So here is a genuine question so, if denim vests, dresses, pleated denim skirts, and even shoes, pretty much all denim everything, flares too, crops, shrunken blazers, and even gauchos are making a comeback...

How long will it be before sequined shrugs or regular shrugs and layering make a return from a roughly 18 year hibernation?

Like you ask yourself in a store off racks or see on teens and the early twenties and generally younger humans walking down the street, is it like 2006 again?

Even Timberlake is supposedly collabbing with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado. NSYNC, in full as a five piece, who mind you, has been split up for well over almost 20ish years, may even might reunite. It feels crazy. 2006 was what? A whole adult has been born lived their entire toddler and adloscnet eras and is now currently in 2023, an adult since then. That is crazy.

I can’t believe im saying this, but I am lowkey here for it, and dare I say interested and entertained. In the same breath boom, I feel dreadfully old. Even the members of my generation peers and the 40ish members of NSYNC. I joke about it often to myself, but ugh, it's not really a good feeling despite physically being fine as to be expected. The thirties suck.

The gods of fashion say fashion comes in cycles. I suppose this is what it means. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

I refuse to be old or become old. I make an effort though I lowkey wish I had a cocktail like Meryl Streep had in Death Becomes Her where I remain ageless and can wear all the beautiful clothes with a yoga toned body and looks to match. Life ain't like the movies, and you see all or most of the clothes you donned in middle school or high school on teen children or on the youth of today. I didn't sign up for this.

Yikes, this is how my mom probably when flares came back in the late 1990's or when I was obsessed with watching Nick at Nite or TV Land with the shows of her time like it was brand new. Let's also not forget the VH1 and 80s obsessions. It's a boomerang, it's a cycle and it's driving me crazy.

Sugar and Spice [Maxwell Lord x Reader] - Chapter 3

Summary: When you are evicted from your apartment by your toxic ex boyfriend and have no place to go, who do you turn to? Alone in the city as the countdown to Christmas begins, you find yourself applying for a job as the assistant of the world’s biggest entrepreneur; Maxwell Lord. Little do you know, he has other intentions for you. No doubt about it, this Christmas will truly be like no other.

Word count: 4k

Warnings: Eventual smut, mentions of a previous verbally abusive relationship, typical 80s misogyny (but very little of it), mentions of food and drink, alcohol consumption. This is a sugardaddy x sugarbaby fic soooo… a daddy k!nk too oops.

But in this chapter - more tension and also male and female masturbation

Author’s note: Chapter 3 wheyyy! I'm super sick at the minute, but nevertheless I hope my illness isn't reflected in this piece of writing. Yikes. I hope everyone is enjoying so far! Remember if you wanted to be added to my taglist feel free to let me know!

MASTERLIST | SUBMIT REQUESTS

PREVIOUS - CHAPTER THREE - NEXT 

The rain drops pelted heavy against your skin as the cool winter ambience sent a shiver down your spine. Once dismissed by Maxwell Lord, you practically raced out of the building. The contrast between the heat you felt in his presence and the December air was immeasurable. You took a big gasp of air, letting rain drops fall on your face and soak through your clothes. You stood there in the middle of the busy street trying to process what just happened.

You had been successful. Your elaborate plan had worked out and you had gotten the job. Only, it was unlike anything you had ever done before. Maxwell told you to expect a call sometime tomorrow and before you left, he made sure you were comfortable with the prospect of his job offer. First things first— tell Tristan the good news. Hopefully then, he would let you stay in your apartment a little while longer.

Before you could grab a ride from a cabbie, the doorman tapped you on the shoulder. "Ms Minerva?" His tone was completely different than earlier, more polite and friendly. "Ma'am? Mr Lord has requested his driver take you home. He didn't want you to get wet in the rain but," the doorman looked you up and down. "I see you're already drenched from this God foresaken rain. I’m Andreas, by the way."

Maxwell had asked his own, personal driver to take you home? You felt butterflies erupt in your stomach from his kind gesture, but you worried about the authenticity of it. How genuine was he? Maxwell Lord was someone who built up his reputation and business on lies and false hope.

"Oh really, that's quite alright," you dismissed the offer. "I can just get a cab."

Andreas put his hand out, halting you from walking away. "I'm afraid Mr Lord insists." He told you, taking out a sleek black umbrella and opening it up. He held it above you, protecting you from the rain.

"Could you tell Mr Lord that I'm grateful for his offer, but I can make my own way home?" You said through gritted teeth.

"I'm afraid not," Andreas said with a short shake of his head. "Whatever Mr Lord wants, Mr Lord gets."

So that's how it was going to be.

Before you could reply, a black limousine with tinted windows pulled up on the road in front of you. A few passer-bys on the street, hands full of their Christmas shopping, shot you a strange glance as you slipped into the car. Andreas shut the door behind you and suddenly you found yourself sitting in a car that probably had more worth than your entire life’s savings.

The seats were sleek and black leather, the floor was carpeted and you spotted a small ice cooler by your sofa seat. You carefully clicked it open and examined the insides. It was just various bottles of alcohol- mostly spirits. You couldn’t help but smile as you continued to explore the limousine.

Upon meeting him, Maxwell Lord was not what you expected, but now you had found the perfect opportunity to learn more about him. You spotted a velveteen box nailed to the floor so you opened it up and found a variety of odd things. It was like a rich man’s junk drawer. Everything from gold fountain pens, jewellery, condoms, multiple checkbooks were mixed inside this box. Nosily, you scurried through it all, taking out the occasional item and examining it closer. You couldn’t believe it. You had never met someone who was just able to leave such expensive items lying around in a random box inside their own limousine.

This whole experience felt like a fever dream.

The lights in the limousine were dimmed and so you searched around for a switch or button of some kind to brighten the interior of the car. Your fingers tapped into a switch and rainbow disco lights flickered on, illuminating the limousine multi-colour. It looked more like a party bus. You didn't even realise the driver had already got into the car and as he turned on the ignition and began to drive, you jolted and fell back at the sudden force, into the plush leather seat. You scrambled to belt yourself up and compose yourself.

"Ma'am, where will I be taking you?" the driver called from the front of the limousine, as he tried to navigate through the busy Christmas roads of DC. You yelled your address back to him and he made a brief sound of acknowledgement.

After a few moments of sitting in still silence, despite the rainbow disco lights beginning to give you a headache, you heard a buzzing noise. You scrambled around in your seat, looking for where the noise originated from, when you found a phone nailed to the wall of the limo. Maxwell Lord’s limo had its own carphone! Of course it did.

Your eyes widened when you realised it was ringing and you contemplated answering it. It could be anyone! It could be someone important or a business related matter. It could be private. Thoughts raced through your mind as the phone continued to buzz.

"Are you going to get that?" The driver called out again.

You took a deep breath and took the phone off the hook, nudging it between your ear and your neck. "H-hello?" you asked, your finger anxiously twirling in the wire connecting the phone and the dock.

"Apologies for calling so early on, I usually wait a few days before calling back my female suitors," you weren't sure if your heart rate eased or increased when you heard Maxwell's voice. His voice sounded easy-going, and you were sure you even heard him chuckle slightly at his own remark. "I trust you weren't made uncomfortable by Andreas insisting you got a ride home."

"I have to admit, Mr Lord, I don't usually get into cars with strangers." you huffed, squeezing your eyes tight shut.

"Smart," Maxwell replied quickly. "So why did you this time?" His voice was dark and had a lulling undertone. He sounded similar to when he saw you during the interview earlier on, and the memory made that familiar heat erupt once more in your stomach.

You struggled to find your words. "I- I uhm-" you weren't exactly sure why you had agreed to Andreas. You would've never agreed to such a proposition before. But this is what Maxwell Lord wanted. And you didn't dare want to disappoint Maxwell Lord. You didn't understand because you didn't even know the man— nor did you have any care about him whatsoever prior to your meeting today. But since you exchanged those words in his office, you had been feeling a certain kind of way. "I trust you." you admitted with a defeated sigh. It was true. You trusted a man you had barely even spent half-an-hour with. You trusted a man who built his business on lying to the people of the world.

On the other end of the line, Maxwell was smiling to himself. His feet were on his desk and he was nursing a glass of his favourite whiskey. He could never tell you, but he craved to hear your voice again. He was already thinking about the next time he could see you. He put the glass down on his desk and with his free hand, palmed at his hardening manhood.

"I'm glad," Maxwell replied smoothly. "Trust is going to be very important in our kind of arrangement." There was a beat. "Speaking of which, would you owe me the pleasure in accompanying me to dinner tomorrow night?"

"D-dinner?" you blurted out, feeling your cheeks heat up. Dinner with Maxwell Lord— this is not how you thought today would go. Sitting in a limousine and being asked out by the cover boy of Forbes magazine.

"I know a really nice restaurant by the river. Black-tie dress code type thing." His voice was like silk. It was getting hot in the limousine. You needed air. The thought of him taking you out for dinner at a restaurant, having a nice meal and enjoying his company felt like a dream. Then you were hit with the reality of your financial situation.

"Oh Mr Lord, I'm sure it's lovely but I don't think I can afford-"

"I think you're forgetting the terms of our arrangement darling," Maxwell snickered on the other end of the line. It was true— you had. For a moment you thought it would be a normal date. But this wasn't a relationship. He was right, it was an arrangement. "What I have, is yours. You are to want for nothing."

There was something romantic about his sentiment, you once again found yourself forgetting the true nature of his words. "Well then," you gulped."Dinner sounds great."

Maxwell's smile grew wider. "And then back to my place." his invitation sounded more like a command than a question, and the authority in his voice was enough to get your panties wet. You pursed your lips together to suppress a moan at the thought of going back to his house. You wondered what it would be like. Would your arrangement commence tomorrow night?

"I'd really like that." you let out a shaky exhale. Your hand dropped in between your legs and you slowly began to touch yourself through the thick material of your denim jeans. You ached to get home and take them off. There was something that felt so naughty about getting off in the car of a man you had just met. Especially when that man was Maxwell Lord.

Maxwell felt the same. He had intended to take you back to his place to go through a contract and discuss the specifics of your arrangement— but if the night led to something else, he certainly wouldn't be opposed. You were driving him wild; like no other woman had ever. He unzipped his pants and slipped his hand under his boxer shorts, slowly beginning to pump his length while holding the phone in the crook of his neck.

"You- you have something pretty to wear?" he asked, trying to remain as composed as possible.

"Maybe, maybe just my little black dress." you whispered in response, pressing your forehead against the cold window to try and release some tension.

Your description left much to the imagination, but Maxwell wasn't complaining. He wondered about the black dress: how short it was, exactly? How did it fit you? Did it accentuate his favourite parts of your body? Maxwell's eyes fluttered shut as he carried on stroking his length, a small grunt escaping his lips. It didn't go unnoticed by you.

"I'll have my driver pick you up tomorrow evening," Maxwell hummed. "6pm."

You couldn't even reply— he already put the phone down. Maxwell slouched back into his chair and worked at his already hard length. His thumb swept the precum that beaded at his tip and he continued pumping, wishing that the wetness around him was from your mouth as you devoured him.

He imagined your pretty lips suck him and his cock began to throb in his hands. He imagined having to push your hair out of the way so he could get a good look of your face whilst you took him in your mouth. He imagined your eyes wide and your cheeks hollowed as you fit him inside of you. He wanted to fuck your mouth, wanted to make you gag and have your saliva make a mess all over him.

Maxwell gasped as he spilt his seed all over his tailored suit pants. He kept his sensitive cock in his hand for a few moments after, feeling it soften. He wanted to soften inside of you. Already, he was enamoured by you. Desperate to feel your touch, your wetness. Desperate to hear your screams of pleasure.

When you got home, you had planned on seeing Tristan, alerting him of the good news. New job. Then maybe, he'd let you live in your apartment just a little bit longer until you could afford rent. You decided he could wait until tomorrow. Hurrying into your small flat you locked yourself in the bathroom and turned on the shower.

You discarded your clothes, letting them pool into a puddle on the floor. In your frenzy, you had forgotten to open a window, so the steam from the hot water warmed your skin and small beads of sweat drew along your collarbones and chest as you ran your hands over your body. You bit your lip, hard, remembering the image of Maxwell's hands in the office which you had so carefully ingrained into your head.

You thought about his thick hands squeezing your tits, the pad of his thumb rubbing over your nipples and pinching hard enough to make you squeal. You wondered how his touch felt. You imagined him rough, and ruthless, but since meeting him today, and the way he diverted all your expectations, you wondered if he would have any surprises up his sleeve for your time in the bedroom. You let your fingers gently trace the skin of your stomach, a feather light touch that tickled slightly. You closed your eyes, imagining the wealthy CEO stood behind you, arms wrapped around your naked body and planting sloppy wet kisses into the crook of your neck.

With complete certainty, neither you or Maxwell could stop thinking about each other. Maxwell wanted to call you over in the dead of night when he couldn't sleep. His body ached for you. He felt a neediness that he had never felt before. Of course he could just call one of his assistants. He paid them enough, they would be able to come over and satisfy him (to some extent), but the problem was, they weren't you.

You had done something to him, and now nobody else could even begin to compare to you. You consumed his every thought. Maxwell had once almost married a rival CEO. He was meant to be in love with her but… the feelings were not the same as this. The feelings he felt for you were far beyond lust, but he couldn't put his finger on what exactly they were. He cursed himself, feeling frustrated. This wasn't him. But he was completely and utterly whipped on you.

And you weren't much different. You swore you were in love with Tristan. You had been in an on and off relationship with him for two years but once again, the feelings you had for him were so different to the feelings you now possessed for Maxwell. It was indescribable. You wrecked your room, trying to find the perfect shoes and accessories to wear with your promised little black dress. You wanted to be perfect. You wanted to look perfect. And it was all for Maxwell.

He had you whipped, and you hated him for it.

You lived your life wanting to only impress yourself. You didn't think twice about the way men felt about you. It never mattered. But this was Maxwell Lord. Everything was just different.

So when your 'date' finally came around, you were both equally bursting with anticipation.

When you slid in the back of the limousine, Maxwell couldn't keep his eyes from you. His gaze was glued onto your amazing figure which he loved so much, and the way your little black dress clung to your body and accentuated all your perfections. Your little diamond earrings sparkled under the car's dim light and there was something so beautiful about the simplicity of it.

Truth be told, Maxwell Lord was nervous. He didn't date. He couldn't remember the last time he went on a proper date (he wasn't even sure if you classed this outing as a date). He wasn't one for relationships either. Hell, a woman could count herself lucky if she lasted a week with him. He liked the spontinuity of fucking different women, no strings attached. Throwing them away like garbage the second he got bored. He had the power to do that. It was just the way he was and he had no intentions of that changing.

Although, maybe his intentions were slowly changing and he hadn't yet realised. You offered him the kindest smile he had ever seen, your eyes glistening like jewels. And oh, he felt his cheeks warm up. He leaned over to the window on his side and pressed his face against it, the cool winter air calming his nerves. When your fingers graced the material of his tailored suit pants, just over his thigh, he swore his heart stopped.

"You look nice." you beamed at him, your heart blooming when he finally turned and his brown eyes met yours. You didn't expect Maxwell Lord to disappoint, in any sense, but especially not when it came to fashion. The power suit he was wearing was practically dripping in wealth, and you were almost certain every inch of him was wearing designer names from his suit jacket to his gold cufflinks in his shirt.

"So do you." Maxwell returned the compliment, gawking as he took in your exquisite form. You felt your cheeks heat up under his gaze and you awkwardly looked down at your match black heels, scraping them against the carpeted floor of the limousine. "That dress- I saw it in Louis Vuitton last year?" Maxwell pointed out and you looked down, reacquainting yourself with the outfit you had chosen to wear.

"This? Oh no no," you chuckled earnestly. "I got this from the thrift store for seven dollars like a month ago."

You regretted those words as soon as they left your lips. You did not just admit to Maxwell Lord that you had bought the dress he had been so enthralled in, from the moment you entered the limo, second hand. To your surprise, he gave you a toothy grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling in delight and that adorable little dimple appearing in his left cheek.

"We're here," he announced as the driver pulled up on the side of the road. You gazed out the window in awe. The whole street was lit up in gold Christmas fairy lights, and the restaurant that Maxwell had selected, was highlighted with tinsel and a huge Christmas tree in the front window.

"Wow," you couldn't help but whisper at the gorgeous view. You hadn't even realised Maxwell had already slipped out the car and opened your side door for you. He held his hand out for you, and of course you grabbed it. His hands were soft and warm… he definitely moisturized. He helped you out of the limo and shut the door behind you, sliding an arm around your waist as he guided you into the restaurant.

"Be careful not to slip on the black ice." he warned as he helped you slowly walk in your heels. Still hand in hand, you looked up at him with the biggest smile. You hadn't felt a happiness like this in a long time. He didn't look at you back, instead of focusing on successfully navigating inside the restaurant without falling over.

The restaurant was empty. Not a soul in sight. Your eyes snapped to Maxwell, waiting for him to give you an explanation. He caught on, offering you a small and understanding nod.

"I rented the restaurant out." He explained, raising an eyebrow as he examined his surroundings. Your gaze followed his as you took in the merrily strung Christmas lights and the beautifully decorated tree by the front bay window.

"Why would you do that?" You quizzed him.

"You never know who is sitting among us," he explained. "Journalists, paparazzi, crazed fans."

Ah, there it was. The part about Maxwell you had completely forgotten about. He was famous. Everyone in the world knew who he was and if you had known anything about Maxwell before meeting him, it was that the tabloids loved to pry into his personal life. So, you were somewhat understanding. But that didn't stop the devastating feeling of your heart sinking into your chest. He wanted to hide you. It made sense, I mean, you had only just met and you were only his sugar baby, but it still hurt. You done your best to ignore the strange feelings and told yourself you could still have a good night with him. But the thoughts didn't escape your mind.

You and Maxwell were ushered to a seat by a lit fireplace and passed menus by a beaming waiter. "Can I get you a drink while you decide on what to eat?" he asked with an enthusiastic smile.

"Just a bottle of your finest champagne with two glasses," Maxwell replied, not even looking at the waiter but flicking his wrist and gesturing for him to scurry away. The waiter left both of you in a frenzy, and you couldn't help but giggle. "Is something funny?" Maxwell prompted you, raising an eyebrow. You pursed your lips again but shook your head 'no'. Maxwell's eyes flicked back down to the menu and you burst into another fit of giggles. "Seriously, what is it?" Maxwell asked sternly and you straightened your posture, taking a deep breath and trying to compose yourself.

"That poor waiter looked so afraid of you." You admitted quietly. Maxwell shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal.

"A lot of people are afraid of me."

"Why?" you beckoned, leaning closer to him.

Maxwell hesitated and put his menu down. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"A lot of people used to be afraid of my mother," Maxwell admitted. "I'm afraid I'm going to end up like her."

"Why were they afraid of your mother?" you questioned him, thanking the waiter as he promptly brought you the two glasses and bottle of ice cold champagne. You began to pour it out.

"She was so cold. Bitter… heartless…" Maxwell scowled, quickly taking a glass of champagne and downing it in one quick gulp. "I worry that, maybe, others perceive me in the same light as they perceive my mother."

"That they think you're cold, bitter and heartless?" you quizzed, and Maxwell winced at your words. He didn't reply, instead buried his gaze into the cream coloured table cloth.

You extended your arms and reached out, taking hold of his soft ring clad hands. Maxwell's breathing hitched under your touch. You noticed the way his hands were considerably larger than yours but even still, you rubbed comforting circles into his skin with your thumb. He interlocked his fingers with yours and you offered him a warm smile. "I don't think you're cold, bitter and heartless."

Maxwell sighed. "You don't know me."

"I see the warmth in your eyes," you whispered. "I know there's more to you than meets the eye."

Taglist: if you want to be added let me know! (if your name is crossed out it means I can't tag you)

December Magic: @kiwi-the-first​ @100layersofdaddyissues​ @mrschiltoncat @honeymandos @thisisthe-wayson​ @this-cat-is-dea​ @blonde2bomshell

Permanent: @goth-topic ​ @supernaturalgirl @phoenixhalliwell @ah-callie @luvzoria ​ @stardust-galaxies @wickedfrsgrl

while you’re at it (m) || pjm

pairing; poolboy!jimin x noona!reader.

genre; smut, fluff, tiny angst.

summary; After finalizing your divorce papers, there was still one thing that had to be taken care of. That stupid swimming pool. Over there course of a few days, you ended up harboring feelings for one of your pool boys. Will things go as planned? Or will everything be flushed down the drain? 

warnings; brief mentions of divorce, infidelity and toxic relationship, sub!jimin, dom!reader, barely there bondage, exhibitionism, female masturbation, voyeurism, oral sex (both receiving), body worship, tit fucking, noona kink, praise kink(its jimin ofc), mild degradation, impreg kink, its basically jimin being a whiny soft baby for noona, unprotected sex, multiple orgasm, creampies, cum eating

word count;  11K+ (this was supposed to be around 7-8K only, iduno what happened really)

a/n; ahhhhhh! three minutes late but who careeees. im done, i want to sleep. the smut feels so rushed butill fix it... eventually... lmao, unedited as hell, dont mind the errors... will fix someday.  bye

@m0chilattae @ruinedbyjin <33 

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Breaking away and cutting ties from your previous and definitely toxic marriage was the best decision you've made bar none. You could no longer stomach the abuse that your now ex-husband had put you through. It was a complete and utter living hell being bound to a man who wasn't who you initially thought he was. Having him crossed out of your life (legally, too) made it a million times easier. It has been exactly seven weeks since you chucked out all of his belongings through the front door. No regrets. And you still didn't want to take notice of the huge elephant in the room — or in the backyard per se. There it sat in the middle of the unkempt grassy area surrounded by leaves and trash, in all of its filthy, disgusting, bacteria and algae infested glory. Your dreaded swimming pool.

You had put-off cleaning it the first week after your separation, saying you're too busy doing this or too preoccupied taking care of that. When in all honesty, you just didn't want to deal with it. You had no goddamn idea how to maintain it. Heck, you didn't even know how to swim. Wonwoo was the main reason why the two of you bought a house that came with it after your wedding. He said he wanted to keep his hobby of swimming alive, understandable since that's where it all began. The two of you met at a university swim meet. You were the designated journalist for that event, assigned to interview all the winners after the competition for the school's paper. Wonwoo bagged the gold medal for the two hundred-meter freestyle, and you interviewed interviewed him and that's where it took off. Everything was running smoothly. One by one every item on your life's checklist got checked-off. After five years of dating, he proposed. A year later you got married and purchased a house together and planned on having children. You even put-off your job as a columnist writer for a high-end magazine company to play out the role of a perfect wife who'd soon take care of her children. You had the ideal life with the ideal husband in an ideal house that any married woman could wish for. You had everything, and in your own little world it was perfect. Until two years into your marriage, everything went into turmoil. Wonwoo suddenly grew cold and insensitive. He didn't answer your calls and text messages whenever he was away. He didn't make love to you the way he used to during your honeymoon phase. And sometimes he would just downright refuse, saying he's too tired and that he wants to sleep instead. You endured and tolerated his behavior for another year, giving him a chance to change his ways. But we all know what happens to second chances, they're wasted. One day, Jihyo sent you a picture of Wonwoo sucking faces with a female swim trainer at the city's public pool. You could not believe it at first, you refused to. Until she sent another image, this one clear as day. It was Wonwoo, positively Wonwoo. You called your older brother Yoongi and told him everything that had happened starting from the day your relationship spiraled into disaster. Like any brother would be; he was furious. He didn't kill the guy though, only gave him a black eye and a broken nose before you threw his belongings out on the pavement. To cut the story short, you found love beside a swimming pool and ultimately gotten your heart broken because of it. When people fall out of love, heart breaks are inevitable. All the more reason as to why you just shoved the idea of cleaning the pool under the rug like small particles of dust and dirt. You just wanted to forget about it, pretend like it didn't exist. If you could only haul that thing out of the ground and throw it out like you did to him, it'd be more painless for you. You took your phone out of your handbag and texted Namjoon. You asked if he still had the number to that all around cleaning service, to which he did, thank god. After saving the number, you called it immediately. Wanting no time to be wasted. "Hello, Good morning! This is Mr. Park of Mr. Park's Cleaning Service, how can we help you?" The bubbly old man chanted his spiel. "Ah, yes, um. This is Y/n Y/l/n, I was wondering if I can avail your services?" "Of course, ma'am!" He chimed, the sound of rustling papers can be heard in the background "What will we have the pleasure of cleaning for you, Ms. Y/l/n?" His tone never changed, still enthusiastic. "Well I have this pool..." You replied quite hesitantly, "And It's been sitting here uncleaned for almost two months." You let out a breathy laugh, fairly embarrassed at your confession. "No problem, Ms. Y/l/n! We've handled worse cases. Two months is nothing! Is it just the pool or would you like us to give your whole yard a fixer-upper?" You sighed in relief. "Y-yes, that would be great! My backyard could use the help, too." "Alrighty then! You don't need to worry about anything! Can I get your contact number and full address Ms. Y/l/n?" Mr. Park sounded like a charming old man, he never judged or asked unnecessary questions, only the ones that needed to be answered. "My number's xxx-xxx-xx and my full address is xxx street, corner xxx at xxx village. When can I expect you to visit, Mr. Park?" "I'll get the boys ready and will be there in about an hour or two to check on the conditions and come up with the most effective strategy. The duration of the process usually takes about three days to a week depending on the situation. It's always better to asses the area first. We'll do the best we can do, Ms. Y/l/n!" You can hear the smile in his voice, never have you encountered someone who's this passionate about his job as much as Mr. Park. "Great! That sounds excellent! Thank you so much Mr. Park! I'll see you later!" "Thank you, too, Ms. Y/l/n! Good bye!" The call ended and you checked the clock. It was a quarter to nine, still a lot of time left before they arrive. You decided to tidy up the place, picking up dirty laundry, washing the dishes, and anything that demanded to be put in its proper place. You accomplished everything in under an hour and decided to lounge around on your couch, still in your black silk nightwear dress that rested a good five inches above your knee. To be fair, you did wake up too early for your liking, and it made you thrice as sluggish than usual. 'Only ten minutes' you reminded yourself because you still needed to shower. Your eyelids felt heavy and the softness of the pillow you were resting your head on didn't help either. 'five more minutes, then it's time to shower, I swear.' Things didn't always go according to plan, of course. You fell asleep.

++

Your little nap was interrupted by the sound of your doorbell ringing multiple times, "Ms. Y/l/n?! Is anybody home? This is Mr.Park's Cleaning Service." The man on the other side of the door yelled. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. You scramble about you couch only to fall on the floor with a loud thud, "W-wait! Just a minute!" You squealed, heading out to the nearest bathroom to grab your bathrobe and wrap it around your frame. You chugged down and gargled a cup full of mouthwash before spitting it out. "Shit..." You hissed, taming out the fly-aways of your hair and tying it up in a loose bun. Your bangs rested messily on your forehead but you didn't have the pleasure of curling it. So you opted for just sweeping it to the side, making yourself more presentable. "I'm coming!" You yelped, treading to your front door and opening it. The three boys who stood at your doorstep gave you a courteous ninety degree bow. They were wearing those baggy grey work jumpsuits but the sleeveless kind. The boys looked fairly young, with glowing skin and youthful dispositions. They moved back to their upright position and the one in the center greeted, "Good day Ms.---" his eyes widened like saucers, he looked like he had encountered a ghost, and suddenly you were extremely conscious about your disheveled appearance, tucking in stray hairs that dangled around the frame of your face behind your ears. "Ms--" he knew what he wanted to say, it was waiting for its turn to spill out from his suddenly parched mouth. But he couldn't because he was too awe struck at the image of this lovely woman standing before him. They'd done this job a couple hundred times and it was all professional, but this was the first time his heart was completely enamored by a female client. His tongue was undoubtedly caught at the back of his throat and an elbow to his rib by his friend snapped him out of it and transferred him back to reality. "Y/l/n.." He continued, shades of pink trickling his face. "My name is Park Jimin..." "You're Mr. Park?" You giggled, the way your cheeks rounded when you smile matched with your cute dimple almost sent him into the ER due to a cardiac arrest, "You sounded older on the phone." "Uh.. That was my father. I'm just Jimin." He smiled, flustered like a little boy confessing his love for his crush. You beamed at him once more after discovering his name, eyes twinkling more that ever and he caught that. He freaking caught the way your eyes glimmered at him. "If you're just Jimin, then I'm just Y/n." What the hell was that?! You internally screamed at your choice of words, pulling out the non-existent life plug in your head because you wanted to shrivel up like a dehydrated grape desiring to be a raisin and just die. "O-okay, Ms. Y/n.." the way your name rolled so sweetly out of his lips made you shudder, a feeling you hadn't felt in a long, long time spark a flame in the deepest pit of your stomach. You shouldn't be experiencing this urgent sense of infatuation towards a person you only just met, not to mention to someone this young. You reckoned that he was likely five or six years your junior, probably even more. It was a weird sensation. You had no idea where it came from but you were kinda skeptical about the concept of it and where it might lead. Did you hate it? I mean, no, not at all. Were you confused? Most definitely. "This is Jungkook," he gestured to the lad on his left. Jet-black hair, doe eyes, piercings and tattoos, okaaay he's attractive "and this is Taehyung." Your gaze moved to the left, honey brown hair, sultry stare, sharp nose and a chiseled jaw, woah he's attractive too. No wonder Mr. Park's acquiring all the deals in town! His cleaning team is total eye candy. "My dad-- I mean Mr. Park's rheumatoid started acting up a little while ago, that's why he wasn't able to come with us. I hope that's alright with you, Ms. Y/n." There it is again, he said your name again but his voice a little softer this time. He was hoping his father's absence wouldn’t upset you too much. And didn't leave a bad first impression on you. Your name slipping past his lips sent another shock wave throughout your body, faintly stirring up your insides. It took you a good second to reply because you were too busy staring at the way his tongue prodded out of mouth to wet his pink and plump lips. Shit “I-it’s fine..” You gulped, drifting your gaze to your backyard assuming he didn’t see what you just did. “I hope your father feels well soon.” You stepped back a few feet letting the boys with their big tool kits in hand enter. “May we look at the pool, Ms. Y/l/n?” The black haired boy spoke, opening his box of tools and pulling out a smaller black container. “Taehyung and I will do the water testing and everything else while Jimin-hyung here will walk you through the whole process.” “The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll finish!” Taehyung beamed, boxy smile and all. They all did what they said they’d do. Jungkook and Taehyung were handling all sorts of gadgets and gizmo to test the pH balance, chlorine levels and whatever they need to test. Jimin explained everything in meticulous detail, from the tools that they were using to how they’d clean it. You tried listening intently. You really did! But the addictive saccharine tone of his voice had gotten you too worked up. “And that’s about it,” Jimin happily concluded. “We can start cleaning tomorrow if it’s okay with you,” “Y/n?” He asked reluctantly, watching you stare vacuously at him. “Ah-- Yes. You guys can start tomorrow.” You smiled, flustered and red on the face. He was worried for a moment, he thought you found everything he said was boring. Because all honestly, he knew it was. Jimin dropped out of college to support his father with their family business, being the sole son and successor. It was a gamble, most of his friends would say. "Why'd you give up having an education?" or "What if it goes bankrupt?". Those words were frequently thrown around, but he stuck to his gut. Jimin never wanted anything more than maintaining his father's legacy alive. The one that his father and late-mother created and grew from the ground up. "Great! Kook, Tae, how's everything going?" He hollered to his friends who were still tinkering with their devices at the edge of the pool. "Will be done soon! Give us a minute," Taehyung replied, signaling a thumbs-up to his hyung. "Ahhh! That reminds me," You teetered blithely straight to your equally neglected shed that Wonwoo kept all his tools in. "If you need any tools, feel free to--" You tried to pry the door handle open but it wouldn't budge. "Let me get that for you, Ms. Y/n." Jimin insisted, worrying you might hurt yourself. "I'm okay," You assured the boy, solidifying your grip on the handle, and giving one last firm pull that just might do the trick. Jimin was right. Because the moment you exerted more effort into opening the door, the slim strip of metal that was affixed on the wooden surface snapped off and sent you stumbling back a few steps. You shielded your eyes with your hand and just when you thought your sorry ass was about to hit the grass, you felt something or someone, cradle your fall. A small groan from behind startled you, "W-what?" You removed your hands from your face and saw Jimin lying beneath you, hold on to you by your waist."Oh shit!" You shrieked, promptly scooting away from his lap to check if he's hurt somewhere. "J-jimin! Are you okay?!" concern laced your voice. You scanned every inch of his body for any cuts or bruises. While your face unintentionally came too close to his, he felt your warm minty breath dancing on the tip of his cupid's bow, tickling his lips that were mere centimeters away from yours. And the way his left cheek was conveniently purchased in your hand made him feel the heat blossom under his skin, and presumably creep up to his ears too. Wide-eyed and totally red in the face, Jimin hurriedly stood up from where he was planted, not forgetting to help you as well stand up as well. “I’m fine, Ms. Y/n. You don’t have to worry about--” Before the boy could barely finish his sentence, you were already pulling him by the wrist and ushering him back inside the house. He was trying so hard to resist the blush that had been wanting to be set free. “Jungkook, Taehyung!” You waved, calling out their attention. “You can come inside if you’re finished. I’ll tend to Jimin and see if he has any injuries.” “Yes ma’am!” The two boys chuckled, giving Jimin a playful smirk. “Sit down. I’ll go get my first aid kit.” You spoke before scooting towards the direction of your bathroom. The moment you’ve found yourself looking in the mirror in what seems to be the safest place you could’ve been at this moment, you allow all the accumulated steam out. “F-fuck.” You breathe out a sigh of relief. Finally being able to inhale and exhale enough air with your lungs. Every single moment with Jimin feels like there’s something constricting your chest, blocking all possible airways and cutting off the oxygen in your body. “Get it together, Y/n” You scold yourself, looking at the reflection in the bathroom mirror “You are an adult. An adult who will not let a young man fracture the little sanity you have left.” 

On your tiptoes, you reached for the small plastic box on the shelf of your bathroom, taking one last determined look in the mirror and declaring, “You got this.”  With that, you step out of the enclosed space with your recovered confidence, not looking back. And there he is again, puppy dog eyes lighting up when he saw your figure reappear in his line of vision. “Ms. Y/n.” He smiled, and there you knew how truly fucked up you were. “God, give please give me the strength.”  You chanted in your head, “I got the first aid kit. Let’s get you cleaned up.” Was all that you could say. 

++

It has been exactly five days, eight hours and forty-five minutes since Jimin started working on your backyard. Why do you know that? Well, that boy with those galaxies induced eyes, impossible plump lips and unbelievable muscular body had been lurking and finding his way through the deep recesses of your mind, desperately searching for that imaginary finish line.

Every cell in your body was hyper-aware of your surroundings whenever he was near. You’d get chills when you feel his hot breath fanning against the skin of your nape when he’s behind you asking for some kind of permission. A jolt would run down your spine when he says your name like it’s the only name he’d known besides his. And the way an innocent stare from him would ignite a flame in your core, burning like coal inside a furnace during those cold winter nights. You know of his presence; you know how he makes you feel even when you don’t want it and that scares you.

And now you’re here with your overly eager friend who's  ready to lay down all her life savings and then some, just to see you finally get laid after that hideous tragedy.

“Gosh, what do I do?” You groaned, massaging your temples. The headache that you experienced the first time you encountered the boy only tripled in magnitude. It was like the soft tissues of your brain decided that it would be best to act like tectonic plates and tear each other apart. No matter how many pain killers you’ve ingested or how early you slept at night, it always comes back the next day, with a vengeance.

“Give in,” she shrugged, taking a sip from her warm cup of tea. “you’ve got nothing to lose.”

“The only thing I’m losing right now is my sanity.” You grovelled, wanting to pull out all of your hair from its follicles. “I–” You sighed, voice cracking and tear attempting to fall.“I honestly don’t know what to do.”

She offered you a sympathetic look, consoling you with a hand gently stroking your back. “I know, hun. Wonwoo was a douche bag and your divorce was the absolute worst. But… Look at the bright side,” She nudged you on the shoulder and points a finger westward.

“Now that he’s out of the picture, you’re a free woman now, y/n.” Your friend stated as-a-matter-of-fact, wriggling her perfectly done brows at you. She was right, though. There was nothing holding you back except yourself. The two of you looked beyond the glass sliding doors of your patio and watched the group of young men pull every bone and flex every inch of muscles in their bodies trying to make your backyard look like the way it was before.

“I don’t see anything wrong with flirting with your pool boy now that the ring on you finger is gone,” a small tug of her lips went unseen by you as your gaze was still attached to the blond haired boy whose dusting of sweat seemed to reflect and shimmer under the blazing sunlight like those vampire characters from that teen movie. God, how can someone look that ethereal while raking up the pile leaves in your backyard?

“While you’re at it, seeing that you’re too invested in watching him, play with piles of dead leaves,” your head snapped toward her direction as your cheeks turned pink from embarrassment, “might as well fuck him too.” she grins from ear to ear. 

++

Day eight came faster than you had imagined. The boiling of your insides has simmered down immensely since you've accepted all your feelings like the grown adult that you are. You didn't confess, though, there will be a time for that. Also, you can say you've gotten used to Jimin's presence in the short time you've spent with him. He was kind, sweet, caring and considerate to you 24/7 and you've considered every bit of it endearing. You friend was right. "Give in," she says, so you did and you hope everything will eventually fall into place at the right time. Like usual, jimin and his bunch were outside. They were eighty percent done with the pool and all that's left was the landscaping. One by one, bags of dirt, rocks, sand and all the likes were carried by unfamiliar faces to the back yard through your house. Trails of sand were left on the floor akin to a snail's. "We're really sorry for the mess, miss y/n. Don't worry, we'll clean it up." A new face stood beside Jimin. This one looked more mature than the three boys you're already acquainted with. This was your first time seeing him. Raven hair, brown eyes, a attractive face and shoulders broader than the horizon. Wow. Mr. Park's boys just keep getting hotter and hotter. But there's something oddly familiar about him. Maybe you've met him before? Casually crossed paths as strangers? You can't quite wrap a finger around it. "Y/n, this is Jin-hyung." The fair-haired boy stated. "He's Jungkook's older brother." You gasp, finally it connects "R-really?! No wonder you looked familiar!" You heard the boisterous laugh of the younger brother draw closer and then draped an arm around his brother's shoulder. You habitually thought Jungkook was the tallest in the bunch but now that you've seen his older brother and the way he stands a good two or three inches taller says otherwise. "Sooo, who's more good looking, Noona?" Jungkook asked cheerfully, arching his brows as if coaxing you to choose him. "Hmmm..." You hummed dramatically, crossing your arms with one hand cupping your chin. "I really can't say, Jungkook. Your hyung's pretty handsome." You teased. "Nooooona~!" The youngest whined, flailing his arms around like a child. If you hadn't known their ages, you'd assume that Jungkook's an eighteen year old boy with a baby's face attached to an adult man's body. +Flashback+ You learned that over the course of yesterday's dinner. That day marked the seventh day since the boys worked on you backyard. You decided to treat them to a special samgyupsal dinner since they had been working so hard all day and all afternoon. It was a quarter to five, and the boys were about to call it a day when you call them over enthusiastically. Gesturing them to come inside "Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook!" Their mouths hung wide open when their eyes met with the dining table. A dazzling array of meats, soups, vegetables and side dishes were gloriously scattered on the surface. "Wow, Ms. Y/n!" Taehyung beamed, his boxy smile seemed like it was engraved on his face. "What's the occasion?” "Well, since you boys have been working so hard I decided to arrange a little party for you guys. It's the least I can do." You smile. Taehyung and Jungkook looked like they were about to combust. The fragrance of the food delighted their every senses. You hear a faint growl in the background. "Sorry. That was me." Jungkook confessed, his stomach was now hungrier than before. You all laugh. "What are you waiting for? Dig in!" It was like a gun was shot and the race to eat the most food began. You watched them eat heartily, wishing that you had done this sooner to express your gratitude for all the effort the exert. "Aren't you gonna eat, y/n?" You were startled by Jimin voice. You turn to him and receive the look of concern on his face. "I've had my fair share while cooking, if I eat more I feel like I'll throw up." You softly giggled, a shade of pink dusting your cheeks. "And this is all for you." For every little thing he does whether it was deliberately or not, Jimin feels like he's simply digging his own grave. The sound of metal rutting against soil, just a few more digs and he's sure he'll be six feet under. "Ms. Y/n, Ms. Y/n!" Jungkook called, outstretching his hand like a student asking for his teacher's attention. "Yes, Jungkook? Oh, and you can call me y/n, by the way. No need for 'miss'." Jungkook scratched the back of his neck before answering, "Uhm, I dont think I'm in the position to call you that, ms. Y/n " "What about noona?" Taehyung who sits across Jungkook suggested. "Ms. Y/n really been nice to us, like a big sister. Always making sure we're okay." Sister. You practically forgot about your age gap with these kids. With the five-year difference for Jimin and Taehyung, seven for Jungkook, you really felt like an older sister. It wasn't bad, it was lovely actually. Knowing they see you more than just an ordinary client pinched at your heart. And you perceive them as little brother's you never had. One of them, you wished went beyond that. "Yeah!" The black haired boy exclaimed,"Can we call you noona, ms. y/n???" Jungkook looked like a dog, with his eyes all round and tail raised and wagging about. It must feel so great to be young. "Of-- Of course! You can call me noona!" The two boys cheered in unison. The only one quiet was jimin who sat parallel to you. 

"Are you okay jimin?" You asked meekly. "I'm fine." He didn't sound like he was fine. "Is there something wrong?" "Ahh, I--" he was stuttering, "Is it okay if I call you y/n instead?" Your eyes widened, you haven't even drank anything alcohol but your face already feels hotter. "S-sure, Jimin." You tried to change the topic by standing up walking over to the refrigerator. "Since all of you are of legal age." You gradually push open metal door and pull out bottles of soju. "You're the best, noona!" The youngest howled, eager to get his hands on the alcoholic drink. "Just promise me you guys won't drink too much. You still have work tomorrow" Like twins, Jungkook and Taehyung held their hands over their heart and recited, "We promise, noona!" With the magic liquid, conversation started flowing more naturally. You promised not to drink but they insisted, nothing worse than your friends peer-pressuring you. "So, noona, where do you work?" Taehyung questioned. He probably noticed you were always at home. "I'm a writer for Seoul Life Magazine, but I do all my work here at home. I rarely have to go to the office." "Really???!!!" His eyes blew up, Taehyung told you he was a fashion design graduate. You expected this reaction from him so you felt pride in telling him where you work. "Wow, noona!" Jungkook said, "My dad said only those who were absolutely good got to work there." "Stop flattering me," You shyly dismiss his praise. "I was an intern there during my concluding year of college. I worked for about three or four years before I got married." Taehyung did a spit take, spraying water all over poor Jungkook who almost choked on a lettuce leaf. Jimin just sat there, watching you laugh at the two comical boys. He didn't know how to react, his hands suddenly went clammy and he couldn't stop shaking his leg under the table. "M-married?" Jungkook said, still not believing what he's hearing "w-where the h-husband?" He felt out of breath due to that damn piece of leaf. "Are you really married, noona?" Taehyung poked, looking at your ringless finger. "I was," Your smile grew weaker, talking about something it always felt weighty. But they deserved to know, they're helping you heal by dealing with something you'd rather not face. "We got divorced." The room went silent. The sound of the crickets outside and leaves swaying with the wind that were previous white noise behind your chattering and laughter seemed like the were obscenely amplified by huge bass speakers. "Can I ask why, noo--" "Jungkook!" Jimin scolded his junior, and this was the first time you've heard/seen him raise his voice to anyone. "Apologize." He stated sternly, not breaking eye contact with Jungkook. "I'm sorry, noona." His head hung low, hair covering his eyes. "J-jimin, I'm sure Jungkook didn't meant to." You reached out to to hold his hand that was resting on the table. "I'm not mad or upset." You looked over Jungkook's direction and continued, "It's okay, I promise." Jimin squeezed your hand tighter, comforting you. "You don't have to talk about it if it makes you uncomfortable, y/n." "Y-yeah, noona." Taehyung added, "You don't have to. It's none of our business." Jungkook sat still, eyes glassy and mouth pouty. He absolutely looked like a puppy that had been punished for chewing up its human's shoe. "It's alright," You giggle, extremely touched. "It's been months, I can talk about it." "We met during sophomore year. I was a journalist for the university paper and he was on the swim team." The three boys listened intently, like toddlers during story time. "After five years of dating, he proposed. We got married a year later and moved in here. That," you pointed to the pool outside "belongs to him." "It was his idea to get a house with one, I agreed of course. Only two years after getting married, I found out he was cheating on me." Jimin's features softened at your words. He knows it wasn't easy for anyone to talk about their past heartbreak and traumas. He made sure you weren't alone, he took his free hand and placed it over your hand that he was already holding with the other. He held it tight. "It broke my heart, I really thought he was the one, you know? Almost eight years together thrown in the garbage disposal and shredded to pieces." "He doesn't deserve you, noona." Jungkook finally spoke. "He was an asshole and he doesnt deserve you." "Yeah!" Taehyung agreed, "I kinda don't want to finish the work now." Out of nowhere, you burst out laughing. An invisible weight, sort of a thick blanket was lifted and the atmosphere brightened. "No, no, no!" You can't stop your laughter at this point, what Taehyung said tickled a funny bone. "I still plan on living here, Taehyung! Even if I dislike the pool, it's still part of this home. And the make over was sort of a therapy, you know. Out with the old, in with the new, right?" You ended it with a smile, lips curved beautifully. It was a smile Jimin has seen never seen before. It was light and airy, bright and transparent. There was no pain or distress, just carefreeness. He wished you would smile like this more often, and he also wished he'd someday be the reason for it.

++

"Just kidding, Jungkook! You're the most handsome." You assured the boy, patting his back. "Sorry, Jin. Your brother's grown on me." "Kook one, Jin zero." The youngest boast over to his brother. "Alright, alright!" Jin interrupted, "Unlike you, some of us need to work. How 'bout you and Taehyung get the transport van back to the office and let Jimin, Hoseok, Yugyeom and I get things done, yeah?" Jungkook clicked his tongue, "Whatever." Their sibling banter has got you missing your brother, mentally reminding yourself to call him later. "Hey, Yugs." You hear Jungkook faintly speak. Two more new faces stood beside Jin. "This is Hoseok and Yugyeom. We'll be responsible for landscaping." Another attractive guy with a million-dollar smile on his face and a tall man with the physique of a runway model. Curse, Mr. Park!! Where does he get all these boys?! "Thank you for having us!" The pair recited. "Oh, no! Thank you for helping out with the renovation." "Ms. Y/n, The boys and I will be outside. We'll be mapping out a plan for the design," Jin announced. "Oh, sure." You answer back, "Take all the time that you need." "Great! We'll report to you once we've finished the draft design. So you can the necessary make changes and adjustments." He beamed, walking towards the back yard. Jimin stood silently beside you, "You do landscaping?" You randomly asked, seeing that Jimin was the only one left from their bunch. Jungkook and Taehyung had long gone. "No," he chuckled, "I just need to watch over these guys. Make sure everything goes well." "That's nice, you're very involved with the work you do." His cheeks blossomed pink, he didn't expect a compliment since he was just doing his job. "I try." He shyly replied, bowing then heading for the glass door. "If you need me, I'll be outside." You waved him goodbye and went about your own business. There were still some articles in your workload that needed to be finished and those emails weren't gonna answer themselves. ++ By the time you were done, it was half past two in the afternoon. You noticed as the days progressed, so did the temperature. You check your phone, only to see that today is the hottest reading yet. Since everything has been taken care of, you decided to take a shower. Appreciating the cold refreshing water on you warm skin. After that, you put on your favorite robe and wrapped it around your damp body. As you were about to step out of the bathroom, you noticed Jimin leaning against one of the pillars of your patio, shirtless. Have your eyes been deceived? They say that seeing believes, but you didn't expect Jimin to be this fit. You offered yourself some slack, since the only part of Jimin body's you've oh so graciously seen are his muscular arms. It wasn't as big as those of a body builder, but the amount of muscle in them has already got you mouth watering. But being blessed with the site of his bare skin and taut abdominal muscles has got you feeling wetter than being in the shower. You couldn't keep your gaze off of him. It was an image that you want to engrave at the back of your head. Your eyes roamed his entire body. Face, neck, shoulders, chest and abs. You wanted to memorize every detail. Every mole, every freckle, every scar that adorned his ivory skin. Just as you were taking your time scanning his entire figure, you were startled when you saw him looking at you staring at him. Your heart began to race inside your chest and you almost forgot you were standing in the middle of your house with only a robe covering your very naked body. You scanned around the area of the yard and Jin and the others we're not in plain sight. You assumed they were working on the farthest side of the lot, where your small garden used to be before you abandoned it all together with the pool. You lock eyes with Jimin again, but this time there was something odd at the way he ogles at you. His gaze was lustful and burning with flames devouring your entirety. His were pupils blown out at the display of your skin. He looked pained, his teeth biting harshly at his bottom lip as if he wanted to draw blood. At that point it dawned on you. You know why he seemed so agitated, squirming in his seat. He wanted to see more, see more of you. A wave of unknown confidence washed over you. You didn't know where the hell it came from. Maybe it was from his deadly stare, maybe it was just you. Either way, you were so totally taking advantage of it. Without breaking eye contact, you found purchase at the same seat from which you watched the boys worked while having a chat with your friend. Sensually lifting the hem of your robe up your thighs and spreading your legs open for Jimin to see. "F-fuck," He groaned, hands balling into fists. He glimpsed over to the other men who were still occupied with what they were accomplishing. His attention was back on you, giving you a small nod. The fervor that coursed through your body was incomparable to anything you've experienced before. The Adrenaline was starting to kick in, and you felt hot-blooded. You temperature went up ten degrees higher and you felt delirious. You knew there was a possibility that you were gonna get caught, but screw it. You've never felt like this in your whole twenty-nine year of life. You're gonna enjoy it, basked in it. Jimin's eyes were plastered at your dripping core, lump in his throat and completely mesmerized at its beauty. Your juices sinfully coating you slit. He swore if there wasn't anybody else around, he would have ravished you pussy like an animal. Since you're out here giving him a show that he'll never forget, might as well savour it. He thought things couldn't get any better with you sex on display for him, you open up your legs even more in a whole new different angle. Putting all those gymnastics training to good use. He can virtually see your pink walls with the position your in. He couldn't stop imagining him burying his hard cock inside your tight cunt. Sucking him in when every thrust he made. You left hand slithered its way down to your soaked core, playfully stroking your folds. If Jimin was beside you, he could no doubt hear the way your cream coated skin squelched with every motion you made. Your idle hand managed to loosen the knot of your robe, allowing it fall from your shoulders exposing your round, supple breasts. Nipples instantly hardening at the sudden exposure to the air. Shit, he'd kill just to have his lips around those perky little nipples, sucking on then voraciously until you moan out his name. You could not take all this self-teasing anymore. Jimin's eyes gauges out of its socket as you dip a finger into your damp hole. Jimin thought the heat from the sun was bearable. He'd worked for long hours under it and never complain. But this, you fingering yourself with one hand while the other pulls and twists on your abused nipple was unbearable! The ache between his legs was excruciating he had to casually palm himself. Slightly shifting and bending this leg so that he wasn't noticeable. Another finger goes in, and he's cupping himself harder. He observed your face contort with pleasure at the way you're plunging and curling your two fingers inside of you. Your arousal spilling at the edge of you battered hole, streaming down and accumulating just above your puckered hole. That should be him, he mumbled to himself. Your slender fingers wouldn't be able to satisfy you, unlike his throbbing cock caged inside his boxers, wanting to be set free. Jimin's practically squeezing his dick at this point now, he just wants nothing but to release his ropes cum on you breast while you pleasure yourself. You felt your walls clench around your digits, signalling you that you were nearing climax. You gotta make this quick, Jin, Hoseok or Yugyeom can walk in on you anytime. Adding one last finger, hoping the stretch will help you jump over the edge, you pummeled your cunt with all the strength that you had left. A small moan left your lips and your release came squirting. Coating the marble floor beneath you. Jimim was just as wrecked as you were. His chest was heaving heavily up and down. The only difference was you reached climax, and he didn't, he couldn't. You were steadying you breathing just when you hear Jin yell, "Yo! Jimin! I need you to--" his voice was getting louder and closer. Wide-eyed, you look at Jimin. Mouthing him "Do something!" While you pull yourself together and grab a piece of tissue to wipe your juices off the floor. When you looked up, Jimim wasn't there anymore. He somehow managed to stop Jin from coming any closer to the house from how faintly you hear his voice outside. You sighed and went back to your room. “We’ve done everything we could do today, Ms. Y/n,” Jin happily announces, standing in front of you with his million dollar smile adorning his equally valued face. “We’ll continue everything tomorrow!” “G-great!’ You croaked, substantially tilting your head to see what’s going on behind the tall man’s back. Hoping to catch a glimpse of Jimin. “Ms. Y/n?” he waved his hand in your face, snapping you out of it. “Are you okay?” “Yeah.” You barely reply. Before he could turn his back on you, you managed to pull on his sleeve. “W-where’s Jimin by the way?” He looked surprised, pondering why you’re asking for the boy. “He went back first,” Jin witnessed your facial expression drop, “He said he wasn’t feeling too good.” “O-oh,” you frowned once more, your browns knitting together at the center of your forehead. “Please tell him to get well soon.” “Of course,” He bowed and bid farewell.

++

Tomorrow comes and Jimin was nowhere to be seen. Jin said Jimin was still feeling under the weather and took the whole day off from work. While that may seem plausible, it didn’t sit well in your gut. You felt like there was something off with Jimin. Never has he been absent since the first day he worked for you. What is that little stunt you pulled off yesterday, you thought to yourself. Were you really that repulsive to the point that it had gotten him sick? Did you ruin your chances of having something more than just a short time fling with the most charming boy you’ve ever met? What if he never wanted to see you anymore, what would you do then. Those kinds of thoughts were inevitable, of course. It was all you could think of the entire day. So that night, you decided to send him a text message, the first one too. From you: Hi Jimin. Jin told me that you fell ill. Try not to over work yourself next time. I hope you get well soon. -yn Jimin stared stupidly at the screen. Thinking of what to reply or if he should reply at all. Several words typed then deleted. He genuinely didn’t know what to say to you. He was ashamed of what he’s shown and with his lack of self-control. He felt appalled with himself.  How could he disrespect you like that? You were a client. A client and worker relationship weren’t prohibited, not at all. It was just his work ethics that wanted everything to be strictly professional, he knew how important your role is to their business. The last thing he wanted was to tarnish what his father built from the ground up with a scandal. So he decided to not let his personal life get involved with his work life. It just makes things complicated, like it is right now. The ‘can’t go to work, feeling sick’ wasn’t wholly a lie. The pain wasn’t physical, it was abstract. And no medicine can induce the pain go away, until he saw your following message. From you: Also, I wanted to talk to you about something. It doesn’t have to be right away, you should rest first and get your health back up. Just message me whenever. Goodnight, Jimin. 

There really was no way out, huh. The next day comes and still no Jimin. That was when you confirmed it. You’ve completely and utterly ruined everything. He did not reply to your messages and didn't even want to see your face. It felt like the ground underneath you cracked opened and devoured you whole. That was the very first time in your life that you’ve acted so venturesomely, look what is has cost you. You blame yourself because there was no one else you could point a finger at. Things wouldn't end up the way they are now if you just stayed in your fucking lane. All of this was your fault. You looked back at all the events that happened to you and realized, maybe it was inevitably your fault. Wonwoo wouldn’t have you left if he saw a reason not to. Jimin wouldn’t be ignoring you if he had a reason no to. The course of the entire day was spent with you cooped up inside your room, wallowing away in your own self-pity. You politely told Jin that you needed some time to be alone and he can decide whatever is best for the landscaping. It was around seven in the evening, Jin bid farewell and suggested that if you needed anything, you could call him up. That was extremely thoughtful of him, you think. Another hour passed and the doorbell rings. You weren't expecting anyone though, so you were quite puzzled as to who it might be. The front door open and you see Jimin. He was wearing a navy blue dress shirt that was folded up to his elbows, wow. Sleek black slacks for pants that cinched his slim waist and leather dress shoes to put everything together. What's the occasion, you thought. "Oh, Jimin" you hid the nervous of your voice by pulling him into a hug "I-its good to see you again, what brings you here? Are you feeling better?" "Ah, yes. I'm sorry for being absent these past few days." His head was hanging low and his eyes were looking elsewhere just to avoid yours. "I wanted to apologize." He finally looked at you with his brown orbs that were displaying sincerity. You ushered him to come inside and take a seat on your couch. "Apologize?" You asked, a little bit perplexed "For what exactly?" "For what I did," his voice grew feebler "I shouldn't have done what I did. I shouldn't have disrespected you like that. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you just because I felt the heat of that moment. I'm sorry, y/n. I swear I'm better than that." "Oh, Jimin." You smiled tenderly, cupping his plump cheeks with your hand. "I think it's the other way around. I should be the one apologizing. Back then, I couldn't control myself when I should have. After seeing you, all the emotions I've put aside unexpectedly erupted." With your unoccupied hand, you tightly held his. "The truth is, you really have grown on me in all the best way possible. Initially, I thought it was just the backlash of my divorce egging me. I thought maybe my mind was looking for a rebound to dull the ache. But..."  Your eyes started becoming glassy. You felt him clutch you hand tighten spurring you to continue "I think that's not it. I know it isn't. You've been nothing but a blessing to me, Jimin. An absolute angel. You're sweet, kind, caring, understanding, ugh--" You mocked frustratingly, letting out a small giggle. "You're perfect. I couldn't see anyone that wouldn't fall for you like I have." Jimin's face reflected what he felt at that moment, relief. This wasn't what he was expecting, hence why he averted the confrontation as best as he could. You were the one who was perfect and completely out of his league. You were a beautiful and capable independent woman that any man would kill for. Your ex-husband was beyond stupid to play with your feelings like he did, he knows. But if it wasn't for your ex's stupidity, he wouldn't be here facing the only woman he'd want to be with for the rest of his life. "I thought you wouldn't like me since I was older--." "Stop." He interrupted, stroking his fingers through your locks while gazing at your gorgeous features. The staring contest ended with the both of you smacking lips, eager to taste what has been endured for so long. Impatient longing was evident in every kiss, lick, bite and tug.  You kissed him so fervently that his back was digging against the backrest of the sofa. One of your legs seemed to have a mind of its own and positioned itself to straddle him. "Are you sure you want me?" You queried the boy beneath you, your tone much mischievous from before, it was like there was a flipped switch somewhere. The noticeable change in the atmosphere has got him simply nodding, excited to know there was this side of you that he has not witnessed before. He watched you as you steadily unravel your blouse's satin belt and started to gently caress his wrist. "Would you mind if I tie up these pretty hands of yours?" You hummed, pulling on his hand up to you face and sucking on his middle finger and ring finger. The sensation of your wet mouth around his digits caused his brain to send signals down there. He could already feel himself get rock hard inside his jeans, thinking about how tight your mouth would be if he shoved his dick down you throat. But he'll save that for another day because right now he just wants to let you do what you want to do with him. Right now, he is yours for the taking. You urged him to lean a little closer to you. His face now between the valley of your breast as you meticulously tie his hands behind his back. You pushed him back to his previous position and inquired, "Do you want me to cover your eyes as well?" He shook his head in protest and said, "N-no. I want to see you." There was a pause as he manages to catch his breath, "I-I wanna see you while you make me feel good." You nodded, brushing his hair out of his sweat slicked forehead. From his head, your hand slid lazily down to his neck, to his chest, to his stomach and finally to the growing bulge inside his pants. You palm him unhurriedly, taking your time. Tracing your fingertips over the curve of his caged penis. "Y-y/n.." Jimin griped, observing your hand press against his erection. Somehow enduring the excruciating pain, your teasing had sown. "Can I ask you one last favor?" You purred, peppering his neck with kisses and sucking purple bruises here and there. "W-what is it?" he managed to reply, reveling in the way your teeth nipped against his delicate skin. "Call me noona," Jimin was silent, somewhat waiting for an explanation. When you told him the first time, he met you that he can call you by your first made him feel special because only he could do that. The other workers call you 'Miss' and Jungkook and Taehyung declared you as 'our noona'. "N-noona-" Jimin whined, bucking his hips harder against you hand. He saw your pupils dilate as the word escaped your lips, inflaming something inside you. "Jimin," you growled, squeezing his around his girth ferociously. Buttons were unfastened one after the other, exposing his refined chest and taut muscles. Out of nowhere, you felt raunchy. The tips of your fingernail slowly dragged themselves across his torso, leaving streaks of red in its track. He flung his head back, enjoying the sting that danced on his skin. Jimin squirmed as he felt your weight suddenly leave his lap. His neck snapped back to your direction and damn, what a sight to see. You tucked between his legs and unzipping his pants exposing his angry red-tipped cock oozing out beads of pre-cum. He smirked as he saw you involuntary lick your lips. "You like what you see, noona?" "God, yes." You exhaled, wrapping both your hands around his shaft not because you wanted to, but because it was necessary. Your tiny, little hand could barely encompass his circumference. "Noona's gonna me you feel good, baby." You felt Jimin's dick twitch by the given pet name. "Noona," he groaned, thrusting his member in your grip just to feel any sort of friction. Sensually, you undid your bloused and hurled it somewhere on the floor followed by your bra, exposing your bare chest to the boy. Jimin jerked in his seat, wanting to grab and knead you breast with his own hands. It looked even better up close. The skin smooth and flawless, nipples pert and hard due to the frosty air. "Fuck" he hissed through his teeth, if he could get his mouth on those buds he'd suck them dry and pull it between his teeth making you cry out. "Behave." You scolded him, eyes staring daggers. He stayed in place once again, not wanting to vex you in any way. 

You ran the flat of you tongue on the underside of his length, feeling his skin pulse at contact. Salaciously making your way to its head, you began circling his narrow slit with the tip of your tongue. Feeble moans were the only things escaping his pretty mouth. You seized this moment to swallow him whole down to the hilt, fighting your gag reflex. Your mouth has never felt this stuffed as you moan in satisfaction. Jimin felt the vibration of your throat around his cock, tightening around it. You languidly started bobbing your head up and down, bottoming out with every stroke. With a lewd pop, you tried pulling your mouth off his cock. Strings of saliva dribbled from your lips connecting to his tip. You push yourself up slight and proceeded painting your nipples with the concoction of you saliva and his pre-cum that was coating the tip of his penis. "How does this feel?" You cooed, sandwiching his hard member between your two breasts, erotically pumping the tender flesh up and down his length. "So so gooood, noona" Jimin wheezed blissfully. The sensation of his cock wholly enveloped by your soft mounds is inclining him over the edge. "Noona," he wailed shutting his eyes, the urgency of wanting to release washing over him. By the look of things, you guess he's close. You quicken the pace, feeling the skin of you breast chafe due to friction but you don't care. You clamped your hand on your boobs harder to tighten its hold around his cock and pump faster and faster and faster until he's cumming on you tits. "Shit, noona," Jimin stressed, his breaths labored. You watched as his chest heaved up and down, supplying him with the oxygen he needs after such an intense climax. "Oh no. Look at the mess you made, Jimin." You shook your head, pointing to your breast painted with his milky liquid. "I don't like messes," You sing-song, pushing yourself back up to straddle him once more. You clasped your finger under his chin and commanded, "clean it." His heart stammered in his chest. This is it. This is what he desired. Your perky nipples snug between his lips while your back arches in euphoria. He aggressively lapped up his juices from the skin of your chest with his tongue, leaving no trace of the substance behind. Up and down, left and right, there was no area left untouched by his wet greedy muscles. If he could only see the contorted position he put himself in just to taste you. He doesn't give a shit anymore, he'll gladly eat his cum out of you asshole if you asked. He obscenely sucked you left nipple first, earning the tiniest moan from you. Alternating between light nips and starved slurps, abusing your bud. He then moves to your right nipple, the more sensitive one that has you immediately grinding your clothed core against his semi-hard on. "Let me make you feel good, noona." He desperately whined, concealing his face in the nook of your neck inhaling your fragrant scent. You quirked a brow and asked while weaving you digits through his sweat-damped hair. "What does my baby have in mind?" "Let me.." he croaked. "Louder. I can't hear you." "Let me eat you out, noona. Let me make you feel good." He begged with pleading eyes , fidgeting his hands that were behind his back, trying to untie the belt that was restraining him. "I can make you--" "If you take those off I am kicking you out." You threateningly glared at him, voice deadly like venom. Jimin was scared shitless. He could do nothing but sit silently and obey. "I-I'm sorry, noona. I didn't mean to make you mad." This boy. It may seem like you're the one in control but it is you who are actually wrapped around his little finger. Giving in to what he wants. "It's okay, baby." you massaged his tensed shoulders, soothing him down. "I'll still let you eat me out if you promise not to take off your restraint." You sounded so sweet, the exact opposite of what you were minutes ago. Not wanting to piss you off more, Jimin nodded. You helped him lay down the sofa, propping his head underneath a throw pillow. You stepped to the side and shimmied your pants off. His eyes trailed the article of clothing peeling off your body. When the pair of jeans were long gone, his gaze was attached to your still clothed core. A small wet patch sticking to your folds in the middle was visible. You prop a leg over him, climbing on top of his chest, finding purchase when his face is below your pussy. He could smell the scent of you arousal. Filling up his nostrils and intoxicating his entire nervous system like it's some kind of poison. This by far was the best angle he's seen you in. Seeing it up close, he wished he could at least touch you… You moved into a considerably better position, if you buck your hips the slightest bit, if will directly collide with his mouth. "This what you want baby boy?" You teased, lowering you center on the tip of his nose. Overpowering him even more. "Yes, yes, yes!" He cries out, "I want nothing but your pussy, noona!" You snickered at how desperate he has become, "Who knew you were such a little bitch, Jimin. Loving the way you hands are tied up and thirsting over my pussy." "Yes! I want to taste you, noona. I want to make you feel good until you're squirting all over my face like you did before on the floor. Then I'll eat you up so good, so clean." "Good boy." You thrummed, ultimately taking off your underwear. Letting him marvel at the sight of your woman hood. Clean Shaven, baby smooth, and tulip pink. Without warning, you hastily maneuver yourself, grinding your core against his face. "Put your filthy mouth to good use and make me cum." The sounds he was making were borderline pornographic as hell. His slurps and moans blessing your ears, making your insides rut. He'd occasionally prod his muscles inside your hole then flick on your clit relentlessly. The tensed coil finally snapped and you chase you high by grinding against his face. He's devouring you out like a man starved, sucking out and drinking all the juice your pussy was providing him. Wanting nothing but to be selfish, and have you for himself. He licked you clean, not wasting a single drop of your delicious cum. "I didn't know you were such a disgusting slut for pussy, Jimin." "I, I only want your pussy noona… no one else's." He confessed. "On your knees." You demand. "H-huh?" "I said on you knees. You slut." Jimin dropped down on the floor waiting for your next command like the slut he is. "Tell me how much you want to fuck me." "I-I.." He stuttered with his words, and it made you infuriated. "I said. Tell me how much you want to fuck this tight pussy of mine."  You bellowed, your words bouncing off the walls of your living you. "I want to fuck you so much, noona! I want to bury my cock so deep inside your pussy until I reach your cervix then I'll fuck you some more. I want nothing but to fill you up with my seed and put a baby in you, noona! I'll fuck you so good that you'll want to you pussy filled by me every day!" He cried, plunging his head on the floor in a begging for your life bow. "Please, please, please!" Jimin was hysterical at this point, screaming and begging you to let him fuck you. "Noona, please. I'll fuck you so good that you'll forget about all your problems." You shiver at his submission and once again, he's got you eating at the palm of his hands. You freed his wrist and he lunges at you, hustling you up against the wall. "Noona," he breathed in the smell of your shampoo, steadying his hands on your hips fingers digging into your skin. "You don't know how much I wanted to put my hands on you. I can't take it anymore, noona."  he pressed his erection against your slick folds "I need to be inside you." "Then show noona what that dirty cock can do." you smirked, challenging the boy. He gripped both of your thighs and carried you to the dinner table. Laying you down before spreading your legs open for him. He aligned his cock to your entrance, pushing gradually, inch by inch until he bottomed out. The stretch was incredible, you were already dripping wet but there was still the sting that lingered from his size. Your walls were trying resisting the force, convulsing around his length spontaneously. "You're tighter than I've imagined, noona." You did kegels around him, eliciting a sharp groan from the boy. "Fuck, Noona. You were made for my cock." You hummed in agreement, relishing the sensation of him pushing in and out of your tight hole. "Baby.." You moaned wantonly, elevating you butt so that he could have a better angle while penetrating you ruthlessly. "Your thick long cock is the best I've ever had. Better than my ex-husband's pathetic excuse for a dick." His ego doubled at your praise, pride blooming in his chest. "More, noona.. please tell me how great my cock is for you.." "Ahhh-- ahh. Jimin!" You bit your lip, clenching around him. "You're taking remarkably good care of noona. Fucking your noona so good. I love your cock so much. I want you to fill me up with you cum. Yeah? Hmmmm. Make your noona the happiest by cumming inside my pussy." There was the push he needed, he was plunging further into you. He felt the barrier of your cervix and broken through it before spilling all his seed into your womb. You quickly followed when you felt the warmth of his juices flowing into you. Your velvet walls convulsed around his cock, milking him for all his worth. Silence fell on the both of you, only the south of your panting and harsh breath resonated. You supported yourself up with you elbows as Jimin pull out his now flaccid penis. You felt the trickle of both of your releases slobber out of your sore hole. "Baby, do noona a favor and clean up the mess you've made with your mouth." Jimin without hesitation obeyed and dove right in. Making sure to get every last drop of yours and his cum with his tongue. He lifted his head, mouth glistening from your juices. You pulled him closer to pet his held. "You were such a good boy for noona. Bring me to bed." He obliged, carrying you bridal style to your room. His muscles rippling under your stripped body. "Noona?" He questioned while his face was still cuddling your tummy. "Hmm?" "Did I make you feel good?" You lifted up his face and said, "You made me feel so good, baby." You assured, loving the way his eyes turn into crescent moons endearing when he smiles. "Can we do that again? But this time I want the blindfolds." He flashed a cheeky grin. You smirked at his innocence, placing a kiss on his temple. "Of course, baby. We have all the time in the world." ++ The sound of knocking on your front door wakes you up, seems like this is will be a regular thing now. You managed to put on an oversized shirt and underwear on before heading to the source of the noise. You opened the doors at was bet by Jungkook and Taehyung. "Good morning, boys." You yawned, gesturing them to come in. "Uhm. Good morning, noona" Jungkook croaked, pushing his senior to speak on his behalf. "See, we haven't heard from Jimin since last night so uh-- it's just jungkook and I that'll be finishing up work today." Taehyung stated. "About that…." 

You heard the door of your room creak open and out comes Jimin with nothing but this boxers on and hickeys all over his neck and chest. The two boys looked at each other dumbfoundedly and once they've put two and two together, huge grins were plastered on their faces. End

tell me what u think pls 

The Man with the Metal Arm (Part 11)

Here’s Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Black!Reader

Word Count: 2.4k

Warnings: Starts off real cute but gets very angsty (or at least creates a climax to angst), a few curse words

A/N: So I've been working in this chapter for a few days now and I like the plot line it sets up. I hope you all like it and I promise more will go on in the next part and especially later on in the series. Anyway, (again) hope you all like it. Love y'all!!!!💖💛💖💛

Man with the Metal Arm TAGS LIST: @storibambino @cutiepiemimi13 @this-chan @elaindeereads @letsshamelessqueen-m @lokislilcaribbeanprincess @shakzer00

UNIVESAL TAGS LIST: @avc212 @beautifulwisdom2001 @iamzion-therealhabesha @cheychey10142 @thottio @jetaimeamore

Requests are Open, if you want to be added to the tags list for this series or wrting with Bucky in general, just ask.

Masterlist

_____

"Mommy, Bucky! Get up! Mr. Sam made breakfast!" Lou comes running into Bucky's room and hops onto the bed, abruptly waking you and Bucky. You practically clamp the covers down onto your body as Lou bounces on the covers.

"Bucky and I will be there in a moment. How about you get Peter to help you make our plates?" You whisper to her since her face was now hovering above yours, her curls falling forward.

"Okay, mommy!" She squeals then hops off the bed and scurries to the door.

"Wait…" she stops dead in her tracks and turns around. "Give mommy a kiss before you go." She skips back over to you, places her little hands on your cheeks and gives you a small kiss on your lips. She turns back around and skips out the room. You grin at the door but turn to look at Bucky when you feel him shift. "Wakey wakey." You shake him a bit. He groans and turns over reaching an arm around you and pulling you closer to him, close enough for your longer curls to touch his nose.

"Okay, I'm up." He mumbled into his pillow, then turned his head to buried his face in your hair to kiss the top of your head. "Last night was fun." He chuckled.

"Well, it didn't start that way for me." You lift your body from his grip, sitting up and wrapping the covers close to your body. "But I guess it got better…" You roll your eyes then grin back at Bucky.

"Hey, I'm sorry about that. I-" You place a finger over his lips to stop him from talking, then move your hand to his cheek and bend down to kiss him.

"It's fine, okay? You just need to relax more before bed or something. We'll figure it out." You section off a random part of his hair and absentmindedly braid it. He just sits, smiling at you as you finish the braid. "Let's go get some breakfast." You pay his arm then get up from the bed, quickly pulling on your bra and Bucky's shirt.

"You sure they can't just wait?" Bucky turns over on his stomach, watching you as you look for an elastic headband to put your hair up.

"Unless you want a 4 year old running in on us…" You walk over to Bucky's dresser and pull out a pair of sweatpants, lifting them to silently ask to put them on, earning a nod from him.

"Good point." He reaches to the floor and grabs his underwear and pulls them on then rolls out of bed to pull on his pajama pants and shirt. He walks over to you, positioning himself so once you stood up again he was standing right in front of you. You just look up at his face, reaching up to push the braided piece of hair behind his ear, then slightly guiding his face down so you could give him a short sweet kiss.

"Let's go eat." You pat his cheek and start out the door.

_____

"And they emerge." You here Tony announce as you and Bucky exit the hallway.

"Mommy! You and Bucky will sit here." Lou runs over and grabs your hand leading you guys over to the bar where two plates full of scrambled eggs, sausage, and french toast sat. "Me and Peter will sit over there." She points over towards the table in the living room area. You look up at Peter who was sitting on the couch but turned around to look back at you and Lou. You give him a sympathetic smile which is returned with a genuine smile that shifts from you to Lou who was skipping her way back to him. You laugh to yourself as you climb onto the bar stool and turn to face your food. You pick up and take a bite out of a piece of sausage just as Tony comes to you behind the bar to pour you and Bucky coffee.

“Seems like you two had fun last night…” He nonchalantly comments, pouring the coffee as you both try not to choke on the food you guys had in your mouth.

“What do you- I- umm…” You reach for the glass of orange juice that sat next to the coffee cup and took a swig, attempting to calm your cough and giving yourself time to think.

"Hey, it was just an educated guess. I know post-sex hair when I see it" Tony shrugs then walks away smirking. You just sat there wide eyed, sneaking glances at Bucky who grew redder by the second.

"Sorry about Tony. He's… well, Tony." Steve comes over to you two, giving you a sympathetic grin. "You'll understand the more you get to know him." You just chuckle, recovering from the previous moment by taking a bite of French toast.

"Well, that's great to know." You take another bite if French toast. "Sam, this food is amazing." You look down the bar at Sam, who was enjoying his food.

"Thank you, Y/N. Who seems to be the only grateful person in here right now." Sam mumbles the last part and takes a sip of coffee.

"This is good, Mr. Sam!" Lou calls from the living room, flashing a bright smile towards him.

"Thank you, baby. I'm glad you like it." You look around the room at the swooning men, giggling and taking another bite. Everyone else mumbles their praises to Sam then continue to eat.

_____

"My next shift doesn't start until tomorrow night if you want to hang tomorrow." You tell Imani over the phone as you make your way around the kitchen, straightening it up. It was close to 7:30 and you got back from your Friday shift about 30 minutes ago. You look over into the living room to see your daughter kneeling in front of the coffee table drawing with Magic School Bus playing on the TV.

"Uh, yes! You HAVE to tell me about the night you had with Mr. Metal Arm." She coos over the line.

"You and these nicknames-" There was a beep that came over the line. You take the phone from your ear and look at the caller ID. Bucky. "Hey, girl. I'll call you back in a sec. Bucky's calling."

"Mhmm, you get dicked down good and all of a sudden it has you answering within one ring." She cackles.

"Nooo, it's not like that. He just typically texts me before-" You start, but Imani interjects.

"I was just playing! I'll talk to you later." She giggles then hangs up and you answer Bucky.

"Hello?" There was no answer so you try again. "Hello? Bucky?"

"H-hey Y/N." Instead of Bucky, Steve answers out of breath.

"Steve? What's wrong? Where's James?" You speak in a whisper, trying not to somehow worry Lou.

"He had to help me carry in Sam and then he fell out too." He spoke I'm rushed words, still out of breath.

"What? What happened?" You begin circling your dining table, pulling at a curl created by your twist out.

"Mission gone wrong. We really need your help." As exasperated as he sounded before, these final words flowed even breathed.

"Steve, I…" Your words were drawn out now as you snuck a glance out to your daughter. "Send me the address you guys are at. I just need to see if I can't get something situated."

"Okay. If you can't it's fine, but thank you." You can feel the relief from the words Steve speaks, bringing one hand to your temple to massage it.

"No problem. But yeah, text me your address and I let you know how long till I get there, okay?" Steve affirms his understanding of the plan, thanks you one last time then hangs up. You take a calming breath, breathing in and holding it, then letting it go slowly. You scroll through your contacts to find Peter, who's number you made sure to get before you left the Avengers compound on Sunday. You press the call button and bring it to your ear. 1 ring. 2 rings.

"Ms. Y/L/N?" Peter answers.

"Hi, Peter. How are you doing?" You greet, trying to make the conversation light in an effort to calm yourself down.

"I'm doing goo-well. I'm doing well. Uh, how-how are you doing?" You chuckle at his grammar correction.

"I'm doing well. Um, are you home?" You begin to pace back and forth in front of the sink.

"Yes ma'am." He answers, confused.

"You live with your aunt?" You sneak a glance at your daughter again, who was still drawing happily.

"Yes ma'am." Confusion still laced in his voice.

"Do you think it would be at all possible for me to bring Louise over there for you and you aunt to watch her? I know it's such short notice, and I would hate to inconvenience you or your aunt… May, right? It's just I was called to show up somewhere about 5 minutes ago, and they really need my help, but I can't bring Lou there and-" Peter hesitantly stops your rambling.

"Uh-Ms. Y/L/N? While you were talking I told my aunt about your situation and she said that you could bring Louise at anytime. I promise that I was listening, though." He reassures, waiting for your response.

"Oh. Thank you so much and thank you aunt for me. Um, just send me your address and I'll be over as quick as possible." You try to fight back your tears as you answer.

"It's no problem at all, ma'am. I'll send you my address, right now. Bye." You can hear his smile in his words.

"Thank you again. See you later." You hang up then take another deep breath, letting a few years fall before wiping them away and heading to the living room. "Hey," You kneel down by Lou. "Do you want to go over to Peter's house?" You end the proposition with a smile, enhancing Louise's excitement.

"I'm going to see Peter?!" She squeals, jumping up from in front of the table.

"Yep. We can get going even faster if you help me pack your stuff…" You wiggle your eyebrow, letting out a small chuckle when she is up in no time at all.

____

"Thank you again. If you ever need anything, just let me know." You thank her, voice wobbly.

"No it's fine. Go help Bucky and them. Well take great care of her. And just text me if she needs to stay the night, alright." May comes in for a hug, giving you a cathartic release that you greatly needed which produced a few tears.

"Okay." You wipe the couple of tears that seemed to fall. May moves to the door giving you visual of your daughter. "Bye, baby. I'll be back later, okay."

"Okay! Bye bye!" She waves to you then turns back to the TV, using a disconnected gaming console remote as Peter plays with the connected one, acting as though she is the one controlling it. You grin sadly and go to exit.

"Again, text me or Peter if you want an update on her. Bye" May's face was sympathetic.

"Bye." You wave then turn to head down the hallway.

_____

You type the address into your GPS and observe the travel time. 15 minutes. You sit in your car for a second then go to your contacts, pressing on one. 1 ring. 2 rings.

"It's about time you call me back. I was beginning to-" Imani, starts to ramble but you stop her quick.

"I know, I know. Ummm, do you think you could help me with something?" You rush your words as you connect your phone to your car's Bluetooth.

"Anything. What's up?" Her voice doesn't waver.

"Bucky and his friends got hurt pretty bad, and they asked me to come help, but I have a feeling this isn't going to be a one woman job." You pull from the side of the street and start towards what you assume to be Steve's place.

"Oh. Uh, sure. Yeah, I can come help." She answers, shaken up a bit.

"Oh my god. Thank you so much. I'll send you the address, okay?" Another moment of relief washing over you.

"Alright. See you there." She hangs up, leaving you to silence as you continue to drive.

_____

You drive up to the destination, which was an apartment building, and are greeted by a battered up Steve, who was in a ripped navy jacket, blood splattered white shirt, and khaki pants that were also torn and splattered with blood. You quickly park and make your way to him.

"Steve, what the hell happened?!" You rush over to him and begin to examine his face: his cut and blood crusted eyebrow and cut swollen lip. "Does anything else hurt? Your arm? Leg? Ankle?"

"You don't have to worry about me, right now. The worst of us was Sam, but Buck isn't too far from the state Sam is in. Come on." He hobbles to the door and let's you in. He silently thanks his lucky stars that he only has to go up one level to get to his place as he climbs the stairs. He opens his front door for you. It was not as bright as it could have been in there with the fan light in the living room still off. On the long couch that sat behind a coffee table was Sam, unconscious with a towel tapped tightly to his side and to his thigh. Bucky was on the recliner that faced the right edge of the coffee table. His eyes were closed as he was pressing a bloody towel to his side, but by the way he was visibly trying to focus on his breathing you could tell he was still conscious. Once he feels a presence in the room he slowly blinks his eyes open, showing a pained grin when he sees you.

"H-hey, doll." He groans, then slowly flutters his eyes shut again.

Holiday’s in Holding

Written By: Tessa Dow [Wattpad]

Her gaze trailed tiredly over the menu for about the 16th time since she'd been seated; her collared blouse was just high enough to cover the scars only I, she, and the bastard who did it knew of. I don't know her name, he only ever called her bitch, or slut, but I'd like to think it was something as gorgeous as she is. It felt too exposed being alone with her in this diner, but I didn't have a choice because she liked to spend Christmas alone, and I couldn't take the risk of her getting out of my sight. Who knows what could happen to the poor girl, I didn't need there being any additions to the already plentiful amount of cuts and bruises she has sadly become so good at hiding over the years.

"More coffee Ms?" I glanced quickly at the barista out of habit but instantly regretted it when the shocked expression that I had become accustomed to appeared on her rounded face. She saw it. "What happened to your fa-"

"Yes" I spoke loudly making sure to cut her off. "I'd love another coffee, thanks." She nodded absentmindedly and scurried off after a moment's hesitation. I sighed and sunk further into my seat, I'm pretty used to that reaction now.

"Ma'am," the newly recovered barista addressed her. "I hate to do this to you but if you don't order anything I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave." She looked unaffected by the words and ignored the shapely woman for a minute continuing to stare at the ketchup and coffee stained menu before giving a depressed sigh and standing making her way to the door without so much as a word to the now guilt ridden waitress. I stood from my seat to follow my girl throwing a few bills on the table as I made my way to the door, when something caught my eye. I walked to the booth where she had sat mere minutes before and found she had left her phone. Yes! I was grinning psychotically. This was finally my big break! 4 years of following this girl and I finally had an opening to get to her. Giddy as ever; I quickly made my way out of the diner to make sure she got home alright.

'Come on, I can do this' My hands were shaking uncontrollably, 'she's literally one call away! Like that Charlie Puth song... Wait how does that go again?... Oh yeah! "I'm only one call away, I'll be there to save the day, Superman's got nothing on me, I'm only one call away." I still don't understand how he got "me" and "away" to rhyme, like what?'

Okay, though I totally agree, you procrastinative brain you, we need to focus.

Did I just have a conversation with myself? You know what, I honestly couldn't care less right now. I took a deep, shaky breath. This is really going to happen. I'm really going to talk to her. Thank God her cell phone wasn't locked, and also that she actually has a home number, like who has those anymore? I shook my head of stray thoughts and quickly -before I could reconsider- pressed the call button.

Ring...

Oh God please answer,

Ring...

Oh God please don't answer,

Ri-

"Hello?" Oh God, even her voice is beautiful. Wait! She said something, what did she say? What do I say? "Um, hello? Whoever you are you're calling from my cell phone which is... Odd, so if you have an explanation, I'm all ears."

"Uh sorry miss," I laughed nervously, "um, you left your phone at the diner, I'm really sorry to invade your privacy but I thought if you had another number I could reach you and return your phone."

"Thank you so much! Honestly I didn't even realize I'd lost it, and don't worry about my privacy or whatever, you had good intentions so I'll forgive you." She giggled. She freaking giggled! Oh Lord help me, and my panties. "I can um give you my address and you could come drop it off? Only if it isn't too much trouble of course."

"Oh it's no trouble at all. But, is your boyfriend home?" I quickly clasped a hand over my mouth. Shit! I'm a stranger, I shouldn't know she has a boyfriend!

"Um, no actually, how'd you know about Chase?" His name made me visibly cringe. She sounded kinda freaked out. God, I freaked her out! Uhg kill me now, I have no purpose in this cruel and unkind world.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to sound weird I just saw "Babe" in the contacts when I was looking for your number. God I sound like a creep. I'm really sorry." She giggled again. How dare she be so damn adorable.

"Hey, don't worry about it, it's not like you were stalking me or something."

Well this is awkward.

"Oh-, uh y-yeah, right. O-of course not, right." Oh God, just end my suffering. Take this poor excuse of a life away.

"Anyways," She started after a long self-hate filled moment "I just texted you my address from Chase's phone so I give you full permission to look at that. And I'm here all night so you can drop by whenever, but preferably not at like 5:00 in the morning. Girl's gotta get her beauty sleep you know?" Pft, as if she needed beauty sleep. This girl is human equivalent to Aphrodite.

"Right, of course." Not. "I don't have anywhere to be so I should be there sooner rather than later. I guess I'll see you soon?"

"Yeah, see you soon..."

"Oh where are my manners. It's Mamrie."

"I'm Grace." Grace. Why didn't I think of that! It's beautiful!

"Well then, Grace, see you later."

"Yeah see you later Mamrie. Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up the phone and grabbed all the things I needed to go to her house, It was about a 10 minute drive and I didn't want to prolong the wait any longer.

After a excruciatingly long 10 minutes I finally pulled into her driveway and onto her porch. Seriously? First the phone call now the front door? Nope, this isn't happening, just knock. Just do it. 'But wait, why is that Nike's slogan anyways? I mea-' No! Stop and knock on the damn door!

Knock, Knock

Oh God, was that too soft? Did she even hear it? Or was it too loud? Does she think I'm a violent person now? No she can't think that, maybe she just doesn't want to see me? Maybe she-

"Mamrie?" I pulled my hood up quickly and hid my face. Did she see it? Oh God tell me she didn't see it.

"Oh um, hi Grace." I shifted awkwardly on her front porch not really knowing what to do.

"Would you like to come inside? You look pretty cold." Uh-oh, she noticed the hoodie, I couldn't take it off, she'd see it and she'd be too scared of me for me to talk to her let alone give her what I came to give her.

"Actually no sorry I can't but I do have your phone." I grabbed the cloth from my purse.

"Uh okay no problem." She sounded a little dejected but if she wanted to spend more time with me, that wish had been waiting to be granted for 4 years now.

"I'm really sorry about this Grace,"

"Sorry? For wha-" I quickly removed the chloroform soaked cloth from my purse and grabbed the back her head forcing her to breathe in the harsh chemicals. She thrashed against me causing my hood to fall off revealing the long scar that ran from the middle of my forehead, through my left eyebrow and down to my jawline. She definitely saw it now, but it's okay, I finally had her. Her eyes widened and she teared up, whether it was from our current situation or my face I'll never know.

"I'm so sorry Gracie," I I whispered honestly "I won't hurt you, I'll tell you everything when you wake up."

Why do people bite their nails? Like what kind of nervous habit is that? Why do people feel the need to chew off a piece of their body and expose themselves to countless types of bacteria and God knows what else, merely for some sense of comfort? Now pacing; that is a nervous tendency I can get behind. It causes no physical harm and it's basically exercise! It's also what I'm doing currently in my not-so-cliche fully furnished and drywalled basement. According to the internet Grace should be awake any minute now so I'm low key freaking out. What if she gets the wrong idea? I'm not a serial killer, or a psychopath, or a rapist for that matter... though she does look pretty amazing right now, even sitting hunched awkwardly due to the rope binding her to a chair and dressed in sweatpants and a sweater she probably always wears to cover his handy work, she manages to surpass the beauty of anyone I've ever seen in my life. My thoughts come to a halt as I realize that I've finished pacing and am now sitting across from her, staring creepily at her unconscious form. Her dirty blonde hair nearly completely covers her all but angelic face. I can't see her eyes, but I can just imagine how gorgeously the deep hazel complements the pinkish in her lips; and oh how I wish those lips were upon mine and end up travelling down and down, further and further until they finally re-

"Please, don't hurt me." Grace cut my sinnful train of thought with a whimper. She hadn't moved and her hair covered too much of her face for me to tell if her eyes were open now. I backed up and looked away nonetheless, thanking God that she wasn't screaming for help. Wait.. why wasn't she? "Chase baby, please, I'm so sorry for leaving on Christmas I didn't think you'd notice." her words broke my heart and I couldn't help but gasp causing her head to snap up and her eyes to meet mine. She looked confused for a moment but I guess the memories from last night all came back because her expression quickly changed to curiosity, but surprisingly not an ounce of fear "What do you want from me?" it was disturbing how normal this seemed to her. I couldn't help but assume Chase has done this before.

"I want you to take off your shirt." this may seem a little forward, and I may have resembled a tomato at the moment, but it's not what you think. I just need her to admit there's a problem. I purposefully left her upper body unrestricted by ropes to allow her to obey my wishes.

"Are you going to rape me?" She questioned, now a little frightened.

"No." I spoke quietly. I knew not much else could scare this girl at this point, but I wanted to be sure. She sighed and took off her shirt without further discussion.

"Happy now? Can I go?" As expected, her newly exposed flesh was littered with cuts scars and bruises with a balanced amount of old and new. I tried to ignore her toned stomach and white lace bra.

"It was Chase, wasn't it?" She looked shocked at my accusation as she -much to my disappointment- slid her shirt back on.

"No!" She spoke way too quickly, making her lie an obvious one. "he would never do that to me, he loves me!"

"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" I replied coldly.

"Just tell me what you want from me so I can leave." she avoided my question.

"I want you to admit it." I crossed my arms not taking no for an answer.

"Admit what?" She tried in vain to play dumb.

"That he does this to you." I was sure to be patient with her, I wanted her to trust me.

"I'd rather not lie," She was a pretty good liar, she relaxed in her chair and sighed, as if she was disappointed that I didn't believe her, but was nonchalant enough to appear truthful. "even to a kidnapper. Why do you care anyways?"

"Why don't you Grace?" I pleaded, just wanting honesty. "Why don't you care that he ruins your life and steals your happiness, you couldn't even spend Christmas with him. Hell I tied you to a chair in my basement and you thought I was him! You thought I was your abusive boyfriend and that I was going to punish you. I know he does this Grace, just say it."

"I won't admit it because it isn't true." She wouldn't budge. "You'll just have to deal with that."

"No Gracie, you'll just have to deal with that." I stood from my chair. "I'm leaving until you're ready to admit it. When you're read-"

"What? No!" She interrupted frantically "don't leave me alone" She begged on the verge of tears. "Please?" Oh God, I just wanted to run to her and cradle her in my arms. I'd protect her better than he ever could. But I couldn't, if she can't even admit it, there was no helping her.

"Will you admit it if I do?" I asked hopefully.

"No." Damn she's stubborn. I turned to leave and I heard a whimper, then she asked a question I was avoiding. "Why are you doing this?" I stopped and turned around.

"I'll answer your question as soon as you admit it." I was lying of course, I'd probably never tell her, or anyone for that matter. She was silent so I sighed and turned to leave again. "Good night Grace." I started up the stairs a little disappointed she didn't trust me enough to tell me. Though I mean I did kidnap her... How long would it take someone to trust their kidnapper?

"I admit it." She spoke so quietly I questioned if I had a bad case of wishful thinking.

"What?" I turned to face her. Her eyes slowly lifted from the ground in front of her and met mine with grief and desperation.

"I admit it. He beats me." She spoke without emotion.

"Why do you stay with him?" I was worried to many questions would cause her to shut me out, but I just had to know.

"Why are you doing this to me?" She asked for the third time.

"I'm not important right now, why do yo-"

"Tell me!" She screamed. Should I tell her? No, she'll hate me, she won't understand.

"I'm letting you go now Grace, just please don't go back to him." I avoided her question and undid the ropes around her legs as she sat in silence. When she was completely untied I stood from behind her. What I wasn't expecting was for her to shoot up and pin me to the wall with a force strong enough to knock the wind out of me. "What the hell Grace!? I let you go, just leave!"

"Not until you answer my question." She leaned in closer to my face with a deadly glare.

"Why do you need to know my reason?" I was a bit scared now. Not of her, but that she'd learn the truth.

"That's none of your concern, just answer the question." She squeezed my hands which she had pinned against the wall above my head; I gotta say, despite the circumstances, I was getting a little hot and bothered in my nether regions. I stayed silent. "Answer me!" Grace forced her body against mine, suffocating my body against her and the wall.

"Grace stop." I could feel my resolve crumbling under her intense stare.

"Tell me." She wasn't giving me an inch to breathe, there was no way she'd let me go until I told her, which caused my eyes to water a little.

"Forget it Grace."

"Mamrie, you're not moving until you tell me why you did all of this to me."

"Just drop it, it's not happening." I tried to keep a confident front in hopes she'd give up before I broke.

"For God's sake Mames! Just spill already!" She slammed my clasped hands against the wall, causing a large whimper to be forced back down my throat with a swallow.

"No!"

"Why won't you tell me huh?" She was taunting me, my resolve was now only held together by a thread. "Why are you so scared?"

"I'm not!"

"Then tell me!"

"No!"

"Then you're a liar." She spat with so much hatred I couldn't bare to keep my eyes on her anymore.

"I'm not!" I cried, squeezing my eyes shut.

"Nothing but a liar and a hypocrite."

And with that, my thread of a resolve snapped in two.

"HE DID IT TO ME TOO, OKAY!" I screamed, then slid from Grace's loosened grasp to the floor sobbing uncontrollably. Once I regained the ability to speak, I told Grace -who was yet to move from her position standing above me and staring at the wall where she had just formally held me- my story. "We dated for two years and he beat the shit out of me. One night he got particularly mad because I refused to have sex with him after he had just gotten home presumably from another girl's house, and he attacked me. He dragged me by the hair to the kitchen and went for the smallest knife he could find. He said a small knife would cause more pain than a big one, and that I deserved it for not pleasing him. I was left with this as a result." I gestured to the scar across my face that acts as a constant reminder of that night. "After I drove myself to the hospital and got stitched up I just couldn't take it anymore, so I ran from him and I never looked back." I sat on the ground and stared at the floor expressionless.

"How'd you find me?" Grace's eyes were foggy and her lips were quivering as she sunk to the floor squatting in front of me at eye level.

"I thought my worst nightmare had come true when I saw him at the mall four years ago. It was about a month after I had moved towns, and I was getting a birthday present for my friend Hannah when I saw him sitting across from someone at a cafe. They were obviously on a date and I couldn't help but pity the woman. The woman's order was taken from a waitress and they exchanged pleasantries before she left most likely to get their order. As soon as the waitress was out of sight I saw Chase glare harshly at the woman and squeeze her arm so hard there was sure to be a mark." I paused, remembering the moment in detail. "The woman looked so lost." A tear escaped my eye but I held a stoic appearance. "After that, I promised myself I would help that woman. I would get her away from him. No matter how long it took." I stopped and looked up at Grace who was staring at me sadly and knowingly with tears running a constant stream down her face. "That woman was you Grace. From that day forward I never strayed far from you. I may sound like a complete stalker but I followed you everywhere, and when you got home, it killed me to hear the screams from your house. I made sure it never got as far as he went with me, you may remember a few times when there was a knock at the door or a phone call that stopped his beatings for the night. But he still caused you so much unnecessary pain." I shook my head in distaste that I didn't try harder or get her away sooner. "I'm so sorry Gracie." I sobbed and burst into tears again. "I'm sorry I didn't stop him sooner, I'm sorry he hurt you, I'm sorry I stalked you, I'm sorry I kidnapped you, I'm sorry I-." I was cut off by smooth lips placed gently on my own. I returned the kiss immediately while pinching my arm to make sure this wasn't a wildly vivid dream. My arm stung for a second but nothing changed so I indulged in the moment and pulled Grace closer, trying to take in as much as I could incase I never got to do it again. Her lips were so soft and moved perfectly in sync with my own. She tasted of coconut and salty tears but unfortunately all good moments come to an end and Grace pulled away from the kiss far too fast for my liking if I'm being completely honest.

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry I-." I placed my thumb on her lip to quiet her passively.

"I don't mean to be rude, but there have been far too many apologies tonight for my liking." I smiled at her warmly and smashed my lips on to hers feverishly. We made out for a solid three minutes until our lungs were burning far too much to be ignored any longer. I rested my forehead against hers and grinned while staring deeply into my favourite shade of brown.

"So," Grace started still breathing heavily. "Does this mean I'm free to go?" She giggled at her own humour.

"Well I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news miss," I spoke with faux sympathy. "But I'm afraid you won't be going anywhere for a very, very long time."

Chapter 1 (The lavender case)

It was a summer afternoon in the city of Megatropolis, the streets full of people. And in an alley not far away from a bar lies a building looking a little worse for wear, it's windows a black tint and seemed to be made with thick metal. It's double doors felt reinforced.

No one smart enough would come here looking for trouble, unless they had business. Well, someone did. And they took great care in noting the faded wallpaper of the hallway, how it's rose pattern was missing color. Much like the gray floor. They'd eventually get to another door, black like the two outside but with a white handle and wording. Placing a rather womanly hand over the bold and metal letters they'd hesitate for a moment. Feeling as if that perhaps it wasn't a good idea to be here.

Soon, they gained the courage to knock on the door. Hearing a deep, smooth and slightly accented voice response "Enter" they said. And with a light weight, they turned the knob.

There in the room sat a man in a black leather swivel chair, a well built man. The dim light made it difficult, but his guest could see his black cloak draped over his white cloth covered shoulders and the black vest that they could see. The brown short hair had a few signs of hat hair, most likely from the black fedora with a white band sitting next to him on the neat desk. His single brown eye, sharp and trained for detail looked his visitor up and down, the scope covering his other seemed to have his visitor's main attention. He scooted a short glass to the side, the condensation on the outer side showed how he liked his whiskey that sat a little away from the desk on a small personal bar. The little metallic plaque in front of his desk closer to the visitor said just what it said outside, but nicer. "Presto, private detective."

And it was soon Presto's turn to scan over his guest. A woman came to his office, lavender long locks and life filled light blue orbs for eyes. Quite the dame to say the least, especially in the lower areas. A modest looking outfit too, a blouse and skirt with a simple pair of heels. But this girl came here not on a sensual reason, but rather a job for the detective. How she nervously played with her fingers gave him the indicator that she was in danger, or someone she knew closely. "What brings you here today ma'am?" He asked, remaining polite and official. "Well.." she said in a soft and gentle voice. "I'm being followed." She admitted, making the detective raise a brow as he shifted in his seat. "By who ma'am?" "I.. I don't know.. but the feeling started about a few months ago at a party" Presto gestured for the woman to seat herself in one of the two plush leather chairs, and once she did he continued his questions as he was writing them down "Might I inquire what kind of party? Any new or unfriendly faces?" "It was a fund raiser for the hospital uptown, I'm a nurse there.. and no not that I know of" as she explained the detective slowly stopped writing. "Ma'am, you understand that this makes you sound like you're crazy. Do you have any proof that you are indeed being followed?" He asked, watching as her eyes turned tired. How subtly her shoulders sagged. "Yes, I know. It's why I came to you. No one else could help me." She replied, holding her head a little with a hand. “The only proof I have is that at night my windows and doors that are usually locked, aren’t when I wake up. There’s always footprints on my lawn when I step outside.. Please I’ll pay everything I have! Just help me!”

She seemed desperate, at her ends with whoever was stalking her. She must of not gotten much sleep the past couple of days. "Alright, I'll see what I can do." He replied after a moment to think it over. The woman's eyes gained some hope as a small smile reached her lavender painted lips. "Thank you, I'm Triage." She introduced, seemed for a moment forgot she was suppose to give her name long ago. "Triage.." he mirrored a few times softly to keep it remembered before he looked up at her once more "Has anyone gone missing at work lately Ms. Triage?". His question had her thinking for a moment before her eyes flickered back up "A doctor, Dr. Robertson, a friend of mine. About three days ago he stopped coming into work.” “Do you know where he lives?” she shook her head and sighed.

“I’m afraid that’s only able to be seen in his file.” she had looked down as if, ashamed she couldn’t be of assistance. With a small sigh, the detective stood. Placing his favored fedora onto his head he cleared his throat. “Well, shall we go get a copy of it then?” he responded as he headed for the door, the nurse not far behind. “Wait! How are you-” “Don’t worry, I don’t do anything illegal.” he replied, the suggestion seemed to make him a bit annoyed but nothing more. And Triage knew better than to press, so she left it be.

The drive to the uptown hospital was quiet, but once they arrived Presto had her stay in the car, assuring her she’d be safer in it. Entering the busy building, the detective could smell the various cleaners, the medicine, and overall the usual smell a hospital carries. He walked across their recently cleaned floors, glancing he could tell they were cleaned this morning. Hard working.. He could admire that. Arriving at the lobby’s stand he greeted the woman behind the desk, her silver eyes blinked up at him through the black mascara. He placed his badge that hid well in his cape onto the desk “I’d like a copy of Dr. Robertson’s personal file, please.” he said voice lowered in volume. The detective watched as this curly red haired nurse brushed her short locks back and took his badge to inspect it for a fake. “Sure hon’ give me a minute” she said, having quite the thick Boston accent before turning out of her chair and with his badge went to make a few calls.

While he waited, he took a bit of a more look around, noticing a good amount of people waiting for check ups, follow ups, and various other things. It was a very nice hospital to say the least. If his client was telling the truth, then he saw a motive for stalking her. She’d certainly have quite the paycheck.

The lobby nurse returned shortly, file in hand and returned his badge “Your pals must be some really high people..” she commented giving him the file also “Well, when what I’m doing is your job for years, you tend to make friends and enemies.” he replied kindly before taking his leave. Gazing back only once or twice to see the redhead now back in her chair filing her nails. Returning to the car, Presto opened the file and started to give it a read for an address. “Did everything go alright?” Triage had asked, concerned for her co-workers safety. “Of course.. Here, hold this.” he replied handing her the file to hold while he started the car.

“Do you know where Marthan Street is?” he asked as they started leaving the hospital. “Oh, yes. It’s right past the diner on Norton Avenue.” she replied, seeming to become the dame to give directions. It took a little time, but they arrived on Marthan Street. Scanning for the correct home, he soon found it. A small maroon home with a rundown looking car in the driveway. “2701 Marthan Street.” he said as he rolled to a stop. “That’s Dr. Roberston’s car.” Triage confirmed, he always wanted to save up the money for one of those shiny newer ones that was always in the middle of the dealer’s showroom. Said he’d take her dancing when he did.

Presto exited his vehicle and walked over to Triage’s side and opened the door for her. As she stepped out she couldn’t help but smile a little “A gentlemen.” she commented kindly before the two walked towards the home. The cobblestone paved driveway was a good indicator that this was the home of a rather modestly living man.

Knocking on the birch colored door, they waited patiently to only get no response. Ringing the doorbell beside it did nothing either. His car was still in the driveway, so he had to of been home. Concerned now, Presto knocked a bit harder to still get no answer. Until finally he busted down the door, telling Triage to keep behind him as he stormed the home. Coming into the living room loft, Presto saw why Dr. Robertson wasn’t answering the door. There on the ground was a middle aged man with golden blond hair, green eyes open wide with horror as his lifeless body was half on the shattered glass table, and the stained carpet floor.

Triage wasn’t far behind and saw the scene. Her eyes widen with tears of horror as she covered her mouth to stifle a scream and sob. “O..Oh god..” she said weakly taking a few steps back. With breath, Presto moved in. “Wh-what are you doing?! We have to call-” “I am the police.” he replied calmly as he started to examine the crime scene. Easily, he could tell from the room’s damage, there was a scuffle. The sofa was turned over, the glass from the table was in the doctor’s body, a large chunk seemed to be the murder weapon.

He frowned though, taking notice that the glass in his heart wasn’t just the cause, there were multiple stab wounds across his body from what he could tell. All in an angry fashion.. Must of been heat of the moment.

Walking over to Triage he gently pulled her outside muttering “You have to wait.”. Carefully, he lead the horror struck nurse to the backseat of his car and had her sit down while he called this in. Soon the police arrived and took over the crime scene. The victim, Dr. Roboertson..His death was similar to ones in the past cases. And like the others.. He had an idea of who the killer could be.