It Rains, It Pours | Finnick Odair X F!reader

new romantics

“the best people in life are free.”

pairing: finnick x fem!reader, platonic!johanna x fem!reader, literally everyone else just platonic

summary: celebrating the anniversary of getting rid of the hunger games with your found family with a surprise for them in store as well.

requested

a/n: i wrote this like rn which is almost 1 am and i’m not mad about how it has turned out. i should probably edit this but wanted to finish at least one of the requests by today!! also anon i kind of changed it by making johanna someone like sister for reader just so more people feel included when reading <333 hope you like this anon and tbh it’s really bad but i hope you enjoy!!

WITH a wide smile on your face, you jokingly scolded your little child and Peeta for running around the living room. You were busy chatting up with your closest friends Katniss and Johanna, while the rest of your friends were all having a conversation of their own. You were glad the others got distracted by the two, because they were just questioning the fact you passed on a glass of wine. “Sorry,” Your little toddler pouted their underlip forward, your heart melting at the sight.

You motioned for the kid to come and sit on your lap, “That’s okay, sweetie. Now, show aunt Johanna and aunt Katniss your teeth.”

The little child bared their teeth for Johanna and Katniss to examine. Your kid had recently lost two of their teeth, and saying the little one was proud was an understatement. “Wow, you’re all grown up now.” Johanna commented, making the small child smile even wider. Katniss questioned, grabbing the young one’s hands, “What’d you do with the lost teeth?”

Your kid hopped off your lap, “Made money with it, duh.” And the youngster sprinted off to Peeta, who was already waiting for him.

Laughter filled the room, and even Katniss - who was a hard one to crack - couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Finnick, who was previously busy in the kitchen preparing one of his favourite meals, entered the sitting room. His gaze fell upon you and, just like every time he looked at you, it was like he fell in love all over again.

When you noticed him on the other side of the room, you excused yourself to your friends before making your way over to your husband. You draped your arms over his shoulders as he rested his hands on your waist, “How’s everything going in the kitchen, love?” He smiled and leaned in closer, letting his nose brush against yours, “It’s going just fine.”

“Ugh, get a room you two!” Haymitch, who was playing with your child together with Peeta, yelled out of nowhere. You rested your forehead on Finnick’s chest while chuckling. He pulled you in closer while he did the same. “Let’s go to the kitchen.” Finnick offered, putting some distance between the two of you to look at you. He grabbed your hand, before leading you to there.

The stove was filled with different kinds of pans and pots, and judging on the kitchen counter covered by many ingredients, you could tell Finnick really was trying his best. “I need you to taste, darling,” Finnick said while grabbing a wooden spoon. He dipped it into one of the pots and blew on it a few times. He sipped on it a little himself, just to make sure it wasn’t too hot, before offering you.

Your eyes widened when you tasted it and Finnick’s face fell, “Oh, no, don’t tell me I’ve ruined it.”

“I’m so sorry, Finn.” You apologised while pulling a faux soured face. With his hands covering his face, he shook his head in disbelief, “I knew it! I should’ve…”

He stopped when you removed his hands, letting him see the smile on your face. “I was just kidding, Finn, that was amazing.” You assured with a giggle. “Oh, you! Darling, if it weren’t for you being so damn adorable…” He pulled you in closer as you couldn’t hold in your giggles. When your laughter died down, he left a kiss on your forehead, before resting his against yours. “We’ll tell them, right?”

You nodded in response, forgetting about the entire world in your lover’s arms. Just like you did since the moment you met him.

A call of your name by Johanna brought you back to reality. “Where are you?” She continued in a sing-songy tone while entering the kitchen. She stopped when she saw the two of you and a smile tugged at her lips as she said, “Oh, hey lovebirds.”

“Hey, Jo.” Finnick and you said in unison while you faced her.” She walked over and grabbed your hand, “I’m going to steal my wife from you real quick, Finnick.”

Finnick responded, pulling away from you with furrowed eyebrows, “Sure…” You let go of Finnick and followed her out of the kitchen as Finnick yelled, “Wait, you mean my wife!” You and Johanna laughed while linking your arms, “Nope. Mine!”

“You wish!” You heard Finnick faintly before you entered the dining room.

The two of you started talking as you set the table, a lot of memories being recalled. “Oh my god, I remember how terrified I was of you when we first met!” Johanna’s mouth fell agape by your exclaim, and she jokingly responded, “Ouch!”

You playfully nudged her side with your elbow, “You were scarily intimidating, Jo! How could I not be?”

“You know what, I’m actually glad I gave that impression. Exactly what I was going for.” Your best friend spoke, setting the last plate on the table.

“I can’t believe that we have come so far.” You still remember the hard times as clear as day. The hunger games, the rebellion, the war. But you got through it together with all the people who had become such a huge part of your life along the way. Like Johanna, who was basically like a sister to you. “Done!” Johanna said, as she just finished putting all the cutlery in place.

“What’s wrong?” She questioned when she noticed you had fallen silent. “Just grateful,” You started with quivering lips, “You’re like a sister to me and I couldn’t imagine a life without you-”

Johanna walked over to you and pulled you in for a tight, but comforting hug. Something only Johanna could do. She pulled away as she said, “Now, stop being so sentimental. I don’t want to cry in front of you.”

You chuckled at her comment, wiping away the tears that had escaped bay. “Let’s call everyone to the table now, shall we?”

With the dining room filled with the people you loved with your entire body and soul, you couldn’t wish for anything else. Everyone had taken a seat, admiring the food that lay upon them. Most of the food was cooked by Finnick, who was sitting beside you and holding your hand tightly. Your little child was sitting on the other side of you, talking to you about everything and nothing.

You smiled at your child’s story, and when it finished, your eyes found Finnick’s. You knew exactly what his eyes were telling you. Both you and Finnick stood up and the room quieted down. He wrapped an arm around your waist to pull you in closer as you spoke., “It has been quite some time since the day we finally got some peace in our lives.”

“And sitting here, with the family I found during the hard times, there is no place I’d rather be.” You continued, everyone listening attentively and some nodded at your words. “So since we’re celebrating the anniversary of the day we finally got rid of the games, there was something Finnick and I wanted to announce as well.”

Everyone waited in anticipation, wondering what was going on as you and Finnick shared a look. He nodded encouragingly with a soft smile.

“We’re having another baby!” You announced as Finnick held up the photos of the echo you had made a week ago. The whole room erupted in joy and excitement. Johanna was the first to get up from her seat and run over to embrace you, followed shortly by Katniss. Finnick was being congratulated by Peeta and Haymitch, as Katniss told you, “I knew it! You were so obvious, you know?”

However, before you could respond, your small child stood on your chair, “Daddy told me not to tell anyone!”

“Yes, and you didn’t, baby. You did such a good job.” With the brightest smile on your face you kissed your little one’s forehead.

“We can’t wait to welcome our little baby to the family.” Finnick said to everyone, to which they nodded their head to. Everyone sat back down on their chairs as soon as they all had congratulated you. You and Finnick sat down as well, relieved that you didn’t have to keep this from your loved ones any longer. “You’ve got to name your little one Effie if it’s a girl.” Effie commented, grabbing ahold of Haymitch’s hand with as she looked at you with a smile.

“Or Peeta if it’s a boy!” Peeta exclaimed.

“No, no, no! You should definitely name him Haymitch.”

“In your dreams.” Katniss said, rolling her eyes at the man.

A soft chuckle escaped your lips and you turned your head to face your husband, who was already looking at you with a lovesick smile.

Changes

Pairing: Thanos (Choi Su-Bong) x Reader

Summary: Su-Bong's back on the stage, but when an familiar face reappears what will happen?

Warnings: Mentions of drug use

Word Count: 2,992

Comments: Straight up dedicating this part to the anon that guessed who was gonna show up 😂 Hope you all enjoy this part, I'm so excited to see what you think! 💕

<- Part 6

The streets were buzzing as you made your way across the city. The neon lights flickered above you as people spilled out of bars. You clutched your phone, glancing down at Su-Bong’s latest text.

‘I’ll be looking out for you 👀’

Heat rose in your cheeks at his words. It was silly how easily he got to you, how such a short text could leave you grinning like crazy.

You hadn’t been to this kind of gig before, rap music wasn’t exactly your thing, but this wasn’t about the music. It was about him. You hoped it went well, hoped that he’d feel good up there, and hoped that he knew you were rooting for him.

The venue wasn’t as small as he’d let on. From the outside it had a grungy feeling to it, with graffiti and old posters littering the walls, but when you got inside it was overflowing. There was a good few hundred people, the air was dense from how closely everyone was packed together. 

The bass from the act on stage shook the floor beneath you as you weaved your way over to the bar. You ordered a drink and took a slow sip, trying to take everything in. 

The warm haze of the stage lights cast a glow over the crowd. The air was electric, but you couldn't stop your mind from drifting to Su-Bong. Was he nervous? Excited? You glanced to the side of the stage, hoping you could catch a glimpse of him but it was too dark. 

As the set ended the crowd cheered. You exhaled, making your way into the crowd to get a good spot. Would Su-Bong be performing next?

A DJ filled the pause with a low, steady beat. You tapped your fingers against your cup whilst the people around you swayed, their voices mixing into a low murmur of anticipation.

A tech guy jogged across the stage, adjusting the mic. The lights dimmed for a moment, the anticipation was thick in the air. Then, the beat dropped, heavy and pulsing through the air, and Su-Bong stepped out onto the stage.

The crowd surged forward as the stage lights flooded over him. But something caught you off guard. His hair.

The familiar purple was gone, replaced by a striking bleached white. It was a bold change, one he hadn’t mentioned to you, a way to show he wasn’t the same person anymore. It suited him effortlessly.

Before you had much time to focus on it he took the mic. And then it was like he had the room in the palm of his hand. 

You’d never seen anything like it, the way he completely owned the stage. He was confident, like he belonged up there, like he was built for this. You were sure you were watching someone doing what they were born to do.

As the first song faded out, he took a breath, taking a moment to look out across the crowd. He was searching for something. No, for someone. You.

His eyes finally found yours and it was as though the rest of the world faded away, the noise of the crowd, the flashing lights, the bass, it all just melted away. In that moment there wasn’t anyone else, it was just the two of you. 

His entire face lit up, and as he began his next song he kept his eyes on you. Something unspoken passed between you with every word he rapped. Your heart thundered in your chest in time with the beat. 

You watched on, transfixed as he moved across the stage. The rhythm of his words was effortless, the music travelled through him shaping the way he carried himself.

The intensity in his voice deepened as his set went on, his presence growing bolder. Every time he glanced your way a shiver went down your spine. It was electric, he was electric.

As the final song reached its peak, he poured his all into it. His voice, his movement, his energy, it was awe inspiring. The final note echoed out and the crowd seemed to take a breath before erupting with applause. You clapped and cheered as loud as the rest of them. You were so happy for him, so proud. 

The crowd was still buzzing as the next act set up but you could barely focus. The rush of Su-Bong’s performance pulsed through you. You needed to see him.

Slipping through the crowd you made your way to the exit. The cool night air hit you as you made it outside, a contrast to the heat of the venue. 

You could still hear the bass from out here, muffled by the thick walls but out here everything felt quieter, calmer.

You rubbed your arms against the slight chill as you waited for him to emerge. Your stomach fluttered as you caught sight of him stepping out from a side door, where a couple of people were waiting to ask for pictures with him. He looked so at ease, flashing a cocky grin as he posed. 

Then, his eyes found you and he began to make his way over. Your excitement spilled out the second he was close enough, ‘Su-Bong, that was amazing! You were amazing! & look at your hair-’ your rambling was cut off as he reached you and engulfed you in a hug. He lifted you off the ground with ease, causing a surprised laugh to bubble out of you. 

‘You see that Señorita?’ he asked joyously. 

Your hands gripped his shoulders instinctively, clinging to the feeling of being so close to him. ‘I saw, they loved you!’ Up close you could see the sparkle of adrenaline still in his eyes.

He smiled at your reply and something softer took over his exhilaration. ‘What about you?’ 

Your breath hitched slightly at the way he looked at you. His hands still holding your waist, keeping you close. ‘I loved it too, I can’t wait to see you perform again, but there is just one thing…’

He furrowed his eyebrows slightly before he followed your gaze. ‘It’s the hair isn’t it?’

‘You could’ve warned me! I almost didn’t realise it was you!’ You teased.

He laughed with you and remained smiling down at you. The laughter faded and neither of you said anything for a moment. The noise of the city hummed around you but it felt distant, like you were back in your own little world. You were hyper aware of everything. His hands on your waist, the lack of space between you, the way his eyes flickered across your face. 

It should make you nervous. Maybe it did, but at the same time you didn’t want him to let go. You wanted to stay in this moment, to commit it moment to memory, to let it mean more than either of you were saying out loud.

Then- ‘Hey man, can I get an autograph?’

The moment shattered like glass. He let out a small sigh before pulling away from you, his hands lingered on your waist until the last possible moment. You took a small step back, trying to ignore the way his warmth lingered on your skin.

He signed quickly, exchanging a few words before finally turning back to you. The energy between you had shifted, the interruption cooling whatever it was you had going on. 

‘C’mon let’s get outta here,’ he said as he ran his hand through his freshly bleached hair. ‘We can grab some food on the way.’

You blinked at him, hesitating. ‘Shouldn’t you stay? Celebrate your comeback?’

He tilted his head, trying to hide the small smirk with a shrug. ‘Nah I don’t wanna stay out, would rather go back to yours.’

You opened your mouth to protest, to tell him he should stay out. He deserved to celebrate properly, but before you could get a word out he was already walking, his decision made. 

All you could do was catch up and fall into step beside him, trying to bite back a smile that might give away too much.

The weeks that followed both felt familiar and different. He still walked you home from work, still filled most of your evenings with his usual antics. But now, sometimes, those evenings ended in dimly lit venues with his voice filling the space.

You never missed any of his shows. You loved to watch him, he belonged on the stage. With every performance he settled further into it, getting used to working under his real name rather than a stage one. 

Not much had changed between you, not on the surface at least. You wrote the moment after his first show down to adrenaline, you were both so excited that you weren’t thinking straight. But sometimes, when you caught him looking at you from across the room, or when his arm lingered around you just a little longer than before, it was hard to pretend that nothing had changed.

You tried to act like things were the same, like the feeling creeping up your spine when he was close wasn’t new. Like your pulse didn’t pick up when his fingers brushed yours. If he noticed, he didn’t say anything, and neither did you.

It was another one of the nights where Su-Bong had a gig, you were stood outside after. The night's energy still lingered around you as he lit up a cigarette. His hand briefly grazed your arm as he turned to begin walking, but something stopped him in his tracks.

‘Hey Thanos! Heard you were back on stage, wanted to come see for myself!’ 

It was player 124 from the games. You froze next to Su-Bong. You hadn’t seen anyone else from those horrific days. The sight of him sent a cold shiver through you, your stomach twisting into knots. Did he even recognise you? Would he bring up the games? Or was he really just here to see Thanos?

‘Hey Nam-Su,’ Su-Bong replied, keeping it short. He was tense, the air around you feeling heavy.

‘It's Nam-Gyu,’ he muttered, correcting him though he didn’t seem too bothered by the mistake as he stepped closer into your personal space. 

‘Got some new shit I thought you might wanna try,’ Nam-Gyu said casually, as he pulled a small bag of pills from his pocket, shaking them briefly before tucking them away.

You stayed glued to the spot. Keeping an eye on Su-Bong, you noticed the way his jaw clenched.

‘I’m good,’ Su-Bong dismissed him easily, putting an arm around your shoulders and steering you away.

Nam-Gyu let out a short laugh. ‘Really? You can’t get this stuff anywhere else. You’ll love it.’ He was persistent, you'd give him that. 

‘I said no.’ Su-Bong didn’t even look back but his voice was firmer this time.

‘This bitch really changed you didn’t she.’

That halted him.

You felt nausea creep into your chest as Su-Bong’s frame went rigid.

Nam-Gyu smirked. ‘Look at her, probably thinks she’s better than all of us. Isn’t that right?’ You couldn’t help but look over your shoulder, finding Nam-Gyu closing in on you. ‘You keeping him on a leash so when he makes it big again you can cash in?’

The words stung even if there was no truth behind them. But before you had time to fully process them, Su-Bong moved. 

In a flash he’d spun around, shoulders squared and hands clenched into fists. For a moment you were sure he was gonna deck him. Nam-Gyu must’ve thought the same because he flinched. 

But then just as quickly, Su-Bong exhaled sharply. Instead of throwing a punch, he grabbed your wrist and dragged you away. 

His steps were fast, you almost tripped trying to keep up. He didn’t let go, didn’t slow down, didn’t even turn to look at you.

‘Su-Bong!’ you called, trying to steady your breath. ‘Su-Bong stop!’

He didn’t. Not until you were a few blocks away, where he finally released your wrist and began pacing.

‘That fucking asshole!’ He yelled, raking a hand through his hair. ‘Who the hell does he think he is chatting all that shit?!’

You didn’t know what to say, just watched him as anger seeped out of him.

‘I should’ve hit him, asshole deserves it even if he was -’ He cut himself off, his pacing stopped as he remained with his back to you, his shoulders rising and falling unevenly.

‘If he was what?’ You pressed, did he agree with that guy? Thinking you were just with him for money. The thought made your throat tighten

His shoulders deflated, the fight draining from his body. ‘He’s right.’ He sighed.

Your heart broke, after everything how could he think you were using him? A lump began to form in your throat but you forced yourself to talk. ‘Su-Bong,’ your voice shook. ‘I’d never use you like that, surely you know that?’

‘Huh?’ His head snapped up and for the first time since Nam-Gyu had appeared he looked at you. The anger was gone, replaced by something raw. His tense posture softened slightly. ‘Señorita, I know that.’ His voice was gentle as he stepped towards you, close enough to chase away the chill in the air.

‘Then what was he right about?’ Tears stung the corner of your eyes as you tried to brace yourself for the answer.

‘You’re better than me… you always have been.’

Your breath caught in your throat, eyes widening. He couldn’t mean that.

‘Don’t act like it’s such a surprise,’ he muttered, voice laced with something bitter. His hands flexed at his sides, clenching and releasing as if he was fighting the urge to reach out. ‘Fuck, look at me, I don’t know why you still let me hang out with you.’

You watched him closely, his words settled over you. Your chest felt tight as anticipation curled inside of you. ‘What are you saying?’

He swallowed hard, eyes flickering to the pavement below. ‘I can barely keep my shit together, you don’t deserve that,’ he admitted. ‘That night when I showed up at yours… You shouldn’t have to deal with that shit.’

Your mind flooded with images of the night he turned up high, the way he acted, how he’d spoken to you. And then realisation dawned on you, ‘that’s why you disappeared?’

He nodded slightly, ‘thought maybe if I stayed away you’d finally realise you shouldn’t have someone like me around.’ 

But he did come back, he came back when you needed him the most and you had to know why. ‘If you think that, then why did you answer the call?’ you asked, voice sounding a lot steadier than you felt.

He met your eyes again, he looked so vulnerable. ‘It was the middle of the night, I thought something bad might’ve happened.’ He dragged a hand down his face. ‘I told myself I’d stay away but the moment I thought you needed me, I …I just couldn’t’ 

The truth crashed over you like a wave, flooding you with an array of emotions. You felt overwhelmed as the weight of his words settled into your bones. He hadn’t stayed away because he didn’t care, he stayed away because he thought it would be better for you. The realisation almost sent you spiralling, a dizzying mix of warmth and sadness twisted inside of you.

‘I never wanted you to stay away,’ you said. ‘Su-Bong I don’t need you to protect me from you.’

His breath caught, body going still. You could see the conflict behind his eyes. ‘I don’t deserve you.’

‘You don’t get to decide that,’ you felt bold as you carried on. ‘I want you here. I want you.’

He looked as though he was fighting an internal battle as you stepped forward bravely, closing the last bit of distance between the two of you. He opened his mouth to speak but you didn’t let him.

‘You think I don’t deserve to be with a person that makes me feel better? A person that makes me feel safe?’ You let out a breathless laugh ‘Su-Bong you’re an idiot if you can’t see that you’re what I want.’

His eyes darted across your face, searching for any doubt but he didn’t find any.

And then, like a dam breaking, he moved. His hands, warm and urgent, cupped your face. His thumbs grazed over your cheeks, like he was trying to convince himself this was real.

For a split second neither of you moved. His breath fanned over your skin, his forehead almost resting against your own. His grip tightened slightly, like he was afraid to let go.

Then, finally, his resolve snapped. 

Su-Bong kissed you like he had nothing left to lose. His lips were rough, insistent, like it was something he’d been holding back on for so long that it physically hurt. His hands cradled your face like he was terrified you’d disappear if he let go. You kissed him back just as fiercely, because you weren’t going anywhere. 

As the kiss broke, he didn’t pull back completely, holding on to you and taking a moment to ground himself. His hands still cradled your face, thumbs brushing over your cheeks as his eyes flickered between yours.

‘I don’t know how to do this,’ he admitted quietly. 

Your heart clenched at the raw honesty in his voice. He was so convinced he wasn’t good enough, so convinced he wasn’t worthy before he even had the chance to try. 

‘You don’t have to,’ you raised your hands, gently curling your fingers around his own. ‘We can figure it out together.’

‘...Yeah?’ His voice was barely above a whisper, hesitant but hopeful.

You nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips. ‘Yeah.’

It was though something clicked into place for Su-Bong, like he was finally letting himself believe you. He didn’t say another word, but the way he pulled you in again told you everything you needed to know.

-> Part 8 Coming soon Series Masterlist

Taglist: @andersonslove @fallout-girl219 @olasz-2003 @l5byrinth @hotdxdragon @cherrypied0lly @nicklet94 @learninglinesintherainn @tebteb @lotsa-juicy-shit @onecojg @the-iridescent-phoenix @red22wolf @avsarchivez

I keep going over the world we knew (p.4)

a player 230/ Thanos/ Su-Bong x fem!reader fic

summary: “It had always been him and her against the world. But if you've been fighting against the world for years, how do you react when you suddenly realize that your best friend has become your world?”

warnings: none really except the usual Thanos/Squid Game stuff. Maybe slightly ooc Thanos? , Written in my notes app

note: happy valentines 💌 I’ve FINALLY managed to finish the next chapter and I sincerely hope you enjoy it!!

🏷️: @l5byrinth , @wpdarlingpan , @lollipopsandstuff , @scotty-doesnt-know-ig

Previous Part

( italics = flashback; [e/c] = eye colour)

“Thanos, huh?” [Y/N] mused , one finger gently gently tracing Su-Bong’s handwriting on the CD that laid upon his desk, the letters THANOS written on it with slightly smudged purple ink. “Yeah, he’s freakin’ powerful and so will I be. As a rapper I mean.” Su-Bong’s deep voice hummed from where his position on his bed, long legs resting against the wall as his head dangled over the edge.

“You don’t expect me to call you after a purple comic villain tho, do you?” [Y/N] turned looking at her best friend with an amused but slightly concerned expression.

Chuckling the boy sat up into a cross legged position. “Remember that movie you like so much? Where one only ever has power over someone else if you know their true name?” His eyes watched her as she leaned against his desk , crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Yeah , what about it ?” Her [e/c] gaze found his and he held it , an intense glimmer of something she couldn’t quite place in his eyes. “I want you to be the only one in my life who holds such power over me.” [Y/N]’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching slightly at the gravity of his words. “Su-Bong-“

The abrupt humming of the platform underneath her feet, pulled [Y/N] out of her memory, dumping her back in the cruel reality of the games. Finding her balance, she observed how the spinning increased to an unnerving speed once again, the other remaining players shifting nervously from foot to foot. [Y/N]’s pulse thudded in her ears, eyes tracing the blur of red blood on the area surrounding the platform. Mingle…She had played this game a hundred times back in the day. Never once would she have thought that one day she’d be playing it for survival, and money, but mainly survival.

The voice blared through the speakers, cold and mechanical, announcing the start of yet another gruesome round.

“Three Players”

A collective groan rippled through the group as players began to scramble. Groups formed quickly—some with practiced ease, others with utter desperation. But for every group that came together, there were those left standing on the edges, scrambling for anyone who would take them. There was no time to waste. Groups had to be formed, and rooms had to be secured or else you’d suffer the fate of a brutal elimination.

[Y/N] stood frozen for a moment, scanning the room. She moved swiftly, trying to spot a familiar face, but each person she had some form of acquaintance with seemed to be taken already. Looking over her shoulder she caught a glimpse of Nam-gyu’s smirk as he locked eyes with another player, securing his spot, and her stomach tightened. If that rat could find someone, so could she….right?

A wave of panic rolled through her. She couldn’t get left behind to die. Not here. Not now. Not during a stupidly childish game such as mingle.

Glancing at the timer, [Y/N] darted toward a small group forming near a door, only to find the last spot already claimed. The seconds were ticking away. She barely heard the voice in her head telling her to stay calm. Her feet carried her from one group to the next, but each time, she was met with the same response: full.

Her breathing began to quicken. This is it. She was going to be eliminated. Shot by some masked cowards and left to rot away wherever this hellish place was located.

But then, just as her usual confidence slipped and her mind began to spiral, a firm hand gripped her wrist, pulling her back into the fray.

“Come on, let’s go,” came the low, familiar voice.

[Y/N]’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up, her breath catching in her throat. There he was— Su-Bong. His purple hair stood out in the crowd like a beacon. She couldn’t help herself as her eyes studied his expression. His sharp face holding that same calculating look she had come to know all too well over the past few days.

She didn’t have time to ask questions. Without a word, he tugged her towards one of the colourful doors leading into the little safe-rooms. Shortly before the timer reached 00:00 Nam-gyu slipped in the room as well, looking unusually pleased with himself as he cane to a halt with his arms crossed. The player he had previously been with was nowhere to be seen.

“You made it just in time,” Thanos said to him, his tone almost casual, as if he hadn’t just pulled [Y/N] from the edge of elimination.

Nam-gyu raised an eyebrow, giving [Y/N] a long, appraising look before letting out a laugh. “Well, well. I actually found us some idiot but then I had to get rid of him again once I saw that you got yourself some arm candy,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. His eyes flicked from [Y/N] to Thanos, a smug grin spreading across his face. “I thought you didn’t need anyone, Thanos. But I guess even you can’t resist a damsel in distress.”

The comment struck a nerve, but Thanos didn’t flinch. Instead, he smirked, his gaze never wavering from Nam-gyu as he casually leaned against the wall of the room.

“She practically threw herself at me,” Thanos said, his voice smooth, as if the words came effortlessly. “I’m just being a good guy, taking the poor thing off the chopping block.”

As his voice registered in her mind, [Y/N] felt a heat rise in her chest, her fingers clenching at her sides. This bastard...She wanted to retort, to throw his words back in his face, but she held herself back. Not now. Not in this tiny space and most certainly not in front of Nam-gyu. The last thing she wanted was to give him any more ammunition.

Instead, she let her focus drift to the gunshots outside, silently counting as the air in the room grew thick with tension.

Nam-gyu’s eyes narrowed as he leaned against the wall opposite of Thanos, arms crossed over his chest, looking between the two of them. “So, what’s the deal here?” His voice was casual, but his eyes were sharp. “You’re telling me that you—who’s got a reputation for being untouchable—are suddenly the knight in shining armor for our little friend here?”

Su-Bong didn’t even acknowledge the question at first, staring coolly ahead. His posture was still relaxed, his confidence unwavering. He slid his hands into his pockets, leaning his head back against the wall in a way that made it clear he wasn’t bothered by the confrontation.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice deep and even, eyes meeting Nam-gyu’s without a hint of hesitation. “She was about to be left without a group. Thought I’d step in and make sure her blood wouldn’t be staining my shoes next round.”

Nam-gyu raised an eyebrow, his expression more amused than anything. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.” He looked over at [Y/N], the hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. [Y/N] couldn’t hold back any longer. “You’re a real piece of work, aren’t you?” she bit out, her voice cold. But Thanos just turned his head slowly, eyes meeting hers with a look that could’ve frozen her on the spot.

“You’re just lucky I decided to save you,” he said, the words coming out with a clipped edge that made it clear he wasn’t entirely unaffected by the situation either. “You should be thanking me, not playing the victim.”

Her jaw clenched, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she stepped away from him, moving to the far side of the room and crossing her arms tightly over her chest. She didn’t care what he thought. She didn’t need him. She wasn’t going to thank him.

Thanos watched her for a moment, his usual smirk slipping, replaced by something unreadable in his gaze. But before he could say anything else, the lock clicked and the door sprung open.

Squeezing past the two boys, [Y/N] didn’t flinch. She had no time for Su-Bong’s games, and she wasn’t about to let him get to her now.

Thanos looked over at her, rushing after her with big steps. “If the next round is two, I’ll send Nam-Guy off to find that other idiot.” he said, his voice carrying a hint of something darker now. “You’re with me.”

The words hung in the air for a moment. Something about the way he said it made her skin crawl. Not in the same way like it did whenever it seemed like he was enjoying this, this twisted game they were all a part of, but in a way that made her heart stutter like it did all those years ago.

Nearing the giant platform, [Y/N] decided that she wasn’t going to let him play with her mind anymore. This torturous hell simply was neither the right place , nor the right time for feelings of such a complexity. And to be quite honest, she wasn’t even sure if Su-Bong was the right person anymore, like he had been what felt like a lifetime ago.

Finally, she spoke, her low voice slightly wavering. “That won’t be necessary. Good luck, Player 230.”

The words were simple, but the sting of them hit Thanos like a punch to the gut. His smirk faltered , and in the brief silence that followed, he understood exactly what she was doing. She wasn’t addressing him with his name as she once had. Shutting that door to their shared past. He was nothing more than a number now. Just another player in this game.

The weight of the words settled over him like a crushing weight. Player 230. The reminder was bitter—she had always known him as Su-Bong. And now, all of that, every connection, every shared moment, was slipping away from him.

His throat tightened. He wanted to say something, anything to push back against that cold indifference in her tone. But the words didn’t come. Instead, he stood there, staring at her as the final moments of the game began to unfold.

[Y/N] didn’t look at him again. Her form leaving his field of vision as she mingled with the crowd. Thanos, however, stayed frozen, the words Player 230 echoing in his mind.

The last thread of his past, the last hint of the person he used to be, had just been severed.

And for the first time, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever get it back.

mystery caller

ethan landry x fem!reader

req by @l5byrinth: so i was thinking about yk the intro of scream 1996? where ghostface calls the girl and they get to talk and he suddenly asks if she has a boyfriend and she's like why you wanna ask me out on a date? so something like that with than be basically he has liked her for a very long time but never really had the courage to ask her out yk? you can decide how you want it to go or end!! this idea has just been in my mind for soooo long a i hope you like this idea.

words: 1.4k

notes: ghostface, mentions of death, mentions of blood, a knife is mentioned once or twice, kissing. i don’t really like this 😭 i’ve realized i’m more of a fluff fic writer

with the news on as background noise, you were fully focused on making dinner as your roommate, anika, made her way back home from a date with mindy, just like she had texted. the buzzing of your phone caught your attention, as it seemed the group chat with your friends was getting filled with messages. chad had texted a couple of times, telling everyone to check the news with a few panicked emojis, and it seemed that everybody else in the chat was just as freaked out as him. 

turning up the volume still holding onto the spatula, your brain took a beat to process the words on the screen saying that sam was a prime suspect for a murder near your apartment. just as you picked up your phone to text the group chat that had now over 50 unread messages, an unrecognized number appeared at the top of your screen. you let it ring for a few seconds, wondering if it could be tara’s sister calling since you hadn’t really ever talked

“hello?” you put it on speaker and left it on the counter as you flipped the two burgers on the pan, one for you and one for your roommate. “y/n” the voice definitely wasn’t sam’s. it was deep, almost robotic, and it sounded like it was mocking her “who is this?”

“poor thing, your friends haven’t told you anything. have they?” there was a chuckle on the other end of the line and you felt yourself tense up a bit once the news reporter held up a mask that had been found at the crime scene “is this a prank?”

“you’d think, wouldn’t you?”

sighing, you moved to where your phone sat and hesitated for a moment before hanging up on the unknown caller. the second you texted mindy, the horror movie expert, about a mystery call from a weird voice she went crazy. mindy spammed the group chat saying he had called you, and you quickly covered by saying it was probably a prank. it was almost halloween after all.

the number lot up your screen again and just as you picked up, you could hear a grunt in the back “bad choice, y/n. hanging up on me”

“who are you?”

“let’s play a game”

you rolled your eyes and decided to keep the call going, your evening had been very boring without anika around “sure”

“what’s your favorite scary movie?” the voice asked. you pretended to think for a minute, getting the plates ready “i’m not really a horror person”

“that’s too bad. do you have a boyfriend?” you let out a laugh “sorry?” the voice stayed quiet, as if challenging you to laugh at whoever it was at the other end of the line one more time “do you?”

“no, why? i won’t go on a date with a stranger, you know?” the person hummed, the like getting clearer by the second “you wouldn’t?” you felt a knot form in your throat once you heard a door shut all the way down the hallway “who is this?” your voice quivered a bit and you quickly opened the messaging app to tell your friends you definitely weren’t home alone. but as soon as you typed out the words, a black gloved hand snatched the phone away

“nah-uh” the masked man shook his head, and you recognized the mask from the news. you could feel your entire body shaking as he took a step closer “please- my roommate is about to get home” you begged, but he only titled his head before reaching out to turn on a voice changer on the side of the mask “i won’t hurt you, y/n”

the knife on his hand pressed gently against your chin and for a second you felt like you were about to die, he titled your head back, making you keep eye contact with the masks’s black eyes “you wouldn’t go on a date with a stranger, huh?”

“you’re wearing the mask from the news” he nodded “you’re going to kill me?”

“i could never, baby”

you made a face at the nickname, but when he didn’t make a move to use the knife that was now covered by his robe you glanced away. the masked man nodded at you “i’ll let you take it off if you keep me a secret. hm?” feeling helpless, you nodded. he took a moment to study your face as if wanting to confirm you truly wouldn’t snitch on him.

he nodded once and you felt yourself get goosebumps as you reached up to the mask’s chin, swiftly taking it off of his head. at the sight of your close friend, you felt your heart drop to the very pit of your stomach “ethan-“

“- you’re a killer” your voice sounded so breathy that ethan felt like revealing himself to you had been a mistake. you were clearly scared of him “no. no, baby. i haven’t killed anyone” it felt as though that robe and mask gave ethan some kind of confidence you had never seen in him. baby?

“not yet, at least” he finished his sentence. okay now you felt your whole body was about to give out, he sensed the change in your demeanor “not you, y/n. never you” he reached to caress your cheek with his still gloved hand and he gave you a small smile. which slowly melted into a smirk as he felt your fear go away for a second “why would you scare me like that” you smacked his chest and he let out a chuckle “oh, please!” he said

his curls had stuck to his forehead from the heat of the mask and you wondered why you weren’t more freaked out by the fact that he had sneaked into your house with the keys you gave him months before. “you wouldn’t go on a date with me?” he asked, voice a little deep as he moved closer. you kept silent, watching him leave the knife on the table, right next to the two plates of food, and he stepped closer to where you stood “can i kiss you, baby? just once”

at loss for words, you felt your body move by itself as you nodded your head yes. his eyes trailed down at your hands, no longer shaking, and he had that smirk on his face again. you had never seen such a confident ethan in the months you had known each other. at the buzzing of your phone, indicating that the group chat was still talking, ethan flipped the screen, stopping you from distracting yourself.

he had taken his right hand’s glove, you realized. ethan used his thumb to split your lips apart as he closed any kind of distance between you, his body now fully flushed against yours. lips still not touching.

“oh, y/n. i can’t believe you hate scary movies, i’m standing here right now and you’re not scared of me”

a small gasp came out from your thoat as he cupped your face, one hand still covered in the black cloth and the other soft against your cheek. he closed his eyes first, or maybe you did. but the second his lips covered yours he let out a grunt from his throat in relief and he was kissing you like his life depended on it. only pulling back to breathe for a second or two before going back in for a kiss. your hands had messed his curls up by then and the spatula you had been holding all that time was somewhere in the floor, you were sure he kicked it away once you dropped it to kiss him back.

pulling away from you, ethan licked his lips. and with the same smirk you’d witnessed for the third time that night, he made his way to the balcony, putting on his mask again before muttering a goodnight and managing to go away unnoticed by any neighbors. anika got back worried, you had heard her keys jiggle on the lock about four times before she actually managed to open the door, she ran in worried and held your face to inspect you before sighing in relief.

“you have some blood here” she wiped it off your chin “what happened? was someone in here?” anika’s eyes moved to the spatula on the floor and the phone that was still facing downwards “nothing- i just- saw the news and got a bit scared. that’s all”

“what about this?” she showed you the small bit of blood on her finger that she had wiped off of your face “i must’ve cut myself making dinner, it doesn’t even hurt. don’t worry” anika nodded, cleaning off her finger before sitting next to you to have dinner. your phone buzzed once again, ethan’s name on the screen and a short text with the words thank you for keeping my secret ;)

Being a girl is: wanting to go to bed early but deciding to just get on tumblr/wattpad/Ao3 for a little bit and then end up finding a fic series that you really like and read until well past your usual bedtime then keeping on because it’s already past your bedtime. Then being mad when you wake up in the morning because you overslept your timer.

Idc in my head the goal counted let’s just pretend one of the 3 were his

trent with darwin’s kids

PLEASE HEAR ME OUT

so in the newest video (solitary confinement) sharky REALLY wanted a friend. But since Aj was being a bitch to him (typical Aj I love him sooo much) he decided to bite the bait and sends y/n to his room. Y/n and sharky are the bestest of friends.

So when sharks falls asleep, aj sends y/n to his room and she's just playing with his hair and softly patting his face until he wakes up. When his eyes open, he is over the moon and takes her in a home crushing hug.

This ends up in a very flirty, sappy video where sharky and y/n are basically acting like a cute married couple.

You can also add the fans and boys reaction to the video hehe.

Love ur stuff sm ❤❤❤❤

A Friend in Solitude - Sharky

Summary: Sharky finds comfort in a quiet moment with you during a video challenge

Pairing: Sharky x Reader

Genre: Fluff Masterlist

The room was quiet.

Too quiet.

Sharky had tried to fight it, he really did. He talked to the camera about how he should win the video, slept, and even did a few laps around the room. But boredom turned to restlessness, and restlessness turned to end up where his body curled up in the corner where the bed is and the blanket wrapped around him, breath steady as he finally gave in to the silence and drifted off.

He looked small like that. Still. Tired in a way he rarely ever let show.

Aj watched the screen from the other room, arms crossed, lips twitching between annoyance and affection.

“He actually knocked out” Aj mumbled as he suppressed a laugh pointing at the monitor.

You stood behind him, your eyes soft.

“He hates being alone” You said quietly, watching a hopeless Sharky slowly fall asleep.

“You know that” You added.

Aj sighed like he was pretending not to care but his hand was already reaching for the button.

“Go on then” Aj muttered.

"Before he wakes up and thinks he’s been abandoned” Aj added with a small grin.

You didn’t wait. You slipped through the door, soft steps echoing faintly as you entered the room.

Sharky didn’t stir. His breathing was even. His face relaxed. He looked so at peace, and yet so vulnerable it tugged at your chest.

You knelt beside him gently and reached out, brushing a few curls off his forehead. Your fingers lingered, threading lightly through his hair.

Then, without thinking, you started softly patting his cheek. Not to wake him up fully but just enough to let him know he wasn’t alone anymore.

“Sharky” You whispered.

He blinked awake slowly, confusion written all over his face at first. Then, as his eyes found yours, everything in him softened. The tiredness, the quiet, the dullness in his chest was gone in an instant.

“You’re here” Sharky said as he stared at you like he couldn’t believe it.

“Of course I’m here” You said as you nodded, smiling gently.

Without another word, he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a hug so tight it nearly knocked you off balance. His face is tucked into your neck. His fingers gripped the back of your hoodie like he was scared you’d disappear again.

“I missed you” Sharky murmured with a tired smile.

“I missed you too” You said.

The hug lingered, warm and quiet. You didn’t speak much after that. You didn’t need to.

Eventually, you ended up side by side on the beanbags, his head in your lap again, your fingers still in his hair. He kept glancing up at you like he couldn’t stop smiling.

And you kept brushing his curls back, over and over, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You okay now?” You asked softly.

“Yeah” Sharky whispered, eyes fluttering shut again.

“Now that you’re here” Sharky added.

And just like that, the confinement didn’t feel so lonely anymore.

Meanwhile, in the control room, Aj had been watching the entire thing unfold on the monitor. His eyes flickered between the two of you, watching the way Sharky melted into the quiet, the way you cared for him so effortlessly. He shook his head, half-amused, half-annoyed.

“You two are insufferable” Aj muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair.

But the way he glanced at the screen one last time, he couldn't help the small, knowing smile that tugged at his lips.

“Yeah, well, if it works for them…” Aj said as he shrugged.

And for the first time that night, he left the screen on, letting you and Sharky stay exactly where you were. No interruptions. Just the two of you, together.

- end -

Hello lovelies! What's up? Anyways I've been trying to keep up with the requests and stuff but I got a lot going on lmao mayyybee try to show love to other members and send some requests for them too lmao

I hope y'all have an amazing day, absolute love and guidance.

As I said everytime, send in some request and ideas!!

CHAIN OF ARMOUR | DAE-HO (PLAYER 388)

pairing: gentle!dae-ho x reader

warnings: angsty fluff, established relationship, allusion to sexual harassment, protector!dae-ho, fear, comfort, alliance (young-il, gi-hun, jung-bae), fatherly figure, jung-bae/dae-ho military roleplay.

2.3k words

an: this might be my favourite piece i’ve written for some time. it’s lengthier, so sweet it’ll melt your heart (it melted mine!), and say hello to the other characters for me would you? feedback and requests are always welcomed. enjoy! <3

“players, please prepare for bed. you have ten minutes until lights out.”

there was something in the air. something ugly and perverse, and you saw it every time you glanced to the other side of the hall. every time you made eye contact with a man. the hunger in their gaze wasn’t for food, but for you. maybe to the other women around you, too, but with the amount of eyes settling on you, it felt personal. targeted.

the longer you sat silent in the company of your group, the more you seemed to focus on the unease growing in your stomach. the more you seemed to catch the occasional word from the other side of the room. pretty girl, they said without enough worry about being discreet. so little, they whispered.

it’s only when you caught parts of their plans for you that the heat drained from your body, along with any semblance of confidence that you’d had earlier of surviving the night.

but maybe survival isn’t what you wanted if they did get ahold of you. maybe death is what you were really after. the guards, always eager to pull the triggers of their big black guns, but would they grant you that mercy? would they interfere with games? with the immorality threatening you from what felt like every corner?

the call of your name was gentle.

you glanced up and caught dae-ho’s soft eyes. the warmth returned so quickly to your body, you wondered if the sun had been made obsolete.

he sat opposite you on the benches your group settled around, lunch trays strewn messily over the floor as you finished up your supper.

“yes?” you replied, but the shakiness of your voice was evident even through one word.

dae-ho glanced down at your hand and you followed his gaze. your carton of milk a crumpled mess, squished to the point that milk oozed out the hole your straw poked through. you gasped at the milk trickling down your wrist, and quickly wiped your skin with the sleeve of your jacket.

he watched you with a frown, concern knitting his brows together. “are you alright?” he asked, the softness of his words tinged with the worry bubbling in his chest.

you nodded, too quickly to quash his suspicion, and the squeak of your “yes!” was the icing on the cake.

dae-ho sighed and pushed himself to his feet, crossing the small distance between you to settle at your side. he wordlessly used the sleeve of his own jacket to wipe up droplets of milk you hadn’t even realised had dropped onto the thighs of your sweatpants.

“you don’t need to worry,” he said quietly, close enough for only you to hear. he lifted the edge of his jacket to your face and tilted your head to wipe up a little trickle of milk from you neck. “how hard were you squeezing?” he gasped quietly, brushing one final drop from your cheek with the pad of his thumb.

you sheepishly lowered your head. he pressed his thigh against yours, a silent show of support, and his way of encouraging you to meet his gaze once more. you did, and nearly flinched at the worry that brought out the tiny fine lines in his forehead.

“i mean it,” he repeated. “i won’t let anything happen to you. not now, not ever.”

you wanted to believe him. you wanted to believe he could fight off all those men, all those who wished you harm. but he was only one man, and no matter how mighty and brave, no matter how hard he would fight for you, you knew he wasn’t a superhero. he couldn’t beat impossible odds, no matter how hard he would try to.

suddenly that feeling gnawed at your stomach again. you wanted to leap into dae-ho’s arms, let him shield you from the dark, scary world. the monsters you feared would get bold in the dark. but you couldn’t. you could only glance back across the hall, at the hungry gazes stuck on you like an angry, unrelenting wasp.

dae-ho called your name again, but this time you couldn’t look up. he repeated it, his hand lifting to catch you cheek, trying to block your view of the men. trying to refocus your attention to him, to the man who would stretch and tear himself into three, five, seven, however many bodies he needed to become your hero.

but it was jung-bae who got through to you. the short and stout man who warmly took you under his wing, who accepted you as a little chick in his bird nest, and who gave you a father figure in a place that felt far from home.

“you’re trembling like a leaf!” he gasped, his own hands plucking up yours, before leaning in closer to examine your face. he caught your chin in his fingers. “what is it, chicken? what’s bringing you such fright?”

his comfort drew you closer, and you shifted closer until your head fell against his shoulder. “i’m worried… about tonight,” you said, sneaking a nervous glance to the other side of the room.

the o’s. although they matched the numbers on your side, their presence was twice as ominous, and it would only be worse under the veil of darkness fast approaching. the tension slowly spread through your muscles, and suddenly it was no longer just your hands shaking. legs, arms, anything that could contract, trembling as you pictured the men across the room as only silhouettes. your thigh bumped into dae-ho’s, and he caught it with one of his big hands, holding it flush against his. he traced patterns over the cotton of your sweatpants.

but you were only growing more tense.

jung-bae gasped, pulling his hands from yours. “ow!” he cried, rubbing soothing circles into the palms of his hands, looking to you with surprise. “such strength in such a little girl!” he said, and you caught a glimmer of playfulness in his wide eyes.

your head sank sheepishly. “sorry, sir,” you apologised.

“and yet, the manners of a princess!” he exclaimed, approval rife in taking your hand to squeeze. he lifted it, shaking it along as he said, “a princess has no reason to fear with her noble guards around to protect her.”

you held his gaze and tried to smile, tried to believe him, tried not to think about the hungry gazes harassing you from the other side of the room. you couldn’t help look up, see the danger targeted right at you in the lick of lips, in the sly grins, and suddenly the shaking in your hands vibrated through jung-bae’s body.

“young-il!” suddenly your hand was swept in the direction of your newest ally, and jung-bae shook it as he said, “strong, clever, fierce.”

young-il nodded firmly, a confident smile pulling at the corners of his lips as he held your gaze, but you were quickly locking eyes with gi-hun as jung-bae warmly said, “gi-hun! loyal, determined, kind.”

the warmth of his eyes was all the convincing you needed, but gi-hun still reached out to squeeze your shoulder reassuringly. that’s the kind of man he was.

“jung-bae,” jung-bae said of himself, slapping your hand into his chest this time. “marine,” he said, lifting his other arm into a flex of his bicep, and while you saw no activation in the muscle, somehow it didn’t matter. it was the pride in his eyes, the conviction in his tone as he said, “wise as time,“ and you believed him. “and handsome as brad pitt.”

the widening of your eyes preceded your surprised giggle, but you couldn’t cover you mouth in time to suppress it.

jung-bae’s eyes blew wide again. “she laughs!” he accuses in mock disbelief, glancing between the other men in your group, before settling back on you. “many women say jung-bae is the one that got away!” he insists, but only grins wider as you stifle more of your little giggles.

your hand still in his thrown around again as he pretends to take offence, but he soon eases into calmness again, before leaning in closer.

“don’t forget, there are two marines here,” he said quietly, and you barely caught the flash of mischief in his eyes before he suddenly straightened his back, snapping his other hand into a click as he commanded “dae-ho!” with such authority that he jumped immediately to attention.

“yes, sir!” he shouted back, unflinching as his chopsticks crashed and clanged on the hard floor under his feet.

jung-bae’s chest swelled with approval. “are you afraid?!” he commanded.

“no, sir!”

“of men?”

“no, sir!”

“of the dark?”

“no, sir!”

you caught the sly smirk jung-bae shot you, before asking, “of jung-bae?”

“no, sir!”

his face dropped into a scowl, and he swatted a hand to the side of dae-ho’s shoulder, landing a blow right against the ink of his marine tattoo. dae-ho didn’t even flinch, back still straight and standing tall, his eyes fixed ahead with determination.

jung-bae asked one final question of him. “what of the men, the oh’s, behind you?”

a beat is not skipped when dae-ho sharply insisted, “no, sir!”

jung-bae slowly turned back to face you, a warm confidence as he said, “the dark is frightening. it’s where monsters live, where evil lurks. but what can defeat the dark?” he asked, leaning back ever so slightly to let you ponder, inviting you to look at the three other men in your alliance. each one stared back warm, kind, determined, and when jung-bae leant back in, you understood him when all he gently said is “light.”

you couldn’t seem to look away as dae-ho held your gaze, the quiet confidence radiating from his kind eyes, and suddenly the tension in your muscles faded away. the trembling of your hands subsided, and you weren’t gripping onto jung-bae’s hand so tightly.

dae-ho offered you sincerity when he promised, “they’ll have to get past us to get to you,” he said. “through me.”

he offered his hand out, and jung-bae lifted your hand to meet dae-ho’s. you took it, fingers interlocking as he gently but effortlessly pulled you up from the bench. he rested your entwined hands against his chest, leaning down to press a kiss to your skin. he gazed down into your eyes.

“i would set all the money in the world on fire to keep you safe,” he said so gently, you swore your knees would give out. “let me be your light,” he referenced jung-bae, nodding a head toward the cluster of your bunks. “stay with me tonight, in my bunk.”

you didn’t need to think about it. “please,” you whispered, holding onto his hands tighter.

the corners of his lips stretched into a smile softer than his breath on your knuckles as he kissed your hands again.

he climbed up the benches towards the bunks, stopping patiently after each step to turn and help you up. your legs were shorter than his, and he didn’t want to risk you catching your knee on a sharp corner and getting a bruise. but when you got to the ladder of his bunk, he dropped your hand to take purchase on your hips, lifting you with ease up the first few rungs.

he followed after you, glancing up and holding a hand out just in case you lost your footing.

“careful,” he warned as you approached the shelf of his bunk, rushing up the last few steps just to reach out and cover the sharp corner of the bunk above. you ducked your head under it, and his hand dropped to your lower back to help guide you in.

he joined you on the thin mattress after you settled down.

“are you cold?” he asked, fingers catching the zip of his jacket, waiting for your command.

“a little,” you admitted, but stopped him from declothing himself by placing a hand over the zipper on his chest. you lifted your eyes to find his. “can you lay with me? please.”

dae-ho’s gaze softened. “yeah,” he breathed gently, and you wondered where his voice had gone. he slowly lowered himself onto his back, one arm spreading out for you to curl up to his side. when you did, he closed his arm around your body and secured you in place. to him.

you nuzzled into his side. everything about him was so safe, and you wondered if it was the lingering scent of his shampoo or his gentle breathing that made your eyes heavy.

he held you, gentle but firm, while the others in your group climbed and settled into the surrounding bunks. the presence was suffocating in the best way. all around you, a friendly face, a willingness to shield you from danger, and for once in your life, a selection of men you could count on.

it dawned on you, like this, that jung-bae was right. the ease in your chest came down to the shield around you, the men willing to protect you for no reward, for no recognition. everything to gain by letting you get eliminated in the dark of night, and everything to lose by letting you live. but yet, they chose the latter. they chose to guard you. their princess.

and even as the lights turned out, when the shadows played tricks on your eyes, your hands didn’t tremble. they laced with dae-ho’s, who pulled you in closer, lips pressing against yours in a silent promise.

“i’ll see you in the morning,” he whispered.

as the heaviness in your eyelids became too much to fight off any longer, you took one last moment to savour the warmth radiating from his body. only then, with your head in his chest, the chill leaving your body, did you realise that yes, so long as dae-ho was here, the sun was obsolete.

i could sleep easy in dae-ho’s arms. please like, comment, reblog. love <3

➪the one where ethan finally has an excuse to talk to you. (requested)

This is short and sweet <3

Word Count: 1.3k

Do not repost this anywhere, reblogs are fine <3

Your parents had only been gone an hour when the phone rang. 

You pause the movie you had put on and reach over to grab the phone from its place on the table beside the couch.

Unknown number.

Your brows furrow as you let it go to voicemail, listening to your parents’ warnings of ‘never answer a number you don’t recognize’ they had been telling you for years now. After waiting a few seconds to see if whoever it was left a message, you place it back on the receiver and stand up.

It was a lonely Friday night. Your parents had planned a weekend trip to celebrate twenty years of marriage and had left you home alone. You didn’t mind much as you quite liked being by yourself at home. It made you feel more relaxed, more calm and more free to do whatever you wanted. 

Grabbing a popcorn bag from the pantry, you tear open the packaging before making your way across the kitchen and to the microwave. 

You looked out the window that was above the counter, seeing nothing but darkness for miles. You felt yourself beginning to get creeped out, but shook off the uneasy feeling and got back to your task. 

When you placed the popcorn bag in the microwave, the phone went off again. Seeing as it was silent before, the piercing sound made you jump slightly and turn around to grab the kitchen phone from off the counter. 

Unknown number.

Instead of ignoring it or letting it ring, you push the answer button and bring the phone to your ear. “Hello?”

“Hello,” the voice caught you off guard as it didn’t sound like anyone you knew. The person sounded familiar but…. unique and it made you stand up a bit straighter. 

“Hi,” you say, turning around to watch the popcorn bag expand from the heat. “Who’s this?”

“Who’s this?” The person asked back and you furrowed your brows, leaning on the counter. 

“Who were you hoping to reach?”

“I don’t know,” they answered. “Someone to talk to, I guess.”

You hummed, eyes on the numbers that were counting down on the microwave. “Kind of an odd thing to tell a stranger,”

“Is it?” They asked and you tried to figure out who this person was from their voice. It sounded so familiar that it was beginning to make you question if this was your first time hearing it, or if you heard it from somewhere else. 

“Hey, is this your real voice?”

The other end went quiet for a few seconds before they answered, “Maybe, why do you ask?”

Your cheeks heated up a bit as you trace your finger along the marbled countertop. “It’s sexy,” you say, your confidence growing at the fact that you weren’t talking to this person face to face. If you were, your compliment definitely would’ve come out in broken stutters. “Can I ask who I’m speaking to?”

Ethan was left stunned at your words. He had only ever dreamed of you saying them to him. You calling him hot or attractive in any way had been one of his deepest wants for years now and he felt his cool guy act slipping, but he quickly recovered and answered your question, “Just call me El,”

“El?” You question as you lightly scratch your nails on the counter. “What’s that short for?”

Ethan Landry he wanted to say, but refrained from doing so. “It’s not important,” he says instead.

You nod, fully aware that this person couldn’t see you. A silence falls over the two of you and you expected it to become awkward, but to your surprise it didn’t. 

The microwave beeped, making you jump a bit and let out an embarrassed laugh. “Big plans tonight?” The stranger asked, most likely hearing the multiple beeps going off in the background. 

“No,” you answer, grabbing a bowl from the cupboard. “Not really. I’m just watching a movie.”

Ethan smirked, feeling like he’s seen this all play out in his head so many times now. The fact that it was happening and he was actually having a conversation with you felt surreal. “What kind of movie? A scary one?”

You laugh. “No, absolutely not,” you say, throwing the empty popcorn bag into the garbage bin. “No, it’s just some comedy that is supposed to be really good, but we’ll see about that. Pretty sure it’s just hyped up to be something it’s not.”

“They always are,” you smile at that, finding it funny that you feel more understood by a total stranger than most of your friends. “So, you got a boyfriend?”

Your face heats up for the second time and you walk back into the living room. Placing the bowl beside you on the couch, you sit and bring one knee up to your chest, grabbing a pillow with your free hand. “Why? You wanna ask me out on a date?”

Yeah, your confidence over the phone was definitely growing as the minutes went on. 

Very aware of the flirtatious hint in your voice, Ethan felt his heart leap at the fact that finally, finally, he was able to talk to you, flirt with you after years of pining after you. “Was thinking about it,”

The grin that took over your face was embarrassingly big. “Well, lucky for you,” you begin, tossing a few pieces of the popcorn into your mouth. “I dropped my guy a few weeks ago.”

“Why’s that?” He asked and continued before you could answer, “Not….satisfying you enough?”

“Oh, no,” you shake your head then widen your eyes in embarrassment. “I mean, that’s not what I meant. It wasn’t like that, it was just…..I didn’t feel like we had that connection you’re supposed to have in relationships.”

Ethan almost slipped when he asked, “How so? Weren’t you two together for three years?”

You fell silent at that. Squinting at the paused TV screen, you reach for the remote and turn it off completely. You cross your arm and lean back on the couch, staring at your reflection on the screen. “Yeah, how did you know?”

Ethan thanked whoever was listening that his nervous tone would be hidden by the voice changer. “Lucky guess,”

“Yeah..” you trail off, shaking your head afterwards. “Yeah, I guess the length of a relationship doesn’t really matter if you feel like it’s not going anywhere.”

It became silent after that and you traced the pattern on the pillow next to you, thinking about anything else to talk about. You wanted to continue the conversation, but also weren’t sure if you should. Your parents’ warnings about ‘never talk to strangers’ was out the window at this point, but you didn’t feel like you were talking to a stranger right now, oddly enough.

 Coming up with nothing, you decide to end a good thing before it gets messed up, which was a habit of yours that you’d been trying to break. “Well, I better get back to the movie,” you say and reach for the remote. 

“Sure,” he said. “Tell me about it when it’s over?”

A smile graced your lips and you nodded, still aware that he couldn’t see you. “Same time tomorrow night?”

“I’ll be waiting,” was all he said.

You grin again then sit up quickly. “Oh, wait, did you want me to call you or are you going to call me?” You asked then heard the sound of the line going dead. “Hello?”

You take the phone away from your ear to discover that the person hung up. You glare at it with a small smile on your lips before putting it on the coffee table and pressing play on the remote. 

Suddenly, you found yourself a lot more interested in the movie now than you were before.