(June/Nomak) "What will you do?" June was an odd duck, who seemed to do only two things with her days and nights. One was looking after Nomak, who she treated more as a frail, ailing man than a monster, tending to his every need, even his need for blood at her own risk. The second was diligently searching for a cure to the Reaper Strain, and beyond that, perhaps succeeding where his father and the geneticists failed.

"When you're cured, I mean." She knew she could do it, and she would even if it killed her, she wanted to help one person, anyone. Right now though, she was looking through a microscope, and he was wrapped in several blankets. "You're a born vampire, I can't unmake that, but I will make you... Better, not in pain anymore. What will you do when it happens?"

Part of Nomak felt as though he didn't need to feel badly for June or guilty for taking advantage of her. She was a human, after all. A lesser race that vampires or reapers. And yet, over the centuries that he'd been alive, there still managed to be certain humans that touched his heart, no matter how often he tried to tell himself that they were merely a food source and nothing more. That was how he'd been raised, to believe that he was superior, but although vampires were stronger, faster, and lived longer than human beings, sometimes Nomak questions whether they were truly better than.

At no time did he question that more in his life than when his father had come to him with a request... to participate in research that could change everything for vampires and make them even more superior to humans. It was a chance to remove all weaknesses, leaving only the advantages of their race. Nomak had jumped at the chance, poorly informed and misunderstood as to just how much his father valued him. Now he knew... he hadn't been valued at all. And after the experiments had gone horribly wrong and his DNA began mutating wildly out of control, he'd been handed a death sentence, because of course the embarrassing failure could never be known. Nomak had escaped and continued to mutate, filled with a hatred for vampires. More and more he'd begun to think they were superior at all. Just arrogant.

As angry as he was, Nomak had also felt sad, alone, rejected, and most of all unwell. His whole body hurt almost all the time. The pain was mostly in his muscles, but he swore he could feel it down to his bones. Something was happening to his tongue, jaw, and throat, making him cough from an irritation that just would not go away. His chest hurt too, and he always felt congested in his lungs. Sometimes he felt so hyper he could hardly contain himself, but then at other times he could barely move he was so weak. It was frightening, what was happening to him, since no one really knew what it was or could explain it to him. But the one bright point in all of it had been June, taking him in like a stray dog into her life.

She took care of him, tried to keep him warm, and even fed him. her blood tasted strange, and he knew there was something wrong with it, but she continued to give it to him to her own detriment. Nomak knew he shouldn't accept it, but on those days when he was too weak to move, it was far too tempting. He made it a point to hunt whenever he could, but the more changes his body went through, the harder that became. Would it ever stop? Would he ever be able to take care of himself fully again?

As he struggled to understand himself and to cope with what had been done to him, he had to admit that June's careful tending of him had... made him love her. No one else had ever cared so much about his comfort and well-being before, no one else had made him feel like he was worth something the way she had. And so he was never going to let anyone hurt her. She was under his protection from now on, not that he was in any condition to make that sort of promise.

He looked over from where he sat, wrapped in a blanket and shivering a little, her question having caught him off guard. Did she think he was just going to leave? Abandon her? Forget all that she had done for him and sacrificed for his benefit? Of course not. I am not my father...

"Then it will be my turn to take care of you," he said with a little smile, his voice dry and raspy. "I owe you so much, June. Do not think that I will be so quick to forget that if you are able to improve my condition at all. If ever I am cured, I would still like to stay with you, if you would want that as well. And once I can properly hunt for myself, I won't need you to sacrifice so much for me anymore. I am... sorry... that I take so much from you," he admitted. His hunger was becoming strong and stronger each day.

A Summer to Remember Ch4

CW: internalized homophobia

the f slur and queer used as a slur

[Ned Pov]

My eyes fluttered open to the sound of birds early in the morning. It was still dark outside. I looked down at Maude who was spooned into my arms. I recalled the conversation we had last night. As much as I wanted to hide from it, it was clear that I was homosexual. . .a queer. The word queer made me wince for some reason. I was gay, I was a gay man. It made too much sense. I bit my lip suddenly remembering something that happened in my youth. I remembered being in a group of.  . . secular non-Christian people. It was the early 70s and no one knew where I was. They didn't have to know. It was simple teen curiosity; there was a desire to explore the world that was kept away from me. Again, I always had an innate curiosity to understand. It's impossible for a person to be perfectly free from sin. It was only human nature to have sinful tendencies. What I'm trying to say is I tried marijuana. It wasn't that bad. I actually felt less stressed than I  usually was but let's not focus on that. There was this boy. This boy who was good with the guitar. He had long hair and wore blush from time to time. He called himself bisexual. I remembered how comfortable I had gotten with him one afternoon where we all were hanging out by a river. I remember the smoke and the lesbians who had made love in the shallow water. There were s'mores and homemade tea. By all logic I should have felt scared I was there; I wasn't. 

        I got up close to him by my own will, I remember. He asked me if I had ever kissed a boy before. I hadn't. He asked if I wanted to. Despite the quiet guilt in my soul I nodded. We kissed and kissed again and again until I got a hang of the rhythm. I liked it. The more I reflected on the memory, I remembered how much I enjoyed it. I stared at the window thinking while watching the warm glow of sunrise touch the curtains. I really am gay aren't I?

      I looked down when I felt Maude move and wake up. She stretched her arms and legs and blinked awake. She smiled at me, "Good morning." 

          "Mornin." 

She pressed a small kiss on my cheek and sat up. 

       "You don't have to do that kind of stuff to me if you're not comfortable." 

            "Hm? Oh. .I'm sorry it just felt natural I don't know. Are you uncomfortable?"

    "No, not at all. . .shouldn't I be uncomfortable?"She shrugged. "It doesn't mean anything inherently romantic to me. . .does that sound silly?" 

 I shook my head, "I don't think so. .but I get what you mean."

She rubbed her eyes and played with her hair. 

      "So. . when you said you where gay last night do you mean. .?"

         "That I'm a. . . lesbian? Yeah, yeah I think I'm a lesbian. Sounds right." 

  "That's just lovely Maude."

She frowned, "Is it? I. .thought it wasn't right to be. .-"

     I laid there thinking for a minute, "Is it really wrong?"

        "I'm not sure. . "

"It's just love. I can't see what's so wrong about it. . . Maude I. .I kissed a boy when I was younger." Why did I suddenly feel ashamed? It was just a kiss. Imagine what my uncle would say. He'd probably call me a f*gg*t or something. What would Reverend Lovejoy say? I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.

     "Oh? Hm. . . was it nice?"

"Yeah. ." I stared at the wall again.

        "Are you going to tell them?"

"Me?"

    She nodded.

"I'm not sure. You?"

        "I'm too scared."

"I understand." I pet her upper back to comfort her.

[Maude pov]

      After breakfast we followed Tim and Helen led us to the Rock climbing area. There was this gigantic wall in front of us. It had multicolored rubber rocks that I adored. It wasn't my first rodeo with rock climbing. I had climbed with Ned plenty of times. I smiled up at them with anticipation. I had on some white tee from a church event and

jean shorts that reached my knees.

"Now this exercise is supposed to encourage teamwork and support in each other. When this world brings you down you need to have someone to encourage you." Helen explained as Timothy put on a harness. Helen looked at me puzzled as I put on one myself.

        "What? It's not on backwards is it?"

"Oh, no it's just that. . ." She trailed off looking at my harness. She bit her lip lightly for a second before her concentration quickly returned. "Well I was going to have Ned climbing the wall but that's fine that works. . .Maude, are you sure you can?"

      "I've done this many times." I smiled and laughed. 

"Oh. Okay." She said a bit surprised.

Was it just me or did she blush? Was she checking me out. . .? No, no it had to be my imagination. I dismissed any other possibility of why she looked at me like that.

      Once me and Tim were set up we started our climb. I made a speedy start grabbing onto each rock I saw available. It was fairly easy. I made a mental note of the colors. I loved them. Red pink yellow pink orange red blue green red turquoise. I focused on the rocks and moving.

  "You got this Maude!" Ned cheered. I smiled and kept on climbing. I glanced over at Timothy who was only a couple feet from the ground. It seemed I had more upper arm strength than him. I wouldn't have guessed. 

    "I believe in you Timothy! You're doing great. One at a time." Helen cheered, encouraging him. God bless her, she's so sweet. He nodded and slowly found himself a bit higher. At some point I got stuck. 

     "Go left, use your legs!" Ned coached. I nodded and did as he advised. Tim had caught up with me before I made my way ahead of him again. Before I knew it I was at the very top. 

I sat on the wall and smiled as Ned clapped for me. Helen was clapping too. So cute of her. I stared out at the trees and the shimmering lake as Tim was making the rest of his way up. Do I like Helen? I asked myself. Of course I did, she's been my best friend for years. But, Ned was also mine for longer. Yet, something in her sparkled that hadn't in Ned. Every time I had saw her, things we're better. I felt . .giddy. Oh. . .oh. I do love her. I love her more than anything. My chest had ached. Oh God, I love her. 

   "I'm so proud of you!" I looked down at Helen who was cheering at her husband who loved her too. She loved him. She loves him, not me. She's straight, I think. It didn't matter anyways. I sighed. Still I couldn't help but smile. I was in love and couldn't do anything about it. I wonder how Ned was coping with this yearning. I then faced the wall and quickly leaped my way down. With gravity and my emotions taking over me I couldn't help but laugh. I landed on the ground giggling. "That was fun." I snorted and covered my mouth blushing. But then she laughed too. "Oh Maude, that's adorable." She put an arm around my shoulder. Oh God I could kiss her right now. She's so close yet so far from reach. So I just stood there blushing and smiling. Tim slowly but surely came down with a bit of a dizzy stumble. Ned was close and caught him. For a moment the two men were arm in arm. Tim smiled bashfully and a tad embarrassed. 

       "Thanks." 

    Ned stared at him a moment before helping him stand-up straight. "You did great, Reverend." Neddy said smiling. The poor thing. He must feel the same ache in his soul. He has to. 

[Ned pov]

          Later that day I found Timothy by the river. He was just sitting there watching it flow. I had to ask. I needed to know what he thought on the matter. Despite everything, I felt in my soul it was right and only natural. But I just needed to know. You always need to know, it'll be death of you, Ned. I sighed and walked up to him before sitting by him on the grass by the sore. "Hi Reverend."

      "Ned, we're friends, you can just call me Timothy. Really I insist."

         "Of course. Timothy," his name was so intense. Calling him by his name was so tender and intimate it almost felt wrong. "I wanted to talk to you about something. Well, I at least wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter."

         "What is it?" He looked at me slightly exhausted. I felt a pang of guilt. He probably wanted a break from being asked things everyday. It had to be exhausting. But I needed to know. I knew it was important.

    "What do you think about homosexuality?"

                   "Hmm. . ." He hummed and looked out on the lake. "Sexual deviance isn't a good thing."

      "Deviance?" I felt a bit hurt. Was it really cheating if my wife knew how I felt. I mean, it would be if I kissed a married man. I wanted to kiss a married man. Am I lusting? Is this sin? The homosexuality couldn't be though. "Is it really deviance??"

    Tim paused to think again. "Well. Hm. There are some verses-"

            "I know, I've heard about them. But I don't think they're talking about homosexuality. It could be just an error. It could be referring to a completely different sin. But if you don't mind my boldness Reverend, I really don't think it's a sin at all."

     He nodded slowly, pensive. 

"There are verses that have forbidden the consumption of some meats that were unsafe at the time. . .hmm. That's not a sin at all anymore. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Prophets are still human after all." He stared at the water. "I suppose homosexuality isn't so bad. Why, it's not bad at all. I mean everyone feels sexuality . . .right?" He looked a bit confused. I wasn't sure why. Was he gay? No. . . was he?

          "I believe so."

He stared at the water thinking, I assume. I looked at those hands that tempted me. Guilt was burning me alive. 

      "Timothy I've been sinning!"

He looked at me startled at my outburst. 

      "Ned. . Ned, why are you asking me about this? Is. .this why you and Maude are having issues? Are you gay?"

I froze.

        "Ned you said it yourself and I agree, I don't think homosexuality is a legit sin."

"No. I mean, no that's not the issue." I felt my eyes water. 

"Ned. ."

        "I've been lusting after a married man! That's a sin!"

       "Ned. . .are you talking about me? Do you like me that way?" His eyes were wide. 

       "I do." I started to cry. 

"Why are you crying?"

         I looked at him like he was absurd. 

       "It's lusting!"

"Eh, well. You're not acting on it. I'm sure the Lord understands your intentions and will forgive them."

     I shrugged, "I understand if you're uncomfortable. ."

         "Not really. Don't worry about it."

"I just don't want to ruin anything."

          "I understand."

"How long have you felt like this?"

                   "I . .I don't know. Maybe I was born like this." 

      "Born??" He looked confused.

"Well not literally. I mean. I've just always liked men." I rubbed my arm anxiously. I was still trying to make peace with myself.

     Timothy stared at the ground, his eyes furrowed.

 "Like them?"

           "Yeah. Like I've just always wanted to.  . .kiss them and stuff. You know?"

 He slowly shook his head looking a bit lost.

   "I don't understand."

I suddenly felt sick. Did he think my attraction was that weird?

       "It's just the same feeling that you get  with women."

    He fiddled with his hands. He looked really uncomfortable.

    "What's wrong? Is it me?"

"No it's not you.  You're fine Ned I promise. I'm glad you decided to come to me about this." He closed his eyes and bit at his finger gingerly. I had seen him do this a couple times. It was usually when he got stressed or something. "Does Maude know?"

"Yeah. She took it well." 

        "Good." He stood up and walked off.

𝐆𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦!—

𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐮𝐥 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

↳ 𝐓𝐰: 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬—

He's very embarrassed and nervous the day he plans on asking you out. He wants to make sure today is perfect, that means making sure the idiot duo is under control and that your day goes smooth as well, he wouldn't want to try and ask you out while you're grumpy and upset, now would he?

He makes sure that he looks perfect as well, he wants to look his best for you and play the role of your prince, he couldn't have anyone else sweeping you off of your feet when you were meant to be together, right?

Anyway, short story he had a lot on his hands. He 𝘩𝘢𝘥 to make sure today went as planned. Ask you to have some tea and cakes with him and the ask you out. It 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 go the way he wanted, no matter what.

You'd become something he so dearly wanted and he was so close to finally having you by his side. He was excited as the day went on, he couldn't wait to hear your answer, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘺𝘦𝘴, but he believed that you would say yes. He needed to hear you say yes.

So as the day slowly dragged on, he was finally ready to ask you to join him. He'd told Trey to make the tea and sweets and to get everything ready as he'd planned.

But when he arrived, you were already with somebody else. Oh? Who was this Y/N? Your boyfriend? More like your old one, now come with him, he planned a whole day just for you. Don't be selfish. Come to your new boyfriend.

Is he not enough?

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫—

He was ready for today, sure he missed his chance last time, but this, this was it. The day he'd confess. He was sure of it, he'd made you some sweets and had set up to have some time after school where he'd invite you out to a picnic and you could talk, and you know, become his girlfriend.

But, he couldn't deny, he was a teensy bit nervous, this was his crush of three years and he hadn't barely talked to her. Save for the times he'd given her treats and other gifts.

He'd know about your 'relationship' and your 'boyfriend' but he also knew that you two had been fighting recently, so he believed that he could come be your savior and help you get away from this 'bad' man. He didn't like your boyfriend one bit, which is obvious, but he also didn't like him because he's made you on multiple occasions, he knew that he wouldn't do that, right? Right, yes of course.

Then, why were you still walking hand-in-hand with him? Why were you still kissing him? Hugging him? What is this feeling inside of his chest? Is it jealousy because if it was, this was a deeper level, something he hadn't felt before.

But if getting you got rid of it, he'd make sure that it was like you'd never been with him.

𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝—

He was so close to kissing you! Damnit Riddle, why'd you make him miss his chance!? Whatever, he'd get you to become his today. No matter what.

He'd passed you in the hallway multiple times, just trying to take in your scent. You'd always smelled lovely, you smelt of roses and sweets, he absolutely adored you.

When classes were over, he made sure to find you right away. Running through the halls even when told by multiple staff and students not to, he didn't bother to listen when you were on his mind.

When he'd found you, his heart shattered. You were with Riddle? Is that why Riddle had stopped that kiss? Or did you just get with Riddle to make him jealous?

It was annoying, annoying as hell. But he'd have you one day, he'd show you that he's better than that strict rule dictator.

𝐃𝐞𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐞—

Deuce's heart kept racing whenever he even caught a glimpse of you, any part- it didn't matter to him. He'd kissed you! His crush! It was all still like a dream to him, he was just over the moon about it still- even if you weren't.

Deuce definitely wanted to talk to you again, he was just a little nervous, what if you hated him? He'd understand though, he did run away when he'd kissed you.

When Deuce came up to you, you were with somebody else- another guy. He was a little jealous, but he was sure there was an explanation to it, he hoped.

Deuce walked up to you as you waved goodbye to the guy you were chatting with. "Hey Y/N, who was that?" You turned to face him, "Oh? Him, he's my boyfriend.. sorry Deuce."

Deuce was upset, your boyfriend? Did he treat you right? Was he nice to you? Did he love you? He had many thoughts running through his head, mostly about if he could treat you like Deuce could.

"Oh.. it's fine Y/N.. don't worry, bye."

He'd get to your heart and show you how much of a gentleman he is.

𝐀𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐚—

Ace almost goes full on psycho when he sees you with another guy, sure Ace wasn't the nicest guy ever, per say, but he still deserved you more than this rando loser!

His blood boiling more and more as the seconds passed, watching you spend all your sweet, amazing affection on this nobody! Why would you pick this dude, Ace was at least known around school, plus he was funny. So, he didn't understand why you'd want this guy.

Ace knew better than to storm over there and demand an explanation, if he did that you'd probably never speak to him again! But if it wasn't so tempting to just go and snatch you away from this guy, then he didn't know what was.

He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, you'd finally, finally stopped speaking with that buffon, now, Ace could stroll in beside you and steal your heart. Not like he hadn't already, right?

He'd get you no matter the cost, he just needed to.

Christmas Magic 4

The clouds hang low in the air, heavy and grey with the warning of an impending storm. Y/n won't admit it out loud, but she really hopes it snows so much that the carnival will be closed for a few days so she can have some time off. Being out in the cold all day has begun to take it's toll on her, leaving her dragging and aching. She always gets sick after the holidays from working and being so busy, but it seems this year it was hitting her sooner.

Her shift on stage has been switched with Kevin's because her throat was too raw to sing, leaving her to man one of the gift booths with Emma. Her fingers tremble in the cold as she hands a gift receipt to the woman across from her, wishing her a happy holidays with the best smile she can muster. She knows it doesn't reach her eyes, it doesn't even come close to her eyes but at least it's something.

"Babe, you should just go home." Emma advises gently, restocking the candy cane pens. Y/n falls onto the stool, shivering and burying her face in her scarf.

"I can't," she mumbles through the fabric, "Ophelia starts Christmas break this week and I promised Harry I'd help watch over her, and I can't do that if I have to work from taking off days today."

"Well you won't be able to watch her anyway if you're still sick. I'm sure McDreamy won't want you around his daughter." Emma points out, matter of fact-ly.

Y/n rolls her eyes, but she knows Emma has a point. She can't risk getting Ophelia sick, but she can't bail on Harry either (not that she'd ever want to).

"I'm gonna go get more tissue." Y/n grumbles, ignoring the way Emma cockily snickers behind her. Boots crunching in the snow and hood pulled high over her head, y/n finds the nearest bathroom and immediately stuffs her pockets with paper towels. They make her nose raw but she'd rather that than have a drippy nose all day.

Y/n ignores the mirror, knowing it'll just highlight her dark eyes and red nose against her pale skin and chapped lips. But the bathroom is warm, so she props her butt against the sink, back facing the mirror she's avoiding, and pulls her phone out of her coat pocket. She's got a text from Harry and the room heats up a couple degrees.

Ophelia's Papa 🌻: Dinner tonight? The little Miss (and Nipper) miss you desperately :)

She bites back her smile.

Dinner with Ophelia and Nipper?! That's tempting...

His reply comes within minutes, and she's glad he's not busy because she doesn't feel like going back to work while waiting for a reply.

Ophelia's Papa 🌻: And me too of course

Y/n tries not to giggle like a middle school girl, but she can't help herself when it comes to Harry.

Oh yeah you too, of course

She can picture his little scowl and the little wrinkle that creases between his eyebrows, remembering all the times over their past couple dates that she's longed to run her fingers over his face, smoothing out the mark.

Ophelia's Papa 🌻: Is that a yes love?

Her smile falls, knowing she shouldn't be going to have dinner with him tonight. She needs to rest so she can get better. She can't hang around when Harry and Ophelia are at risk of getting sick.

I wish I could but I've got something important I have to do tonight :( I'm really really sorry

Y/n has always hated telling people when she's sick. They always give her that concerned once-over, or rub her back like that's the cure, and tell her the same ol' "drink water, eat bananas, sleep." As if she doesn't know how to take care of herself.

Ophelia's Papa🌻: Don't be sorry, we've got a whole week to eat dinners together :)

She send him back a gif of Creed Bratton smiling widely, deciding it's time to head back outside. Her phone gets returned to her pocket, and she shuffled into the cold, sinking into her jacket as much as possible. Back at the booth, Emma is ringing up a family of four, smiling brightly at them and y/n realizes how miserable she must look next to the walking sunshine she's working with.

Emma must noticed the dejected look on her face because she pouts, nudging y/n to the corner of the tent when the wind won't hit. "You should really just go home. Clark won't mind."

She nods. Clark is a good boss, and he knows y/n loves her job and won't do anything to risk losing it. And he'd probably have a fit if he knew she were dealing with customers while being ill.

"I guess y-"

"Surprise y/n!"

Both Emma and y/n jump at the loud screech, finding two guests at the checkout counter. Harry's smiling sheepishly, his big glove clad hand cupped over the bottom half of Ophelia's face. Her eyes smile at y/n as she waves a little mitten at her.

"Didn't mean to scare you." Harry says apologetically, removing his hand from her face to push something on the counter forward. Y/n steps around Emma, heading towards them.

"Was more loud than scary." Y/n chuckles, hoping Harry can't pick up on the roughness of her voice. On the counter sits a to-go cup, the side of it marked in thick ink indicating it's a hot chocolate from "Harry and Sweets :)."

"Ophelia said you liked cinnamon on yours. I hope that's okay."

Y/n's chest pounds, the simple gesture making her realize how shitty today's been and how much she really appreciates Harry. "It-its perfect."

Y/n wraps her hands around the warm cup, lifting it up to her lips for a drink. She meets Harry's gaze, and instantly his smile falls and his eyebrows pinch together.

"Do you like it y/n?" Ophelia murmurs, swinging her feet back and forth, brushing against Harry's jeans with each swing.

"I love it Sweets, thank you so much."

Ophelia, satisfied with the answer wiggles until Harry places her on the ground, eyes not leaving y/n's face. Ophelia wanders into the tent, tip-toeing to look at the snow globes on the table to their right.

"You feeling alright?" Harry asks her, pinching the pointer finger of his right glove and tugging it off. Y/n nods, feeling embarrassed when he places his cold hand against her face. His frown deepens.

"You've got one hell of a fever love." She tries to act shocked, as if she didn't know she's been sweating but shivering the whole day, but Harry sees right through her. "Why didn't you tell me you're not feeling well?"

Y/n shrugs, taking another sip of her hot cocoa. Harry sighs, coming around the counter to stand next to her. "You should be at home, resting, with a certified nurse that can take care of you."

"I don't want to get you or Ophelia sick! That's why I couldn't come to dinner tonight!"

Harry simpers, and y/n huffs as she realizes she's given away her 'plans' for the night. "Oh, your plans were being poorly, huh?"

She rolls her eyes at his teasing tone. "No."

"No?"

"My plans were to get better tonight." She admits quietly, and Harry chuckles warmly. A grin tugs at her lips, falling into Harry when he gently coaxes her into his chest and kisses the top of her head through her coat.

"Well now your plans are to go home, pack a change of clothes, and I'll pick you up at four." He smiles innocently, bopping her nose when he opens her mouth to protest. "Doctor's orders love. You're staying in the Styles' Ward tonight."

Ophelia attaches herself to y/n's legs, tugging on her jacket so she'll look down at her. "The Styles' Ward is the best one! Daddy makes good food for the patients in there!"

"Is that so?" Y/n hums, brushing a stray curl off Ophelia's forehead.

She nods, dimples sinking into her chubby cheeks. "And he takes real good care of you?"

Y/n purses her lips, pretending to be deep in thought. "I think I'd rather have Nurse Nipper. Is he available?"

Ophelia laughs, and y/n's chest swells in pride. "Good choice. He's the best."

She squeals when Harry scoops her up, holding her bridal style and giving her a half-hearted glare. "What was that you just said?" He blows raspberries into her red cheeks, and she's laughing and squirming until he finally stops.

"Can I have a snow globe daddy?"

Y/n snorts at her way of changing the subject, peeking over her shoulder to find Emma pretending to be busy with rearranging the plushies.

"After saying Nipper's a better nurse? I don't think so Baby Cakes." Harry situates her back on his hip, pushing her bottom lip back into her mouth when she pouts. "You've got a couple at home, how many more do you need?"

"I need them all daddy." Ophelia whines, slumping against his shoulder. Harry rolls his eyes, holding back an amused smile.

"You've got yourself a handful there, Styles."

He pats the top of Ophelia's head, chest puffing out proudly. "Just like her daddy." He winks, chuckling when y/n shakes her head at the underlying message he's giving her. She quickly buries her face in her coat, hoping he can't see her blush. Harry Styles really is a handful.

~

The knock on her door is expected, as is the man and five year old behind it, even if they're a little earlier than she thought they'd be. Still manages a smile, despite feeling as if she's been run over by a small car.

"We're gonna have a sleepover!" Ophelia screams, barreling from behind Harry's legs and through the door. Harry lunges forward to try and grab her but she's quicker than him, disappearing behind y/n. "Ophelia Jewel!" Harry calls scoldingly but y/n shushes him.

"S'okay. Glad she's excited to be here." Behind her Ophelia bursts into giggles about something and she wonders what the little one happened to find.

"Still not polite." Harry mutters, following her into the apartment. He takes off his boots at the door, lining them up against the wall before grabbing the little pair of Chelseas that are haphazardly kicked off. "She let's her curiosity get the best of her sometimes."

Y/n shrugs in a "kids-will-be-kids-" kind of way, shutting and locking the door behind her. Ophelia giggles again, pulling both their attentions to where she's sat herself on the couch, y/n's couch blanket thrown by her feet and watching the Goofy Movie.

"Goofy huh?" She doesn't have to look at Harry to see his smirk.

She scoffs, defensive. "It's funny."

A hearty laugh, the perfect little guffaw Goofy makes cuts through the room, and Ophelia's squealing in laughter on the couch. Y/n to Harry, who's just smiling at her bashfully.

"Did you just?"

Harry answers her with another guffaw, Adams's apple bobbing in his neck from the impression. Y/n can't help but laugh and Harry snorts into his normal rumble of a chuckle.

"Daddy," Ophelia giggles, bringing his attention to where she's sprawled out in the warm spot of the couch that y/n had been laying on. "stop being Goofy. You're Harry, not Goofy."

Harry falls onto the couch next to her, leaning back so he's squishing her and she shoves with all her might at his shoulders but Harry doesn't budge. "Daddy! No, I'm going to pop!"

Y/n and Harry chuckle, Harry finally moving to the chair next to the couch so Ophelia can relax again. Y/n watches her wiggle her sock covered feet under the blanket, kicking and squirming until it's covered up to her knees. Chuckling quietly, y/n pulls the blanket up to Ophelia's chest.

"You ready to go?" Harry asks her, fondly looking over her. She wonders if he saw her tuck Ophelia in and the thought of him looking at her like that for caring for his child makes her giddy.

"Finish the movie first daddy." Ophelia grumbles. Harry sighs, but he's still smiling when y/n squishes into the chair with him. He throws his arm around her, brushing hair out of her face.

"Did you take some medicine?" Harry murmurs in her ear, breath hot on her skin. Y/n hums a yes, eyes stuck on the TV until Harry quietly guffaws in her ear, and then she's giggling, turning to look at him. He presses a chaste kiss to her lips, making her still and look over at Ophelia worriedly. She doesn't know how Ophelia feels about sharing Harry, and maybe they shouldn't be so open in front of her in case she doesn't like it.

"She's fine love," Harry assures her, combing his fingers through her hair. "She's just fine."

Her stomach twists with apprehension, but she trusts Harry to know his daughter, so she just nods and relaxes back into the chair next to him. She can't help but giggle every time he gets whiney for attention and guffaws in her ear, smiling proudly when she beams at him.

~

The electrical fireplace hummed lowly through the small living room, heat wafting off of it and warming y/n. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she takes in the now dim lighting, and the re-run of Modern Family playing on the tv. Judging by how dark the room is, Ophelia is already in bed and Harry's probably already cleaned up the kitchen. Confirming her thoughts, Harry let's out a quiet snicker from the bottom of the couch, and she realizes her feet are propped up in his lap.

He doesn't see her move, too focused on the TV in front of him. His bottom lip is squished between his teeth, trying to hide the smile his dimples are giving away, and his eyes are shining with the light of the TV. The fire flickers, casting dark shadows over the orange glow of his face, and he reaches up to rub his knuckle against his nose as y/n shifts onto her back. Harry's head turns towards her, teeth finally releasing his lips into a sweet smile.

"Hey, you're up." He states quietly, massaging her foot through the thick blanket over her. She nods, swallowing a couple times because her mouth is so dry from sleeping with it open. "How are we feeling? We need more medicine?"

He gets up before she can answer, moving to sit on the edge of the coffee table so he can see her face more clearly. A hand comes up to her forehead, and she realizes that a thin layer of sweat is covering her skin and Harry's fingers are awfully cold.

"Can't breathe." Y/n croaks, shying away from his icy touch. Harry gives her a sympathetic frown, pushing himself up from the table.

"Let's get you moved to the bed and some cold medicine in you, okay?" Harry mururms, peeling the blankets off of her. He helps her up, hand on her lower back as he guides her through his dark apartment. Ophelia's door is cracked as they pass by, and y/n can faintly hear a music box playing inside. It makes her smile, eyes feeling heavy again. Harry's room is just as warm as the living room, the blankets of his huge fluffy bed pulled back, and he's left the curtains in front of his window open, so the soft street light spills in.

"I'm sleeping by the window," Harry warns playfully, chuckling when she pouts. "don't need you getting any sicker because you got cold."

"But what if you get cold?" Y/n retorts, falling onto his bed face first. Harry laugh, picking her legs up and swinging them onto the bed.

"Won't." He says simply, pulling the blankets up and tucking her in once she's flipped over onto her back. Harry feels her forehead again, brushing her baby hairs back and then he's leaning down to kiss the apple of her cheek.

"I'll be right back, love." Harry promises, and then he's disappearing through the doorway, leaving her in his bed with sore teeth, a stuffy nose, and a dry throat. Y/n huffs, brow furrowing when the air soothes her throat. She tilts her head up, looking around the room. In the corner, humming quietly she finds an old humidifier, white wisps flowing up into the room. The thought of Harry going through this all trouble to make her feel better has her veins rushing with heat, and she stops shivering, instead taking deep gulps of air into her lungs.

She doesn't realize her head's fallen to the pillows nor that her eyes have shut until Harry's disturbing her with a small chuckle. "What are you doing with your mouth open like that?"

"Humidifier," she hums, pointing lazily in the direction of the humming. "feels good on my throat."

Harry says something she doesn't catch but she's too tired to ask him to repeat himself, instead sitting up onto her elbows to take the medicine Harry's brought in. He drops a few pills in her hand, two of them definitely being Advil and the other some kind of gel medicine. Y/n huffs as she realizes she needs to sit up to drink water, moving until she's leaning against the headboard and taking the reusable Starbucks cup Harry's holding out. He watches her intently as she takes a drink, holding the water in her mouth and popping the pills between a small gap in her lips, swallowing all of them with a little grimace.

"You take your medicine backwards love." Harry comments, crawling over her and falling onto his shoulder with a grunt.

"No you do."

Harry snorts, wiggling his feet under the blankets and sinking down until they cover up to his knees. Y/n, grinning softly at the habit Harry shares with his daughter, pulls the blankets the rest of the way up. Harry let's her settle against his chest, both of them tilted to look out of the window, at the soft piles of snow building up on the ledge and the neighboring building.

She doesn't know what makes her say it. It could be the warmth of the room, or the warmth of him. It could be the way his heart pounds under her ear or how he's tenderly running the pads of his fingers over her shoulder. Whatever it is, she can't stop thinking of him. He's like a dream. An absolute perfect dream with his fluffy hair and soft pink Cupid's bow, his eyes that are far too pretty to not be considered Eden, the dark ink that decorates his soft body. The body that hugs and kisses and protects Ophelia, that's made up half of her DNA, that is so dedicated to his daughter the love practically pours out of him. She wants to be a part of that with him. She wants to be the other hand he holds, the other nose he dots kisses on, the other girl he loves with his whole being.

"I can't believe how lucky I am."

Harry doesn't flinch at her words like she thought he might, instead he just hums a quiet, "What's that?"

Her fingers trace over the laurel on his hip, eyes intently focused on the mark. "I'm lucky. Because I get to lay here with you, and-and I get to eat dinner with you and Ophelia, and just be with you two. You could've picked anyone in the world to have here with you and I can't believe it's me."

She tears her gaze away from his abdomen when she feels him look down at her, and the little double chin he's got paired with the endeared gloss in his eyes makes her insides puddle.

"Is this the cold talking or do you really think you're the lucky one here?"

He cracks a smile when she rolls her eyes. "I'm not delusional or drugged, Harry. I just really really like you. Even if you might be a little too McDreamy for me."

Harry's hand comes up to her face, cradling it like she were made of the snow falling just outside their window. "You're the dream here. I can't tell you how many nights I laid in this same spot, hearing her snore through the walls, thinking this is how it's always going to be. That I was always going to be going to bed alone."

Eyes fluttering, she nuzzles into his warm palm. "You don't know how amazing you are huh?" Lazily, y/n manages to climb into his lap, plushy thighs cradling his hips and hands slipping up his chest to rest on his collarbones. "You're so sweet, taking care of me when I'm not even your responsibility, and you're so handsome as like just a guy, but then you're also a dad and that's even more attractive-"

Harry's cackles cuts her off, and it's so loud she has to throw her fingers over his mouth to keep him from waking his daughter. Eyes crinkled, he peels her hand off, bringing it back to his chest. "Got a thing for dads?" He asks, his teasing smirk shining in her eyes.

"No," she mumbles, blushing. "just this dad, I guess."

Her words morph the smirk into a sweet smile, the kind that looks like he might be holding back from growing too big but his dimples once again give him away. Harry breathes a deep sigh, looking over her face like he can't find the words he's trying to say.

"What?"

Her soft encouragement breaks it out of him. "I-I want you to be one of my responsibilities, if that's what you want."

As if all the heat from her fever had magically gathered in her belly, her stomach warms to the point it's almost unbarable. She can't look away from him, eyes stuck in whatever trance his are pulling her in with. It's when his hands cup her face that she realizes what he's asked.

"You ask all your patients to be your girlfriend?"

Harry simpers, shaking his head softly. "Not a patient, love. You're my y/n, right?"

Butterflies flutter around her chest, a smile taking over her face and all she can manage is a measly nod, too overwhelmed by the beaming grin on Harry's cheeks. She falls forward with a giggle that ends up making her cough, Harry rubbing her back as she tries to catch her breath on his shoulder.

"We okay?"

She nods again, hands worming their way under his torso as she clinges to him like a koala. "Perfect."

~

Harry has to run the store the next morning, briefly waking y/n to give her more medicine and then she's drifting in and out of sleep as he carries an unconscious Ophelia into the room, laying her on his side of the bed. He tucks the blankets around them again, kissing Ophelia on the head and letting y/n know in a whisper that he'll be back in a bit.

It's around a half hour later when both her and Ophelia finally wake up, Ophelia grumbling and yawning as she peers at y/n through bright green eyes. "Goofy Movie?" She simply asks, tilting her head so the mess of tangled curls on her head bounce.

"Sure thing Sweets."

They move to the living room, sitting on the floor against the couch and pulling up the movie on Disney+. Ophelia insists she's not hungry, laying on y/n's shoulder and laughing at everything Goofy says. Y/n is on the verge of falling back asleep when Ophelia pats her thigh.

"Max doesn't have his mom." Ophelia says timidly, and the seriousness of her voice chills y/n's bones.

"No, but he's got the best dad, doesn't he?" Y/n offers, knowing Ophelia's thinking about her not having her mother either.

"Yeah," Ophelia agrees, squirming closer to y/n. "but no one ever talks about his mom. I don't have mine either and everybody talks about it."

Panic floods her chest, heart thumping nervously. What's she supposed to tell her? What has Harry told her? Does Ophelia even know who her mom is?

"They do?"

Ophelia nods, moving so she's laying her head on y/n's thigh. "Josh asked why I don't talk about my mom, and when I said I don't have a mom he told me I was weird. All kids have mom's."

"Did you tell your daddy?"

Ophelia shakes her head. "Daddy's always said that he loves me enough for two parents so it's not weird because love is love, no matter who it comes from."

It's a terribly sweet thing to say, and probably the best way to assure a child that they're equally loved, but y/n can tell she's reluctant to believe it. She remembers being that age and wondering why she didn't have the same family as everyone else.

"Well when I was a kid, I didn't have my mom either." Y/n's confession widens Ophelia's eyes, and she sits up to look at y/n in awe.

"You didn't?" She breathes, and y/n thinks Ophelia didn't know that other kids don't always have a mom and dad.

She shakes her head, smiling because Ophelia needs to know it's okay, it doesn't make her sad to just have her father. "She passed away when I was a tiny tiny baby, so I just a daddy too. And he's the best, I never felt like I needed a mom because he was good enough for two."

"Do you miss her?"

"I used to, but I never really knew her so I think I just missed the fact that I could've had a mom. But like I said, I'm happy and I had a great daddy. And you do too, huh Sweets?"

Ophelia giggles as if remembering what a funny, wonderful father she has, and nods. "I do have a good daddy."

"And he loves you so much."

Ophelia climbs into her lap, little fingers playing with the ends of y/n's hair. She looks at y/n through her eyelashes, blinking shyly. "Do you?"

Her heart melts in the warmth of Ophelia's voice, nodding with a tender smile. "Of course I do. What's not to love?"

~

With her fever finally gone and sinuses cleared up enough to allow her to breathe, y/n felt shiny and new, sprawled out on Harry's bed, looking out at the Christmas lights in the snow. She can hear him talking to Ophelia through the walls, muffled and unintelligible as he puts her to bed. She's humming softly, falling into a peaceful trance until Harry's entering the room, closing the door behind him and rushing to the bed. She only gets the chance to sit up before he's hovering over her, mouth claiming hers in a heated kiss.

Her mouth parts in shock, hands freezing on his shoulders until her mind catches up with her and she's pulling away from his insistent mouth. "You're gonna get sick? What-what are you doing?"

Harry stares down at her with a look she's never seen before, but she sure doesn't mind the way it captivates her. "You told her you love her? You love my baby?"

Y/n falters, not knowing what to say. He's not mad, obviously, but she's still absolutely terrified that she overstepped. Maybe it wasn't her place to talk to Ophelia about parents but it seemed right, and Ophelia did ask her. "Y-yeah. I'm sorry, she was-"

Harry cuts her off with another strong kiss, cupping her face in his right hand. They're both breathless when they part. "You're so good," he mutters like he's talking to himself. "so fucking good. I don't-I can't believe I-" He interrupts himself by pecking kisses to her jaw and neck, panting hotly into her skin. Her hands slip around his torso, clinging to his strong back as he mumbles to himself in her neck.

"Harry!" Y/n gasps, belly tingling when he swipes his tongue over the vein on the side of her throat. Harry's hips jut forward into hers, her thighs tightening around his when she feels his hard member through his sweatpants.

"Fuck, sounds so good." Harry grunts, nibbling on that same spot. He earns another moan from her, her ankles crossing behind his butt and he ruts into her again. Warmth floods to her core, tummy clenching when Harry's cock perfectly bumps her clit.

Her brain swirls in her head, eyes fluttering shut with each moan and gasp that Harry pulls from her. Maybe it's not practical that they're already doing this, but it's Harry and she trusts him. She trusts him more than she's ever trusted anyone before. "Harry please!"

Her begging encourages a deep groan from him, one that has wetness pooling in her underwear and Harry continuously grinds his hips down into hers. He's slipping his fingers under the waistband of her bottoms when he moves to look at her. His cheeks are pink, pupils blown wide and lips swollen as he pants. He's beautiful, so fucking beautiful, even with the frustrated wrinkles on his face.

"I don't-I don't have protection." He breathes dejectedly, slowing the movement of his shallow humps. "I just, I haven't done this in bloody fucking years so I don't-"

"Its okay," y/n assures, leaning up to kiss him. Maybe it's good they don't have condoms. Maybe they should talk about this before they have sex, because they can't just think about themselves, they have to think about Ophelia and how this could affect all of them. "we can just do this, still do this please."

Harry whimpers pathetically at her pleading, head dropping forward into her shirt covered chest. He moves his hand under it, lifting it up and over her head. She immediately does the same, Harry grinding into her harder as he takes in the sight of her half naked.

"You're so beautiful," he husks, kissing her collarbones. "letting me have you like this, love on you. Sweet girl."

Y/n didn't think she had a praise kink, but Harry's sweet words are definitely winding her up more than they should. The coil in her stomach twists and twists, legs clenching and veins tingling. Harry grunts more compliments to her, punctuating each one with a borderline painful thrust against her clit, until white is blowing up behind her eyes and Harry has to quiet her with his tongue in his mouth. She still trembling, shocks of pleasure running through her veins when Harry stills, a deep drawn out groan bubbling out from deep in his chest. He stays against her as they come down, mumbling broken curse words under his breath and y/n can't help but giggle happily at him.

He opens his eyes to look at her, beaming and giddy as he pecks her mouth. Y/n kisses him again, tenderly combing her fingers through his hair and Harry rocks his sensitive cock against her again.

"Harry I don't think you can get hard again." Y/n laughs.

He chuckles, lifting himself off of her and onto the bed. "Was just enjoying the first orgasm I've had with someone else since I was in college." The awe and pure joy in his tone makes her soft, rolling over onto his chest and pecking kisses onto the swallow tattoo closest to her.

"Mmm dirty boy." She teases, playfully biting his skin. "You're someone's father, you know that?"

"Dad's deserve sex too baby."

She snorts, resting her cheek against his chest. He rubs her shoulder like he had the night before and she resumes her mindless humming, eyes growing heavy. She doesn't know how Harry hasn't gotten up to change out of his cum filled pants, but her brain is too foggy to ask. Seconds away from falling asleep she here's him let out a disbelieving chuckle, followed by a quiet "definitely need condoms."

She can't muster a laugh but she manages to pinch at his side, fading into sleep as Harry's giggle rings in her ears.

Today’s chapter art is actually fanart made by Amiy_trash on Instagram! Check her out, she’s really good!

Warning; contains heavy swearing in some parts. Song mentioned in chapter will be linked at the end

Witness Protection- An Eyeless Jack x reader

Chapter 3

"So why do you look so uncomfortable?" You tilt your head. He remained silent. "Hey, come on, after what just happened I deserve to know something about you,"

"What just happened doesn't matter," He stated, back to using that monotone voice. You huff.

"We kissed!"

"You and I both know it meant nothing,"

"But still-!"

"Dropping the subject now," he shut up. You groan and smack your head against the window. You mutter an ow, sitting up properly.

"Does the radio work?" He shrugged. You reach over and try to turn it on, only met by static on all of the channels before it shut itself off. "Great," you grumble quietly to yourself. You pat a small beat on your lap, the silence driving you mad.

"Stop that," your head rolls back against the headrest on the seat, rolling your eyes and glaring at him.

"Well then do you have any idea what I could do to entertain myself? Don't get me wrong I'm really enjoying these 'chats' of ours where I try to strike up a conversation and you completely ignore me, but I'm kind of going insane," you groan loudly. "There's like nothing for me to dooo,"

"Play a road trip game or something,"

"You need two or more people for those, and you're highkey too boring for them,"

"I'm going to pretend I know what highkey is and tell you to figure out how to do it yourself," You groan again, leaning forward to smack your head on the dashboard space right above the glove box.

"I spy with my little eye, an annoying bitch," you huff, crossing your arms.

"You?" Your eye twitches. "No? Damn. Ok, my turn, I spy with my little eye an annoying little cunt that is going to be gutted and left to bleed out in a river if she doesn't shut her fucking mouth,"

"Lemme guess. You?" He made a 'wrong' buzzer sound.

"Wrong, try again,"

"Me?" you sigh.

"Bingo, now shut up," You grumble some unheard curses and lean your elbow on the weird arm rest thing on the side of the door, resting your head in your open palm. There was a long silence. It felt like it must've been half an hour, at least.

"I'm still bored,"

"It's only been 10 minutes since you told me that," he stated.

"Feels like longer, now entertain me,"

"In case you don't remember, I kidnapped you and am in no way obligated to entertain you,"

"Can't I like, borrow your phone or something?"

"I would be an idiot to let a hostage use my phone," It's becoming painfully clear that he is not going to cave anytime soon. You sigh and stare out the window, watching other cars pass by with a half lidded expression. "Eat or something,"

"Bored eating is how I get fat,"

"Then suffer in silence," Another silence washed over you, the uncomfortable humming of the vehicle becoming the only thing you could use from drifting off into insanity. The car stopped after a long while, and he climbed out.

"Where are you going?"

"To eat," You raise a brow.

"Why would you need to get out to eat?" He smiled at you, condescendingly. The effect of the meds had worn off by this point, revealing sharpened teeth. You gag, remembering what he had eaten back at the hotel. "Yeah, please do that far away from me,"

"Planning on it, I don't need puke in my truck," He slammed his door shut. It is only five minutes after he's left the truck that you are even more bored than before. Yet another heavy groan leaves you. Patting a small beat on your legs seemed to help, but only barely. You glance behind you, seeing him in the back of the truck. Well, you could only see his back, as he had it facing the cab section of the truck. Should you go out and bother him? One on hand, there was a strong possibility of you vomiting up your lunch from earlier. But on the other hand, he was your only source of entertainment. Your boredom won over your common sense and you unbuckle, trying your door. Child locked, of course. Your gaze flicked to his door. Glancing back out the back window, you sneakily climb onto the drivers side seat, trying the door handle. The door popped open and you felt like cheering. You wouldn't though. If he was gonna be mad about you sneaking out of the car you might as well spook him too by surprising him.

A small tune hits your ears as you step out of the truck, closing the door quietly. Your footsteps fell silently on the dirt as you approached. Granted, the heels made walking uncomfortable, but you'd rather suffer through the curse that is your work shoes than walk around barefoot. Random thought aside, the tune sounded like quiet singing. It was barely audible, barely above a whisper, but pleasant sounding. Your brain caught up with your ears and eyes and quickly came to the conclusion that Jack was singing, very softly. The song was unfamiliar to you, but his voice did sound nice, so you quietly hop onto the bed of the truck, next to him, all while ignoring the empty freezer bags that used to hold what you knew to be some poor man's insides. He paused for what seemed to be an instrumental break, as he nodded his head a little to the rhythm in his head.

"For a murderer, you're pretty good at singing," you comment, breaking the silence. Nothing will ever compare to the joy you felt as Jack's eye sockets shot open, and he squeaked loudly, standing in an apparent flight reflex before almost tripping over the rim of the bed in his shock. However, you did not laugh, for you were no fool. Although it was increasingly tempting as his grey face grew to be a bright red, non existent eyes widening in pure shock, terror, or embarrassment.

"How much," he muttered, blinking with a gulp.

"What?"

"How much did you hear," he elaborated.

"Not much, I've only been here for maybe a minute or so,"

"Too much," he took a shaky breath.

"What?" he repeatedly shook his head.

"Too much," he muttered again before muttering something very quietly to himself.

"Truck. Now," he vaulted himself over the edge. You raise a brow and climb off the bed of the vehicle. He gripped your arm and guided you to your side of the truck, opening the door. "In," You scurry in, clicking the seat belt into place. He seemed… stressed. He climbed in a little bit after, seemingly having cleaned up the remnants of his meal.

"So uh-,"

"Don't- don't talk,"

"But-,"

"Shhhh," he whispered, holding a shaky index finger to his lips to signify silence. With a deep breath, he strapped in and turned the car on, getting back on the road. Despite the radio not working, the clock did, and you stared at it. For an hour. You knew because you had watched an hour pass on the old digital display. Finally, he sighed.

"You can talk now, I guess,"

"What the hell was that?"

"Probably a nice mix of anxiety and embarrassment smooshed together to create a hellish combination of wanting to die,"

"You have anxiety?"

"I don't want to talk about it," you nod slowly.

"You're singing was nice," you murmur.

"Uh, thanks," he muttered. "I don't uh- I don't typically like people listening-,"

"That would be totally understandable if you weren't that good at it,"

"If you think complimenting me will make me let you go, you're wrong," he visibly tightened his grip on the steering wheel, the black fabric of his gloves pulling taut.

"Wasn't what I was going for, but ok,"

"Then what were you going for," he sighed heavily.

"Could you sing something? Like, louder than a whisper?"

"No," his response was immediate. "Absolutely not,"

"What? It's not like I'll be able to tell anyone," he did a small leg bounce.

"Will you shut up about being bored if I sing one song?" A hum and a nod from you give him his confirmation. "Shit…," he sighed under his breath. "Did you have a song in mind?"

"No," he groans quietly.

"Not a single one?"

"No," you shake your head. "Hadn't planned on you saying yes, so just pick one you like," He threw his hand up in what could only be exasperation.

"Fine, fine," he took a deep breath, looking about ready to start. "Do I have to do this?"

"If you want me to shut up," He whined under his breath.

"But-,"

"Stop stalling and you can get it over with," You lean forward to see his face, which is still beet red with embarrassment, but this time with pursed lips.

"Gah, fine," he huffed, defeated. With another deep breath, he began. "I can't get a hold, hold on myself, tossin' and turnin' and screaming' for help. So much to say, so many words, but sometimes, you're lookin' so good that it hurts,'' You blinked slowly, eyes slowly widening. He'd probably stop if you said anything, so you remain quiet and avert your eyes from his head, leaning your head in your open palm again as you listened to the song. It wasn't a very fast paced or high energy song, making it sort of soothing to listen to. Mixed with his strangely superb singing voice, it melded together into a calming melody that was slowly making you relax and be ready for a nap.

"I know I'm not right, I'm messed in the head, so hurt me, desert me, just leave me for dead. I'm thinkin' 'bout thinkin', now my sun is shrinking'. I know I can float, but I'm sinking' instead. I don't wanna lose you, glad that I knew you, don't wanna be in my own head," he seemed to be enjoying himself as much as you were, except he wasn't dozing off like you. As he neared the last few sound effect things that were in the song, you had closed your eyes, breathing slower. In your half asleep state, your brain registered that he had finished singing, but it didn't matter to you as you slipped into unconsciousness, willingly this time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She was out cold and he sighed in relief, leaning his head against the back of the seat. Never again. Never again will he sing like that for someone else. Too much pressure on him to make it sound good, even if he didn't give a flying fuck about her opinion of him. Her sleeping form made him realize just how tired he was and he yawned. He'd gotten a max of two hours the night before, and even then they were the suckiest two hours of his life. This just meant he needed to get to his next hotel set up. He pulled the car over again and pulled out his phone, scrolling through nearby hotels. The closest was two hours away. He groaned silently and checked the bookings for it anyway. There were also no double beds. Peachy. Just peachy. His bottom lid twitched before he smacked his forehead on the broken horn again, sighing heavily in exasperation. No doubt she was going to bitch, but he really didn't have a choice. He needed proper sleep and she'd have to deal. He booked one of the rooms and took a breath to recollect himself before shutting his phone off and stuffing it back in his pocket. If he was lucky this place would have booze or something, it would be great to have a nice bottle of whiskey or something when dealing with this woman. The drive was obviously quiet, her soft snores the only noise to drown out the sound of everything wrong with his truck. In the silence, his mind wandered, as it usually did, which led him to the question of what the hell was this woman's name. It had been on her name tag, probably, but that had been stained with blood and removed earlier that day. Damn, he didn't even know what it began with.

Regardless, he drove in complete silence. Fastest two hours of his life, if he was being honest. With how tired he was, the promise of a nice bed and possibly alcohol made him a little giddy. The parking lot of the hotel came into view and he cheered quietly.

"Yes!" he sighed in slight celebration, pulling into the lot and quickly finding a place to park. He shut the car off and got his pills and took two. He liked to call them 'normal pills' because they made him look, well, normal. Anyway, he climbed out of the car and walked to her side, opening the door and climbing up on the step. The button clicked once he pushed it, and the seatbelt came up to go back to it's weird resting position against the side of the cab. He scooped her up bridal style. He was going to have to sell the dating thing again, not wanting to risk the weird look his mind guaranteed would be sent his way. He shook his head, removing the thought from his mind and hopping off the step, using his shoulder to push the door closed. With a quick grip adjustment, he headed for the door, barely making it through the sliding doors, as he was too impatient to wait for them to open fully. He did the usual checking in process, the person at the front desk only glancing at the sleeping woman in his arms.

"Girlfriend?" They hum. He nodded. "Keep any noise you make tonight to yourselves,"

"What?"

"Be quiet," They clarified. He flushed up at what they had implied, and began to stammer over some of his words. They snort. "Calm yourself down boy," He swallowed.

"S-Sorry," They shake their head.

"Anyway, the pool is that way, the exercise room is right next to it, there's a bar over by the breakfast area. Pool hours are 9 AM - 11 PM, same with the exercise room. Bar is open from 7 PM - 6 AM," They hand him his key card. He nods a thank you and hurries to the stairs. It's more than a few floors up, but he didn't feel like going to find the elevator just yet. The woman stirred in her sleep, but he was too absorbed by his thoughts to notice.

"Jack?" He almost dropped her down the stairs in fright.

"Yeah?" he shook his head, resuming his climb.

"Where are we?"

"The next hotel,"

"Oh… what city are we in?"

"Only a fool would tell his hostage what city he's moved her to," he huffed. "And I am no fool," She grumbled.

"Dammit,"

"Don't pout about that, I've been fairly decent to you so far," She glanced up at him, brows furrowed.

"Yeah, but why?"

"You're more obedient when you're well taken care of,"

"Oh really? And what proof do you have for that?"

"You didn't tell that woman I had kidnapped you," he hummed.

"Because you were right next to me,"

"You've listened to my orders, more so when I'm not being violent,"

"I-,"

"You aren't resisting now, either, especially since you have the chance," That one was a test. He just told her she had a chance to escape. She remained still, cradled in his arms. "You aren't going to even try?"

"The stairs are really steep, I don't wanna risk falling," He nodded.

"Fair," He glanced down. "But I would fall too, wouldn't I?" More testing. He had to be sure she wouldnt run off on him if he had to leave her alone in the room for something.

"Just because you kidnapped me doesn't mean I want you to fall to your doom on a hotel staircase," she crossed her arms, huffing.

"Ok, Ok," he stopped talking. She continued to pout while he made his way up the rest of the stairs, onto their floor. Their room was at the end of the hall. He grunted as he shifted her onto one arm. She grew a bit flustered, probably because she was being held on one arm and that was kind of weird. He pulled the key card out of his pocket.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok ok ok, yeah, he's pretty cute when he's 'normal' looking. But now he's holding you on one arm. He's fucking strong. Like, really strong. 'Lord give me strength,' You think to yourself. He slides the card into the slot and opens the door, shifting you back so he was using both arms to hold you. He walked in and threw you on the bed.

"Why- why is there only one bed?" you tilt your head.

"There weren't any double bed rooms available when I booked it,"

"So we'll be sleeping on the same bed?"

"I don't care if you sleep on the floor, or the bed, or even the bathtub," he shrugged.

"Bed sounds comfy,"

"Then sleep on the bed, I'm too tired to care," he flopped back first onto the bed, sighing in relief.

"What if we accidentally spoon though?"

"Oh nooo, physical contact, what ever will we dooo??" Sarcasm was evident.

"You know for a guy who panicked when I saw him singing you're awfully chill about straight up cuddling me," He shrugged.

"I'm tired, and tired me just does not give a shit," he rubbed his eyes. "Besides, human bodies are cooler than demon ones, you'd be like the cold side of a pillow,"

"What the fuck," He let out a strained laugh.

"Sorry," he sat up, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm gonna go get my stuff, you gotta promise to stay here,"

"I make no promises," you cross your arms.

"I could always lock you in the bathroom with no means of entertainment, or you can stay out here, in a decent, air conditioned room, with a tv. Your choice," You sigh.

"Fine," a quiet grumble leaves you.

"I'll bring the clothes and toiletries up first, so you can take a shower,"

"Are you saying I need one?"

"We both need one, I'm just saying yours will probably take longer," You mull it over.

"Fine," He gave a thumbs up and stood.

"I'll be back," He left the room. You sigh and crawl onto the bed fully, closing your eyes.

(Song is Alonely by Public)

(I also use this song as a voice claim for Jack)

(Here’s the link)

https://youtu.be/b-MsOr5LCHI

Buster & Rio

Buster: I miss you Rio: Guarantee I miss you more Buster: State your case then Rio: 😍😍 Buster: That's a strong introduction, how are you gonna follow it through? Rio: 🤤🤤 Buster: I like the thread of your argument, I can't lie, but I still miss you more Buster: 'Cause a girl was flirting with me in the gym and after telling her all the ways she doesn't compare to you, how incomparable you are was, and is, all I could think about Rio: As much as I probably shouldn't encourage you to be rude to random girls Rio: I love that you do so Buster: She embarrassed herself long before I embarrassed her, reckoning she had a chance Rio: I know what you mean Rio: the stalker has been getting inventive today Buster: Tell me Rio: We're doing this whole project in comp sci about viruses and shit Rio: and they've sent a meant-to-be-creepy spam type email Rio: it's got attachments but Rio: I've not looked yet Buster: Send it to me, I'll open it for you Rio: I know it's unlikely they're that smart Rio: but what if it does have some computer-killing 👾 attached? Buster: Smart enough that we haven't worked out who they are yet Buster: but if it's a virus, I'll buy another laptop Rio: it seems ridiculous Rio: this proves it has to be someone at school now, at least Rio: it's not like I've posted about my fucking homework anywhere Buster: How big's that class? Buster: Can discount my sister and your brother already, like Rio: Don't Rio: you're about the only person I've not thought it could be at my craziest Rio: probably about 30 odd though, standard Buster: Baby, they're the crazy one and I'm not letting them drive you even slightly close to the edge Buster: Who do you know and who don't you, percentage wise? Rio: I thought I knew everyone in this school, this town Rio: you'd think if someone was as creepy as this, anyway, that you'd know, they'd fucking stick out a bit but no Buster: It ain't a film, there's no creepy music playing to give it away Rio: if it was, it'd be dragging Rio: time for the resolve and happy ending Buster: Yeah, I know Buster: You wanna try calling that helpline again? Rio: Maybe Rio: I just wanna talk to you Rio: that's more helpful Buster: It's the least bullshit lead we've had for ages, I'll find a way to narrow it down more somehow Buster: We've got an obsession with you in common, it'll be me who figures it out if any cunt can Rio: Yours is the only one I need Buster: If you need to stay here for a while I'll sort it with my parents, yours, school, whoever Buster: You know that Rio: I know Rio: it's more and more tempting to not leave every time I go Buster: I just want you to be able to take an actual deep fucking breath Buster: Like you said, the amount of time this has been going on is ridiculous Rio: I can forget about it, most of the time Rio: but it's when something new happens, unexpected Buster: I'll kill him when we work out who it is Buster: 'Til then, stay with me Buster: He never does fuck all when you're here Rio: At least that's quick Rio: too nice if anything, babe Rio: always say that about you Buster: It don't have to be quick or nice Buster: Don't underestimate me, babe Rio: 🤤🤤 I rest my case Buster: I love you, that rests mine Buster: I'd do anything for you Rio: I love you so much Rio: I'd definitely be crazy without you, stalker or otherwise Buster: There's a fair chance I'd be stalking you too if things were any different between us Buster: I'd leave better presents though Rio: and I'd know it was you always Buster: 'Course Buster: I'd want you to know Rio: hence there's no world in which we ain't a thing Buster: [has bought her the most expensive and best ever anti virus software and all that jazz so sends her the deets like there you go] Rio: this really has everything Rio: thank you Buster: He ain't gonna be smart enough to get through that, I've been reading reviews since you told me Buster: And I have it too now so you don't have to worry about sending me whatever bullshit he does to you Rio: We can open it together then? Rio: [I think it shouldn't be camgirl moments but something @school to drive that home] Buster: Yeah, on the count of three Rio: [just some creeper shots all throughout the day up until that lesson] Rio: these are today, I'm 99% sure Rio: I swapped my bag Buster: Forget going there tomorrow, I'm booking you a flight here instead Buster: I'll think of a lie to tell my parents if you still don't want anyone else to know the truth Rio: there was always the possibility Rio: but now I know it's someone I really see in person Rio: every day Rio: jesus Buster: I meant what I said, I'm gonna find out who, whatever it takes Buster: I know it feels fucked, but it's good, that it's one of 30 classmates rather than the numbers of lads who watch your streams Rio: it's true Rio: but those lads could be anywhere in the world, not in the same room as me Buster: Which is why you shouldn't be in that room until we know which sick cunt it is Buster: Just give me some time, it's not like I don't have the money to throw at it Rio: I couldn't be there if I had to Rio: I don't even want to be here at home now Buster: How soon can you be at the airport? Rio: not for a while Rio: I mean, tonight, maybe Rio: what should I tell my mam? Buster: Tell her I'm having a breakdown, it wouldn't be the first time Buster: I'll trash the house for realism if it comes to it, like Rio: it'll keep her from being worried Rio: pissed off is fine, I'll deal with that when I can Buster: Exactly Buster: And Ava's at a friend's so I don't have to worry about scaring the shit out of her with my acting Buster: 'Cause it'd be stupid not to feed my parents the same lie Rio: You don't have to go that method Rio: but I wouldn't blame you Rio: I'm trying to keep my freak out internal because I'm looking after the twins and your sister is on her way Buster: I'm glad you're not on your own, even if the company is Nance Rio: I was kinda hoping someone took the homework too seriously and was pranking the whole class Rio: but nah, the email was more specific than I let on to her, of course Rio: even before the pictures Buster: 'Course you were Buster: He'd been quiet for a while Rio: really think he'd get bored at some point Rio: I never react, respond, everything they tell you Buster: Now isn't really the time for me to reiterate how stalkable you are again when I can do better with compliments Rio: the fact you can make me smile even at this time Buster: I can do better than that too, I'll make you forget about it Rio: yeah? Buster: Yeah Rio: I need that Rio: my head is all over the place Buster: You've got it, and whatever else you need Rio: I only feel really safe when I'm with you Buster: You are safe with me, but you won't have to leave until you're also safe everywhere else Buster: I'm gonna fix it Rio: yeah Buster: I know I've said it before but this time I swear Buster: He fucked up by giving us a decent clue Rio: it does narrow it down Rio: even if it isn't the class, and it's just the school in general Rio: that's the most we've ever had to go on Buster: Exactly Rio: but what do we do Rio: if we work it out Buster: I told you, I'll kill him Rio: so you're the only one that ends up in prison Buster: I'm not a fucking amateur, babe Rio: mm Rio: 🙄😏 Buster: Hilarious Buster: Nance will be a way more receptive audience though Rio: yeah, really in the mood for this study sesh now Buster: I can easily change hers if you wanna get out of it Rio: nah Rio: I need to keep things normal Rio: only just invited her over, it'd be weird to change my mind Buster: You can blame me for that as well, I don't give a shit Rio: I can't leave yet, like you said, distraction is probably a good thing Buster: Alright, what can I do to make it a more bearable one? Buster: [loads of her fave things getting delivered to this gaff like don't be scared to answer your door, look they are all from me, here's the order confirmations] Rio: I don't deserve you Buster: You don't deserve the bullshit he's putting you through, you've always deserved me Rio: I feel like I should just Rio: stop the streams Rio: I know you aren't meant to change your lifestyle and habits for them but it wouldn't have happened if I weren't doing that shit Rio: I know you aren't meant to change your lifestyle and habits for them but it wouldn't have happened if I weren't doing that shit Buster: Fuck that, we know he's from school Buster: Being able to see you every day pre-dates anything you've done online Buster: He could've known you since primary Rio: I guess Rio: but would he be bothered if there was less out there to stalk Buster: It's not your fault, Rio Buster: It can happen to anyone, you know that Rio: it's happening to me though Buster: Not 'cause of anything you've done Buster: Come on Rio: anyway Rio: I'm gonna enjoy all these treats Buster: Good Rio: how much should I bring? Rio: when I pack Buster: As much as you want, I'll send you money for if your cases are over the weight limit Rio: don't want it to look like I'm running away too hard but Buster: You're overthinking it, you never travel light anywhere, nobody'll notice Rio: I need options Buster: I'm not mad about it and I don't care if my parents are Rio: they're going to be Rio: you'll have to go to school, be 😇 to show I'm totally not a distraction Buster: You are, but I'll still go Buster: All that matters to me is that you feel safe Rio: I will do Rio: and I'll find ways to be useful to them as well as distracting to you Buster: Winning over Ava is basically the same thing as winning them over Buster: You've had loads of practice at that Rio: kids are easy Buster: She's easier than Grace, obviously Rio: wouldn't take much on Ava's part Rio: bless Buster: She'll be distracting at any rate Rio: I can take her to school and shit, free up some time for them Buster: Yeah, and once you've had some time, we can sort out getting your assignments and shit sent over Rio: I won't miss anything important Buster: It'll be fine Buster: I'll make sure it's fine, like Rio: I know you will Buster: You gonna facetime me into this study session or what then? Rio: depends Rio: are you going to be nice? Buster: To you Rio: well you're always nice to me Buster: Are you asking me to help Nance with her homework? Rio: how much do you think she'd appreciate that? Buster: She wouldn't, so of course I'll do it Rio: I can't with you two, honestly Buster: You love me, you don't even want her to come over Rio: I'm not getting in the middle of it Buster: You already are Rio: No I'm not, shh Buster: It's okay, I know you're on my side Rio: I love you more than anyone else in the world Rio: goes without saying Buster: I still really like hearing it Rio: You know you can hear it any time you want Buster: Is she there yet? Rio: nope, you remember how long that drive takes, even in an uber Buster: I'll call you then Rio: 🥰 Buster: [does obvs] Rio: I'll just be here counting down the minutes 'til you can hold me Buster: However long it feels, you'll be staying longer Rio: promise? Buster: I swear Rio: then I'm happy Buster: If you are, I am too Rio: I haven't even asked you how your days been Rio: I'm so rude Buster: Before and after I shot down gym girl there ain't much to report Rio: what did she look like? Buster: Every other girl in this postcode Rio: Blonde and skinny Buster: Yeah Rio: vaguely equine, dresses more like a nan than nan ever would Buster: I'll have to remember all that for the next one Rio: I can tell her myself if you like Buster: If you like Rio: Me? The jealous type? Buster: The jealous type and my type Rio: I better be Rio: only type Buster: You're the only one I've ever wanted or will ever want, you definitely don't need to add that to the list of shit that's worrying you right now Rio: I just like to hear it Buster: I'll tell you again then, I want you so much Rio: even without all this bullshit Rio: it's been too long Rio: I hate every second I'm not with you Buster: I know, me too Buster: I'm not gonna say he's done me a favour, but I am glad you're coming to stay Rio: I'll say it Rio: may as well get something good from it Buster: I'd rather you didn't have to deal with any of this bullshit, obviously Rio: of course Rio: I told you, I've never thought it was you, it's okay Buster: It's not okay that I haven't been able to do fuck all about this though Buster: I'm sorry Rio: Don't Buster: It's not good enough, I know that Buster: I'm gonna do better Rio: Stop it Buster: I mean it, Rio Rio: we've done everything we can Rio: it's not fair on me or you to act like we haven't Buster: I just hate this Rio: I know, baby Buster: You're the best thing that's happened to me, this shouldn't be happening to you Rio: It really could happen to anyone Rio: it's shit Rio: but you make me feel safe, that isn't nothing Buster: I'll calm down before you get here Buster: I swear Rio: you don't have to Rio: you can be mad, I am Rio: but you don't need to blame yourself, even if it's second to him, it's all on him Buster: I am angry but you've got the wrong twin if you reckon I'm willing to make any of this about me Buster: I'm here for you Rio: Trust me, I know Rio: she seems distracted herself recently Buster: Yeah? Rio: I'll try to work it out, not had time yet Rio: she won't say anything if you're on the phone though Buster: I don't have to be, if you wanna do some investigating Rio: I know you wanna know too Buster: I know if you get her started she'll talk about herself until you've gotten all of your own bullshit exists Rio: and you're a little nosy too, you can admit it Rio: I'll get the gossip Buster: She's still my sister Buster: 'Course I wanna know if she's being stalked as well or whatever Rio: You're cute Rio: and I do not think it's that Rio: obviously Buster: You know what I mean Rio: I do Rio: that's why I wanna know too Buster: Okay, tell me when you do Rio: 🧐 Rio: wouldn't suit the hat Buster: You'd suit anything, don't lie Rio: 😊 Rio: I mean if that's your thing I'll do my best Buster: If it was that wouldn't be the first you've heard of it Rio: be mad if it was Rio: you have to tell me exactly what you like so I can be it Buster: You are Buster: And I don't have, or want to have, any secrets from you Rio: secrets are boring Rio: and hard to keep Buster: Neither of us could ever be boring Buster: And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you forever Rio: You've got me Rio: not going anywhere Buster: Only closer to where I am, not further away Buster: Soon as your mum is back and your study session is over Rio: not that I need to do this homework now Rio: just be throwing subtle hints at Nance instead Buster: Be fucking typical her if she's getting bullied there as well Rio: I'd know if she was Rio: only have the two lessons with her but contrary to what the stalker suggests, I know most people well enough that they wouldn't Buster: Well Ava'll probably get a love life before she does, Christ knows what else it could be then Rio: ugh don't Rio: it's coming up with Edie for sure Rio: Jun is like Nancy and Billie isn't bothered thank god Rio: hate it Buster: Who's bothered about Edie then? Buster: Tell me your gossip Rio: It's just like the boys she hangs with are less useless stoner and more keep your eye on them types than Billie's friends Rio: and they aren't just friends types, I don't trust 'em Buster: Maybe I should be getting on a plane instead of you Rio: at least none of them are stupid Rio: especially not Eds Rio: have to hope anyway Buster: I've taught her how to protect herself physically, I reckon she can handle lads trying to get in her head Buster: Like you said Buster: She's no stupid kid Rio: Yeah, she has all the tools and advantages she can be given Rio: 💘 and hormones still make people stupid though Buster: I remember Rio: well yeah, ignoring the fact we'd be used as prime examples in that lecture Buster: Sure we have been, never too early for mum and dad to tell Ava what not to do Rio: As if we'll have started a trend Rio: if it wasn't you it'd be a really bad idea Buster: They should want her to have this, how I feel about you, how happy I am Buster: It's not as if they can actually judge us for who it's with Buster: This family are way past that Rio: You'd think Rio: I'm way past caring Rio: it was so Rio: I wasn't me without you Buster: I feel exactly the same, you know I do Buster: The only thing I've ever done wrong was not be with you, every bad thing I did or that was done to me can be traced back to that Buster: We're free now and this stalker isn't gonna make you feel otherwise any more, I'm not letting it happen for another fucking day Rio: we can get through anything, we've got the rest stacked against us and we're still strong Rio: as long as you love me, then there's nothing anyone can say or do Buster: I really fucking love you Rio: I love you Rio: endlessly Buster: [a flight he's booked her like this is happening no matter what excuse us fam] Rio: 🙏 Rio: I cannot wait Buster: Me either Rio: you can pick me up from the airport, right? Buster: Nothing could stop me Rio: Yay 🥰🥰🥰 Buster: You need me to help you with all that luggage Rio: it will be one suitcase Rio: and a sizeable handbag, thank you 😂 Rio: but I still need you Buster: I'll be early regardless Rio: you're the best Buster: No, I do my best, you don't even have to try Rio: You don't either Rio: but I will for you and I appreciate that you do Buster: I appreciate everything that you do Rio: you will Rio: that's the plan Buster: I do, whether or not shit goes to plan Buster: You're one of the strongest people I know, the least I can do is give you the reminder Rio: Buster Rio: it won't always be this dramatic, you know Rio: being together Buster: I don't care if it is, you're worth it Buster: And I'd endure the worst suffering I can possibly imagine to be with you if any alternative meant not being Rio: now you're just being hot about it on purpose Buster: I told you I miss you, nothing's changed Rio: I miss you all the time Rio: but I'm down for all the ways you make it worse Buster: [sends her a pic from when he was at the gym earlier like okay we're testing the waters but not very much yet lol] Rio: oh Rio: yeah, I would've flirted with you too Buster: What would you have said? Rio: Hmm Rio: ask you to check my form Buster: As long as you'd have time for how thorough I'd be, I don't have any problem with that Rio: Of course Rio: I'd ask you because you're clearly an expert Buster: And there's no need for me to hold back on my expertise as you're clearly so receptive to it, not to mention deserving Rio: Don't, I want you to show me exactly how you do it Buster: Never, I wouldn't wanna leave you with more questions than answers Rio: of course, but there are some things I could show you in return for all you're going to teach me Buster: Yeah? Buster: You've got yourself a deal, babe Rio: are you going to let me come to the gym with you really Buster: If you want to Buster: I'll try not to get too distracted at the prospect Rio: you look like that, obviously I want to Buster: [a pic of how he looks now like we can also stay in this bed where I currently am chilling] Rio: 🥺🥺 GIMME Buster: You're not meant to change your behaviour or habits for that cunt, remember Buster: Say please Rio: please Rio: please let me be in that bed right now Buster: [treat that gal to some more pics boy she's had a shit day] Rio: please be with me right now Rio: in me Buster: You know that's all I want Rio: you're perfect, Buster, you know that Buster: We're perfect for each other Rio: marry me Buster: As soon as we can, I will Rio: seriously Buster: I am being serious Rio: oh Buster: Once we're both 18 nobody can stop us Rio: yeah but Rio: nobody would come Buster: I only need you to turn up Rio: technically Buster: And actually, 'cause the rest of my family won't and like you said, I'm past caring Rio: if you were going to do it Rio: you'd want the big day, the venue, the clothes, the car Rio: everything proper Buster: If you were going to do it, you'd want your family there, you can say what you really mean Rio: we can't just do all that for two people Buster: We can do whatever we want Rio: I just wish people would be happy for us Buster: I know, I haven't properly asked you yet 'cause I want everything to be perfect for you and there's fuck all I can do to give you that Rio: it'll never happen, I know that Rio: I've accepted it, it's just hard to make total peace with Buster: There was a time when I reckoned we'd never happen Rio: yeah Buster: I don't care who or how many people I have to turn my back on for you, it'll never matter as much as us being together Rio: it shouldn't have to be like this Rio: it's bullshit Buster: Yeah, but it is, and I've made my choice Buster: You know the things I'd do differently and none of 'em are about not ending up here Rio: Me too Buster: Changing their minds is as likely as us changing ours, it's an old fashioned stand off, like Rio: True Rio: it's like, they forget they're meant to be anti-us sometimes though Rio: and it's just normal, like we're any other couple Buster: Maybe when we've has as many years as my parents, it will actually be considered normal Rio: you reckon? Buster: Worked for them Rio: I guess nan and granddad are sufficiently over it Rio: had competition though, didn't they Rio: don't think that's likely to repeat itself Buster: Fingers crossed Nance is hiding a dark enough secret to take at least some of my parents' attention nevertheless Rio: in your dreams, babe Buster: Why would I dream about her downfall when I could dream about your happiness? Rio: alright 😇 Buster: We're not married yet but in regards to that, what's mine is yours, babe Buster: And vice versa Rio: you know I want it too Rio: to be married to you, and have everything we want Buster: Then I'll make it happen, exactly how you want Buster: Where there's a will there's a way, yeah? Especially when it's my will getting involved Rio: I trust that Rio: you Buster: Good 'cause you can Buster: About this and everything else Rio: then that's settled Rio: and Nance is finally here Buster: I'll still be here if you need me Rio: 🧡🧡🧡 Rio: you focus on doing everything you possibly can before I get there so you can spend as much time with me as we've got Buster: Consider it done

Steamy Love (A Tom Hiddleston x Reader) Part 21: ~Friendship~

Summary: You spend more quality time with your best friend and best man!

Warnings: None.

Read it on my Wattpad: @/HiddlesStar

Word count: 1715

Author Notes: Sorry this chapter took so long! Had to take a break to get the creativity back. Expect weekly chapter updates to resume again!

Tags: @theoneanna @midnightdragonzero @drakesfiance @kcd15 @ihthr @deviantsendbyreallife @bookgirlunicorn

"What the hell is 'Leg Day'?" Your friend asked, looking rather confused.

Your cheeks immedietly got a little pink. You had remembered in the last live stream you did with Tom, he mentioned the infamous High-Rise 'Leg Day' inside joke you two had created in regards to the first love scene where Laing lifts Charlotte's legs up. He had referenced the joke while talking about how Zero Suit Samus fights in Smash Bros. Ultimate. He didn't explain it, though, keeping the inside joke as an inside joke.

"Umm.." You paused again. You really weren't sure how to explain it, or even if you should explain it. It was a bit...personal.

"Well...it's..."

Before you could really give a response, Tom knocked at the door, walking in once he had permission.

"Are you ladies hungry at all?" He asked. You could tell your friend liked being called that from him. You weren't offended by their little crush. You understood how they were feeling, and it honestly made you feel even luckier to be with Tom.

"I am." You smiled some.

"Me too!" Your friend chirped. "I've barely eaten today."

"Shall we go out for lunch? Say, 10 minutes?.." Tom smiled some.

"In 10 minutes works!" You chirped, and your friend nodded in agreement. Tom gave a little wave and left, closing the door again. Surprisingly, your friend didn't ask about Leg Day again, thankfully. They probably just forgot about it.

After a couple minutes, the three of you left to go get some lunch. Unfortunately by now, the paparazzi knew what streets you and Tom go down to get to places like the grocery store and restaurants, so you'd spot cameras at specific areas. Tom tried not to acknowledge the cameras as you all exited the vehicle after arriving at a lunch joint, but you and your friend gave a slight wave before entering the building, knowing they couldn't follow you in. You were surprised to see that no one in this lunch place knew Tom or you, so you didn't see anyone watching you while you all ate.

"How did you two meet, again?" Your friend asked as you waited for your food.

"I'm surprised she didn't tell you.." Tom smiled, referring to you.

"No I told her. She probably just wants to hear the story again.." You chuckled, getting a little grin from Tom. "We met when he came to my hotel room asking for an extra towel. I didn't even know it was him at that moment.."

"I don't blame you. Me and Loki look nothing alike.." Tom smirked.

"Still, I should've recognized those nice eyes immedietly.." You admitted, getting another big smile from Tom. "It was actually (BF/N) that helped me remember who you were."

"Really?" Tom asked, a little surprised.

"Yeah, I had a call with her on that bus ride to the meeting. That's when she told me. After that, I met you at the meeting the director had set up. That's where I learned we would be costars.."

"Ooh, and the rest is history.." Your friend giggled, nudging you some.

"Do you think you would've realized it was me at the meeting, if she hadn't of reminded you?" Tom asked curiously.

"I mean, they said your last name in the meeting.." You nodded some. "My anxiety would've gone through the roof." You joked, Tom smirking somewhat mischievously.

"I hope you guys weren't having super obvious eye-sex at the meeting." Your friend joked with a chuckle.

"Oh not at all. Not until we got to his hotel room that day.." You admitted with a wink. Tom gave a little snicker.

"I was quite tempted to make a move then, I'll admit.." Tom smirked.

"So was I.." You grinned, seeing Tom's eyes darken and look you over.

"Hey." Your friend snapped their fingers some. "We're in public! Y'all are like rabbits. Jesus.." They shook their head, making you and Tom laugh.

"People would lose their minds if they heard this conversation, I swear.." Your friend laughed, leaning back against their seat.

It was nice reminiscing about your first couple days with Tom, before you had even begun to share a living space. You remember the dark fantasies that had been playing in your head when you went back to his hotel room with him. Now you've probably relived those fantasies twice as much as you expected in your bedroom, and now especially out of the bedroom.

"Let them hear." You shrugged, noticing Tom's slight surprise. You had started to come across paparazzi the more you and Tom have gone out. You wondered if any one of them had watched your streams to get any juicy gossip. Things have been amazing. Any gossip has been good and just excites fans.

During lunch, you talked a lot about your streams. Tom's been really interested in the technical side of it. He's almost been a regular guest. You guys can't even count how many inside jokes you've created.

Leg Day will always be your favourite, of course. It was practically the first.

After dinner, you all returned back to Tom's house. You all decided to stream together. It would probably be a while until the three of you get together again. Now's a good time for it. You all got to play a game together too, deciding to pick Smash Ultimate since it had just come out. Helping Tom figure out these games is one of the best parts of streaming with him. He could be so old sometimes.

"Oh my God, enough with the legs!" You chuckled as you fought against your best friend. They're good with Zero Suit Samus, and they use the Up B attack when you're about 100% to get a stock off you. They're really good.

"What, I thought you liked Leg Day?" Tom commented with a smirk, getting a shy but playful chuckle out of you.

"I don't wanna hear any of that shit, big dog." You chuckled. You could practically hear Tom's big grin as he gave out that iconic 'ehehehe' laugh.

"Y'all still have to tell me what that means." Your friend commented. You gave a slight playful glance to Tom, and he returned the expression. This is very entertaining.

Further into the stream, you were letting your friend teach Tom how to play. He wanted to get better with Joker.

"Joker is a pretty cool character." You admitted with a little smile, keeping an eye on chat while watching Tom and your friend play.

"He seems cool.." Tom smiled. He liked using the white school uniform skin, rather than the mask skins.

"I like his mask. It suits him." Your friend added. "Do you think Loki would ever wear a mask?"

"I don't think he'd want anything to cover his face.." Tom replied. "He may wear one to a Ball, as like a disguise.."

"Who would want to cover those eyes?" You smiled, getting a bashful smile from Tom.

"Very true.." Tom nodded.

As Tom was learning to play, you kept an eye on chat. In a quick moment, something caught your eye.

"Someone sent in a donation and just wrote in 'Nut Hiddleston' and it's really confusing.."

Your friend laughed. "Tom Nut Hiddleston.." They spoke, making you laugh as well.

"Nut? What? What does that mean?" Tom asked, a little confused. "Like a peanut?"

Oh God. That just made you laugh more. How can this man be so innocent in public, but a freak under the bed sheets?

"Sure. A peanut.." You nodded, though you could tell Tom didn't believe that's what it actually meant.

"What? What does it mean?" He asked again, getting all confused when you and your friend giggled. "What does nut mean?"

Him repeating the question just made you laugh more. Hearing it with such a concern tone in his voice was just hilarious. You were starting to notice that little small things he did were funnier than you'd normally think, like him giving little smiles or dropping something. It would give you a warm feeling in your chest, too.

You finally leaned in close to his ear to whisper what it meant. His expression went from slight confusion, to complete embarrassment.

"O-Oh my.." Tom blushed heavily, fixing his glasses. "I-I see.." You giggled again, shaking your head.

"How did you not know what it means?" Your friend asked Tom with a little laugh.

"I don't keep up with today's lingo!" Tom chuckled. "I just learned of what TikTok was the other day..."

"Oh God, TikTok.." Your friend cringed some, making you laugh. "Stay far away from that App, Tom.."

"From what I've heard, I can understand that.." Tom agreed.

After the stream was over, you all got ready for bed. You helped your friend get settled in the guest room, your former bedroom, before going back to your new room to lay down with Tom. You crawled into bed and nuzzled up to his half naked figure. He smiled and wrapped an arm around you.

"I nearly forget the times we slept in separate beds.." Tom admitted.

"I nearly forget what it's like not to wake up with jelly legs.." You added with a shy blush, getting a chuckle from Tom.

"It's not too much, is it?" He asked. "I'm a bit of an...adventurous lover."

"No, it's great.." You smiled, pecking Tom's chest. "You're great.."

Tom smiled, turning off the little side lamp so the room would get dark, laying down on his pillow and closing his eyes to fall asleep.

"...I'm gonna miss this.." You admitted, making him open his eyes again. "After March, you're headed back to the UK and I'm headed home.."

Tom detected the sadness in your voice. Truthfully, he would miss this too, but he couldn't possibly ask you to move in with him, or at the very least, spend another couple months away from home.

"...Hey now, that's not for another couple months.." Tom spoke up, trying to lighten the mood. "Let's enjoy the time we still have together.." He pecked your forehead, making you smile a bit.

"I know.." You spoke in a soft tone, nuzzling close before closing your eyes and falling asleep.

You can't keep delaying this conversation forever, though.

༄ Swipe, baby! | Part 11 - I can do this

Idol!Taehyung x Reader sm/au

< Previous | Next >

➺ Word count: 1,5k

Genre: Crack humor, Romance/Fluff

╰ You both swiped right on each others tinder profile with no pictures of yourselves.

You keep the details on the low; no names, no nothing, only your ages. To keep the interest until the meeting, you started talking casually, but little did you know that the guy that's trying to get into your pants is no one else than Kim Taehyung, Singer of BTS, and little does he know, that you are completely whipped for the man, an army by heart since day 1.

Start reading!

⇣ ⇣ ⇣ ⇣ ⇣ ⇣

• Taehyungs POV •

This is simultaneously the best and the worst night of Kim Taehyungs life. Before this date, he thought he had her wrapped around his finger. He felt like he was in control and everything was nice and dandy, but now, everything is definitely not nice and dandy anymore. Here he is, next to him probably the hottest girl he's been with as she's doing all these things to him and yet he can't do anything because they are in the car on their way home.

You're all over him.

You're eyeing him in the most innocent but yet seductive way, you're playing with a strand of your hair- you're doing everything that's tempting a man, and you are fully aware of that. Never has he ever wanted to be as far away from a girl as possible like he does in this moment. On the contrary, he really does not want to be anywhere that doesn't include you, him and sheets all around you.

,I can do this. I can totally do this. It's not that far 'til we get home. What can it be? Fifteen more minutes? Pull yourself together Taehyung, you are not sixteen anymore. You can do this!‘

Sure, he was convinced that he could make it. But, of course you have to prove him wrong. That is, as soon as he feels your hand on his thigh, slowly making its way to the inner side, gently sliding up towards his crotch. But of course, your hand never reaches it. You goddamn tease.

‚You're not sixteen, you're not sixteen, you're not sixteen... just distract yourself Taehyung... avert your gaze... you do not have to deal with this...‘

He's desperately trying to find a view that takes his mind off to another place, somewhere where he doesn't feel like he's either about to cum in his pants or take you right on the spot; he really wants to spare your driver the details.

The problem here is, it seems nearly impossible. Wherever he looks, you are haunting him. If he looks out the window, he can see your reflection. If he looks down, he can see your hand dangerously close to the area where he wants you most and not at all at the same time. If he'd only dare to look right, there he'd see you right next to him. And this is, when he makes his biggest mistake.

He looks forward.

There, his eyes meet the rear mirror. And what he sees has him inhaling sharply, pressing his eyes shut as strong as one can only do.

You're leaning in, your lips are making contact with the sensitive skin on his neck as they plant the slowest and softest kisses all over it, lips barely meeting his skin.

He's doing the only right thing a man in his situation could do now- he reaches for his phone. But as soon as he unlocks it, you're already there to take even that away from him; your face now painfully close to his as you whisper in his ear.

„No. Give your attention to me.“

Your voice is sweet like honey and yet it sets him on fire, your warm breath against his ear sending shivers down his spine. Taehyungs phone slides out of his hand onto the ground of the car as his head falling back. Furrowing his eyebrows he pulls his lips into a thin line. He really could cry right now.

He really is trying not to let it get to him, but you are not making it easy. Especially not with what you're doing right now. All he wanted was to have a very nice dinner with you that sets the right mood for the following night. Not only have you ruined that for him, no, you also gave him a hell ride for the way home, and he's sitting first class. Never did he hate being a man driven by hormones as much as today. All he wanted was something hot for the night, something that makes him feel like he's got game, not this existential crisis. So how dare you to touch his arm and guide your hand downward, as you bend over and lower your body.

You come to a halt with the fewest of centimeters left between your face and his crotch. Oh, how he has to fight the urge to thrust his hips right into your face to close the distance. His breathing increases what feels like a thousandfold, and the only thing he can think of is how he wants you to touch him so badly. He's barely able to stay calm. With your mouth hovering so painfully close over his cock you're having it twitch inside his pants. He can feel you smirking under your breath- you are living your best life right now and he hates it.

He watches with heavy lidded eyes as you bring your right arm closer to where your head rests. Bracing himself for the releasing touch of your hand, he's thinking all about how he'd ever be able to live down the fact that there's a chance of him finishing right in his pants- that's how far you've driven him at this point. He must have done something very terrible but very good at the same time in his past life to deserve this bittersweet torture that's been given to him.

Leaning back and closing his eyes, he's preparing himself for what would be the most embarrassing moment in his life; while on the contrary your tease finally wouldn't have an effect on him anymore if he'd happen to blow early. The more surprised he is when he realizes, that the touch he's been waiting for never comes. Looking down to where he finds you, he observes you slowly lifting your head, looking up. You arch your back in the most elegant way as you raise back up, facing him with slightly parted lips as your eyes are piercing right through his soul.

„You dropped something.“ you whisper as you calmly bring up your hand to reveal the phone that's dangling between your thumb and your index finger. Huffing in disappointment, all he does is take the phone away from you with a muffled ,thank you‘ while he can see you biting your lip to hide away a grin.

As you softly play with the hair on the lower back of his head he can feel himself almost giving in; he's leaning into your touch while closing his eyes in enjoyment. Out of all the things you've done to him he wouldn't have thought that something so innocent would be the thing that'll have him weak.

„All this teasing you've done will have payback, you know that, don't you?“ Taehyung says with the softest voice, but you can hear how serious he is.

„Oh? Is that so? Sounds like you barely can take it,“ you coo back at him playful, yet seductive.

„You should've seen by now that I can take it, your dress might be beautiful and you might be very, very hot,“ he says swallowing hard. „But I am not going to falter.“

He opens his eyes to lock them with yours. Both of your eyes are dark and with lust, the tension lies thick in the air. His gaze averts to your lips that are decorated with a lingering smile. Your right hand finds its way back to his thigh to brace some of your weight on it as you lean in again. Your other hand softly brushes away some of the hair thats barely reaching over the top of his ear.

Taehyung presses his lips together, he knew you'd only take it as an invitation to keep going, but as your whispered words mixed with hot breath reach his ears, he chokes on his own air.

„Do you know what's also very, very hot? Under this dress I wear.... nothing.“

He flinches away in distress, that was too hot, everything is too hot right now. Burying his face in his hands he lets out an inaudible whine. That was one comment too much. Anything would have been okay, but that really was the cherry on top.

„Sir, we have arrived,“ a voice suddenly calls out and Taehyungs body slightly jumps at the unexpected noise, his head poking up.

It takes him a few seconds to process what he just heard, but as soon as he does he opens his door and hurries out, shutting is door in a swift push.

Seconds later, he's opening yours and reaches for your wrist.

„Come. Now,“ he demands as he yanks you out of your seat.

He's not playing anymore.

a/n: I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO THIS I AM SO SORRY OH GOD THIS POOR DUDE IS SUFFERING KFLSLSLSLDN GOODBYE—

Taglist:

@foreverconfused-foreverlost @depressed-philosophers-daughter @hobisbeech @torrentmgc @rjsmochii @xxqueenwxtchxx @messedupfangirl05 @xosetsuna @babyboyjiminn @stray-kids-in-your-area @thefooolonthehill @yeosinlana @sippinpeachtea @stbangtan @kpopkermit @d-noona @sarahleslie123 @sociallyawkwardforever @oodlespadoodle @btssouls

Mixtape pt. 4 [M.YG]

Part 4

Category: One Shot series

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Female!Reader

Summary: Living as an aspiring rap artist in Seoul, all you want to do is work on your music and try to get your name out there. Of course when you have someone as annoying and spiteful as Min Yoongi makes that extremely difficult. Until he decides to help you out.

Warnings: smut, language, some Namjoon action (which ofc is a warning cause oof), angry Yoongi, alcohol consumption, perhaps some angst but not really

Warnings for this chapter: Honestly none except slight mentions of sex

Author's Note:so sorry it took so long to get his out thank you for being patient ♡ this chapter is short. Like really short but I'll try to make the next one longer ~ Autumn

Tags; @notsolovelykarsyn @psychoticshawtyy

Cannot tag: @deesixx2801

[Message me to be added to the tag list so you can be notified for new updates]

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It was like clockwork, waking up again and feeling angry and bitter at myself. Making myself something to drink and brooding and contemplating telling Yoongi not to come, tell him I'm sick. Any excuse not to see him again.

I sat on the couch, staring at Yoongi's contact, chewing my lip. I pressed his contact and texted him.

Me: don't come today, I've come down with something

Jerk: OK

I sighed, putting my phone down, going to take a long shower and try and get over the pounding in my skull, drinking was never a good idea. I undressed, stepping into the shower and allowing the steaming water to pour down my body, my eyes closing in content. I lathered myself in soap and wrapped myself in a towel, ruffling my hair with another to dry it faster. A faint knock had me frowning, dropping the towel I was drying my hair with I quickly adjusted the one covering my body, making sure I was appropriately covered, I went to the door, checking the peep hole and nearly yelped in shock.

Yoongi stood outside the door, container in hand and two drinks in another. His blonde hair was tousled and he was peering down the hall at something, scratching at his neck for a moment, pushing the grey goodie he wore for better access. I let out a short gasp. I told him I was sick! What was he still doing here? I backed away, from the door, eyeing it like it was deadly or toxic.

"Open the door Y/n I know you aren't still asleep, you texted me 30 minutes ago" Yoongi's aggregated voice came from the other side of the door. I swallowed and glared

"I told you I was sick Yoongi"

"And? Just let me in please your druggy neighbor keeps peeking at me and it's unnerving" he says, the last part fading into a whisper. I groan, pulling the door open, and Yoongi steps in quickly. He freezes once he sees my attire. Color floods his pale cheeks, and I blush darkly. "Uh, did I interrupt something?"

"N-No I just got done showering. I wasn't expecting you to still come" I mumble, excusing myself to dress, leaving Yoongi in my living room. I quickly pulled on a hoodie and sweatpants. I found him peering around my desk, and I clear my throat, and he turns to me. "Finished?" He asked and I roll my eyes.

"I still don't know why you're here, I told you not to come"

"I was already on my way when I got your text, and it wouldn't be the first time I've been around you when you're ill" he prompts, walking over to my kitchen island and setting the box and drink tray down.

"Have you considered maybe I don't want to see you?"I snap, fed up with him already. Memories of last night kept swimming in a haze, the alcohol making it dim to remember everything, but I understood the jist of watching Yoongi stick his tongue down some girl's throat and going to bed with her.

"Have you worked on a song yet?"

He completely ignored my question, opening the box and the tempting smell of sushi wafted towards me. I folded my arms, and huff

"You didn't answer my question"

"You didn't answer mine" he smirks, plucking a sushi roll and plopping into his mouth. "I brought you some too come eat" he mumbles, his cheeks puffed as he chewed. I growl in frustration and take one. "Well?"

"Yes I've worked on the song" I grumble, remembering the furious drunk scribbling I did last night in anger. Yoongi swallowed, taking a drink from his cup and dusted his hands on his pants.

"Let's see then" he asks, and I walk over to my desk and snatch the papers and handed them to him. He raised his eyebrows at me, before scanning the angry lyrics. I knew what they were, those were the one thing I remember about last night. The lyrics spoke of harsh love, love that wasn't reciprocated and the pain of having to watch him move about and not do anything about it. I suddenly realized the inspiration of the song was reading it, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth formed the words. I grew nervous, wanting to know what was running through his head. He read through them twice before handing them back to me.

"They're very meaningful, full of emotion. I'd tweak the grammar a bit and take out a couple of repitions" he says, but his mouth moved as if he wanted to ask something else. His tone was guarded and he took another sushi roll and chewed it. I nod, returning the paper to the desk. The silence that followed was awkward. Yoongi wanted to ask something, I could see it in his eyes. It did nothing more than agitate my already hostile mood with him. He chewed the sushi in silence, eyeing me as I watched cars come and go out the window above my desk. It got to much.

"Just ask what you want to ask Yoongi" I sigh, turning to look at him. He seemed embarrassed that I had caught him, but as he eyed me, his nervousness quickly snapped and he spoke.

"Is the song about the guy you're with?" He asks, tone cold and judging.

"What guy?" I frown at him, halfly with exasperation

"The Panda Express guy" he said impatiently, like I was an idiot of some sort. My eyes widened and a blush rose on my cheeks.

"I'm not seeing the Panda Express guy Yoongi" I growl.

"Are you sure?" His tone mocking.

"Positive."

"Then what are the looks he gives you every time we go out after a session?"he accuses. I groan, this boy. He acts almost like he's jealous. Which couldn't be true considering the activities he had partaken in merely 12 or so hours ago.

"That's what they are Yoongi. Looks. He kept trying to ask me out but I turned him down. He thinks we have something special after we drunkenly kissed at a friends party over a year ago" I scoff. Yoongi squinted at me, trying to see if I was telling the truth.

"Jimin?" I groan, wanting to strangle him.

"Just a friend"

"You sure?" His tone was sharp "you seemed awful cozy last night"

"Dammit Yoongi I don't like Jimin! I don't like the Panda Express guy! I've never done more than kiss a guy so stop treating me like I'm some common whore" I yell, fists clenching in anger. Yoongi blinked, taken aback my my outburst. He looked guilty for a split second, and he eyed me. I blushed, realizing I had admitted my viginity to a guy who had probably taken many.

"You've never had sex?" He asks after a pause. I turn my eyes to the ground, not meeting his gaze

"No. Never found a guy I liked enough to do things with" I mumble. I didn't like the silence. That all that seemed to be happening were bouts of awkward and tension-filled silence. I just wish he'd speak. Yoongi was always bad with words, except when he was rapping. Then he could spit out words faster than I could comprehend.

"Neither have I" I was caught in my thoughts that I almost missed him saying it. I looked at him, and he looked back. This pissed me off. I balled my fists, walking over to him, and grabbed him by his hoodie. He yelped as I dragged him towards the door. The shock must have allowed me to do so, considering Yoongi was taller than me and more built. I shoved him towards the door.

"Get out" I snap. "I don't want you here again. If all you're going to do is patronize me and slut shame me and tell lies then I don't want you here. Ever" Yoongi sputtered at me

"What are you-"

"No!" I cut him off "you don't get to listen to me announce my intact viginity only for you to reply with you haven't had sex either" I growl, pointing my finger in his face.

"I havent-"

"Liar! You had your tongue down some poor girls throat just last night! I saw you so I dare you to deny it" I hiss. He swallowed cautiously.

"I won't deny it, but I didn't have sex with her" I snort and he glared at me. "it's true. I was going to, but I stopped. I always stop. I can't bring myself to do it" he mumbles, running a hand through his hair. I frown, not fully believing him. He always had girls at parties, every single time. He'd take a girl upstairs, and now he's trying to say he's never slept with them? I was doubtful.

"Why do you stop? They're pretty and eager" I ask

"Because I don't like them. I don't want to have sex with someone I don't care about. It needs to mean something." He says. I study him before replying. He seemed honest and genuine, I didn't see a trace of a lie on his features. My next question I knew would anger him, it was a touchy subject, but I couldn't deny my jealousy that wiggled it's way into my head.

"The girl in the song you wrote for, is she special?" I ask. Yoongi's gaze was intense, and I had to will myself not to look away. I stared into his brown eyes as he spoke.

"More than she could possibly know" he says, his voice low and calm. The air sparked with a new kind of tension, created from his words and gaze. It sent pickles of emotion up my spine and caused a round of goose bumps to grace my arms. The jealousy egged me on, I wanted to know more about this girl that apparently plagued his thoughts enough to have a song written for her. Did she know about the crush Yoongi was harboring so deeply for her? Maybe not, or they'd be together already.

I didn't realize how close Yoongi was to me. His face hovered inches away from mine. I could feel the exhaled breath fan across my face and the heat his skin put off warm the air between us. It chilled me, him being so close and my cheeks spread with warmth as I realized he hadn't broken eye contact. He licked his lips, and leaned forward just slightly, his breath setting me aflame.

The loud sound of a phone ringing caused us to jump. Yoongi stumbled back into the door and I turned to find the offending noise. Yoongi phone was vibrating and ringing nest to the food and drinks. I tried to still my rapid hear beating as Yoongi quickly walked over to it, picking it up and answering it.

"Hello?" His voice was higher pitched and his cheeks were flushed pink. Incomprehensible words came from the other side. Yoongi hummed "okay I'm in my way. Try to get him not to move it" he says and hangs up. He glanced at me "I need to go"

"What happened?" I ask, instantly worried. He wrinkled his nose

"Namjoon's roommate, Seokjin, got his hand caught in the sink. Reached down to grab something and it got stuck. I need to go help get it out while Namjoon panics unnecessarily" he says. I open my mouth to respond, to tell him I wanted to come, but he was already out the door with a quick slam and a rushing sound of clothing, leaving me alone and confused.

BroDave Week, Day 1: Mythology

AN: I am hella late, and this is incomplete, but here we are. Using a prompt from the Stridercest Discord Server.

Dirk called first.

Dave could've ignored it, and was tempted. Not because he was busy, but because he wasn't. He was enjoying a rare moment to himself, stretched out on the clean white sheets of his bed, listening to his own music and counting the wavy lines and whorls of red and green on the ceiling of his bedroom. It was like living in a perpetual Christmas, but he'd gotten used to it. Now, it wasn't a weird color scheme, it was his space. It made him feel peaceful and calm, and there hadn't been a lot of any of that in the three months of settling into their new jobs.

'King', it turned out, was kind of a big deal.

But it wouldn't be fair to ignore Dirk, not when Dirk had answered Dave's calls at all hours of the night. So Dave rolled over and scooped up his phone, tugging one earbud out.

"Sup homeslice?"

"Hey, man," Dirk said. "You at your place?"

"Yep. Kickin' back, listening to some pretty sweet tunes. Not making any monumental, kingly, world-altering decisions, though that'll probably change in the next half hour, seeing as Karkat and Jade use me as a tie-breaker every time one of them gets it into their heads to do so much as change the curtains around here. D'you know how many times we've changed curtains? Twelve. Twelve times. It's like watching Martha Stewart self-destruct in a cocaine, Monster-fueled binge."

Dirk snorted. "I'll trust that you're the Martha Stewart expert around here. But I wasn't calling about her. I was calling to, y'know, kinda... Kinda give you a heads-up."

Dave raised eyebrows at the whorly ceiling. "What, you comin' over?"

"I can if you want, but that's not it. It's about Friday."

"What's Friday?"

"You know, that festival they're having? The one with the banners in the street? The orange and red flags, that logo with the sword and the shield, I know you've seen this shit."

"I wasn't gonna embarrass you by calling attention to this obviously gay party they intend to throw for the coolest members of the Earth-C pantheon," Dave said, grinning. "I'm not into RPF, but hey, if they wanna ship us, I won't tell 'em no. They've been doing it for a thousand years or something already, right? Might as well let 'em keep on with it. I'm no party pooper. Freedom of religion and all that, people deserve to worship what they please, and I'm giving my official stamp of approval. People of Earth-C, please imagine my clone brother and I having hot, sweaty sex. Draw fanart of us. Compose odes to parts of Dirk's body I've never seen and don't ever wish to see. Go for it. Draw dicks. Draw dicks touching. Make everything touch."

"Dave."

"I'm kidding. Well, not about letting them do whatever they're doing that involves us, their gods, but maybe about the dicks touching."

Dirk paused, which meant he was either rolling his eyes and praying for strength, or he was struggling to stay on the line.

"I'm kidding," Dave said again. "Sorry, go ahead. What'd you wanna tell me?"

"The celebration," Dirk said slowly. "It's not about you and me."

Dave's eyebrows went higher. "No? They kinda messed with the color schemes then, big time. Can we sue? Like, red and orange are our official hues, aren't they? I think we can make some kind of legal stand here. Get a court to grant us rights over specific colors in the light spectrum. Do we even need a court? Do we have God Mod powers or something?"

Another pause. "It's about you, yeah. And it's sort of about me, but not me-me. A version of me. That's what the orange is for."

"A version?" This was getting weird. Were the people of Earth-C unsure which Dirk was their god, and so had different days celebrating different slivers? "Which version?"

"Your version."

"My version? Isn't that you?"

"No, Dave. It's...  It's about your brother," Dirk said. Dave's heart seemed to drop out of his back, past his ribs, hurtling through the mattress and the floor straight toward the center of the planet. "You and your brother. That's what it's about."

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

It took Dave four hours to decide that he wasn't afraid, and another four hours attempting to figure out exactly what he wasn't afraid of. It was dark by the time he decided he should stop worrying about what might happen, and concentrate on what would definitely not happen.

Bro was dead. That was a fact.

Bro was not coming back. Probably. No, definitely. Absolutely definitely not.

Bro was crazy, and dead, and was definitely, definitely not coming back.

Even if Dave wanted him to.

No.

Dave did not want that. Bro coming back would be the worst. It would ruin everything. He would ruin everything. Dave had a place and a life and people who expected things of him. He couldn't give it all up, fuck everyone else over, just to go back to Bro.

Not that he would. He wouldn't. Of course he wouldn't. Why would he? Bro gave Dave nothing but pain. There was no reason to want him, no reason at all.

Except his perfect pecs and his tight ass.

Fuck.

With a desperate, abbreviated groan, Dave shoved his hands up under his sunglasses, digging the heels of his palms into the aching soreness of his eye sockets. There was something wrong with him. He knew there was. It was the worst secret of all. Not that his friends would judge him. Well, they might, but that wasn't what scared him. Bro scared him. With his big hands, and his wide shoulders, and his silent, smoldering aura, thick with silent, mocking possibility.

Dave could still remember the way Bro covered Dave's hands with his during their brief soundboard lessons. The touch of those calloused fingers after a strife, threading through Dave's hair, checking his scalp for injuries. The brush of rough thumbs over Dave's cheeks, over his collarbones.

He groaned louder and shoved his sunglasses off, rolling onto his stomach to bury his hot face in the cool pillows.

The juju-colored ceiling hung above him, swirly in his memory, taunting.

If only you could rid yourself of those pesky inhibitions, it seemed to say. If only you could admit to yourself what you wanted. If only you were man enough, you might be free.

It was a lie. He would never be man enough. He would never be as good --

He squashed the thought. It didn't matter. Bro was not coming back. Dave just had to make it through Friday, and everything would go back to the way it was. No more too-honest thoughts. No more re-awakening of long-buried, covetous feelings.

Friday, and then freedom.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

AN: Maybe tbc? We shall see...

MAKE OVER

Chapter 15: Personal Devil

Jung Hoseok x Reader

Reader as Kang Hyeonji

SUMMARY: When Kang Hyeonji transformed herself into a striking redhead, the entire male population of Seoul stood up and took notice. But her make over was for Jung Hoseok’s benefit alone. He began to show interest in the new look but not in the way she wanted. Suddenly he was over-protective, perhaps a little jealous. It seemed that the idea of having a relationship with her couldn’t be further from his mind. The girl however wants more. So it was time for an ultimatum. If Hoseok didn’t want Hyeonji to lose her virginity to another admirer, he had no option but to make love to her himself.

"Hyeonji...?"

Hyeonji was lying cross ways on the bed with her head cradled in the small of Hoseok's back. Hoseok stretched out on his stomach, face buried in the pillows. Till a moment ago, she'd thought he was asleep. And well he might have been. He had to be utterly exhausted. She herself was bone-weary.

But what an afternoon it has been!

She would never have believed she could come so many times in a few short hours. Or that a man and woman could make love in so many different ways and positions. Hoseok had seemed to delight in witnessing her shock at each successive and seemingly outrageous suggestion, before seducing her to his will with an ease that made mockery of her initial inhibited reaction. How quickly he's routed those inhibitions, showing her pleasures she could have only dreamed of, once she'd put aside or at least learnt to ignore that squirming embarrassment which came whenever he looked upon her body in some new and increasingly intimate fashion.

He'd become her own personal devil all right, tempting her in ways she might have read and dreamed about, but which she would never have believed she would dare to do. Her stomach fluttered at what he might be going to suggest now, just when she'd thought everything had to come to a satisfying conclusion. Was there anything else? She doubted it.

"Yes?" she murmured warily, her own eyes staying shut.

"Lift your head for a second will you?"

She did, and he rolled over onto his back. "Right. You can put your head back down again."

Her head now nestled into his stomach, Hyeonji's own stomach contracted. The nearness of his slumbering cock brought back hot memories of the last time she'd encountered his flagging desire, less than thirty minutes before. Hoseok had carried her into the shower after one of their torrid mating's and, after washing her all over, had given her the shower gel and the sponge and set her to returning the favor. She'd been shy at first, as she always was when confronted by one of Hoseok's new suggestions. Her hands had initially been hesitant on him, but not for long.

How exciting it had been to bring him to life again in such a stunningly intimate way. There'd been a dizzying sense of power at the sight of him growing harder and larger by the second, his moans letting her now how much he was enjoying her ministrations. The decision to sink to her knees and do to him what he's already done to her more than once had come without conscious thought.It had seemed perfectly natural, yet at the same time the most wildly exciting thing she'd ever done.

Hoseok, however had not been as comfortable with her bold lovemaking. His thighs had alternately trembled and tensed as he'd struggled to control himself.

"stop," he'd rasped at last, stiffening and bracing himself back against the cool, wet tiles. "You must stop."

But she had not stopped. If he'd been her own personal devil before, she was his at that moment, her lips tempting him with the dark excitement of total surrender to her will this time. And while the hot water beat down on them both and the bathroom filled with steam Hoseok had finally lost his battle of the flesh, and she'd her wicked way with him.

"Hyeonji?" he said again, snapping her out of her erotic reverie.

She shivered then glanced up at him. "What?"

He was staring down at her with heavy-lidded eyes.

"Why is it, do you think, that everyone seems to believe you're in love with me?"

Hyeonji froze, then forced a light laugh. "I didn't know everyone did. Surely you're not talking about Tinashe? She was so green-eyed she couldn't see straight!"

"I realize that, but Jungkook seemed to think so too. Then this morning even Mom hinted the same."

Hyeonji gulped. "Really?"

"Yes, she said how much you cared for me and if I hurt one hair on your head I'd have her to answer to."

Hyeonji was touched, but also flustered. Was this the moment to confess, to tell Hoseok the truth? How would he react, she wondered, to finding out he was the enigmatic Mr X? Even if he was initially flattered. he might also be annoyed. He might think she'd made some kind of a fool of him by playing with his own identity. Hoseok would not like thinking that she'd been mocking him, or amusing herself at his expense. Which she had been, in a way. Though never maliciously. Then there was his possible reaction to finding out she'd been in love with him all these years like a love sick puppy dog. Even Tinashe had realized that if she declared a life long love and undying devotion Hoseok would have run a mile.

His mother's advise had been similar.

Hoseok was captivated by spirited women who went after what they wanted, not little mice who languished for years from an unrequited passion.

No, she could not tell him the truth. She could not risk losing Hoseok's respect, and possibly losing Hoseok in the process. She might have only won his lust so far, but it was a start.

"Well, of course I do care for you, Hobi," she confessed rather nonchalantly. "I always have."

"Yes, but it's this Mr X you're in love with," he muttered, none too happily. His disgruntlement gave Hyeonji hope. He lifted his head to glare down at her. "You are still in love with him, aren't you?"

She didn't know what to say. She really had to get rid of that infernal Mr X once and for all. He'd become a nuisance and an embarrassment, but how?

"Well?" Hoseok glowered at her.

Incredibly, she blushed.

Hoseok took that for admission, and scowled. "What in God's name has he got that I haven't got?"

Now Hyeonji ratlled "Err...nothing. I guess."

"Then there's no reason why you can't fall out of love with him and in love with me, is there?"

Hyeonji's mouth dropped open. "What..what are you saying?"

"What a I saying?" he bent down and scooped her up on top of him. "I'm saying I'm mad about you, Hyeonji. And I won't rest until you're just as mad about ,e." He rolled her under him and kissed her with a breathtaking hunger, hands cupping her face and keeping it solidly captive beneath his. "But that's not enough. I want to drive all thoughts of Mr X from your mind. I want you to love me as you've loved no other man."

"But I already have, Hobi. Loved you as I've loved no other man."

His head jerked back. "What?"

"Do you think I've done any of the things I've done with you today with any other man?"

He frowned. "But I thought...I mean... Look, lots of girls out there are technically virgins these days, but that doesn't mean they haven't done plenty. I thought...in the shower...I mean...My God, baby," he said, awe in his voice, "You're damned good at that for a beginner."

"Perhaps I just have a damned good tutor," she murmured, smiling. "And perhaps you were right about Mr X. What I felt for him was probably only infatuation, a fantasy. To be honest, I haven't given him a thought all the time I've been with you."

"So you're not in love with him anymore?"

"I can't see how I can be."

His triumph ant smile sent shivers down her spine.

"In that case that's going to be my next project - making you fall in love with me."

Hyeonji tried not to stare too hard, or cry. But it was too good to be true. She swallowed and tried not to let her feelings overwhelm her. Common sense dictated she be careful and not let her hopes get too high. Hoseok might me mad about her at the moment but that didn't mean he genuinely loved her. It might all be one of his passing passions, a temporary obsession. He's probably been mad about Tinashe at one point, plus all those other girls.

"And how do you aim to do that?" she asked him with a saucy smile.

He pursed his lips and made a thoughtful sound. "I'm not quite sure yet. You're so much more of a mystery than I ever imagined. A highly complex girl, not the simple creature I thought I knew so well. And you're far naughtier than I'd imagined too," he added, his eyes gleaming.

"Really?" she laughed. "Well, you're exactly as I always imagined."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Oh, definitely good. AND bad. You are as selfish as you said you were, but not in bed, thankfully."

'I'm not going to be selfish anymore," he vowed. "I'm going to change."

She smiled. "And the sun's going to rise in the west."

"You just wait and see. Besides, who are you to talk? Moved-on-made-over Hyeonji isn't exactly Miss Sweetness and Light. You could have knocked me over with a feather the way you stood up to Tinashe out there."

"Where as the Hyeonji I used to be would have stood there and not made a sound, not even a little squeak." she smirked.

Hoseok laughed. "Hey! Don't run her down. I really liked that girl. She was very sweet."

Hyeonji's eyebrows lifted. Yes, but you didn't fall in love with her, came her rueful thought. "She was a bore!"

"She was VERY nice," he defended hotly.

"She's dead and gone. Banished!"

"No. She's not," he said, his voice dropping to a soft and sentimental timbre. "She's still there, hiding underneath your new hair and your newly found assertiveness. I think that's why my feelings for you are different to what they were with any of those other girls. Different, and deeper. Because YOU'RE different. I've always liked you Hyeonji. You're not a vain little puss, and you're honest as the day is long. You'd never lie to me. You're the sort of girl a man is proud to take home to his mother. The sort a man wants to ma-"

She pushed her fingers against his mouth, panic flowering all through her. "Hush! Don't say that Hobi. Don't!"

He groaned, then picked up her fingers and kissed the trembling fingertips. "I'm rushing you, I know. I can be like that once I set my sights on something. I can see it's the wrong timing for me to do. Only yesterday you were a virgin, and in love with another man. I can understand you might be a little confused. But I can also be patient too," he vowed passionately. "And very single-minded. You're going to be mine Hyeonji. Fight me. I enjoy a good fight. But come the year you will become my fiance, with my ring on your finger and true love for me in your heart."

She stared at him with wide blinking eyes. She almost told him then, but didn't for she knew she had to make sure of him, had to let him fight his good fight for her, and for her love. It was fitting, after all the years of heartache and longing she'd been through, that should not win her easily. Men did not value what they gained easily. And Hoseok was going to value her. She deserved it.

"The new year?" she said, her mind racing. That was ten months away, ten months of him chasing her, courting her, pursuing her and seducing her. It was an irresistibly exciting thought. "Well I suppose by then I should know if it's true love I feel for you and not just infatuation. After my fiasco with Mr X, I would want to be sure."

"You'll be sure, my love. Don't worry. I will make sure of that" as he smirked.

Chapter 16 Final

Masterlist