Tumgik
#ive gotten over a couple others thankfully
Note
Speaking of antivenin, what's the closest call you've ever had with a venomous snake? Has anyone in your lab that you know ever been seriously injured by accident?
Also, do you guys keep antivenin on hand for all the venomous snakes you care for just in case an accident happens? Follow up to that, do you have a Dr/ nurse or someone certified to administer the antivenin on shift incase of emergency or is anyone able to administer it?
Sorry for all the questions!!
Easily the closest call I've ever had was a very big, very grumpy, sick cottonmouth. He wasn't feeling well, and we had him out in a tube, and I was holding him and showing the interns and new staff how I palpate snakes to check for intestinal obstructions. He'd been puffing up real big (he wasn't feeling well and he was big mad) and the person who handed him off to me had accidentally put him in a tube that was too big.
So, there I am, holding his snake in the middle of a crowd of interns, and he suddenly slips right out of the tube and I'm left just holding this cottonmouth in my hands. I was able to use the tube as a sort of makeshift hook to control his head until one of my coworkers (thankfully, very quickly) brought a hook over and helped me get him secure again. It was very scary because there were so many people around, and I knew if I made one mistake someone else could have been bitten.
Every other close call I've had has been 100% my fault. There was a time when I was working with stiletto snakes on internship and forgot to put on full-arm guards - nothing happened, all was well, but that could have been disastrous.
None of my coworkers have ever gotten hurt on the job (knock on wood), at least not beyond things like sprained ankles in the field. My boss at my lab has been bitten a handful of times, but he's an elder in the field and honestly I don't know many of the older generation of herpetologists who had to figure out to secure and restrain snakes for venom extractions who aren't missing at least a couple fingertips. It's gotten to be a much safer field to work in the last few decades, but while my boss was figuring out the technique and there weren't really a lot of people to learn from, he made mistakes while restraining snakes and got bitten on his hands and fingers a few times.
We do indeed keep antivenin for all our species on hand. Since we keep snakes from all over the world, we have to since hospitals won't have it and it can take too long for it to arrive if they need to order it. Antivenin has to be given through IV. If an accident ever did happen, we're trained to call 911, grab the appropriate antivenin, start driving, meet the ambulance on the way (we're out in a rural area), and start the IV in the ambulance.
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shuyamino · 2 years
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LUXIEM IN COLLEGE
pairing(s) : ✒ ،، mysta rias x reader | ike eveland x reader | vox akuma x reader | luca kaneshiro x reader | shu yamino x reader
content : ✒ ،، SFW | college au | fluff | headcanons + blurb | gender neutral pronouns | meet cutes, for the most part
summary : ✒ ،، You're attending Nijisanji University and meet a couple of interesting characters ...
note : ✒ ،، my 100th post, ayoooo!! some of the details here are from my own experience in uni, which hopefully adds more realism to it :3 i'm currently working on 3 longer wips, so ive been a bit slow with writing. i hope this makes up for it <3!!!
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SHU YAMINO AS THE TECH SUPPORT ʿ ⟢
SHU is works at your campus' Genius Center — which is just a fancy way of saying the college IT workers. From what you remembered, they help out with various of tech-related services. Which is perfect for you, after your laptop suddenly died one night.
You basically ran into the campus support center the following morning and thrusted your laptop into the nearest Tech Support you can spot — this essay was due that evening! You knew you shouldn't have procrastinated, but you did anyways.
Shu wasn't too shocked about your actions — by now, it was fairly normal to have various college students panicking in the lobby. He holds your laptop, voice calm as he asks you what the problem is.
You're rambling a bit too much. Jumping around topics and making a flurry of hand movements. But he's nodding along, lips still curved to a comforting smile as he leads you towards one of the desks in the small building.
Once you finish your explanation, he has your laptop open and clicking away at the keyboard.
"Um — s-so, can you fix it?" You ask quietly, peeking over his shoulder to look at your laptop screen.
"Well, it looks like you have a... couple of viruses." He answers, craning his neck just to look at you from over his shoulder. "You said you had an essay due soon?" You nod, lips pursed.
"Well… I can help fix up your laptop but if you had your essay saved in a Drive, you can borrow a laptop here and finish it up." You thank him as he heads to the back to get you a campus-issued laptop.
For a good chunk of that day, the two of you sat in this corner — him, trying to fix your laptop and you, trying to finish the rest of your essay.
SHU abruptly stops to stretch his arms up above his head, groaning slightly as he fixed his posture. You'd gotten more than half of your essay finished — thankfully you had the foresight to save all of your online references in a separate outlined document. Since you ran to the tech support building the moment you woke up, you didn't have time to eat breakfast. It wasn't long until your stomach began to protest that mistake. Your cheeks burn red as your stomach groaned — just loud enough to catch Shu's attention. His eyes glance over yours, lips slowly curving to a warm smile. "I...was thinking of taking a coffee break, do you want to come grab something with me?"
It isn't until much later after he helped fix your laptop that you find out that the campus tech support doesn't help students with their personal laptops.
Nor do they take them out for coffee.
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MYSTA RIAS AS THE CLASS CRYPTID ʿ ⟢
MYSTA is a student that you thought was failing your shared course — he was fairly late the first day and looked like he rolled out of bed before running to the lecture hall.
He sat beside you at the back corner of the lecture hall after being sternly reprimanded by your professor. He didn't seem to be bothered by it, if anything, it looked like the scolding went in one ear and out the other.
The rest of the semester continues like this. Since it's a general edu class, you're not quite sure what his major is. There were some days when it looked like he was doing comp sci work. Another day when he was reading an online textbook about primates (Anthropology, maybe?). And there were even some slower days when he would just sit and watch anime with a pair of discrete Airpods.
There were some days when he'd notice you staring and he'd turn on subtitles and tilt his laptop towards your direction. Other than this, the two of you rarely spoke to each other. Just small talk at most — it was easy to joke with him, at least, but other than that, you didn't really see him outside of this lecture hall.
Least to say, you've grown morbidly curious about him as the semester progressed. There were a few things that you knew about him — he seemed to like the color orange, if his clothes were anything to go by, and he liked anime. In addition to these facts, you were fairly certain that he was failing this class.
So, imagine your shock after receiving the results of your first exam and you spot a clear 100% on Mysta's paper compared to your 69%.
MYSTA must have noticed you staring because his head snapped up from his exam paper directly to you. You jump slightly, startled at getting caught staring. His eyes trail down to your paper, lips curving slightly at the red mark on your paper. Just as you're about to accusatorially ask him what he was grinning at, he points at the number with a laugh. "You got a 69!" Your jaw slacks because it wasn't exactly what you'd expected to come from his mouth, all the while he keeps laughing about the funny number. You're sat there with an absolute deadpan expression all the while the oh-so mysterious classmate laughs at your score. Not because of how badly you'd done — no, he's laughing because it's a sixty-nine. "Aw, don't pout." Mysta says, wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes. His voice lowered, edging slightly towards a mockingly condescending tone. "I can help you study for the next test, if you want~"
The "study session" actually just consisted of watching more anime and eating.
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IKE EVELAND AS THE CAMPUS LIBRARIAN ʿ ⟢
IKE works in the campus library!
He's known for being very friendly and approachable. Any and all anxiety disappears the moment you see him. He just has a really comforting vibe! Students that tour first years around campus make sure to tell them about Ike Eveland. ("If you ever need help around the library, find Ike!")
Ike often works behind the counter on the first floor, but there are moments in which he's putting books back where they belong in the other floors of the library.
You frequented the library — mostly taking advantage of the air conditioning, the tables and comfy chairs, and the quiet floor to take naps in during your free time.
When you weren't studying or finishing up course work, you were usually just sitting around the quiet room to take a nap or just have some downtime from your hectic classes and loud campus.
Despite this, you haven't really spoken to Ike. You never had to, anyway. But you have heard of him — more often than not, you hear people around the other floors whispering and giggling about the cute librarian on the first floor. It doesn't take a genius to know who they were talking about.
The first time you meet him was by pure coincidence.
"Stupid book…" You muttered, already standing on your toes as you stretch your arm up above your head. It wasn't even placed on the highest shelf — just a shelf above your reach. None of the step stools were around either, leaving you to fight this alone. Just as your fingertips managed to reach the book's spine, another hand came into view and easily pulled the book out from the shelf. Your head turns, ready to thank your savior, before you realize you're basically face-to-face with the one and only — "Y-You...!" You stammer before you can help it. IKE tilts is head slightly, seemingly unaffected by the distance between the two of you, or the lack there of. His torso is brushing against your back and you're basically caged between his body and the bookshelf. Your heart thrums against your chest — the loud drumming filling your ears as your cheeks fill with heat. "Sorry, it looked like you needed help." He explains, as he holds the book out for you. You close your mouth, hoping that he didn't notice the way your jaw slackened at the sight of him as you wordlessly take the book from his hand. You're fixing your hair before you can help it — a nervous habit at most. The others weren't exaggerating at all, you think, as you sneak another glance at Ike. He is just as pretty as most people say — kind eyes with long, pretty lashes and a kind smile. Is it a little weird to note that he smells like vanilla too? "I'm still around here for a bit, if you need any more help you can come ask me, okay?"
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VOX AKUMA AS THE NEW PROFESSOR ʿ ⟢
VOX recently graduated from grad school and is starting his first year as a professor in Nijisanji University! You're lucky enough to be able to attend his first ever class in your last year as an undergrad.
He's teaching English Literature and even while most students are taking this class to fill in for their general education, he expected the lot of you to still take his class seriously.
It's an hour and thirty minute long class and he spends the first few minutes just talking to the class and reading a short poem every Friday.
Even though it's his first time teaching, he's really good at explaining concepts and various analysis. In addition to this, he's very attentive to what the class (and individual) needs.
It's hard to think that it was his first time teaching, not gonna lie.
On top of his attentiveness, Professor Vox was both pleasing to the eyes and ears. It wouldn't be an over-exaggeration to say that he became a fairly popular professor to the entire student body.
As easy as this class was for the most part, you were still struggling with being able to analyze and connect some literary devices.
So, seeing the bright red C- and a 'Please see me after class', in your latest exam wasn't much of a shock
Professor VOX didn't seem disappointed when you approached him at the end of class — if anything, he seemed concerned. You tried to ignore the wary looks your classmates gave you when you approached him though. It was already embarrassing to get such an awful grade, even weirder knowing that your classmates are imagining some weird porn scenario in their head right about now. He greets you kindly despite your grade and is already packing his things up for the next class. You're nervously fidgeting with your thumbs — you've always hated having to talk to professors about your grade. No matter how kind they were. "I'm really sorry," You start, before he can start his 'I'm-not-disappointed' speech. Vox's eyebrows quirk, before his lips curl to a comforting smile. "I just…I kind of understand everything — " "There's nothing to apologize for," He cuts you off with a small wave of his hand. "If anything, I want to be the one to apologize. I should have noticed one of my students struggling." Your heart skips a beat. It's unfair for him to be handsome, attentive, and kind. Your cheeks flush before you can help it — a deep flush that makes you sweat a little under his gaze. "I-I think it's just hard to connect these kinds of things for me." You explain, hoping that your voice doesn't come out too high pitched. "It really isn't your fault." Vox seems to mull it over. "Well, I won't force your hand on the matter, but if you'd prefer, I am open for one-on-one tutoring sessions."
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LUCA KANESHIRO AS THE DORM CUTIE ʿ ⟢
The dorms were co-ed, though the male and female rooms were separated in different wings. When you first started college, you were required to live in the dorms.
Bumping into the opposite gender wasn't anything odd, though you'd be a liar to say that you didn't have moments of confusion upon seeing some rando standing about by your dorm room.
You meet LUCA on your way to one evening class — an unavoidable class, unfortunately, if you want to stay on track for your 4-year graduation. You bump into him past the common room, where he's making a sandwich.
You don't recognize him right away, but he does you.
"Oh hey!" He calls out, holding a sandwich in his hand. "I remember you from orientation. Where are you going?"
He seemed friendly enough, so you explain to him where you were heading. It wasn't until a few seconds into the conversation that you realize that he was in your orientation group. His name was at the tip of your tongue — Leo? Luke? — Oh, right! Luca.
LUCA blinks, looking confused when you explained to him where you were heading — almost like it didn't even cross his mind that people would take classes this late in the evening. You stare back, more or less confused about his reaction than anything else. He reminds you of the typical frat boy — wouldn't be too surprised if he did end up joining a fraternity after living in the dorms. Broad shoulders and a big build. And his thin white shirt isn't doing much to hide the dark tattoos on his chest. His medium length blonde hair is messily tied up too, like he'd done it in a hurry to make his sandwich. He is cute though. "Well, I should go." You say, pointing towards the elevator. It was the first day — or, evening, you guess — and you really didn't want to be late, even if it meant being able to talk to someone like Luca. "Oh, wait! I actually have somewhere to go right now. Is it cool if I walk with you?" Luca asks, still smiling brightly with his sandwich. You can't help but squint at him. It was clear that he wasn't planning on going out anywhere. He must have noticed your suspicion because he quickly adds, "It's late, you know. We can keep each other safe!" You realize then what he was hoping to do. You couldn't help but beam at him; your lips curling to a wide smile. You agree to his offer, deciding to play along with his excuse. Just this once. His own face lights up at your response. His response reminds you of a giant giant golden retriever. "Pog! Lemme jus' grab my jacket."
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munsonxmayhem · 2 years
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Beware the Freak
Part iii
(part i | part ii | part iv)
Summary:
You and the school freak are not so different,
you’re both into things that are unconventional,
you’ve both failed your senior year,
and you’re both a bit eccentric.
So why is it that you get to be liked by many,
and he gets to be shamed by most?
WARNINGS:
- Bullying
- Language
- Mentions of drugs
- Marijuana use
- Spice
MINORS DNI: ONLY WARNING
( i am not responsible for what you choose to read after you’ve been given this warning. )
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Getting up the next morning felt like a chore. Body sore from tossing and turning, and eyes red from the lack of actual sleep that you’d gotten. You muster up the energy to drag yourself out of bed, taking yourself directly into the shower.
As you stand looking in your mirror, wearing whatever clothes you mindlessly threw on today, you notice the dark under eye bags forming. “That’s lovely.” you scoff, shaking your head and applying a bit of concealer to cover them. Checking the time on your watch, 7:40.
It’s about a 10 minute walk to school, so you grab your bag and head out. “You’re kidding, right?” you groan to yourself as you see the rain pouring down outside, thunder crashing in the distance. You check the driveway, your mom must’ve already left for work.
Putting your backpack over your head, you start the walk to school. The breeze is chilly, but thankfully your backpack and your hoodie you slipped on is keeping you moderately dry and warm.
That is until you feel yourself being drenched completely down your back and side, turning your head you see Jason and his little group in his truck. “See you at school, Freak!” you hear him shout from the window.
“Fuck you, Jason!” You flip the bird. Seeming as you’re now soaked, the backpack is placed back on your shoulder. Dragging yourself the rest of the way to school.
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Slamming your locker open, you yank off your hoodie, luckily the shirt your wearing stayed dry enough to wear by itself. You throw the rest of your things in your locker, grabbing only what you need for your first class.
When you make it to your first class, you see a couple people turn amongst themselves, not making it any less obvious they’re talking about you. A few others are pointing to your legs, making you that much more curious. You glance down to your jeans you’re wearing. Drenched. All the way down the back and side. You groan loudly in annoyance as you make your way to your desk, slamming your books down.
You nearly made it all the way through math class without an incident. That is until a jock behind you decided to give you a nice little disturbance. Tap, tap, tap. You roll your eyes, ignoring the taps to your shoulder. Tap, tap, tap. “What?” you snap, turning your head towards him.
“So uh.. heard you hitched a ride with the freak yesterday.. is his van all you rode or..?” he laughs. You decide against a snarky remark, and turn back into your chair. “I mean, I was kind of wondering when it would happen, y’all freaks gotta stick together, you know? Honestly, you guys should be quarantined together, so no one else around you catches it.” He laughs, making his friend next to him laugh along with him.
The bell rings, and as you’re about to stand you feel a hand on your shoulder. “Hey.. it’s not all bad, at least you guys will get to spend the rest of your lives together in your senior year.” You smile, and laugh to yourself. You grab his hand, yanking it toward you.
“Andy, darling. If you don’t keep your hands to yourself, you’ll lose them. Then what will you have to keep you company at night?” You stare him dead in his eyes, and he looks mortified. Yanking his hand away, he backs up. “Freak.” As he walks away, you smile to yourself, grabbing your things and heading to your free period.
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Free period is spent with your head in your notebook, doodling and scribbling random things. Thoughts about last night floating around your head. Does he really think I’m pretty? Or was it just the high? You scribble harder. Your eyes widen. Oh god.. I called him pretty, too. Maybe he forgot. You press your pencil down hard against the paper. Snap. Shit. You slam your notebook shut, shoving it into your still damp bag.
Ding, ding, ding. Lunch time.
You sling your bag over your shoulder, making your way through the crowded halls. You grab your lunch tray, and glance around the cafeteria, spotting Eddie and the Hellfire club sitting already, all in their matching t-shirts. You anxiously bite your cheek, before making your way over.
Before you can get there, you feel an aggressive shove to your shoulder, your tray flying, and your back hitting the cafeteria floor. Luckily your backpack kind of broke your fall. You glance up and see none other than Jason.
“Watch where you’re going, Lady Freak!” He yells, as if it’s your fault. “C’mon on Jason, let’s go.” You see Chrissy, tugging his arm. He gives you one last disgusted glance before reluctantly going with her. She looks back and give you a look of ‘I’m sorry’ you wave it off, she’s not the problem.
That’s when a hand reaches out to you, expecting another blow you glance up quickly. Softening immediately when you see it’s Eddie giving you his hand. A soft, sympathetic smile on his face. You grab his hand, leaving the tray of food you never eat anyways and walk with him.
He nudges your shoulder, “Still worth it?” You nod, looking at him, “Absolutely.” He smiles, leading you to a spot next to him at the table. The boys completely distracted by their own heated conversation to notice you. Eddie clears his throat and the boys stop, looking from Eddie to you. Their eyes widen.
“Never seen a girl before?” you ask, looking around at each of them. A boy speaks up, “Not at this table, we haven’t.” You laugh, taking a seat with Eddie. “I’m Dustin!” the boy who spoke before introduces himself, “And this is Mike” he pointed to the dark haired boy seated next to him. At this point the rest were chiming in, introducing themselves.
“I’m (Y/N). Lovely to meet you guys.” You give a warm smile, some of them still looking shocked by your presence. “Don’t let me ruin the fun! Go about your, what I’m sure was a.. really.. heated discussion.” You laugh, turning to Eddie, who’s already looking at you. He studies your face, seeming a bit worried. “You okay? You look exhausted.” He states. “Gee, thanks.” you laugh and he looks down rubbing his hands over his face. “No.. that’s not what I meant, you just seem tired today.” You shrug, fiddling with your fingers under the table. “I’m okay, was just kind of a.. restless last night. A lot on my mind. Then the assholes today, just.. not used to it.” You ramble, and you feel your leg moving a mile a minute.
Eddie takes notice and places a firm hand on your knee under the table, giving you a reassuring squeeze. Your breath hitches a bit and you look at him, he gives you a soft smile. “What thoughts in that pretty little head of yours are keeping you up at night?” He says, just quiet enough for you two to hear. You feel the heat rising to your cheeks, and you feel his hand move away but your knee is no longer bouncing. “Just this and that. Not important.”
“Well you let me know if you need to talk, okay? I’m here.” He reassures you, his big brown eyes look into yours in such a caring way. You mutter a ‘thank you’ and that’s when all hell breaks loose. A few words falling from Mike’s mouth “So.. since we found a replacement for the uh.. Cult of Vecna…” he trails, “I was wondering if we could postpone tonight’s campaign?”
The look on Eddie’s face is priceless. Purely stunned. “You want to postpone.. you’re asking to postpone.. again?” He says, annoyance lacing his voice. Mike nods slowly. “What is there another championship game I didn’t hear about?” He inquired, sarcastically.
“No uh.. my girlfri- um. My girlfriend is in town, and we want to hang out, she’s only here for a li-“ his rambling is cut off by a now standing Eddie, who has his finger to his lips.
He strolls over to Mike, leaning down between him and Dustin. “Your girlfriend is in town?” he fakes sympathy. Mike nods. “I’m supposed to care why?” Mike shrugs. “You shouldn’t, I was asking beca-“ Cut off, again. “I’ll tell you what.” Eddie stands up tall, pulling his jacket straight. All the boys look at him, and you can’t help but to watch, too. “I’ll postpone this campaign.. If-“ He gets louder at the end. Mike nods enthusiastically. “If.. (Y/N) agrees to come over tonight.”
You jaw drops at your sudden presence in the conversation. They all look at you. “Well I uh..” Mike stares at you with a pleading look on his face. Eddie stares in anticipation. “Okay, yeah.” you put your hands up in surrender. “Yes!” Mike and Eddie cheer in unison. Dustin laughs hard at the display.
Eddie walks back to you, take a very proud seat beside you. “If you wanted me to come over, you just had to ask.” You say, a bit flirtatious. He grins and shrugs, “Much more fun this way.”
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By the end of the school day rolls around, you’re so ready to get home. The rude comments, and the weird stares enough to drive you mental. A voice snaps you from your thoughts as you grab your things from your locker.
“Still coming over tonight?” He asks, leaning up against the locker next to yours. You smile softly, “Yeah, of course. What time?” He thinks for a moment, “I’ll pick you up around like.. 6?” You nod, closing your locker. “Sounds good.”
“You sure you don’t need a ride home? You look a bit nervous.” He speaks softly as you walk next to him. You shake your head, “That’s alright, I’ll be okay.” You dismiss it, waving your hand. He just nods.
You part ways, and make your way to your house. No incidents this time, you assume because of after school activities keeping most of your problems at the school.
You change your clothes quickly, throwing on an old, clearly worn band tee, some black skinny jeans, and throw on a bit of makeup for the hell of it. Good enough. You think to yourself as you glance in the mirror. You turn on some music, and lay in your bed for a while to pass the time.
6 rolls around rather quickly, and you hear a beep outside. You walk to the window, looking out at the van parked outside. “Punctual, are we?” you laugh to yourself as you grab your bag and head outside.
He hops out of the van suddenly, and runs for your door, opening it for you. “What a gentleman” you giggle. He plays music softly during your ride, and you sit quietly. “So how was your walk home?” He asks, a small smirk on his face. “It was fine, no issues.” He nods, then shakes his head. “What?” you laugh. “I know. I trailed you.” he admits, embarrassment evident on his face. You gasp, “You did what?”
“Oh god, I swear I’m not a stalker, but after you’d told me what Jason and his shitbag friends did to you on your walk to school, I wanted to make sure you got home safe.” Your heart skips a beat at his confession, leaving you almost speechless. “I’m sorry.. that’s weird. I-“ he starts to ramble but you cut him off. “Thank you.. that’s probably the nicest thing anyone has done for me.” His body relaxes at your words and you smile to yourself.
Pulling up to his house, even only being your second time there, feels like you’d done it a hundred times before. No anxiety, no nervousness, nothing. Just comfort. He does what he always does, opening both doors for you. “You wanna watch a movie?” he asks, “My uncle went in early to his shift, so he’s gone for the night. Got the whole place to ourselves.” He gestures around the trailer, laughing, before plopping on the couch.
“Yeah sure, whatcha got?” He points to the stack of VHS tapes under the TV and gives you the go ahead to search through them. You gasp as you grab one, excitement covering your face. He laughs at the outburst, “Find something good?” You nod, showing him the tape. “My favorite.” You say and he turns on the TV, you push it into the VHS and run over to the couch, jumping into the spot right next to him.
He smiles down at your closeness and put his arm behind you on the couch, legs resting on the table in front. By the middle of the movie, you’re pressed into his side, and occasionally hiding your face in his chest as a scary scene plays. He laughs, placing his arm around your shoulders for comfort. “I love this movie, but jesus.. some of these scenes..” you whisper, trailing off.
By the end of the movie, you’ve fallen asleep on him. Head on chest, and arm draped around his side. He doesn’t mind, he turned the TV down when he’d noticed you’d fallen asleep so that it didn’t wake you up.
He brushes your hair from your face, and you stir a bit. Opening your eyes you glance at him, and realize your position. You move to where you’re sitting up, stretching your arms. “I’m sorry, I fell asleep.” He shakes his head, “That’s okay, I didn’t mind.” Smiling you stand up, stretching your cramps limbs.
“Wanna watch another movie?” He says, hopeful you say yes. “Time?” You ask him, he looks at his watch. “Almost 9..” He sounds a bit sad. You flop back down on the couch, and he looks at you. “You pick.” He tosses the remote on the couch and removes the movie, rummaging through the other tapes.
“You like Friday the 13th?” He pulls the tape out. “So cheesy..” you say dramatically, he nods putting it down. “I love it.” you say a bit more enthusiastically. He grins, throwing it into the player. “Want any snacks? Or something to drink? I should’ve asked when you got here..” He starts. “Whatcha got?” You look at him, pausing the tape.
He hurries around, looking through all the cabinets. “A whole lot of nothing, apparently..” He shakes his head, “That’s okay-“
“Wait!” He stands on his tippy toes, grabbing a box. “Jackpot!” He exclaims, holding up a box of popcorn. You smile, walking over to him and hopping on the counter. “Well let’s do it, then.” You laugh. He looks at you for a moment. “Hm?” You raise an eyebrow at him. He points, and you look behind you. “Oh.” you see the microwave behind you. “That’s too bad, I’m comfortable right here.” You sigh and raise your shoulders.
He gets closer to you, attempting to reach behind you at the microwave. You move, blocking his arm. He goes around the other side, you do it again. “So, no popcorn then?” He laughs in defeat. You pout, crossing your arms. He laughs, and takes your exposed sides to his advantage.
He puts his fingers to your sides, tickling you relentlessly until you’re kicking, and scream laughing for him to stop, “I concede, Eddie!” You gasp for air, “I concede!” He stops, then he wraps his arms around your waist picking you up off the counter and setting you down next to it. “Thank you.” He pops the popcorn in the microwave.
You lean against the counter, catching your breath. He turns and laughs at you. “You..” you pant, “Suck” you finish, and he walks over to the fridge. “So we’ve got beer.. or water.” He points out. “Uh.. water, I guess.” You reach for a glass from the cupboard. He laughs, “It’s Friday, (Y/N). Live a little.” He jokes, but you realize he’s right. It’s the weekend. “You know what, Munson. Give me a beer then.” He hold your hand out and he looks at you curiously. Handing you one, you pop the top off.
You take a sip, immediately wincing. “God that’s so gross.” you giggle. “Yeah that’s what I thought.” He laughs, grabbing the glass from the cupboard, filling it with water. “Here.” he hands you the water, taking the beer instead.
He steps closer, as you take a sip of the water. He sets the beer down next to you as he gets closer. You breath hitches, heart skipping a beat. Closer, closer..
Beep. Beep. Beep.
He makes his way around you, opening the microwave. You sigh, quietly. Closing your eyes in frustration. “Ready?” he grabs his beer, and you spin around on your heel. “Absolutely.” you fake a smile.
You spend most of the movie distracted by your thoughts. Why did you want to kiss him so bad? You barely knew him. Sure, you’d spoken a couple times at school, but mostly just in passing or in class. You’d only just now became friends with him. So why is this thought so prevalent in your mind?
“You okay?” A concerned, Eddie speaks, tossing the nearly empty bag of popcorn onto the table. You nod, playing with your fingers. “Yeah, I’m alright.” He pauses the movie, but before you can protest, he’s speaking. “Liar, what’s up?” There’s those caring eyes again, those big, brown, sweet puppy dog eyes you like so much. You sigh, “It’s nothing, really. Just been an odd couple days.” He raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, you could say that.” he agrees. “It’s just like.. obviously we’d talk in passing in school now and then, but we weren’t like.. friends. I guess. And now, we are friends, but it doesn’t seem like there was a time that we weren’t? That doesn’t even make sense..” you ramble on but he nods.
“No, I know what you mean. This just seems so.. natural. I guess. Like we’ve been friends forever.” He speaks, softly, leaning into the couch. You nod. “Yeah, exactly.” You say, looking at him and leaning your head on the back of the couch.
“Did you mean it?” He raises his eyebrow, curious. “Mean what?” He inquires. You feel a blush across your cheeks, but don’t leave his gaze. “When you called me pretty.. did you mean that?” He smiles, a hand coming up and brushing the hair from your face. He glances down at your lips, briefly, then back up at your eyes. “Yeah..” he whispers. “I did.”
You cover your cheeks with your hands, you can feel the heat from your skin. “You’re very pretty.” He compliments, and removes your hands. “Thank you.” you mutter out, taking your bottom lip between your teeth. He looks at it, before placing his thumb on it, pulling it from your teeth. He rubs his thumb softly against your lip, his gaze never leaving it.
You lick your lips as he takes his thumb off, his hand still lingering on your cheek. “You wanna kiss me?” you say, just barely above a whisper. He looks up into your eyes, and there’s something different there this time. Something deeper, longing? Love?
He nods, before he leans in, his lips pressing to yours. Butterflies erupt in your stomach as his hand caresses the side of your face, lips moving softly against yours. His hand moves down to the side of your neck, before sliding around to lace his fingers in your hair. You move your leg and lay it across his lap, your hand taking its place on the side of his face.
The kiss gets deeper, his hand moving from your head, trailing down and caressing your hip, then holding your thigh that’s draped across his legs. You lightly bite his bottom lip, and he gasps. His grip on your leg tightening. You make a bold move, moving your body closer, before sliding into his lap. Knees straddling either side of his hips, never breaking the kiss.
He runs his hands down your sides, before they make their way around your lower back. His hands push your shirt up a bit in the back, his palms pressed flat against the bare skin. The feeling of the heat of his skin against yours makes you let out a quiet moan.
He smiles into the kiss, pulling you impossibly closer. He runs his tongue across your lip, and you part them, allowing his tongue to have access to yours. His mouth immediately dominates yours, tongue against tongue. Exploring everything your mouth has to offer. He groans lowly into the kiss when you unintentionally grind down against him. A small whimper leaves your mouth when you feel his growing bulge through his jeans.
He goes with it, thrusting his hips up slowly against your clothed core. A low groan leaving his throat, as you whimper a bit louder against his lips. This urges his on, lifting you slightly and laying you on your back on the couch. One of his hands holds the leg that’s around his waist, and the other ones holds your cheek as he kisses you deeply.
Reluctantly, he breaks the kiss. Leaning his forehead against yours, the only sound is both of your panting breaths. “Is this okay?” he whispers, searching your eyes with his. You nod, a shaky breath exits your lips. “Yes.” He sighs, and grabs your hand, holding it gently. “Maybe we should slow down?” He asks, quietly. “I don’t want to rush anything, as much as I’m enjoying this.” You see the worry on his face, and you intertwine your fingers with his, placing a gentle kiss to his fingers. Looking up into his eyes, “No rush..” you speak gently, a smile on your lips.
He sighs, a feeling of relief washing over his body. He wanted this to be right, for both of you. Not rushed, not in the moment, just.. perfect. Like he thinks you are.
He sits up, pulling you with him, and putting your legs over his. He wraps his arm around your shoulders, holding you close to him as he presses play on the movie. Smiling down at your face as you focus on the movie.
_____________________________
As the movie finishes, you notice that Eddie hasn’t moved or spoken a word. Glancing up, you see it’s him who has dosed off this time. Reaching up, you run your fingers down his face. “Eddie..” He scrunches up his face in his sleep, you giggle quietly. Moving your hand to his side, you tickle him lightly. “Eddie.” you say a bit louder. He groans, turning his head away before looking back at you, opening his eyes. “Hey..” he mutters, a bit of a rasp to his voice. “Hi, sleepyhead.” you smile and he chuckles a bit.
“It’s late, do you want to go home?” he asks, glances at his watch. You shake your head, “You’re too tired to drive. I don’t want you crashing.” you tell him. He shakes his head, “I’m okay to drive, I promise..”
“What if I just..” you trail off and he keeps his eyes on you. “Stay the night? I left a note for my mom telling her I was going to a friends house.. she won’t be too worried, if she even notices.” He smiles, “Yeah?” you nod, slowly. “I can take the couch, if you want me to.”
“Don’t be silly. I think we’re past that now, don’t you think?” you raise an eyebrow. He laughs, putting his head in your neck, and wrapping his arms around you. “Guess so.”
He takes your hand, walking you to his room and closing the door. He takes his shirt off, and you do your best not to stare at his slim figure and tattooed body. Your best was not enough because he caught you almost instantly. “Like what you see?” he laughs, tossing his shirt at you. You catch it and cover your face with it, muttering a ‘stop’ as he unbuckles his belt.
“Can I wear this?” you refer to his previously worn Hellfire shirt in your hands. He looks almost shocked, “Y-yeah. Absolutely.” he stutters out. You turn around, slowly pulling your shirt off and tossing it behind you on the floor. Bringing his t-shirt over your head, it falls to the middle of your thighs.
You turn to him, slowly unbuttoning your jeans and letting them fall to your ankles. His eyes trained on you as you step out of them. You smirk at him, “Like what you see?“ you use his words against him and his eyes go wide, turning away as you walk over to the bed.
Getting under the covers, you lay on your side, facing him. “My shirt looks good on you.” he whispers, your face heating up. “Thank you. It looks good off of you.” the words fall from your lips before you’ve even thought about it. You cover your face, and he laughs loudly. wrapping his arm around you and pulling you close to him.
He places a kiss to the top of your head, hands gently running along your side. This is the most peaceful he’s ever felt. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” he whispers against your hair. “Goodnight, pretty boy.”
_______________________________________________
Authors Note:
I don’t care how long this chapter is, I absolutely had a blast writing it. That’s all, thank you 😂
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fluffyllamas-23 · 4 months
Note
💝 - What gestures do they really appreciate? How do you get on their good side?
☕ - Coffee or tea?
💀 - How do they feel about horror movies?
💖 - How and how often do they try to impress their partner(s)? How and how often do their partner(s) impress them?
for your girls!!
omg thank you for these!!! My apologies they took so long, I've been having such a rough time with focusing on much of anything and I've been so tired for no reason other than existing is hard lmao but thank you for loving my girls! I did them for Arwen and Marcia, and Jasmine and Saoirse!!
💝 - What gestures do they really appreciate? How do you get on their good side?
Arwen: Arwen really hates cooking and figuring out food. She will if she has to but will hate every minute of her, so the best way to get to her heart is to organize that for her. If someone organizes it for her, whether it be cooking for her or getting her favorite takeout, she just melts. Marcia thankfully loves to cook, so they work well together lmao. Marcia: Marcia loves to be spoiled and told how wonderful and appreciated she is. She really loves experiences - fancy date nights, couples dates at the spa, impromptu weekend getaways….stuff like that. Saoirse: Saoirse really loves when people very obviously listen to her and remember things she’s said and act on those things. She teaches high school, and while she loves her students and what she does, it does get really frustrating sometimes because it can feel like she’s speaking to a wall and has to spend the majority of her day repeating herself. Someone hanging on her every word, and remembering something she’d said weeks ago and bringing it up later is something that just makes her feel SO special and loved. Jasmine: Little acts of service make Jasmine feel really loved. She’s so used to having to be hyper-competent at work and it makes her melt a bit when someone does something for her, even if she’s perfectly capable of and planning on doing something herself. Sometimes she’ll come home after a long, hard day of work, and the house is clean, and Saoirse’s just gotten dinner in the oven, and she kisses her cheek and tells her she’ll draw her a bath and pour her a glass of wine, and she’s all 🥺🥺🥺. It works platonically, too. If one of her coworkers takes the time to grab her a coffee from the cart without her asking, she just dies lmao
☕ - Coffee or tea?
Arwen: Arwen loves iced coffee no matter the weather. Even when it’s freezing, she prefers iced coffee over hot. She usually takes it with oat milk and whatever syrup she’s feeling that day, usually hazelnut vanilla. Marcia: Marcia is a tea kind of person. She loves all kinds of tea, but she tends to prefer earl gray or herbal teas. With earl gray, she takes it with a little bit of cream and sugar, and with herbal teas she’ll add a bit of honey. Not too much, just enough to give it a little bit of sweetness. Saoirse: Saoirse is a coffee person, preferably as black as her soul. Even better would be an IV of coffee directly into her veins, but that’s not possible yet lol. She really likes nitro cold brews, or just plain black coffee. Jasmine: Jasmine is neither a coffee or tea person. She doesn’t really like the taste of either, but will consent to drinking tea when she’s sick (only because her throat always hurts SO bad when she’s sick. That and cough drops are the only things that help). To get her caffeine fix, she usually opts for the largest size available of either Diet Coke or Coke Zero. 
💀 - How do they feel about horror movies?
Arwen: Arwen doesn’t really like horror movies. She thinks they’re dumb, and has no interest in watching them. Marcia: Marcia doesn’t like horror movies. She was raised really religious, and although she’s deconstructed years ago, she still doesn’t really fuck with spooky stuff. She doesn’t really believe in it anymore, but It’s just kind of a holdover from it being drilled into her head that horror and paranormal stuff is satanic lmao. Saoirse and Jasmine: They do enjoy horror movies, but really only during spooky season when they can really get in the mood for it. They won’t really watch any of them outside of October.
💖 - How and how often do they try to impress their partner(s)? How and how often do their partner(s) impress them?
This might be kind of a boring answer, but I don’t really feel like any of these four ever try to impress their partner! They’re all pretty secure and established in their relationship, and any impressing they do is completely unintentional. Marcia may occasionally try and impress Arwen, if only to be given praise lmao.
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darling-i-read-it · 2 years
Text
Too Late
BIlly Hargrove x flayed!fem!!reader
Word Count: 900
Warnings: angst, the reader being flayed though it isn’t very detailed 
Author’s Note: i’m not sure how i feel about this one but writing for billy is such a treat i don’t even care <3
Requested: by anon, billy hargrove x flayed!reader 👀 ive been thinking about him having to work along side the party and i have been craving angst 👁👁 
Summary: the request ! 
I don’t own these characters. They belong to author/director/creator
(not my gif)
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It should’ve been him. That’s all he could think about when he was driving his car down the street back home from work. It should’ve been him driving on that street that night. It should’ve been him but no, it was you. You had said you would meet Karen Wheeler just to give her a piece of your mind. He let you go. He never had any actual intention of meeting Karen. He figured standing her up would get her off his back. 
But you never came back home. 
Something else had come back in your place. 
Billy had been waiting in your bedroom, the window open since he had crawled through it. You had come back and practically ignored his presence. Your tone was even. Your eyes were dead. He knew you better than anyone else in this world and he knew that whatever was there, it wasn’t you. 
Billy took a sharp turn. He had seen Max at work earlier. He couldn’t believe he was going to his step sister for help. It was stupid. He would just be admitting defeat. She likely wouldn’t even believe him. But he couldn’t go to his dad or step mom. 
He did a u turn on the road, turning back to work. Thankfully for him, Max was walking with her friends on the side of the road, their voices raised. Clearly whatever they were talking about was intense. 
He pulled over to the side of the road, swallowing his pride. 
He wouldn’t ask for help ever. Not unless he thought something was wrong with you. 
“What?” Max asked, voice still as filled with acid as it had always been when she was talking to her brother. She was flanked by the party, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Eleven. He didn’t know any of them by name. 
“You guys need a ride?” he asked. 
“Sick of trying to run us over?” Mike spat. Billy almost sped away right there but then he remembered how you had looked at him the night before. 
Like you had no idea who he was. 
“Just get in.”
Warily, Max got into the passenger seat of the car. Everyone else piled behind the two of them and then Billy was driving again. 
“Where are we going?” Max questioned. Billy cleared his throat. 
“You guys dealing with...anything out of the ordinary lately?” he asked brgrudegnly. 
“Maybe,” Mike said, leaning forward. “Why? Are you?” He glanced at Max who was watching him intently. His eyes flicked in the rearview mirror at the host of eyes on him now. 
“Y/N came home last night.” 
“As she usually does. Is this story going to include something gross?” Max questioned, arms crossed. He shook his head, clenching his teeth. He turned his wheel so that they were parked on the side of the street. He needed to not be driving when he tried to explain what he saw in you. 
“Her body came home but…she didn’t,” he said, staring straight ahead. He tried to imagine how you would tell them if it was him in your place. 
“What do you mean?” Dustin questioned. 
“She was dead in the eye. And then I went to check her car and it looked like she had gotten into a crash.”
“Maybe she just has a concussion.”
“Why wouldn’t she tell me she had crashed her car?” he asked, looking at Max.
They stared at each other for a moment. Max seemed to recognize what he was trying to get across. He wouldn’t be asking them for help if he wasn’t sure that whatever happened to you, wasn’t normal. 
He also looked more desperate than she had ever seen him. 
It was nice to know Billy had feelings beyond anger. He really did love you. 
“Okay. Where is she now?”
-
You were at the pool still. It’s where Billy had left you. You were in a couple layers which was odd for you anyway. You usually only liked a robe over your swimsuit when you were around. Max observed you quietly, arms crossed. She had met you plenty of times before. You and Billy had been going out for a couple of months now. 
You slid off the lifeguard seat. You saw Billy, you locked eyes with him, and you kept walking. He tried to hide his devastation as best as he could. “If she were normal her tongue would be down his throat,” Max explained. “That isn’t normal.” “You could say that again,” Billy muttered. “You got a plan on how to get her back to normal?” “We don't even know what’s wrong with her yet,” Dustin said. “Let’s just hope we aren’t already too late.”
-
Stranger Things Tag List: @dpaccione, @karasong, @elisaa-shelby, @purple-flamingo, @trinswhimsys, @valentina-luvs-u, @demigirl-with-problems, @chaotic-fangirl-blog, @mads-weasley, @alexxavicry, @secret-obsessions-21-blog, @mystic-writings, @plumes-de-nuit, @linkxneptune
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kusaka6e · 2 years
Text
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TUTOR
three | four | five
chapter list
———
the next day, you drive over to see your brother after your morning lectures, the cold winter air cutting through your clothes as you approach the entrance
you pull a mask over the bottom half of your face as you enter the building, thankful to be out of the cold.
"hey (l/n)! how are you?" the charge nurse waves from her desk, eyes crinkling into a smile from underneath her mask.
"hi suni, good to see you again."
you make your usual route down the hall, knocking gently when you reach the door.
"hey bub, you awake?"
"hi sissy." he paused his switch, smiling at you from his bed. you sigh, seeing the multiple bags of fluids on his iv pump.
"how come you're hooked up to so much stuff today?"
"the nurse said my platelets went down last night, so they're giving me more today." you nod, trying your best to not let any negative emotion show.
"i brought you something. the book store on campus got more in a couple days ago." you unzip your backpack and produce the next few volumes of a shounen manga your brother had been raving about.
"no way!! thank you!" he smiles brightly, wrapping his small arms around your torso. as you hug him back, you feel how much thinner he's gotten and internally sigh.
"do you like your nurses this time?"
"they're really nice! i don't remember her name, but the one from a few nights ago helped me get vending machine snacks." he's smiling brightly and talking with so much enthusiasm, you almost forget why you're there.
you stay for a couple of hours, playing games on his switch and talking to each other about schoolwork and other random things until he falls asleep.
as your packing up your things, there's a soft knock on the door.
"oh, hi (l/n)! i was just coming to check on him, you guys need anything?" one of the nurses you'd seen before whispers as she comes in
"no thank you, i'm just about to head out. can i ask you a couple questions?"
"of course." she nods away from the room, gently closing the door before facing you.
"is there any update on the waitlist thing?"
"because of his age, he's been made a priority patient on the waitlist; which is great! but, he's taking to this round of treatment fairly well. it has been tiring him out but the tumor isn't growing and there aren't any new ones."
"that's so great, thank you. and, thank everybody here from me, you all have been so wonderful."
"we're happy to help. you take care of yourself too honey, we'll see you next time." you give her a small wave before heading back to your car.
you glance up at your dashboard, cursing when you see '4:18' written on the clock. if you hurry, you'd only be a couple minutes late.
at 4:29 you fly into a parking space, throwing your car into park as you sling your backpack over your shoulder.
thankfully, baji is sitting at the same table you two were at yesterday, so it's not hard to find him once you enter the library.
"what was that you said yesterday about making an entrance?"
you glare at baji as you pull your notebook and a stack of paper from your backpack, brushing your hair out of your eyes. his hair is pulled into a bun, some baby hairs falling around his face.
"didn’t wanna be late." he grins, hearing the same words he said to you yesterday.
"i was looking at the notes you wrote me yesterday and i got confused."
"about?" you were greatful for baji not picking up on how stressed you were, or at least wasn't saying anything about it.
"how to get answers with this avo... ago... avor?"
"spit it out already." you giggle, his face twisted in focus.
"av... avocado's number. i don't know how to use it."
"avogadro's number. let me see the problems."
he noticed you looked stressed, different from your usual collected demeanor. given, this was only the second day he'd actually spent time with you. but, whenever he saw you with mikey or on campus, you always came off unbothered and put together.
"okay, we're gonna do some practice problems. you gotta know this to be good at stoichometry."
"stoich-y what?! i thought this was chemistry!"
"stoichometry is a part of chemistry, dipshit. it's just a fancy way to say dimensional analysis."
"that already sounds fancy, don't make it even more complicated."
"shut up and do the problem."
just like the day before, it takes him awhile, but all the problems get done without any mistakes after a number of tries and a multitude of questions.
"no celebration routine today?"
"not until i don't need your help with anything, remember?" he doesn't look up from having his head tossed back in exhaustion, long eyelashes fanning towards his eyebrows. you let out a small smile, surprised he remembered what you said.
am i blushing ?? ew
"well we've got a ways to go, but you're not doing too terrible."
"wow, thanks for the encouragement." he chuckles, lifting his head to look at you.
"i've gotta go but i'll see you next time, text me when you wanna meet up again."
"bye (l/n)." his eyes stay on you as you exit the library, sighing.
....
"what's got you quiet?" chifuyu raised an eyebrow at baji, lighting the joint in his hand.
"grades. chemistry sucks."
"how's that tutor mikey found for you?" he notices baji tense, smirking.
"she's really smart."
"and...?"
"and what?"
"is she hot?"
baji's lack of an answer makes matsuno laugh, letting a puff of smoke exit his lips.
"so, when are you gonna ask her out?"
"dude!"
"you're not? why don't you give me her number then?"
"i'm not giving you her number!" baji glares at him, jealously kicking in before he can try to keep it under wraps.
"i'm just fucking with you, i'm not gonna mess with her."
"it's not like she'd hang out with me other than tutoring."
"what makes you say that?"
"because she's so like.... together . she never seems stressed or mad, or sad, or anything."
"so? mitsuya comes off that way too, look how quick he is to knock someone out. i don't think you know her well enough to say that yet."
baji sighs, holding his hand out to chifuyu and taking a drag from the blunt.
"i guess it can't hurt to try, right?"
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a sleepless night
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just a short little drabble with my boys nick and jacob :) i love these two so much
also why does nobody ever write that jacob probably had to stay the night in the hospital too, mans ran around practically naked for most of the game lol
wc: 690
Late at night, past visiting hours, the hospital was quiet. Quiet machine beeps and hums were the only noises filling the silence. Occasional conversations between the overnight nurses and doctors were heard, as well.
And Nick could not, for the life of him, fall asleep. He'd already been told to stay in his room once, but he just had to know if the others were okay. He knew he couldn't see Dylan, poor guy was in the ICU.
So, seeing as they were on the same floor, Nick felt compelled to go and see Jacob. Everyone else was staying the night at the police station until their family could get there.
The Aussie climbed out of his bed cautiously, gasping softly as he felt how cold the floor was. He grabbed the IV hanger, wheeling it along with him as he slowly made his way to the door. He glanced around, seeing all the nurses were busy, and walked out.
Nick walked along the hall quietly making his way to Jacob's room. Thankfully, the nurses either didn't notice him or didn't bother to stop him for the second time, and he made it to the other's room. He quietly opened the door and walked in.
Jacob was sound asleep, a couple of blankets over his body. He was staying overnight in the hospital, the doctors wanting to be sure he didn't have hypothermia. The poor kid spent most of the night in just his boxers running around the woods, after all.
Nick shuffled over to the chair in the room, scooting it closer to Jacob's bed. He sat on the chair and looked at the other boy, smiling a little.
Jacob being okay was the only thing keeping Nick sane right now. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the events of the night. Nick didn't remember much, not after the infection. Nobody believed that the kids had seen werewolves until Emma showed them a picture she had gotten. It was a miracle she got that and survived to show the police what the Hacketts were.
Nick sighed softly, resting his arms on the edge of the bed and looking up at Jacob. He reached over and rested his hand on top of the sleeping man's hand. Jacob stirred slightly, his hand twitching. Nick moved his hand and sat up.
Jacob groaned softly, turning his head to see Nick. He smiled a little bit. "Hey... 'time is it?" he mumbled.
Nick shrugged a bit, glancing up at the clock. "Sometime past one, I think. I couldn't sleep, 'nd I wanted to see if you were okay..." he admitted, leaning back against the bed.
Jacob chuckled a little bit, smiling tiredly. "Yeah, I'm okay, man. Glad that we all survived, and that you're okay, too." He lifted his hand up and put it in Nick's hair, playing with it a little.
"Wouldn't say okay is the right word for me," Nick said, blushing a little at the action. "I don't even know half of what happened."
"That's good," Jacob said. "It wasn't fun..."
Nick couldn't help but laugh a little. "Waking up half naked and covered in blood, wondering if it's yours or not, definitely wasn't fun, Jake." He laid his hand out, resting at Jacob's side. "'m tired, but I can't sleep."
Jacob kept playing with Nick's hair. "I'd say you can stay in here, but I don't know what the nurses would think." He smiled and chuckled a little. "And the bed is a little small."
"It is..." Nick smiled and hid his face against the bed sheets, blushing deeply. "Jake, I'm tired," he chuckled a little bit.
"Then sleep," Jacob mused. "If one of the nurses comes in here, they'll wake you up." He gently ran his hand through Nick's curls. "I'm probably gonna fall asleep again, anyway."
Nick just hummed in response, closing his eyes. It wasn't the most comfortable position he'd fallen asleep in, but Jacob's hand in his hair had lulled him to sleep. Just the two of them, asleep in the hospital room. Nothing else mattered to them at that moment in time.
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flugmunk · 1 year
Text
fuck it let me tell yall little story here. so for highschool the place i went to was off the norm for different schools in that there was internships shoved in so that every thursday kids can go out to the Great Big World and. do shit. get job experiance nd ll tht. to get aheaad of the curb. WELL me being an art nerd thinking my life would revolve aroun art stuff so OBViousLY i gotta do an art thing for internships. couldnt find shit for ninth grade so helped round with the cafeteria. free food. 10nth grade i was approched by two kids who haad plans to work on a film at some place and asked if i wanted in. they would do everything else and my role would be just to work on a small little animation segment for the film. i had no plans by then so well. fuck it. i agreed and joined. better than stuck in classrooms. now the thing about me nd animation is that i had. NO prior knowledge. sure i made a few gifs but thats. that is still comparable to nothing. and the animation was JUST ME. storyboard, character design. background. timing. colors. sound. JUST ME. except for the voice. i didnt know shit fuck all. and i only had one school years worth- once a week of that- and 5 hours out of THAT. to do my shit. for free mind you because it was a school based internship program. and while the other two are doing whatever else for the film, they check on me every now and then to see how progress is going along. and im a shy quiet introverted fuckermother back then and im all like "oh im fine im fine immmm fiiiiiiinnnneeee" because i didnt wanna let them down. meanwhile as i stand in their way to block the view of a burning shithouse. things were not fine. only halfway through did the internship place offer me someone WITH animation experience to guide me. guide. not helping. guide. because help would imply that now here is two people to share the work of this animation bullshit. nah that person was just there to be all "and heres what you click if you wanna do this thing in this overpriced program". eventually the thing ends, shit is ready to get wrapped up. final day. i thought i lost everything nd stayed like a couple hours searching through all the files. THANKfully i didnt actually loose the project. now i can just give it to the other two film people. i dint know shit what they were doing for the film the entire time, i was busy with wrangling the stuff of this damn animation. wanna know the best part of all this? i never gotten to watch the final product of the film. i dont even know if my animated segment is even in there. i dont have the file for said animation with me. and frankly i dont care. its over. but thats only the beginning. heres what i did for 11-12th grade for the intern program. under a read more cuz this post is already getting long.
those two years i combined because i ended up stretching the project. this time i managed to find a place all on my own. coincidentally a place that is responsible with some big film festival thing that i never attended. now the thing bout school based internships, is there the students gotta make a project for the benefit of the place. so no it could not just be normal (unpaid) office/grounds work. done with under the mentoring of a person who works at the place. the first few weeks i was just helping sort through mail, thinking of what to do for the project^tm.
motherfucker do yall wanna know what me, the mentor and the teacher that showed up to check up, came up with for the project? guess. thaats right. another goddamn animation. ALLLL ON MY OWN RAWDOGGED. huwehh. this animation was to be of "how to get tickets for attending the film festivals." sounds good enough. surely i could use the experiance ive gained only one year prior right?
listen. my memory was absolute shit. i didnot learn jack shit bout how to make animation. wanna know what my process was like? what i actually did in ordder to create a moving image? open ph*toshop. draw everything. everything. in there. savve everything as a png. put each damn png into whaatever program was to replace flash. slap the sound file atop. resist the urge to toss the equipment out the window. save final file as finished product. THAT is what id did for the internship animation the year prior. i knew that thats the worst way to go about things but its the only way i knew how. for the 11-12th grade thing, i did tht shit again. the revious year was for around 1:30 minutes long i had to do. this time was around 2 minutes. thats extraa more for me to do. alone. unpaid. again. and again it was just me on the animation. the mentor person had other things to be busy with. but this time i felt even more shitty because its already looking like shit and i still didnt want to let anyone down. the end of the year was coming up, things had to wrap up. i knew i wasnt gonna be finished. the school and job people allowed me to take the designated laptop with me to do what i need to do. i spent half way through the summer bullshiting my way through. i finished, sent the people the final file. got on the bus. went to the job place. returned the laptop. and said the final goodbyes to whoever was in the building. after that i also, didnt see what became of the animation. i never bothered checking the website. i dont even know if they even HAVE the file anymore. the mentor person got dropped out of the job halfway through anyway but at least there was a backup mentor so that i could stay around. all this just for a grade. all this just for experience. all this for experiance tht i would then forget and regret. I SHOULD HAVE GONE FOR FUCKING NATURAL ENVIORMENT WORK OR SOMETHING. restoration work or cleaning up or or. ANYTHING. theres surely pleanty of that needed. but alas time machines dont exist.
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pretty-little-pink · 2 years
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"What the fuck?" Anti rounded the desk quickly and crouched down, taking Author's head in his hands and cradling it. His own eyes were wide as he patted the other's cheek harshly and shook him a little before growling. Fuck fuck- what had he done? He'd given the man a cushion and some clothes, he hadn't even hit him. That hard. The slaps didn't count, he was already unconscious.
Without even reaching for his phone he began to message the Doctor, hoping that he would know what was going on.
Anti: he just passed out what the fuck do i do The Doctor: (This message has been automatically translated from GERMAN.) What do you mean ‘passed out’? Did you hit him, or was he doing exercise? Anti: no i just had him sitting next to me and going over some paperwork Anti: he did good so i went to get him some clothes. He put the shirt on and then just collapsed The Doctor: (This message has been automatically translated from GERMAN.)Have you given him anything to eat or drink since you retrieved him? Anti: fuck Anti: no Anti: so what he needs water? hows he going to drink if he’s passed out, humans choke don’t they The Doctor: (This message has been automatically translated from GERMAN.) Bring him to my clinic. I will prepare an IV for him.
Anti closed the chat and went to pick up Author. In the back of his mind he noted how light the other felt, almost positive that wasn’t right but it wasn’t the main priority right now. With a low hiss he approached the door and opened it with one hand, having moved Author to sit on his hip like he saw humans do with their children, and carried him down the hall.
From there it was a short route down the elevator, through the main room- now empty, bar Robbie but he was just gnawing on something- and into the sterile white room of the clinic. He pushed through the thick, black curtains until he was greeted by the doctor. Henrik took over from there, instructing Anti to place him on what looked like a hospital bed, but with additional straps.
He secured the thin man down- a leather strap across his waist, the cuffs with two short chains securing him to the bed itself, and a blanket drawn up over his lower half. There was another strap that was brought up and drawn across his shoulders, effectively keeping his upper half pinned down. After all he restraints were done he set up the IV and slid the needle in, using a bit of tape to keep it in place.
“Er ist stark dehydriert. Sobald sich sein Körper etwas erholt hat, wird er aufwachen, aber bis dahin muss er sich zurückhalten. Ich möchte nicht, dass er seine Infusion herauszieht.“
Author was unconscious until his body had regained enough fluids. Thankfully it didn't take too long, all things considered. He was passed out for a couple of hours, though with how exhausted he had been, he proceeded to sleep for the rest of the day and most of the night.
When he awoke, it was basically night still, three or four in the morning. He felt sluggish when he woke, and the first thing he recognized were the restraints. First his wrists, which send a spike of panic through him, before he noticed his chest being strapped down as well.
He'd done bad. He shouldn't have passed out. He sunk into the hospital bed, gaze turning unfocused. He'd just gotten his first praise, been told he had done good, and now this. He should've fought himself harder. He'd had worse conditions, he should've been able to get through that too. He should've done better.
He sunk further into his head, worrying about how bad he had done. Passing out. He knew he shouldn't have. Now here he was, restrained and unable to do anything. He wondered what else was to come. He knew he deserved worse, passing out like he had, when he'd been supposed to do things -even if it was just getting dressed.
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taughtequilibrium · 1 month
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chase is really starting to hate hospitals. coupled with the more-recent situation of ethan clinically dying twice ( resurrected thrice ) because of a crazed sensei, the smells of hand sanitizer, sterile packaging, coffee, floor cleaner, & a hint of blood makes chase want to rip himself out of his skin. he wishes there was some miracle cure for the situation he's in, but there isn't. but, he couldn't not be here - not when his fiancée is asleep in the hospital bed in front of him, too many needles in her arms from the IVs, & an oxygen cannula stuck up her nose. surprisingly, chase isn't holding her hand. the beeping of the various machines are nowhere near the word soothing. it's not like chase had thought they'd have been, because of the movies he's seen - they just make him almost unbearably anxious.
two days ago, chase, calla, devon & ethan had been overwhelmed by a horde of brainwashed cobra kai students - particularly those in what stingray had once referred to as the a team, hunted down various streets in the valley. it would've been laughable if it wasn't scary at the time. ethan'd been focused on getting devon out of that situation in one piece. ethan's fine, so's devon. according to the taller boy, he'd played it safer than i usually would've, given his recent brush with death. chase supposes having another hospital visit so close to the recent one would have been costly... not that you couldn't pay the bill. ( you would've felt inconvenienced by the trip, not the bill... & ruffled by the worry/spam texts & calls from your friends, even if you do appreciate the fact that they care. you just didn't want to be annoyed or worry anyone. that's literally it. )
unsurprisingly, cobra kai had been brutal in their attack... but here's a shocking headline: the attack had been spearheaded by none other than kenny, the de facto leader of the dojo now that robby's left. the younger boy had been merciless & slightly fucked up in a way that both surprised & concerned chase. ( way to fuckin' go, robby. ) chase managed to walk away from the fight in semi-decent shape. most notably, he's sporting bruised knuckles & a cut on his forehead, which thankfully isn't anywhere near his eyes. he'd gotten a concussion after arlo punched his head back into a brick wall. but more concerningly, calla's spleen had ruptured after a particularly hard, well-placed attack from damon, your younger brother. he'd attacked her with a fucking crowbar he'd picked up from the ground, like a fucking degenerate animal. chase had pretty much lost his goddamn shit - understandably so - while you were more concerned with getting calla to the hospital. her spleen rupturing had caused internal bleeding, but thankfully the removal surgery had been successful. there's a list of vaccines she'll have to take because she's more suspectable to disease now. but she's alive, & that's what matters.
after those events, damon'd better hope that he never crosses aspen or bennett... just ever. he's not-so-secretly rooting for the idea of calla & the caddell family pursuing legal action against damon, because... fucking jesus christ.
❝ according to what uncle johnny told miguel, you're out of cobra kai. unfortunately for you, i don't think miggy fully believes it himself... not that i think he's wrong for jumping to that conclusion. ❞ the brunet speaks tersely, cadence flat & a bit rough from disuse. miguel & robby don't have the best history. chase doesn't even glance over at his brother, hasn't, for any of robby's visits to the room. his body language is closed off, a loud warning in his emotionless eyes screams to not piss him off. his hazel eyes seem to remain focused on calla's sleeping form, but they're actually constantly flickering across the machines displaying her heartbeat, her oxygen levels, & everything else. he's terrified that if he walks out of the room, something will go seriously wrong. that he'll somehow lose his fiancée forever.
❝ most of my friends don't believe that you're out, either. pretty sure that you're gonna be spending a fuck ton of time convincing them otherwise. ❞ he's not sure if robby irrevocably burnt bridges with everyone else in miyagi-do ( excluding you ) & eagle fang. which is why he's decidedly keeping the words our friends out of his mouth. chase isn't sure if he blames robby for the attack because he left cobra kai, allowing kenny to take the top spot, or if he's grateful robby hadn't been leading it. he's just a mess, & this situation flat-out sucks. point blank.
chase clears his throat, his hands curling into fists. he hasn't slept twenty four hours, hasn't had anything to eat in eight, hasn't had a drink from the water bottle next to him in two. this is the most he's spoken to robby since junior prom. he twists his engagement ring, hazel hues flashing down towards calla's own ring. they'd gotten engaged just last month. every part of chase wants to protect her from the karate war, from cobra kai - that's all he's ever wanted, but he failed, & she's paying the price for it. ❝ i think dad was more worried about you being cobra kai's prince cobra than uncle johnny ever was. ❞ that's how it looked to chase, anyway. johnny'd been more focused on eagle fang than his own son being in shark-infested waters. & yes, he's still bitter about all of that shit. sue him. from robby betraying his friends, to johnny not doing anything about it, to ethan almost dying because of everyone else's inaction. ❝ pops & mom, too. ❞ he adds as an afterthought. in the brown household, dad is bobby, pops is kevin. ❝ i'm a little surprised that eth was the only one who did anything about that, in the end, but... well, ethan's ethan, so maybe i'm not that surprised. ❞ even if it was stupid goes unsaid.
finally, finally, chase looks at robby, dead in the eyes. his face is wiped clean of emotion. ❝ what the fuck are you gonna do about kenny ? ❞ his lips curl around kenny's name like a rot. he's your mess. clean it up, or i will.
@taughtpain sits with chase in calla's hospital room.
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piknim · 3 years
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i dont like talking about them but i have such random trigger that are all really hard to avoid so ill just be in a random situation and suddenly ill be reminded of something and my stomach will drop and ill feel all sick :^)
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ynscrazylife · 2 years
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hey <3 could you do a tony stark x daughter reader and avengers x reader headcanon where reader is slightly more than friends with peter parker?? thanks :)
Being Tony Stark’s Daughter and an Avenger Would Include . . .
Authors Note: Thanks for requesting!
Request to be on a taglist (or multiple) here! (Taglists are at the end of the fic)
Main Masterlist | MCU Masterlist #1 | MCU Masterlist #2
PSA: Do NOT copy, steal, translate, plagiarize, republish, etc any of my works on Tumblr or any other platform. Also, do NOT claim any of my works as your own. All of these works are either requests I’ve gotten that people have wanted me to write or original ideas I’ve had for works. If you happen to take inspiration from anything I’ve written and want to write something inspired by that, please a) ask me first and b) IF I say yes, credit me as inspo in your post by tagging me and link whatever work of mine that inspired you. Thanks.
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Unlike your father, you didn’t use technology as a basis for your superhero-ing
Instead, you had powers!
It happened one day when Bruce and Tony were experimenting on some alien thing the team had found on one of their missions
You had not noticed the sign that told everyone to keep out, and wandered into the lab one day in search of your father
One thing led to another and you came into contact with the alien substance
When Peter, your best friend, found you unconscious, he freaked out
After failing to wake you, he immediately swooped you up and took you to the medbay, nearly knocking a million things over on his journey
He was barley able to get out a coherent sentence to Bruce with his worry
Thankfully, despite also worrying, the super smart Doctor Banner pieced it together
He told Peter to wait outside, alerted the team to come to the medbay, and went inside to assess you
Peter could feel the worry radiating from the team a mile away
They all stomped inside and Tony, upon seeing Peter sitting alone and his daughter no where in sight, exclaimed: “What happened?!”
“I dunno how but Y/N got . . . She got hurt from that alien thing in the lab,” he said
Steve went over to comfort Peter and Tony paled, consumed with worry and anger and blaming himself for what had happened
One by one, each Avenger sat down. No one said anything, each too upset about the girl they considered a little sister
After what felt like eons, Bruce emerged, tired.
Everyone sat up and no one said anything, just waited for Bruce to speak
“I’m still investigating on what exactly the alien substance did to her, but she’s stable. Unconscious, but stable. I’m thinking we call Carol to see if she knows anything about the substance — like we had been planning,” Bruce informed them.
Nat volunteered to call Carol while Tony was the first to visit you. Seeing you unconscious and hooked up to an IV broke his heart. He sat next to you for who knows how long, wishing you’d be okay.
Next, Peter went in. He almost started crying but wanted to be strong for you for with you woke up. He was paratactically glued to the chair and talked about anything and everything. In the midst of that, he realized he had a crush on you.
Then, the team as a whole came in. They each took turns saying something. Steve promised to cook your favorite meal for you when you woke up and Sam attempted a joke.
Meanwhile, Carol had never flew faster than when she did when she heard about you. Literally got there breathless from flying in space.
She was able to identify the alien substance though, and it turned out that it was used to give people powers.
So Bruce’s next mission was figuring out your powers
Tony just about flipped his shit when he learned that you had POWERS
A couple hours later you woke up and everyone was very protective. They did just about everything for you and insisted you stay in bed and let them bring everything to you.
The next day, Bruce had to take a lot of blood from you to run tests, and that left you quite woozy.
Peter was there to take care of you :)
He found the nonsense you said SO ADORABLE
Had a big smile the entire time
And then
AND THENNNN
You told him you liked him
His eyes went wide
And he dismissed it as you being not yourself and saying silly things
But on the inside he was very giddy
When you were back to normal, he asked about it, but in a very kind way. He made sure you knew it would be fine if you didn’t have feelings for him
You were shocked, not remembering saying that, but admitted it was true
He was so excited.
He jumped forward to hug you
Then Tony walked in
Tony: 🧐 Peter: 😳
You played it off as you had just woken up and he was excited
And then it set in to Tony that you were awake
He, too, got very excited
Powers are up to you :)
A couple days later when you got cleared, you asked your dad if you could become an Avenger
After talking with the team he agreed, but you had to train with Natasha first
After a longggggg time, you finally went on your first Avengers mission!
You got so excited when you were able to finish it successfully that you ran up to Peter and kissed him
And that’s how everyone found out that the two of you had been dating for the past couple months
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minty-mumbles · 3 years
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True Colors
Summary: Monsters are stupid, but they do have excellent color vision, and can recognize patterns almost as well as Hylians. This leads to some misunderstandings.
Or:
Monsters assume that Hylians operate under the same color system as they do.
Content Warning: Not much to note. A few Bokoblins die.
Author's Note: I wrote this to fill this prompt from @linkeduniverse-prompts. It got way out of hand and ended up being about 3k words longer than I expected. I have a cheat sheet about color meanings at the end.
(Read on AO3 Here)
~~~
Greg wasn’t stupid. Well, he had been told plenty of times by his sisters that he was. He was a Red Bokoblin, and Reds weren't known for being very smart. (Not that any kind of Bokoblins were, but that was irrelevant to Greg.)
But personally, he felt he was a lot smarter than many of the others in his clan. Like Jeff.
Jeff was an idiot, even by Bokoblin standards.
It was because he was so intelligent, Greg thought, that he was able to devise a plan to sneak up on this group of travelers. (Truthfully, he wasn't being very sneaky. The group he was tracking was just being particularly unobservant at the moment.)
Greg had seen the perils of attacking first and asking questions later first hand. His brother, Derek, had done so, and picked a fight with the wrong group of travelers. Derek had paid the price for that mistake with his life. And then Derek II did the same... And then Derek III. And then there was Derek IV, who truthfully hadn’t made that poor of a choice in target. It was just plain unfortunate that that Hylian hero had shown up and lit him on fire. (Honestly, maybe his parents should stop naming their kids Derek.)
Not that picking a fight with the wrong Hylians was particularly hard to do for them. Their clan was mostly Reds, the lowliest and weakest of their kind. Only his eldest sisters were lucky enough to be born as Blues. If they went up against any Hylian but the weakest, they were in trouble.
So, yeah. Greg had seen many of his fellow clanmates fall to stupidity. He wasn’t going to be one of them.
At least he hoped so. Jeff might get him killed anyway. Greg didn't know why his sisters always put the two of them together for patrol duty.
Greg crept relatively silently through the bush towards the loudly chattering group of Hylians, letting out only an occasional squeal. Jeff, however, was moving as if he were a Hinox, and he was going to get them caught. Never mind Greg’s brilliant plan of sneaking up on the group of Hylians and seeing what they were up against first.
He turned to Jeff and tried to mime that he should stay here, while Greg got closer to check things out. Unfortunately, it just looked like flailing, with the occasional slap thrown in, and Jeff didn’t seem to understand. Thankfully, he seemed content to stay put. He had gotten distracted by a strange glowing blue ball halfway through Greg’s attempt at communication. Greg really didn't care, as long as Jeff shut up and didn’t move.
Greg crept further forward on his own. When he finally reached the treeline, he hid behind a fallen log, and set about observing the group.
Immediately, his malice-filled veins ran cold.
This was not an ordinary group of travelers.
The intricacies of the Hylians’ marking system were somewhat lost on Monsters as a whole, and although he prided himself on his above-average intelligence, Greg was no exception. The Bokoblin marking system was very straightforward. Those who were Red, like Greg, were the weakest. Then came the Blues, then the Blacks, the Whites, the Silvers, and then the mightiest of all Bokoblins, the Golds. It was quite simple. It telegraphed their ranks and battle prowess nicely, both to other Bokoblins, and to their enemies. Greg thought it was rather thoughtful to give their enemies a heads up on what they were going to be fighting.
Hylians were not in the habit of returning that favor. No Bokoblin had managed to really make heads or tails of their marking system. There were only a few accepted truths that all young Bokoblins are taught.
Brown was the most common coloration, and was pretty much assumed to be similar to Red Bokoblins. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the Browns, except that they were good at running away. A couple Reds could take down a Brown with no trouble.
Then there were the Whites. They were only really found near central Hyrule, near one of the Great Hylian Camps. They were much faster than the Browns and actually seemed to know what they were doing with weapons. They were also very good at sneaking. Greg knew that many camps had been wiped out by White Hylians.
Then there were the Reds. These were possibly the strangest of all the colors. Greg’s sire had told him that they were to be treated, cautiously, as allies. They never attacked Bokoblins without provocation, and they even occasionally teamed up with Bokoblins to take down the Hylians, especially the Whites.
Next up on the Hylian totem pole were the Blues. Personally, Greg thought it was weird that Hylians placed Blue above White, but Hylians as a whole were very strange. Except for a few sightings recently, Blues hadn’t been seen for many, many generations. Their legend persisted though, as they were perhaps the most consistent of all the Hylian colorations. If a Hylian had a bright blue coloring, you could assume that they would have high quality weapons, and would know what to do with them. Browns would even run towards them for protection, or so Greg was told.
They had been known for working together in large groups to bring down entire camps of Bokoblins. Greg had once been told that Bokoblins learned how to band together, and how to find safety in numbers from observing these Hylians.
And then.
And then there were the Greens.
If Blues were legendary, Greens were mythical. Sightings of them were few and very far between, which might have to do with the fact that the Bokoblins who saw them didn’t live to tell the tale. The destruction they wrought was so absolute that even if they hadn’t been seen for hundreds of years, their legend lived on.
(Greg himself had seen one, once. He had only lived because he had run away before the Green had spotted him. He usually tried not to think about it.)
So, yeah. Greg had been expecting a small group of Browns, perhaps some Whites or a Blue thrown in.
That was not what he had gotten.
This was an entire goddamn clan of Greens.
A loud yell from the pair closest to Greg covered up his shocked squeal, as his brain tried to process exactly how much danger he was in.
He could count seven Hylians in front of him, huddled around a campfire. The pair closest to him were wrestling on the ground. Distantly, Greg was reminded of how his sisters wrestled to assert dominance, but these Greens seemed to be much friendlier about it than his sisters were. They weren’t even drawing any blood. The one who currently seemed to be winning wore armor around his shoulder, and a stripe of bright blue around his neck.
That made Greg pause for a moment. Was this a Blue instead of a Green?
But no, the Hylian’s torso was covered in undeniable green.
Similarly, the one pinned under the Blue-Green wore a Red tunic, but under that, a dark Green gave him away. Perhaps the two were some sort of hybrid? The concept of hybrid Bokoblins was foreign. Bokoblins were always one color, but who knew with Hylians.
Most Hylians did not accept Reds into their groups, as they were hostile towards others of their own kind. Maybe that was why Blue-Green was wrestling with Red-Green?
A few yards away, another pair sat on a log watching the pair fight, with a third tending to a fire nearby. The two sitting on the log were the biggest Hylians Greg had seen in this group. If he had to pinpoint any of them as the leaders of this clan, it would be these two. One was covered in armor, which Greg had only seen on the most skilled Hylians, and only in small amounts. The fact that this Hylian was covered in the stuff was intimidating. Greg couldn’t really tell what color this Hylian was, as the armor covered him, but this must be the leader. He was big enough for it, and the one next to him seemed to be showing him a good amount of respect.
The Hylian sitting next to the Leader seemed more like the run-of-the-mill Green. (Not that any Green was run-of-the-mill, but whatever.) The most notable thing about him was the wolf pelt he wore around his shoulders, which did give Greg pause.
His sisters wore the skins of large animals they hunted, as a symbol of their higher status. Neither of them had a wolf pelt, though. Wolves were strong creatures, and best left alone. It could take an entire clan to take down a fully grown wolf, let alone a whole pack. The fact that this Hylian, who wasn’t even the leader of this clan, was wearing the wolf pelt so openly was clearly a warning.
The third was crouched over the fire, moving the logs around with a stick for some reason. This one was a White-Green, a long white covering over his shoulders. He was listening to the conversation between the Leader and Wolf-Pelt, occasionally adding his own thoughts.
Once Greg was able to get over his shock of seeing so many Greens in one place, he was able to see that they weren’t actually all Greens. Two of them, huddled closely together, were just wearing pale Blue. Not quite as concerning as the others, but still strong.
One of them was smaller than any of the others in the clearing. He wore a pale blue covering. Greg paused in confusion. In a group of powerful Greens, why would they tolerate a small, weak Blue? Clans could become stronger, as Greg’s was, as stronger Bokoblins were born. But if his clan was made up of Blues, and a Red was born, they would be killed or driven out. There was no room for weakness.
But then again, Hylians were very strange. Perhaps, since this Blue was obviously a youngling, they had simply not matured into their adult Green coloration? It was possible.
The youngling was crouched over a strange flat rock, held by the other Blue. Now, this one was the same size as the others in the group, and obviously an adult. The excuse of being a youngling did not apply to him.
So why….?
The Blue shifted, lifting the strange rock, and handing it off to the Youngling, joined the White-Green near the fire. As he did, Greg caught sight of a familiar symbol on the rock.
An eye.
The symbol was not strange to him. It was scattered all over the land on large black rocks. However, to see it on a smaller rock like this… seemed familiar, and not in a good way.
Greg strained his memory to try to remember when he had seen this before, and then it hit him.
He had seen this strange rock before, when Derek IV was killed. He had gone after a pair of Brown Hylians who had unwisely traveled off the road. Greg, still being quite young at that point, had hung back to see how it was done. It had gone well for a while. Derek IV chased the pair, swinging a club at them, while the Hylians screeched in fear and scrambled away.
Then, swooping down from the sky like a bird of prey, a Blue Hyalin descended. True to legend, Greg had watched the Browns scramble toward the newcomer for protection. Derek IV, likely having fallen asleep during their sire’s lessons, did not register the danger of this Hylian’s color, and ran straight towards the group.
Greg had watched in horror as his brother was cut down with graceful ease. He hadn’t even had time to squeal a battle cry before he was falling to the earth with a flaming sword buried in his side.
He continued to stare in mounting terror as the Blue bent down and harvested his brother's teeth. The Blue had even taken Derek IV’s weapon for his own before his brother finally took enough fire damage, and broke down into smoke, disappearing.
The Blue had approached the Browns, who hadn’t even looked disgusted at the looting of a body, and had instead gifted the Blue food as a token of appreciation for his protection.
Greg came to a sudden realization. This was no Blue. He was colored like one, but he was alone. According to legends, Blues came in packs, ruthlessly efficient in working together. Besides that, Greg could imagine only one color that was that efficient at killing.
Greens.
Greg didn’t know why this Green was disguised as a Blue, But he didn’t stick around to find out. The last thing he caught sight of was a strange rock on the Green’s hip, with an ominous eye on the front of it. He had booked back to the safety of his clan’s camp. Not that he harbored any delusions that anyone in his clan would survive if the Green-in-Disguise found them.
Thankfully, he hadn’t, and Greg had grown up trying desperately not to fall into the same trap of attacking first and finding out the consequences later as Derek IV had.
Now, the same strange eye symbol was back, on the same strange rock, in the possession of the same Green-in-Disguise. Well, the same clan, at least. The Youngling was still fiddling with the rock, occasionally calling out to the Green-in-Disguise. Greg could only assume it must be some type of weapon, if a Green was in possession of it.
Greg stumbled back, turning to flee. He had saved himself once by fleeing in the face of one Green, and he wouldn’t make the mistake of trying to take on seven Greens at once.
Wait- hold that thought. A rustle in the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing caught his eye. Against his better judgment, he crept back to look. If that was Jeff coming to look for him, and he stumbled into the encampment of a clan of Greens in the process, Greg was not going to be helping him.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, Greg thought privately,) it wasn’t Jeff. It was two more Greens.
Greg felt faint, and nearly swooned on the spot as Wolf-Pelt called out in greeting to the two new arrivals.
These two new arrivals were underwhelming. They were both small. In fact, one of them was even smaller than the youngling already in the camp. His coloring was a strange mash-up of Blue, Red, and, oddly, Purple, which was a color that Greg had never heard of Hylians being. But he also had Green, plain as day. Greg had to wonder if this Four-Color was even younger than the Youngling. Maybe it wasn’t certain yet what his strength level was going to be?
The other was of a more reasonable height for a Hylian, although not as big as many of the others. He had brown coloration peeking out from underneath his green. Perhaps this was the weakest of them all? But again, if he was tolerated in this, frankly overpowered, clan of Greens, then there must be more to him than meets the eye.
But these two new arrivals, no matter how unthreatening they looked, meant the clan now numbered nine. Greg had never seen a Bokoblin clan this large, let alone a Hylian one, at least outside of the Great Hylian Camps. Normally, Hylians only traveled in small groups.
This was bad. If an entire clan of Greens had appeared in Hyrule, then the Hylians were getting stronger. He had to report this to his sisters.
With a determined grunt, Greg turned back to where he had left Jeff. He needed to collect him, and then head back. Under the circumstances, he didn’t think his sisters would care about them not finishing their patrol route.
When he arrived back to the place he left Jeff, his brother was still absorbed with kicking around that strange glowing blue ball from before. Greg didn't know what it was, but at this point he didn’t particularly care. He just wanted to get back to the slight safety of their camp.
Just as he was about to squeal at his brother that it was time to go, he heard a shout from behind him. It was one of the Greens, calling out. For a moment, Greg was worried that they had been discovered.
Then, he didn’t have to wonder anymore.
The weird glowy ball that Jeff had been playing with exploded in blue light. Before Greg could even shield his eyes against the light, it was over. The explosion had taken Jeff out in one hit. His brother's body was already disappearing into smoke, leaving nothing behind.
Greg knew they had been discovered. Somehow, this whole situation must have been a trap, and it had been set up by the Greens. They must have known that Greg was there the entire time.
These Greens were terrifying. Greg could hear Hylian footsteps moving in his direction, and booked it out of the clearing. He wasn't sticking around for them to find him. He was leaving.
At least his sisters couldn't put him with Jeff on patrol anymore.
~~~
It was a rather chilly night. The seasons were just changing in his Hyrule, splashes of reds and golds dotted here and there as some trees started to shed their leaves, and the autumn air wasn’t exactly warm or balmy.
The group usually waited until Wild was ready to make dinner to start a fire, but not tonight. Sky volunteered to collect firewood, and only stopped to set down his pack before leaving to search for kindling. Four and Hyrule also left to scout the area, and make sure there weren't any threats lingering nearby.
Wild helped Time and Twilight move some fallen logs into the clearing for makeshift benches, and then collapsed onto the nearest one. He sighed, and pulled his boots off, shaking a pebble out of the left one that had been bothering him for hours. He didn’t immediately put the boots back on, letting his feet relax after a long day of walking.
Wind settled next to him, Time and Twilight not far off. Legend and Warriors were already bickering about something or another, snarking at each other for where they were perched across the empty fire ring.
Wind sniffed next to him. “Goddess, Wild, your feet stink! Why did you take your shoes off?”
Wild very maturely stuck out his tongue at the younger hero, pointedly ignoring Time’s muttered: “Don’t encourage him, we already have one squabbling pair, we don’t need another.” Wild stuck his dirty boots back in his slate, pulling out one of his cleaner pairs. Wind, forgetting the apparent stench, shifted closer in interest.
“So, how many different sets of clothing do you keep in there?” Wild shifted to show Wind his slate, swiping through the armor and clothing he accumulated on his journey.
“So, this is the Sheikah stealth set. It’s the first set of clothes I bought after waking up from my shrine. I got it in Kakariko. Before that, I was basically wearing a set of rags I found in my Shrine.”
A rustle from across the clearing drew Wild’s attention as Wind continued to poke at the slate. It was just Sky, carrying an armful of wood. Before the Skyloftian could start to set up the fire, Warriors took things one jeer too far, causing Legend to leap across the pit, tackling him off his log. Sky didn’t even do a double-take, ignoring the two wrestling near the side of the clearing, and started to get the fire going.
Next to Wild, Time and Twilight were watching the fight with interest. Twilight turned to Time. “Should we stop them?”
Time shrugged. “They’re not actually hurting each other, are they? Think of it as hand-to-hand combat training.” Twilight stared at Time as Legend got pinned underneath Warriors, and screeched, biting his hand in retaliation.
Time stared back. There was a moment of silence, before Time spoke again. “Fifty rupees that Legend wins.”
Twilight sighed, returning his gaze to the fighting pair. “You’re just as bad as the others sometimes, you know that?” Time just raised an eyebrow in question. Twilight groaned, defeated. “I’ll take that bet.”
Wild snorted. Twilight liked to pretend that he was less of a gremlin than the rest of them, but really, he just hid it better.
“Hey, isn’t that what the Warriors was teasing you about the other day?” Wind’s question brought Wild’s attention back to his slate. Showing on the screen was the Gerudo set, displayed on the digital form of Wild himself. “Wait, it’s yours?”
Wild’s hand darted out, covering the younger boy's mouth. “You will tell no one about this.” He hissed, eyes darting around the clearing, checking to see if anyone had heard. It looked like he was in the clear. It wasn’t that he was particularly ashamed of wearing those clothes, but he would rather spare himself the teasing he knew would be imminent if the group found out.
Wind batted his hand away from his mouth, grinning at him mischievously. “Okay, I won’t.” Wild waited, not believing that it would be that easy. “You have to make seafood curry for dinner though.” Wild hummed, considering. It wasn’t as bad as he thought Wind was going to demand.
“Alright,” He acquiesced. He was planning on making Creamy Vegetable Soup tonight, but he thought seafood curry was just as good. It was no trouble for him to switch up the menu. He had a couple of nice Progys in his slate they needed to eat anyways. He would have done this even if Wind just asked him, though, so he wasn’t sure why-
“But you have to make it spicy.” Wind insisted. Ah, there it was.
“Sure.” He shrugged. Most of the others wouldn’t be pleased. Seafood Curry had a lot of goron spice in it, at least it did the way Wild liked to make it. Wind, Legend, Four, and himself were the only ones in the group who could handle spice. He and Wind had grown up eating spicy food, and Legend traveled to very distant lands, building up a tolerance to all sorts of spices. Four could only tolerate spice occasionally. (It varied. Sometimes he couldn’t even handle a spiced meat skewer, and sometimes he inhaled the spiciest food Wild could make. It was very strange.) Most of the others in the group had low spice tolerance.
Usually, Wild acknowledged that fact in his cooking, and cut back on the spice, but since Wind was asking…
Well, he certainly wouldn’t complain.
He handed the slate off to Wind, rising to join Sky next to the fire, to make sure it was at the right temperature for seafood curry.
Another rustle from the bushes around the clearing drew his attention to the returning Hyrule and Four.
“Anything to report, boys?” It was Twilight who called out, as Time was still snickering at the sulking Warriors and his own purse, now fifty rupees heavier.
“Nothing of importance,” It was Four who answered, coming to sit next to Time. “There’s a stream a few minutes away, and we found a set of Bokoblins footprints, but they were days old.”
“Good, now we should-“ Wild’s attention was drawn away from both the fire and Twilight’s response by a call from Wind.
“Hey, Wild! What does this button do?” That sentence made dread well up in Wild’s stomach. There were only so many buttons to push on the slate, and Wild’s mind flashed back to a very crucial detail that he had forgotten.
He spun around, nearly hitting Sky with the stick he had been using to poke the fire. He could barely get out a shrieked “Wait!” Before there was an ominous click, a moment of tense silence, then-
BOOM.
Right. The bomb he had dropped earlier, and had forgotten to dissipate.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling all the world like he was every one of his one hundred and seventeen years. He let out a slow breath, feeling everyone’s eyes on him. Was this what Twilight felt like all the time? He needed to go easier on his mentor.
“That button explodes things, Wind.”
A silent, judgmental stare from Time told him to fix the mess he’d created. With a huff, he heaved himself to his feet, and motioned for Wind to follow him. “Come on, kid. Let’s go do damage control.”
~~~
A/N: You know, writing this made me headcanon that Bokoblins have truly excellent color vision.
Anyways, here's what all the colors mean;
Brown: Average Traveler // White: Sheikah // Red: Yiga // Blue: Hyrule’s Military // Green: Heroes
Blue-Green: Warriors // Red-Green: Legend // White-Green: Sky // The Leader: Time // Wolf-Pelt: Twilight // Youngling: Wind // Green-in-Disguise: Wild // Brown-Green: Hyrule // Four-Color: Four
385 notes · View notes
amoristt · 3 years
Text
Grazing the Fire | IV
well hello. here i am, four years later, once again enamored with nathan enough to finally dust this baby off and pick up where i left it. im a little rusty so bear with me this chapter! much more to come <3
reblogs + tags and replies will make my entire day as i put a lot of effort into this :)! it also helps motivate me!
story continues beneath the read more. let me know if you can’t access it!
Warning: language, very vague s/a mentions
want to support me? heres my kofi!
__________________________
“Alright class, who can tell me,” A board stick clacks against the chalkboard. “Who can answer problem four?” 
A few hands raise in the corners of your eye, but yours remains atop your desk. Eyes far away, mind in a murky haze and almost completely unaware. All you could focus on were the memories playing on repeat within the confines of your tired, tired brain. Hours ago, you were warm, you were comfortable. Safe.
Cheeks heated to a dusting blush when you remind yourself just how you had awoken that morning. At some point in the night, an angel had blessed you. Allowed you to wake up wrapped around none other than big, bad, Nathan Prescott. Your face nuzzled into his chest, broad but wiry hands pressed firmly over your shoulder and his arm slung over your waist to keep you against him. Thankfully you had been the first to wake up, blinking away the morning sun blazing through his blinds and painting the room stripes of gold. At that moment, before your headache came crashing down onto your skull, you were astounded by him. 
Eye lashes brushing the top of his cheeks, his lips parted ever so slightly, chest rising and falling rhythmically. In that moment, there was no anger, no bitterness. Just a soft and peaceful slumber. It was like being the sole viewer of a magnificent painting- each stroke and detail placed just there just for you to pick out, to remember the curves and sharp edges down to the very foundation. From his unkempt hair down to the way his hand flattened onto the mattress where your indent still lived. Nathan was so beautiful like this. 
For a long time you stayed there. It was as though you were afraid to move- you couldn’t bear to disturb him. You had wondered, if he was always like this, so at peace, what would he be like? Likely soft voiced, mild mannered. He’d do his school assignments without hassle and donate to the charity board. He would wander the town with his friends and listen to music in a beat up truck flying down the stretch of highway overlooking the bold, blue, and beautiful ocean. An entirely different version of himself- carefree, and a fair blue as opposed to a burning flame of red. 
But, if that were the case, you’d never have gotten here. You’d never been both the outsider, and the only seeing eye. A lucky, albeit firstly unwilling witness to the display of depth before you. 
It never hit you like it had quite in that moment how lucky you were.
But- just then- an alarm disturbed what serendipity existed. You nearly leapt out of your skin, clutched your hands to your chest at the sudden sound. A headache wove its way into your once untouched temples. Nathan groaned, mumbled, ‘god damn it’, under his breath, and thus his body was reanimated into life. He rubbed his eyes and he stretched, that familiar scowl coming over his eyes and lips as he took in the sunlight damn near blinding him. A polar opposite to the being you’d appreciated just moments earlier.
“Ugh, fuck, how the fuck is it seven already.” He groaned. “I feel like shit.”
“Well good morning to you too,” You started, welcoming Nathan into the world. “‘I’m feeling pretty shitty as well.” 
You said that, but really… You were more than alright. Your head had hurt, slight nausea crept into the wells of your stomach, but other than that you’re sure you were phenomenally better than you’d have been waking up whereverTate would have left your ass.
“You need to get outta here, before everyone gets up.” Nathan drawled, but he didn’t sound as urgent as you expected him to be. You’d expected him to be angry that you were still in his room, but instead he just… accepted it. 
You snickered, climbing out of his throne of a bed. “Wow, you’re giving me the morning after treatment?” 
“Sure am. Get outta here, whore.”
“Oh fuck you.” 
You located your heels from last night, resting upright near his dorm room door. Heels didn’t sound like the most  practical to sneak out of a dorm with, so you instead opted to grappling them by the straps and carrying them at your side. Hair a mess, outfit riddled with wrinkles and makeup smudged under your eyes, you stood before Nathan in all your glory. He stared at you for a long, odd moment- and you for some reason felt exposed, or even, shy. 
“What?” You ask expectantly, placing a hand on your hip. 
His eyes trail to your line of vision. He shakes his head. “Just thinking about how now you really do look like my morning after.”
“Yeah?” You hummed. “Find it hard to believe you get a lot of those.”
Nathan shoots you a suggestive glance. “You’d be surprised. Everyone wants a piece of Prescott.”
Surely, he was joking, or maybe he wasn’t, but you… Didn’t like hearing that. It made your stomach feel odd, uncomfortably heavy.  As he stood up, reminding you how many inches he had over your size, you swallowed and cleared your throat to flush out that crappy feeling. “Well,” you started, mood having dropped. “I’m gonna go, then.” 
“What got your panties in a twist all the sudden?” He asked, raising a brow and pulling some clothes from his closet, tossing them onto the bed.
The bed you two had shared.
You hated the idea of his morning afters- whoever they may be. 
“Not feeling great. Probably a side effect of the roofies.” You mumbled.
Nathan breathed a laugh. “Probably.”
He seemed so calm, right now. Perhaps due to it being so early, before the outside world had a chance to remind him just why he was so uptight all the tight. Before he needed to be so uptight all the time. He really did have so many versions of himself- all of whom you were slowly becoming familiar with. Compared to the person you’d believed him to be before your run ins, you’d never have assumed someone so dangerous could be so soft as last night, as this morning. In the beginning, you’d feared him. Avoided him like a plague, or a wild animal. Even when you were enraptured in the existence of him, you still wanted to keep away. You’d never have believed someone like you could wake up clutched to his chest, as though he were afraid if he released you, you’d be gone long before he woke. 
Then, a sudden thought struck your mind. 
He’d held you so tight. He’d welcomed you in the morning. No anger, no annoyance. His soft laugh at your banter and taunts. How your heels were standing upright instead of tossed haphazardly into some random corner, where he’d watch your struggle to find. 
How he’d stayed awake to ensure your sleep.
“So are you just gonna stand there?” Nathan called you back to reality, hands gripping the hems of his shirt. “I gotta get ready and you need to wash up so you don’t look like a five dollar stripper.” Cruel words, but with absolutely no bite. You rolled your eyes.
“Yeah. But, hey,” You started. “Thank you for last night.” 
“Yeah, yeah. You gotta start learning to watch your own back.” He says. “There’s gonna be times I won’t be there to drag your ass out of the fire.”
If you’d been charged, if you’d been stricken with a strange defensiveness, you’d have retorted, ‘than stop helping me’, but… Instead you allowed yourself the comfort of protection. You allowed Nathan Prescott to watch you.  
“I know,” You reached for the door. “Thank you.”
With that, you bounded out of the dorm silent as a mouse. 
-----------
In hindsight, you should have left earlier. Class was merely 15 minutes away when you slipped out of Nathan's room and bounded towards the women's dorm. Albeit not exactly a long walk, by the time you discreetly snuck back into your own dorm, you had roughly twenty minutes to somehow pick an outfit from your countless unopened boxes and make yourself even slightly presentable. 
Wiping off whatever make-up you could get and reapplying it, brushing out the tangles of your hair and nearly tearing off your scalp in the process, scattering your nightclothes over your floor and managing to scrounge out a semi-decent outfit for the day… You still looked a mess. If the mirror could laugh, it would have. Black mascara smudges under your eyes and frizzy untreated hair. What a lovely look. 
You’d made it to class just five minutes late, but those five minutes were all it took for all eyes to be on you as you tried to slide into the classroom unnoticed. A couple classmates whispered to their table mates as you passed by, smelling of oversaturated cherry blossom perfume to hopefully cover the scent of alcohol. You sauntered to your seat and sank down with all your weight, suddenly exhausted. You’d made it with just five minutes tainting your record of attendance. The teacher greeted you with a disappointed sigh, and thus, the day began. 
But, it was so hard to focus. All you could think about was Nathan. 
“Alright class, who can tell me,” A board stick clacks against the chalkboard. “Who can answer problem four?” 
You lowered your head. 
“Ah, how about, ___?”
You snaked back into reality, blinking up at the chalk board that was somehow already riddled with math equations. Since you hadn’t been paying attention even in the slightest, your mouth gaped wide open, eyes scanning for something you understood even slightly so you didn’t look like a total idiot. 
Sadly, you were out of luck. The teacher shook his head. “I’m shocked,” He said. “You're normally so on top of things. Oh well.”
“Oh, I’m sure she was on top of things,” A female voice sniggered behind you “Last night.”
Your face flushed a red, hot, ruby. What the hell was she talking about? How had they found out you were with Nathan? You were so sure of being sneaky, there was no way-
“Her and Tate totally got it on last night.”
You whipped around in your seat, facing girls who looked to be clones of some sort. Both with the same dark eyes, short brown hair, and freckles. “What?”
“Alright-” Your teacher blurted. “That's enough. April, May, enough. Let’s not discuss things outside of the classroom.”
The two girls batted their eyes. “Sorry sir.” One spoke, twirling a hand through her hair. Her sister's wide toothy grin never fumbled. 
“Back to it then. Kate, can you help out __ with number four?” 
The small, blonde girl nodded quickly, brushing a lock of hair behind her eyes and offering an empathic nod. 
As you turned around in your seat, her answer fell on deaf ears. Your heart was racing in your chest, hands balled into fists while you stared ahead blankly.  
They couldn’t seriously think that you chose to leave with Tate, could they? Surely someone must have seen the state you were in. Someone other than Nathan.
The clock ticks forward but time feels like it's passing almost unnaturally slow. With just 10 minutes left, you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket.
‘Nathan: consider ur favor officially returned 
Your tongue poked from your lips, the tiniest of smiles taking over your once sullen features. Terrible thoughts and worries flew out the window while you type back, ‘damn. here i was gonna to ask you to do a backflip off the roof with me. there goes my plans.’
Nathan types for a moment. Typing, stopping, typing again. 
‘Nathan: soundz like a blast. where and when?’
A small blush heats your cheeks. ‘very funny. thanks to last night i have an entire 24 hour session of studying to catch up with.’
His response is almost instant. ‘Nathan: boringgg. txt me when ur fun.’
Rolling your eyes, you shove your phone back into your pocket. It seems you’ve been able to secure enough of a friendship with him for some mindless banter even outside your little visits. You smile. He’s… Fun to talk to. Surprisingly. 
Class comes to an end and you start to pack up the books and papers you’d hardly even glanced at the whole period. Whatever had been upsetting you before is lost in your mind while you think of the morning, the night before. All the things in-between. But, your happiness doesn’t last long. As you get up, you’re almost forced right back into your seat as a weight shoves into your shoulder. Your books scatter to the floor. April, the one who’d remarked about you earlier, glares at you in what looks to be disgust. 
“Careful April,” Her sister hums as she saunters past you, keeping distance and raising her already shrill tone of voice. “Might wanna watch where you’re walking- I’d hate for you to catch something from this slut.”
You absolutely gawk at her. “What the fuck did you just say to me?”
April scoffs. “Oh come on, like everyone doesn’t know what you were up to last night.”
“Sleeping around isn’t a good color on you.” May hikes her bag over her shoulder and snickers at you. They both leave the class together, sickeningly in sync. You’re left stunned where you stand, unsure how the hell your life came to this so quickly. How you’ve stooped so low that the daughters of the world's most uncreative parents are able to bully you based on something that didn’t even happen.
Next class goes no better. The person to your right, a jockey looking brunette guy, asks, ‘have you ever heard of a Tate?’. You say no, that that’s the dumbest name you’ve ever heard. The idiot grins and goes back to marking down likely wrong answers on his test sheet and you debate kicking the leg of his chair out- but you don’t to avoid even more eyes on you. It makes you sick to your stomach- even more than recovering from the roofies does. How can everyone believe it? You barely even knew the guy and you were clearly uncomfortable with his advances. No one saw that? 
After everything you’d worked for to build a reputation, trying so hard to not call out peoples shit for the sake of seeming friendly, tainted over something that didn’t even happen? And the kicker was that it hadn’t even been your fault! He’d drugged you, he’d have taken advantage of you! Yet you were the bad person? 
Class came and went in the blink of an eye this time. Your mind wrapped up in the situation, your stomach churning. You wanted the day to be over with but you still had 4 more classes to suffer through. Why was this happening to you? Was Tate being treated just as horribly, or was he getting pats on the backs of his unaware friends?
Wandering down the halls to your locker, you noticed Lance and Kaz hanging around one of the drinking fountains. Your nerves quelled- your friends would surely make you feel much better. Especially since they had witnessed how awful you were feeling as you left. You approach with a relieved smile, ready to say your truth and finally have someone on your side.
“Hey guys.” You smile, but Lance looks down at his feet while Kaz places her hands to his hips. Your smile fades.
“You could have told us you were gonna spend the night with Tate,” Kaz snaps. “You didn’t need to lie like that just to leave. We were all worried about you and it was for nothing.”
“What?” You feel like you could cry. “No, Kaz, I really did try to leave. Tate tried to drug me and take me home, and-”
“He wouldn’t do that.” Lance interrupts, with a frown. He looks back down at the floor with knitted brows. “I’ve known Tate since before time. He wouldn't do something like that, especially not to one of my best friends. Plus he told me he was really into you. Why would he even try?”
“Are you serious?” You sputter. “You think I’d lie about something like that?”
“You’ve been lying about all sorts of things!” Kaz huffs. “What’s going on with you lately? You’ve been so distant, and secretive. What are you hiding that’s making you lie like this? We’re supposed to be your friends and then you lie to our faces just to go and fuck the first guy that shows you attention.”
“What…?” It was like acid. It was like the rug had been pulled from your feet sending you spiraling down the unending cliff. Kaz, your best friend, all that venom. How could they turn against you like this? What the hell is going on? You felt your throat tighten. “Look, I’m sorry if I’ve been distant, but I’m not lying to you, I-”
“We gotta go.” Lance isn’t in the mood to hear it. “We’ll catch up to you.. Some other time.”
Kaz says nothing as she pushes past you. Lance, at least, spares a short glance over his shoulder. You stood there alone in the hallway, your bag falling off your shoulder and clattering onto the floor with a thud echoing off the walls. Everything you had, all gone at once. 
No one believed you.
---------
With nowhere to go where you felt like you could truly allow yourself to process the day's events, you went to the only place you knew. 
Just outside of campus, where rocks lined the edge of the boundary, overlooking the outskirts of the town and the ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. You settled yourself there, staring at the vast waters and wondering how this had all happened. Unlucky didn’t even begin to cover how it felt. Not only did you feel violated with Tate attempting to do unthinkable things with your unconscious body, but you also felt alone, and walked on. Your best friends hadn’t believed you. While Lance seemed saddened, Kaz was so… Angry. Her words cut like knives into your skin. 
It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair. You didn’t deserve this.
You want to talk to Nathan, but knowing him, he’d see your state and bounce instantly. After all, this isn’t exactly very fun of you.
As the sun began to fall, splaying orange and blues over the wide open sky, behind you, you could hear voices. A group of them, some male, some female. Memories of when your notebook had gotten snatched by those two horsed face assholes came flooding back and with all your alertness, you stood up, and decided that this sitting place was no longer safe. Nothing was.
Before you even made it ten feet away, the group had found their way to your spot and gotten comfortable, one of the girls cheering, ‘this’ll be our hangout! look at how pretty the view is!’
You took a short drive down the stretches of road and decided that if you were going to lament in your own sadness, you were at least going to do so in a place that had something to cover the sound of your tears. Plus a nice view.
The beach, littered with its picnic tables and the sounds of crashing waves would suffice just fine. So, you pulled in the desolate parking lot and wandered down the sandy shores until you stumbled upon a picnic table shaded by a large willow cascading lushious branches to block out the sun- a perfect canopy for you to wallow under. 
You had nothing at that moment. No friends, no reputation, no one to believe your tragic tale. And now, you’d just lost the one spot that made you feel comfortable when stress was building into your body like concrete. Tears pricked into the corners of your eyes and you bit your lip, dreading that feeling of a lump in your throat. Why you? Everything had been going so well. How could not even a single person believe that Tate had tried to hurt you?
Well, actually, there was one person.
Of course Nathan believed you. He’d been the one to rescue you, after all. Time and time again it seemed.  How was it that even the ones closest to you would turn their back so fast, yet Nathan seemed to be there even when you didn’t want him to be? Even when you yelled at him, and he yelled right back, fire and sparks falling into embers around the two of you. 
In that moment, you almost felt like you could finally relate to him. A reputation based on lies and things out of your control, paired with a hardheaded attitude to try and combat all the assumptions. 
No wonder he was so angry. 
“Hey bitch,” A voice suddenly called, and you had a split second moment where you were terrified of once again being the victim of a cruel prank or some classmates boredom. “How about next time you have a pity party you don’t fucking call me in the middle of it.”
You blinked away your tears and through the blurriness saw a figure coming towards you. All that sass, the tone...
“Nathan?” You breathed. It only takes moments before he’s in front of you, holding his phone in view, seeing that the call that had been running for nearly ten minute. You flush in embarrassment, pulling your phone from your back pocket. “How did that happen?”
“Well, can your ass dial numbers?” He taunts, ending the call. 
“Damn it, dumb phone must have butt-dialed you. I knew I should’ve gotten a different one.” You mentally kick yourself. “It must have unlocked in my pocket.”
“You don’t have a password on your phone?” He taunts. When you shake your head, he whistles. “You are just begging for a robbery. I’ll keep that in mind when I’m in the mood to send random messages to all your buddies.” 
“Fuck off.” You scowl, and he grins, hopping up on the picnic table next to you. The sun flatters his skin. He’s almost glowing. 
“Speaking of buddies, how the hell did it pick my number out of your sea of friends?”
You shrug. “Probably cuz’ it’s a priority contact.” 
“Oh lala, I’ve been upgraded to priority huh? Does it display a superman logo whenever you give it a ring?”
“Nope. When I press call it rings the nearest asshole in my vicinity. The fact that it’s you is your own problem.”
“Haha, fucking ha.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. He stares out at the water, watching waves pull and crash onto the beach. It’s almost beautiful, until he ruins it. “Yknow, you’re a really ugly crier.”
“Wow, thanks.” You shake your head. “That's exactly what I needed to hear right now. Why did you even stay on the line?.” Wiping your eyes, you start to forget your tears. “Couldn’t have been that wild of a conversation.”
Nathan shrugs. “Between the crying and the sound of the waves it was pretty nice.” He grins. “Very educational.” 
“Awesome. Glad I was able to make your day.” It doesn’t feel like your usual bitey remarks. You’re tired, you’re still a little hurt and you can’t stop thinking about how such an amazing morning had turned into such a horrible day.
“So what’s got you all fucked up? Never seen you act like this big of a baby before.”
“Nothing. You already paid off your debt to me per this morning, so feel free to resume our regularly scheduled mutual hatred.” You say, lying through your teeth. You know you’re both past the point of hatred, but you’re feeling jaded, you can’t help it. 
“Oh shut the fuck up,” He groans. “I didn’t drag my ass all the fucking way out to this shit hole of a beach just for you to give me that bullshit. What, did you fail a test? No one matched you on tinder?”
“Everyone thinks me and Tate slept together last night.” You blurt. “I think he’s telling people me and him had sex.”
Nathan tenses his shoulders and grimaces. “Fucking werido.”
“I told my best friends that he tried to take advantage of me and they don’t believe me. One of em’ even said he wouldn’t do something like that.”
“Fuck em’. Who needs best friends.”
“And to make everything so much better, these two bitches that I share four of my classes with harassed me all goddamn day. I mean, fucks sake, how the hell are girls named April and May of all things able to get to me. It’s bullshit. And to make matters worse, Tate is just… Getting away with it.”
“Yeah well, something tells me that Tate’s gonna get a real nice fucking taste of medicine eventually. I just gotta find him first. He’s got a lot of nerve spreading shit around given I knocked his ass onto the pavement.” Nathan brows knit at the memory.
You test the waters. “Why would you do that for me?”
He seems caught off guard, or maybe, surprised that you’d ask. Maybe he thinks you’re both beyond that point. He grumbles, “Why does it matter.”
“I’m just curious. We don’t owe each other anything, remember?”
“Yeah, well,” He huffs. “Don’t ask me questions to shit I don’t know the answer to.”
“You say that an awful lot.” You tease.
“Yeah well you ask dumbass questions an awful lot. Not everything I do has to have some weird ass motives behind it, ___. Maybe I’ve got beef with Tate that’s outside of you.”
“Uhuh. Sure.” You’re about to say something else, when your phone lights up with a text. The display makes your heart fall all over again. 
Unknown Number: you should just pack up and go somewhere else. no one wants std’s from breathing your air xoxo
You don’t even know who that is. Now absolute strangers are on your case. You want to throw your phone into the ocean and leave.
Nathan scoffs. “Don’t even bat a fucking eye for that bitch, whoever the hell they are. Half the hoes you’ve mentioned have slept with half the football team,” he pinches his jacket, “and I would know.”
“Ew, Nathan,” You grimace, that same feeling from the morning returning. It feels, oddly, like jealousy.  He nudges your arm with his elbow and grins playfully. It’s cute.
“Chill, I’m just fucking with you. You gotta know even I wouldn’t fuck girls that desperate. I’m a man of class.”
That last comment actually forces a laugh from you. It’s soft, but it’s real. The first laugh you’ve genuinely had all day. “That’s horrible.” You remark, giggling again.
It's almost like the slight restoration of your mood puts him at ease as well. He leans back on his hands and stares off into the ocean, those sparkling waters under the setting, orange sun. “I’m for real though. Those hoes aren’t worth your time. One day when we blow this shithole of a town they’re not even gonna matter.”
Your brows knit, eyes blinking up at him. Had you heard that right? 
“We?” You ask, perplexed, albeit a little… Hopeful.
Nathan sputters. “Well- Like, when everyone’s older and-”
“You know what, it's fine.” You interrupt. “Fuck it. You’re right. We’re gonna blow this town and they’re just gonna be some shitty memories.”
He sucks in a shaky breath. You’ve never heard him scramble like that, like he’s been unmasked. The look he casts you when you agree, when you don’t tease or patronize and finally hop on the idea that yeah, what if the two of you really didn’t have to deal with it anymore.
What if the two of you could just exist, without the anger. 
You look up at him. “Would you actually do that though?” You start. “With me, of all people?”
He swallows. His expression is tense, but he’s not upset. He appears nervous, caught off guard. Nathan tries, “I-”
Your phone rings. Shrill, piercing. Mood destroying. 
“Jesus Christ, it’s my mom.” You grab your phone and Nathan looks forward, stone faced and silent as you hop off the table and answer. It’s your mother, who all but shouts into the phone that her and your father are taking a surprising visit to Arcadia Bay while they’re traveling by on their vacation. She insists that you be ready in about an hour for dinner, and likely there will be family photos. 
Which means if you still look as wrecked as you did this morning, you’re gonna have a lot of washing up to do. With a quick goodbye, a short and sweet, ‘love you’, you hang up and sigh. 
“You still tell your mom you love her?” He teases. “What are you, five?”
You frown. “You don’t tell your parents you love them?”
Nathan side eyes you, and just shrugs. It is all the answer you need, really, and for his sake you decide it wouldn’t be best to press the issue. Not now. But- it still makes your heart hurt just a little. You wished that he’d had it better growing up. 
“Right… Do you want a ride home?”
“Fuck no, what am I,” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “a fucking girl scout?” 
“I was just offering, weirdo.” When he doesn't get up, you feel like you’re missing out. Like if you stayed, maybe, just maybe, you’d get to know him a little better. “Hey, if you want, I can stay for a bit longer.”
He rolls his eyes. “You’re needed elsewhere. But,” he shrugs. “I don’t know. Fuckin’... Text me or something. Or not, I don’t care either way.”
There’s a small warmth in your chest that rises to your cheeks. He wants you to text him. “Yeah,” You say. “If I’m feeling fun.”
And with that, you bid him farewell, beginning your descent to the parking lot. 
“Hey,” He calls, and you turn just in time to catch a small item he’s tossed right at you. A tiny key resides in the palm of your hand. “Spare. If shit hits the fan again-...” He shrugs, and actually looks away. “Just don’t be too fucking loud of I’ll kick your ass out myself. No Madison needed.”
The widest grin plays over your lips. “I’m gonna re-decorate your room while you’re gone.”
“Ah, you fucking better not.” He shouts. “Actually- you know what, give it back.” 
“No, no! I’m sorry.” You play with the key between your fingers. “Thanks for this.”
“Yeah, whatever. Don’t lose it and remember- emergencies only. I don’t need you watching me sleep like fucking freak. We’re past that stage.” 
“How many times will I have to say I was never watching you. Christ… But, alright. See ya, then.” The key is heavy in your palm. 
You place it into your pocket and give him one last glance before you take off, leaving him to enjoy the sound of waves, birds, and the absence of your tears.
167 notes · View notes
floralseokjin · 3 years
Text
⤑ made-up love song iii.
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Your first encounter with Kim Seokjin doesn’t go so well, nor your second, or your third… and maybe that’s because it shouldn’t work on paper. You’re an elementary school teacher, never left the country despite hitting the third decade of your life not so long ago, and you’re unable to remember the last time you dated. He’s the dad of one of your students, nearly a decade older than you and divorced. Oh yes, and just another minor detail – he’s a multimillionaire. 
Your lives are lightyears apart, yet somehow, your paths having now crossed, things just seem to fall into place…
pairing; kim seokjin x reader  au/genre/warnings; strangers to lovers, romance, eventual smut, eventual angst, single dad! seokjin, ceo! seokjin, elementary school teacher! oc, age gap (oc is 30, seokjin is 37), seokjin is a dilf, lots of lasagne talk, flirting, kissing, fluff 🥰 words; 9,340
↪︎ chapter index
chapters; i • ii • iii • iv • v • vi • vii • viii • ix • x • epilogue (+ drabbles)
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After you had time to calm down, of course you ended up telling Soojung about what happened on the date. You kept some things to yourself, mainly about how giddy you had felt throughout the whole thing, but you were sure she could see that for herself – she kept looking at you knowingly, and for once she kept the teasing down to a minimum. You ended up staying awake quite late, Soojung opening a bottle of wine. You were still excited from the date and the thought of what was to come next, but somewhere along the line, you and your best friend started getting into your feelings. (Was it really a Saturday night until you and Soojung ended it with slightly drunk sappy heart to hearts and hugs? Obviously not…) 
For the first time in a while you felt comfortable enough to open up about your love life (or lack of one) and felt it easy to talk about the past and to even bring up Donghae. He was a forbidden topic for the most part, no matter how much you were over him, but tonight had changed something. You didn’t know how to explain it, and no, it wasn’t because Seokjin was somehow the man of your dreams who had magically made things better with just one date. That was dumb and only happened in cliché Hallmark movies. 
No, it was because tonight had shown you that life goes on. No matter what rock bottom you hit, or how long it took you to get over it, no hurt was forever. You’d been single for a long time, and happy at that – after you’d gotten over the heartbreak of Donghae cheating on you – but tonight you’d had fun. You’d enjoyed yourself, enjoyed Seokjin’s company. You didn’t know what would come of your second date, or if there would be a third, but you were okay with that. You were just living in the moment, and right now you really liked that infuriating-not-so-infuriating bastard. 
You were taking a chance, just like he was, and it was actually pretty exciting…
.
.
You woke up late the next morning, something you didn’t reprimand yourself for because it was summer break after all, but also, you had a raging wine headache that had needed all the shut eye it could get. Your head was still throbbing slightly as you reached for your phone on the bedside table but seeing a text from Seokjin waiting for you made it miraculously disappear. 
Seokjin (10:28am) Hi Y/N, Thank you for such a great time last night. I can’t wait until Saturday. Would it be alright with you if I kept in touch throughout the week?  Seokjin
You giggled to yourself at his insane formalities. Why was that so adorable? But most importantly how could he be both cute and sexy at the same time? He was hellbent on making you lose your mind. You thought about teasing him, asking him when he’d grown comfortable enough to drop the Regards from yesterday, but despite how well last night had gone, and despite how much you loved joking around with him in person, over the phone seemed different. You were still a little nervous – giddy nervous, but nervous, nevertheless. Your conversation from last night with Soojung came back to you, reminding you that this was all too real. You were potentially catching feelings for this man, and it was new, and exciting, but equal parts terrifying now that you’d woken up with a hangover. 
Everything you typed out in reply seemed way too stiff, so growing frustrated, you settled on an emoji to cut through the formalities. 
You (10:49am) I had such a lovely time too, Seokjin. Of course it’s fine to keep in touch. I’m looking forward to Saturday night! 😊
What did he mean exactly about keeping in touch?, you wondered as you got out of bed, padding your way down the stairs and into the kitchen for a much needed glass of ice cold water. A good morning text? A how are you? You knew he was busy with work all week, so you weren’t expecting too much, but just knowing he wanted to stay in contact until next Saturday made you smile to yourself as you waited for his response. 
You didn’t have to wait long. 
Seokjin (10:55am) Great! I’m so excited to try your World famous Italian lasagne 😁
Cute. He’d followed your lead, ditching the last of the formalities and even signing off with an emoji instead. You instantly felt more at ease, but – 
Oh no. 
Why did he have to bring that up and remind you of your humiliating blunder? You knew what would be taking up all of your time for the few days – you needed to perfect this goddamn dish. 
Soojung on the other hand was unbothered by your predicament. Mind in the gutter as always. “Do you think that’s a euphemism for something else?” She asked straight away once you’d shown her your messages a few hours later. 
“Soojung!” You exclaimed, feeling yourself get a little hot in the face. You wish she’d stop bringing up sex, it was stressing you out. You told her as much. 
“You’re the one who’s invited him to your house for a second date.” 
You stared at her, greatly unimpressed. “You know why I invited him here.” 
You’d told her last night. You’d been hit with a surge of confidence when you’d suggested it was your turn to decide on something. In truth though, you didn’t know the first thing about restaurants, you hardly ever ate out, and when you did it was either fast food or at the food court in the department store Soojung worked at. You knew he wouldn’t have minded any choice you’d made, but that didn’t stop the slight apprehension you felt. 
It was normal, given your difference in lifestyles, and whilst that seemed to be no issue thankfully, that difference was still there. However really, that’s why you’d chosen to cook for him. Seokjin had shown you something close to him last night – the restaurant he owned with his brother, and now you were to show him something close to your heart. Something that was you. You loved cooking and baking in your spare time and you wanted to share that with him however small. Granted it was things you were confident with, but lasagne couldn’t be that hard, right? A true perfectionist, you’d master it quickly enough…
Soojung rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you could suggest McDonald’s and Dilf would be insanely happy.” She nudged you, squealing like a kid. “He’s just so into you!”
You wouldn’t bite. She was making you nervous again. “Stop calling him Dilf, he has a name.”
“Geez, sorry.” She held up her hands in apology. “Didn’t mean to offend your man.” 
You pushed her shoulder, silently telling her to quit it.
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For the next few days it became your life’s goal to master the art of lasagne. Sunday night was spent googling recipes, trying to find the most authentic one. There seemed to be a lot of fuss on the right type of pasta. Flat edged would be fine, but the wavy edge was best. You made note of that. Next was the sauce. Two types. The tomato based one and then the white one – which you learned was called Bechamel. That seemed pretty easy to cook up, but the former seemed a little daunting. Every time you’d had pasta sauce in the past it had been premade, starting from scratch was giving you anxiety. Seokjin thought this was your expertise so you had to make it believable. What if you made it too salty? Too bland?
…Possibly you were thinking way too hard about this. Soojung thought the same. 
“Just buy it in a jar, Y/N, for Christ’s sake. You’re taking this way too seriously. You don’t need to learn fluent Italian to make your little white lie believable. It’s a goddamn lasagne.” 
She had a point. 
“He’d be happy with a sandwich. He’s coming over for you, not the shitty lasagne.” 
“Don’t call my non-existent lasagne shitty, you’re setting me up for failure.” You grumbled, looking at the ten tabs you had up on your laptop screen, all claiming to be the best most authentic recipe around.  
On Monday you went shopping for ingredients. You knew a small world foods store that was just outside of town, you’d been there a couple of times when you’d been baking with the children for class. With help from signposted aisles, you found what you were looking for in no time at all, so that night, you and Soojung both tucked into your first (sort of) homemade lasagne. Only the Bechamel sauces was harder to master than you’d first thought. 
“I think you added too much flour.” Soojung’s nose wrinkled as she spoke. “It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but the white stuff… I don’t know, maybe it’s supposed to taste like that?” 
Nope, she was definitely correct, too much flour, which was odd because you were pretty positive you’d followed the right measurements… 
Tuesday you had a day off from the sight, and even the word lasagne. You met for coffee with your mom but kept the date with Seokjin a secret. Not that she pressed about your love life anymore, she’d long given up on that topic. It was nice to catch up and you made plans for a trip soon. It was hard to find time to visit her when you were in work so you were always thankful for the summer and Christmas breaks. You were her only child, so it made your time together even more precious. She’d only remarried ten years ago, and while Jonathon had kids from his first marriage, they lived abroad. They were older than you and had families of their own. You weren’t particularly close for no other reason than the distance. You’d only met them a few times but they were lovely people. Your father had remarried while you were still in high school, having two more children (a son and daughter) with his wife. You were very close to them despite the age gap and saw them as regularly as you could. Your extended family had long been the norm and you wouldn’t change it for the world. 
Wednesday you were back on the lasagne. You purchased more pasta sauce and decided on the pre-made Bechamel sauce too, just to be safe. This time around everything went smoothly, Soojung had no complaints and neither did you, but you still invited Taehyung around on Thursday for a third go. He was way more enthusiastic than your best friend, singing your praises all night. 
“Y/N, that was amazing!” He exclaimed, leaning back in his chair to pat his belly. “Dilf dick – Uh, I mean, Seokjin, is going to love it.” 
“Guys, is that what you really call him when you’re alone together?” You whined. 
“Blame Soo,” Taehyung shrugged. “She’s rubbed off on me. But, I’m right,” he smirked. “He’s going to want to give you his DD once he tastes this, if you know what I mean.” 
Wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, you looked on unimpressed. Maybe if you gave them no reaction they’d stop? 
“Oooo. I wonder what his dick even looks like. I bet it’s as handsome as his face.” Soojung squealed, sat beside her boyfriend. 
“SOOJUNG!” He cried, mouth open in disbelief. 
“Can we just stop talking about his… y’know…” You sighed, unable to say the word aloud. “Imagine if it was the other way around and he was wondering about what I looked like naked.” Soojung wouldn’t be impressed, that was for sure. 
“Fine, you’re right,” your best friend sighed. “I’m just way too excited because you finally like someone!!” She was getting loud now, she always did when she was excited. “And I want it to work out because you deserve it!” 
You chuckled. “Soo, calm down.” But you had to admit her words were sweet. You reached for her hand across the tiny table, giving it a gentle squeeze of thanks. 
“What about Barman dick?” Taehyung asked randomly, totally oblivious that you and she were having a moment. “Huh? Soo? You want my Barman dick tonight?” He wiggled his eyebrows again, a playfulness to his voice as he nudged her. 
She giggled but wasn’t having any of it. “It doesn’t really have the same ring to it, babe.” 
Highly offended he pulled away, pursing his lips. “Whatever.”
“Okay guys, let’s not have a domestic at the dining table.” You laughed. Which was a mistake because now Taehyung’s attention was back on you. 
“So, Y/N, when are you going to invite Mr. Dilf to my bar?”
You sniggered. “How about never?”
“Hey, you ladies are being very mean tonight. I complimented your lasagne.” Hm. That was true, you guessed. “What’s wrong with my bar? I think he’d love it. What does he drink? I see him as a dark rum type of guy.” 
You shrugged. “He was drinking red wine on our date last week.” It still made you feel funny to say the word date. You’d gone on a date. You were dating. A flurry of excitement found its way to your stomach, your excitement for Saturday growing. 
“Interesting,” Taehyung mused.
Soojung stood up, starting to collect your plates. “Okay, I’m washing, who’s drying?”
“Not me,” you sang. “I’ve cooked nearly every night this week.” 
Soojung eyes were wide when you met them, as if she was silently begging you. For what? “Just please promise me there won’t be any lasagne waiting for me after work tomorrow night? I’m going to turn into one at this rate.” 
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Saturday arrived soon enough. You woke up the same time your phone went Bing and you knew exactly who it was. Seokjin had been texting you Good morning every day since Monday. He was no longer signing them off with his name, which was progress, and he was even adding more emojis, so you guessed you had rubbed off on him. 
Sometimes he’d drop a meme with the greeting. They were mostly to do with early mornings and workloads to which you’d tease him about because it was your summer vacation after all, you didn’t need to worry about work. But you always sent a Hope today runs smoothly his way too. You didn’t want to rub it in too much. 
Yesterday’s meme had been about dating, something about the guy trying to flirt but being garbage at it and asking if she liked cheese. You didn’t agree that was like Seokjin though – you were gradually learning that he was incredibly modest – but it had made you laugh. Only Seokjin could send you lame memes and you’d find it adorable… You were possibly whipped. 
Seokjin (8:01am)  Good morning. [Image sent] 
Today the meme was about lasagne, which made you question whether he was googling these every morning because no way had a lasagne meme popped up on his social media – if he used any at all. The realisation that he was searching for memes every day was even more endearing and your heart got a little gooey. You read the text on top of the image of lasagne. Dude, is that your new white shirt? Lemme just hop off this fork for a closer look. You genuinely laughed at that one, still wrapped up in your bed sheets. So incredibly lame, but equal levels funny. 
Seokjin (8:01am)  I will not be wearing white… I can’t wait to see you later. Just a reminder that I hope you omitted the garlic for tonight’s meal. I don’t want to embarrass myself by itching all night 😅😂
Immediately the smile dropped from your face and you shot forward, horror washing over you. Oh no. He was allergic to garlic. With the stress of perfecting the world’s best lasagne you’d totally forgotten. What were you going to do? Find a plain tomato sauce? Where the hell were you going to find one? Was that even a thing? You needed to leave now. Jumping out of bed you almost forgot to message Seokjin back. Looking at your phone again the image of the lasagne mocked you… 
.
.
Two hours later you were back at home, in need of a sit down after you’d rushed around town looking for a pasta sauce that didn’t contain garlic (very hard, by the way.) The stress had aged you about ten years. Soojung of course found it highly hilarious. 
“You’d have been in ER before 9pm,” she chortled, still in her pyjamas on the couch. She’d been still asleep when you’d dashed off, a woman on a lasagne mission. 
You ignored her. It wouldn’t have been that bad, right? He said himself he’d only be itching… Clawing off his own skin was probably better than his throat closing up… maybe… 
“How did you manage to forget?” She was still laughing. “AND you said you’d make a lasagne. Italian food always uses garlic. He must think you’re trying to kill him.” At this point you could hardly understand her, words blurring into one as she lost her shit. 
“We went over this. I wasn’t in my right mind when I said I’d cook lasagne.”
She stopped her laugher immediately.  “No way, you’re not blaming me again.” 
“Ugh.” You sighed, suddenly remembering something. “I was going to make my homemade garlic bread.” Now that was a speciality of yours. This night was going to be a disaster.
“Skip the garlic,” Soojung suggested. 
“So, just bread then.” 
She tried her best not to laugh again, not wanting to make it worse. “Yum.” 
It didn’t help. 
What did help though, was making her clean the entirety of the downstairs of the house. As the day went on you started to get more and more nervous, which was silly, but you couldn’t help it. You realised that your place was a shoe box in comparison to his, what the hell were you thinking when you’d invited him here?! It needed to be spotless, to distract him from the fact you would be eating dinner in the same place you would be cooking it… 
You knew there was no need to worry, it was just like last week when you’d grown self-conscious only to be fine once you’d set eyes on Seokjin. No doubt tonight would be just the same, he didn’t give a crap about stuff like that, so why would you even think he would? He’d probably be hurt if he knew… You just couldn’t help those little bubbles of insecurities from floating around inside your brain. You were a law unto yourself, and the garlic-less lasagne wasn’t helping. You’d had no time to prep for it. What if it tasted like cardboard? 
“Lasagne is lasagne,” Soojung reassured you, in the kitchen as you got all the ingredients together. “It’s not going to taste gross just because there’s no garlic in it. Put it this way, at least you can kiss without needing to pop a mint.” 
You whined, shaking your head, you couldn’t even dare thinking about kissing him right now. You’d spontaneously combust from anxiety. 
“Should we clean your room too?” She asked, picking up the jar of pasta sauce absentmindedly. You’d already read the label approximately fifteen times, double checking it was indeed garlic-less. 
“What? No,” you told her, voice all high-pitched. There would be no going upstairs besides from bathroom usage. “But hey,” you exclaimed, rounding on her with the spoon you were holding in your hand. “My room is always clean, bitch.”
She was the messy one.
.
.
Soojung left for Taehyung’s place at half 6, ready for Seokjin’s arrival at 7pm, a hug for good luck before you waved her off. You’d calmed greatly now, nothing like some table laying to ease some nerves. The lasagne was prepped and ready to oven cook, you had a fresh key lime pie in the fridge and you were dressed and presentable with ten minutes to spare. Wonderful. 
The doorbell rung not long after you’d made your way downstairs and you were quickly finding out that Seokjin was a very punctual man. Opening the door to reveal him stood at the porch your heart instantly warmed, skipping a beat when he gave you a dazzling smile and a soft Hey. You felt a little weak at the knees. Nope, you were not ready for tonight. 
In your tiny entryway he offered you a silver gift bag. “I didn’t know what to bring, so.” He said with a shrug as you pulled out a bottle of red wine. 
“Oh, thank you, Seokjin.” You hadn’t been expecting him to bring anything at all. It was a lovely surprise. 
“You probably have some waiting already. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” you reassured him. “We’ll use this one.” You were going to use a bottle of white wine you had laying around, nothing special at all. Red wine seemed better, fancier, maybe it would go better with the lasagne?
“Are you sure?” He asked. “I was gonna get you flowers but I didn’t want to freak you out or anything.”
You laughed. What was he going on about? “Why would that freak me out?”
His smile was crooked as he chuckled quietly. “I don’t know. I’m new to this, I thought they would’ve been too forward.” 
You gave a small shrug, voice barely there when you replied. “I like flowers.”
He gazed at you, warm eyes softening as he stepped forward. “Next time.” He smiled. “Next time I’ll get you flowers.” 
You swallowed fairly loudly, averting your gaze as you outstretched your arms. “Let me take you coat.” Was it hot in here? You felt a little stuffy. 
He shrugged off the beige wool blend, revealing the tight fitting black shirt he had on underneath. It stretched over his shoulders, accentuating how broad they were, how hard his chest was and how much his waist curved inwards. The pants he was wearing didn’t help matters too. He looked effortlessly gorgeous, hair parted to the side, a piece curled above his left eye, softening the blow of his exposed forehead. You moved to hook his coat on the rack, realising you could’ve been gawping. Not that you could help it, the man was trying to kill you.
As you turned to face him again, he smiled. “You look really nice.” His voice was soft which just made it even more dangerous. “I think this may be the first time I’ve seen you in pants.” 
“Really?” You wondered. You were partial to a dress in the summer, so he was probably right. You’d chosen a pair of black skinny jeans and a patterned chiffon blouse. Nothing too fancy, but he looked at you with awe-filled eyes. Unless you were imagining it. You cleared your throat. “You look good too.”
He stepped back, arms outstretched as he looked down at himself. “Thanks. No white.” He chuckled. 
You forced yourself to laugh too, nerves creeping back just because of your stupid damn lasagne. “No white.” 
Moving forward again he took your hand. It was warm and soft, just as you remembered from last week. Who cared about the lasagne when you were this close to him? When he was looking down at you with those brown, twinkly eyes? Not you anymore. 
“I’ve been looking forward to this all week, Y/N.” 
Oh.
.
.
You invited him inside the living room first, pouring him a small (and his only because he the car) glass of wine as you chit chatted for a few minutes. Sat next to him was RJ, who you’d taken from your bedroom to join you both for the night. He wanted to say Hi, had been your opening line and Seokjin had found it hilarious, cracking up instantly. Although his “I missed you buddy, how have you been?” went rudely ignored. Maybe the alpaca was nervous… 
Ever the gentleman, he complimented you on the house, noting the décor with a fond eye. That surprised you, maybe he had played a part with the interior of his home. Well, you’d only seen the cosy family room – but it suited him very well. You knew there had been no need to be nervous when it came to inviting him into your home. There wasn’t a judging bone in Seokjin’s body. 
You talked about your weeks, yours had been fine, but of course you left out all the stress over the lasagne. Seokjin’s week on the other hand had been quite demanding, but that was nothing new he told you with an accepting shake of his hand. He was used to it by now, but he had to admit tonight’s date had made it easier this time around. He was full of the charm, not that you were complaining…
Misook was babysitting Arin tonight, he told you when you asked how she was. It was his weekend this week, he and Nana took it in turns – when she didn’t cancel, he added as an afterthought – but he seemed a lot more relaxed talking about his ex-wife this time around seeing as last weekend she hadn’t broken any promises. He was happy if his daughter was happy, and that made you smile. You remembered Arin’s sorrowful face that day her mom had cancelled on her, so you were glad they’d found time to spend time together. You also remembered how irritated Seokjin had sounded when he was opening up to you on the bench at the school fate… You wondered just how often Nana cancelled plans, and couldn’t imagine how frustrating that was for both Arin and Seokjin… You hoped this marked the start of things being easier for them now. 
Soon after that, you served him your starter (“garlic – wait, no I mean, no-garlic bread.”), and you chatted some more over that and while the lasagne baked. It was surprising how little you’d touched the sides on your first date, so tonight you covered even more bases. Family mainly. You told him about your half and step siblings, your parents’ remarriages of course coming up too. He seemed interested in that, wondering about your views on it and if it had affected you as you grew up. As a divorcee you understood the relevance to him and because he was so easy to talk to you found yourself opening up freely. 
His parents were still married and Seokjin was the youngest out of their two sons, so it was quite unheard of for the second born to take over a family company. In fact, it was the first of its kind for his, which made it even harder for him. His older brother had been the rightful heir to LG Electronics but his passion had always been in culinary arts. His parents had been kind enough to let him follow his dreams, and thankfully, for Seokjin, that meant he could follow in his father’s footsteps. He’d been eager to prove himself but it had been hard in the beginning. His status as the youngest son meant that a lot of people set him up for failure, but with his family’s love and belief he’d managed to succeed and confirm himself as the rightful CEO. You didn’t doubt it. It seemed he’d worked hard to get where he was now. That was admirable. 
The influx of information was so interesting to you and it didn’t feel real. While you could imagine Seokjin taking charge, visualising him in that tailored houndstooth suit he’d worn when you’d first met him, it was strange to think the smiley and soft-spoken man sat in front of you was from a long line of power and wealth. He should be untouchable, yet here you were able to reach for his hand across the table. Able to feel his forefinger stroking delicate patterns into your palm as you opened up and got to know one another more and more… 
“So, if your family’s a big deal, what about things like arranged marriages? Are they still a thing?” You asked, maybe confusing fiction for fact. 
Seokjin laughed at your wording. “They used to be, not so much anymore. I met my ex-wife through a friend. They concentrate less on things like that these days.” He shrugged, adding as an afterthought, “As a divorced CEO I think I’m a great example of that.” 
That was true, you thought to yourself, wondering how the breakdown of his marriage had also played a part in the stress of his early years as CEO. 
“I know it all sounds pretty crazy, but I like to think my family is just like anyone else’s.” He continued, smiling bashfully when you met his gaze. “That I’m just like anyone else.” 
You wondered how many people had immediately judged him because of his status… You’d been one of them, right? Even if you hadn’t known any of the details, you’d written him off as some obnoxious, rich guy who flaunted his wealth… You felt guilty thinking back. He was the complete opposite.
You nodded in agreement before grinning. “I’d have liked to see what college Seokjin was like.” 
“A complete nerd, to tell you the truth.” 
He answered so seriously, you didn’t know how to react, and then he was laughing loudly, cracking up at himself. You couldn’t help but join in. That’s when your stove alarm went off, shrill and incessant, signalling the arrival of the dreaded lasagne…
It turned out he loved it though. 
“This is amazing,” Seokjin praised, mouth still half full as he chewed. You did have to admit it was good. It tasted just like the original, despite the lack of garlic. Seokjin quirked an eyebrow, smirking your way. “So, how lucky am I to be able to try this World famous Italian lasagne?” 
“Very lucky.” You kept your answer short. Hoping he’d just drop it. 
He didn’t. 
“How lucky?” He tried to pry from you. “How many people have tried it?” 
You gave him a small smile, hovering your fork over the plate. Technically he was the third, but you couldn’t tell him that, could you? “I can’t disclose that.” 
He emitted a short laugh. “What about the recipe? Care to share?” 
You brushed him off with a soft chuckle. “A chef never tells her secrets.”
“Not even me?” His bottom lip jutted out as he looked across at you. 
Your heart did a little dance. He was being unfair. “Don’t pout like that, it’s making me feel guilty.” 
Thankfully the lasagne topic fizzled out after a couple more minutes, your cold sweat having time to dissipate while you chatted and ate together comfortably. However a few minutes later you noticed Seokjin fidgeting slightly in his seat. You politely ignored it to begin with, unsure if you were just imagining it, but then he started itching the back of his neck. You put your fork down, a sick feeling washing over you. “Is anything wrong?” You asked, now watching him itch up his forearm. “Seokjin?”
He looked at you in mild confusion, eyebrows creasing together as he opened his mouth. “Are you sure there wasn’t any garlic in this?” 
You swallowed away the panic racing up your throat. “I’m sure.” You’d read the back of that jar and then read it some more. “I’m positive.” 
… Weren’t you? You watched him scoot his chair back, leaning down to start scratching the back of his calves. He made noises of discomfort as he did so. 
“Oh, no…” You were up before you could stop yourself, racing around him to start hunting in the recycling for the glass jar. 
“Wait, where are you going?” 
You could hear Seokjin’s voice behind you, sounding alarmed, but you were too panicked to really take it in. You needed to be sure. This was just your second date, you couldn’t ruin things already. Turning him into one giant itchy red blob had not been your intention.  
“I was only teasing you.” Still, his words didn’t sink in. That was until you felt a hand on your elbow, tugging gently for your attention. 
You spun around, worried eyes wide – even wider when you found him so close. He was on his feet too, bent a little to level with you, pretty much within kissing distance. His voice was soft when he spoke, you found yourself distracted by his mouth. “Y/N, I was just messing around.”
You blinked, not truly understanding with all those annoying distractions zooming around your mind, but slowly you pieced his words together. Oh. Despite the relief you felt, now you just felt silly. Plus, he was still so close to you… 
You took a step back, the small of your back pressing up against the counter. You needed a clear head. “Don’t freak me out like that.” You told him, but you still sighed in relief, hand against your chest. “I thought I’d poisoned you.” 
He looked a little concerned, but you could tell by his eyes he found your reaction amusing. “I’m sorry,” he apologised. “I just wanted to make you laugh.”
“Make me laugh? You nearly gave me heart failure.” However, you gave him what he wanted, a laugh that sounded weak and shaky, but it was something – you did see the funny side. 
He joined you, shoulders relaxing now that he knew you were okay. He looked behind you, eyes on the trashcan, a bemused smile on his face. “What were you looking for anyway?”
“The jar.” You answered, as if it wasn’t obvious. You turned, deciding to fish it out anyway. Holding it up to him, you were adamant. “See, no garlic. Check.” 
He chuckled. “I already said I was joking.” He took one look at your desperate expression and gave in, taking the jar from your hand. “But if it makes you feel better…” You watched him as he read the label, silently soaking in his handsome features. He looked softer tonight, the curve of his jaw rounding as he smiled. It took you a moment to realise he was done. He handed the jar back to you, and you prayed to God he hadn’t caught you staring at him all gooey-eyed. “It’s fine.” He confirmed. “I’ll be itch free tonight.” 
You smiled and plopped the glass back inside the can. “I looked around town for hour trying to find lasagne sauce sans garlic.” 
He looked guilty. “I’m sorry for being awkward.” Then he paused, eyes narrowing, the hint of a smirk itching at the corners of his mouth. “But… Y/N, are you a fraud?” Huh? What did he mean? You didn’t need to wait long for an explanation. “I thought a certified chef would cook up a batch of her own tomato sauce.”
Oh. You’d gone and put your foot in it, hadn’t you? It was probably time to explain yourself… “I have a confession,” you began, sounding wary. Seokjin looked interested albeit it mildly confused. “I… may have told a little white lie.”
He shook his head, a puff of laughter leaving him. “You’ve lost me.” 
You took a deep breath, knowing you were going to have to spell it out for him. “I’ve never made lasagne before. Ever. In my entire life.” 
He looked confused as silence spread out between you. He sounded it too when he spoke again. “Then why did you say it was your speciality?”
You groaned, dropping your face into your hands for one dramatic moment. “I panicked.” Peeking at him, you babbled on. “I know it sounds stupid but Soojung was curtain twitching and it was stressing me out and then you were asking me what I cooked and lasagne just popped into my head!”
Seokjin blinked, his mouth twitched and then he was laughing – loudly. 
“You find it funny?” You asked, relaxing a tad. 
“Very.” He laughed harder but seeing the look of bafflement on your face he tried is best to still it. 
“I’ve been practicing it like crazy,” you whined, happy you could finally tell him all about your lasagne struggles. “This is my fourth time eating it this week. Soojung nearly killed me.” You snorted at the memory. This started up Seokjin again. “And then I forgot you were allergic to garlic. Your text reminded me this morning and I had to rush out to the grocery store.” 
He was weak at the knees at that, and you were laughing just because he was. It was contagious. “Stop,” you wailed, attempting to get a hold of yourself. This week had actually been quite traumatic. “I’m glad you find it funny, I’ve been in constant stress ever since you drove off last week.” 
“I can’t help it.” He chuckled, although he did sound apologetic. “You’re just so adorable.” The air that settled around his effortless admission made your skin prickle. When he carried on, his tone was gentle. “You know I wouldn’t have minded if you changed the menu to something else, right?” 
You pouted ever so slightly. “But you were looking forward to it.” 
He gave a small shrug. “True, but… that was more so code for ‘I’m looking forward to seeing you again.’ The food was just a bonus. I’d be happy with a Big Mac.” 
You felt your cheeks burn and you tried to shake yourself out of it. “So embarrassing,” you murmured. You didn’t know what for… The lasagne mess or the fact he could have this much of an effect of you? You were inclined to go with the latter. 
“What about the no-garlic bread?” Seokjin asked, changing the subject a little. Maybe he’d sensed your embarrassment and didn’t want to make it worse. He was sweet. “Did you make that?”
“Yeah,” you nodded. “Well, I didn’t bake the bread. I just toasted it.” It was still a speciality of yours though. “It would’ve been much tastier with the garlic.” 
He gave you an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that. This body wants to turn me into a miserable old man.” 
Pfft. Old? Miserable? He was anything but. 
“Sit,” he prompted you, smiling as he motioned with his head to the table. “Finish your World famous Italian lasagne before it grows cold.” 
As you moved he delicately cupped his hand around the curve your waist, giving it a soft squeeze before he got to his chair first. Your stomach flipped, head dizzy as you sat and tucked your chair in. Last Saturday popped into your head, the way you’d loosely held hands outside and how you were sure he’d been leaning in to kiss you – properly. 
You knew one thing. You really wanted to kiss him tonight. 
Trying to get a hold of yourself, you glanced at him, catching his eyes. He was already tucking in again, and he grinned bashfully, as if embarrassed. “This really is great. All that practice paid off.” A pause. “You should show me how you cooked it sometime.” 
Your face lit up in surprise. “You cook?” In the back of your mind you were aware that he’d probably been hinting for a third date, but you were so shocked by the possibly of Seokjin cooking you couldn’t stop yourself from asking. 
He chuckled quietly. “I mean, when I have time and can be bothered. I like cooking but it’s just easier to go to a restaurant or get it delivered.” He looked sheepish before adding, “Or Misook does it for me.” 
There was no shame when it came to that. Seokjin probably worked all hours of the day, no one could expect him to tie on an apron when he got home and start pulling out pots and pans. 
“Do you cook a lot?” He asked. 
You nodded. “Soojung and I take it in turns.” 
“So what is your speciality?” He smiled. 
This time around you were in your right mind and able to answer properly. “Veggie tacos.” 
He raised his eyebrows, impressed. Then he tried again. “Can you make them for me sometime?”
He was persistent, you’d give him that. You shrugged, trying your best to sound impassive but the little smirk gave it away. “Maybe if you say please…” 
He laughed, leaning forward, a hand clasping yours as he tilted his head. The piece of curled hair falling into his left eye. “Please?”
Your heart did another little dance inside your chest. 
.
After dessert you both made your way back to the living room, settling on your couch with two pomegranate mocktails Taehyung had prepared for you yesterday. All you had to do was add the pomegranate juice and lemonade to the ice cubes and crushed lime segments and mint before serving, easy-peasy. Seokjin was highly impressed, but of course you couldn’t take the credit. It was all down to your best friend’s very helpful barman boyfriend. 
You were glad Seokjin wanted to stay as you didn’t want the night to be over yet. It had flown by so fast and you’d had so much fun. You already felt like you knew him better, even after only two dates. It was strange to you, how you could feel so relaxed in a stranger’s company, but then again, you guessed he wasn’t a stranger anymore… Plus, he was so easy to talk to, so interesting to get to know…. Everything between you two came easy. 
Like opening up to him, being a bit more vulnerable… 
“I’ve been slightly nervous all week,” you admitted, clutching your drink to you before chuckling softly. “– and not just about the lasagne faux pas…” 
“There was no need to be nervous. I thought we left all that behind on the first date,” Seokjin reassured, smiling warmly your way. 
You were sat together, turned to face one another. It was intimate and cosy. He had one leg lifted, the ankle resting on the knee of the other leg, and where his pants had ridden up, you could see an inch or so of his calf before it met the black cotton of his sock. For some reason, you found that very, very sexy. Maybe you had been single for far too long. 
“We did,” you agreed, hesitating slightly. “It’s just… I haven’t done anything like this in so long.” 
You didn’t even think you’d ever invited someone around for dinner before. You were still quite young when you found yourself in a relationship with Donghae so your dates before him had been very basic. Your dates with him hadn’t really classed as such just because you became official fairly quickly, and your dates after him, well, it was already known that they had been few and far between. 
“You already know we’re in the same boat,” he smiled before chuckling bashfully. “No, but really, when I asked you for dinner that day at the fate I was expecting you to turn me down.” 
“How come?”
He looked down at his drink, lifting a shoulder. “I thought you’d think that I was crossing a line… or maybe the spark I was feeling was all in my head and in reality you just found me really annoying.” 
That was cute. He’d been doubting himself. Human after all. Not that you’d ever thought he wasn’t. You still didn’t miss the opportunity to joke around though. “I mean, both can exist simultaneously.” He taking a sip of his mocktail when you replied so he ended up snorting into his glass, amused by your wit. 
A moment or so passed and Seokjin gazed at you, smiling softly. If he kept this up, you’d be a puddle on your parquet flooring. “So, tell me,” he hummed. “How did I luck out so good?” You raised an eyebrow, wondering what he meant. “How come an amazing person like you isn’t married or in a relationship?”
He must’ve seen the slight shock on your face and panicked instantly. “Is that a weird thing to ask? I feel like it is. I apologise.”
“No,” you insisted, sitting up a little straighter. He followed. “No, it’s not.” You wanted to open up to him. You really did. You just didn’t know where to start. Although, it was pretty simple. “I’ve been single for a while.” 
“How long?” Seokjin was instantly focused, attentive, noticing the change in your body language. 
“Three years. My last relationship didn’t end very well.” You paused, wondering if you should continue. But then… It had been a massive part of your life. No matter how much time had passed and no matter how okay you were now, it had still happened. And Seokjin, he had trusted you enough to open up about his divorce – even before you’d gone on your first date. You wanted to talk about it. You really did. 
“I found out my fiancé was cheating on me.”  
Seokjin’s eyes widened, unable to cloak his surprise. He hadn’t been expecting that. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said sincerely. 
“It’s fine,” you smiled. “It was rough getting over it. Took me a while, but it is what it is. It’s in the past now.” 
“Did it put you off dating?” 
You were pleasantly surprised to find it was actually easy to talk to Seokjin about this. Your mouth was opening before you had to think about it. “I mean, at first. I was still very much in love with him, even after he broke my heart. But I got over him and I started dating again – briefly – It just didn’t feel right.” You stopped to smile. “It’s been over a year and I can’t say I missed it… but you…” Nerves growing, you pushed them away. “You’ve changed that. I’m having fun.” 
Seokjin’s face lit up and he chuckled. “I did hit second date status after all.” 
“You did…” 
“So,” he leaned closer, a small smirk on his face. “You could say, hitting your car that day wasn’t actually my fault because it was supposed to happen.” 
You snorted as you laughed, head falling against the back of the couch. “I wouldn’t go that far.” 
He made a sound. “But we wouldn’t have met otherwise.” 
“We would!” You exclaimed. “The parent-teacher meeting.” 
He blinked, feeling dumb. “Oh, yeah.” 
It wouldn’t have had the same effect, granted, but you would have become acquainted with one another regardless. “Would you have still liked me?” You asked without thinking, surprising yourself. 
“Yes,” he replied immediately. “I was instantly attracted to you after all, it’s just…” Instantly attracted? Definitely a charmer... “There would’ve been no way for me to get to know you like I did.”
You narrowed your eyes. “You’re really adamant that you had to reverse into my car to make this work, huh.”
He shrugged casually. “It was the only way.” 
You laughed quietly, finishing the last of your drink. Time was getting on, it was pretty late, Seokjin had already finished his, you watched him sit up to lean forward and place the glass on your coffee table. His shirt tightened across his shoulder blades and you could see his back muscles as he stretched. Oh.  
Settling back into the same position, he looked over at you and grinned. His teeth were perfect. Did this man have zero flaws? Why were you so whipped? It was embarrassing. 
“I had fun tonight,” you told him, trying to keep a lid on whatever was going on with you right now. 
He seemed pleased with that, nodding his head. “I’m happy to hear that you think I’m a fun person.” 
You scoffed, body falling closer to his. Your shoulders brushed together. Seokjin didn’t take his eyes off you. “Hm. I don’t think I said that.” 
“Hey, don’t be so mean.” He murmured, one side of his mouth quirking up. 
Like you couldn’t stop yourself, your hand reached for the collar of shirt. He had the top two buttons loose and your pinkie finger brushed against his collarbone. Sparks flew, but you tried to ignore them. “I thought you liked it when I was mean.” You teased, voice low. 
Seokjin hummed, his eyes still twinkled like they always did but there was something else to them, a depth that made you feel funny. He sunk closer to you. So close you could study the thick curve of his eyelashes, notice that both his eyelids were different. He really did have beautiful eyes. You could stare at them forever. 
Preoccupied, you slowly realised that he was watching you too, studying your features in the golden glow of the floor lamp that hovered over the couch. His lips parted, you heard them rather than saw it, but then your attention was on them again. Just like it had been earlier on in the night. He was staring at yours too as he spoke. “I wanted to kiss you last week.” 
You heartbeat quickened but you tried to keep cool. “You did kiss me.” You laughed. 
He sighed. “On the cheek.”  
You lightly tugged his collar, fingertips now brushing the skin of his chest. “Isn’t that what you said you wanted to do?”
You could feel his own heartbeat against your forearm that was pressed into him. It was definitely running a little faster than it was supposed to – stronger. “Yes, but…” He glanced up to your eyes. “I was just being polite. I wanted to kiss your lips.”
It felt like you were holding your breath. Maybe you were, you just couldn’t think straight. Time seemed to stretch out, but you knew what you wanted. So you went after it. Giving him a small smile, you replied. “Maybe I wanted that too.” 
He swallowed, voice so low now it was barely a murmur. “Is that an invitation?” His eyes bounced to your lips again, then back to your eyes as he asked permission. “Can I kiss you?”
You ever so slightly dragged your bottom lip beneath your teeth as you nodded, breath catching in your throat as Seokjin leaned forward and closed the distance between you. The hand in between your bodies moved to delicately hold the wrist of your arm against his chest, holding you there as his other hand reached for your jaw, angling your face to press a kiss to your mouth. His eyes were already closed so you followed. 
He hummed at the contact, his lips soft and warm and you let yourself sink. His actions were light at first, faint as he kept constant pressure, as if he was familiarising himself with the sensation. You couldn’t even let yourself think about how this was the first kiss you’d shared with someone for a very long time. All that was going through your mind was how good it felt to be touched like this by him. 
He readjusted the hand on your face, tucking some hair behind your ear to cup your cheek. You liked that. You liked it when he touched you, and he eased from your mouth completely before coming back with a firmer pressure. It was your turn to make a sound; a tiny gasp as your lips began to move together ever so slowly. He liked that, a hum of satisfaction vibrating against the soft skin of your lips. You clutched at his shirt, gathering the crisp cotton in your fist, that would surely turn it creased, but he didn’t seem to mind. He was too preoccupied with reaching for the glass you’d forgotten was hugged to your body by your free hand. 
He unclasped it from your fingers and had no choice but to break away from your mouth to put it next to his on the coffee table. You whined, attempting to tug him back to you, and he chuckled, taking a hold of one of your hands. “I’ll be back,” he whispered, leaning forward to place the cocktail glass down. 
And he was. 
This time he used both of his hands to grasp your face and dive back in. He was more confident this time, moving in such a way his lips pried yours open. You reached for his shoulders, grasping them to hold him closer and this time you both made noises – sweet, quiet ones that worked beautiful together as your lips moulded with gradual urgency. 
When your hands found the nape of his neck, fingers through his hair, he had to drag the tip of his tongue across your bottom lip, seeking entry. You met it with yours, tasting hints of pomegranate and lime with each wash of tongue. A hand of his slipped down to your side, stroking up and down the curve as if he couldn’t help but to touch you. He settled at your hip after a moment, the other splayed against the side of your neck, his thumb rolling small circles under your cheekbone. 
This was getting addictive. You could tell by the way you moaned softly against each warm, wet curl of his tongue. This was everything you’d imagined and more – because you had imagined it. Late and secretly at night when you were trying to drift off to sleep and thoughts of lasagne were banished… You were glad your first kiss was here, inside, on your couch, because this wasn’t something for the open, your knees wouldn’t have been able to hold you up. 
You could have kissed him forever, you mean, you definitely didn’t want it to stop but you pretty much had to. Breathing was a necessity, right? If you couldn’t breathe you wouldn’t be able to ever kiss Seokjin again and that would be absolutely awful… 
You did it the right way though – gradually. Seokjin slowed it right down, only hints of his tongue left as he hummed indulgently, like he was savouring your taste before he had to inevitably pull away. It made your insides jump around like crazy, hearing him enjoying himself, and you tried your best to come to when he started easing the pressure of his lips, pressing small, chaste kisses to them instead as you ultimately (but slowly) broke apart. 
You opened your eyes, blinking up at him, hands falling from his hair, aware you had become one with your cushions. You struggled to free yourself as he sat back and you watched him smile fondly at you. His breath was shaky – so was yours, and you were sure his hands trembled slightly as one reached up to scratch the back of his neck. His neck that was blotched with red, flushed, travelling to his cheeks. They were rosier than you’d ever seen them before. Your gut stirred. 
“I’ve been dreaming of that,” he told you, before making a face at himself. “Too cringey?” 
You giggled – it sounded foreign. “Just a bit.” But didn’t deter the fact you loved it. 
You warmed when you felt him squeeze your hip, realising his hand was still there and you reached for it, tangling your fingers with his. He pulled them to his mouth, kissing your knuckles softly. His expression was thoughtful when he lowered your hands. “In all seriousness, thank you for giving me a chance, after well, you know, everything.”
You smiled, touched by his earnestness, but it was hard to keep a sane mind when his lips were as kiss bitten as they were – deep pink and glistening. You wanted to kiss his face off. 
“It’s no problem,” you quipped, as if you were doing him a favour. 
He chuckled tenderly, and luckily for you he was unable to stop himself from kissing you again. He reached forward, hooking a finger under your chin to press his mouth to yours softly. “I’d really love if we could keep on doing… this.” He murmured. 
“The dating or the kissing,” you grinned, stealing another kiss in the process. 
“Hm,” he contemplated. “Both preferably.” 
And then you were on one another again, eager once more. 
Although, you did manage to pull away briefly to tell him something, his mouth moving to the side of your face to kiss there instead as your hands dragged down his back. You were somehow able to get the words out – ones that made him laugh against your wet jaw. 
“I’m so glad you hit my car.” 
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Written 2020 - 2021.  Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2021
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promisedneverwrite · 2 years
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Nightingale
Poppy x MC
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Chapter IV
Bea quirked her brow as Poppy quickly left the classroom as she packed her things. She had recently stopped going to her little spot in the woods, still not playing in the dorm so as to not disturb her neighbors and such and spent more time over at the club’s downstairs recording studio she and the band practiced in. Zoey made herself quite at home over at the port club too, she had started to crave the food there and the overall vibe. Which reminded her of an offer she had gotten from a couple who had come to her after a performance asking if she could play a song for their coffee shop’s anniversary. Zoey and Crystal both lightly coerced her to and eventually she caved from Zoey’s pleading puppy eyes. The event was tonight and Zoey had promised to come as her date. She had a a few songs prepared for it, but she was still nervous Zoey was going to watch again. Crystal would thankfully be staying at the club, leaving her to be able to relax tonight. Though there was some nervousness still from Zoey coming to watch her. She could feel her heart already thumping with anxiety.
Bea had to get there early to set up so Zoey would come by later after her later class. The owners, a lovely couple, were quite excited that she was there. Unknown to both of them, they asked her separately if she could write a song for their significant other as it was also their anniversary that night. So during that week and a half Bea spent her whole afternoon and late night in the cafe getting a sense of how they interacted as well as gotten a few stories to get a jist.
It was a nice place, with an outdoor stage with tables set around a small dancefloor. There were hanging ball lights lighting up the place a bit as the sun began to set.
“We’re so glad to have you here to celebrate with us.” Bea smiled and nodded at Sam, one of the owners who came by to tell her they were almost about ready to start.
“Thanks for inviting me and congratulations on your successful business and happy anniversary.”
Sam was the social butterfly, Bea had watched her talk animatedly with the patrons and children that had come to celebrate tonight as she set up her two guitars. Sam's wife, Alex, was a calmer soul, making drinks behind the counter with a loving look on her face as she watched Sam move around. It was cute, in a domestic coffee shop kind of way.
Bea looked over the crowd trying to spot any familiar faces as she stood up on the side of the stage waiting for her que. Thankfully there was no one she recognized from Belvoire, except Zoey who smiled and waved as she arrived. Bea chuckled, waving back.
Sam soon came onto the stage, microphone in hand introducing Bea to the crowd.
“We’ve got a special treat for our patrons for coming to celebrate with us tonight. Please welcome to the stage, Robin.” There were curious patrons clapping and some excited hollers from where Zoey sat which made Bea chuckled a bit embarrassed as she walked up stage.
“How y'all doing tonight?” There were cheers which made Bea smile as she picked up her acoustic guitar, checking once more for tuning. “Awesome, before I start I’d like to thank you for inviting me to celebrate this milestone with you all. So grab a partner and let’s celebrate together. This first song is called Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop.” There were smiles as eldery and young couples came to stand on the dance floor, even the owners who looked as if they just met and fell in love all over again.
Bea adjusted her mic then looked down at her guitar while gently fingerpicking the chords to her song. And the couples started to slow dance holding each other lovingly with smiles on their faces.
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Yes there's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you
I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down
I want to come too
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Bea glanced up and smiled at the couples then glanced at Zoey who watched the other couples with a small smile on her face.
No one understands me quite like you do
Through all of the shadowy corners of me
I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop
I love so much
All of the while I never knew
I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop
I love so much
All of the while I never knew
Bea looked up once more spotting the owners of the coffee shop slowly dancing with their foreheads touching, eyes closed whispering to each other with smiles on their faces.
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Yes there's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you
I've seen the waters that make your eyes shine
Now I'm shining too
Because oh because
I've fallen quite hard over you
If I didn't know you, I'd rather not know
If I couldn't have you, I'd rather be alone
I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop
I love so much
All of the while I never knew
I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop
I love so much
All of the while, I never knew
All of the while, all of the while
It was you
Bea ended the instrumental outro of the song to cheering applause and a few couples with tears in their eyes hugging their partner by their side.
Zoey watched from her seat smiling as Bea switched guitars putting a capo on it before dedicating the next song to one of the owners.
“As many of you know, the lovely couple who own this lovely shop have their anniversary tonight.” Cheers and congratulations filled the air as the couple smiled and accepted the praises. “And Sam, this next song, is dedicated to you from your lovely wife Alex. It’s called home.” Zoey watched as Sam looked to her wife with happy tears beginning to appear as the song started and they held each other once more to dance.
There's no life, without love they say
None worth having anyway
You're a mystery to me some days
That's what keeps me sane
A heart that yearns is always young
But you can't love just anyone
It's been a while since 21, I still feel the same
Take me home and don't spare the horses
Away to the silence I need
Take me home and don't spare the horses
Away to a gossamer breeze
I don't need to build a house of stone
Wherever you are's where I call home
'Cause we're just you and me
We drink and laugh and dance 'till 3
I have everything I need when I'm with you alone
Home is where we stay all night
No roof above our starry sky
I'd lie here till the day I die and our time together's flown
So take me home and don't spare the horses
Away to a silence I need
Take me home and don't spare the horses
Away to a gossamer breeze
I don't need to build a house of stone
Wherever you are's where I call home
Bea looked out into the crowd to where the couple danced smiling together and saw the couple of the night dancing with Alex kissing Sam’s hand where her wedding ring was. Sam was leaning on her shoulder sobbing a little but happily smiling as they swayed together.
And I know I've made mistakes at times
Every now and then I've made you cry
For that I'm sorry
They were few and far between
We're closer now than we've ever been
You know I'm sorry
I used to wonder why I'm here
No rhyme no reason would appear
Since we've met, it's loud and clear
I'm here to see you home
Once again Bea was met with tearful happy applause.
“Thank you thank you, but we’re not done here folks. Alex, this last and final song is from Sam to you. It’s called Nothing.” Cheers and excited hollers sounded at the plot twist of the night. As Bea began her last and final song.
Tracksuits and red wine, movies for two
We'll take off our phones and we'll turn off our shoes
We'll play Nintendo though I always lose
Cos you watch the TV while I'm watching you
There's not many people I'd honestly say I don't mind losing to
But there's nothing like doing nothing with you
Zoey smiled as Bea glanced up in her direction again with a small smile on her face.
Dumb conversation, we lose track of time
Have I told you lately I'm grateful you're mine
We watch "The Notebook" for the 17th time
I'll say it's stupid, then you catch me crying
We're not making out on a boat in the rain or in a house I painted blue
But there's nothing like doing nothing with you
So shut all the windows and lock all the doors
We're not looking for no one, don't need nothing more
You'll bite my lip and I'll want you more
Until we end up in a heap on the floor
Couples were still dancing, looking as in love as Zoey’s parents when they were together. It was sweet and Zoey kind of wished she had a dance partner to dance with too.
Mmmmmmm…
You could be dancing on table tops wearing high heels
Drinking until the world spins like a wheel
But tonight your apartment has so much appeal
Who needs stars, we've got a roof
And there's nothing like doing nothing with you
No, there's nothing like doing nothing with you
Cheers and applause greeted Bea and whistles along with Zoey’s own, people standing up to clap for her. As well as the couple of the night coming up to hug her on stage for the wonderful gift.
“Thank you again for having me, have a good night.” The owners insisted they stay as a thank you and the group accepted. Bea was greeted by happy couples who told about their stories coming here and finding each other. Soft music played in the background and free cake was passed around which Bea loved.
“And where were you hiding all this heartthrob talent?” Bea laughed waving the praise off.
“It was their anniversary, and everything they said about each other was enough to make a song.” Zoey hummed.
“So where was my slow dance partner?” Zoey watched amused as Bea shoveled cake in her mouth looking much like a chipmunk. “As much as I love the perks of being single, your song got me missing a wife I never had. I was sitting on the sidelines when all these couples were being all cutesy.” Bea swallowed her cake with an amused smile on her face. She stood in front of Zoey and extended her hand to her, as a soft song played in the background.
“Would you like to dance with me milady?” Zoey looked up into Bea's goofy smile, giving her a smile back taking her hand.
“Always.”
Turns out slow dancing was kinda boring, and they laughed at the uncoordinated way they danced before ending up just going home. And for a moment in that time, there wasn’t Belvoire, or The T, or a thought of anything but the feeling of being free of judgmental eyes for what seemed like the first time.
Poppy was on her way back home from her hair appointment, her dark roots were starting to show and she had Taylor book it for her. It had taken quite a while which was annoying but it helped that the view of the sunset on the drive back was nice. She had her window cracked open to watch the view clearly instead of through the tinted windows. They drove past a small little rooftop cafe she had always passed as a little girl, the backyard lights on from the little she could see from her angle. She listened to the people cheering in the back and a voice talking on a mic, it was different from what she remembered, knowing that the little family cafe never had a live band. And then she heard the music start, and there was something soothing about it.
“Albert park the car as close as you can to that cafe.” Her driver looked back to her and nodded, making a u-turn and parking on the other side of the street where there was parking. The music was still loud enough to hear. Poppy stared in wonder at the top of the roof listening to the guitar when a blissfully romantic voice started to sing, and Poppy’s breath hitched. She took out her phone, recording the voice, if her nightingale had gone missing this was a welcome replacement. The songs sung weren’t anything she had ever heard before, a whole new sound she hadn’t had the pleasure of knowing. The voice was deep yet soft and clear, nothing like what she was used to hearing on the radio. When the two songs ended she stopped recording and told Albert to continue on home, her mind wandering to the voice content on going there tomorrow to find out just who that was.
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