#set up | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

koishiro · 9 months

Text

# - “𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐈 𝐃𝐎? 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐄 𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐘?”

☆彡 1 : 29pm

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ — 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 : In which Megumi has a hidden crush on you and plans to keep it that way until a certain pink haired boy and 6’3 man-child take it upon themselves to help.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ — 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 : megumi fushiguro x gn!reader

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ — 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄 : The fluffiest of fluff

masterlist | jjk masterlist | anon masterlist

megumi fushiguro is not new to the feeling of embarrassment.

In fact, he’s quite used to it considering he’s best friends with Itadori Yuji and Nobara Kugisaki, who apparently can’t go a single day without causing some sort of a scene. As well as being raised by a certain white haired, 6’3 man adorned with a black blindfold.

“Stop it! Why didn’t you order your own if you’re just gonna eat off my plate?!” A certain pink haired boy screamed, slapping away the greedy hands of the ginger.

Nobara quickly whips back her hands to her chest, cradling them with a look of offence for one, being slapped and two, being denied food, replied; “maybe because I wasn’t hungry then?!”

Yuji stared at Nobara with a blank face, “go order now then!”

Now it was Nobara’s turn to stare at Yuji, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “No! cause it’ll take too long and I won’t be hungry by then!”

“Yeah cause you’ll have eaten all of mine!” At this point, Megumi wanted to slam his head onto the table as if to wake him up from this embarrassment. But he couldn’t, because if that were to happen then he’d gain the attention of a certain y/c/h sat just three tables away.

All Megumi had done since they arrived 30 minutes ago was sit in a corner booth, with his head turned towards you and stare at your angelic form while sat opposite the two loudest idiots he calls his best friends with half his face buried in his high collar.

That was until you turned your pretty head towards them. Their table. Him.

At this realisation, Megumi’s eyes widened and a blush crept up his neck and stained his cheeks as he quickly whipped his head in the opposite direction, conveniently towards the wall next to him.

Or maybe not so convenient considering he probably looked like an idiot staring at a plain wall. But what else was he supposed to do when the one person he actually liked was staring straight at him?

Well, maybe not at him exactly but he was grouped with these idiots considering he was sat at the same table so that counted for something.

This was certainly not the way he wanted you to notice him.

And this did not go unnoticed by a particular boy sat opposite him, suddenly forgetting the petty argument moments before as he he took notice of his friends red face hidden in the collar of his uniform. Also, why was he staring at a wall? He’d barely even touched his food?

Observing the repetitive way Megumi’s eyes would go back and forth from darting around the cafe to quickly look at something or someone across the room.

Confused, Yuji’s eyes slowly followed where Megumi’s went.

Oh.

The next day, Yuji took it upon himself to help his best friend out. And who better to recruit than the one and (thankfully) only Satoru Gojo, who was very keen on taking part in this plan.

What kind of adoptive father would he be if he didn’t help his growing son find love. Just the thought brought a tear to his eye.

Sat behind the dark haired boy in question, Yuji, as inconspicuous as he could possibly be (considering he was sat next to Nobara), raised his hand in a thumbs up motion. A signal that the plan was ready.

Satoru took notice of this as well as the longing gaze Megumi held as he tried to discreetly take a glance at you every few seconds. How had he not noticed before?

With a very loud and very obvious fake cough, Satoru gained the attention of his students. Satoru went to stand from his chair when he accidentally knocked some books over which were conveniently (or not so conveniently) placed on the corner of his desk where the said books landed on his feet, perfect.

“Ak! I’m injured!! Man down!” Their teacher yelled as he dramatically fell to the floor with the back of his hand placed on his forehead as if he was in one of Nobara’s dramas. He probably took inspiration from them actually.

The students, clearly not fazed in the slightest, turned back to their previous conversations ignoring the cries for help coming from the floor. Except for you of course.

Standing up and making your way towards your “injured” teacher, you crouched down to eye level as he lay motionless on the floor as if already succumbed to his fatal injuries if not for him peeking from under the arm that lay across his face.

“OH! Y/n-chan! My saviour! I feel as though I may not make it…” the said teacher explained in an overly dramatic sigh. “I’m sure you will Gojo” you replied with a slight pat on his stomach. “But if I don’t… I want you to do something for me-”

Before Gojo could ramble on any further he was cut short, “I’m not buying you mochi” you stated with a blank face.

“I understand why you would think that but no” he started before quickly switching back into his role, “these books that just so happened to fall in unison onto my now clearly fractured foot, needed to be delivered to principal Yaga! Oh what am I to do now!” Your teacher explained in an almost pained voice while flailing around on the floor.

“Why doesn’t Y/n do it!” The pink haired boy popped up from behind Megumi, who had been watching the ridiculous scene play out. “What a wonderful idea Yuji! Oh could you Y/n-chan? Would you help an injured man like me deliver these urgently needed books for me?” Gojo’s voice now laced with faux desperation while you were left confused, did he owe principal Yaga something again? Is that what this was about?

“Uhm, I suppose so, sure.” You could barely get the words out before Gojo jumped up onto his feet, realising his mistake and quickly leaning against his desk, the “fractured” foot elevated in the air. “Megumi! Why don’t you help Y/n-chan out huh? Be a gentleman will you?”

Megumi, already figuring out what he was up to planned on declining before he set his eyes on you. He didn’t care if he came off as rude, but to you? Megumi didn’t want you to think he was some sort of high and mighty jerk. That was the last thing he wanted.

So with a huff, Megumi stood, stuffing both hands into his pockets as he made his way towards you.

“You didn’t need to help me. They aren’t that heavy anyway” you tried explaining as you both walked towards Yaga’s office, trying to fill the silence with something, anything.

“It’s fine, really.” Did you not like his presence? Why were you acting so awkward? “So… your friends are pretty loud huh” you chuckled out.

Megumi grimaced at the recent memory, “You remember that?” He prayed that you wouldn’t remember that time, or at least not remember him.

“How could I not, it was pretty entertaining. Especially the way you stared at a wall” so you did notice him. “It was better than listening to them squabble.” He grumbled out with a sour look plastered on his face until he heard the prettiest sound leave your mouth, reminding him of a soft melody.

You laughed. Sure it was at him but you laughed at him. He made you laugh!

“Squabble? What are you? An old man?” You managed to wheeze out, the previous awkwardness quickly forgotten about.

“Y’know, with the way you’re teasing me and if I didn’t know any better, I might think you like me” what was meant to come out as a joke only started a chain of teasing on both parts. “I could say the same to you mr. Fushiguro” you retorted, a sly smile sneaking it’s way onto your face.

“And if I do? Would that be okay?” The sudden seriousness his voice held startled you. Slowing to a stop, you looked up at his tall frame and saw how genuine and truthful his eyes were causing a blush to quickly rise to your cheeks.

Averting your gaze towards the floor, you answered with a small smile,

“I suppose it would”

—

— 𝘒𝘰𝘪 𝘹𝘰

#‧₊˚🖇️#⩇⩇:⩇⩇ ₊˚ෆ #˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ 𝒋𝒖𝒋𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒖 𝒌𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒏 #megumi fushiguro #megumi x reader #megumi x you #jujutsu kaisen #jjk #fluff #gojo satoru #crush #set up #teen romance #high school romance #Spotify

1K notes · View notes

lupusmaxima · 4 months

Text

2024/01/16

getting into the groove of school again, especially with readings. i’ve gone almost three years skimping on them, but i’m finally in a course that forces me to do them… oops

260 notes · View notes

sunnynwanda · 5 months

Text

The Lab Night: Part 3

Part 1 Part 2

Warnings: suggestive themes, language, the aftermath of spending a night with the enemy (should this even be a warning? idk).

The morning comes too soon, as does the flood of recollections and, subsequently, crippling panic. What have they done?

Hero lies there contemplating until the distant sound of a helicopter reaches their ears, forcing their eyes open. They sit up, frantic, as they pry Villain's arm off them and search for their clothes. They get dressed in a matter of seconds - army skills still intact despite their discipline obviously lacking. They take a moment to compose themselves, running a hand through their hair as if any amount of time could fix their stuttering heart, then shake Villain awake.

"They're here," their voice is quiet, but Villain still flinches away, grumbling something incomprehensive. "Come on, you don't want to be naked when they barge in."

That about gets Villain moving. They sit up with a whine, catching their pants that Hero throws at them.

"I prefer waking up to a kiss on a temple," they comment, pulling their jacket on. Hero watches them with a deadpan expression. Villain can't help the smirk that forms on their face. "Or anywhere else, really. For future reference."

"Fuck off." Despite their best effort to look unamused, Hero's eyes widen ever so slightly. They turn around to mask their perplexity, busying their hands with a stack of journals they have no intention of studying. Someone at the base can go through them, but there's no way it'll be Hero. They are more than done with science.

Villain barks out a laugh, securing their weapons in place and zipping their fingerless gloves. "Uh-huh. Or what, you'll leave me here?"

"Perhaps I should." Hero approaches the door, listening for any footsteps getting close so they can signal their location. "Lucky for you, those chemicals have calmed."

They gesture towards the table where the chemicals are. Half of the bulbs are smashed, dark pink liquid coating the surface of the table and the floor. They must have pushed those to the side when they placed Hero on the table for better access to their neck and... well, all of them.

"Lucky for you, I don't need chemicals to pound your brains out," Villain retorts. They watch their nemesis freeze and turn their gaze away with a barely contained sigh of disappointment.

Hero doesn't have to see their smug smile to recognise it. They inhale sharply. "Shut up!"

"Or what?" Their chuckle boils Hero's blood for several reasons, many of which they have no intention of revealing. Villain's grin is too broad to be sincere when they turn around to face them.

"Do you have to be a pain in my arse all the time?" Hero questions, rubbing their eyebrows. They are embarrassed, confused and absolutely not ready to discuss last night.

"Relax, I'm just teasing you," Villain senses their discomfort, changing their tactics. They need to talk about it whether Hero likes it or not.

"Well, don't!" Hero snaps, and Villain is somewhat thankful for a reaction. "I feel bad as is."

"Why?" The question catches them off guard, causing a new wave of panic to wash over them. Noticing the way their hands shake, Villain tries calling to reason. "We had no control over it, Hero. But we wanted it. Both of us, for what it's worth."

"I know," It's barely a whisper. "I never said I did not."

They can hear the footsteps of the troops searching the facility, looking for them. Villain prays for a delay. "Then why do you feel so bad?"

"Because I fucking begged you!" Hero's voice cracks. They look away, covering their mouth with a trembling hand, with the other resting on their chest to suppress its contractions. They expect Villain to mock them and say something along the lines of 'I warned you'.

They do not, instead choosing to come closer and pull Hero's hands towards them, holding them in their own. They rest their other hand on Hero's cheek, prompting them to meet their eyes. Villain hates the look of anguish they discover in the depths of them.

"You have no idea how I craved you. I would have thrown myself at you the moment that damn door shut behind your back." Hero shakes their head, not believing a word. "I would have, Hero. Had I not known that you'd be so fucking set on regretting it just like you are now."

Hero's skin is aflame under their touch when Villain pulls away, searching their face before catching their gaze again. The time is ticking, the exfil team is minutes away from discovering them, and they've got to make it quick.

"So please, do not think you made me do anything I wasn't desperate for before we even entered this room." The confession comes easier than Villain expected. They shake their head, baffled at their own feelings and take a step back when they hear voices at the end of the corridor leading to their lab. "You're the only one that regrets it."

"I don't..." Hero's voice is muffled by repeated bangs against the door. Villain looks at them, puzzled, so they move closer, wrapping their arms around Villain's neck and pressing a kiss against their temple. "I don't regret it."

Villain pulls them into a hug, turning their bodies around and covering Hero's head with their upper body as the exfil team detonates the door.

It's been an incredibly long night. Yet the morning felt infinitely longer.

Part 1 Part 2

Masterlist

Tag: @thiefofthecrowns As promised :D Sorry for the delay, hope you like it.

P.S. Just wanted to let you know that I've seen your requests and will be getting to them gradually. Thanks for sending them in!

Love,

Sunny

148 notes · View notes

momovvip · 6 months

Text

October weekly planner 2023

104 notes · View notes

arcadebroke · 1 year

Photo

#set up #retro gaming #video games #console gaming #crt #tvs #gaming #twitter #@hacna897

365 notes · View notes

teasodium · 1 year

Text

what do u get when u combine Goemon Ishikawa XIII and Usagi from 2003 tmnt in an attempt of the rottmnt style??

a silly

jus the idea of Usagi being a wandering ronin to then encounter the turtles would be fun, especially with how different the battle nexus is.

he's jus a lil guy who sometimes appears on rooftops to dramatically say absolute nonsense, cry about honoring his blade and vERy OBVIOUSLY flirt with Leo is jus very good to me.

i am still not over 2003 Leosagi ngl and it shows... the grip it has on me all these years...

277 notes · View notes

shyvioletcat · 8 months

Text

Set Up - Part 6

A/N: Well, well, well... here we are again. I won't ramble, but let's thank Rowaelin Month and @rowaelinscourt for prompting the completion of this chapter. BUT PLEASE NOTE TAGS ARE NOT WORKING

CW: Mild swearing and smut, of course

~ Set Up Masterlist ~

~~~~~

This time being apart felt different. Maybe seeing so much of each other had ruined what had been enjoying in such a carefree way for so long. Now, whenever Aelin thought of Rowan something twisted in her chest. That week brought them closer than they’d been in a long time and highlighted some things Aelin was missing in her life.

A boyfriend was the simplest way to put it, delving further would only lead to questions Aelin did not want to answer. She was being dramatic, due to her recent bout of being alone no doubt. Spending all that time together had left her spoiled and craving more. Rowan wasn’t the answer and not a consolation for her loneliness. He deserved better than that, better than her. He’d always talked about wanting a perfect little life, with a family and white picket fence to boot. Aelin couldn’t give him that. Their lives had split down two different paths that only crossed whenever fate was kind. For all parties involved it was the best way to leave. It was just fortunate that they had been found out.

Aelin had spent nearly a month screening her calls and messages from nearly everyone outside of work. Even though she had explicitly told her mother she didn’t want to talk about the situation between her and Rowan, Evalin Ashryver Galathynius was never one to give up. The innocent calls and texts that asked about work and how Aelin was doing always seemed to take a turn in his direction. It had got to the point that she just completely ignored any mention of relationship related things. Even her dad who tended to keep neutral ground had dropped a few hints here and there.

By far Aedion was the worst, mainly because he had gone and opened his fat mouth and blabbed to Lysandra about what he had seen. Her best friend turned cousin’s girlfriend had been begging for details, some of the obscene kind. Aelin had given over a few, just to placate her but then refused anymore. The more information she gave, the more likely it was to be used against her.

The hardest contact to filter through had been Rowan’s. There had been an obvious shift when it came to him and it was confusing to say the least. Aelin didn’t know if it was because they had been found out or if there had been a change in their dynamic, or if it was as simple as her missing him. Whatever it was, Aelin found herself pulling away. Rowan’s texts weren’t anything out of the ordinary. He sent through casual enquiries about how she was doing, frustrations about work and funny pictures to make her laugh. Aelin wasn’t replying as much as she usually did, but hopefully Rowan didn’t notice. He didn’t deserve to suffer for whatever was going on in Aelin’s head.

What had heightened every uncomfortable aspect was that work had been godsdamned awful. They had launched into planning the peak event season and everyone was working their asses off trying to come up with fresh ideas for the companies who employed them. Aelin was exhausted and left with very little brain power once she left work. She was drained and didn’t need work fraying the remaining threads of her personal life.

Aelin was in the middle of decompressing, sprawled out on her bed and eating an unhealthy amount of chocolate. Since arriving home maybe half an hour ago she had steadily paced herself and only eaten half a block while she mindlessly scrolled through videos on social media. If cute animals and spicy book snippets hadn’t been there to distract her she might have downed the entire thing by now and felt sick for her reckless efforts. When a call for a video chat flashed up on her screen Aelin nearly dropped her phone right on her face.

Once the risk of injury was removed Aelin registered who was calling. It was Elide, someone who wouldn’t be full of prying questions which was a welcome relief. Aelin hit the accept button before it rang out.

“Hello, hello,” Aelin said, trying to sound cheerful but it didn’t quite get there.

“Good evening, I need your help.” Trust Elide to cut straight to the point.

“With what?” With her interest piqued, Aelin sat up.

“I have a date and I don’t know what to wear,” Elide said.

“Ah, okay. Show me your options.”

This was a common occurrence and Aelin waited as Elide set her phone up to get a full body angle. She disappeared from the frame for a moment before returning, dressed in a fluffy robe and holding three outfits on coat hangers.

“Option one,” Elide held up a knee length, dark purple dress to her body. “Two.” The second dress was all black and form fitting. It was one of Elide’s riskier outfits and she almost hadn’t bought it, and it took both Aelin and Lysandra insisting she looked drop dead gorgeous in it for her to buy it. “And three.” Dress three was in light blue with a fitted bodice and puffy sleeves.

“Okay, these are three completely different vibes. What are we actually going for?” Aelin asked.

With a heavy sigh, Elide sank onto her bed. “I don’t know.”

She tried the pragmatic approach. “Well, what are you doing?”

“Dinner first, and then we’re going to the movies. But the fancy ones with the recliners,” Elide explained.

“Option two is out because half the night he won’t even be able to see it and it’s a waste of an outfit,” Aelin said.

“But I look so good in it,” Elide protested.

“Yes, that’s why it’s worth saving,” Aelin rebutted.

“Okay, you’re right. So, purple or blue?” Elide held up the remaining options.

Aelin thought for a moment, eyes darting between the two dresses. “Purple. The blue is a little short and you don't want that scratchy fabric on your thighs.”

“Gods, you’re right,” Elide said. “This is why we’re friends.”

Aelin laughed. “The only reason. So, who is this hot date?”

At this distance from the camera it was hard to tell but Aelin could have sworn Elide blushed. “We’ll see how this date goes and then I’ll tell you.”

“Elide Lochan, a woman of mystery,” Aelin teased.

“Stay on while I get dressed,” Elide said, disappearing from view. “We haven’t caught up in a hot minute.”

“We haven’t.” The air left Aelin’s lungs as she heavily flopped down on the bed. “I’ve been so busy with work and stuff I just feel like I have no time.”

“Aw, sweetie. That sounds like no fun at all,” Elide’s voice was full of sympathy.

Aelin left out the constant badgering of her family and the extra weight that was adding to everything, and also the weird sense of loneliness she hadn’t felt since she had first moved to Rifthold. Those were things she didn’t want her overly perceptive friend’s commentary on.

“You’ll have to have enough fun for the two of us,” Aelin said. She was about to complain about work some more when a message popped up at the top of her screen. Her heart skipped, or maybe it was her stomach, it happened so suddenly Aelin couldn’t determine which part of her body was doing summersaults. The text was short and succinct, and so perfectly Rowan.

>> I’m coming to Rifthold this weekend. See you then.

He would be in her city, in less than 48 hours. Like always, there was no question of whether or not they would see each other. They had been at this for so long it was presumed without question for them to meet up and do what they did best. A text like this usually led to excitement and thrilling anticipation, and that was there. Except this time there was a little bit of trepidation sneaking in as well.

“What’s that face?” Elide’s question cut through Aelin’s thoughts.

“Huh?”

Elide’s face took up the screen, a dark brow raised in question. “The face you’re making right now. What’s that about?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing,” Aelin tried to assure her.

“Spill, Aelin,” Eldie demanded.

Aelin considered the benefits of divulging just a little bit to Elide. It might just relieve a little bit of pressure that keeping all this to herself was building up. She didn’t have to admit to what she and Rowan got up to, maybe she could just circle around the set up they’d been subjected to.

“I just got a message from Rowan,” Aelin said. “He’s coming this weekend.”

“Oh, good,” Elide sounded downright gleeful. “Maybe getting laid will help with some stress relief.”

Aelin laughed until she realised what her friend had said. “What?”

“Work won’t seem like the worst thing in the world while Rowan is blowing—’’

Aelin shot straight up. “Wait, you know? How? Who told you?”

Dark eyes stared through the screen. “You’re not as subtle as you think you are. No one told, I just found it really weird that at the bar Rowan came back from the bathrooms with a massive hard-on and you followed after him two seconds later.”

“I…” for a moment Aelin was at a loss for words. “You couldn’t have seen that.”

“True,” Elide said with a shrug. “But his face certainly looked like he had one.”

Aelin wanted to bury her face in her pillow. “Who else noticed?”

“Our friends, bar myself, are not as observant as you’re giving them credit for,” Elide assured her. “I was going to wait for you to tell me, but I jumped the gun because that look on your face doesn’t look like pure excitement.”

“It’s complicated,” Aelin admitted.

Elide scoffed. “Yeah, banging your best friend usually is.”

“It was all fine and dandy until this last trip, we saw each other way more than we usually do and our mothers very insistently tried to set us up on more than one occasion. So things were different, and I don’t know… I think I miss him. More than any other time before.”

That was it, she missed him, that’s all there was to it. Saying it aloud solidified the thought in her mind. The hesitation came from the fact this visit was happening so soon. Usually it was months before they saw each other, their travelling for work between cities wasn't frequent. Too much time together on this last trip was to blame for everything. There were too many heightened emotions and now they were lingering and causing trouble. Why couldn’t they just keep things as they were? Simple, easy, no pesky strings attached.

“So…” Elide hedged, “you’ll be telling him no this time?”

Aelin considered it for a moment. She could just say she already had plans because it was so last minute. That would give her the distance that she probably needed to start thinking clearly again. But with Rowan in the same city, could she really bring herself to stay away?

“No, I’ll see him,” Aelin decided. “It would be weird if I didn’t. And you’re right, maybe a little bit of recreational sexual activities will help with the stress.”

“And you’ll stop missing him,” Elide added. “For the time being, at least.”

Aelin nodded. “True. Well, I won’t keep you from your date any longer, but I want you to know I’m slightly insulted that you won’t tell me who it is.”

“You’ll get over it. I love you,” Elide said in that brutally succinct way of hers.

“I love you too,” Aelin said through her laughter. “Have fun.”

They both said a final goodbye and Aelin hung up. A new feeling of clarity settled over her. All this turmoil over Rowan was pointless. All it really came down to was that during their last set of rendezvous Aelin had been spoiled for company and now she was just dealing with going without. She was overreacting and she blamed work and meddlesome relatives not giving her a moment’s peace. Work she couldn’t do much about besides just getting it done. But she’d be having words with her mother about how butting into her love life was well and truly off the table. Especially if it was going to do a number on brain like this, not if it was going to ruin the friendship she valued most. What she and Rowan had was perfect the way it was—it was exactly what the two of them needed. It was up to Aelin to ignore everything else to keep it that way.

~~~~~

Rowan was a desperate man. He had hounded his boss from the moment Aelin left for some opportunity to be sent to Rifthold. He was knocked back so many times that he’d been trawling through commissions himself to find just the slightest excuse. When he got the call that one of the museums in Rifthold they worked with needed a consult Rowan was thrown the job out of pity. Or maybe it was to get him to shut up.

In the end, Rowan couldn’t care less. He was going Orynth, and he was so caught up on the fact that he would be seeing Aelin again that work hardly mattered to him. Aelin was all he cared about. Telling her how he felt was more important than an upgrade to the mediaeval wing of the museum.

Nearly every night since she’d left he had to talk himself down from booking his own ticket and flying out. That wasn’t the way they did things and Rowan had no idea what Aelin felt. if he showed up out of the blue there was a decent chance he would scare her or himself off. As tempted as he was to make some big grand gesture, there was too much history between them for that kind of action. There were obstacles and things they would need to sort out before they moved forward, none of which would be easily overcome. Their situation was complicated, and complicated required caution. Rowan had to convince himself more than once that keeping it business as usual was the best choice.

All those semi sleepless nights didn’t matter now, because at this very moment he was checking into his hotel room. It was late Friday evening, the trip was so sudden that he had to leave after work. Rowan would spend Saturday meeting with whoever it was at the museum he needed and then he would be able to see Aelin. His lack of focus was a serious indicator for how flippant he’d become over this particular job. Any other time he’d have the client’s names memorised, would have gone over his notes and designs a hundred times. Instead he’d spent most of his time looking at his phone waiting to see what Aelin had to say.

She’d agreed to meet up but had let him know that work had been insane and things might be a little up in the air. Rowan didn’t mind in the slightest. All that mattered was talking to Aelin and he was determined that this would be the trip to do it. There was no more wasted time, he was in love with her and it was as simple as that.

The daylight hours of Saturday were all but meaningless. Rowan managed to keep himself professional for when he needed to and presented his plans without flourish. After that he returned to his room and became no better than a teenager—phone in hand and eyes glued to it. He tried not to get too disappointed every time that Aelin pushed back their meet up time to a little later. At first they were meant to meet before dinner, and then it was for dinner. Rowan was about to leave for the restaurant when a text came in with a heartfelt apology from Aelin saying that she wouldn’t make it. His heart had stopped in his chest because he thought she was cancelling altogether, but she finished off with a promise she’d come to him and to just send her the address.

Rowan had done exactly that and ordered in. He tried to watch TV while he waited. The channels were limited and he couldn’t be bothered to go through the whole process of logging into a streaming service, so he just let a renovation show play while he ran through everything he needed to say to Aelin. He debated back and forth over the merits of starting with I love you and going from there. This current round he was against it, a case of too much too soon. There was still the unanswered question of how Aelin felt and that was what the axis of his entire future existence spun on.

And then finally there was a knock on his door.

Launching would be the best way to describe Rowan’s departure from the bed. It was a single room accommodation, with a bed, desk and small attached bathroom, so it was only a matter of seconds until he had his hand on the door handle. Rowan took in one deep breath to ready himself, swinging the door open and he found her.

Aelin stood there, a tired smile on her face and still dressed in her work clothes. She had a large bag over her shoulder that most likely contained clothes for the night. As Rowan looked at her now, taking in every inch of her, he wondered how he had been able to suppress his feelings for so long.

“You gonna let me in, hotshot?” Aelin asked, a hand rising to her hip. “Or am I booking my own room?”

“Yeah, sorry.” Rowan stepped aside, hoping he didn’t come across as awkward as he suddenly felt.

Aelin gave him a look like she might be questioning his sanity before walking into his room. Rowan shut the door behind her and withheld the need to hold her—to kiss her senseless and confess every little thing that had built up over these weeks apart. She stopped by the little table, picking at his leftover pizza.

“Do you mind if I use your shower? I feel a little gross after such a long day,” Aelin said, chewing over a piece of pepperoni.

“Of course,” Rowan said, gesturing at the bathroom door.

Aelin disappeared a moment later and once again Rowan had to wait. The buzz of the shower added to the sounds of the TV, and he didn’t bother to change the volume. He didn’t care about the clashing wallpaper or bedding choices. Rowan just lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling fan. Last time he’d seen one of these in a hotel room his pants had ended hanging over it. He didn’t know whether he should be hoping for a repeat performance or not.

The shower shut off and Rowan’s body thrummed with anticipation. Soon enough Aelin would be here, in his arms, and he could admit to how he felt. They could talk and they would figure out some way to make their situation work. The door creaked open after what seemed like a lifetime and Rowan sat up. Aelin stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in an oversized t-shirt with her damp hair loose around her shoulders. She’d washed off all her make-up, but she wasn’t any less beautiful.

“Work has been the worst,” Aelin nearly groaned, heading to the minibar and pulling out a bottle of beer. “I know this will cost you like $50 so I’ll pay you back.”

“It’s fine,” Rowan said, he’d give her just about anything right now if she asked for it.

Aelin took a few decent mouthfuls then left it on the table along with the pizza. Then she stalked over to him, stopping right in between his knees. Her hands rested on his shoulders, fingers playing with the ends of his hair.

“Aelin,” it felt so good to just say her name, to see her face soften just the slightest when he did. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Rowan’s breath caught as Aelin brought her body flush against his. The fingers in his hair tightened, angling his face upwards so he could watch her whisper, “I don’t want to talk.”

She kissed him and Rowan could never deny her. After what must have been a hellish day this is what Aelin needed from him. To be touched and made to forget about the world outside this hotel room. Rowan could give her that—gladly. And he just told himself the same thing he’d been repeating over the last few weeks. He could wait a little longer.

~~~~

Rowan’s lips were soft as they met her’s, and Aelin sighed at the feeling that swept through her body. His hands were a steadying and familiar weight on her waist. Sometimes it was a shock as to how big they were, it took her a moment to remember just how much of her they could touch at once. Those hands that were always gentle, always making her feel cherished in every caress, that was no different as he pulled her down into his lap. Aelin straddled his hips, thighs tightening as she felt him through his sweatpants. It was flattering that only a few kisses and fleeting touches were all it took for him to be so hard and ready for her. She was almost impatient enough to tug his sweatpants down to free his cock, riding him hard and fast. But then it would be over too soon and Aelin might just be too tired for another round. So, instead she’d let him draw this out like he’d like to do to make every moment count.

This was exactly what she needed, a wonderful, all consuming distraction.

She whimpered as Rowan’s grip flexed on her waist, and then again when his hands travelled lower. In her overnight bag in the bathroom there was a nice little set she had planned on wearing but after a long soothing shower the idea was just too uncomfortable. So she’d gone without and as Rowan’s fingers dipped under the hem of her t-shirt he was about to discover how little she actually wore.

“Aelin,” he groaned as the pass over her hips revealed no trace of underwear. “You’re… I’ll never be able to explain it.”

He was rambling, and that was sweet, flattering even. But it wasn't nearly enough by a long shot. Aelin ground down on the hard length of him, using actions rather than words to beg for what she needed. Rowan got the hint. Holding her thighs he changed their positions, laying her softly down on the bed. They worked in sync, taking turns to remove each other’s clothes. Aelin ran her hands over exposed and heated skin, tracing over dips and curves she had memorised so many times before.

“Touch me, Rowan,” Aelin said in between kisses.

Rowan didn’t answer, he only pushed up enough so that he could run a hand down her body right to the middle of her thighs. Aelin gasped as he teased her with sweeping passes of a knuckle over her centre, making her buck and writhe until his thumb pressed down on her clit. Her moan was next to nothing with Rowan’s mouth on her’s, only muffled and needy sounds escaped as they were smothered by kisses.

Their first round after being apart was always frenzied, desperation dictating their actions. Aelin expected the same, but this wasn’t. Rowan was slow and thorough, with his lips and his fingers—it was a delicious kind of torture. One finger, and then a second, slipped into her while his thumb drew unhurried circles around her clit. Heat flooded Aelin’s cheeks as her body reacted to the touches that were both too much and not enough. He was keeping her right on the edge, waves of pleasure cresting but never breaking.

When he did it again, her body tensed as it prepared to let go and Rowan stole it away, had Aelin nearly sobbed out of frustration. “Please, Rowan.”

Rowan kissed her lips, tongue sweeping into her mouth for a dirty kiss. “Please what, Aelin?”

There was a hint of sass to his voice, and by the gods did Aelin rise to the challenge. She hooked a knee over his hip, urging him down so their bodies were flush. When she returned the favour of a kiss she made sure to bite at his bottom lip. “Fuck me, Rowan.”

He didn’t need much more convincing than that. Moving his hand and with a subtle shift of his hips Rowan pushed in, taking his time. Aelin’s hips rolled, coaxing him deeper.

“You feel so perfect.” Rowan sounded relieved and a little overwhelmed. “Every time.”

He cursed colourfully as he pressed his face into the crook of her neck. Aelin couldn’t help it, she laughed, her reward was a bite—right where the juncture of her shoulder and neck. It had her moaning and arching into him. Rowan knew exactly where her buttons were and now she was panting with desperation for him to do something. Anything.

Rowan didn’t make her wait, a hand high on her thigh kept her in place as he began thrusting. The angle of his cock was perfect, as it always was, and it led Aelin right into her greatest wish of the night. A beautiful distraction. Everything was Rowan, she was consumed by him. Their bodies moved synchronically, both wanting to give as much as the other. A hand that was not her own found Aelin’s breast, fingers rolling the hardened peak.

“That’s it,” Rowan whispered into her ear, the softness of his voice raising goosebumps over her skin and heightening every sensation. “You want to come. You deserve it.”

That little bit of encouragement was all she needed. Aelin broke, pleasure overtaking every sense in her body. Rowan pressed soft kisses to the length on her neck and face. His hips kept moving, drawing out her orgasm as long as he could. After a few long, bliss filled moments Aelin’s awareness returned to her.

“So beautiful,” Rowan all but hummed as his gaze swept over her, his next thrust sharper.

She could feel that Rowan was close, so she guided his face back to her and kissed him. Rowan groaned, losing his rhythm but it still felt just as good, so much so Aelin could feel herself building up again. He pulled back enough to look at her face. Their eyes connected, Rowan’s green gaze holding an intensity that had Aelin flushing with something closer to embarrassment than desire. The eye contact—it was too much. There was something there she hadn’t seen before. Her brain was far too distracted to decipher it so she went with the easiest option to cope.

“Gods, Rowan,” Aelin breathed, eyes fluttering shut, refocusing on how he felt on every inch of her skin.

“Open your eyes, love,” Rowan urged. He gave her a sweet kiss for extra encouragement.

So caught up in him, Aelin couldn’t help but do as he asked. What she saw when she looked up at him had her heart pounding in her chest, a new wave of need crashing over her. It tipped her over the edge again, her body tightening before her core pulsed, bringing Rowan right along with her. He moaned deeply, the vibrations of it thrumming over her sensitive skin. Aelin clung to Rowan, waiting for her breathing to even out and sense to settle in her brain. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of sex with Rowan, nothing else even came close.

He had his forehead resting on her collarbone, just as wrecked as she was. Lips dragged over her skin and his next words were whispered right over her heart. “I love you,”

Aelin’s breath caught and those words registered in her blissed out brain, sobering her instantly. But it seemed Rowan hadn’t even noticed what he said, he just rolled to the side, letting Aelin escape to the bathroom. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that she felt it in her throat, making her want to vomit. Aelin held back the impulse and cleaned up as quickly as she could. Diving into the overnight bag she had conveniently left in here after the shower Aelin pulled out clothes to put on. It was just an oversized sweater and leggings, but it would be enough to get her to her car.

Because she couldn’t stay here, not now that Rowan had gone and ruined everything. The easiest option was for her to leave, and quickly. If she stayed there might not be anything left of their relationship to salvage. Missing him was one thing, and then there was this.

This was not what they were, they couldn’t be. It didn’t make sense. Why did Rowan have to go and ruin a perfectly good thing?

I love you.

Those three words echoed in her brain and did nothing to console her. Rowan couldn’t love her, she wasn’t what he needed or wanted. Not really. If he had the sense to really consider it he would know this wasn’t the right course for them. Aelin would give him the opportunity to do just that. She packed up the rest of her bag, so all she had to do was grab her purse and shoes and leave.

Swallowing down against the tightness in her throat, Aelin opened the door and swept out with the shortest of glances in Rowan’s direction. He was splayed out on the bed looking like he was still recovering after the mind blowing sex. Aelin’s stomach gave a pang of regret when she realised this would be the last time. It would be cruel to put Rowan through any more of this when she didn’t feel the same.

Aelin gathering up her things seemed to shake him from his daze and he raised himself up on his elbow. “What are you doing?”

She snatched up her purse and stepped around the table. “Leaving.”

“Why…” Rowan trailed off, then realisation dawned on him. “Aelin, wait. Don’t go, let me explain.”

“There’s no need,” Aelin said, slipping a foot into her kitten heel. Rowan went to get out of bed but she stopped him with a raised hand. “Don’t. Just stay there.”

Gods bless him, he did. She could always count on Rowan to respect boundaries.

“Stay, and we’ll talk,” Rowan nearly pleaded.

“We’re friends, Rowan,” Aelin said, forcing every ounce of bravado into as she could. She even added a strained note of laughter. “That’s all we are and can be.”

“Friends don’t do this.”

Aelin’s head snapped up, it was all too easy to read the look of hurt and disappointment on his face. It wasn’t clear if he was talking about her behaviour in this moment or the casual fucking that they’d indulged in over the years, ending in the subsequent drama that had entangled them. Any way they looked at it, Aelin wasn’t staying for the clarification. She just slipped on the other shoe.

“I’m going,” she said, rushing for the door.

“Aelin—”

A glance over her shoulder told her he was making his move to get out of bed, denying her order to stay where he was. But it was too late—her hand was on the door knob.

“Goodbye, Rowan.”

Aelin twisted the handle, ignoring the rush of movement behind her and stepped out in the hallway. She thought it would be harder to not look back, but with every step he took away from that hotel room it only bolstered her resolve. They were better off like this, it was now up to Rowan to realise it.

~~~~~

*smiling in delight but also I'm sorry*

#set up #rowaelin fanfiction #throne of glass fanfiction #rowaelin month 2023

72 notes · View notes

paleblueramune · 8 months

Text

These angelic vtuber set up assets are available for free on Booth ☆

#mizuiro #cybercore #angelcore #pastel blue #pastel #assets #vtuber #set up

66 notes · View notes

pompompinkyy · 8 months

Text

couples who game together stay together 🌸

44 notes · View notes

naileadevoras · 4 days

Text

#set up #gaming #gamer #streamer

14 notes · View notes

sparkles-and-trash · 4 months

Text

Doing my big girl job at this setup never fails to amuse me tbh ~

#it’s so silly #writing silly little stories on my silly little keyboard #silly #setup #set up #iMac #Dabi #fanart #pink #pink core #Nintendo #nintendo switch #kawaii #kawaii core #gameboy #hello kitty #sanrio #sanrio core

24 notes · View notes

koobunchive · 5 months

Text

They are the person who 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑑 you.

They are your hero, your reason for living ִֶָ𓂅 🌟

#wooyoung moodboard #ateez moodboard #woosan #san ateez #wooyoung #wooyoung ateez #kpop moodboard #messy moodboard #dark aesthetic #aesthetic #set up #wooyoung icons #vintage

52 notes · View notes

momovvip · 4 months

Text

December weekly planner 2023

I tried for the first time Lebanese cuisine, it’s was very delicious. recommended!

Happy new year 2024!

62 notes · View notes

samueldrxkes · 10 months

Text

me and my corner xx i’ve actually changed it a bit but i don’t have a pic 🥰

53 notes · View notes

yoan-le-grall · 5 months

Text

#gif #lost media #archive #retro #vintage #70s aesthetic #70s #disco #dj set #set up #dancer #dancing #roller skating #roller skates #pink #pinkcore

22 notes · View notes

shyvioletcat · 1 year

Text

Set Up - Part 5

A/N: Sorry to disappoint but there’s no content warning for this one. Just some mild nudity and dumbass-ery from our favourite idiots.

~ Set Up Masterlist ~

~~~~~

Knocking woke Aelin up from her surprisingly heavy sleep. When she indulged in alcoholic beverages she usually had a fitful sleep with all that flowing through her system. She probably had the man next to her to thank for how out of it she had been. Rowan was still asleep, handsome features softened, still gloriously naked after their fun from the night before. His strong arm was a pleasant weight over the middle of her waist. It was hard not to get lost in moments like this, not to imagine what it might be like to wake up like this everyday. They were foolish fancies, Aelin would be gone in a matter of hours and their time together would once again come to an end. But it wouldn’t hurt to linger for just a few more moments. Aelin felt her own smile as she sunk further into Rowan’s embrace before a thudding disturbed her contentment.

Right, there was someone knocking on the door.

Aelin darted out of bed, the sudden jostling waking Rowan up. She was looking for something to put on so she didn’t answer the door as naked as he was, when he groaned, the movement of him rubbing his face catching her attention. If his frown was anything to go by he was not happy about being awake.

“What time is it?” He grumbled, voice low and rough enough that Aelin’s skin threatened to pebble.

“Um…” Another knock righted Aelin’s thoughts when they lingered too long on what she might be able to do if she went back to bed. “That should actually be my room service wake up. I’m meeting my parents for breakfast and I knew insistent coffee would be the only way to get me up. So, it’s seven thirty.”

Rowan just groaned and rolled over, face first into his pillow.

Aelin laughed softly, grabbing the hotel robe she had discarded on the floor at some point yesterday. She was rushing for the suite door when she tripped on something and picked it up without really registering what it was. Leaving the delivery person waiting was poor form and Aelin didn’t want to be that kind of guest.

When the knocking came again, this time sounding somewhat impatient, Aelin called out. “I’m coming!”

A few steps later she was swinging the door open and freezing in surprise. Her coffee was there, shiny white mug and saucer and all, but it was her cousin at the door.

“Aedion… what?” Aelin said, letting go of the door to tug her robe around a little tighter.

“Your parents asked me to breakfast too and I told them I’d pick you up,” Aedion explained, delicately taking a sip of the coffee he held, nose scrunching as he did. “That’s gross.”

Aedion didn’t wait for an invitation, he just waltzed right in. Aelin didn’t know what to do, she wanted to haul Aedion out by the collar but there were two problems. One, she was nearly naked and two, she was nowhere near strong enough to execute the move effectively.

“Aelin.” That one utterance was full of confusion. “Why are there pants on your fan?”

Her eyes darted up to the ceiling fan, and Aedion was right. Rowan’s jeans from the night before hanging there. Gods, she must have really thrown them last night.

“Ah…” it was hard to figure out exactly what to say.

“Hey, Aelin, have you seen my—’’

Aedion gasped, turning towards the sound. “Rowan!?”

It happened so quickly Aelin almost missed it. Rowan had appeared in the bedroom doorway, butt naked and undoubtedly looking for his clothes. He had yelped, covered himself, sworn viciously and slammed the bedroom door.

From the look of shock on his face, Aelin was surprised that Aedion was still holding the coffee cup. He just kept staring at the painted wood, like it would give him answers to whatever questions were piling up in his head. She couldn’t bear it, Aelin looked down to inspect the item she’d picked up after tripping on it for something else to focus on. It was Rowan’s underwear. Those she shoved in her pocket as if hiding them would incriminate her less.

Eventually, although it might have just been a few seconds that seemed to drag on forever, her cousin turned away from the door. “What did I just see? Well, I know what I just saw, but why did I see that here?”

Aelin just shrugged, not knowing how to play this. There was a reason they’d kept their arrangement quiet, and unless she could figure out a way to shut Aedion up it would only be a matter of minutes before the rest of their friend group knew too.

“You lucky bitch,” Aedion hissed. “That’s an image I might not be able to get out of my head for a while.”

“Don’t be gross,” Aelin shot back.

“Me? Me?” He put a hand to his chest. “You’re the one with a naked man in your bedroom and you accuse me of being gross?”

Aelin marched over to him, claiming her coffee. “You’re an idiot.”

“How long has this been a thing?” Aedion demanded. “I’ll leave the question about the pants on the fan because in retrospect I don’t want to know.”

“Just go.” A pointed finger led a clear path to the door. “And don’t tell a soul or I’ll hate you forever.”

Aedion glared at her, but he didn’t fight her request. “I’m looking forward to our alone time on the way to breakfast.”

With that, he left, leaving Aelin in a very quiet room. She should go see how Rowan was doing and to see if he hadn’t died from embarrassment already. Taking a bracing sip of her sweet coffee Aelin went to the bedroom and even gave him the courtesy of knocking. A groan was her answer and Aelin winced as she opened the door. Rowan was face down on the bed, the pillow surely suffocating him with how little she could see of his face.

“Rowan, it’s not that bad,” Aelin tried to reassure him. “Only Aedion knows. That’s one person who—’’

“Two.” The word was so muffled she barely caught it.

“Two what?”

Rowan rolled over. “Two people know. Last night at the bar Lorcan had a little chat with me and to let me know that he’d figured it out.”

“How?” Aelin was worried now.

“Something about how I’m less pissy when you’re in town,” Rowan gestured listlessly at the ceiling.

Aelin snorted. “Well, good sex will do that to a person.”

There was a ghost of a smile on Rowan’s lips. “He’s not a gossip, he won’t say anything.”

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Aelin patted Rowan’s sheet covered calf. He must have covered himself with the bedding for security or maybe he was concerned Aedion might come in demanding answers or even a duel. “Come on, I’ll talk to Aedion and it will be fine. I’ve got enough blackmail material that I can keep him silent. No one else will know.”

Some emotion flittered over Rowan’s face. It kind of looked like defeat. “Yeah, okay.”

“I’m going to shower, care to join me?” Aelin offered, trying to offer some levity to the situation. And she wanted to wipe that expression off his face.

“Nah, I should go,” Rowan said with a shake of his head. “Aedion killed the mood.”

He was right, there was a tension between them now, almost awkward. Being caught in a compromising situation was probably to blame. But this morning they would say goodbye until one of them could manage another trip. Aelin would have liked to have spent a little more time with him, doing what they did best. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.

“Until next time, then?” Aelin said, standing from the bed as Rowan sat up. “These are also yours.”

She dropped his underwear on the bed making Rowan let out a breathy chuckle. Before he could ask, Aelin explained.

“I tripped on them, I’m not one to keep a memento though.”

“I suppose not,” Rowan’s voice was full of mirth, at least she had accomplished one of her goals for the morning.

“Aedion is waiting for me so I really am going to jump in that shower,” Aelin explained when a small silence drew out between them.

Rowan went to his knees, Aelin watching his every moment like she wanted to linger in every second she had left in his presence. His words from last night came back to her as Rowan cupped her face, a thumb running along her cheek.

I’ll miss you.

Then he kissed her, and she felt the truth of those words in the caress of his lips. It was strange sharing such a soft moment with him, this kiss wasn’t meant to ignite the passion between them and lure her into bed. This kiss was… this kiss was for the hell of it, it seemed. Aelin’s hands went slack at her side, unsure of what they should do. In other circumstances they'd be twined in his hair, urging him closer, taking more. But this felt like it was for her, a gift of a kiss just because he wanted to.

Aelin’s heart was pounding in her chest when he pulled back, an unsteady rhythm that echoed in her ears. Rowan just smiled at her, his final sweet gesture was tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Until next time.”

Fleeing might have been an apt description for what Aelin did next. She managed a smile and a nod, recovering some of her bravado and dropped her robe just before she reached the bathroom door. Rowan’s laugh skittered across her skin and things began to feel normal again.

By the time Aelin finished in the shower Rowan was gone, all traces of him, including the tie that had ended up in the bedsheets after last night. Luckily, Aelin had packed just about everything yesterday before going out the bar, so all she had to do was throw in the last of her dirty clothes and her toiletries and she was good to go. She left her damp hair to air dry, twisting it in the hopes it would give it some shape. There was no point in putting any effort into her hair today. There was because Aedion was waiting for her and he’d start getting pissed if she made him wait unnecessarily. There was also the fact she’d be flying out later and any efforts made now would be ruined.

She did one last check over her suite for anything she might have missed and came up empty handed. The only thing left was her mug of coffee that had long since gone cold. She narrowed her eyes at it, blaming it for the whole disaster that this morning had become. Now it was time to face the music that came in the physical manifestation of her pushy cousin.

He was waiting for her in the lobby, staying in his seat while Aelin checked out and had the concierge mind her bags while she was out. She’d meet Dorian here later and they’d get a taxi to the airport together. It made her wonder what he had been doing with his down time, and maybe she should have invited him on her outings. Although, if Aelin knew anything about Dorian, he easily would have found his own fun.

Aedion was up and meeting Aelin on the way to the front doors. His lips were tight, like that was keeping his words in.

“Before we go any further you have to promise me you won’t say a word to anyone, okay?” Aelin said, more than ready to beg and bribe if it came down to it.

“Fine,” he promised tersely.

“We driving, or?” Aelin asked once they were out on the street.

“I’m not stupid enough to drive in the city through morning peak hour. We’re walking,” Aedion replied tersely.

“Why are you pissy?” Aelin jogged a few steps to catch up with her cousin.

“Come on, Aelin. I’m pissed because you didn’t tell me,” Aedion said with a shake of his head. “You had Rowan, in your bedroom naked, it’s pretty obvious what was going on. And you never said a word. Here I was thinking we shared things, that we were besties. Looks like I found a relationship just in time.”

“I didn’t—’’Aelin was about to start defending herself when something clicked and she pulled on Aedion’s elbow to halt him. “You want to talk about relationship secrets? A relationship. Who?”

There was a flash of guilt across his face. “In my defence I was going to tell like right now, except there was a big diversion.”

Aelin fixed him with a grimace. “Are you making a dick joke right now?”

“I wasn’t, but I guess I am now,” Aedion shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets as his smile taunted her.

“I’m still waiting for my answer.” She refused to move until he answered her, breakfast be damned.

Her cousin sighed. “Me and Lys—“

“You and Lysandra?” Aelin nearly yelled. “How long? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I could ask you the exact same thing.” Aedion sighed as Aelin fixed him with a look. “Fine, a few months. I was waiting to tell you in person. We’ve kept it quiet because we actually wanted you to be the first person to know.”

“Oh,” Aelin said. “That’s actually really sweet.”

“Yeah, it is,” Aedion agreed. “And I’m rewarded with betrayal. He was my gods-damned hall pass and you didn’t tell me.”

“He’s your hall pass?” Aelin’s voice was incredulous, and something bitter twisted her gut. “He can’t be your hall pass because he—’’

She actually didn’t know how she was going to finish that sentence.

“Because he’s what, Aelin?” Aedion said with enough smugness that had Aelin’s eyes narrowing. “That idea got you feeling a little tense? I would even sound a little jealous.”

“Shut your face,” Aelin snapped, and then she was walking away as fast as she could. Aedion followed after her and she threw her next insult over her shoulder. “I am not jealous and you are a liar.”

It took seconds for Aedion to catch up, his low chuckle grating on her nerves. That laughter was all too easy to read, he thought she was a hypocrite. She was not at all impressed at what he was insinuating, what he might be alluding to. What she and Rowan had was between them and part of the reason they kept their arrangement to themselves was because they didn’t want input from others. It would just complicate things, the only thing that mattered was what they wanted it to be. They had fun, what else mattered?

The cafe they were meeting her parents at came into view and maybe it was petty, but Aelin made sure the door slammed in her cousin's face. She didn’t look back to see his reaction but the heavy and irritated footfalls behind her told her enough. A secret smile tilted the corner of her mouth up. The small victory brought her immense amounts of joy.

Aelin’s parents had already claimed a table in the back courtyard at a small four seat table. They looked pleased to see her, glancing up from their menus and smiling. Aelin went to take the seat next to her mother and then at the last second Aedion swooped in, yanking the chair to the side. If her reaction time had been any slower she would have fallen on her ass.

“Something’s brewing,” Rhoe said, already picking up on the tension between the bickering cousins.

“I just hope it doesn’t ruin breakfast,” Evalin added.

“Oh, Aedion knows plenty about ruining things,” Aelin’s tone was casual, conversational. Like was one of Aedion’s most known faults.

He just scoffed. “Well, lying seems to come naturally for some.”

“You little—’’

Evalin’s stern voice cut through the ensuing argument. “Hey. Cut it out.” Taken back to their teenage years the cousin’s had enough sense to look contrite. “This is our last family meal for gods know how long and I won’t let this little squabble ruin it. Got that?”

There were murmurs of yes Mum and yes Aunty and then they went back to their menus. They couldn’t let go just yet though, especially not Aelin. Antagonism wouldn’t be the smart course of action, but with that smug and arrogant look on her cousin’s face she couldn’t help it. Aelin shot a scathing look over her menu at him, and Aedion kicked the leg of her chair, she was about to reach for the sachets of sugar when they were pulled out of her reach.

“Out with it. Now,” Evalin fixed them both with a stare that told them they might not be eating until someone confessed.

The wooden sugar cup landed on the table with a thud, like a starter gun going off. It would be a race to see who could come out with the least amount of scolding. To save herself and the semblance of privacy that was quickly slipping her fingers, Aelin threw her cousin to the wolves.

“Aedion has a girlfriend!”

There was an audible gasp of outrage from beside her.

Not to be outdone, Aedion had his own shot to fire. “Aelin had a naked man in her room this morning.”

Aelin clutched her menu to her chest as his betrayal stung. “Aedion!”

“Well, that’s something,” Rhoe said, looking a little stunned. Evalin on the other hand appeared more than pleased.

“You said you wouldn’t say anything,” Aelin shot at her cousin.

“I don’t think I ever said that,” Aedion said, crossing his arms. “Oh, wait. Maybe that make me a liar.”

“I think you both have some explaining to do,” Evalin waved a hand at them. “I am very interested in these developments.”

Aelin gave Aedion a look that said he should most definitely go first, it would buy her some time to figure out what exactly she should tell her parents. She knew her mother at least had been harbouring hopes for her and Rowan. And to find out that he was the naked man in her room would be something she’d be all too pleased to hear about. Maybe Aelin could get away with not specifying who the naked man was if she worded it very carefully and avoided specifics.

“Lysandra and I have been dating for a couple of months,” Aedion said. “We thought it would be nice to tell everyone when my dear cousin was here so she could hear it in person. We’re considerate like that. We wouldn’t keep something like that secret for I don’t know… How long can you keep a secret like that from your most beloved family?”

Evalin’s eyes darted between the two of them. “That’s wonderful to hear Aedion and I expect more details, but why do I feel like that last little dig has something to do with the, uh, man in Aelin’s room?”

“I’m going to murder you,” Aelin hissed. “Slowly.”

Aedion just grinned like that was a compliment. “Go on, Aelin. Tell us about your boyfriend.”

“He is not my boyfriend,” Aelin immediately defended. “He’s just a friend.”

“What kind of friend is the question,” Aedion mused. “A buddy we could even say.”

Rhoe was shaking his head, with a mutter of, “Good gods.”

“Who is it?” Evalin asked, focusing her attention entirely on Aelin now. “Is this why you’ve been so sharp lately? And why have you ignored our efforts with Rowan?”

Aelin very literally hid behind her menu. The person she always found the hardest to lie to was her mother, and if direct eye contact was made, she might just figure it out.

“I think my private life should stay private,” Aelin said to the table.

“You can’t out me so spectacularly and not suffer the consequences,” Aedion whispered to her. “I might just mention the pants on the fan too, while I’m at it.”

“Don’t hold out on me now, Fireheart,” Evalin pleaded.

Aelin’s eyes shot to Aedion and she could tell that he was about to spill every grizzly detail if she didn’t fess up.

“Fine, it’s Rowan,” Aelin said, snapping her menu flat onto the table. “And before you go and get too excited, he is not my boyfriend and we are not dating. So save any grand ideas for the one in the actual relationship.”

There was a long pause where Evalin just looked and her daughter, turquoise eyes reading into the words that Aelin hadn’t said. It was hard to hide things from Evalin’s discerning gaze and Aelin hoped that she couldn’t read the confusion that had been steadily rising since this morning. All composure was hanging by a thread, but Evalin only held her gaze a short moment longer before she looked away.

“Okay then,” was her simple answer, along with a shrug, as she went back to deciding over the menu.

And then breakfast went on as if nothing had happened. Aedion freely handed over the details of his relationship now that the bickering had cleared up. Having had it out, all that Aelin felt now was happiness over the recent developments in Aedion’s life. She had watched her cousin and her friend flirt for years and it was wonderful to see that their efforts had paid off. They would be good together, and Aelin was sure she’d spend hours on the phone getting more details from Lysandra. She was nothing but happy for them, and more than relieved when everyone dropped the topic of Rowan and her. But the more she heard about the blossoming relationship the more Aelin’s mood sank, the more it left her feeling oddly hollow. It made no sense.

By the time Aelin was walking back to her hotel she still couldn’t figure out why she felt so disappointed.

~~~~~

Rowan didn’t know what to do with himself. After getting a quick breakfast from the hotel cafe he'd gone home with the disaster that was this morning still fresh in his mind. It haunted him just as much, even after he was showered and dressed. Aedion had been in the lobby but Rowan managed to avoid him while he was distracted on his phone. Hopefully he was not telling everyone what he’d discovered. One of the reasons Rowan could manage what was between him and Aelin was that no one knowing made it easier. There wasn’t any pressure from outside forces to be more than what they were, or people reading into things that weren’t there. Keeping it secret left no room for judgemental quips like he’d heard from Lorcan last night.

It seemed that their time was up. Rowan was more than a little disappointed.

He had no plans for today and he was feeling restless enough that sitting at home would drive him mad. Rowan decided he’d go see his parents, maybe mow the tiny front and back garden of their neat townhouse. It would give him something constructive to do and more importantly distract from the unease that had settled in his chest. This time Aelin’s leaving was doing something to him. All those times before he hadn’t liked it, but it was bearable. This time though…

He was going to miss her. Yes, he would miss the sex, but more importantly it was Aelin he would long for. This time he didn’t want her to go—not at all. If they had been given a different outcome for this morning he might have told her. That in itself was enough to make him uneasy. But it was hard to ignore the myriad of feelings that were becoming more prominent and distracting. Aelin would have laughed it off, made some joke about him not being able to survive without him, but instead they were left in a weird kind of limbo.

Rowan drove to the outskirts of the city to where his parents lived. Their place was quaint, a nice little semi-detached townhouse on the corner block with a tidy garden both his parents doted over. It was disappointing to see that their lawns were fine, if Rowan were to mow them any lower he’d cut down to the dirt. His plan was unravelling quicker than he could think of a recovery. Being here he might as well go inside, they’d probably noticed his car by now anyway. Delaying any longer would just lead to more questions.

Parking his car in the driveway, Rowan didn’t bother to knock before he went inside. Although this wasn’t the house he’d grown up in, it still felt like home. They’d moved from Doranelle to Orynth just before Rowan had started high school, but even from house to house over the years his parents had kept the same furniture and knick knacks. It was comforting to know some things never changed.

“Mam? Dad?” Rowan called as he toed off his shoes at the door.

“Kitchen!” His mother called from within.

Family photos lined the walls of the hallway and Rowan’s eyes caught on the one like they had been trained to do. It was a photo of him and Aelin on that fateful graduation day, their blue robes shining in the sun. Aelin looked stunning, her hair makeup perfect, her hair effortlessly styled, a euphoric smile on her face. He had remembered how the sight of her that day had made his heart flip in his chest. In retrospect, that might have been the beginning of the end for him.

Iris Whitethorn stood at the kitchen bench, her grey streaked auburn hair pulled back in a neat bun to keep it out of her face as rolled out some dough on the floured surface. She glanced up at Rowan, a too-knowing look in her eyes and a self-satisfied smile on her face.

“How are you, Rowan?” She asked, lifting a circular cutter and playfully pointing it at him.

“Fine,” he replied a little tersely, suddenly feeling like he was walking into a trap. “How are the scones?”

He’d recognised her technique now and had to wait for an answer while she cut out a few portions.

“My scones will be fantastic,” she said.

“Oh, son,” Rowan’s father had come in from the backyard, sliding the glass door closed behind him. “What brings you here?”

“I came to do your lawns, but,” Rowan said, shrugging instead on finishing the sentence needlessly.

“Yeah, one of the local kids was after some pocket money,” Evander explained. “We said yes but then had to go over it again anyway to touch it up. A journey wasted for you.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Iris brought the scraps of dough together and rolled it out again. “Evalin just called me.”

Rowan froze, praying to whatever gods that were listening that they had just tried to formulate another set up.

“How did your pants get on the fan?”

All semblance of hope was shattered in that one question.

There was a choking sound and the clunk of glass hitting the counter as Evander lowered his drink. “Who’s fan?”

Rowan didn’t want to answer but his mother was all too eager. “Aelin Galathynius’ hotel room fan apparently.”

“Isn’t that the girl you’ve been trying to set him up with?” Evander asked.

“Apparently the effort was unnecessary,” Iris said in a way that could only be described as triumphant.

Rowan’s cheeks heated and he rubbed the back of his neck. Not only had he been discovered but now he would have to clarify. “We’re not dating.”

The scones were momentarily abandoned, Iris lent her hands on the counter to look at her son without distractions. “I see. Well, one way to fix that is to tell her you’re in love with her.”

“I’m not,” the words came out so fast that Rowan's mouth tripped over them. “I’m not in love with her.”

Iris sighed. “You were always such a terrible liar, so don’t lie to me son.”

The kitchen went silent as those words hung in the air. Iris went back to cutting her scones and Evander decided to make himself busy somewhere else in the house. It left Rowan to think, to contemplate what his mother accused him of.

“You two did a mighty fine job of hiding it the night we went out for dinner,” his mother said as she brushed milk over the circles she had lined up on a baking tray. “We had no idea you two were… doing what you were doing when we quite blatantly tried to set you up. But there was a reason we did that. Evalin and I hadn’t seen each other in years when we ran into each other in the city, and then we got talking and it was a completely serendipitous moment when we discovered that you would both be back in town.” Iris stopped to put her scones in the oven. “The two of you always got on like a house on fire, and you always get this look on your face when you talk about her. And yes, when we concocted our little scheme we assumed you were just friends. I always got the feeling that there could be something more.”

“Mam, that’s ridiculous,” Rowan said, that denial tasting bitter.

“Is it though?” When he nodded, she raised an eyebrow at him. “Then why are you miserable right now?”

This time any words contrary to his mother’s accusations never made it out of his mouth. He was miserable because he was gutted. The fact that he would miss Aelin had well and truly settled in him, and he didn’t want her to leave. Not being able to have her near him was enough to turn his mood sour. Rowan didn’t want that, he wanted to wake up next to her more often than not, he wanted to make her laugh, he wanted to be the one that she chose. Each time Rowan saw Aelin it felt like when the sun came out from behind a cloud. It filled him with warmth and joy, and then left him cold and lonely when she was gone.

He’d been running from it for too long. It was easy to make excuses and to accept whatever Aelin gave him. What he had compartmentalised, consoled and blinded himself with the fact that Aelin didn’t feel the same. Convinced himself that it was clear that she felt nothing more for him than friendship. Then again… if Rowan had been hiding these feelings there might be a chance that Aelin was as well.

“I have to—’’ Rowan didn’t know how to explain it. “I’ll miss out on the scones but I just have to go.”

“You go get her, boy.” Iris said, beaming at him. “I’ll save you some.”

On his rush to the door, Rowan called out a hasty goodbye to his father and then got into the car so fast he nearly jammed his leg in the door. He drove home, it would be easier to reach wherever Aelin was at his place, or maybe he could even convince her to come see him. Either way, the drive back to the city gave him time to think and for his determination to set. Barely out of the car he had dialled Aelin’s number and had his phone to his ear. He hadn’t got her flight details from her, but he was pretty sure she’d mentioned that her flight was leaving in the evening. It was barely past noon so, there would be time. He would drive to wherever she was, he would find her and tell her how he felt, consequences be damned. He wouldn’t lie to himself or her any more. Aelin was more than worth the risk.

When the phone rang out to her voicemail he swore and dialled again. When her lovely voice informed him to text instead Rowan took her advice.

>> Aelin, where are you? Can I see you before you go?

Minutes passed and there was no answer. It was long enough that he was about to send another when a text finally came through.

<< Hey. Already through security. Guess I’ll see you for the next round.

Rowan read the words and his chest deflated. All the courage he’d garnered was gone in seconds. He’s run out of time—he’d missed his chance. His brow furrowed as he read it again. Rowan thought that Aelin had told him that her flight wasn’t until the evening, he must have got the times wrong. It could be months before he got the chance to see her again and tell her how he felt. He pushed off his car, resigned to return to his apartment alone.

It wasn’t until he was enclosed in that apartment that he let the disappointment set in. He contemplated a rush to the airport, a big grand gesture that would sweep Aelin off her feet, before he literally did that himself. Rowan could see it so clearly, he knew every word he would say to her. What he was more unsure of was Aelin’s reaction. Doubt started to creep in, and he became more unsure if she would feel the same. So Rowan reconciled with himself that this was a sign to cool his heels, and until he could be sure of Aelin’s love he would hold back on the grand gestures. He’d waited this long for her, Rowan could wait a little longer.

~~~~~

Tags: @fucking-winchester-trash // @literary-licorice // @galyxsy // @tangledraysofsunshine // @highqueenofelfhame // @3am-reading // @soup-that-is-too-hawt // @aelinfire-bringer // @nalgenewhore // @highladyofthesith // @http-itsrebecca // @sleep-and-books // @alifletcher2012 // @westofmoon // @sleeping-and-books // @ttakeitbacknoww // @armixers-unite // @mariamuses // @chocolate-eating-bitch-queen // @velarian-trash // @queenofxhearts // @heroesofterrasen // @highladyofstoriesandmusic // @empire-of-wildfire // @camerooonchiu // @crackedship // @lowhangingtreebranches // @over300books // @yourwhisperingshadows // @thesirenwashere // @tswaney17 // @impossiblescissorspeachpaper // @cat5313 // @judelovescardan // @flowerspringsea // @chaoticskyy // @the-regal-warrior // @fanfictrash3000 // @blueeyes425 // @bamchickawowow // @thehuntressofmoon // @giorgia-the-trashpanda // @flora-and-fae // @thereaderandfangirl // @illyrian-bookworm // @chemicha // @meltalgel // @gay-book-nerd // @that-odd-puzzle-piece // @i-love-all-books // in-love-with-@caramel-macchiato // @girl-who-reads-the-books // @hizqueen4life // @the-third-me // @1islessthan3books // @bestmelle // @cursebreaker29 // @b00kworm // @superspiritfestival // @aesthetics-11 // @maastrash // @mynewdreamwasyou // @the-last-apprentice // @charincharge // @firestarsandseneschals // @scarznstars // @absolute-dissapointment // @thesurielships // @df3ndyr // @trinitybailey2003 // @gwynethhberdara // @booknerdproblems // @larisssss // @sevenfreckles-for-sevenloves // @rolltide7 // @scandinavianromantic // @tillyrubes10 // @starwarsslytherin // @minaidss // @paytin77 // @jesstargaryenqueen // @anntheintrovert // @starbornvalkyrie // @loudphantomdragon // @woollycat22 // @claralady // @perseusannabeth // @fangirlprincess09 // @maddymelv // @sierrareads // @more-espresso-less-depresso-xx // @jlinez // @lysandra-ghost-leopard // @rowaelinismyotp // @pullnpeeltwizzlers // @anne-reads // @jadeaffliction // @gracie-rosee // @elriel4life // @rowaelinrambling // @tothestarswholistentodreamers // @thenerdandfandoms // @castielspelvis // @swankii-art-teacher // @grandma-noob-lord // @vanzetanze // @highlady-brittney // @story-scribbler // @linguine-panini // @pastasiren // @surielandiareendgame // @silentquartz // @live-the-fangirl-life // @whimsicallyreading // @goddess-aelin // @littleboxofthunder // @empress-ofbloodshed // @booksbqueen // @rowanwhitethornisbae // @charlizeed // @feysand-loml // @aelin-queen-of-terrasen // @alyx801 // @amandaswallowtail // @louiseleblancdiggory // @abookishfreak // @danibutterr // @thegreyj // @lizzyfirebringer // @endlessdaydream // @magnifique1807 // @s-uppertime

#set up #rowaelin fanfiction

103 notes · View notes