away those tender thoughts, you tried to pull yourself to your feet, only to have your ankle caught in a strap of a dress, sending you crashing to the floor. Your arms tried to brace for impact, but you didn’t catch yourself in time. Your body smacked against the corner of your shower door, your head taking most of the impact. 

And everything went dark. 

“Sarah, you’re a mess!” You laughed. 

Her curls were caked with mud, and half her clothes were soaked. You, Joel, and Sarah had decided to drive into the small town outside the campground for dinner, and of course, you got caught in the rain. As you all made a beeline for the diner, Sarah tripped into a huge puddle between cars, splattering rainwater and mud all over herself. Joel couldn’t contain his laughter, and neither could you. 

Joel took a seat on the beach outside the diner, trying to catch his breath from laughing, but every time he glanced up at Sarah’s messy face, he lost it all over again. You scrambled through your backpack to find your Polaroid camera, snapping a quick picture. 

“Hey!” Joel laughed, grabbing you by the waist and dragging you down to the bench. 

“What?” You asked innocently. “It was the perfect opportunity! Plus, you look extra handsome right now.”

“Handsome, huh?” He smirked, peeking you on the cheek. 

You shook the Polaroid as it developed, presenting him with the proof. He was handsome. So fucking handsome. Joel reached for the camera in your hands, turning it quickly on you. You stuck out your tongue, trying to hold back another fit of laughter. 

“Perfect,” he grinned before turning toward Sarah. 

“Alright, kiddo. Smile!”

“Dad, stop!” Sarah wined. 

But Joel was too fast, the camera shutter going off right in time to capture Sarah’s big pout. 

Each of you had a Polaroid now, picture proof of a happy family. 

Pinpricks of pain stabbed into each side of your head as you finally roused from your sleep. You squinted through the harsh light of the bathroom, letting your eyes readjust to your surroundings. Everything was foggy, but you remembered. 

Oh God, you remembered everything. 

The nausea was quick to hit you, and you scrambled to the toilet. You weren’t sure if the fall was to blame for the sudden disruption to your body or the memories slamming back into place, but you were helplessly stuck with your head over the toilet. Flash after flash, like the shutter of your camera, everything fell back into place. 

“Oof! I’m so sorry!” You said, rubbing your nose.

You had turned the corner too quickly and smashed right into the solid chest of a student’s father. 

“S’all my fault, miss.” 

The voice alone sent shivers up your spine, but they multiplied as you gazed up into a pair of deep brown eyes. You lost all the words in your vocabulary as you took in the sight of the most handsome man you’d ever seen. He was too rugged and masculine to call ‘cute’; handsome fit him so much better. With dark scruff covering his jaw and creases around his eyes, whoever this man was…he was stunning. You were captivated.

“I really should have looked before I turned the corner,” you rambled. 

“Don’t go apologizin’,” he said, offering you a kind smile. “I coulda got outta the way.”

“Do you make a habit of taking up an obscene amount of space?” You joked. 

“Depends on the hall,” he countered, extending his hand. “Joel Miller.”

You told him your name, then shook your head. 

“I should probably keep it professional. You can call me Miss Smith.”

“Nah, don’t need all the formalities here. Your name is just fine.”

“Is your daughter enrolled here?” You asked. It was hard to maintain the color creeping into your cheeks. 

“That she is,” he said proudly. “Goin’ into third grade this year. She’s a real good kid.”

“I bet she is. I’m only student teaching while I finish my Master’s program, but I’ll be taking on a position with middle school students next year. Maybe she’ll be my student one day.”

“I reckon she’d be pretty lucky,” he offered. 

“Yeah?” Now, you were definitely blushing. 

“Yeah,” Joel smiled. “Somethin’ ‘bout you makes me think you’ll be one of the best teachers in the school.”

“That’s a bold statement, given the fact you hardly just met me.”

“I wouldn’t hate it if I got to know you more.”

Your eyes shifted down the hallway, watching for any teachers that might be coming. You weren’t sure what the policy was for flirting with a student’s parent, but it was hard to stop when he was so enticing. 

“I don’t think I’d hate it, either.”

Another wave of nausea hit you, and you groaned. The room was spinning, your body ached from falling, and countless memories continued to pile up inside your mind. 

You were overwhelmed. 

Those two years of nothing became everything in the span of minutes. 

Dragon Tales was playing softly in the background as you curled your body around Joel’s. His hand was tracing circles around your shoulder as you both “watched” the TV. Something electric pulsed between your bodies, an unavoidable shift that had continued to unfurl over the last several months. You didn’t know how to verbalize your emotions—at least, not without knowing if he felt the same. 

“Joel,” you whispered.

His eyes were already on you when you finally glanced up. It was written all over his face. It was the proof you needed; he felt the same. 

“Yeah, baby?”

“I really like you,” you confessed. “Okay, well, maybe I really, really like you.”

“Maybe I really, really like you, too.”

You peeled yourself from his warm body, turning to face him completely. 

“I’m gonna say something,” you warned. “Please don’t freak out. It’s okay if you don't—.”

Joel’s lips were pressed against yours before you could finish the sentence. You melted into his touch, your hands coming up to tangle in the messy curls at the nape of his neck. He held you firm to his mouth, his tongue dragging over your bottom lip. 

“I love you, baby,” he mumbled. “So much.”

You reeled him in for another frenzied kiss, all your efforts to contain your smile going down the drain. Oh, God. He loved you. 

“I love you, Joel.”

You sagged onto the bathroom floor. The throbbing in your head was growing stronger and stronger with each memory. You wanted to tear your brain from your skull and flush it down the toilet, but that wouldn’t help anything. This was what you wanted, wasn’t it? All your memories were coming back, and yet, you desperately wished they would fade away again. 

You loved Joel. 

It was a fact you already knew, but remembering the exact moment you admitted…. You were going to be sick all over again. 

“Y’look so pretty in my t-shirt, baby,” Joel hummed.

He lay up against the headboard of the bed while you paced the room. You gripped the binding of your copy of Romeo and Juliet, your mind racing a thousand miles a minute. It was hard to focus when his bare chest was on display, the spattering of dark chest hair swirling down his torso and disappearing under the waistband of his boxers.

Focus. 

“Don’t distract me!” You pleaded. “Okay, you know how I was talking about how Romeo is just head over heels for Juliet? Get this: they kiss right away in the first act! He’s so bold with how he speaks to her, and then he just kisses her. And Juliet’s response is basically telling Romeo that all of his sin is on her lips now.”

“And what happens next, baby?” Joel asked, quirking a smile. 

“Romeo says, ‘Give me my sin again’, and then they kiss… again!” 

“Ain’t he just a romantic,” Joel chuckled. “Now, can y’get your sinful ass in bed?”

“What? This one?” You teased, flipping up the hem of his shirt. 

Joel’s eyes dropped to your backside as you exposed your naked body, and he nearly went flying across the foot of the bed to grab you. You shrieked with laughter as he tugged you onto the comforter, flipping you onto your back. 

“C’mere, baby,” he growled.

His lips trailed down your neck, sucking marks into the skin just below your collarbone. You let out a small whimper and helped guide the t-shirt off your body. Somewhere along the way, your book had dropped to the ground, but you didn’t care. You’d much rather give into the sin of Joel’s lips on your body. 

It felt like an eternity had passed when your stomach finally settled. You managed to drag yourself from the floor, staggering your way into the bedroom. The migraine behind your eyes had still yet to subside, so you threw yourself into bed and buried your body under the comforter and pillows. You had everything back—everything you wanted—but why wasn’t it enough? 

The images of Joel swam through the pressurized ache inside your mind; his smile refracted in the blinding light of a constant camera shutter. Snapshots of the past dissolved from the darkness, fragmented puzzle pieces slowly molding into place. 

Another flash, another memory. 

A frustrated scream erupted from your mouth, muffled into the pillows surrounding you. Every thought started and ended with Joel. Joel. Joel. Joel. Was this how it felt to go crazy? 

It was clear that sleep was evading you; it ran from the thought of Joel quicker than you could. Pulling yourself from the bed, you emerged into the bathroom once again and began rifling through the piles of clothes. 

What the hell were you supposed to wear to see someone who was no longer a stranger?

#joel miller x reader #joel x reader #joel miller x f!reader #joel x f!reader #joel x teacher!f!reader #joel miller #tlou #pre outbreak!joel #joel miller pre outbreak #joel miller fic #tlou fic #angst angst angst

[muckyschmuck]

i have this weird evil productivity demon in my head that’s like WOW YOU HAVE ONLY DRAWN NON COMIC ART TODAY YOU ARE USELESS and it’s also like WOW YOU HAVE ONLY DRAWN COMIC ART TODAY YOU ARE USELESS but it’s also like YOU LEFT THE COMIC OFF MID SENTENCE WOW YOU ARE USELESS +STUPID but also like WOW YOU LEFT THE COMIC OFF AT THE END OF A CHAPTER/PART, YOU NEED TO WORK ON A NEW ONE TO KEEP U BUSY OR YOU ARE USELESS

#hmmmdmmmmmnggghh #i’m mad that i left it off mid sentence but like #for selfish reasons #like the fact that i can’t read more #HONESTLY THE WHOLE BASIS OF THE COMIC IS SELFISH #I MAKE IT FOR ME TO HAVE MEDIA FOR ME TO READ OF MY OCS #maybe the productivity demon is just my thirst for content of my babies #maybe #in the grand scheme of things #in the eyes of society #i’m useless no matter what #so if u think ab itttttt #healthy nihilism

[greg-montgomery]

the latest hotch x sunshine reader fic?

u think u ate with that?

no.

U DEVOUREDDDDDD. GRRRRRRRRRRR

part 2 now mama i love u so much

bestieee thank you omg!!!! <3 i hope you like part 2!!

part 1

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

Spencer took a deep breath staring at his desk. On any other day it would be due to the amount of paperwork waiting for him, but this time it was a cup of his favorite coffee order, a muffin, and a chocolate croissant, all sitting right on top of the report he was working on.

He wasn’t ungrateful for the treats, but he would rather enjoy them if they weren’t accompanied by three pairs of wide eyes looking at him, while searching for answers in return.

Emily threw her head back dramatically. “Come on, give us something.”

“They’re on a date right now, aren’t they? That’s why he left early. I know you know,” Penelope said. “I know you do. Rossi knows too, but he won’t say anything.”

“Yeah,” JJ agreed, “Every time we ask he says nothing and just…smirks at us.”

“Please, you’re our last hope.”

Spencer took a bite of his muffin and smirked.

“You’re even worse than him,” Emily said and pointed at him.

“Come on, girls. Let’s go hack Hotch’s phone.”

“No, wait!”

--

Was it silly to start planning your wedding on a first date?

Maybe it was; you didn’t care. Because there was no way Aaron was not your future husband.

He did everything perfectly: he picked you up from your house, got you flowers, did not let you touch a door handle, paid for your dinner date, and let you play your music during the car ride.

Aaron also smiled a lot and the sight of it made you melt into your seat. It wasn’t often that a man gave you butterflies by just one look or with the sound of his laughter.

“What are you in the mood for now?”

The last thing you wanted was for the date to end, so instead of suggesting you walk back to his car you made a different offer.

“Let’s get ice cream!”

He chuckled, but you could already tell he would not say no to you. “Okay.”

You were walking side by side and even though you were already falling in love with his warm voice it was hard to pay attention to his words. Your mind was too occupied thinking about his arm swinging next to yours and how bad you wanted to hold hands with him.

Did he want it too? Would he think it’s childish to hold hands?

What if you just…did it?

Life’s too short, you thought and grabbed his hand.

Yes, you had not been paying attention to what he'd been saying but you did notice how he stopped mid-sentence when your hands touched. Was he mad?

Your heart was jumping against your chest, afraid you did something stupid. Aaron was quick to ease your anxiety, intertwining your fingers and squeezing gently your hand.

He wanted this too.

He cleared his throat. “So it’s um…a good chance to…”

With the side of your eye, you caught him turning his head to stare at you. You hadn’t wiped the grin off your face from the sudden hand holding yet, and he saw it.

His dimples made an appearance, and as your grin got bigger you noticed he blushed.

“Oh, shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything!” you giggled.

The sound of Aaron’s phone ringing interrupted your moment.

“Sorry, I have to get this,” he said.

You, of course, didn’t mind. Even though he hadn’t said so himself, you knew he had left right on time – early in Hotch’s terms - from work just for your date. Perks of being best friends with your date’s subordinate was getting to have this kind of inside information.

“Hotchner,” he said sternly.

You stayed quiet.

“What? I didn’t authorize this.”

Oh.

“No. And I trust this won’t happen again.”

Oh…Maybe you liked this side of him a little bit more than you should.

“Thanks,” he said, and hung up. “I’m sorry about that.”

I’m not.

“No, it’s okay! It’s fascinating observing you being a boss.”

“You like observing people?”

“Why, are you interested in hiring me?” you teased.

“Oh, I would never.”

“Why not?” you asked, acting offended.

“I would not be able to focus on a case with you around.”

You took advantage of the fact you were on a sidewalk and stopped walking, turning your body to face him. “And why is that?”

Aaron moved closer and dropped your hand only to cup the side of your head. His thumb moved back and forth on your cheek and his eyes on yours made you feel dizzy.

“Because you take my breath away.”

And with his next move he took yours. Maybe you’d actually faint if he didn’t pull you in and place his lips on yours.

Your hands moved to his tie with the intention of pulling him even closer to your body. His kiss was heavenly and you really wouldn’t mind if you were to stay like that forever.

Yeah…there was no way Aaron Hotchner was not your future husband.

#writing hotch fluff to deal with life!! #aaron hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #aaron hotchner #hotch #ask #hotch 🪐

[hxneyhxrts]

Switzerland || James “Bucky” Barnes

warning: smut, unprotected sex, impact play (rough), explicit language, degradation, maybe dacryphilia

“Give me a fucking break, Y/N,” Bucky groaned.

Two hours.

They had been bickering for two hours.

It had started with a mission. A quick rendezvous for some data Sam had requested from a sister agency overseas. Y/N had figured it might be nice to get out and travel a bit.

Wrong.

“Give you a break? James, we are in Sweden! Sweden. The rendezvous was supposed to be in Switzerland. I mean, you have to understand why this is frustrating!”

“I messed up! Would you relax?”

Bucky slid the keycard into their hotel door, shouldering his way in. It was a last minute booking, since they hadn’t meant to be here in the first place. Thanks to James.

Bucky cursed under his breath, and Y/N peeked over his shoulder to see what was wrong.

Sick.

“Oh great. You booked a room with one bed. Awesome,” Y/N snarked. She shook her head in disappointment. “You know, I should’ve probably taken over booking and planning when you landed us in the wrong fucking country, but it seems I haven’t learned my lesson yet.”

“Would you just fucking drop it? I said I was sorry!” Bucky bit out.

Y/N scowled. “Sorry doesn’t fix the fact that we’re in fucking Sweden, James. Someone has to explain this to-”

“Stop calling me that.”

She paused mid-sentence. “Calling you what?”

Bucky heaved a sigh. “James. You can be mad at me, but please just… stop calling me that. You never call me that.”

All the fight left her then. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself a moment of quiet to calm down.

“I’m gonna take a shower. Don’t wait up.”

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

The hot water did little to relax Y/N’s nerves, but she was clean. And if she took an extra 15 minutes to just stand there and enjoy the quiet, well that was her business.

But she couldn’t stay there forever. She knew a fight sat unfinished on the other side of the door, and the longer she stayed in the quiet of the bathroom, the longer she pushed off a resolution.

So with a sigh, she pushed back the shower curtain and fumbled for her towel. She spent much longer than necessary drying off, avoiding the inevitable while she could.

Once her skin was thoroughly dry (and beginning to pink in the spots she had rubbed too much), she gave in to the gnawing in her stomach. She reached for her pajamas with a sigh, mentally going over how to diffuse the fight that waited for her.

Her hand met the empty countertop.

Y/N’s brows furrowed. She spun around, surveying the bathroom for her clothes.

Nothing.

Because this was supposed to be a day trip.

You don’t pack pajamas for a day trip.

Y/N wanted to scream. Because of course this would be happening. Her shit show day had reached its dirty grimy claws into the evening.

Her annoyance reared its head again, and she had to keep herself from storming out and shouting at Bucky once more for getting them in this predicament.

But she bit her tongue, and cracked the door just a sliver. “Bucky?”

Shuffling. Then, “Yeah?”

Her cheeks were already burning from embarrassment. “I didn’t bring pajamas. Do you mind calling down to the front desk and asking for a robe or something?”

“Y/N, it’s like nine o’clock. The receptionist has probably gone home by now.”

Her irritation flared. “Can you just check? The only other option is putting on the clothes I wore today and they’re filthy.”

She heard an annoyed curse and more movement. Then a metal hand was sliding in the gap in the door, a t-shirt hanging from its fingers.

“Here,” came a grunt through the wood.

A flush crept down Y/N’s chest. “I don’t-”

“Would you stop fucking arguing for once, and just take it?”

“I still don’t have any pants!”

“It’s a long shirt, you won’t need them! Just put it on and fucking relax.”

The sheer command in his voice would have been enough to make her listen, nevermind the fact that Bucky had always had her wrapped around his finger. So with a huff that sounded more pathetic than grumpy, she snatched the shirt and slammed the door.

The shirt was quintessential Bucky. Plain, dark, simple. It hung just past her hips, a bit too short to be considered decent.

“I knew it,” she growled. But there was no use in pouting about it now. It was clean and comfortable (and warm).

It took every ounce of security (and maybe insanity) to open the door and walk out. She refused to look at Bucky, but she could still feel his eyes like a physical weight on her body. After several rather awkward seconds, he cleared his throat.

“I’m not sleeping on the floor. So either you make yourself cozy down there, or we’re splitting the bed.”

Not even two minutes in, and he had found her last nerve. Found it, poked at it, sank his teeth into it, shredded it. “I’m not sleeping on the floor.”

“Well I guess that settles it.”

What a shit day.

With a pout, Y/N pushed her way under the duvet, taking notice of how small the bed seemed to feel with Bucky in it. Her thigh brushed his and she bit back her gasp.

“Are you wearing pants?”

“No. Neither are you. Leave me alone and go to sleep.”

Y/N rolled her eyes and curled under the blankets. She had almost dozed off when a sharp tug on the covers disrupted her. “Do you mind?”

“You’re hogging all the blankets. Do you mind?” Bucky hissed.

And just to piss him off more, Y/N yanked the blankets enough to leave him exposed to the chill in the air.

“Are you serious? What are you, 5?”

“Do we really want to start talking about ages, you old fuck?”

Bucky groaned and reached for the bedside lamp, bathing the room in darkness. “Fine. Whatever. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

The peace in the room settled and remained for maybe five minutes.

Until…

“Would you stop pouting?”

Y/N threw her hands up incredulously. ��I’m not pouting!”

“Yes. You are.”

“How would you even know?”

“I can just tell. It’s irritating me. Now stop,” Bucky spat.

“That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Y/N’s not sure how it happened, or what set it off exactly. But Bucky had gripped the back of her neck and pulled her face to hover above his too quickly for her to prepare, her hands falling to his chest to balance herself. Bucky’s fingers dug into the nape of her neck with a bruising grip, and he soon brought his metal ones up to grab her jaw.

“Enough,” he growled.

With her head caged between his hands, she had no room to move, let alone reply. It wasn’t necessary though, as Bucky pushed through, his tone turning razor sharp.

“Enough with the pouting. Enough with the disobedience. Enough with the smart ass comments. Enough with calling me ‘James’. Enough. I’ve had enough. You can’t seem to help yourself from being a pain in my ass. I’m over it. Everyone else wants to kiss your ass, I’m not gonna do that. I want-”

He stopped. His teeth bared and gritted.

So it came as a shock when his lips crashed into hers with a force so staggering, she would’ve fell back if not for his hands holding her in place.

The kiss was urgent. Desperate. It was teeth, and tongues, and lips, and spit, and lust. Y/N struggled to catch her breath, but feared breaking away to break whatever spell had fallen over them.

“Such a fucking waste,” Bucky groaned. “A mouth like this, and all you do is pout and whine with it.”

The hand on the back of her neck slid up to her hair, and with a yank he had her throat bared where he sat up to meet it. His teeth nipped at her neck, roughly biting at the skin there. Y/N threw her head back in ecstasy, biting back a moan that threatened to slip.

A warm trickle slid down her neck.

Y/N pushed Bucky off by the shoulders, her hands flying to her neck. “Am I-” she stuttered. “Am I bleeding?”

“That should be the least of your worries right now.”

And before she could protest, he had pinned her on her back. “I am going to fuck you hard enough that you feel me every time you sit down. Every time you mouth off. Every time you touch yourself,” he continued, kissing a trail down her stomach. “I am going to ruin you.”

That didn’t sound so terrible.

The moment Bucky put his mouth on her, her eyes rolled to the back of her head. This had to be some sort of punishment. To be laid out in front of someone she despised and fall apart like this. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, small gasps managing to escape.

“You can do better than that,” Bucky urged.

And yes. She could. When his tongue did a particularly sinful circle around her clit, the whine that left her cut through the air loud enough that she briefly thought of whoever might be in the room next door. But when Bucky repeated the action, drawing another series of whimpers from her, she found she didn’t care.

A groan sounded, and the vibrations from it rang through her core. “Just like that,” Bucky gasped.

His mouth returned with a vengeance, licking and sucking at her like a man starved. She couldn’t have held her mewls and whimpers to herself if she tried, embarrassment be damned.

“Please,” she gasped. “I’m gonna-”

“No.”

Bucky pulled back at once, and her core throbbed at the loss of contact. Y/N sat up on her elbows, poised to protest.

“There’s that pout again.”

And yes, she was pouting.

But who could blame her?

“If I see that pout again, I’m knocking it off your fucking face.”

She immediately sobered and set her mouth straight.

Bucky smiled. “Good girl.”

Fuck.

Y/N keened high in her throat, the sound leaving without her intending it to. A flush crept up her cheeks.

Bucky’s grin looked like it might split his cheeks.

“Oh?” he teased. “Did you like that?”

His hands snaked up her waist, pushing his shirt higher on her torso, inches of skin creeping out bit by bit. His fingers, both flesh and metal burned her skin as they trailed up her sides. She gasped as his hands finally cupped her breasts.

“You like being told how good you are? You like being my good girl?”

Y/N whined, her hands moving to grab at Bucky’s wrists. Something to anchor her, she supposed.

Or just an excuse to touch him.

“You want me to tell you how pretty you look like this? Spread out and whining for me? Wearing my shirt?”

It was becoming too much: the way his hands grabbed at her skin, the way his breath fanned over her face, the words he was speaking.

“Please,” she begged.

“Use your words.”

“Fuck, please,” she tried. “I need you.”

Bucky smirked. “Where? Where do you need me?”

This was torture. She had seen the worst of humanity. She had fought the worst of humanity. But this was pure, unadulterated punishment.

And she loved it.

“Please,” she rasped.

Bucky chuckled, a sound that raked down her nerves. “Only because you asked so nicely.”

He plunged two metal fingers deep in her core, the cold biting into the lining of her walls. It stung, but it was wonderful.

“God,” Y/N gasped, a newfound sense of euphoria washing over her.

“You feel so soft,” Bucky rasped, kissing the space between her breasts with a tenderness that was unlike him.

It was too much. The cool steel of his fingers stung and her whimpering was fueled by the way they curled inside her.

“I knew you’d like this,” Bucky rasped. His hand pushed harder, deeper, until he was stroking just out of reach of where she really wanted him. “I always thought you’d be responsive, but this…” Another kiss. “This is better than I could have ever imagined.”

“Bucky,” Y/N moaned.

He paused. His lips hovered just above her nipple and his fingers stilled inside her. “Fuck, say it again.”

And so she did.

“Bucky.”

“Fuck, good girl,” he groaned, plunging back in with a renewed vigor. “You’re getting me all wet, baby. Look how pretty you look taking my fingers. Already whining, and I’ve barely touched you.” He dove in for her mouth this time, lips borderline bruising. He spoke against her mouth in a tone that sent heat rushing through her. “I can’t wait to see what you do with my cock in you.”

“I’m gonna-”

“No you’re not,” he growled, pulling his fingers away. Y/N groaned, but was cut short by a hand at her throat.

“Enough. Whining. I won’t tell you again,” Bucky hissed.

He tightened his grip around her throat, and her vision immediately blurred. Bucky smirked. “Good.”

Then he was inspecting his fingers, watching the way her essence dripped down the metal of his hand. Another groan.

“Open,” he commanded. Y/N’s lips parted, her tongue darting out eagerly. Bucky slid two metal fingers into her waiting mouth, pushing them back far enough to brush the back of her throat. Her eyes watered as she gagged, but she kept her mouth open all the same.

“So pretty.”

It was intoxicating, the taste of herself on the tang of metal, and she greedily lapped at his digits while he thrusted them past her lips. She had just started to lose herself when he pulled his fingers away.

His now spit-slick metal hand dug into the flesh on her ass when he had managed to (easily) manhandle her onto her front, leaving her gasping into the pillow at the sting. Her scorching flesh burned hotter against the cool brush of vibranium. Y/N’s entire body was on fire, made worse by the intensity and heat of Bucky’s gaze sliding over her skin. She was still lost in that feeling when she jumped against the sheets with a whimper, Bucky’s hand soothing over the now sore spot he had left after striking the flesh underneath.

“That one was for snapping at me all day,” he taunted, a smirk evident in his voice as he raised his hand again. Y/N braced herself for the strike, but still cried out when it landed. “And that, is for calling me ‘James’,” he growled out.

She was panting, breath ragged and sharp in her lungs. “You-” she gasped out as his fingers drew lazy circles over the marks he had left on her ass. “You can’t-”

“I can,” he hissed, wrenching her head back by her hair. “And you’re going to take everything I give you.”

Any sane person would’ve refused. Kicked him off of them with a snide comment and gone to bed, maybe even pretending this never happened to salvage any scrap of dignity left after everything that had happened.

“Got it?” Bucky growled with another tug to her hair.

“Yes, sir,” she groaned back.

The older man sighed contentedly, releasing his grip on her hair and dragging both hands down her spine slowly. “I think you’ve had enough spanking for now.”

A small surge of something close to panic roared through her, panic at losing this feeling, and the sting she could still feel on her ass.

“No!” Y/N gasped out before she could stop herself, too far gone to feel the bite of embarrassment at her words. Bucky’s hands stilled on her hips, and his fingers flexed against her skin.

“No?”

“Please,” she nearly whispered. “Please keep going.”

Silence hung, low and heavy around them for several moments. Had it not been for the weight of his hands still on her, Y/N would’ve thought he left.

Then, a groan, low and guttural, like the sound was being punched out of him. Bucky’s hand slid around the front of her neck, the heat of his flesh seeping into her throat. His grip was tight enough to pull her head up, but just barely. Suddenly, his mouth was right next to her ear, tone low and threatening, much like one he used when speaking to their targets.

“This is your last chance to tell me to cool off before I ruin you,” he bit out.

It was as good of a warning as she was gonna get, Y/N knew from their time together on missions, seeing the “Winter Soldier” firsthand. A sick thrill ran through her blood.

“Please,” she insisted.

A resounding ‘smack’ rang through the air as Bucky brought down his other hand against her ass, metal impacting soft skin. Y/N arched back against him, simultaneously running from and chasing the feeling.

More smacks followed, each one worse than the last. Her resolve was crumbling beneath her with each blow. Sensing her drop, Bucky smoothed both hands over her abused cheeks with a smirk.

“What happened to begging? Hm?” he taunted, digging his fingers into her already bruising skin just to see her hiss and try to pull away.

“Please,” she slurred against the pillow.

Bucky laughed, a mean and cruel sound. “Is that all you know how to say now? Have I already fucked you that stupid? I’ve barely touched you sweet girl.”

Y/N’s head was reeling, an emotional whiplash pounding at her temples as he mocked her and soothed the bite all in one breath.

“I need you inside me. Need to feel you,” she whimpered out, writhing as his hands pressed her further into the mattress.

Bucky muttered a sharp ‘fuck’ under his breath, before recomposing himself. She could hear the shuffle of him ridding himself of his pants, and she held her breath when she felt the rigid line of him press against her already sore ass.

Y/N keened high in her throat and pressed her hips back into his harder. Bucky pulled back just barely, teasing her.

“You sure about this?”

And maybe it was the gentle note of sincerity staining his voice that made her head swim, but Y/N found her breath catching once again.

“Please,” she insisted again.

And then Bucky was pressing into her slowly, inch by torturous inch, until he was seated all the way to the hilt with a strangled moan. Words failed Y/N as she felt the head of his cock pressing into the deepest and most intimate part of her, already leaving her aching in his wake.

Bucky dug his fingers into her flesh, pulling her back against him to sink into her even further. It was overwhelming, the way he filled every space within her, leaving her no room to even breathe. He was unlike any other partner she had ever had, and Y/N had the sick feeling she may never be satisfied with anyone else. She wrapped her fingers around the smooth metal of Bucky’s wrist, dragging his hand up to settle around her throat once more. The older man’s grip stayed loose where it rested against the skin of her neck as he let out a shallow breath.

“Don’t,” he panted. “Don’t do that. I don’t think I can be gentle with you if we start that.”

It was sick, so sick, the thrill that thrummed through her veins at the thought of Bucky, the Winter Soldier, stringing her out and using her body in that brutal way that only he could.

It was that same thrill (and slight mania) that sent her over the edge of insanity (and stupidity).

“Is that so?,” she gritted out with as much teasing in her voice as she could. She felt him tense behind her, deadly quiet and still as he waited for her to continue. “Or are you just worried you won’t have enough bite to match your bark?”

It was the wrong thing to say.

Bucky’s fingers tightened around her throat to the point of it being painful, her breathing slowing to almost a stand still. His hot breath ran across her ears as he leaned in to whisper, “I’m going to enjoy every fucking second of this.”

The pace he set was immediately brutal, leaving no time for her to adjust to the sheer size and force of him. The sharp curve of hip bones dug into her ass almost painfully with every thrust as he filled her to the hilt. Words failed her completely, nothing but wanton moans stuttering out between her ragged breathing. Normally, she’d have the sense to be embarrassed about her volume altogether, but this was not the same run-of-the-mill hookups she was used to. This was untamed and raw and torturous.

Another moan slipped between her rough-bitten lips, and then Bucky was slipping his grip up to her chin and cheeks to grab her face hard and turn her head painfully to meet his wild eyes.

“Shut the fuck up,” he hissed, pushing her face away again before dropping his hand against the flesh of her bottom once again, leaving a sting in its wake.

His manhandling only made that pit in her stomach worse, and Y/N clenched her jaw to stifle the whimpers free flowing from her mouth. It only seemed to spur the soldier behind her even more.

His cock was dragging against her walls sinfully, and she wondered if she had ever felt this full before. Or if she’d ever feel this full again.

“You want everyone in this goddamn hotel to hear you?” Bucky ground out when yet another pathetic sound escaped her. He pulled his hips back just enough to slip out of her before yanking her up by the arm to roll her over onto her back. The intimacy of facing him as he dismantled her piece by piece was overwhelming, and Y/N nearly cowered away from the heat of his stare as it roved over exposed form, but Bucky was quickly slipping his cock back into her and she was keening once again.

Bucky’s hand reared back quickly, and Y/N braced herself for the slap to fall against her ass, but gasped when the strike landed across her cheek. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes at the burn, but the moan that tore from her throat betrayed her arousal at the impact.

The older man towering over her laughed, a full and mocking sound that made her want to simultaneously sink back and chase the cadence of it. His tone was nothing short of taunting when he sneered at her. “You’re getting off on this.”

Her cheeks burned again, this time from shame instead of smacking, and she pulled into herself just barely. It was humiliating to be this vulnerable in front of him, but the thrill of him seeing every dirty part of her and fueling all of it gave her a sick sort of satisfaction.

“You like when I get rough with you, pretty girl? You like it when I treat you like the whore you are?” he crooned, a gentle hand smoothing down her cheek as his thrusts picked up even more. That same hand gripped her cheeks hard enough to make her lips pucker, a smile pulling up at his lips as her pupils blew out. “My little whore. All mine.”

Mine.

Y/N whined, that knot tightening even further. “Please,” she gasped out for what felt like the hundredth time.

Bucky smirked. “Please, what? What is it, baby?”

Any other day, his teasing would’ve earned him a lashing from her, but she only found it more and more enticing now. “I need to cum,” she panted, on the verge of tears. “Please let me cum.”

She could see the effect her begging had on him, his eyes darkening considerably. “I don’t know-”

A choked sob broke from her chest, a single tear rolling down her cheek hotly. It was all too much, and she had the feeling she’d combust if he didn’t grant her relief. “Please,” she begged once again, more desperate now.

“Fuck,” Bucky gritted out between clenched teeth, eyes zeroing in on the path of the tear staining her cheek. “Cum for me, sweet girl.”

She could have wept as the wave of euphoria swept over her, pulling her under fast and hard and wracking through her body with an intensity she had never felt before. She clenched around Bucky’s shaft like a vice, and she felt him twitch before he was spilling into her with mutters of “all mine”. His thrusting continued as she rode out her high and even long after it had passed, making her whine at the sensitivity. He only pulled out when she weakly shoved at his shoulder, too overstimulated to take much more.

They were both panting as they stared at each other, and Y/N said a silent thank you to whoever could hear her that Bucky looked just as wrecked as she felt. He pulled away from her quicker than she would have liked and retreated to the bathroom. She heard the faucet turn and on and off before he reemerged with a wet rag. Her face flushed as he nudged her knees open and made to wipe at his seed dripping out of her before she stopped him with a hand to the wrist.

He leveled her with a look that made her toes curl, that same bit of dominance she had seen firsthand creeping into the expression. “I was just inside you, and now you’re trying to keep me from cleaning you up?” Y/N swallowed, still too embarrassed to let him take care of her like this. Bucky scoffed, and his voice turned stern. “Move your hand. Now.”

And even though they were done with whatever had just happened between them, Y/N found herself obeying the order. Her partner took care to clean her up gently before tossing the rag aside in the small pile of dirty linens they had accumulated. He slid into bed next to her, lifting the sheets slightly before pulling her into him with a strong, muscle chorded arm. Silence hung around them for a moment.

“Should we talk about this?” she whispered, afraid that speaking any louder would shatter the calm.

“No,” Bucky replied simply, sinking a stone in her heart before he continued. “You need to rest right now. Talking can wait until you’ve slept.”

It was a sweet sentiment, but Y/N didn’t want to leave things unchecked just because she needed rest (even if sleep was tugging at her eyelids heavily). “Are you sure? Maybe we should-”

“It wasn’t a suggestion, you’re going to sleep,” he insisted, pulling her in tighter and tempting her with his warmth.

She gave in with a playful huff, burrowing into his chest with a private smile. It felt natural, to be with him like this.

But Bucky Barnes always has to ruin her good mood.

“Who knew bossing you around was all it took to get you to shut up.”

She rolled her eyes, even as a laugh crept up her throat. “Don’t get used to it.”

Y/N felt the smile he buried in her hair as he pecked the crown of her head.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

note: i’m not aiming for accuracy, im aiming for a good time

#bucky barnes #bucky x you #bucky x reader #bucky fic #bucky x y/n #bucky smut #bucky barnes smut #dom bucky barnes

[writemekpop]

Let Me Love You | Lee Jeno

Summary: Jeno confesses he loves you, but you can't say it back. What happens when he finds out the truth?

Genre: College AU, established relationship AU, angst

Word count: 1k

It was your last class before the end of the year. After four years of college, you were about to graduate. Your entire class were sitting in a circle on the floor.  

You winked at your new boyfriend, Jeno. He grinned shyly back.  

“I thought it would be fun if we all said an anonymous message to a classmate. They’ll know who it is!” the professor said. 

Jeno took a deep breath and said, “I just wanted to say… I love you, and we’ll be okay, I promise.” 

Your heart began to race. Jeno… loved you? He kissed you every second you were alone. He sat for hours, stroking your head in your lap while you slept. But you’d only been dating two months – you had no idea he loved you already. 

It was your turn next. The words swirled around your head - I love you I love you I love you I love you - but it was like your throat was blocked. 

The professor repeated your name. You felt Jeno shift next to you. 

It was now or never. 

You forced out an “I…“ but then, you remembered the way you used to mumble, ‘You too’ every time your ex, Jaemin, said ‘I love you’, even though you didn’t mean it, you were just scared he would get angry. 

Did you love Jeno? Or were you just saying it? 

“Let’s move on,” the professor said. The moment was lost. 

For the rest of the hour, you couldn’t meet Jeno’s eye. Sweat stuck your cotton shirt to your spine. You had to be the biggest idiot in the world. Jeno was the perfect guy, and now you’d rejected him in front of everyone. 

At the end of the day, you ran to Jeno in your secret spot, by the cherry tree at the far end of the garden. 

Jeno had his hands in his pockets, his head hanging, and was kicking a stone again and again. 

“Jeno?” you said. 

Jeno slumped against the tree. “’Sup.” 

“You’re not mad, are you?”

Jeno kicked the stone again. “Nope. It’s all fine and dandy.”

You gulped. “Look, I’m so sorry. I- I wish I could make everything better.” Jeno’s eyes were hard. “You can’t fix this.” There was a lump in your throat, and you prayed you wouldn’t cry. “Look, I should have just said it! I do mean it!” 

Jeno looked up, brows furrowed. “What?” 

“I do love you! Of course, I do!” You gasped. “You’re kind and funny and like- gorgeous – and the only person I can actually be me around.” Jeno’s eyes widened. “You… love me?” 

“I’m so sorry I didn’t say it back when you confessed in the class!” 

Jeno blinked. “Wait, what? Before, I- was talking about- my brother. Haechan! He got into some major trouble with our parents and… I wanted to remind him it’ll all be okay…”

Cold spread over your whole body. “You mean you didn’t say… you loved me?”

Of course Jeno hadn’t been talking about you. Why would he? You’d barely started dating – it was too soon for love! And now, you’d gone and confessed your feelings like an absolute fool. You’d scared Jeno off for life. 

Jeno bit his lip. “I can’t believe you thought - I was talking - about you…”

You cupped your face with your hands. “Ugh! I take it back. Please forget this ever happened.” 

Jeno said nothing. 

You were right. Jeno was probably going to run away from you at the speed of light. You braced yourself for the inevitable sting of rejection. 

But suddenly, you felt strong arms wrapping around your waist. You opened your eyes, and saw Jeno, his head tilted, peeking at you with a huge smile. 

“Don’t make fun of me…” you groaned. “I can’t take it.” Jeno smiled even wider. “I love you too, Y/n.” 

“I said don’t make-“ you started, then stopped mid-sentence. “You what?”

Jeno bumped your nose with his. “I love you. You’re basically my favourite person on the planet. I thought that was obvious.” 

Jeno’s gaze never left yours, steady and true. You wanted to pinch yourself. This had to be a dream. 

Jeno’s eyelids fluttered, and you realised how close you were to each other, your faces casting shadow on each other in the afternoon heat. Jeno moved closer, his eyes half-closing, and kissed you. 

Jeno’s soft lips on yours, his bubblegum flavour, was even more thrilling now you knew he loved you. You could have kissed him forever. 

When you pulled back, Jeno moved his lips to your ear. “You wuv me,” he whispered.

“Ew, no! That sounds so cringey!” you said, trying to wriggle out of his grip. He wouldn’t let you go – he kissed your ear, your neck, your collarbone, repeating all the time, “you wuv meeee…” 

Somehow, you both collapsed on the ground, your limbs tangled in the dust. Jeno’s face was squished against the ground, his eyes staring deep into yours. 

“Never stop telling me you love me,” he said, his voice low. 

“I promise,” you whispered. 

—     

MAIN MASTERLIST

Let us know what you thought in the comments or on anon! 💋

#jeno #nct dream #nct smut #nct imagines #jeno smut #nct dream smut #nct dream fluff #nct fluff #nct angst #nct dream imagines #nct scenarios #nct suggestive #NCT Dream Scenarios #nct fanfiction #nct x reader #nct reactions #lee jeno #nct 00 line smut #nct 00 line #lee jeno smut

[dilvuc]

I recently found your work and I really enjoyed your snapped fic with Floyd! I was wondering if you would do something similar with Jade, with reader getting mad at him for his condescending and passive aggressive ness?

❝STORM❞

𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: angst/fluff

𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗: male

𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖑𝖊: storm

𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌: jade leech x bison beastman!m!reader(+ azul/floyd/ruggie)

𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌: none

𝖘𝖚𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖞: because of his passive aggressive behavior, you snapped at him

here he goes again. everytime, he's only doing this for his own enjoyment. why is jade targeting you? why must he want to see discomfort in you? what the hell is his problem? you thought you got used to it, but it was starting to pissed you off. you never thought it would make you even more pissed off after you lost the spelldrive tournament against diasomnia. you were angry by your loss and needed time to relax your anger until jade showed up.

“Oh? You lost the Spelldrive Tournament against Diasomnia?” jade smirked, holding a towel out to you, “It was satisfying to watch you lose against them. Besides, your dorm will never beat Diasomnia if you're never at their level…However—”

you harshly slapped the towel out of jade’s hand, catching him by surprise. you stood up abruptly off the bench and glared at the male, “Can't you get off my fucking back?! What is it that you want from me?! Are you trying to anger me because I'm a buffalo?!”

jade gasped, a little taken back by your outburst, “No—”

“Shut up! I'M SICK OF YOU! I'M SICK OF ALL OF THIS! WHAT'S THE DEAL OF TRYING TO BRING DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS AND CAUSE THEM PROBLEM?! ARE YOU FUCKING BRAINDEAD?!” you snapped, stepping close to jade, who stumbled back a little. “Fuck off and go fuck yourself! I don't have time to deal with you anymore! Stay away from me!”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“I see…apologies for wasting your time…” jade apologized. you give him a scoff and storm off, leaving the teal haired male alone. after you left, jade pulled an envelope from his back pocket and stared at it for a bit. he clenched on the envelope before ripping it to shreds.

“...idiot…you're an idiot…” jade muttered to himself as his vision went blurry. the male rubbed his eyes, realizing that it was tears pouring from his eyes. “A…ah…I shouldn't. I mustn't…he doesn't need you. He never needs you…”

as the teal haired male left, ruggie moved out of his hiding place and picked up the shredding envelope. it's a shame that he had to put in pieces. luckily, torned up papers aren't too small, so it's easy to put them together.

“Hey! Jade! Open up!” floyd hollered out as he bangs on the bedroom door, but there was no response. “Huh? Why isn't he saying anything…? Oi! We'll be serving mushroom stew if you like!”

“...”

“Eh…? He's not responding? But he loves mushrooms.” the disorganized twin tilted his head. azul arrived at the scene, “What's going on? There are customers waiting.”

“I think there's something wrong with Jade. He locked himself in the room.” floyd pointed before crossing his arms, “Something must've happened.”

“...Kicked the door open.” azul ordered.

“Fine. You better not charge me for this.” the taller male huffed before kicking the door down. “Oi! Jade! What's going on—”

floyd paused mid-sentence when he noticed his brother cowering under the blanket, “Hey…what's with you…?”

“A-ah…Nothing.” jade responded from under the quilt. floyd marched over and grabbed the blanket, but his brother clutched onto the blanket to stop him from pulling it off. “I’m fine…! J-just sick!”

“Liar.” floyd scoffed before pulling the whole blanket off of jade. azul and floyd gasped when they noticed tears pouring from jade's eyes. “Huh? Are you crying?”

“N…no! J…just…”

“Oi. Stop lying already.” floyd furrowing his eyebrows at his brother's attempt of lying.

“Jade, did something happen?” azul asked. jade sniffled, wiping away his tears with his sleeves, “...S…sorry, it was my fault that this happened.”

“What happened?” the housewaren questioned.

“Fuck me…I never thought I will be raising my voice at him…” you grumbled, ruffling your hair back. you have a bad temper and you can't help yourself. you can be sensitive most of the time and you hate yourself for that. sure, jade pissed you off, but you don't hate it. why did you have to snap at him like that? basically you were devastated by your loss against diasomnia and he somehow ruined your mood.

“That was fucked up, you know?” you jumped when you heard ruggie at your door frame. the hyena beastman placed the paper on your desk, “This belongs to you.”

“What's this?” you asked.

“Just read it and you'll see.”

“And that's what happened. I didn't think he would storm at me. Maybe I went too far…” jade sniffled, tossing another ball of tissues on the floor.

“I've heard that buffalo get aggressive. I wouldn't be surprised that [Y] be so sensitive.” azul mumbled.

“Maybe I should apologize to him…?” the organized twin questioned. floyd huffed, “He made you cry, so he should apologize. I want to break his horns or rip the piercing from his nose.”

“N-no need. I can take care of this…” jade rubbed his red eyes. “I started it…”

“Vice-housewaren. There's someone who wishes to see you.” A Octavinelle student said.

“...?”

jade arrived at the lounge to meet up with this person. to his surprise, the person turned out to be you. “[Y]...? Ah. Pardon me. You might come here to yell at me…”

“No. I'm not here to yell at you…” you calmly deny. the teal haired male looks at you confused, “Is there something you need? I…I promise that I won't provoke you again. I didn't mean to—”

“Jade, it's ok. It's my fault for snapping at you. I didn't mind you teasing me and all, but you provoked me at the wrong time.” you spoke, clutching the paper in your hand. jade frowned while fiddling with his fingers, “Sorry…”

azul and floyd peek in the lounge and listen in on your conversation. you sighed, “Stop apologizing. I'm the one who should apologize.”

you bow 180° and apologized sincerely, “I'm sorry for snapping at you. I let my anger out on you after my dorm lost to Diasomnia again.”

“I know you didn't mean those words. Anger just took the best of me. Sorry…” you finished apologizing before holding up the letter to jade. “Is this yours?”

“Ah?” jade looks at the taped letter in your hand before slowly turning red. “S-sorry! That's nothing!”

before he could snatch it, you swipe it back from his reach, “So, you were planning to confess to me, huh?”

“I…! I-I wasn't going to! It's embarrassing…!” jade blushed with his hands over his face. you reread the love letter before turning your attention back on the flustered jade, “You've been teasing me because you have feelings for me, huh? You just haven't had the courage to tell me how you really feel.”

“...You already read it. Please forget it. It probably not worth it—”

“I love you, too, mushroom lover.” you confessed. “Even if you always pissed me off, I always enjoy your company. You still pissed me off either way.”

jade gawked at your harsh confession, but was glad that you accepted his feelings, “...O…oh, it was still silly of me to make a love letter to a hairy buffalo who has so much facial hair.”

“Oi. I don't have that much facial hair.” you glared. the teal haired male chuckled, “You're close to growing a beard.”

“I'm fine with a beard! I'm not an eel who's afraid of heights. I find it satisfying to see you scared.”

“Well, I wouldn't be so afraid of small, harmless cats. You climb up a tree to avoid it~”

“I wouldn't mind eating eels for dinner.”

“Same with buffalo~”

“Hm. Are they hating or dating? They're spitting insults at each other…” azul sweatdropped as you and jade argued. “Or it's a competition…?”

“Hehehehe~ As long as Ictiobus-kun didn't make Jade cry again then we're fine.” Floyd chuckled.

╰┈➤ author note: please note that this is a slow update. i will still accept your request, but it will take a while since i'll be working on my books on wattpad. if you wish to read those books, here's my wattpad account.

rules

twisted wonderland masterlist

#male reader #top male reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twst #disney twst #twisted wonderland x male reader #twisted wonderland #jade leech #twst jade #octavinelle

[jeansplaytoy]

“Ain’t Shit.” - c.springer

(part two here.) (part four here.)

part 3

you and connie always get into what seems like your final argument.

more arguing, mentions of violence, heavy weed smoking, cursing, overthinking, angst.

you weren’t scared of connie.

i mean, he always promised to never hurt you in any way you wouldn’t want or any way where it was out of pure violence. and he always kept that promise, even when you two were on and off. even when you were on bad terms or even when he was so mad at you, he didn’t even wanna speak to you.

and you hated yourself a little for questioning whether he was gonna keep that promise tonight.

so you were in the passenger side of ony’s car. he didn’t trust you enough with your own, making sasha and mikasa drive yours to your house.

you stared at the floor of the car, resting your elbow on the door. your nail had a bandaid around it. “you good?” ony glanced over at you. your left hand rested between your thighs for comfort. you nodded. your outfit had went from a party outfit to just that same crop top and a pair of shorts.

“why you lookin all depressed and shit?” he asked again, eyes on the road. “i’m not.” you spoke back. ony frowned and looked at you. “nah, for real? cus i ain’t never seen yo ass like this.” he played with his earring as one hand was on the steering wheel. “why are you tryna make it seem like it’s not normal to be quiet?” you chuckled a little to brush away the unintentional sad look on your face.

“that shit ain’t normal for you.” he mumbled. you looked at him and stared for a while.

“you think connie mad at me?” you asked. “connie? oh hell yeah, that niggas is pissed. like straight up.” he answered. you smacked your lips. “ony, i’m being for real.” you furrowed your eyebrows.

“what? you think i’m not?”

you paused. “…you serious?”

“what i just say.” he looked at you.

you frowned at him and rolled your eyes. “you really make me sick, bro.” you mumbled. “so you regret what you did.” he said. “hell naw. he cheated on me and tried to make me jealous, i only flirted with one nigga since we stopped talking.” you defended yourself, but ony hummed mid sentence.

“but the thing is, you fucked wit’ the opps.” he corrected you. you squinted. “okay so it’s good that he can cheat but i can’t fuck with somebody he don’t like? you saw him flirting with another bitch right there.” you sat up a little.

“he was flirting with somebody you don’t like, he wasn’t flirting with one of yo’ opps. that’s different. and fucked up.”

you stared at him again before sighing and sitting back. “i’m not even bouta talk to you right now.” you said. ony shrugged and sat back, resting his arm on the door.

ony was always like your big brother, and you always went to him when mikasa and sasha weren’t available. especially about connie, he’s the one that kept getting y’all back together in the first place. but you hated to be told the right thing. he spoke his mind, only sugar coated a little to not make you mad, but you just despised when someone told you something different from your original thought.

you knew he was telling the truth tho.

you stayed silent the whole ride until he finally made it to his house, where everybody else was, normally after every party. you got out the car, walking up to the door and opening it, waiting for him when you went behind the stairs.

he walked in front of you, opening the basement door. like just at the party, your nose filled with the scent of weed. you slowly walked in behind him, all eyes on you.

“y/nnn!” sasha smiled, waving you over to her. you smiled and waved back. mikasa was sitting beside eren and jean was beside armin, they were cracking silent jokes, seemingly.

“this one got all mad in the car when i tried to tell her right from wrong.” ony nudged the back of your head. you smacked his hand and rolled your eyes. “that’s why she always getting into a fight.” eren said while rolling up a blunt.

you sat beside sasha while grabbing the blunt from her, hitting it for a few seconds before exhaling and putting your phone in your lap.

the whole basement went silent as everyone did their thing. but what you didn’t dare to do was look up in front of you, because you’d be looking straight at connie. and you could tell he was piercing holes in your forehead as you picked your phone up again to find something to distract yourself with.

“so… what happened? between you and brooklyn. i mean— i saw everything but… y’know.” sasha said. “she beat her ass, that’s what happened.” jean mumbled, passing his blunt to armin while armin played some game on his phone.

“it’s really nothing now. i don’t care bout her.” you shrugged. “really.” ony raised his eyebrow. “ony shut up.” mikasa laughed as you grabbed the blunt you and sasha shared again. “nah she was so quick to beat her ass and wanna act like a baby now.” he chuckled a little while glancing at you.

“okay you act like you don’t be fighting a lot.” you looked at him. “i fight when i have to, not when i feel like i want to.” he mumbled before grabbing a bottle of tequila and drinking it.

“well she was being a bitch.” you mumbled with a shrug.

everyone went silent once again. and your eyes, who apparently have a mind of their own, moved over to connie who stared at you with low, bored eyes of his own.

the stare held for a good couple seconds. you didn’t know what he was thinking or what he wanted to say, but when ony moved over to sit beside him, you looked at sasha, who looked at you and then connie.

“y’all not gon’ try to make up?” armin suddenly spoke, glancing at you and connie.

“i’m not finna keep apologizing for stuff that don’t even be my fault.” connie said, slouching down on the circular couch. you squinted at him.

“don’t do that.” you mumbled while blowing smoke. “what? defend myself for the… fifth time?” he cocked his head back a little. you frowned. “connie, you act like you wasn’t rubbing all up on her ass and shit.” you sat up and held your hand out.

“y/n, you was kissing on floch and shit. dude was grabbing yo ass and shit. now if it was any other mu’fucka then i’d let that shit slide. but yo ass fuckin wit the opps.” he sat up. “might as well be one.”

you raised your eyebrows and your lips parted a little. “oh that’s what we doin now? nigga-“

“cut that shit out now, talk like adults.” jean waved at both of you.

“i don’t give a fuck.” you frowned. “shit, and you think i do?” connie laughed a little. that laughing shit pissed you off, especially when you was being deadass. you stared at him for a few seconds before standing up. “i’m finna get a drink.” you mumbled before walking towards the door.

you walked upstairs from the basement before walking to onys kitchen, going in the fridge to get a bottle of water.

why couldn’t you just be high?

~

“she piss me off with that shit bro.” connie mumbled, already getting mad. everybody looked at him. “you know how she is connie, she get mad easy, you get mad easy, y’all need to stop that shit.” mikasa shook her head, mixing some of her wine with orange juice, trying not to get too waisted again.

“straight up. y’all need to stop all that arguing and then fucking two hours after. ‘shit don’t make you happy, cus two days later yall finna be arguing bout the same shit.” jean spoke, eyes slowly getting pink from the smoke that burned his eyes from time to time.

connie stared at the floor. “i gotta piss.” he stood up to walk out of the basement.

~

you closed the fridge, opening the bottle of water to drink a little. “not tryna get drunk.” you whispered to yourself before downing the water.

you heard the bathroom door close as you leaned on the counter, wiping some water that dripped down the corner of your lips. you swallowed the last bit before staring down at the counter, exhaling and biting your lip.

you heard a noise behind you before turning your head, seeing connie.

you stared at each other for a couple seconds.

“what you doin in here?” you asked. “came to get space. thought you would’ve been back in the basement by now.” he said, opening the fridge to get a bottle of water. you stared at him and his movements, unintentionally backing away a little as he closed the refrigerator.

he paused and looked at you. “what’s wrong witchu?” he asked before drinking his water. “nothing.” you frowned at him. “why you acting like that?” he said quietly. you tilted your head forward. “like… what?” you leaned on the counter while looking at the ground.

connie shook his head, putting the water bottle back in the refrigerator before closing it again.

you looked at him as his back was towards you. you bit your lip softly. “you…” you started, but didn’t know what to say.

he raised his eyebrows at you, glancing at you.

“you still mad?”

he turned towards you and looked you in the eye. you didn’t know what he was thinking, just like all tonight.

“go back with the group before me.” was all he said before hopping on the counter.

you tilted your head a little. but choosing not to start another argument, you left the kitchen and went into the basement.

god, you wanted to punch him hard. and tell him how he really hurt you. but you wanted to kiss him, and tell him you forgave him, and how it was petty of you to do the things you did, and how you didn’t mean it.

“where’s connie?” sasha asked.

you looked at her and raised your eyebrows. “i didn’t know he left. ion know.” you said before sitting down.

everyone continued their conversation, and you stared at the ground, hands resting under your thighs. he really didn’t care anymore.

he didn’t.

you didn’t realize that your eyes were starting to burn. they also darted around the room, trying to make sure no one else saw you.

that’s when connie entered the room. his eyes only on you for a second before he walked over to ony, laughing at a joke he told.

your throat started to hurt and burn.

don’t cry. don’t cry. don’t cry. please don’t cry.

cry. cry. cry. cry. cry right now.

the same things repeating in your head. you inhaled deeply, looking at the ceiling.

you’ll be okay.

‘ex factor’ on REPEAT while making the last part. 😣 almost made myself cry shiddd.

part 4? :)

#aot headcanons #aot x reader #angst headcanons #connie springer #connie x reader #poc reader #aot angst #aot connie #connie springer x black reader #connie x black reader

[room13]

Celebration

Tangerine x F!Reader

Warnings: +18 smut, dirty talk, fluff

Tangerine came back home from a job the previous night, and the minute he and Lemon got off the airport and into his brother’s car the only place Tan could ever think of going to was your flat, and so he did. Lemon left him at your building’s front door and at that moment Tangerine felt like he could finally breathe again. The first thing he did once he entered your flat in the early hours of the morning was to go straight to the bathroom for a much-needed shower. Even though in his tired state he could simply just lie in bed and call it a night, he knew how much you hated when people laid in bed with street clothes or unshowered, so without thinking twice he entered your bathroom and took the warmest shower his body could handle. The last thing he remembered before sleep took over him was going to your bed - in all of his naked glory - and cuddling you tightly in his arms.

After a stressful 12-hour shift at work, the only thing you wanted the most was to get home and sleep. Fuck your 4th anniversary, fuck celebrations, and fuck everybody! Your new boss was a complete asshole and was getting incredibly difficult to find the motivation to get up every morning and face a job that used to be your biggest dream - which undoubtedly now was nothing but a nightmare.

“Fucking asshole! Can’t tell the difference between a needle and a toothpick, and now he wants to tell me how I’m supposed to do my job? Yeah, right. When you’re able to do your fucking job properly then you come talk to me, you little fucker” You murmured to yourself as you turned around to lock the front door.

The sweet scent of the roses was still absent to you as well as the imposing figure of the British man who now stood behind your frame with a dishcloth tossed over his shoulder.

“I can take care of him for you, poppet. It would only take me a bullet”

The thick accent made you jump in fright, and with your hand pressed against your chest, you slowly turned around to face your handsome boyfriend “Jesus Christ, Tan. Don’t sneak up on me like that! You almost gave me a heart attack”

“I’m sorry, love” He chuckled and pulled you in for a tight hug. Tangerine’s lips engulfed yours in a deep, loving kiss and soon enough you giggled at the feeling of his mustache tickling your upper lip.

“Do you want me to shoot him in the parking lot?” Tan asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Oh my god, no” You laughed before swatting his chest playfully when he asked “A beat down then? I can send him to the ICU so you can go there and turn off the machines” He smiled wickedly when your eyes widened in shock.

“Tan!” You reprimanded as he shrugged “What? It’s a good option!”

“Okay, that’s enough” You held back a faint chuckle as you pecked his lips “I appreciate the thought, even though it’s wicked and murderous. You k-“ You stopped mid-sentence once you caught a glimpse of the scenario behind your boyfriend.

The candlelit room and dozens of roses spread throughout the entire house was not something you’ve ever thought Tangerine would do. He doesn’t consider himself a ‘romantic man’ and made that very clear from the beginning of your relationship, but every time that man did something for you, you never failed to be amazed by how much of a hopeless romantic he is.

“Oh baby, this is beautiful! You did all of this for me? Tan, you’re so sweet” You caressed his cheek and laid a soft kiss on his exposed chest.

“Well, ya know, I was waiting for you to come home then I got a bit bored and did this” He waved his hands around the perfectly decorated living room “It’s nothing, really” Tangerine shrugged “It’s not a celebration or anything like that”

“So you’re telling me you didn’t do this because it’s our anniversary?” You squint your eyes playfully before pulling him closer to you by the waistband of his gray joggers.

“Is that today? Oh, who would’ve thought? I guess it’s just a mad coincidence, innit?” Tangerine shrugged again as his fingers began to massage the sore muscles of your neck.

“So you just bought dozens of roses for no reason?” You moaned softly at the perfect pressure he was applying to your tensed muscles.

“They were on sale” Tan teased with a playful smirk “I love when you moan for me” His growl was low and possessive against your lips and his hands instantly left your neck to take two handfuls of your ass.

“Yeah? Like this?” You moaned again, while Tan’s teeth tugged on your plumped bottom lip. His hands began to roam through your body, taking handfuls of your curves and exploring the body he has missed so much the last couple of weeks “Exactly like that, poppet. Fuck, you make me so hard for you”.

Your hands wandered down Tangerine’s body, feeling his chiseled torso beneath your fingertips. His hands traveled up your sides until they stopped at the back of your head, gripping two handfuls of hair, tugging at the scalp, and making you moan against his full lips.

“Fuck me, Tan. Make me your obedient little whore” Your whisper came out soft and sweet, lowly professing your lust as if it was a dark secret.

Tangerine’s growl earned a small giggle from you, that was easily replaced with a surprised gasp once your back hit the concrete wall behind you.

“Oh poppet, poppet” He tsked his tongue in disapproval “That naughty mouth of yours is going to put you in big trouble, little girl” Tangerine’s hand began to roam through your curves, pushing your uniform pants down your thighs and tapping your leg for you to kick the fabric away from your feet.

Your lips innocently smiled at him but your eyes held that teasing gleam that made Tangerine’s cock stir in his pants. “I was only asking for something simple” You begin, thumbs hooking on the waistband of your black cotton panties and dragging them down your thighs.

“And what are you asking for, love?” Tangerine smirked, eager to hear the dirty words spilling out of your mouth.

The pads of your middle and ring finger settled on your clit, drawing lazy circles on the bundle of nerves. Your free hand pulled Tangerine towards you until he was close enough for you to palm his hard cock through the sweatpants.

“I want this inside me, fucking me hard and deep enough for me to feel you here” You quickly touched your lower belly before closing your fist around Tangerine’s erection through the fabric, the firm pressure of your grip making him groan loudly “Fuck, poppet. That fucking mouth”

“Just think about it, Tan” You teased with a grin, “Think of how good your cock is going to feel slipping into something tight and warm”

Tangerine growls, quickly pushing his sweats down his muscular thighs and gripping his uncut length to rub it against your wet folds.

“I don’t want to think about it, love. I want to feel it” Tangerine pushed you up against the wall, firmly holding you against the concrete and tapping your thighs for you to lock them around his waist. He aimed his tip against your entrance, slowly teasing until he thrust into you with one swift motion.

“Oh fuck, yes. Jesus, you’re so fucking wet” Tangerine grunted against your lips, already settling a long and deep rhythm to his rapid thrusts. He made sure to let you feel his every inch coming in and out of you.

“Such a tight cunt, poppet” He nibbled on your bottom lip, “I love fucking you”

“Yeah?”

“Fuck yes! I’m fucking addicted to it” Tangerine’s thumb began to circle your clit, instantly making you melt against the wall.

“Look how good that cunt takes me. Takes the whole fucking thing. So warm, wet, and tight for me” He grunted, momentarily speeding the rhythm of his thrusts.

“I have a surprise for you” You giggled before moaning “Put your hand further back” You instructed and so Tangerine did.

His hand left your bundle of nerves to travel back towards your ass. Tangerine’s fingers slipped inside your spread ass cheeks and he growled upon feeling the tangerine shaped cool metal.

“Oh poppet, I’m gonna fucking ruin you tonight”

#tangerine x reader #tangerine x you #tangerine fluff #tangerine imagine #tangerine smut #tangerine bullet train #tangerine x y/n #tangerine fic #tangerine x plus size reader #tangerine blurb #tangerine fanfiction #bullet train x reader #bullet train x you #bullet train fanfic #bullet train imagine #bullet train tangerine

[moon4nge1]

[t h e_o t h e r_b o y]

Pairings! Tsukishima, Hinata, Osamu, Suna, Bokuto, Akaashi x gn!reader

CW! Implied cheating, suggestive, reader’s boyfriend is toxic [nothing goes into detail!], haikyuu boys being the other man, not proofread!

Notes! Woah I’m back from my little disappearance! Anyways, I don’t support cheating if you’re doing it just because you can! In these scenarios, the reader is in a toxic relationship, but can’t get out a put it! [doesn’t go into detail of relationship!]

Maybe part 2 with others..?

✧ ☽ ✧

As your phone rang on your nightstand, a groan left your lips as you knew who was calling you. You reached over to grab the phone…

Tsukishima smirked lazily at you, his hands slithering along your waist to pull to back to his chest. “Now why do you still give that loser the time of day?” He mumbled into the back of your neck, his lips brushing softly along the skin. A smile made your way to your lips as you turned your head slightly to look at the blond behind you. “Suki, he’s still my boyfri-“ before you could finish he cut you off with a scoff, “say that to me while you’re in my arms again, and I swear to you, you won’t be walking straight tomorrow.”

Despite Hinata’s jolly mood couple seconds ago, a frown immediately appeared when you slipped out of his arms. He knew it was wrong, to hold you when you’re in a relationship-even if it was toxic, he should’ve still respected it. But you were just too tempting to him, so tempting, he broke his morals for you. Snatching your phone out of your hands, he declined the call. “Sho!” You gasped, looking back at the boy in your bed, “why did you do that?” His frown deepened at your words, tossing your phone on the other side of your bed, he moved above you. Your back pressed back down on your bed as his hands rested on your hip, his thumb rubbing soft circles against the skin. “Why do you want to talk to him? Do you not enjoy talking to me?” He mumbled softly, his head dipping down to your neck to leave feather light kisses along the skin.

Osamu rolled his eyes as he let out a long sigh, rolling onto his back as he spread his arms out. He glanced over towards you, seeing you pick up the call from your boyfriend. Your smile dropped into a frown at whatever the bum was spitting to you through the phone, he watched, bitting along his bottom lip. Silently, his moved closer to you so you’re within his reach. Wrapping you in his arms securely, he pulled you back down into the plush mattress. Your eyes widen in surprise as you suppressed the gasp of shock. You quickly muted your mic, turning to the grey haired boy, “Samu! You know I’m on the phone” you whispered, but made no attempt to escape the grasp of his arms. “Unmute, let him hear what you sound like when you’re actually in love” he replied, a smirking forming on his face as he captured your lips with his.

Suna knew full well what he was doing, holding your phone in one hand as the other went to cover your mouth. The sound of your boyfriends voice came through the speakers of the phone and suna couldn’t help but laugh at it. “Seriously, what do you see in this guy?” He chuckled, shaking his head as he looked down at you. He took off speaker phone as he placed the phone to his ear, keeping his eyes locked on you, “hello?…ah, y/n?..hey now don’t be mad because you’re not the one in bed..” he laughed, and your eyes widened at his words. In a hurry, you snatched your phone back from the chocolate haired boy. “It’s not wh-“ you stopped mid sentence when you realized that nobody was on the phone. Embarrassment and anger filled you as looked up at boy, shoving his chest. “That’s not funny suna!” Even when you’re angry at him, he can’t help but smile. “Bunny, it’s everything what it sounds like.” He mumbled, leaning down to your lips.

The energetic Bokuto, who seemed to be in a much calmed mood, smiled widely as he held you firmly in his arms. He head buried into the crevice of your neck as he let out a deep exhale. Only when your started to shuffle your way away from him, did he peek open an eye. Seeing you reaching for the phone made him tug you back. “No. You don’t get to entertain other men when you’re with me” he pouted, pushing his head deeper in you neck and planting a couple kisses to the skin. “Ko..but you’re the other man im entertaining if we’re being honest” you mumbled, running a hand through his hair. With that sentence, he let out a dramatic gasp, raising his head to look at you. “No! Take that back y/n. I will not be the other man- I mean yes, technically I am, but! I will not accept that title” he grumbled, shaking his head. With a soft laugh leaving you, you nodded your head and pulled him back down to you. “Okay, fine you’re not the other man”

Akaashi’s sleep was interrupted by the annoying ring of your phone. “Turn it off” he grumbled, rolling over onto his back he made sure to move you with him. With a huff of small annoyance you squirmed around in his arms, “well I can’t if you keep pulling me along with you when you move!” You muttered, managing to pry away one of his arms. He only hummed in response, too tried to make a sentence until he heard the voice of your boyfriend come through your phone when you accepted the call. His eyes shot open as he snapped his head towards you, “you’re not seriously talking to that shithead at this hour” he muttered lowly, narrowing his eyes at you. You waved your hand dismissively to him in response, earning you another grumble. In a quick movement, Akaashi snatched the phone and hung up on the boy. “How can sleep when my Princess if talking to other boys?” He mumbled, pulling you back to him in a tight hug. “Kei! What the hell? Now I have to call him back!” You responded, shuffled around trying to reach your phone. “No, you don’t have to do anything but cuddle with me. Now go back to sleep”

©moon4nge1 - please do not steal, copy, or repost on any other platforms without my permission!

#moon4nge1 #haikyuu #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu headcanons #haikyu x reader #haikyuu hcs #haikyuu!! #haikyū!! #tsukishima kei #hinata shouyou #osamu miya #suna rintarō #bokuto koutarou #akaashi keiji #kei tsukishima #shouyou hinata #miya osamu #rintaro suna #koutarou bokuto #keiji akaashi #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu suna #haikyuu akaashi #haikyuu tsukishima #haikyuu osamu #haikyuu hinata #haikyuu bokuto #✧ -haikyuu!!

[rafeandonlyrafe]

the very first night

words: 700

warnings: toxic work environment

you’re rushing as quickly as you can, balancing two drink carriers, filled with coffee, some piping hot, others iced. you took everyones orders before you left the office, knowing if you didn’t get back quickly, before the ice had melted is what one of the bosses has said, that you would get in trouble. you were already running behind, the starbucks being incredibly busy.

you blame your nerves for not looking where you’re going. you briefly think that you’ve walked into a telephone pole, or maybe a street sign, but you realize mid fall it’s a hard body. you land on the ground, the drinks flying out of your arms, raining down on you in a mix of espresso and chocolate.

“fuck!” the figure shouts. somehow you missed getting any of your coffee on him, but his own coffee did spill a bit on his shirt, ruining the crisp white button down.

“i’m so sorry, i wasn’t looking i-” you can’t even finish your sentence as you let out a sob. the stress of your internship, mixing with his mishap, has you unable to hold back tears. 

“are you hurt?” the man bends down, and you get a real look at him through your tears. he’s handsome, probably close in age to yourself, with sandy blonde hair falling on either side of his forehead.

you shake your head no, but let out another sob, and it looks like he doesn’t believe you, giving a scan over your body. 

“i’m not mad.” he says, grabbing some of the coffee cups that now litter the ground, attempting to put them back in the carrier, but you know it’s pointless. too much time has passed and too much has spilled. you’re no doubt going to be fired from your internship.

“it’s not that.” you shake your head, trying to fling some of the coffee off your clothes. pointless. “that-” you have to take a deep breath to prevent yourself from crying again. “that was all for work. i’m an intern and they’re going to fire me now.” 

the man frowns, brows creasing together. “they’re going to fire you for an accident?” he asks, and you just nod. you know they will. they were a fast paced company, and don’t accept mistakes.

“i’m sorry.” the man sighs, then sticks out his hand. “i’m rafe.” “y/n.” you mutter his name, shaking his hand. you move to your feet, rafe rising with you. you look down out your outfit, brown splotches all over your previously pink dress.

“what company is this that would fire an intern for not bringing coffee back quick enough?” rafe asks.

you tell him the name, starting to pick up the cups to throw them in the trash. no point even going back now. you don’t want to face anyone, looking like this.

the corners of rafes mouth fall down into a frown. he helps throw a couple of the cups into a nearby trash can, including his own. he doesn’t feel like drinking it anymore.

“sorry again about your shirt.” you say with a sigh.

“it’s really no problem.” the shirt looks expensive, but rafe also looks like the type of guy to be able to afford staining a nice shirt.

“well. time to go figure out what i’m going to do with my life now.” it’s not like you enjoyed interning at that company anyways, and you certainly don’t want to work there full time, but it was your plan for the summer until college starts.

“hey.” rafe stops you before you can walk away. “let me give you my number, yeah? you can let me know how it turns out and i know a lot of the businessmen in town. i can help you find a better internship.”

“really?” you squeak. “you’d do that for me?” 

“of course”

-- three months later --

“rafe!” you shout, running up to him. you hold your phone in your hand, and read the headline out loud “cameron enterprises buys local company.”

rafe just smirks. “mhm.” “you bought the company that fired me. i know it was you who convinced your dad.” “it’s a good business move.” rafe shrugs. you’re not entirely sure how true that is. the company certainly wasn’t a serious competitor.

“but that’s not why was it?” you ask.

“not at all.” rafe smiles full on now, pulling you into him, pressing a kiss against your lips. “as soon as i saw the prettiest girl i’ve ever seen sitting on the ground, crying and covered in coffee, i knew i would end that company.”

#obxweek23 #reupload! #rafe fic #rafe fanfic #rafe fanfiction #rafe x reader #rafe cameron fic #rafe cameron fanfic #rafe cameron fanfiction #rafe cameron x reader #rafe cameron x you #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron blurb #rafe cameron drabble #rafe cameron one shot #rafe fluff #rafe cameron fluff #obx fic #outer banks fic

[bluehoodiewoozi]

Dreamers

Lee Seokmin (DK) x fem!reader

Genre: mostly fluff, with a hint of anxiety

Word Count: 10.9k

Wanings: food mentions. adult language. a few parts may come off as suggestive, but not really. y/n is an environmentalist but not vegan.

[Series: Serenity Street 17] Sleepwalking is a nasty issue. You find yourself in the correct building but wrong apartment, sharing a room with a ridiculously cute boy who seems to find it amusing.

Note: This one goes out to all of my ambitious girlies! Keep working towards your dreams!

The moment you stepped onto the evening bus you regretted the decision. 

With a bright smile, Sunny greeted you, rushing to move her bags into her lap so you could take the seat next to her, all while never once taking her eyes off you. Her brows rose in a questioning manner. You cursed under your breath as your neighbour’s usual warm smile morphed into a look of disbelief when you sank into the seat next to her.

With a sigh, you raised a hand to silence her. “I know.”

But she didn’t take the hint. “When was the last time you slept? Did you sleep at all last night?”

“Why do you keep asking questions you already know the answer to?” you whined and hugged your bag close to your chest. “I’m sure you heard me showering at 3 am.”

“The bags under your eyes aren’t supposed to make it look like you have a black eye,” she told you as if she hadn’t heard you at all, still eyeing you in worry. “How much did you sleep? You look worse than Jeonghan when he thought I was mad at him.”

“Does it matter?” You huffed. “At least I’m getting some rest.” 

“I think it only counts as rest if you actually get 8 hours of sleep every once in a while,” she countered with a snicker, “which, by the looks of it,” she gave you a once-over, followed by a disappointed a sigh, “you haven’t had in years.”

“I sleep just fine. I’m healthy, I am productive,” you defended and tightened your hold on your bag. “Sleep is for the weak anyway.”

Sunny rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder how you’re friends with me but not Jihoon. Your mentality is almost identical.”

“Listen, somebody has to do the work. And unlike some, I’d actually like my work to amount to something bigger than an average paycheck that barely covers my bills. I have ambitions. I want to make the world a better place.”

“Honey, at this rate you’re not gonna live long enough to see your ambitions come to life,” she grumbled under her breath and linked your arms. “It’s okay to rest every once in a while. Take a week off from work and actually just do something fun for a change.”

You grimaced. “I’d rather not. Messes with my groove.”

Sunny had no words left to say. She stared at you with a wide mouth for a moment before sputtering, “How– How are we friends?”

“Fate brought us together so you could nag me at all possible hours,” you joked, looking out the window now to avoid missing your stop. “But seriously, I don’t need to rest. I love my job and my colleagues and I’m making a change.”

“You should at least go to sleep early tonight.”

“Can’t. I have a big report due next week and I don’t want to miss my deadlines.”

Her gaze hardened immediately as she cursed, “Why, you little–”

“Hey!”

“I’m just worried about you,” she mumbled through a pout just as your bus arrived at your shared destination. With a begrudging sigh, she unlinked your arms and gave you an encouraging pat on the shoulder as the two of you stood up and walked over to the door “Well, I guess it’s your life. But I swear–” she pointed at your face, eyes squinted in a glare; she interrupted herself mid-sentence, “no, I vow that if you collapse under the stress, I’ll personally go and hand in a letter of resignation in your name.”

You scoffed at her empty promises, smiled, and stepped off the bus. You had no doubt you would be just fine and she was overreacting over nothing. She couldn’t wrap her mind around your work ethic and goals – she was built of an entirely different wood.

Then again, you couldn’t deny you often felt a little jealous of her. The nagging feeling hit once again when you looked up to find Jeonghan standing at the gate of your building, his smile widening the closer Sunny and you got to him. You envied that she had found – through trials and tribulations, you’d admit – a perfect man to brighten her days while you had no time to even contemplate romance.

“How was your day, my beautiful lady?” Jeonghan greeted your neighbour with a sweet kiss on her forehead before taking her bag and leading her inside with a hand on her back. He didn’t forget to offer you a welcoming smile and a friendly “good evening” as well, both of which you returned.

“Are you going to the 5th floor tonight?” you asked them as the three of you trudged up the stairs and they made no effort to walk to her apartment. 

Sunny nodded. “It’s movie night and he has the bigger TV.”

Jeonghan let out a loud ‘ha!’ and grinned at her victoriously. “So you admit it. My TV’s better than yours!”

“That’s–” She sighed deeply. “That is not the point right now–”

“How is it not?”

Unable to continue watching their lovers’ quarrel, you hummed and waved them goodbye before promptly unlocking your apartment, walking in, and quickly locking it again as if their bickering or cheesy nicknames could otherwise follow after you. 

You had far more important things to do, after all. 

With a tired sigh, you warmed up some of last night’s leftovers and opened your laptop. The familiar Times New Roman font on your screen prompted a soft groan, but still you squared your shoulders and got to work. 

If you were quick, you’d get this done way before the deadline. Maybe you could even go to work in the morning with a nearly finished report! You smiled at the thought. 

But life doesn’t always go as expected. 

You thought you were old enough to know this fact already. After all, when had life ever followed your expectations? It seemed to enjoy throwing curve balls right at your head.

You woke up with a splitting headache at 7 am, an hour before your usual alarm. It was strange – you concluded so as you stared at the time on your phone through a squint. With a soft huff, you let the phone drop back onto the mattress and your head onto the pillows.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” you then heard a voice.

Your eyes snapped open. There was someone in your room. 

The voice sounded apologetic as it continued in a whisper, “It’s okay. I didn’t mean to make any noise. Sorry. Let me just get my shirt and–”

You sat up abruptly to stare at the intruder – a handsome familiar-looking man shuffled around the walk-in closet. Worst of all – he was shirtless. You dreaded to think of what had happened the night before.

“Who– Who are you?” you stuttered out, instinctively lifting the blanket higher against your torso despite the fact that you were fully clothed. “Why are you in my apart–” 

Then it hit you. The worst of the worst realities. 

“Holy shit, this isn’t my apartment!” you screamed and jumped out of bed to apologise profusely. “I’m so so sorry! I had no idea! I don’t how–”

“Hey, hey!” The man – now wearing a crispy white button-up shirt – walked out of the closet hurriedly, a worried smile on his face as he rushed to comfort you with a gentle hand on your back, leading you to sit back on the bed. “It’s okay.” He let out a laugh. “I was going to let you sleep for a while more. It’s okay.”

You had no clue how he could be so calm about this. What the hell happened last night?!

You stuttered. You sputtered. You gasped for air like a fish out of the water. You were on the verge of a panic attack at 7 am in the morning and he was smiling, all while patting and rubbing your back like it was the most natural thing. 

“Why am I here?” you eventually managed to breathe out. You hated to admit that his calm and friendly nature was helping you adjust to the situation.

He raised a brow, his soothing movements stopping. “I was hoping you could answer that.” 

When you made no move to do so and only offered him a puzzled look, he shrugged. “I woke up to someone trying to unlock my door at 2 am. Almost cried, actually, but then I heard a knock and Mingyu telling me to open the door, so I did and you…” He gestured widely to his room. “Well, you came in and went straight to bed as if it was your own home. I didn’t know what to do but Mingyu and I figured you needed to rest.”

You stared at him with a dropped jaw. “You didn’t think to call the police?”

“Well,” he grimaced, “I was going to but you really looked like you needed to sleep.” He gave you a worried look, inspecting your face. “You still do, actually. Do you sleep at all, like, outside of my bed?”

“I sleep plenty,” you scoffed and got out of the bed, wiping your face with your sleeves as if to rid it of any evidence that might suggest otherwise. With an awkward look, you bowed and began heading out. “Well, thank you for… your hospitality. I’ll get going. I’m sorry for bothering you. This won’t happen again.”

Before he could say another word, you slammed the door shut behind you and began heading… where were you heading?

You looked around the hallway. It was still your building. You could recognise these hallways even in your sleep. A quick glance informed you that you had just stepped out of apartment 1D – the apartment directly below yours.

You groaned as the realisation sank in that you could never visit the first floor without feeling awkward again. With a sigh, you headed up the stairs to your own apartment.

“Isn’t that Seokmin’s apartment?” Sunny pointed out when you told her of your horrible adventure on the bus home from work later that day. She frowned a little as she tried to recall exactly who lived there. 

“Whoever it was, at least it wasn’t Jihoon.” You shuttered to even think about it.

Sunny grimaced. “Yeah, I’d be bailing you both out of jail right about now.” She then shrugged. “Yeah, I think that’s Seokmin’s apartment. He really just let you stay the night there?”

“Apparently?” You wanted to laugh at the insanity of the situation. “I have no recollection of what happened or how I ended up there. The last thing I remember is working on my report in my kitchen and then waking up in a shirtless man’s apartment.”

“Shirt–” She almost broke her neck at the speed she turned her head to look at you with wide eyes. “He was shirtless when you woke up?!”

“He was getting dressed for work–”

“Well, is he hot?!”

You had never wanted to throw someone out of a moving vehicle so much before. “Is this what you’re focusing on right now? I’m going through a crisis here!”

“Yeah but–”

“You literally have a boyfriend!”

“Yeah, but–” She paused mid-excuse and nodded her head in acknowledgement. “Right. You have a point there.”

“How did I possibly end up in his apartment at night without remembering it?” you contemplated, leaning your head back against the seat. “I can’t think of a single explanation.”

“It is weird,” Sunny hummed in agreement as the bus rolled to your stop. The two of you got off. 

“Where’s Jeonghan?” you wondered in surprise upon not seeing him all the way up to the second floor.

Sunny shrugged, still deep in thought about your predicament. “I don’t know. Probably causing trouble with Junhui again. Possibly getting on Joshua’s or Hyesoo’s nerves. Maybe he stole someone’s mail or took the hinges off someone’s door. Not my problem.”

You could only stare at her in absolute wonder. “He’s your boyfriend.”

“He’s his own person.” She then clapped her hands together in revelation, stopping in her steps in the middle of the hallway. “Didn’t you say you used to sleep-walk as a kid? I swear you mentioned it over coffee once.”

You nodded. “Yeah, but it hasn’t happened in a literal decade.”

“Who’s to say it didn’t happen again last night?” she suggested with a shrug. “By the way, do you wanna come over for coffee and cake? Jeonghan bought one on sale because the expiration date is today, but it’s sort of giant.”

After contemplating for a moment (more of a debate really, won by the grumbling of your stomach), you agreed and followed her into her apartment. 

As the two of you walked into the kitchen, she continued, “All I’m saying is that there’s a lot going on in your life right now and maybe it all worked together – the stress, the lack of sleep, you get the gist – and now you’re sleepwalking again.”

“I sincerely doubt it.”

“You should see a doctor about that,” Jeonghan suggested. You jumped in your spot before finding him sitting at the dining table, fully focused on assembling a lego set. He continued without a care in the world, “Sleepwalking can be a serious issue.”

Your eyes narrowed. “Why are you here?”

He finally glanced up to offer you an amused look and a chuckle. “I’m her boyfriend. Where else would I be?”

“I invited her over for coffee and cake,” Sunny informed him with a kiss on his cheek. “Play nice.”

“Yes, princess,” he spoke in reply before turning back to you. “But I would really go to the doctor if I was you. If it’s bad enough that you wake up in someone else’s apartment, it’s bad enough to warrant a doctor’s visit.”

You felt yourself pale, your blood running both ice cold and lava hot. “How– Why do you know that?”

“It’s the talk of the town,” he joked before waving his joke off. “Just kidding. I met Seokmin on my way to the store earlier and he told me. He seemed worried about you.”

“So it is Seokmin!” Sunny cheered victoriously. “I knew it! I told you!”

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Good job.”

“Thanks.”

You sat down at the table and slumped in the chair. “But if I’m sleepwalking, why did I go to his apartment?”

“Isn’t it right below yours?” Jeonghan pointed out like it was obvious. “Asleep you probably thought you were going to your own apartment. You just mixed up the floors.”

“So,” you sighed and rubbed the bridge of your nose before meeting his eyes and maintaining eye contact, “what you’re suggesting is that I fell asleep–”

“Yes.”

“–in my apartment–”

“Mhm.”

“–then left my apartment for some reason–”

“That much seems obvious.”

“–and then went to Seokmin’s apartment–”

“For some reason, yes.”

“–one level below my own?”

Eyes widening, he hummed at the slight error in the logic. “You do have a point. Why would you leave your own apartment to go to your apartment?”

“My head hurts just listening to this,” Sunny informed the two of you while serving the cake. As a slice fell over on a plate she quickly assigned to Jeonghan, she suddenly suggested, “What if you thought you were going on a walk and then returned home?”

Jeonghan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he began recounting, “So, what you think happened is that she fell asleep–”

“I’m going to kick the both of you out if you start again,” his girlfriend declared all of a sudden, pointing a knife in his direction. “I’m serious.”

“It is a reasonable guess though,” you decided as Sunny placed a plate of cake in front of you. “I do love going on walks when I’m stressed.”

“Then–”

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. You watched in mild amusement as Sunny and Jeonghan silently argued over who should open the door and if they should open the door at all. Eventually, to your surprise, Jeonghan relented and got up with a slight groan. The moment he was out of the kitchen, Sunny stole his seat across from you.

“I think the worst part is that I don’t know how to face him again, like ever,” you started the conversation again while taking a bite of the cake. “It was so awkward.”

“Speaking of awkward,” Jeonghan announced and led the newest guest into the apartment. The now familiar feeling of both ice and lava in your veins made a new appearance as you recognised the visitor. Your spoon dropped back on the table.

Seokmin offered you a friendly smile and a wave. “Ah, so that’s where you are. I tried your door but no one answered so I wondered if I had the wrong place.”

“You–” That was the only syllable you managed to voice. Your brain was scattered, filled with pictures of the awkward morning as well as a single fluttering butterfly carrying an obnoxious sign that said ‘he cares’. You gulped. 

Thankfully, Sunny stepped in. She smiled brightly and ushered Seokmin to take a seat while she found an extra plate. 

“I wasn’t going to come and bother anyone–” he tried to reject the offer of cake, but failed to. He was too friendly for his own good – just like the rumours around the building often said. He sat in the seat Sunny had preoccupied just seconds ago, right across from you, and smiled at her. “Well, if you insist.”

“What can I do?” Jeonghan sighed and theatrically looked away as he started his monologue. “Everyone loves my girlfriend so much. How can I possibly keep her–”

“Stop being melodramatic and come eat, idiot,” Sunny laughed and took the seat next to you. “So, Seokmin, what brings you to my friend over here?”

Seokmin opened his mouth to reply before turning to you and softly asking, “Is it okay to talk about it here?”

Sunny chuckled. “About her waking up in your apartment? Go ahead. I think everyone in the building knows already.”

“Oh.” He offered you an awkward-looking smile. “Well, sorry about that. I only mentioned it to Mingyu and Jeonghan but I guess– Nevermind. I just wanted to tell you to not worry about it.” His smile brightened, genuine and full of warmth all of a sudden. “We all have rough days – and rough nights – and I’m just glad you got some rest.”

“I have one question,” Jeonghan raised his arm before asking, “where did you sleep?”

“Me?” Seokmin shrugged. “The sofa. There was a woman in my bed.”

You somehow felt both worse and better than before. At least you knew he didn’t hold a grudge – after all, he seeked you out just to tell you it had been fine – but at the same time: you made this poor man sleep on the sofa instead of his objectively comfortable bed.

“I’m so sorry–”

“I said it’s fine,” he laughed and reached out to pat your hand. “I really don’t mind. You looked like you were sleeping very well. But–” he tilted his head in thought, a slight frown appearing, “–is it possible you were sleepwalking? You didn’t react at all last night, to anything. You just… brushed past us like we weren’t even there. I don’t know if you even had your eyes open.”

Sunny all but slammed her spoon on the table to give you a haughty look. “Yep. Told you. You were sleepwalking.”

You frowned. “I guess it’s possible.”

“Should I…” Seokmin scrunched up his nose in thought. “Should I maybe keep a look out in case this happens again?”

Immediately you shook your head. “No. No need. It was a one-time thing. A fluke. It was nothing. Won’t happen again.” In your attempts to not look at him, you happened to eye the clock. Your jaw dropped. “Oh. I should go home. I have–”

“–a report due in a week and deadlines to meet,” Sunny finished for you with a laugh. “I know, I know. Go.”

Jeonghan spoke up as well, “Take the plate and another slice of cake before you go. I want to know you eat at least a little between your work.”

You did as you were told and made your escape without another word, not even a goodbye to Seokmin. 

You had no time to feel guilty or consider that your heart fluttered a little at the thought of him coming to find you. Once again, you buried your feelings into lines of Times New Roman in your report.

“Oh, you come here too?” you heard his voice just two days later at the grocery store. 

It was a little surprising to find him there: the store was a good mile further from the one closest to your building. Like a startled owl, you stared and blinked at him in the cereal aisle. 

As you opened your mouth to respond, he chuckled and looked away at the cereals. “Don’t worry. You don’t have to talk to me. I just needed to get some Fruit Loops and figured I might as well say hi.” He placed the cereal in question into his basket and offered you one more friendly smile and a playful wave. “So, hi!”

“Hi,” you managed to drag out as you lifted your hand in a wave. 

With a chuckle, he turned and headed away to the next aisle. You thought you were free from him for the day. 

But alas: you found him again when you went to get eggs. He seemed to be contemplating between two brands. You tried your best to go unnoticed as you searched for your favourite local free range brand. To you dismay, he stood right in front of the eggs you seeked. 

“Excuse me,” you started and tapped his shoulder when he didn’t seem to notice.

He smiled upon recognising you. “Yeah?”

“Could you move? I want those eggs.”

“The expensive ones?” He raised an eyebrow and handed you a carton. “They’re almost triple the price of the store brand.”

“But they’re free range and locally sourced. You should try them,” you explained with the slightest bit of enthusiasm before placing eggs into your cart and walking away in the direction you thought him least likely to follow. 

You truly thought you were free of him when you went to the checkout, but once again, as if tasked by god himself to be wherever you went, Seokmin was in front of you in queue, meticulously placing his items on the counter. As he turned to put away his basket, his eyes found yours and a bright smile appeared on his face. “Oh, it’s you again!”

“It’s me again,” you replied with an awkward laugh. 

“Are you leaving too?” he wondered while fishing his bag for his wallet. When you nodded, his eyes lit up. “Do you need a ride home?”

Your eyes widened. “A ride?” 

Why was he offering you a ride home? Why was he so friendly with you at all? You had broken into his apartment – in the eyes of the legal system anyway – and he was smiling at you like you were a beloved friend. 

“Of course. We should stick together, no? We’re neighbours, after all– Hold on,” he interrupted himself to respond to the cashier, “Yes, by card please.Thank you.”

“You might have to wait a moment then,” you finally relented when he turned to you once again, eyes resembling a puppy. His smile widened at your words and he nodded. 

The ride home was short and awkward. You greatly feared he would try to retaliate for the emotional damage you might’ve caused by sleeping in his apartment. To your relief, he did not such thing and only continued cheerfully chattering.

“–but I feel like a dog would be too much work, you know? I love dogs but I don’t have that kind of time.” He offered you a glance. “Do you have any pets?”

You scrunched up your face in thought as the car rolled to a stop in the parking lot of the building. “I have a cactus.”

“... Does it have a name?”

Eager to not disappoint, you blurted out the first name that came to mind: “Bertha.” You shut your eyes in shame.

But as the two of you got out of his small red car, he laughed. “Bertha? Sounds lovely. Is she high-maintenance?”

“Very.”

“Yeah?”

You decided you liked his laughter and the bright smile that came with. “Easier than a dog though.”

He laughed louder at that and handed you your grocery bags. “I bet. Maybe I should get a cactus too.”

“I highly recommend,” you chuckled, finding his laughter contagious. “It’s very fulfilling to watch it do absolutely nothing all-year-round.”

When the two of you got into the hallway, he paused in front of the staircase. As you were about to ask him about it, he asked, “Do you need help with your bags?”

“No, I’m–”

“They look heavy.” He frowned before holding up a single finger, jogging over to his door, dropping his singular bag in front of it, and running back to you. Before you could formally protest, he grabbed the bags from your hands and began the journey up the stairs. When you froze in your spot, he turned to ask, “Well, aren’t you coming? Or were you going to sleep at mine again?”

Your face burned at the teasing comment. You decided following after him was the lesser evil. 

“There we go,” he cheered when the two of you reached your door. He rubbed his hands against his thighs a few times, awkwardly like a schoolboy, before smiling and waving goodbye. “I guess this is goodbye for the day. It was nice talking to you.”

You didn’t manage to even thank him before he was already halfway down the stairs. Maybe you made him as nervous as you made him. As you went to sleep that night, you replayed the interaction over and over again in your head, failing to hide a smile at the memory.

The valley of the mattress had a hold over you. You had never been so comfortable waking up – well, with the exception of maybe once or twice. 

The pillows were the perfect temperature, the blanket hugged you just right, the big teddy bear you hugged to your chest smelled fresh out of the washing machine– 

“Since when do I have a teddy bear?” you grumbled in confusion and pried your eyes open. You felt all blood rush away from your face as you looked at the bear – light brown with a baby blue bow, its eyes shining up at you. 

You had never even seen this bear before.

Cursing under your breath, you glanced around the room. You were back in your very own personal hell full of flowing beige curtains, white unfamiliar sheets, and teddy bears: the hell known as Seokmin’s apartment.

The realisation brought tears of frustration to your eyes, but you were too stubborn to let them loose. It was barely 8 am but you were already on the verge of crying – what a joke.

Wiping your eyes, you all but slammed the bear down on the bed (you’ll never admit you did feel a little bad about it seconds later and gave it a little pat on the head) and stood up. You stumbled out of the bedroom and towards the front door. 

As you reached for the doorknob – the final obstacle on your journey out of hell –, you heard his voice, sweet as honey like always, “Oh, you’re not going to stay for breakfast?”

You froze.

“I made extra waffles and all,” he added, sounding a little dejected. You didn’t have the heart to tell him no, so you sighed softly and turned around to give him a tight-lipped not-quite-genuine smile. His own grin brightened at the sight. “Is that a yes? You’ll stay?”

“Only for the waffles,” you lied and took a seat at his table. 

He laughed and placed a plate of fresh food in front of you before taking the seat across from you. “Not because you don’t want me to feel bad?”

“No,” you grabbed a fork and began filling it with food, “I just don’t like food waste.”

“Oh, right! Minghao said you work for an environmental company. That sounds cool.”

“Yeah?” You swallowed your food. “What about you? What do you do for work?”

He cleared his throat as though the question had caught him by surprise and he was too shy to say. After a moment of silence, he bashfully admitted, “I’m a music teacher at primary school.”

You blinked in surprise. “A music teacher?”

“Well, I wanted to be a singer– a musical actor, actually,” he explained, his voice fluctuating in volume and his ears bright red, “but I’m a little too shy to audition. So I just stuck with teaching others to sing.”

“That’s so cool though,” you told him with a smile. “Are you good at singing?”

His ears seemed to turn an even deeper red. “My friends think so but I don’t know. I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”

“Then why not audition? You only live once.”

He seemed thoughtful all of a sudden, watching your increasingly awkward self. You were just about ready to apologise for your possibly intrusive question when he softly asked, “Why not rest and live a little? You only live once, right?” 

The question felt awfully pointed and you didn’t fail to let him know with a glare. 

“I’m serious,” he declared, his lips pouting a little as if he was actually upset at your lack of self-care. “Whenever I see you, you’re always rushing somewhere. The only person you seem to be friends with is Sunny, and maybe Jeonghan by association.”

You opened your mouth to defend yourself. “I’m also friends with Minghao–”

“He barely even leaves his apartment. He doesn’t count.”

“He counts!”

“Do I count?”

“Of course you–” Your eyes widened as did his smile. 

“We’re friends now!” he declared while pointing an accusatory finger at you, his voice raising in excitement. You began to protest but he was having none of it. “No take-backs! We’re friends – you just said so!”

“I didn’t actually–”

“Nope. No. We’re friends.” He narrowed his eyes at you, his smile never fading. “Or do you just sleep in random guys’ beds?”

You wanted to protest, you really did, but there’s only so much you can say to defend yourself against such accusations. Besides, his bright smile at your defeated nod could’ve won awards.

Accidentally waking in his apartment didn’t end. No. In fact, it somehow got worse.

Once every week quickly turned into once every few days. You were tempted to start keeping track of how often you woke up in your own bed but one could assume the numbers wouldn’t be too impressive. 

You grew accustomed to the smell of his detergent and the smell of breakfast in the mornings. Was this what it might’ve been like to be in a relationship? 

“How come you’ve never dated anyone?” he wondered once over breakfast.

You shrugged. “I don’t have the time.”

“Too busy saving the world?” he teased like he often did. Over time you stopped finding it annoying (perhaps because he sounded almost genuinely proud of you every time he said it). 

“I assume you don’t get a lot of dates either,” you bit right back between bites of pancakes.

He seemed to be taken aback by your observation. “What makes you think that?”

“You sleep with a teddy bear, Seokmin,” you deadpanned. 

He pouted. “Fluffy is a premium sleep companion.”

You laughed. “Is he?”

“You steal him every other night!” he accused with a chuckle. “I’m sure you know how great he is by now.”

“He’s truly a– What did you say? A premium sleep companion?”

“That’s what the label said when I got him.”

“Maybe I should invest in a bear too,” you wondered thoughtfully between bites. 

Seokmin raised an eyebrow. “Then why don’t you?”

“No ti–”

“If you make the ‘no time’ excuse again, I will scream,” he said with in utmost seriousness. You promptly shut up: Seokmin’s lung capacity was well-known by everyone in the building.

After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat. “You know, if it’s physical contact that you need to sleep– Nevermind. How are the pancakes?”

Whether it was to save your or his dignity, you chose to ignore his first comment and answered only the last question, “Their colour is nicer than usual. I like the golden colour.”

“I guess the free range eggs really do make a difference,” Seokmin mused with a chuckle. When you offered him a surprised look, he hummed in confusion. “What?”

“You bought free range eggs? Didn’t you say they were too expensive last time?”

He shrugged. “I figured I might as well try to make some more ethical choices while shopping. Besides, you recommended them–”

Your eyes welled up a little. “You bought more expensive eggs because I recommended them?”

“And because I care for animals,” he added in a little too fast. 

You laughed and nodded. “For the animals, right. Me too.”

“Do you ever rest from your work?” he wondered after a moment. “What do you do outside of it?”

“I… don’t know. I read. I like to clean.”

“But what about going to festivals? Swimming? Cycling? Dancing?” He grew more and more desperate as you rejected every hobby he offered. “No wonder you’re so tired all of the time! You’re a workaholic.”

You snorted. “Sunny did say I’m similar to Jihoon.”

“I didn’t think it was this bad.”

“I think he’s worse though.”

“Oh, definitely, but he doesn’t go to sleep in his neighbours’ beds,” Seokmin pointed out with a look of worry. As he watched you for an exactly uncomfortable amount of time, his eyes eventually lit up again. “I have an idea. What are you doing tomorrow evening?”

“Working–”

“I swear if I hear that word one more time, I will scream.”

You, once again, promptly shut up. 

“Great,” he beamed and clapped his hands together, “I’ll text you to details later.”

“You’re not even going to tell me what we’re doing?”

You sighed in disappointment as he smiled brightly and shook his head ‘no’. 

A knock on your door notified you of his arrival. Despite being sure it wasn’t meant to be a date and knowing that Seokmin had seen you in far worse condition, you still took a deep breath and gave yourself a quick once-over at the mirror.

When you opened the door, he smiled at you brightly. “I see you’ve dressed up too.”

“I would hardly call this dressed up,” you told him rather sheepishly, suddenly even more aware of you appearance. “You look very dapper as well.”

“Yep, and do you want to know why?” 

“Why?”

His smile widened so much you worried for his cheeks. “Because you and I are going to the theatre.”

“The theatre?” You paled at the mention and looked down at your outfit. “I feel like I’m underdressed then.”

“You look fine,” he laughed and grabbed your hand. “Let’s go or we’ll be late. And trust me,” he widened his eyes for dramatic effect, “you don’t want to be late.”

You gave in begrudgingly and locked the door as fast as you could while he practically bounced at your side in excitement. 

“What are we going to watch then?” you finally remembered to ask when you entered the theatre less than 15 minutes later. “I swear, if you dragged me here to watch an opera–”

“It’s a musical, actually,” he admitted bashfully. “I love musicals and I don’t know much about other theatre performances so I thought– But if you don’t like musicals, that’s–”

“I don’t mind musicals,” you told him with a little laugh and pat on his shoulder. “But I have to admit, it has been ages since my last time at the theatre, and I haven’t seen a musical in a few years at least.”

“That’s fine. I’ll guide you through it.” And as if the last shy bone had left his body, he grabbed your hand and led you to your seats, all the while widely smiling at you and giving your hand periodical squeezes of encouragement. 

His hand never left yours for the duration of the musical, not even for intermission, not even when he ordered cake from the theatre café to hold you over until after the show. His hand remained warm in yours, fingers squeezing a little tighter every once in a while, his thumb running over the back of your hand. 

It was so warm, so comforting. Just his presence alone was enough to make you dizzy with the feeling of safety and happiness. His touch? You were floating on cloud 9 with zero regard for what was going on below – or on the stage, for that matter.

Frankly, you could barely remember to watch the musical because you were so busy marvelling at the feel of his hand in yours. 

“That was so good,” he excitedly told you as the two of you returned to your apartment. “The music was phenomenal.”

“The actors were very good.” And that was the only contribution you could make to the conversation because you definitely hadn’t paid any attention to the plot and your knowledge of music was simply not there.

But thankfully, that seemed to be far more than enough. His eyes gleamed as he sat onto your sofa and gestured widely while speaking, “Right? The leading woman was just– Incredible, fantastic. Her range! I’m a little jealous, actually.”

You took the seat next to him. To your surprise, his hand found yours once again, wasting no time in interlocking your fingers. And just like that, paying attention to anything else became difficult. 

Were you really developing a crush on him? Just like that? You refused. You were too busy to be pining after a man. 

But when slid closer to your side and looked at you like you were the most wonderful person to ever exist, you suddenly didn’t care about the lack of time. Screw it. You’d make time if it meant you got to see his star-filled eyes again. 

“... Sorry, what?” you coughed out when he paused and looked at you expectantly.

He laughed. “You’re so cute. I asked if you wanted to go see another musical with me someday.”

“I’d love to,” you blurted out without thinking. 

Yeah. Screw deadlines. 

“Okay, perfect!” His smile brightened up the entire room as he rested his head on your shoulder. “Because I heard they’re doing Excalibur next season and I desperately need a friend to go watch it with me. I saw the premise and heard a preview of one of the songs and they’re holding auditions next month and I am already obsessed–”

Your brain was barely functioning at all, and yet you could recall one single memory from the depths of it. A dream he had shared. “Then why don’t you audition?”

He sat up abruptly, looking at you as if you were insane. “I couldn’t possibly–”

“Why not?” you asked. “I heard you singing the other day. You’re really good. I think you could get any part pretty easily.”

His ears turned more red with every word you said. “You flatter me…”

“I’m serious, Seokmin!”

“I’m not that good. And I have zero acting experience, aside from a few courses I did in college. Why would they ever pick me?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” you countered and he scoffed.

“I can think of a few–”

“You never know if you don’t try,” you told him and raised your hand to brush a stray hair off his forehead. “I’m rooting for you.”

As your words faded into the night and your eyes met, you wondered if he could feel the sparks flying and bursting all around you as well. Did he also feel that overwhelming adoration for you? 

He sighed after a while, a bashful smile on his face. “You must be tired. It’s been a long night. Go to sleep.”

“I really should,” you yawned as if on cue. You shared a laugh at the timing.

He squeezed your hand one last time. “Well, good night then. I expect I’ll find you at my apartment in the morning–”

“Or you could stay here and we don’t have to worry about that,” you blurted without thinking. Your face flashed hot right after. 

Had there been any alcohol in that cake he bought for you? Why were you feeling so bold all of a sudden? 

“I–” He seemed speechless.

“I don’t know why I said that,” you rushed out and avoided his eyes. “I think I’m just really tired and work has been stressful and maybe my brain is just broke–”

He placed his hand behind your neck and led your head to rest against his chest as he rubbed comforting circles on your back. You could hear his body rumble with laughter as he held you. “I’d love to stay over. Besides,” he pushed you away just enough to look you in the eyes again, “I think it’s only fair that I get to sleep over this once, because you sleep over at my place a lot.”

You frowned and pouted. “It’s not like I mean to–”

“A lot,” he repeated with wide eyes and a teasing smile before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “But it’s okay. I don’t mind.”

When you recounted the half-embarrassing and yet half-lovestruck happenings of the previous night to Sunny on the way back from work, she stared at you in bafflement.

“You actually asked him to sleep over?” she gasped, hand over her heart as if she was a peasant woman of the 16th century hearing the most scandalous gossip. “You little vixen!”

“Nothing happened,” you insistently told her as the two of you stepped off the bus.

She huffed. “That’s honestly so boring. I mean, have you seen that man? What I wouldn’t give to–”

“I am once again reminding you that you already have a boyfriend.”

“You don’t know what we’re into in the bedroom,” she countered with a smirk.

You only now realised how much Jeonghan was rubbing off on her. She was becoming a second him, slowly but surely. Couple of the year.

“I’m taking away your friend privileges, Sunny,” you told her at that and rushed ahead to avoid hearing any more weirdly Jeonghan-like jokes from her. 

She laughed at that before running after you. “Okay, okay, no more dirty jokes.”

“Thank god,” you sighed towards the sky.

“So, did any sleepwalking occur?” she then asked before humming in thought. “Well, I imagine if it had, I would’ve heard about it by now. It would’ve been quite a sight to see Seokmin running after an asleep you towards his apartment at 2 am.”

“I didn’t sleepwalk.” 

And frankly, if you had, Seokmin must have done a very good job of getting you back to your own bed because you woke up exactly how and where you fell asleep – wrapped in his arms, head resting in the crook of his neck. 

Sunny suddenly stopped in spot. Her eyes wide, her lips parted. She pointed an accusatory finger at you, “Wait, does that mean you two are dating now?”

You weren’t sure you had the answer. And you wouldn’t have time to find the answer for a while.

“Good morning!” you heard Seokmin’s voice before you even opened your eyes.

Unlike the previous few times, disappointment filled you as realisation hit. You groaned and turned over to bury your face in his numerous pillows, hoping you could suffocate yourself out of a mildly infuriating nightmare.

Seokmin clicked his tongue. “Not quite the greeting I was expecting, especially considering I was greeted with a hug the last time we shared a bed.”

“Shut it.”

“Oh, you’re mean today.”

“Did I fall asleep mid-work again?” you sighed and slowly sat up to glare at nothing in particular. Seokmin went to great lengths to avoid whatever direction to directed your deadly look to. “God, I bet I didn’t even make it to the second graph– I’m not gonna have time to go to the office for work today.”

He stared at you curiously. “So, work from home? I mean, if you have the possibility.”

“Yeah, but then I’ll get distracted and then I still won’t end up doing anything,” you whined before falling back into the pillows. You wanted to cry just at the thought of that stupid report waiting on your idle laptop. 

“Why are you so stressed about this report anyway? I don’t think you were ever this upset over any other reports.”

“If this project report goes through, and we pull off this project – which I still have to plan, oh my god, I am so far behind–”

Seokmin laughed at your frantic movements and moved over to place his hands on your shoulders and keep you still. “Hey, hey, don’t get distracted. If the project goes through…?”

You took a deep breath. “If the project goes well, I will get a promotion. Less hours, better pay.” You sighed. “Then maybe I’ll be able to get a dog like I’ve always wanted.”

“That sounds wonderful! We should celebrate with breakfast,” he suggested with a wiggle of his eyebrows. 

But as tempting as it sounded, you simply didn’t have any time to chat. You had work to do. And so, you stood up, fixed your hair, gave Seokmin an affectionate yet half-hearted pat on the back and headed for the door. 

You couldn’t wait to spend your day in complete lonely misery. At work you at least had friends to talk between sections. All you had in your apartment was Bertha and instant coffee.

And it was as if Seokmin knew it just from the way you spoke to him that morning. 

When the clock struck twelve, you heard a timid knock on your door. Confused at the noise and a little disoriented from the five pages of words you had written, you stood up and went to the door. 

Your heart grew three sizes when you saw him standing there, looking so awfully huggable in his large white hoodie and grey sweatpants, glasses on his nose accompanied by a kind smile. You were so surprised to find him there that you failed to consider why he came. 

He had to nudge you with the plastic bag he was holding for you to even notice it.

“Sorry,” you stammered and stepped aside to let him in, “I’m just a little-”

“Stress? Overworked? Confused because you’ve been staring at a 15-inch screen for the past three hours?” he suggested and brought the bag to the kitchen. “That’s okay. Don’t even mind me.” He smiled as he nodded towards your laptop. “Go on. Work waits. The sooner you get to it, the sooner it’ll be done.”

Disoriented as you were, you didn’t dare argue and slowly walked back to your previous seat at the coffee table, all the while watching him cautiously. 

As your fingers landed on the keyboard, he began lifting things out of the bag. You watched in awe as he stacked snacks and vegetables onto the counter. 

Feeling your eyes on him, he lifted his head to glare at you. “Work.”

“Work,” you repeated on instinct and turned back to your laptop. He laughed a little at your robotic tone. 

Some 20 minutes later, you felt a presence next to you. When you turned to face it, Seokmin was holding an fruit slice up at your lips. 

“Eat,” he told you softly. You did as told.

“What are you doing?” you asked between confused laughter and chewing. Your eyes landed on the bowl of fruits he had placed in front of you. 

He shrugged. “Taking care of you. You seemed so upset this morning… I thought it would be nice to spend my free day helping you.”

Your eyes widened. “It’s your free day? And you’re here? You should be resting!”

“Watching you is all the rest I need,” he winked playfully before lifting another fruit to your lips. “Now, eat up. This is lunch. I’ll make something better for dinner.”

“You don’t have to–” 

He took this chance to shove a piece of apple into your mouth, effectively interrupting your speech. “I will, and I don’t care what you say.”

He glanced around the apartment as you began to eat the fruits on your own. “When was the last time you opened a window?”

You watched curiously as he stood up (with a groan because his bones simply weren’t as nimble as they used to be) and headed over to the windows, opening a few to air out the room. As he did so, he told you, “They say that good airflow and fresh air help the thought process. We air out the classrooms between every lesson so the next students won’t get too tired.”

“I don’t think I’ve opened any windows in here since I first moved in,” you confessed before turning back to your laptop. Before you could your train of thought again, a soft fabric was placed on your shoulders. You looked up to find him smiling at you brightly. “So you won’t get cold.”

“What about you then?”

He shrugged and winked. “I’ll just consider this my daily walk in the park.” He then looked around the apartment again, as if looking for something to do. You couldn’t help but find it endearing. 

“Maybe… you could… make me a cup of tea?” you suggested.

He lit up at the idea. “Coming right up!”

Before heading to the kitchen, he leaned down to press a kiss to your forehead. It seemed almost like a reflex – like he didn’t even need to think about doing it. 

Relishing in the leftover warmth of his lips and the feel of his hoodie on your skin, your work took a backseat for a while. Instead of thinking about your project of a lifetime, your brain was drowning in one singular question. You glanced towards the kitchen to watch him, a smile appearing on your face as you did. 

“Seokmin?” you called out softly after a moment. 

He hummed in response immediately, eyes lifting from the cup he was preparing so he could offer you an encouraging smile. 

You took a deep breath. “What are we?”

He paused. “What do you mean?”

“You and I. What are we to each other?” you wondered, unable to look away from him. There was something you badly wanted to hear him say and yet feared at the same time. “What are you to me?”

The corners of his lips twitched. “I… I’ll be whatever you’d like me to be.”

“Whatever? A friend?”

“If that’s what you wish,” he breathed out, a little shakier than before.

“What about a lover?”

He smiled. “If you so wish.”

“Then… what do you want me to be?” you asked him quietly, a part of you praying your words would go missing in the incoming wind before they reached him. 

“I just…” He bit his lip in contemplation, ears turning red, and avoided your eyes.

“What do you want me to be to you, Seokmin?” you repeated your question, a little bolder this time, hope sparking in your heart.

He looked up again, into your eyes. “Mine.” You let out a breath – of relief or fear, you weren’t sure – but he didn’t hesitate when he repeated, “I want you to be mine.”

You felt guilty for the words you’d utter next. “But we don’t have the time for that…”

“That’s okay,” he assured you with a kind smile. “We’ll take it slow.”

“Slow? How slow do we take it?”

“As slow as you need. I’m not leaving.”

“I signed up for the auditions,” he told you over breakfast a few days later. “Jihoon’s helping me prepare.”

You were still neck-deep in your project, struggling to meet the deadlines and coordinate your team. This seemed to lead the asleep you to Seokmin’s apartment more often than not. It was almost like you woke up in his bed every morning now. 

But even in your despair, you couldn’t help but be excited for Seokmin.

Your eyes lit up and a squeal came out as you grabbed his hand over the table. “Really? You did?!”

He used his free hand to rub the back of his neck bashfully. “Well, you said I should give it a try, right? Who knows,” he shrugged, trying his best to seem nonchalant or even fake a little bit of confidence, “maybe they’ll give me a part.”

“I’m sure they will,” you insisted, squeezing his hand. “Your voice is amazing and you’re so handsome – the ladies are going to swoon when they see you on the stage.”

He laughed. “Will you be one of those ladies?”

“I’ll be in the front row,” you solemnly promised. “At every show. You’ll get sick of seeing me.”

“I could never,” he assured you.

Seokmin’s audition would take place two weeks later. You made sure the mark the day with a big red circle on your calendar – on all three of them, in fact. And now it was time.

Between your seemingly endless stream of project complications and Seokmin’s daytime job and audition preparations, you barely saw him. If it weren’t for your persistent sleepwalking problem, you wouldn’t have seen him at all. And so, the curse had became a blessing. 

“You’ll do great,” you assured him minutes after waking up in his bed. You made sure to give him the warmest hug before letting him leave the room. “I believe in you. And so does Jihoon, apparently.”

Seokmin pouted. “Did he say that or are you lying to make me feel better?”

“We talked yesterday,” you told him, appalled that he’d even accuse you of such atrocities. “He said he has complete faith that you’ll do well.”

“I don’t believe you but–”

“Do you want to fight me? Already?” You raised a brow and he shook his head immediately. “Exactly. Just accept the compliment. And don’t forget to call me when you finish, okay?”

“Of course,” he promised.

He kept that promise. Just as he stepped out of the theatre, his shaky hands picked up the phone and chose your number. 

You answered the call with prep in your voice. It had been a good day so far and you were expecting to hear his no-doubt joyous retellings of the audition.

What you weren’t expecting was: “Can you come get me? I think I might cry.”

“Why, why?” Despite your words, you didn’t hesitate to slam your laptop closed and grab your jacket. “Are you okay? Were they mean?”

“They weren’t mean,” he mumbled on the other side of the line, “but I don’t think I did well.”

“I’m sure you did wonderful,” you spoke while rushing down the street. Thankfully, the theatre was barely a five-minute walk from your office – half that at your current pace. “You’re just putting yourself down over nothing.”

Seokmin whined. “You’re seriously overestimating me.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“No, I’m serious. You overestimate me.”

As you crossed the street, you noticed a familiar figure dragging his feet along the pavement, head low and shoulders slumped. “Now why would I do that?”

“Because you like me a little more than you should,” he suggested while kicking a pebble. You could already hear his voice even without the phone. “I’m sure the directors think I’m a joke or something. God, I am so–”

“Don’t you dare say another bad word about yourself,” you scolded him with a gentle slap against the back of his head. 

He stared at you in bewilderment – both from the fact that you might as well have appeared from thin air and the fact that you just did that. 

But you were unrelenting in your affection for him. “Lee Seokmin, listen to me: you did absolutely great. You did your best. And even if you don’t get a part this time, they’ll value the fact that you now have experience with auditions. Take it in stride.”

Tears gathered in his eyes. Before long, he pulled you into his embrace, holding you impossibly tight. “You’re just saying that… Thank you.”

“That’s what I’m here for, silly,” you laughed and hugged him back just as tightly. “I think we should celebrate this occasion.”

“Even if I screwed up and don’t get the part?”

You scoffed. “Absolutely! A little cake can make everything better, no?”

He sighed. “I don’t think I can eat right now. I might throw up from the nerves.”

“Drink then?”

He contemplated and then straightened up. “I could go for some bubble tea…”

“There we go!” you cheered and gently pinched his cheeks, prompting a small giggle. “My treat because you did so well today and I’m so proud of you.”

This time it was you who grabbed his hand without any hesitation, more than happy to reassuringly squeeze it as you walked and talked. 

“When will you get the answer?” you wondered.

He sucked in a breath. “In about a week, they said. Or maybe never–”

“Seokmin,” you scolded.

“In a week,” he corrected himself with some enthusiasm. “I’ll get answers in a week. And then I might actually cry.”

“And I’ll be there when you cry tears of joy, darling.”

“Tears of joy?” He raised a brow and smiled in disbelief. “You seriously put too much faith in me.”

You nudged his side. “As if you haven’t been equally supportive about my promotion.”

“Oh, right,” Seokmin gasped, “won’t your promotion interview be in a week too?”

You would’ve preferred he didn’t remind you. Then again, you guessed it was only fair. 

“Will you come over to hold me when I cry too?”

“Tears of joy?” he teased and leaned over to kiss your temple. “I’ll be just a call away.”

The week somehow passed at both the pace of a snail and the pace of Junhui on a sugar rush. 

After finding you in his bed every single morning, Seokmin resorted to just sleeping over at your place, tightly cuddling you to keep you in place. He now had a whole drawer dedicated to his things in your bedroom. 

The day started okay. You were awoken not by a loud alarm like you had expected, but by Seokmin gently singing you awake. 

For a moment, you thought you had died and gone straight to heaven – maybe working so hard to save the environment had paid off after all, you thought. But no, it was just your reality. 

What a beautiful reality. You couldn’t help but smile as you cuddled into his chest.

“If you keep clinging onto me like that, I won’t be able to make my famous waffles for a lucky breakfast,” he whispered but made no attempt to push you away. 

The delicious breakfast was followed by an encouraging hug on the way out of the building, him to the school and you to the office. You wore a smile the entire time.

Up until you made it to your desk. Then the reality began sinking in. 

This was the day that could make or break your career. The day you had worked so hard for that you neglected your private life for so many years.

As the clock on the wall slowly ticked forward, your hands began to shake. Your throat was dry. Your head was fuzzy, full of nothing but anxiety. If someone had asked you about anything, you would’ve only been able to stare at them with a mouth wide open.

20 minutes until your scheduled interview. You were starting to feel sick. 

When another colleague came to give you a supportive pat on the back, you excused yourself and grabbed your phone to rush outside to the balcony. You sat on a chair and willed yourself to take deep breaths as you tapped on his number.

You wanted to slap yourself when you realised that you hadn’t even bothered to check if he was on break yet.

But he answered on the first ring. “Hey, what’s up? Did you have the interview alread–”

“Seokmin, I can’t do this,” you whimpered into the microphone. “I can’t do this. They’re gonna realise I’m an idiot and they’ll fire me and–”

“Woah, woah, what happened to your positive can-do attitude?” he wondered. “You’ll be fine.”

“No–”

“(Y/n),” he said your voice so firmly that your breath got caught in your throat. “(Y/n), you will be fine. You’ve worked there for so many years, you’ve achieved so many things. If they wanted to fire you, they would’ve done that by now.”

You took a shaky breath. “What if it’s an elaborate prank?”

“Why would– Baby, listen to me. You’ve worked hard. You put everything you had into that project – I was there, I saw it. You and your ideas are invaluable to your company. They’re going to ask you a few questions as a formality and they’re going to give that promotion and then you and I are going to go to a celebratory dinner and it’ll all be over.”

“And I can get a dog?” you whispered, a small smile tugging at your lips.

“You can get two dogs if you want, baby,” he laughed. “You deserve it. Don’t underestimate yourself. I believe in you and I’m sure your co-workers do as well.”

“How do you always know the right words to say?”

He laughed once again. “Baby, I’m a teacher. I’m literally trained to comfort people. I’m just glad I’m able to comfort you as well.”

“Thank you.”

“No need,” he responded, “just go and ace that interview. Okay?”

“And then you’ll come and wipe my happy tears?”

“You already know the answer to that question. But I expect the same treatment when I get my audition results.”

“Will do.”

“Go and get them, tiger.”

You weren’t sure what it was, but something about the conversation seemed to have lifted the weight off your shoulders. When you walked back to the office, the upcoming interview no longer felt as taunting. 

As the clock hit 2 pm, you squared your shoulders, took a deep breath and headed to your manager’s office.

When the day ended, you found Seokmin standing in front of the office building, a blinding smile on his face. 

“Well?” he asked expectantly, though the look in his eyes said that he had every faith that you would only give him good news. You were glad to prove him right. 

Your coy smile was replaced with joyous laughter as you ran to hug him and called out, “I got the job!”

“You got it? You got it!” he cheered with you, jumping up and down with you in his arms, not far from spinning you around in the air. “I knew you would! What did I tell you? Silly you,” he let you out of his hold to place his hands on your cheeks and pull your face closer to his own, “you thought you wouldn’t get the promotion. Look at you now. I’m so proud of you.”

You breathed out in relief. The smile seemed to never stop tugging on your cheeks. “I’m so relieved I could cry.”

“Then who will dry my happy tears?” he teased with a bright smile.

You tilted your head in confusion. “Wait–”

“I got the part,” he whispered, his smile only growing wider, eyes sparkling. “I’m going to become a musical actor, officially.”

“Oh my god!” you practically squealed and now it was your turn to hug him and jump. He was glad to join you, laughing in glee. “I knew you could do it! I knew it!”

As joy got the best of you – and who could blame you: this was the happiest day of your life so far –, you grabbed his face and pulled him closer to you to press your lips against his own. He melted into the gesture, arms wrapping around you tighter as if to will the moment to last forever. 

When you pulled back, just enough so that your noses touched, he laughed in disbelief. “I thought we were supposed to take it slow?”

“Screw taking it slow,” you whispered and kissed him again. “Might as well make it a triple celebration.”

“I like the sound of that.”

BONUS !

While practically leaning out of their open window to watch you and Seokmin kiss under the streetlights on your way home, Jeonghan and Sunny argued.

“I told you they would get together,” Sunny declared, her eyebrows raised as if to dare her boyfriend to prove her wrong. 

Jeonghan scoffed. “Please. They’re just kissing. It could be casual.”

“Just say you don’t want to owe me 20 bucks.”

“I don’t owe you 20 bucks! We have no confirmation!”

“Jeonghan, listen here–”

“No, no, you listen–”

“Both of you listen here!” Chan bellowed from the window above them. “If you don’t stop arguing right now, I will report you both to Jihoon’s parents! Some of us are trying to sleep!” Silence followed. “And pay her the 20 bucks, Jeonghan. They’re clearly together.”

Jeonghan grumbled and glared upwards before fishing a 20 out of his pocket and handing it to his smiling girlfriend.

#seventeenweeklyarticle #seventeen scenarios #seventeen x reader #seokmin x reader #seokmin scenarios #seventeen fic #dk scenarios #.avy writes #series: serenity street 17 💙

[graysnetwork]

Hiiii I saw your Keegan work and I must say I love it and I was wondering if you could write something with Keegan where he and s/o having an argument and how they make up

Hi!! Ty for the compliment 🤭🙏🏼 this was such a good idea!! 🫶🫶

(Not my gif obvi) (but my man)

So usually you two don’t argue, it’s very rare, but it’s doesn’t happen sometimes

He would probably get upset with you if you had done something a bit risky, like being close to an edge of something with no railing,

or almost touching fire by accident, things like that

But one day you found his guns and you checked them out and one of them was loaded in case of an intruder

And you didn’t realize and Keegan found you and got mad that you were snooping through his things

You started getting mad at him for not telling him about the guns

You two were obviously just mad in the heat of the moment and you weren’t that upset you just wanted answers

He cut you off in one of your sentences and said “y’know what, im leaving, I’ll be gone for a while” or “I can’t do this right now sweetheart. Im leaving” and he would give you a quick peck on the lips hoping you would get distracted

But it only made you even more upset

He left for a few hours so you made dinner and put some food in the fridge for him

While he was gone mid drive to the park to cool down, he realized how dumb the argument was and he wanted to apologize to you for not telling you, cause you were right (ofc u were)

But Keegan’s really awkward about all that stuff cause he’s “always right” and he’s “bratty” as you say

So he wouldn’t really know how to tell you “I’m Sorry, you were right”

So he went out to go get you flowers and a card, cause he’s better at writing then saying it to you (he’s better at saying how he feels in letters and card then saying it to you cause he shy and doesn’t know how to articulate anything)

And then he went to the park to let himself cool down and think for a while

When he got back home you were just coming out of the shower so he left your flowers and card on the kitchen island

He decided he would try to apologize to you, face to face, but when he to your guy’s room you completely ignored him

“Don’t ignore me sweetheart” is what he’d say but you just continued getting ready for bed

He just sighed and accepted that you would act like this since you were upset, so he went to his last resort… in the kitchen

….

He tightens the jars in the kitchen so you have to ask him for help

It’s the only way he get you to talk to him when your mad at him but it works every time

And you never realized which he’s so great full for

And then the next day you wake up, go to the kitchen and read the card Keegan wrote

“Y/n, I realized you were right and I’m sorry about not telling you about the guns, the only reason I have them is incase something happens and I just want to be safe. I just never thought that you would need to know about them, and it was stupid of me not to tell you, because you could someday need to use it. The argument was stupid and I was wrong, im sorry honey, can we please just talk and work this out? Please forgive me sweetheart”

Btw he’s a very good writer, he loves writing

Anyways

Back to the head cannons

You smiled at the letter and the flowers he got you, but you weren’t going to wake him up yet, so you decided to make breakfast.

And you needed help unscrewing the pancake batter (like the one that u shake)

So you had to go into your guy’s room and ask him for help

You shook him by his shoulder till he finally woke up “hm? What’s up” he said rubbing his eyes, you held the mix out and said annoyed

can you open this for me” and he took it and opened it for you, to put some dramatic affect you crossed your arms

You weren’t mad at him but you wanted him to think you were cause you weren’t gonna let him off that easy

“Thanks” you said when he opened it and left the room, he just smiled to himself, hoping you would cool down soon

He sat up in bed and grabbed a bright pink sticky note off of the night stand, it read “hurry up and brush you teeth, so you can eat with me handsome”

You had made a note for him and left it when you came into the room ☹️🫠

#imagines #x reader stories #fluff #call of duty #oneshot #keegan p russ #call of duty keegan #cod keegan #keegan russ #keegan x reader #keegan russ x you #keegan russ x reader #keegan russ smut #keegan smut

[greengoblinswifey]

Okay but imagine Eddie fighting Jason for talking bad about Y/n and then Eddie still being mad about the whole situation so he angry fucks Y/n 🫣

Eddie Munson x Black!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of blood, Jason getting what he deserves, angry fucking, creampie, slight degrading kink, fluff, angst, unprotected sex.

"Where's your girlfriend huh freak?" You hear Jason say as you walked slowly towards to cafeteria. You had no energy for his bullshit after surely failing the pop quiz you were given in your last period.

"I can't even ask what she sees in you, you're both freaks," Jason said, making the basketball players and cheerleaders burst into over exaggerated laughter.

"But what do you see in her? She can't even make my dick hard 'cuz she's so fucking weird, how does she make yours? I bet she-"

Jason didn't finish his sentence as you heard a noise then cheerleaders screaming.

You rushed into the cafeteria, finding Jason with a bloody nose and mouth, knocked out cold with Eddie being hauled away from him by Dustin.

"I'll talk to Lucas and get him to fix this, just get him out of here!" Dustin yelled.

As soon as you were out of the cafeteria you cupped Eddie's cheeks and examined his face for any cuts or bruises.

"Are you ok? You didn't have to Ed," you said, softly.

He was still visibly angry, something you'd never seen before but his expression softened when he felt your touch and looked down at you.

"Of course I had to. No one especially that prick is gonna talk shit about my girl and get away with it. He can say whatever he wants about me but not you. Who is he to even say your name," Eddie said, clenching his fists.

You placed your hand in his and led him out of school to your car.

"Let's ditch, my place?"

He nodded and got in the passenger seat. The car ride was quiet, he was still upset and you wanted to give him his space to cool off.

You barely reached inside before he grabbed you and shoved you against the door, kissing you roughly.

It was unlike him but fuck, you loved it.

“Ed- wait, lemme lock the door.”

He let go of you and allowed you to lock the door, also allowing you to catch your breath before he took it away again with another rough kiss.

This time, he lifted you up and you wrapped your legs around his waist. His lips were back on yours as he walked with you to your room, almost bouncing over your mother’s vases.

He tried to be gentle but still ended up throwing you onto the bed.

“Hey, it’s ok,” you whispered, “you can take your anger out. I can take it.”

“I can take it.” The second those words left your lips, his pants and boxers were down mid thigh and your panties were being ripped off. You could get use to this new Eddie.

“Face down, ass up,” he commanded.

You obliged and as soon as you did, he sunk into you from behind. 

“Fuck! You’re so wet. You like seeing me angry don’t you? I know you do angel.”

He gave you no time to adjust, he immediately started meeting your hips with powerful thrusts. You hands were balled into fists as you gripped the bedsheets tightly. He definitely wasn’t holding back.

He gripped your hips tightly as you tried to move off his cock, his rings surely to leave a few marks. “You said you could take it, so take it. Take all that I give you,” he panted.

You let out a moan at his words that were so different than what you were used to but still had the same effect on you. He was plunging into you as if he was on a mission--well he was on a mission to make you cum.

“Eds, I’m gonna cum, please I wanna cum, you whined.

He pulled you back to his chest, still thrusting into you. “Cum for me then, cum all over my dick,” he growled.

As he said so, you cried his name and creamed all over his cock inside you. You saw stars as he continued to fuck you through your high and pretty soon, his own release came.

He shoved you back onto the bed and came inside you, the feeling almost enough to make you cum again.

You whined as you felt him leave you but you were content again when he returned with a warm towel.

“I’m sorry baby, did I hurt you? Are you alright?” he asked, almost in a panic.

“Don’t be sorry Ed, I’m alright, I liked it.”

“Oh thank God. I just- just needed to let things out. Jason’s a fucking prick.”

“I know baby,” you smiled and pulled him in for a warm hug,

#eddie munson x black!reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x reader smut #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x oc #eddie munson fanart #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson smut #eddie munson #eddie munson drabble #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fics #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson headcanons #eddie munson imagine #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things x reader #stranger things smut #stranger things season four #stranger things #stranger things 4 #stranger things four #stranger things season 4 #stranger things vol 1 #stranger things volume 2 #st4 #eddie munson stranger things

[tojisbbg]

𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚

❝you look at me the same, but i can’t reciprocate.❞  

♡ reo mikage ♡

a/n: i luv reo.

content: reo mikage x reader, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, unresolved feelings cause sudden confession, not edited. 

---

“you’re in my seat, nepo baby. move it.” you snickered, arms crossed over your chest as you see the familiar boy with the striking purple hair lounging on your chair. he was busying himself in a full on conversation with nagi while the white haired male was too indulged in his screen. 

“don’t wanna.” reo answered, giving you an annoying smirk, making you want to smack it off of his face. it was eight in the morning and class was going to start soon. you didn’t have the energy to fight him, so, you decided to remove the root cause of the problem. 

“let’s go get something from the vending machine.” you chirped, grabbing nagi’s arm as you tugged on him. this earned a soft groan from the boy, making you scoff. 

“noo, that’s such a hassle.” nagi replied, making you roll your eyes. 

“don’t care, now come.” you successfully pulled him off of the chair, making reo stop mid-sentence as his friend now disappeared with you. your face was now plastered with a contented smile, linking your arms with nagi. 

the both of you were pretty good friends, although, being friends with nagi did get slightly tiring for you because of how often his needs had to be tended. fortunately, that was strictly left for reo. 

“man, how long are you and reo gonna keep this up? i don’t wanna keep getting dragged between you two.” nagi complained, watching you punch the numbers in the vending machine to get two packs of cookies. 

“once your friend stops acting like an assface.” you threw him the pack of cookies, which he swiftly caught before mumbling a small ‘thank you’ to you. 

“why do you even hate him? he’s honestly not that bad.” nagi shrugged, shoving a few more cookies in your mouth. you looked at him with an unamused face. 

“he worships your ass, so, of course you can’t hate him.” you answered, averting your gaze to your feet and that was until nagi suddenly stopped walking. 

“so, you’re jealous that he pays attention to me more than you? i could just tell him to give you-”

“no, NO! that’s not what i meant, dumbass. i’m just saying that you both are friends, so you’re obviously gonna take his side. but i... i just hate him. everything about him makes me mad. just don’t question it, sei.” you sighed in defeat, wanting him to drop the topic as you just wanted to go back to class and hopefully have your seat back. 

the bell rang as soon as you and nagi entered the classroom, being welcomed by the teacher who was beginning to write on the chalkboard. you saw that reo was back in his seat which was in the front, as you walked past him with a sly smirk. 

take that, nepo baby. 

you sat down and opened your books, taking down all the notes that were being written on the board. as class went on, the teacher was handing out the assignment packet and you noticed that the title was ‘pair-up project’. you hummed, looking around the classroom for a suitable candidate that could serve as your partner. 

you didn’t mind who you got because everyone in the classroom was very smart. that’s one of the perks of going to a rich and prestigious boarding school. 

you loved nagi to bits, but working with him just meant that you had to work for yourself and him. and of course, the last person you’d want to work with was reo. 

“alright everyone, please write down the name of your partner as i assign them.” the teacher announced, making your heart drop. you silently prayed to god that your luck was on you side today. 

as the teacher went down the list, your name was approaching. 

“y/n and reo.” she said, making you slam your head against the wooden desk as you quietly whined. you didn’t want to work with reo because of how dominant he was, you hated his bossy character. he liked to act like mr. smartypants, which got on every single nerve in your body. 

reo would soon take a seat next to you, shifting all his things on the empty desk. you couldn’t help but notice how all his supplies were expensive and fine quality, hell, the pen he used was imported from france and costs over a thousand dollars per piece. while you used the cheapest materials you could find because although you got into this school with a full scholarship, your family’s financial status wasn’t that good. 

“so, are you gonna continue to mope like a baby or actually help me?” reo arrogantly asked, making you throw a glare at him. 

“can you like not open your mouth for one second? i’m trying to think, asshole.” you snarked, grabbing your pen as you began to scribble some ideas that came to your brain. 

the project was to construct a model of the heart and have it finished by the end of the week. 

“ugh, forget it. i forgot i have a bunch of games this week and you probably won’t be much of a help. i’ll pay someone to build our model for us.” he yawned, your jaw dropping at his words from how much bullshit he was full of. 

“fucking hell, you’re so full of shit, reo mikage. you nepo babies might’ve gotten into this school with money, but not any real talent. tch, whatever, fuck off. i’ll build the heart with clay, it’ll allow me to make intricate details.” you suggested, and he grabbed the pen out of your hand before throwing it to the side, grabbing your attention. 

“god, you’re always so bitter whenever you’re around me, y/n. i can’t change the fact that i was born into wealth.” he said through gritted teeth, making you cock an eyebrow. 

“did i lie though? it’s the truth, your parents bought your seat in this school while i had to work my ass off for years to get a seat. it’s honestly sad, how the world revolves around these useless pieces of paper and how dickwad people like you get to take advantage of it. tell me, reo, how many school related assignments did you actually do without paying someone for it?” you harshly spat, and each of your words felt like a tight slap on reo’s face. he knew how you felt, yet, he couldn’t help but stay silent. 

“exactly, so shut the fuck up. for fuck’s sake, do something good with your money, not cheat your ass off just to prove something.” you said one last thing before getting up from your seat as the bell rang, grabbing your stuff to head out. 

your phone buzzed in your pocket, making you stop walking as you stood in the corner to make sure you didn’t block people’s way. you saw the caller id and recognized that it was your mom. 

“hey mom.” you greeted her with a smile, seeing your blueprint on the screen of the facetime. 

“my baby! oh dear, did i call you in the middle of class?” she slightly panicked and you chuckled, quickly shaking your head. 

“nope, you’re good. class ended literally a few minutes ago.” you replied, making her hum in response. 

“ahh, well, that’s good. i just wanted to call you because we have some good news.” you mom said in a giddy tone, her eyes brightening as your curiosity peaked. 

“oh? hit me.” you responded equally filled with eagerness. 

“your dad got a job placement in this huge company that’s offering to pay him $250k a year!” your mom squealed, making your eyes widen to the size of two full moons and you gasped. 

“what the hell?! no way!! which company?” your lips were stretched into a big smile as you waited for her to respond. 

“the mikage corporation. your dad got a management position.” your mom informed you and all the happiness and excitement inside you died down. 

“oh.” you simply said, your sudden change in voice making your mom grow worry. 

“what’s wrong dear?” your mom asked, completely oblivious to your mood change. 

“it’s just that, don’t you think it’s kinda weird? mr. mikage has been dad’s high school best friend, of course he’s gonna give him a huge amount of money for the starting job.” you scoffed, but your words didn’t settle in your mom’s stomach well. 

“y/n, is this because of your and reo’s little rivalry going on? i told you to cut that childish nonsense out. mr. mikage is just doing your dad a small favor. besides you should be grateful because now you won’t have to buy your school materials out of your own pocket.” you mother said in a soft voice, attempting to reassure you but her words only angered you further. 

“tch, i don’t need mr. mikage or dad’s money to help me pay for my stuff. i have a decent job, so i got it from here. my next class is starting soon, i’ll talk to you later, mom.” you quickly said and saw that your mom was going to respond back, but you were too mad to care. you clicked the red button with the ‘x’ symbol as you hung up. 

---

it was almost eight in the evening, the smell of bleach and chlorine filled your nostrils as you entered the dorm’s shared pool. luckily, the pool was available for use any time. although, it was pretty late for a swim, but you knew that it’d help distract your mind. 

you weren’t actually supposed to be here right now. you were supposed to be all dolled up in an elegant purple dress your mom sent you, on your way to the mikage mansion where they threw a congratulatory party for your father. 

of course, there was no way in hell that you were gonna attend. you’d rather die than see reo’s stupid face for the night. 

usually, there’s no one who cames to the pool around this hour as students are either out partying on a friday night, sleeping in their rooms or simply studying. so, you decided that it was too big of a hassle to travel back to your room to change into a swimsuit. 

you chose the lazy option. 

you pulled your shirt over your head and your pants down, neatly folding them and placing it on the nearest folding chair. your casual unmatched bra and pantie is the same as wearing a swimsuit, so you didn’t really care.

besides, it’s just you. 

you pressed the button on the side which let you change the temperature of the water to your liking. this feature would probably be the only reason why you like attending filthy rich schools like this one. 

the technology is unmatched. 

you could feel the cold pool water slowly becoming warmer, deciding to dim the lights of the huge room and turn on the blue and purple led lights instead. this would bring you the yearning peace that you deserved. 

after waiting for a few minutes, you finally walked down the short stairs and began to sink your body in the water. a relieved sigh left your lips as you backed into the edge of the pool, closing your eyes as you began to enjoy yourself. 

your peace would soon be interrupted as the doors opened, making your eyebrows furrow. you turned around, curious to see who came. 

your eyes were met with the familiar purple locks peaking, as you saw reo enter the space with nothing but a pair of shorts. he stopped in his tracks, equally surprised as you. 

“reo?”

“y/n?”

you both said in unison, the man walking closer to you. you rolled your eyes, turning away from him and slightly annoyed that even your peace time had to be ruined by him. 

“i can never really get away from you, can i?” you grumbled to yourself, but it was loud enough for him to hear. 

“sorry, not my fault that i didn’t know that the little princess would be here at this time today.” reo scoffed, his tone laced with sarcasm as he spoke. 

you turned to the side to glare at him as he walked down the small steps to get inside the water. 

“shouldn’t you be at your daddy’s fancy rich party, hm?” you snickered, making him narrow his eyes at you. 

“i could ask the same to you. what an awful daughter you are for not attending to a party dedicated to your father.” he responded back with equal malice in his voice. 

“tch, why would i attend a party where your dad’s name is showered with praises and my dad is seen as nothing but a mere ant.” you bitterly said and your words were ringing loud and clear in reo’s head. with that being said, the room suddenly grew quiet as neither of you spoke. 

“y/n, our fathers’ are best friends. my dad was just doi-”

“a favor? is that what you were going to say? no, he wasn’t, reo. open your fucking eyes and stop living in this cloud of delusion your parents put you in. every rich parent is like this, they help the poor and make it their entire personality.” you spat, making his jaw drop to the ground at how unfiltered and poisonous your words struck him as. 

“that’s not true! my father would never.” reo tried to argue back, but you let out a chuckle of disbelief. 

“is that so? surely my ears wouldn’t deceive me.” you spoke in a low voice, your teeth gritting as you remembered those awful words his father spoke when referring to your dad while he talked with another rich douche. 

“the hell do you mean?” reo scowled, not understanding what you meant while he tried to read between the lines. 

“when your dad threw your acceptance party, he was speaking absolute bullshit to this other guy about how my dad fell on his knees to beg him to pay for my tuition. my father did no such thing, ever. your father was the one who offered to pay, but i was the one who declined in front of him. and you know that i’m not lying because-”

“i was there.” he swallowed the lump in his throat, looking at you with an apologetic look. 

“tch, stop looking at me like that, it makes me hate your stupid face even more.” you murmured the last bits of your sentence to yourself. 

“i understand how you feel, y/n.” reo attempted to console you, but you didn’t want to hear these words of pity. 

“no you don’t. you don’t understand how it feels to be looked down upon like a dirty insect that can be squashed under a single step. the feeling of all these eyes on you as you walk down the halls, whispers from those dumb bimbos who bathe in daddy’s money every day, and the list goes on. you don’t know how much i hate attending your father’s parties.” your voice began to shake, anger boiling inside you as you clenched your fists, hating how you were beginning to show him your vulnerable side. 

“i don’t like going to them either. i know my father isn’t the most humble human being on earth, but sadly i can’t change that. i know you don’t want to hear my words, but in all honesty from the bottom of my heart, i never ever looked down or pitied either you or your family. it’s not in my nature, y/n, whether you believe me or not. i’m not telling you to like me, you’re free to continue hating me until we both die, but you can’t change my feelings for you.” reo admitted, your eyes widening as your words got stuck inside your throat. suddenly, the room felt way too hot, your heart rate increasing. 

“w-what?” you stammered, a little taken aback by his words. he gave you a cheeky grin as he swam closer to you until he towered over you with his tall figure. reo brought a hand up, stroking your red cheek as you looked up at him in confusion. 

“i like you, y/n.” he chuckled, and you had to blink a couple of times to make sure that you were in reality and not your own delusions. 

“are you joking with me right now, mikage.” you slapped his chest, making him wince before giving you a pout. 

“you want me to prove it?” he cocked an eyebrow. with that being said, a smile tugged on your lips as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer as you kissed the pout on his lips. reo place his hands on your hips, ushering you to wrap your legs around his waist, to which you obeyed. 

your hands tangled inside his purple locks as you angled your face to deepen the kiss, tasting the faint taste of the cherry flavored lollipop he sucked on earlier on his tongue. you hummed at the sweet taste, making him smirk on your lips. 

“so, i take this as a response that you like me back?” reo wiggled his eyebrows and you decided to toy around with him for a bit. 

“hm, i never said that. i just wanted a kiss.” you said with a playful smirk, making him gasp. 

“what?! so you now just go kissing around people for fun?” he exclaimed, making you bite your tongue to hold back a laugh. 

“yup, who knows? maybe i’ll kiss sei tomorrow.” you teased, making him grimace at the mere thought of you kissing his best friends. 

suddenly, he roughly pulled you back into his chest before grabbing your face in his hand, crashing his lips on yours. you let out a surprised yelp but eventually melted into the kiss as his lips were just so fucking addictive. 

reo gently bit your lips as a warning before looking at you with a sharp glint in his eyes. 

“don’t kiss anyone but me, okay?” reo sneered, making you roll your eyes. 

“i was just kidding earlier, jeez, you don’t have to be such a baby.” you pinched his cheeks, making huff. 

“whatever. hey, let’s go on a date after this.” he suggested, eyes lighting up at the idea. 

“a date this late? i need sleep, reo.” you shook your head. 

“dinner, you need dinner, y/n. i know a great noodle place near campus, i promise you’ll like it.” reo assured you and you let out a sigh. 

“fine. you love moving fast, don’t you? asking me on a date right after a kiss.” you continued to tease him, seeing a small blush taint his cheeks. 

“two kisses for your information. besides, i can take my girlfriend out on a date any time i want.” he cockily responded, making you raise an eyebrow. 

“girlfriend? i don’t recall being anyone’s girlfriend.” your voice was full of faux suspicion, making reo frown. 

“y/nnn, don’t be like this!” reo whined, shaking your shoulders back and forth as you laughed. 

“fine, i’ll be your girlfriend if you get me that diamond necklace i rejected on my sixteenth birthday when you tried to gift me it.” you gave him a small smile. 

“that’s it? baby, i’ll buy you all the diamonds in the world. you know what, i’m buying the entire company.” reo suddenly said, and at first you thought you were joking, but he was dead serious. 

he left you to swim over to where he left his phone and your eyes widened as you quickly followed behind him to stop him. 

“reo! don’t do that, you little shit!” you tried to grab the phone from his ears, a laugh escaping from both of your lips. 

maybe dating a rich nepo baby like reo wasn’t so bad. 

you got the money and the honey, it’s a winwin. 

#reo mikage #reo #reo mikage x reader #reo x reader #reo x you #reo mikage x you #reo mikage blue lock #reo blue lock #reo mikage bllk #bllk reo #bllk x reader #bllk fluff #bllk scenarios #bllk imagines #bllk headcanons #bllk drabbles #blue lock reo #reo fluff #reo imagines #reo headcanons #reo drabbles #reo scenarios #reo mikage imagines #blue lock x reader #blue lock fluff #blue lock imagines #blue lock drabbles #blue lock scenarios #blue lock headcanons #mikage reo x reader

[surshica]

NINTENDO SWITCH !

FOURTEEN - you’re so annoying

masterlist <3

AN : enjoy or not (evil emoji) HAHAHAHAH

borders will indicate when it’s time to read the written portion!! + please excuse anything grammatically incorrect and any typos !!

﹙ᴗ﹏ᴗ﹚･｡ ⁺ ✦

“CHISHIYA SHUNTARO.” Yn yelled whispered, she was mad at him for having her stress over studying for the test when it got postponed till Tuesday; she was looking around for him when he saw a figure laying down on the couch. She let out a huff, she felt like the big bad wolf. She ended up cracking her knuckles storming over to chishiya whom was peacefully watching banana fish on his TV. “You. Should watch banana fish, its a good anime.” He lifted himself up on his elbows watching the mad women storm her way to him.n

He grinned as he looked at her standing in front of him, “why hello dearest Yn,” “what can i do for you in this fine hour.” The silence was evident but yet it was too funny to chishiya; yn inhaled deeply trying to calm herself down but looking at his stupid cat like smirk made her even more pissed off. She grabbed him by the shirt pushing him back down onto the couch. “You’re so annoying chishiya!” She sprawled over him.

“You know chishiya, it would’ve been nice to know it got postponed a day.” “I could’ve relaxed today and studied tomorrow but you had me over here stressing over a mid-term THAT WAS AAAAAAAH” she was mad enough she couldn’t even think properly. Chishiya’s face was so unemotional besides the grin formed on his lips, it made her want to punch him even more. “Why’d you think that was funny or even a good idea?!” Her right twitched as her grip around his shirt tightened even more. “Like I said it merely slipped my mind.” His grin started to disappear as his lips formed a thin line.

“Slipped my mind..bullshit” she called him out on it rolling her eyes. She was not having any of that bullshit. “You know..I’m starting to think you have a crush on me based on how many times we always get into situations.” He smirked, yn rolled her eyes again. “I dont like you. You’re annoying and you make me annoyed”. Her tone became softer and her breathing calmed down. “You know if you did want a kiss that’s all you had to say” that sentence left chishiya’s smirk made her feel something flutter but it made her upset. “I came here to take my anger out on you because you like to fuck around with me.”

“That sounds rather kinky” he lowed a chuckle, the vibration of the low chuckle , made the small butterflies flutter in her stomach. “What..NO! You know it’s not like that.” Her grip loosened because of the comment he said, a slight blush rushed across her face; she furrowed her eyebrows shaking her head. “Do i know that yn? Do I really know that?” He questioned the mad blushing lady, he propped himself up on his elbows. From any other angle the position they were in would make people jump into conclusions. “You’re like my personal fan,” his grin turned into a small smile inching his face closer to hers. Yn’s lips agaped slightly, opening and closing and opening again. “You’re so annoying chishiya..” it was a breathless like whisper.

“Hmm, you are quite always telling me that” he felt her now calm untensed breathing tickle his skin, his small smile turned into a slightly larger genuine smile. Their eyes never left eachother; chishiya was quiet mesmerized in their gaze. The sunlight gleamed down onto them, it was something that look like it was ripped straight out of a Japanese romance drama. “Chishiya…” her voice was a soft yet sterner whisper, words couldn’t escape his lips but a small hum. Their faces inched closer slowly, their noses and foreheads were slightly touching eachother. Both of their eyes were closed yet in the moment they couldn’t find a place in their heart to stop what could spur in the moment.

﹙ᴗ﹏ᴗ﹚･｡ ⁺ ✦

After Yn zoomed out her room with arisu’s keys it took him a moment to process the whole situation, it was like the lagging symbol spinning in his head before he finally realized what happened. His eyes widened before quickly standing up but he ended up getting dizzy and fell back down into the chair. He inhaled before standing up quickly leaving Yn’s room. Entering the living room seeing Mira watching saiki k on the small tv they had.

“Where did yn go?!” Arisu’s breathless voice questioned the calm not concerned Mira, “she left already.” “she looked like she was in a rush” Mira held her hand over her mouth a little giggle escaped her lips. “Motherfucker…” he groaned realizing he is going to have to run after her so she doesn’t destroy his dorm. He quickly put on his shoes looking at the. Unconcerned Mira who was watching all of this go down, “you might want to hurry who knows what they are doing in that dorm as of right now.” Mira shrugged showing her phone to arisu. It was Yn’s tweets and how she was struggling to open his dorms door.

Arisu’s brows furrowed wondering how the fuck she got there so quickly?! The dorm wasnt far but it was that close either. “She’s going to be the death of me” he groaned before closing the door to yn and Mira’s dorm. He started to quickly run after the what was left tracks of yn to his dorm. He kept groaning because he wasnt the most athletic and man he hated yn for having some sort of running spirit now. He really needed to go on the morning runs with usagi. He made it to the floor where their dorm is letting out huffs and puffs.

He couldn’t run anymore so he just decided to speed walk his way to the dorm, he thought he would have to get out his spare key from his pocket but to his surprise the door was open. It was closed but it wasnt locked. He lifted one of his eyebrows grabbing the door handle. The one thing he noticed was that it was quiet..he expected to hear Yn’s yelling since she seemed angry in the tweets. He slowly turned the door handle walking quietly into the dorm closing the door behind him. taking off his shoes he went to the living room and his face turned into pure shock at what he is seeing. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?” A screamed like gasp escaped causing yn to jump away from chishiya. Chishiya didnt even budge; his face was still neutral with some slight blush but yn she was red in the face.

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TAGS !!

pink doesn’t work

@crinklypink @flrtsbin @4pparecium @afckingswiftiebtch @em-asian @saiewithakatana @minyoungieee @eternal-gf @kimtaehussy @theinfaethablefig @elakari @too-many-fandoms666 @lastheavcns @pyrrhicgaze @andreeasancheez @hadesdaughtwr @Iserluver @urgodmoon @nmsl0v3r @lowilaufeyson @dee-dino-man @chiishiiya @444neapolitain @wroophruh @vensworld @starsval @dr3amscap3 @kuinaheartz @bre99 @cheshireshiya @eissaaaa @sollum @conny1111 @luvelyxp @shinobuily @gelliyo @fanfangying1304 @ikon-teen @stay-moa-army @bbyjackie @naegisimp @midlystupid @yvrikoo @chepoyo @luv4kuina @vernon-dursley @itadorim @vseqvt @shigamiryuk @wonswoorld @elisiumnie @abyloxk @asoullessentity @seventeensstrawberry @cupidsaster @bubblyclouds

#chishiya x reader #chishiya headcanons #aib chishiya #alice in boderland x reader #chishiya fluff #chishiya imagine #chishiya shuntaro #chishiya smau #smau #chishiya x fem!reader #chishiya fic #chigiri x reader #chishiya x y/n #꒰ა 🎧 ─ nintendo switch : .. ꒱ #- surshica ♥︎

[drawingdroid]

Melting Point: Chapter II

A Sculptor Din Djarin x Art PhD Reader Series

Read Prologue | Chapter I

Chapter II: The Sculptor/Temper

Summary: You get a job offer you can't refuse and meet your new boss, a gruff sculptor who is so familiar.

Words: 2393

Warnings: This is a slow burn, you've been warned!; a lot of talking about Art and PhD life; Reader is not Grogu's nanny but this is very Grogucentric if that makes sense; And Reader is Din's employee too; Very grumpy and antisocial Mando; Grogu is human but the only thing described are his eyes; Reader appearance is left blank; Age gap of 10-15 years; Fluff fluff fluff

A/N: I darlings! I hope you enjoyed Christmas if that is your thing! I'm back with a new chapter, let me know what you think because I have a lot of feelings about The Armorer being reader's thesis tutor *cries in mommy issues*. Hope you enjoy this!

That morning you so were nervous. No, terrified. Finally, you were having your first meeting with your thesis tutor, the renowned artist and professor Dr. Armorer. You admired her work so much, and her deep knowledge of Ancient Mandalorian Art was admirable. All of her books were constantly by your bedside, extensively annotated. What would your role model think of you?

Your first impression was that she commanded so much respect with only her way of standing. She insisted on meeting in the faculty’s foundry, while you had expected to talk in her office. You couldn’t get your eyes off her while she was working with the red-hot metal against her anvil. She stopped hammering when she noticed you standing awkwardly at the door.

“Welcome kid.” Her voice was flat while the visor of her safety mask was fixed into you. “I’m sorry for the scholarship.” Okay, so right to the point, no pleasantries. You shivered, feeling self-conscious, and downed your gaze to the floor. “Your proposal is magnificent and I pushed for you to be admitted, but the budget is limited and now Nevarro City is placing its interest in other departments.” After placing her tools in their place. She didn’t remove her leather gloves though.

“Thank you Dr. Armorer, I’m well aware that investing in Art has never been one of the top priorities of the governments.” Your tone came surprisingly cynical while it was sad too. Your cheeks blushed for the sudden outburst in front of the professor.

“Do you drink caf?” You nodded and she directed her attention to a little coffee maker in a corner that you hadn’t noticed earlier. Soon she handed you a steamy cup of the dark liquid. She had brewed one for herself but hadn’t lifted her golden mask to drink yet. It looked like she was studying you.

“Professor, I’m very embarrassed to admit this, but I applied to the program expecting to receive that scholarship, and without it I’m afraid cannot afford my studies,” you blurted with your gaze fixated on your drink. “I’m very sorry for having wasted your time, but…”

“What brings you to want to study Mandalorian art, kid? She interrupted mid-sentence and you swallowed hard. A heat started expanding through your veins and it wasn’t because of the coffee. It was always the same when you spoke about your passion.

“Mandalorian culture is one of the most ancient ones still alive. The artistic manifestations were present early in their history and bound intimately with the development of the technology necessary to process beskar. The importance of the clans' signets was another factor to push for a more refined technique when working the metal…”

“I didn’t ask you for the book definition of Mandalorian art. My question was why you, a non-Mandalorian, want to specifically specialize in our art.” Her tone was still flat, but commanding. Had you made her mad? Was it wrong that you wanted to study Mandalorian Art?

“The way your sculpture is so raw and naked and still conveys the most profound, earth-shattering feeling while using something as cold as beskar, turning it into living and breathing things. It’s bold and succinct, it shows and hides and that gives me goosebumps every time I look into a Mandalorian sculpture.” You didn’t want to be so passionate in your first encounter with Professor Armorer, but the fear of being rejected not only by the scholarship commission but also by her, made you snap. Your skin felt hot and your heart was hammering inside your chest.

The Armorer, as everyone called her, hummed in contentment, and then she grabbed a notepad and a pencil that had seen better days and scribbled something. 

“My friend is looking for an assistant to help him around in the studio. Since your background is in Fine Art, I think you’ll manage just fine.” She gave you the paper with only a number and address on it.  You looked at her quizzically. “The salary he offers should cover your stay here. I’ll arrange your schedule so your obligations as a PhD student are met.” You could cry with gratitude right now, even though you knew nothing about this job. “And concerning your tuition fees, let me move some strings. I can’t promise anything kid, but I may know someone who’d be interested in sponsoring you.” You could hug this woman, kiss her on her protection mask. But you stayed in your seat grabbing the mug she gave you like a lifeline.

“I can’t…I don’t know…” You babbled with watery eyes.

“I only expect the best of you kid, it’s gonna be hard work. Now go.” And then she returned to her work in the forge, leaving you trembling with excitement. 

After scrolling down some job portals, you closed your laptop with a sigh, calculating the best way to manage your savings to stretch them to the limit. With maximum frugality, you could make it through three months.

Professor Armourer had given you that mysterious number, but even though you were going to try, you didn’t want to depend 100% on her kindness. Moreover, you didn’t know which type of “studio assistant” job this would be since she provided little description. You grabbed the piece of paper and called. Nothing. You went on with your routine and tried again later, but no one responded.

Would it be too bold to just show up there? After all, your tutor had provided an address, so it was assumable it was okay if you just went there to speak to her friend in person. Like the old times, didn’t people do that? So you made up your mind and grabbed your tote bag and your trusty flannel. Slipping in some sneakers, you went outside to explore Nevarro City.

The area was definitely more industrial, certainly convenient for someone who was a metal artist, nevertheless, it had some charm to it. The warehouses were old, some of them reconverted into homes or other artist’s studios. You looked again at the paper provided by the professor when you recognized a building with large windows and a silver, old truck parked in the door as the one you were looking for. A big container with metal scraps was against one of the walls. You looked for a doorbell or something similar but nothing was in sight, so you decided to just pound the door.

Metallic sounds could be heard from the interior, and you asked yourself which kind of artist they were. After a while, you pounded the door again, it was clear they hadn't heard you. But the noise was loud and on top of that some electric guitar music was playing. You decided to make a bold move and try to open the door.

The inside was bright due to the big windows. The studio was neat and functional with all the tools one needed to work metal from small to large scale. Semi-finished projects were here and there, but it looked like everything had an order inside the warehouse. You could spot a little kitchenette too and a mattress in a cosy corner. 

The man you were looking for was working at the big wooden table that occupied the centre of the room. It looked like he was polishing a metal piece, and sparks were flying all around. The first thing you noticed was the welding mask. It was beautiful, reflecting all the little sparks like fireworks, and had a similar design to the one The Armorer wore. It was shaped like a traditional Mandalorian helmet, the one the ancient warriors once used as battle armour. You smiled to yourself.

You went closer to where he was working, being cautious to not startle him, but it looked like he hadn’t sensed your presence yet, so you just observed him. The sleeves of his work jumpsuit were rolled and you could admire how muscular his forearms were between the fabric and the leather gloves he used for protection. The zipper of his clothing piece was down until his sternum, letting you see thigh undershirt under it, revealing sculpted pecs.

Maker help me if this man is gonna be my boss.

His black visor was suddenly pointed in your direction and you almost jumped from the surprise. He had left de welder on the wooden table and lowered the volume of the music on a radio that looked as old as time and then approximated you. All his movements were slow and restrained. 

“What do you want?” He asked drily, without removing the welding mask from his face. As his friend the professor, he didn’t waste a second in pleasantries. His voice was as gruff as his looks. He didn’t look like an artist at all but a sort of mechanic or technician. 

He waited for your response with his gloved hands in his narrow hips, a leg slightly flexed. The way he carried himself made him look like a statue in a museum. He was observing you carefully, from head to toe. You noticed your mouth was dry.

“I…The Armourer sent me…because of the job…assistant.” You said finally. Perfect, you now had made a fool of yourself by speaking like you didn’t know grammar when you indeed made a living of writing. You could die of the embarrassment. 

“I told her…” He started and then sighed, lowering his broad shoulders in defeat. “Come, have a seat.” He said tilting his head towards a desk next to the large windows.

You assumed it was a desk because it was completely covered by stacks of diverse documents and you couldn’t even guess the material of the piece of furniture. You observed them as you sat in a beautiful vintage chair, while he did the same in front of you.  A lot of invoices, a PC as old as time, sketches of what looked like sculptures, sheets with budgets, newspapers, exhibition brochures. You smiled softly when you distinguished the characteristic doodles of a little kid. You kept that last info to yourself, thinking it wasn’t polite to be nosy in your first meeting.

He then looked at you like it was the first time he acknowledged your presence. His legs were wide apart, but while he looked confident you noticed he was fidgeting with his gloved fingers. What a curious man. And why was he so familiar?

“What can you do?” He asked, always the eloquent one. You looked around you for a moment, gathering your thoughts.

“Anything you need around here.” You responded, now a bit more confident. “I can operate almost every machine in this place, know the basics of wielding, and can help with molds and the foundry” He now looked more interested, bending his large body towards the table. “But for a start, I think the most urgent matter is this mess.” Sure, you were cheeky, but you needed the job, and it was obvious the man needed help with admin. You went from nervous to sassy in five minutes. “Does that even work, or is it part of an art installation?” You pointed to the PC that looked like it was stuck in the 90’s. He made a noise that could be a chuckle or a grunt.

“The Armourer sent me your CV.” 

Oh, so he knew you were coming after all.

“What makes a qualified researcher as you want to work as an assistant?” This was probably the highest number of words he had put together to this moment. His low baritone was warm and nice to hear. 

You blushed a bit. Of course, you had made your apportations, but you were only starting in the Academia even though you had some articles published. But qualified was a bit of a stretch. You could tell him the truth. That you needed to pay rent after being denied the scholarship. But that didn’t put you in a good light, especially in a job interview.

“Being a researcher, I tend to spend most of my day in my head. Manual labour grounds me.” You bit your lip a bit nervous because you had just offered a piece of personal information, even though anything in your tone revealed that you weren’t referring only to your job.

He only nodded in understanding, crossing his thick forearms over his chest. 

“You start tomorrow at 1500.” Okay, former military maybe? That was rich. And it was the shortest job interview of your life. “I usually wrap up at 2100, is that okay for you?” His voice had a kinder tone now, although sounding still gruff. You recounted mentally the bus timetable to your home and calculated it would be tight but you could make it.

“Yes, is perfect.” You offered him a big smile for the first time feeling grateful. “Thank you for the opportunity.” Then he accompanied you to the door and you realized he hadn’t provided you a name. He probably knew you from your CV though. You panicked a bit, trying to recall if Professor Armourer had told you his name but you couldn’t remember and it seemed awkward to ask now.

When you made your exit through the door, he leaned against it and you noticed he was as wide as the frame. The perks of being a sculptor, you supposed. You had to stop admiring his physique if he was going to be your boss. You arranged a bit your heavy tote bag on your shoulder and put a stray lock of hair behind your ear.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” You said to the statue man. He just nodded and you awkwardly acknowledged the interaction was over, so you left with an energetic handwave while he was standing there nonchalantly. Was he observing you? Just having some fresh air? You couldn’t tell with that damned mask. You found yourself wondering how he’d look under it. But it felt weird you didn’t know your boss's name or how he looked.  You turned on your heels and gathered some courage.  He was still in the same position and you felt super awkward. “I’m sorry, I think I didn’t catch your name and it felt wrong leaving without…”

Your new boss sighed heavily, and so so slowly, started to remove his welding mask. Your jaw dropped. Those sad eyes weren’t easy to forget.

“It’s Din, Din Djarin.”

Next Chapter

Taglist: @technicallykawaiisoul @dameron-grant-spector

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