Peonies In August

peonies in august

pairing: jaemin x female! reader

genre: slice of life, husband! jaemin, general surgeon! jaemin, fluff, smut, a teeny tiny amount of angst

words: 20.9k

contains: some medical terms and procedures, minor character death, oral (m&f), fingering, nipple play, edging, drunk sex, sex toys, overstimulation, jaemin and y/n talking way too much during sex

synopsis: august, jaemin's favorite month of the year is around the corner again - the month of his birthday and his first marriage anniversary. thirty one days in august and unknowing to you, jaemin makes it a mission to make every single day special in the midst of both of yours busy life.

taglist: @hey-thatslove @anvyn @plushjeno @luvlyjaemin @wanlore @sparkly-haechan @tyongolden @danoolah @nofruit10 @cacaubs @nctlover94 @jaetographies @heyyyun @guanghengsworld @jeonsbbgirl @fanficbitchwhowriteskpop @sunshinedhyuck @one100127

The concept of commitment, marriage, and the thought of starting a family terrified you for as long as you could remember. During the first year of college, you depended on caffeine and unremarkable one night stands. Second-year and a half, you thought you found the one when you dated Bae Jinyoung from your structural design class for a year till he decided to cheat on you. The third-year and you got back to the routine of hookups and casual flings, as regret washed over you every morning on a stranger’s bed.

Until one day, your friend Aeri dragged you out with her and you met eyes with the medicine student Na Jaemin across the table at the pub while passing a bottle of beer. That same man wrapped you around his fingers and you spent months trying to combat the constant dread of commitment before finally getting used to cuddling him to sleep at the apartment he shared with your mutual friend Jeno.

Now you were living the life of your dreams — a designer at an architecture firm, happily married, living in a high-rise luxury apartment where you got the view of the sunset through the bedroom windows with the love of your life and a cute white puppy and you couldn’t ask for anything more.

AUGUST 2

You looked up from your iPad and watched Jaemin come up behind you through the mirror — he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and rested his head on top of yours. A smile that matched his took over your face as he stared at your reflection fondly.

“Let’s go to bed,” he kissed the top of your head, “you’ve been working for hours now.”

You placed the iPad on the table while Jaemin’s head still rested on top of yours. “You look cute.” You snickered at his reflection and his smile faded into a frown. “What’s with the long face suddenly?”

“Am I not sexy?” Jaemin dramatically rolled his eyes. “My birthday is in, like what, two weeks. Cute isn't for me babe.”

“God, you’re so fucking old.”

“We’re the same age!”

“Let me have my moment, please.”

“Do I get to make, what do they say on the internet — milf jokes?”

You smacked his hands away from your shoulder and he dramatically clutched his chest which earned a giggle out of you. That was how most of your nights before bed are spent — joking around, gossiping about anything and everything, lazily staring at the Netflix screen, or just mind-blowing sex before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

“Are you done?” Jaemin pointed at the iPad.

“Done for the day, I guess.”

“You’ve been working too much.”

“I kn—

“Go to bed.” Jaemin pinched your cheeks. “I’ll turn off the lights and everything.”

You shook your head quickly. “Nope, it’s fine. I'll just wait for you.”

“You sure?”

“Positive,” you informed, pushing yourself up on your toes and pressing your lips to the corner of his mouth.

“I need to go to the kitchen to keep the cups and turn off the hallway lights though.” Jaemin gave you an apologetic smile.

You pulled your arms out from around him. “Shit, I forgot.” The fact that you both took turns to do these chores every night almost slipped out of your mind. “I thought you already did that.”

“Do you wanna go?” This time Jaemin wrapped his arms around your waist, before he leaned down to capture your lips with his in a kiss.

You kissed him back quickly, pulling away just enough to meet his eyes as you replied, “Yeah. Let me just-” the next moment he leaned in and his lips reached your neck, collarbone, bristly against the tender skin before going back to your lips again. Jaemin lightly pushed you, making you land on the bed and you shivered helplessly beneath him as his hands made their way under your silk nightdress while his lips still moved against yours. You pushed him off you quickly when you felt his length hardening against your thigh.

“Wh-”

“Go and turn off the hallway lights first before we do something.” You mumbled against his now swollen lips.

“Do what?” He smirked and placed a kiss on your forehead before getting up. Jaemin was definitely the same cheeky man you couldn’t resist and stop thinking about seven years ago.

“I’m gonna get my iPad and go back to working again.”

“Fine!”

Jaemin coasted through the typical bedtime routine of clicking the lights off in the hallway, checking on Yiseul to make sure she was sleeping peacefully on the couch, and then finally made his way back to join you in the bedroom. When he came back he immediately pulled his white shirt over his head and hovered above you, not hesitating to pull your dress up above your head as well.

You were panting, still coming down from that euphoric feeling of your orgasm. Jaemin’s hand reached out and pulled the comforter over the two of you and you turned your head to glance at your husband who just fucked you silly in the middle of the night.

“Are you sleepy?” Your husband whispered, snuggling closer to you and pressing a kiss on your forehead.

“Yeah,” You mumbled, gently nudging him in the chest and eliciting a chuckle out of him in the process. Jaemin drawed you as close as possible to rest his head against your bare chest.

“What’s so fun about putting your head on my tits?” You drawled followed by a chuckle.

“Shut up, this is comfy. You won’t get it.”

You two found yourselves lying in the dimly lit bedroom, his face resting against your chest. You were convinced your legs would feel like jelly in the morning and Jaemin just said sorry in between his giggles.

“What’s the time?”

“Hmm, let me check.” You glanced over your shoulder to take a peek at the alarm clock on the bedside table, the bold red numbers showing 2:41 AM. “Almost 3.”

“Fuck,” Jaemin groaned and started, his voice muffled. “Sihyun from the trauma center just went on maternity leave yesterday and I’ve got the task to cover her shift at the trauma center every Monday before my appointments.”

“Sihyun’s pregnant again?”

“Yeah again, she literally gave birth last September.” Jaemin scoffed, getting a reminder of the fact that it was almost 3 in the morning and he needed to be present at the hospital before 9 AM just to wander around the corridors of the trauma center — unless there was an emergency.

“You need to go to sleep.” You caressed his back lightly.

There was a comfortable silence. Even though it was impossible to lounge around like how you two used to at the small studio apartment every day, cafe hopping to the other side of the town 5 years ago — Jaemin still looked forward to this exact moment every single night.

“Do you want kids?” Jaemin blurted out, breaking the silence again. Na Jaemin, you're a fucking idiot. He thought and mentally punched himself for asking that impulsively, especially when you were naked in his arms in the middle of the night.

You've ticked all the boxes and overcame the fears you’ve had for years. Commitment? Check. Marriage? Check. There was only the concept of starting a family left at the bottom of the list and you never thought Jaemin would be the first one to subtly bring it up eleven months into your marriage.

You remained silent for few seconds, which concerned Jaemin enough to make him raise his head from your chest and look at you, “I was just jok—

“That’s actually a funny thing to ask right after putting your jizz inside me.” You cut him off. Your eyes followed the movements of his fingers on your arms which seemed to halt. “I’m kidding!”

“I really thought you were mad at me for a second, fuck.”

“To answer your question, I’ve thought about it once I guess.” You cupped his cheeks, “What about you?”

“Me?” Jaemin sighed in relief before continuing. “Yeah, maybe a girl.” He hugged you tighter underneath the comforter, bringing you closer as a stream of rain continued splattering on the window and then a bolt of lightning lit up the bedroom.

“That sounds nice.”

You chuckled at the way Jaemin nuzzled into the crook of your neck. He looked ethereal, the sight of him in the post-sex glow, disheveled hair as he implied that he wanted to start a family with you. You hated to admit it but that foolish smile of his suddenly made you forget about all those fears. Jaemin was the love of your life and if there was any doubt in your mind, they’d recede into surefire promises.

“I can’t imagine demons that happen to look like you running around the house.”

“You’re already thinking about it.”

“Yeah, you should knock me up.”

“Oh my god, wait—” Jaemin raised his head from your chest to look at you again. Your eyes widened when he started chuckling. “It’s gonna happen when it’s meant to happen. You’re the one who’s gonna give birth, not me.”

“I was just messing with you!”

“You’ve given me two mini heart attacks within the last five minutes.”

“Sorry…” You cooed and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Jaemin was right but that didn’t stop you from overcoming your fear and you were certain he probably just planted a seed at the back of your head. Sure, you were not in any rush but the thought didn’t sound as terrifying anymore, not when you’d have to go through it with your husband.

“Go to sleep.” You took a peek at the alarm clock on the bedside table again.

“We should’ve just gone to sleep earlier…” Jaemin said through a yawn. “It’s raining and I can’t even sleep peacefully in the morning.”

“You started it.”

“Don’t point fingers at me now, you’re the one who wanted to ride my dick.”

“Fuck you, like seriously.”

Jaemin giggled, raising his head to catch your lips with his own in reply as he kissed you with passion, which you returned with enthusiasm. The kiss deepened as he was eager to thank you for every single thing you’ve done to make him feel special, appreciated, and loved. “I love you,” He whispered, suddenly overcome with the desperation to make sure you knew that in the middle of the night. “So, so much.”

You softly placed a kiss on his forehead. “I love you too.”

The next morning Jaemin immediately regretted staying up till 3 AM, being a sappy fool in love. Shoving a toast down his throat and barely getting the time to kiss you goodbye, he was late but at least grateful for the quiet environment of the hospital hallways. The quiet and cold hallways gave him enough time every morning to enjoy his caffeine in peace before heading into the trauma center for the day or wherever he was needed.

He sipped on his iced americano, praying that it kept him alive till the evening, and pulled his white lab coat over the light blue shirt, taking a look at himself in the locker’s tiny mirror beaming with pride. Jeno sat behind him, half asleep on the chair, mindlessly scrolling through his phone and sipping on his coffee.

“Our Doctor Na is late again,” a voice spoke behind Jaemin, which made him look over his shoulder. “Good morning, Jeno.” Donghyuck was standing at the door with his hands on his hips as Minjeong sipped on her coffee behind him. “This is his second time this week!”

“First of all, I’m exactly 5 minutes late.” Jaemin defended himself before returning to the mirror to fix the collar of his coat. “Second of all, this is actually my first time this week.”

“Leave the poor man alone. He’s not even that late.” Minjeong chuckled from behind Donghyuck and took a seat on the uncomfortable chairs the hospital had placed in these rooms.

“No, Minjeong, I need to know what his excuse this time is.” Donghyuck’s taunting made the three of them chuckle. “So, Dr. Na, what is it this time? What was it last time—

“Traffic.” Jeno interjected. “It was crowded on the streets, I don’t blame him.”

“Why are you both ganging up on me? Don’t you guys have a shift now?” Jaemin interjected to change the topic. He knew Donghyuck enough to know that he wouldn’t let this go till he got behind it.

“I’ll deal with my shift later.” Donghyuck shook his head. “Now, you tell me. Why are you late?”

“Why do you wanna know?” Both Jeno and Minjeong ask in unison.

“Jinx.”

“Because I’m nosy as fuck.” Donghyuck retorted curtly, making both Minjeong and Jeno exhale harshly through their noses hard as they masked their laughter. “Quick, I have got an appointment, Jaehyun’s gonna beat my ass.”

“Hyuck, you know, you’re too aggressive for a pediatrician sometimes,” Minjeong commented which earned her a death glare from Donghyuck.

“Na Jaemin, please…”

Jaemin shoots a terrifying glare back at her before quickly returning to face Donghyuck, who has a sweet smile plastered on his face. “I’m going to my ca—

Donghyuck interrupted Jaemin yet again, “Minjeong, and Jeno, are you thinking what I’m thinking.” He looked up and started examining Jaemin up and down. “This man fought with his wife in the morning.”

Minjeong burst out in laughter followed by Jeno and Donghyuck. Jaemin stood in the center of the room with his fingers on his temples, as the three laughed uncontrollably. “Guys, stop.”

“Wait, really?”

“No! Why would I fight with Y/N?”

“What is it?”

“Wait a damn minute,” Donghyuck squinted, coming closer to eye Jaemin’s neck. “Fuck, sorry for bringing up your—” He fake coughed, “fun activities at home.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Don’t you see the hickey? At least cover it up with your collar properly.” Donghyuck started taunting him while Minjeong continued laughing. “Minjeong, you won’t believe me when I say this. Jeno couldn’t sleep because of him and his girlfriend back then.”

"Who told you that?"

"Jeno did."

“Lee Jen—

“His wife or an ex?” Minjeong curiously interrupted Jaemin and Donghyuck looked like he was having the time of his life airing Jaemin’s business out early in the morning. Jaemin glanced back at Jeno who refused to look at him in the eye.

“Of course it’s Y/N, his high school girlfriend of 2 years dumped him 6 months into college.” Donghyuck remarked as Jaemin stood in the corner glaring at him in silence.

“Dude, you know way too much.” Minjeong furrowed her eyebrows. “How in the world do you know all these?”

“Jaemin told me himself.”

“Forget it,” Jaemin muttered and glanced at Jeno who was looking at him apologetically. He fixed his collar hesitantly, hoping that all of them, especially Donghyuck, would eventually forget about this incident and go on about their days. “It’s 9:25 right now.” He added, giving them a small reminder.

“I need to go!” Minjeong stood up suddenly, and downed her coffee before throwing the disposable plastic cup in the trash. “And Jaemin, please cover it up.” She warned before closing the door behind her.

“Goodbye, I’m leaving as well.” Jaemin gave Donghyuck a mischievous smile as he slammed the door shut, leaving Donghyuck alone in the room with Jeno to clean up the table.

"You're not coming?'' Donghyuck asked Jeno.

Jeno stifled a yawn, "I have a surgery at 10:30, let me take a nap till 10."

"Don't tell me you were having sex asw—sorry!"

"Fuck off Hyuck, let me just nap."

"Why does everyone seem to have such an active sex life?" Donghyuck muttered to himself. "I just pass out when I go home."

"Lee fucking Donghyuck, I swear, just leave."

The door swung open, almost slamming into Donghyuck’s face just when he was about to open it himself. “Um, hello. Is Dr. Lee here?” The new general surgeon questioned, the one who was so intimidating, the energy she radiated almost too elegant.

“I’m Dr. Lee…”

“Lee Jeno?”

“Oh yeah. He’s here.” Donghyuck moved aside and she walks into the room slowly, bowing her head politely as a gesture to thank him in the process.

Donghyuck shrugged and hurriedly threw away his cup, organized the table, and jogged down the hallway to catch up with Jaemin’s pace, gaining some confused looks from the interns and nurses who walked by. Donghyuck apologetically mumbled a few sorrys before catching up with Jaemin.

“You walk way too fast for my liking…” Donghyuck tried to catch his breath when Jaemin finally stopped in front of the elevators.

“Guess I have long legs.” Jaemin remarked with a sarcastic tone.

“Are you going to your chamber?” Donghyuck still huffed and puffed, trying to stabilize his breath.

“Nope, dialysis unit.”

“Oh.” Donghyuck hummed, the two of them slightly bowed when a small group of nurses passed by the two of them. “Were you actually being serious on Friday?” He added and Jaemin stopped in his tracks. He didn’t even know what Donghyuck was talking about but he surely blamed the influence of alcohol for blabbering in front of Lee Donghyuck out of everyone because now Lee Jeno and Kim Minjeong were probably aware of everything as well. Jaemin loved Donghyuck, he really did, but sometimes he wished his best friend knew how to keep his mouth shut.

“Oh.” Jaemin scratched the back of his neck. “About what?”

“Are you fuc—“ Donghyuck lowered his voice when the elevator door opened and a nurse walked out with a patient in a wheelchair. “You forgot?”

“I think so…” Jaemin mumbled and pressed the button to the 9th floor. “What did I say?” He looked at Donghyuck with a puzzled expression.

“You’re impossible.” Donghyuck groaned, making Jaemin chuckle lightly. “You were supposed to pay for my breakfast today. My beautiful wife had cereal for me today and I didn’t have it for you.”

Jaemin arched his brow. “Cereal?”

“Yeah, cereal. Got a problem with that?”

“Nope, absolutely not.”

“Don’t tell me you already had your breakfast…” Donghyuck glanced at him and his expression soured when he noticed Jaemin had started sneering. “I’m dragging you to the 12th floor anyways. I’m hungry as shit.”

“I have-”

“You’re paying.” Donghyuck pressed the button to the 12th floor with a scowl on his face.

“Fine.”

Donghyuck took his sweet time eyeing all the sandwiches and wraps through the glass. Jaemin on the other hand never understood why his coworkers seemed to be obsessed with the cafe at the hospital of all places. Sure, they had great americano which was enough to satisfy his caffeine fix for the day but he was never fascinated by the avocado egg sandwich which Donghyuck liked so much.

“You’re not having anything?”

“I already had breakfast,” Jaemin replied apologetically, and mentally he blamed the bottles of soju he downed after work on Friday. He wasn’t the best when it came to his alcohol tolerance and it wasn’t a surprise that he didn’t even remember telling that to Donghyuck. “Is Jeno coming?” Jaemin added.

“Right.” Sarcasm rolled off his tongue as he proceeded to order his regular avocado egg sandwich and pointed his thumb behind him at Jaemin when the cashier asked whether he would be interested to pay with cash or card. “Jeno has a laparotomy at 10:30, he said he was gonna take a nap till 10.”

Jaemin sighed and pulled his black leather wallet from his pocket to search for his credit card. His actions halted for a few seconds when his eyes fell on the picture of you from years ago, the one he always forgot to replace with a recent picture. It was a picture Jaemin took on your first anniversary — you had the biggest smile on your face, probably laughing at something stupid he had said. Curiosity got the best of Donghyuck and he peeked over his shoulder to see what Jaemin was eyeing so intently with a fond smile. Jaemin seemed to notice his friend snooping and he quickly pulled his card out, handing it over to the poor cashier.

“So, you’ve got a picture of Y/N in your wallet.” Donghyuck started as the two made their way to the back of the cafe, usually reserved for the hospital staff away from the patrons.

“You’re so nosy.” Jaemin rolled his eyes and unscrewed the cap of the water bottle he purchased for himself earlier. “I’ve had that picture for years now. I’m surprised you just saw it today.”

“I don’t go through people’s wallets.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Don’t you have surgeries today?” Donghyuck ate his sandwich and strolled across the floor to the dialysis unit area behind Jaemin, flashing a smile at an older nurse, “Wait, why are you here?”

“I have a cute little patient here, the curative surgery from last month. They had to shift her here for an emergency dialysis last night, her potassium levels kept rising.” Jaemin opened the door, greeting the nurses on duty followed by Donghyuck who did the same.

“Is it Son Jinah?”

“Hmm.” Jaemin hummed, “I’m kinda worried, her condition is slowly deteriorating every day.”

“There’s nothing we can do.” Donghyuck slowly patted Jaemin at the back. “I’m leaving then, thanks for the breakfast. I’ll pay for your lunch later!” Jaemin nodded in response and Donghyuck walked back out of the door, his silhouette visible on the frosted doors before he disappeared into the hallways of the dialysis unit.

Jaemin sighed and approached his patient, with the brightest smile on his face. He sat down by the bed and extended his hand to pat his patient on the head, trying to gain some attention from the seven year old girl named Jinah.

“Good morning. How are you feeling?” Jaemin gave her a sweet smile. He loved the children at the hospital, his colleagues often joked about how he treated them like they were his own children. Truthfully, it broke his heart to see them like that, he felt helpless. He hated watching vulnerable families in distraught every single day, knowing he couldn’t do anything.

Jinah was looking out of the window staring at the newly bloomed green leaves of the spring on trees right outside the window. Her ears perked up when she heard the voice of her favorite Doctor Na.

“Doctor Na! Good morning.” Jinah pouted. “I just finished having my breakfast, they gave me an apple today!”

“Did you finish eating everything?” Jaemin glanced at Jinah’s catheter on her neck and watched the blood flow through the two tubes which lead to the dialysis machine. Jinah just turned 7 years old a month ago, her birthday being celebrated at the hospital while she continues to suffer from leukaemia for 10 months now. Jaemin only met her recently when he was assigned to perform a tumor removal surgery on her.

“Yes, I did!” She kept nodding, making sure Jaemin saw. He quickly glanced at her and gave her a small smile before going back to skimming through her blood test reports. “They also gave me rice with seaweed soup and kimchi.”

“Good girl, I’ll come to visit you in the evening, okay?” Jaemin looked up from the files on his hand again and looked at her apologetically. “I’ve got work today, sorry.” He pouted.

“Promise you’re gonna visit later?”

“Promise!”

AUGUST 9

jaemin: baby are you still at work

y/n: im leaving in 5. packing rn

y/n: why

jaemin: do we have leftovers

y/n: we finished it all in the morning 😞

y/n: ill cook rice and smth later

jaemin: dont im stopping at the chinese

restaurant

jaemin: im getting spring rolls for

u aswell dont worry 🥺

y/n: oh i was just gonna tell u to

get spring rolls

jaemin: hah

y/n: love you

jaemin: love you too

Jaemin came home after you with a bag full of brown takeaway boxes and a bouquet of pink peonies again. Before you could interrogate him about the flower bouquet, he dropped everything on the kitchen countertop and ran into the master bedroom to change, only stopping to greet Yiseul on his way.

“What’s up with these flowers every other day?” You asked while dividing the spring roll portions and glanced at the beautiful pink peonies sitting on the other side of the counter. Jaemin almost didn’t pay attention to what you were saying at first because one, he hadn’t eaten the entire day, thanks to an emergency appendectomy right before lunch time and two, those wontons were too good. You were taking your sweet time picking through the box of wontons between you two on the countertop. “Where’s all this romance coming from?”

“Okay, let me explain.” Jaemin chuckled and put his chopsticks down on the plate. “There’s a new florist shop nearby— pretty and big. They got these descriptions and all beside all the flowers on display. And you like peonies anyway so I just buy them, it’s 2 minutes away from the hospital anyway.”

“But I don’t—

“You don’t like them?” Jaemin almost choked on spring rolls, you giggled and passed him a glass of water.

“You didn’t even let me finish,” you laughed, watching him stare at you in disbelief. “I do like peonies, I just don’t remember telling you. You always got me roses in college so I just assumed I never mentioned.”

“You told me once before we even started dating. I never got you peonies back then cause these flowers are fucking expensive. I only got you six stems on our first anniversary and that shit cost $60.” Jaemin raised his chopsticks and pointed at one of the takeaway boxes beside you. “Pass the chow mein.”

You passed the box and took a couple of bites from the wonton in front of you. Jaemin must’ve eaten nothing today, you thought, because he was devouring the chow mein in front of you like a starved man. “Why did you skip lunch today?” You suddenly voiced concern.

“How’d you know?”

“You just—I can tell.”

“I had an appendectomy today right before lunch break. A damn emergency surgery and I’m literally the only one free at that time.” Jaemin shoved another wonton into his mouth. “Then the scheduled appointments started again, I didn’t get time for lunch.”

“You could have texted me, I would’ve gotten the food on the way instead.”

“I had coffee if that makes you feel any better.”

“Are you fucking se— you know what, do whatever makes you happy.” You chewed down a piece of spring roll as you mumbled. “I just don’t want you to get sick two days before your birthday, you overwork yourself.”

“Ah, my birthday.” Jaemin put his chopsticks down again and scratched the back of his neck. “Fuck, I’m old as shit. I even forgot about my own birthday.”

“Fucking hell, I’m so worried about you sometimes. For someone who’s a physician, you really don’t give a shit about your own health.”

Jaemin chuckled lightly. “I’m fine. I should be the one worried about you. How was work today? I forgot to ask, sorry.”

“Just meetings and some construction sightings.” You sighed and set chopsticks aside, taking a sip of water before continuing. “I think my client Mr. Park didn’t like my layout. So, I’m just gonna redesign after we clean these up.”

“When’s the next meeting with Park?”

“Hmm, next week.”

“Then, you’re going to sleep early today. No questions asked.”

A sudden realization hit you like a truck. You were in fact married to Na Jaemin, one of the kindest beings you had ever met in your life. Despite majoring in two different subjects and classrooms five buildings away, Jaemin always made sure to walk you to your building every morning for your 8 AM lectures after both of your Starbucks runs. You were forever going to be grateful to your friends, Donghyuck and Aeri for forcing you out of the library one evening because you found both love and friendship in this man who is addicted to caffeine just like you, loved to cook and an avid shopaholic — it was still impossible to wrap your head around the fact that you were indeed married to your best friend.

You drew your lip between your teeth, almost sullen. “I just—

“Hmm?”

“Just…” You sighed and took another bite of wonton.

Jaemin put his chopsticks down and waited patiently but it looked like time had frozen for him until he got an answer out of you, something outside of fragmented stuttering. “Just..?”

“Jus— please don’t think I’m crazy.” You sighed again. “I can’t believe I’m married to you now. It’s just— I once told Aeri ‘I’m gonna marry this dude’ as a joke not even two months into dating because you walked me home in the rain.”

Jaemin laughed for the first time tonight, not a light chuckle but a sincere laugh. “You should’ve told me earlier that the bare minimum got you worked up like that. I wouldn’t have been running to the other side of the town to get you poké bowls every two weeks.”

“Don’t speak to your wife like that.” You threw the closest napkin you found around you on the countertop at him. “It’s your turn to do the dishes today.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Good luck. I can help you with the mugs maybe.”

“Thank you wifey,” Jaemin winked, earning an eye roll from you in return as he started piling up the takeaway boxes on top of each other to dispose of them. “Green tea before bed today?”

“Sure.”

AUGUST 13

You woke up slowly to the sun shining faintly through the window and the sound of birds chirping outside. Slowly opening your eyes and looking at the alarm clock on the bedside table, the bright bold red numbers showed that it was 6:52 AM. Rolling over, expecting to see the birthday boy still fast asleep, you were met with the empty and cold side of the bed instead.

Your head felt heavy when you crawled out of the bed, however, a headache was the last thing to worry about right now— instead, you blamed the melatonin pill you took last night and started wondering where your husband might be. At first, you assumed it was an emergency from the hospital but that assumption was quickly refuted when you saw Jaemin’s phone charging on the bedside table. Walking out of the bedroom, you found both Jaemin and Yiseul in the kitchen. He was clad only in his grey sweatpants, and had his head bowed over a small mixing bowl as he stirred the contents inside along with a pot of coffee brewing on the counter. Yiseul on the other hand was basking in the sunlight near the window. You smiled at the sight, and leaned against the doorframe to watch but then it hit you — it was Jaemin’s fucking birthday and you had been making a mental note since the start of this month to surprise him with breakfast on bed.

“What in the world are you doing?" You asked, making Jaemin jump. “I was gonna make breakfast for you…”

Jaemin dropped the mixer and dramatically clutched his chest with his left hand. “Not even a happy birthday or good morning for me?”

You planned out an entire schedule for Jaemin’s birthday two weeks ago. Starting with waking up 40 minutes earlier than usual to replicate a heart shaped toast with eggs which you saw on Pinterest, pick up tiramisu on your way home from work because he isn’t the biggest fan of cakes and then finally a candlelit dinner later in the evening at a fine dining restaurant. You were so close to accomplishing the first goal before you walked out of the bedroom and saw Jaemin in the kitchen.

“Happy birthday, my oldie.”

"Good morning to you too.” He snorted, taking a peek at the clock on the wall. “You woke up early today, congratulations.”

Ignoring his snarky comment, you walked into the kitchen and placed a chaste kiss on his lips out of instinct. “Give me the bowl.” Jaemin shot you a look before you clarify, “It’s your birthday baby. I wanted to get you some breakfast in bed.”

“Y/N, we’re too old for that. Birthdays are only fun when you’re young, free, and 20.” Jaemin frowns softly, resuming to stir the pancake mixture.

“We’re in our late-twenties, not 60.” You hit him on the shoulders. “Besides, don’t you remember my 23rd birthday? We were drunk as shit and ended up fucking in the club’s bathroom.”

“Didn’t you also throw up on my bed later when I dragged you back to my place?” Jaemin reminisced about that night from 6 years ago. You nodded and a chuckle escaped his lips, “I started freaking out because, what the fuck do you do when your drunk girlfriend of only a few months throws up on your bed.”

“Baby, you just proved my point. Birthdays are amazing now.” A smug grin appears on your face, happy that you have won a silly argument. “Can you please pass me the bowl?”

“You’re supposed to let the birthday boy be happy and making breakfast for my wife makes me happy.” Jaemin gave you a cheeky smile. “Now leave the fucking kitchen.”

“Do whatever makes you happy, I’m not leaving.” You stood behind him and wrapped your arms around his bare torso from the back. You watched him pour the batter onto the greased pan and once he was on the waiting step of the process, you pressed a kiss to his cheek with a mumbled compliment on how good it smelled.

Jaemin’s shirt on you nearly covered the shorts you were wearing, and he recognized it as the one he took off before bed. He turned his head and you giggled at the attack of kisses on one side of your face.

"Weren’t you wearing something else last night?" Jaemin questions before turning around and flipping the pancake.

“Yeah, I changed after I finished working. You were already snoring by then.” You smiled and rested your head on his shoulder. “You didn’t notice when you woke up?”

“You were literally buried under the comforter, like a cocoon when I woke up.” Jaemin turned his head again to place a kiss on top of your head. “You need to stop staying up late every nigh—

“Just flip the pancake!”

"Or what?" He challenged.

"Or we’re gonna end up starving." You kicked at his leg as he continued laughing and turned to the fridge for fruits. Jaemin moved to the sink to rinse and slice them. You on the other hand took over the stove to flip the pancake.

"It’s done.”

“Y/N, wait a minute, let me make scrambled eggs as well.” Jaemin already has the eggs in a bowl as he whisks them with a fork. “We need to have some protein!”

“Here comes Doctor Na,” you laughed while arranging the plates on the table. “I’m not having eggs, I feel sick.”

“Why, what happened?” Jaemin’s eyes are widened as he looks at you in concern. “Are you o—

“Don’t. My head kinda hurts, it's probably the melatonin.”

“You never listen to me. I’ve been saying stop working late at night, it’s not worth i—

“Okay, okay!”

“I’m serious, Y/N.”

“I will, don’t worry.” You assured him and placed a kiss on his temple. “Life is so hard when you have a doctor at home.”

Your words elicited a chuckle out of Jaemin. You noticed the dark circles under his eyes, etching a permanent exhaustion into him you were so used to seeing. You wonder if he saw the same on your face too, especially recently since taxing clients have literally been dumped on you with a deadline.

Jaemin stood in the doorway to ICU near Jinah’s room, and he could already feel his lower lip tremble slightly at the thought of what picture would lay beyond the door, in the hospital bed. Jaemin was informed that Jinah had a stroke the night before right after entering the premises of the hospital and was immediately rushed to the ICU.

She looked so fragile, broken, and every bit of Jaemin started shattering into pieces. Jinah was currently unconscious; and he suddenly remembered telling her his birthday was today a week ago. A nurse brought Jinah to Jaemin’s consulting room one afternoon a week prior during his lunch break because she wouldn’t shut up about her favorite Doctor Na.

“Who’s that?” Jinah pointed at the small photo frame beside Jaemin’s computer in between the plants he always had on his desk. He curiously followed the direction of her sight and it was a picture of you and him from your honeymoon in Bali— both of you in sunglasses, smiling brightly under the sun.

“That’s my wife.” Jaemin grinned at her, who was sitting across from him in her wheelchair. “Isn’t she pretty like our Jinah?”

Jinah giggled, “I want to meet her one day when I’m not sick anymore!”

“She would love to meet you, Jinah. I already told her about you a few days ago!” Deep down Jaemin knew it was impossible when her condition kept getting worse every single day and he was ultimately met with his fears this morning.

Upon noticing Jinah’s family, Jaemin decided not to enter the room. He watched her through the window, an oxygen mask on her face, hundreds of pipes attached to her tiny, fragile body. The heart monitor continued to beep beside the bed — Jaemin knew there’s not much time left, that’s what everyone and the oncologist Kang Seulgi predicted. The cancer had already spread everywhere, resulting in ischemic stroke. Soon enough it will spread to her CNS and she will be gone.

“I just heard they might put her on life support if she doesn’t respond within the next 24 hours.” Jaemin flinched at the sudden familiar voice behind him which belonged to Jeno.

“When did you come?”

“Just now. I went to your room and you weren’t there.” Jeno shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat. “Yeseo at the reception said you might be here.”

“Yeah, I was about to leave.” Jaemin rested his back against the cold walls and looked at Jeno. “Is anyone looking for me? I left my phone in my room.”

“Yeah, kinda.” Jeno scratched the back of his neck. “Come with me.”

Glancing at Jinah one last time through the window, Jaemin followed Jeno out of the ICU unit. He was aware of the fact that he couldn’t do anything — it was a part of his job to say goodbye to these people at the end of the day and there was no point in sulking at that moment. He soon forgot about everything when he entered his consulting chamber and was met with Donghyuck, Minjeong, and a few other staff, surprising him with a small brownie and a few balloons. Remembering it was his birthday, he started looking forward to spending the evening with you instead.

After a long day, from a minor surgery to a woman hitting on him during a check up till she saw the ring on his finger — Jaemin was finally free and on his way to the restaurant texted him when suddenly he received a text from you. He pulled his phone out of his pocket when the car stopped at the red light to respond to the series of texts you had sent just now.

y/n: im so fucking sorry

y/n: im stuck with the

managers at a meeting

jaemin: oh

jaemin: do i cancel the

reservation?

y/n: i'm so sorry

jaemin: no it’s fine

i’m tired as fuck

jaemin: come home quick, ill

make fried rice and we can

watch a movie 😘

jaemin: i love you

y/n: i love you too i’m

so sorry

y/n: ive got your tiramisu btw

jaemin: just come home quickly

It’s 8:30 PM and Jaemin exhaled deeply before he made a short phone call to cancel the reservation at the restaurant. He drove home when it was nearing 9 while listening to his favorite playlist, placed the peonies he got for you in a white vase, got changed, cooked a small portion of fried rice for himself with whatever he found inside the fridge and waited patiently for you while slowly petting Yiseul on his lap in the dimly lit living room. The Netflix show on the TV only worked as a background noise as Jaemin forced himself to stay awake.

“Happy birthday,” A voice slowly whispered and Jaemin felt a pair of lips on his forehead. “I got peonies for you this time!”

Jaemin’s eyes slowly opened, and he yawned as he rubbed his eyes. “Oh, you’re home.” He stifled yet another yawn, “What time is it?”

“10:30 PM.” You said flatly. “Baby, I’m so sorry. I fucked up, it’s your bi—

“I’m actually glad we didn’t go out for dinner.” Jaemin interrupted and gave you a tired smile. “I’m way too tired today, I just wanna cuddle you to sleep.”

“Still, it’s your birthday…”

“Which I’m spending with you right now,” Jaemin placed his phone on the coffee table, next to two cups and a teapot. One of them is half full with green tea, while the other is clean and empty. “Get changed, I made chamomile tea again because it suddenly clicked that you had a headache.”

“Jaem—

“How is your headache now?”

“I took paracetamol in the evening, I’m good now.” You assured him.

“Sure?”

“Yes, I’ll be back in 10 mins!”

A random movie played on the TV, and the two of you were tangled up on your couch with Yiseul on the other couch, half-watching the show and complaining about how unrealistic this show was as you passed the box of tiramisu back and forth.

“Did you take lactaid?” You were always concerned about the poor man beside you, who happened to suffer from lactose intolerance yet decided to indulge in dairy every once in a while.

“I actually did,” Jaemin replied after shoving the last bit of tiramisu in his mouth, he paused to chew before speaking again. “I was having the chocolate ice cream we had at the back of the fridge earlier.”

“How was work?” You got up, leaving Jaemin alone on the couch, and made your way towards the kitchen to throw away the empty dessert box in the trash.

“Kinda— very shitty.” Jaemin heaved a sigh, “Jinah isn’t doing well, she’s at the ICU right now.”

“Fuck, what happened?” You stopped in your tracks behind the counter. He loved that little girl, as if she was his daughter. His eyes sparkled with joy every time he mentioned her randomly during dinner or showed you a selfie of the two of them.

“She had a stroke, I really don’t know much honestly. Forget it.” He said, a small smile spread across his tired face as he threw his head back on the couch. “The staff got me brownies today because I made a special announcement to not get cakes for me after Renjun’s birthday disaster.”

You gasped as soon as the words left Jaemin’s lips. “Fuck, let me get your present.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” Jaemin shot you a confused look, letting a small smile quirk at his lip as you continued to beam up at him.

“Of course I did...it’s just something little, I promise.”

Jaemin sighed at your explanation, rolling his eyes at your undisturbed excitement, and shook his head with a small laugh when you raised your eyebrows at him. He knew there’s no point in arguing with you.

“Just wait for 10 seconds, I’ll bring it out,” You smiled and planted a chaste kiss to his lips before scurrying away towards the bedroom. You rushed to your side of the closet, pulling the neatly wrapped box from behind the well-stocked row of clothes hanging inside the wide doors and putting the package behind your back as you shuffled back to the living room.

“Close your eyes.” You laughed, pouting at him when he gave you an annoyed look. “Please?”

You smirked when Jaemin complied, crossing his arms and relaxing on the couch as you made your way over to him. “What is it?”

“Jesus, you’re so impatient,” you plopped down on the couch next to him and placed the box in his lap. “Open your eyes!”

You held down another goofy smile when Jaemin opened his eyes, picking up the box in his lap and jokingly examining it. You playfully pushed on his shoulder and encouraged him to just get on with it, drawing your knees up to your chest to rest your chin on your bent legs as he tore the wrapping paper away. He wasted no time in opening the box, a fond smile taking over his features as his eyes scanned the black button-up shirt in front of him.

“Thank you, I love it!” Jaemin turned his head to look at you, leaning in to press a quick kiss on your cheeks.

“You might want to wear it and see if it fits you, I bought it online.” You casually replied, trying to hold down your thrill that threatened to ruin the actual surprise.

Jaemin followed your suggestion and pulled the shirt from the box, eyes narrowing when he noticed another box tucked underneath the clothing. “What’s this now?” He chuckled, making you let out your own giggle as he dropped the shirt on the couch to grab the real present.

“Just open it. I know you will love it.”

Jaemin gave you an incredulous look before slipping the lid off, mouth curling into an unbelieving smile as he pulled the silver necklace with two small rings as the pendant from the small cushion it sat on. “You didn’t have to do this, baby,” He stuttered, running the cold metal along with his fingers.

“Shh, you deserve it,” You quietly responded and felt your heart practically skip a beat when Jaemin turned his head to look at you. You watched as his fingers fiddle the clasp open and you understood his silent request when he held out the necklace to you.

“I love you,” Jaemin whispered, leaning in to capture your lips in a gentle kiss and pulling your hips further down against his. You sighed into the kiss when he suddenly picked you up and placed you on his lap and you flexed your fingers against his shoulders. He pulled away, the sweet moment almost ruined for you when his hands greedily squeezed at your thighs. “Any other surprises for me?”

“Actually, there are two more presents,” You smirked, letting your hands slide from his shoulders to rest against his chest. “One, for now, another one for tomorrow morning.”

“Morning?”

“I’m taking you out on a brunch date.”

“Understandable. What’s now then?”

“Oh trust me, you’re gonna love it.”

“Fuck,” Jaemin threw his head and replied back in a low voice, irises thinning as his pupils expanded with the implications of your suggestive words. “What could that be?”

“You’re gonna love it,” You innocently replied, scurrying out of his lap while holding down a smile when Jaemin seemed taken aback by your language.

“I think I know where this is going.” You ignored him and kept a heated eye contact as you got down on your knees, cursing the hardness of the floor under your knees that you knew would make you sore tomorrow.

“Fuck, okay.”

You decided to take the initiative of pulling his sweatpants down, considering it was his birthday after all, and tried to control your rapidly increasing heartbeat when you pulled the clothing down his legs. It makes your mouth practically water to see his half-hard cock in front of your face, wasting no time in wrapping one hand around his length to slowly pump along his shaft.

“Why are you staring at the ceiling?”

Jaemin hissed. “You’ve got my dick in your hands!”

“This isn’t anything new.” You laughed as you continued to slowly pump along his shaft. “I’ve been sucking your dick for the past 6 years!”

“I know…” His head snaps towards you with a glare. “How the fuck do you just stare at me when I’m going down on you? Be honest.”

“It’s hot.”

“A freak is what you are.”

“I wasn’t the one buying shit like nipple clamps and vibrators.” You shot back at him, making him raise his head from the couch to look at you.

Jaemin waved his hand around in defense, “It was experimental and you liked it!”

“Yes I did, shut up.”

“No, you shut u—” Jaemin’s breath hitched and his head lolled back as you took him in your mouth, swirling your tongue around the head of his cock. His hips thrusted forward involuntarily, pushing him further into your mouth, and you braced yourself on his thighs.

Jaemin hissed out a few curses, and his hands found themselves in your hair, his fingers gently running through them. Your eyes flicked back up to see his chest heaving and he used his hand to gather your hair away from your face, allowing him to see exactly what you were doing — even though he was being bashful about it earlier. You kept your eyes on him as you got to work, pulling away for a brief second just to drag his sweatpants a little further down his legs to give you better access.

Setting up a steady rhythm, you used a hand on the rest of his cock, slicking it with your saliva, before sliding down to play with his balls. You loved the feel of him which was very familiar to you by now. This wasn’t the first time you’d lovingly traced every inch of him with your tongue. But it never got old, and you could never get enough of him.

Admittedly, you would love the feeling of him even more somewhere else and you clenched just thinking about it. But right now this was more than fine, and you lost yourself for a moment, forgetting that you two were in the living room rather than the bedroom where you preferred to perform these activities. All you focused on was Jaemin; his taste, his scent, concentrating on using your tongue and breathing through your nose, letting the swelling head of his cock hit the back of your throat. Jaemin’s breathing grew harsher, his body tensed like a coil ready to spring, and you knew he was close. The hands in your hair clenched tighter, and you sped up, bobbing up and down on his cock with deliberate movements, moaning around him.

“Y/N…” Jaemin’s voice was strained and you knew that was his warning that he was close to his release. When he did, it was powerful, his body jerking forward, his cock hitting the back of your throat again as he spurted his release in hot waves. You kept your mouth on him, swallowing every last drop as best you could, still watching his face.

Jaemin looked ethereal– his head thrown back in pleasure, his mouth open wide in a silent moan, all those muscles in his arms flexing and straining. He was still holding your hair tightly, but slowly his hands unclenched to smooth out your hair.

When he finally relaxed, you pulled away from him, delicately wiping your mouth and licking your lips. Jaemin opened his eyes and gently cupped your cheek, a sated grin on his face.

“What?” You locked eyes with him as you shifted onto his lap, smoothing your hands down his shoulders after you had secured it and holding in a breath when his hands settled on your mostly bare thighs - the lacking fabric of your shorts mixed with the position not leaving much to the imagination when you were practically dripping on his lap.

“How did cum get on my t-shirt?” Jaemin pointed at the white stain near the hem of his black t-shirt.

You wiggled your brows, “I wiped my hand on it.”

Jaemin gave you that look which made you giggle for a second before leaning in to capture your lips in a kiss, tasting himself and pulling your hips further down against his. You moaned into the kiss and pulled away when his hands unashamedly trailed over to your ass. “You’re so beautiful…”

You teased him. “Don’t be sappy now. I had your dick in my mouth not even two minutes ago.”

“Why do you ruin everything…” Jaemin trailed off when you pulled your t-shirt over your head, throwing it somewhere behind you in the living room. You were glad you had chosen to forget your bra after changing earlier. Excitement and arousal coursing through your body as you settled on his lap, legs resting around him. You used your arms to push your tits together while staring at Jaemin with mock innocence in your gaze, feeling a sense of pride when his cock twitched against your clothed core at the sight and taking it as a sign to resume your activities.

“Bedroom.” Jaemin shot back in a low voice, irises thinning as his pupils expanded.

“Can’t you just put your dick inside me here?” You shifted on his lap against his lap, hoping that the slight friction will make you feel at ease.

“Nope,” A sly grin crossed his face and you suddenly yelped when Jaemin stood up on his feet and picked you up bridal style to carry you to the bedroom. When your back hit against the cool mattress Jaemin immediately pulled his shirt over his head and hovered above you, and you knew the night just began. Not that you were complaining, it was his birthday after all.

AUGUST 14

The morning light filtered into the room, soft and warm. Enough to wake Jaemin up before the obnoxious alarm went off. The sunlight was almost blaring at him through the curtains, sunshine much brighter than it was through the thin white curtains of your shared bedroom — though the blinds are partially closed.

Trying to not wake you up beside him, Jaemin sneaked away from your arms for a quick trip to the bathroom followed by quietly opening the closet to grab the first pair of sweatpants he could find. You groaned and moved a little from the rustling, but weren’t phased by how he had to move away from the tight grip you had around his waist even in your sleep. Jaemin smiled to himself when he heard you continuing to snore lightly.

He made his way under the warm covers after wearing his sweatpants and back to you as he crawled over your body to wrap himself around your left side carefully. Jaemin’s lips brushed against your forehead in a feather-like kiss, before he settled back in and laid there to admire you.

You looked so peaceful to him, taking even breaths of air, letting out quiet snores through your partially opened mouth, and completely bare of any clothes. You stirred briefly, unconsciously cuddling closer to Jaemin. His eyes fell on the diamond wedding ring glimmering on your ring finger against his chest. The movement made your hair tickle against his nose, the scent of the shampoo you used a little stronger than before.

Jaemin laid like that for some time, drowsing happily while the person he loved the most in the world slept beside him. He’d have to wake you up eventually, if you didn’t do so on your own, but for the moment, he was content to stay like that, it was the weekend after all. You stirred again, sooner than he’d think you would.

"Morning.” Jaemin started, as he apologetically watched you yawn into your palm. "Did I wake you up?"

"Not really, I did hear you close the bathroom door.” You snuggled up to him, lying your face against his chest before smooching him on the cheek. When you slid your thigh up to lie on top of his left, he gave you a comforting kiss on the very top of your head. You loved the weekends, when you both had the time to bask in each other's body heat as you laid in silence in each other’s comfort without thinking about getting out of bed.

You lazily opened your eyes and it was too much for Jaemin to resist. He kissed you again, brief at first, and then kissed you again, and again, barely giving either of you a chance to breathe. It woke you up the rest of the way, and you responded with kisses of your own, though your shoulders shook with barely contained laughter.

You made a face at him, rolling your eyes in fond exasperation, and tried to pull away from him. His arm tightened around you, holding you firmly against him. “Last night wasn’t enough for you?” You gasped and chuckled when Jaemin rolled on top of you.

Jaemin passionately kissed you and pulled away to say, “It’s never enough.” His hardening length was poking at your thighs. One of your hands stayed at the nape of his neck, tickling the tiny hairs, while the other hand ran down his side and back to his hip.

You bucked your hips up to grind against him. You took your hand from his hip and placed it on the bulge through the sweatpants. Jaemin melted in your touch. He couldn’t get close enough and wanted more of you. You removed your hand and placed it around his neck, pulling his lips in for another kiss. He rolled his bulge against your bare pussy, relishing in the friction.

You felt his hot breath on your neck. He sucked on the skin, leaving marks for him to admire later. You removed his grip from your tits and guided his hand to your pussy where you needed him the most and your breath caught in your throat when you felt his fingers on you.

Jaemin’s finger found your clit and rubbed soft circles before sliding his finger down to your slick entrance. He wasted no time curling his finger to find your sweet spot. He loved to watch you cum undone beneath him. Jaemin added another finger to your wet pussy. He pumped them in and out at a rapid speed, “Oh my god, Jaem—” and you breathed out when he pulled out.

“What the fuck? I was gonna cum!”

“Damn that sucks.”

“It’s not gonna suck anymore when I make myself cum and just fall asleep while you’re gonna get blue balls.”

“Shhh, have some patience.” Jaemin wasn’t ready to give you what you wanted and you absolutely hated his habit of teasing you during sex. You felt the wetness on his fingers when he touched your legs. He placed both of his hands on your thighs and slowly, moved them up your body till they found their place on your hardened nipples, he took one of the buds in his mouth and his tongue started moving in circles around them. Jaemin softly pinched your nipple with his fingers and while his mouth was busy on the other. He kept his eyes glued to yours as he brought his other hand down to your pussy. He didn’t waste any more time before inserting the two fingers back into your hole while his mouth still worked on your nipples simultaneously. Your mouth widened, but a gasp was stuck in your throat.

“Are you close, baby?” Jaemin pulled away from your nipple with a pop sound and his lips moved against the skin of your neck. You didn’t have the ability to respond and you opted to nod instead.

Jaemin slowed his movements, and you groaned in frustration underneath him. He wasn’t wrong. Your walls pulsed around his fingers and you needed a release. “Don’t kill me.”

“Na Jaemin…this is the second fucking time.” You breathed out. “I’ll scream if I don’t get to cum within the next 2 minutes.”

“Don’t scream at 6 in the morning!”

“You’re so fucking annoying, let me just cum then!” You tested Jaemin for a moment, but when he started to pull his fingers out, you knew he wasn’t playing. “Wait, Jaemin. Don’t do that.” You kissed him just below the ear and you were satisfied because Jaemin gave in immediately when you gave him that look. His fingers moved inside of you again, quickly. His thumb was back on your clit. “Cum for me, baby.” He growled and that was enough for you.

Your back arched as you finally came around his fingers and your whole body shook. Jaemin took the moment to kiss you while feeling you cum undone. He took in the moans and kissed you through your orgasm. When your body finally relaxed, Jaemin lifted himself up to kiss you passionately again.

“Don’t wipe your hands on the bedsheet like last time.”

“I didn’t do that intentionally!”

“I don’t care, I still had to do that laundry!”

“Whatever.” Jaemin dramatically rolled his eyes and shifted onto his knees. “Can I…?”

“Can you what?” You looked at him with a confused expression. He discarded his sweatpants somewhere in the room and hovered above you, slowly stroking his cock as he kept his eyes fixated on you. Your eyes darted to his cock. “Are you asking if you can put your dick inside me or what?” You asked and Jaemin nodded while you tried and failed to hold in a laughter. “We’ve had sex so many times and you’re embarrassed to ask if you can stick your dick in me?”

“Yeah,” Jaemin shook his head. “It’s called being polite!”

You laughed and kissed his jawline as your fingers wrapped around cock. His precum was slick against your fingertips and you slowly picked up your speed. You listened to how disorganized his breathing had gotten. He jerked his hips up into your fist. His cock felt hard and hot against the palm of your hand. You gave his cock one last squeeze before Jaemin’s hand grabbed a hold of your wrist. It was such a fast movement that it startled you for a moment. He brought his legs up and pushed your hand off of his cock. “Shit, stop, stop.” His voice was weak. “I’m gonna cum.”

Jaemin rolled over on top of you. “Put your legs around my waist.” He said and pulled you closer. He took his stiff cock in his hand before thrusting it into your wet pussy. He pushed it in with a deep groan. Jaemin’s thrusts were slow and deep at first as kept trailing kisses down your neck till you whispered and told him to go faster. His balls hit your ass with every thrust and the two of you knew he wasn’t going to last long, he just wanted to cum inside of you and you wanted it too.

“Oh, fuck, Jaem.” You moaned as your fingers circled against your clit. You clenched around his cock and Jaemin came undone. He held back his moans in his throat as he spilled his seed inside of you. The groans that did escape his lips were music to your ears and sped up the process of your next orgasm. He pulled out of you just as you came, causing his cum to spill out of you as well. You let out a quiet giggle when you seemed to have calmed down.

Jaemin suddenly felt a little self-conscious. “Why are you laughing?”

You turned over, tangling your legs with his. It was sweaty, but he pulled you closer anyway. You kissed him on the lips. “Nothing. I just love you.”

He wrinkled his brows, “And you think that’s funny?” He couldn’t help but let out a breathy laugh as well.

“No,” You smiled. “It makes me really happy.”

Jaemin smiled back, not that you saw the smile for long as your tired eyes drifted shut and you scooted down in the bed to lay your head on his chest. He kissed the top of your head, his mind feeling bombarded by the sense of unconditional love.

He sighed, squeezing your forearm, “We should get up.”

“It’s the weekend, baby.” You disagreed. “I’m not leaving the bed before midday.”

“Yeah.” Jaemin gave in, “but let me set an alarm for 10. It’s my turn to walk Yiseul today.” He moved above you to grab his phone from the nightstand. When he finally got under the covers again, you listened to his heartbeat until it faded somewhere while you drifted off to sleep.

AUGUST 17

A fatigued Jaemin entered the condo and the aroma immediately reached his nose. The sight of you cooking in the kitchen while Yiseul played with a soft toy on the floor was enough to make him forget about the dreadful day he had at the hospital earlier. You were in the kitchen, your back facing him and Jaemin was sure you were not aware of his presence yet due to the AirPods in your ears.

"Oh, you're home early today! Get changed quickly, I'd prefer if you shower first," you spoke, chopping a cluster of vegetables.

Jaemin stopped in his tracks, he wanted to surprise you with a back hug and he also got a bouquet of peonies on his way home. Jaemin usually stayed back at the hospital till 7 PM every day, monitoring the in-hospital patients and having meetings about their well-being with their beloved families. Today, nonetheless he was let go at 5 PM right after a successful surgery, thanks to the new resident, Park Jisung. “How’d you know I came, I was being qu—oh my baby there you are.”

You could hear your pet dog, Yiseul, barking – she loved Jaemin, and wouldn't let him into the apartment without him petting her. His voice resembled a kindergarten teacher’s voice as he crouched down and greeted the animal.

“All this love after insulting her last night?” You quipped while washing up the chopping board.

“Don’t accuse me of shit I haven’t done.” Jaemin sat on the floor to pet Yiseul, “Right? I’d never insult you.” He cooed in front of the animal as if she could understand what he was saying.

“Whatever floats your boat!”

Jaemin stood up on his feet and walked behind you to grab a vase from one of the cupboards. He removed the fresh-cut pink peonies from the crinkly brown paper and started arranging the florals in the vase before placing them on top of the marble counter.

"What are these for again?" Your mind started wandering to different directions and you solely blamed the workload for that.

"Try to guess?" Jaemin smirked and took a few steps closer.

"Just say it, I'm wondering whether it's a special day today or not.”

Jaemin smiled, and it made his eyes crinkle at the edges. "You’re beautiful."

"Shut up,"

"What? It’s true." He hugged you from behind, wrapping his arms around your waist and squeezing you a little. You let out a squeal and laughed. “Y/N," Jaemin mumbled, "You still didn't guess what these are for," he whispered and kissed your neck.

"I can't. I've had a busy day at work, meetings were crazy today.” You confided. Jaemin was stubborn, you knew that the second you saw him across the table for the first time. He wasn't letting you go any time soon if you hadn't mentioned work. “Just say it.”

"No reason, I just felt like it." He murmured and nuzzled into your neck. “I see them in front of the shop while leaving the hospital and I just get them.”

“Thank you.” You faced him and pinched his cheeks, “How was work?”

"The same old shit," Jaemin let you go and started munching on the carrots you just kept in the bowl after slicing them. “Jinah suddenly asked about you today, called you pretty and all.”

“Who?” You remember Jaemin rambling about someone called Jinah a few nights ago but you were way too drowsy to register what he was saying and instead opted to hum along with him till you fell asleep in his arms. “Sorry, I probably forgot.”

“A kid at the hospital, she has cancer. I did her tumor removal surgery and now we’re like…friends. She likes me a lot for some reason.” You could almost hear the excitement in his voice. “I go visit her every evening, and she suddenly asked about you today.” Jaemin pulled his phone out of his pocket, “Look, this is her.”

Jaemin’s phone screen displayed a selfie of him with a cute little girl, both of their smiles were so bright you almost didn’t notice the tubes and bandages attached to her small body. “She’s cute, isn’t she?”

“Hmm, she is.” You nodded. “Tell her I called her pretty as well!”

Jaemin shook his head in reply, “Anyways, anything interesting at your work today?”

“Nope, just designers being a pain in the ass. Jisu spilled coffee over her sample work, that's the most that has happened today.” Just as you finished talking your breath hitched, Jaemin was trailing wet kisses down your neck. “Jaem, not now.”

He chuckled and rested his head on your shoulder from the back, “it smells good, what are you cooking?”

“You’ve been here for at least 5 minutes now! You don’t know yet?”

“I was talking to you, how would I know…” He smiled sheepishly and kissed you on the cheek.

You smacked his shoulders, "Remember the tubs of kimchi mom sent? We still have those.” Scooping a little of the soup out of the pan, you blow on the spoon and hold it out to Jaemin to try. "What do you think?"

"Mm, that's good," He said. Your face breaks into a smile, stirring the pot again.

"I called your mom for the recipe this afternoon, you know how my one always gets salty. And for dessert—

"You, I hope." Jaemin’s eyes were twinkling with merriment, but there was a heat there that you knew all too well.

"Ew, I hope you didn’t forget that I’m on my period.” You scrunched your nose in disgust and Jaemin laughed again.

“I actually didn't. I got you your chocolate covered strawberries and new tampons.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, it’s on the ta—

“I love you!”

"Give me a kiss then." Jaemin said, leaning closer, "You know, you haven't given me one yet."

"I can play hard to get."

His hand on your waist suddenly tightened and he picked you up, placing you onto the counter. "You were playing so hard to get."

"Cause you only wanted me for my pussy." You snorted as your legs wrapped around his waist.

“N—that’s half true." Jaemin stuttered, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. You cupped his face in your hands as you kissed him deeply. “I did only want to get my dick wet first, I’ll give you that.” He mumbled against your lips.

“I knew it!”

“I—we’ve got rings on our fingers now!” Jaemin started waving his hand around in defence, desperately shoving the white gold ring on his ring finger onto your face. “You’re stuck with me forever.”

“I’m aware.” You were trying so hard to not burst into laughter especially when Jaemin was whining in defence like that in front of you.

"Don’t make me feel bad now." He suddenly started pouting. You broke into a smile and kissed him again, feeling warm, strong, and like home. “Yeah, I just wanted to get laid at first but I really, really liked you…”

You gave him another kiss on the lips. “I love you.”

"I love you too wifey.”

“Now let me go before the rice sticks to the bottom of the rice cooker. And you,” you pointed at him with your index finger, “Take a shower. I'm not letting you anywhere near the food before that."

“Yes ma’am!” Jaemin walked away from the kitchen while nodding, processing all the commands you were giving him. He crouched down to pet Yiseul again, “Y/N, do you want me to run a bath for you after I’m done showering?” Jaemin asked from the living room.

You smiled and nodded along in response. A bath sounded great after the long day you had at work.

“The lavender bath bomb, right?”

“Yeah! That one, thank you!”

AUGUST 19

It was a Thursday and you were having the worst day a person could possibly have — you wouldn’t even wish it upon your worst enemy. The heels were uncomfortable on your feet and without a doubt you were sure it would leave bruises on your ankles. To make things worse than it could possibly be, you woke up with a nasty headache which turned into the need to empty your stomach at 5 in the morning.

Jaemin hugged you close and assured you it was due to overworking yourself and staying up past midnight the last two weeks. He sat on the edge of the bed while massaging your feet and explained how stress can cause nausea, suggesting you to call in sick today.

“I wish I could. There’s a workshop today.” You grumbled against the pillow and he continued to massage your feet sympathetically. “This stupid project,” You rolled over to look at your husband. “Jaemin, I’ll literally take a week off after this shit is over just to sleep 24/7.”

“You deserve it more than anyone right now.”

The glass of your desk caught the reflection of your tired face cleanly. You silently played with the spoon sitting inside the cup of a strawberry probiotic yogurt you got from a convenience store 2 minutes away instead of having the chicken rice bowls they were serving downstairs during the lunch break.

The door to your cabin cracked open as Gyeoul peeked her head in with her mouth full, “You’re not coming for lunch?” She entered with her bowl of rice when you shook your head and sat on the chair across the table. The aroma of the food she was devouring almost made you feel nauseous again.

“You’re on a diet?” Gyeoul questioned, eyeing the yogurt cup.

“Nope, I just don’t feel like eating.”

“Are you okay?”

“Not really, I’ve got a massive headache.”

“Kim talks too much right?” You frowned at the mention of your boss, remembering how talkative of a person he was. The workshop was going smoothly till he decided to start , along with yours and you were convinced that contributed to your already throbbing head.

“Yeah,” You nodded and watched a grin forming on Gyeoul’s lips who seemed to agree with you as well. “I’ve actually had this headache since the morning but Kim blabbering just gave it a boost.”

“Is our Y/N perhaps pregnant?” Gyeoul wiggled her eyebrows in an attempt to crack a very unfunny joke. You forcefully laughed along with her while shaking your head and hands in an attempt to deny the accusations. “I’m joking! You’ve been working a lot nowadays. It’s the stress, it happens.”

Spooning at your yogurt, you ignored her and continued, “Can I ask you something?” Mentally you slapped yourself for thinking about breaching such an intimate question suddenly.

Gyeoul paused for a second, her mouth agape. “Wait, are you actually pregnant?”

“No, what the fu—I apologize for my language. Let me know if this feels too personal though.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, I’m just—” Running your hands through your hair, you sit up straight and toss out the rest of your yogurt cup in the bin at your feet. “I feel like actual shit since Friday morning, you know, nausea and headache.”

Gyeoul shot you a flat look. “So, you are pregnant? Those are some early pregnancy symptoms.”

Undaunted, you continued, “Nope, I’m not. I’ve been on the pill for years.”

“Did you take a test or miss your period?” Gyeoul inquired, “You know, pills aren’t effective all the time, right? Your husband is a doctor, you should know that.”

You were slightly taken aback by her snarky remark directed towards you and Jaemin as well you supposed. Your expression probably read offended now but you forced a smile and continued, “Yes, I’m aware. I don’t need my husband to know that.”

“Does your husband know?” You were starting to feel like Gyeoul was mocking you now.

“He knows about my headache, yes.”

“I'm not a gynaecologist but you should take a test,” Gyeoul suggested.

You shifted in your seat and replied, trying not to sound bitter, “Yeah I will.”

“The workshop resumes in 10 minutes.” Gyeoul shoved a spoonful of rice in her mouth and with that she stood up on her feet and exited your room, leaving you with thoughts you didn’t want to have and a pile of unfinished designs which have been killing you slowly for weeks.

y/n: are you free

jaemin: surgery in 20 mins baby

jaemin: ill call u later

y/n: okay love you

jaemin: love you too

y/n: no emoji today? :(

You sent him the text and went on with your day, forgetting about the whole conversation with Gyeoul as the workshop and designs occupied your entire afternoon and evening. However, you checked your phone after 5 hours and the messaging app on your phone showed that Jaemin still hadn’t read the last text you sent. It wasn’t unusual for him to not read texts for hours, there have been days when you texted him in the morning and he would reply in the evening. You let it slide and resumed working on your landscape design for a client again.

7 PM and you haven’t heard from your husband in hours. You sighed, knowing that Jaemin could sometimes be a slow responder if he had surgery. Yet, a tiny kernel of worry was in the back of your mind. Upon entering the apartment, you called out his name, just in case he had come home early, the chances being quite unlikely given his incredible work ethic. Instead, you were met with Yiseul who came running towards you. You put your files and the small plastic bag containing a few cans of beer from the convenience store on the marble counter after petting Yiseul for a while, and sent him another text.

y/n: i’m home now where are you

After a moment, when your heart did the telltale lurch of worry, you resolved to keep yourself busy and do some light tidying around the apartment, take a cold shower and even a power nap on the couch to occupy those intrusive thoughts you couldn’t stop. When you finally decided to call Donghyuck, you reached for your phone and dialed his number, lifting it to your ear, listening to the constant dialling sounds until you were left with Donghyuck’s voicemail — the same as Jaemin.

Placing the phone down on one of the couches, you paced around the apartment, chest beginning to heave a bit deeper as your mind raced with horrible imaginings and the dreaded question of 'what if?'

At 11 PM, after another agonising wait of an hour and 40 minutes, consisting of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, there was a sound of the door unlocking and you very nearly rocketed off to the moon. Yiseul on the other hand, excited to see her favorite human at the end of the day, jumped off the couch and ran towards the door as well.

The door opened and in walked Jaemin, still in his white coat. 'Where were you?” You asked rather harshly, which you realized after the words slipped out of your mouth. “Have you checked your phone?”

Jaemin didn’t speak as he continued to take off his socks, almost pretending like you weren’t about to go ballistic in front of him. You took the deepest breath possible, and asked quite softly this time, "Where have you been? I called Donghyuck and got no response a—”

“Hello, my baby,” Jaemin mumbled, crouching down to hug the white, fluffy dog. The person who was always vibrating with joy was now speaking stoically in front of you. You took in his expression when he stood up, watching his tired face, the eyebags, and impulsively let him bury his head in your shoulder before inquiring any further. “Can I get a hug from you?”

“What happened?” He immediately engulfed you in a tight, tighter than he has ever hugged you. Your voice was muffled against his shoulder and you felt his shoulders shaking gently as you ran your hands down his back. The temptation to start screaming at him from earlier replaced with concern, "Are you okay?"

“Jinah passed away.” Jaemin looked at you for the first time tonight, the dark circles under his eyes more evident than usual. “I should go get changed.”

You were at loss for words after he spoke. Everything was as clear as the day to you now — Jaemin was practically attached to Jinah, he would bring her up every time he’d get the chance with a fond smile, showed you selfies he took with her every other day and loved sharing anecdotes about her. Your voice trembled despite you trying to keep it together, heart sinking deeper and deeper into your stomach by the second as you looked at his sorrowful face. “How—what happened?”

Jaemin continued to pet Yiseul, who was wagging her tail, happy to be in between two of her favorite humans after hours. “Internal bleeding, we had to perform a laparotomy in the morning and she just—” Jaemin’s voice cracked at the end, his own eyes watering. “I was in charge and she just—

“She’s in a better place now.”

“Why am I even crying?” Jaemin let out a weak laughter while wiping his tears. He hadn’t wanted to fall apart, but it was a long time coming. He watched her take her last breath — the same cheerful child was lifeless in front of him. Jaemin couldn’t look at Jinah’s family in distraught when the new resident Park Jisung informed them outside the operating theatre. A tear rolled down Jaemin’s cheek and he started, “I know it’s my job-”

“Surgeons have feelings just like everyone else. It’s okay to cry.” You wiped his tears with your hand and tried not to start crying as well, knowing that it would make his situation worse. Jaemin rested his head on your shoulder and let it all out, slightly staining your shirt with his tears in the process.

“I love you.” He mumbled against your shoulder. “Sorry, this isn’t like me. You know I don’t cry.”

“You cried on our wedding day though.”

“Stop bringing that up…” He chuckled through his tears and cupped your cheeks. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

You let out throaty laughter and kissed him on the cheek which made Jaemin chuckle through his tears as well. “Go take a shower.”

Jaemin seemed to calm down after a warm shower, a bowl of instant ramen that you cooked for him and playing around with Yiseul in the living room. He comfortably laid on his back while you were resting your back against the bedpost. “I thought about something while showering.” He paused and looked at you. “I’m coming home to my family, everyone at the hospital is but Jinah’s family? They’re going to be grieving for days, maybe even years. She was their only daughter.”

“That’s just how fate works.” You replied slowly, running fingers through his locks. “There’s nothing we can do about that.”

“I know, it sucks.” Jaemin nodded and his lips quivered into a smile when he rolled over to look at you. “I took a day off tomorrow, more like, Jaehyun forced me into taking one.”

“You need to spend the entire day just sleeping like a baby.” Jaemin laughed when the words left your lips, making you gaze at him with a confused look. “What?”

“Nope, I’ll clean the house, cook for us, go to the park with Yiseul.” He paused to give you a sheepish smile, “I can’t make breakfast though, sorry. I’m not leaving the bed before 10.” You chuckled after he finished listing everything he wanted to do tomorrow. Leaning over, you wrapped your hands around Jaemin's chest tightly and you never wanted to let go. The scent of his cologne flooding your senses, the warmth of his touch, the calming sound of his breathing. He was everything that you’ve ever wanted.

“Fuck, I forgot to ask.” Jaemin suddenly exclaimed and you raised your head from his chest in concern to look at him only to be met with a similarly concerned expression on his face. “How is your headache now? I’m so sorry, so much happened today—”

“It’s fine.” You assured him. “Gyeoul was trying to say I’m pregnant. I told her that’s not possible and she started being very passive-aggressive.”

“Gyeoul being Gyeoul.” Jaemin continued to soothingly caress the small of your back slowly. “She’s never gonna change, forget it.”

“I would’ve said something back if my head wasn’t hurting like a bitch.”

Jaemin sincerely laughed for the first time tonight, his laugh vibrating against your ears. “The headache is from all the staring at your iPad screen for hours every night.”

“I know. I need a break.” You shifted away from his arms and propped yourself up on one elbow. You carefully studied his face, drinking in his features that you loved so much. Suddenly, you giggled at a rather unexpected thought. Jaemin laughed as well along with you and lightly kissed the tip of your nose before asking, “What is it?”

“I just had a thought,” you started. “I’m surprised I’m not actually pregnant.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’ve fucking raw for months, I’m surprised I’m not 6 months pregnant yet.”

“I mean…” Jaemin trailed off, as he let out a chuckle. “That’s how the contraceptive pills work. They stop your ovulati—

“Jaemin, my baby, my honey bun, just go to sleep.”

“Don’t call me honey bun ever again.” Jaemin pulled the covers over his head and rolled over, facing his back to you. “Good night to you my honey bun!”

“Now why are you calling me that?” You snaked your arms around his waist from the back and rested your head on top of his. Jaemin faked an over-exaggerated snore in reply and the two of you burst into laughter.

“Seriously, it’s just cringy as fuck.”

AUGUST 22

You finally ease your car into the parking space after having the same old argument with Jaemin about who was the better driver and who got to drive to the grocery store. A few pouts and kisses on his cheek was enough for him to give up and let you drive. It was a warm, sunny Saturday mid afternoon and Jaemin didn’t want to get out of the house at all. He suggested that you should just order groceries online instead of getting out of the comfort of your air conditioned living room where Jaemin was peacefully laying on the couch, watching TV but he quickly shut his mouth when you shot him the look.

Jaemin opened the passenger side door and got out. It was hot, much hotter than it was earlier in the week.

“Fuck, it feels like hell out here.” He pulled his hoodie over his head and tossed the clothing to the seat at the back. Now only wearing a plain white shirt and black pants he jogged to your side of the car in an attempt to open the door for you like the gentleman he was only to be met with you already getting out of the car yourself.

“Why did you even wear a hoodie in the middle of August?” You started walking towards the store as he followed behind you. “I was dying when I went to take Yiseul for a walk in the morning. I told you it’s hot outside.”

“You did?” Jaemin stopped walking and tilted his head in confusion. “I didn’t think it was gonna be that hot!”

“Yeah, when you were sleeping like the dead.” You made a snarky comment to remind him that he refused to get up from bed even after you attacked him with kisses when you had breakfast for two ready on the table.

“Baby, I’m sorry, I was tired!” You could almost hear him pout and it made you smile like a fool. “I would've never done that if I wasn’t tired, you know that.”

“I know, I was kidding.” You nudged at his shoulder as you two giggle like teenagers outside the store.

You two always went grocery shopping together every Saturday, that is how it has been for years ever since you moved in with him during his med school. On Saturdays you two cleaned out the kitchen and cooked a feast together before sitting down comfortably in the living room and making a list based on what you both needed and wanted.

“Where do we start?” You asked, gazing around at the enormous and slightly crowded store. “The vegeta—

“I’m getting coffee first, I haven’t had my caffeine yet,” Jaemin interrupted you when he spotted the tiny coffee shop to the side in the store which you two always walked past during these grocery store runs.

“Do you want anything?” Jaemin strolled toward the counter with a smile.

“Are you sure this is,” You lowered your voice and whispered the latter. “I don’t know, grocery store coffee, is it gonna be good?”

“Don’t care. I just need caffeine in my system right now.” Jaemin shrugged and proceeded to order an iced americano. “Do you want anything?” He asked again.

“Um, not really.” You glanced at the screen which displayed different options of caffeine drinks along with the price at the bottom one last time. Even though you’ve had your coffee already in the morning and offered Jaemin to drink as well, he refused to wake up. Eventually he left the bed while grumbling when you started complaining about not being able to clean the bedroom — only for him to go sleep on the couch again.

“One large iced americano, please.”

Your eyes widened at the mention of his order. You have been telling him to cut down on his caffeine consumption for months which he complied now and opted to order a regular sized drink instead, at least you thought so. “Jaem, I told yo—

“Large because you’re gonna start saying ‘give me one sip’ after a while.” Jaemin mocked your voice and raised his brows. You gave him a gentle nudge because fuck, he knew you too well.

When Jaemin got his coffee from behind the counter he offered it to you, insisting that you should try it first before he did. He held the cup in front of you as you took a sip and nodded in satisfaction, letting him know that it was not bad for a $1 cup of coffee from the grocery store.

“Told you it’s good.” He shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of the coffee himself as you two made your way towards the store.

You noticed a small group of girls, probably high schoolers, you assumed, behind you two — giggling and being not so discreet about eyeing Jaemin. “There are these teenagers staring at you.” Jaemin turned his head to look at the direction of your sight and you quickly smacked him in the shoulder, “Don’t look!”

“Let them be.” He slipped his hand into yours and started swinging them. “Now, where do we start?” Jaemin asked, looking uncertainly at the sprawling store before you while sipping on his coffee.

“What are we even cooking today?”

“Let’s just…see.”

“Let’s just go get sauces first.”

Jaemin nodded, taking up a position a half step behind you. You lead the way to the condiments first, thinking them among the most needed, but least likely to go bad, sorts of food to buy. Jaemin’s love for cooking came out as he selected sauces and marinades, telling you which recipes he’d use each for. His face paled when you reached for a bottle though.

“Honey mustard? I mean, well…” He tried to object gently. “Why?”

You slid the offending bottle into the cart with the others. “I had a salad with honey mustard dressing on Thursday. It was so good!”

Jaemin scrunched his nose in disgust. “Your taste is horrible.” He trailed off as he proceeded to put ramen packets in the cart.

“Yeah,” You grinned. “I’m married to you.”

“Look, I’m an exception!” His eyes twinkled as he kept up his dismayed expression and tone.

“I believe you enjoy my cooking a lot.”

“That I do.”

The shopping continued and things were going well until it was time to gather together produce. You helped pick out apples, peaches and bananas for snacking and breakfast. Turning to the vegetables section, you saw Jaemin carefully keeping two bags of potatoes and zucchinis in the cart. It was nice to see Jaemin being so relaxed and playful. It was the same Jaemin you fell in love with, the Jaemin you knew too well and trusted with your life.

“Y/N?” Jaemin clicked his fingers in front of your face making you snap out of your thoughts. “Did you hear what I said?”

“Sorry, I was just thinking about Yiseul’s food. What did you ask?”

“I got the chicken blend for her.” He pointed at the yellow and red packets sitting at the corner of the cart. “I was saying that I’m thinking about making fried rice and probably some chicken dish for dinner, what do you say?”

Your eyes lit up like he just popped a diamond ring in front of you. “Oh my god, yes.”

After paying for the three bags worth of groceries which you hoped will last for the week and having a tiny argument again in front of the car about who got to drive this time, you both were back in the car on your way home with Jaemin behind the wheel this time. Pulling out of the grocery store and driving for a while you noticed he had missed the turn which led to the apartment on the other side of the town.

“We’re going the wrong way.”

Jaemin didn't answer, just hummed as he kept his eyes on the road. He glanced at you with a smirk when he realized you’ve been staring at him in confusion. "Patience baby, I have a surprise for you.”

“We are literally on the highway now.”

“Just wait. Few more minutes and we’re there.”

"You’re so stubborn." You mumbled, opening a bag of chips you purchased at the store earlier as you watched Jaemin drive, admiring the way his profile glowed due to the sun during the golden hours. You held the chip in front of his mouth and fed him as he continued to drive…wherever he was taking you. “Are you kidnapping me?”

“I wouldn’t have waited for years to kidnap you if that was my intention.”

“God…you’re truly something else.”

It had been a while since Jaemin started to drive and you still had no idea where your husband was taking you, you asked him again a few minutes ago where he was going but all Jaemin gave you was a playful smile and a short "a surprise.”

The time read 6:20 PM and you noticed the familiar route as you breathed in the distance and the familiar sea starting to peek through the spaces between the fences and tree trunks. "You can’t be serious…" You started, disbelief in your voice at the sight of the waves crashing by the shore and the orange-yellow hues of the sky. "You’re fucking crazy, you drove for almost 2 hours to come here?"

"Nah, I brought you to a forest, for natur—" You smacked his forearm with a gasping chuckle and Jaemin yelped in surprise but quickly retorted by smacking the side of your arms. He took a left turn down a track, the one he discovered a few years ago during college, when he bought his first car with his own money. You clearly remembered Jaemin bringing you here on your second date with him, after classes, promising to get ice creams with you later. That was the day you discovered his hatred for strawberry flavoured goods.

It had definitely been a while.

The secluded parking lot that only the locals knew of gradually came into view and it brought back all the memories — driving straight to this place after classes, watching the sunsets together, all the times Jaemin had forced you into posing for his camera and lastly the all the uncomfortable car sex you’ve had in this parking lot. Jaemin stopped the engine and opened the door, allowing a gust of sea breeze to sweep through.

"Okay, get out," Jaemin commanded, tugging at your hands which you willingly abided to.

"What are you–" Your voice was cut off from your lungs when you saw nothing but darkness, Jaemin’s hands were covering your eyes as he leisurely began to lead you down the dunes and onto the flat stretch, steadily approaching the water that met up the shore. “What are you doing?”

"Shut up.” Jaemin laughed. “I'm not kidnapping you.”

“I’m aware of that.”

You two stopped walking and you could hear the waves crashing, people chattering away in the distance, feel the sand underneath your shoes and smell the salty sea air. It was exhilarating, your whole body relaxing at the sound of the sea and the cool breeze.

"Okay, now look." Jaemin said, removing his hands from your eyes.

You do as he said, and what you saw knocked the air out of your lungs, the sky was orange yellow hued as the sun set in the horizon. The sound of the waves crashing into the shore made you feel at ease after the hectic week you had at work.

“Oh my—it’s beautiful,” You looked away from the sea for just a second to smile at your husband. “It has been so long since we last came here.”

Jaemin smiled back at you softly, utterly in love. The way your skin glowed under the sun and your hair softly blew due the breeze, he was sure he was falling in love all over again. You hadn’t been to the beach in years, ever since your 4th anniversary. It seemed like you two had always been just… too busy.

It felt nice to be coming here again after years.

You glanced at Jaemin for a second and thought he looked the best during sunsets. The rays kissed his glowy skin, he looked at peace. Your heart swole looking at him, so you turned your head to face the sea instead.

"Wait, stand still." Jaemin hooted and gazed at you as you gave him a confused look. He fished his phone out of his pocket and opened the camera app. “Don’t move.”

"Baby, no, I don't have any makeup on..." You protested and started walking towards him to block the lens with your hands. “Don’t take any pictures of me, please.”

He pouted like an annoying grumpy child. “Just one? The view is great, look!”

"Fine, just don’t put them on your Instagram." You gave up and posed for his camera.

Jaemin grinned and took this as an opportunity to do the most, he squatted down on the sand and positioned his phone to get a good capture of you standing with a background of the sun setting, the sky almost dark. He smiled to himself in satisfaction, scrolling through the pictures he just took and proudly showed them to you.

"AirDrop that one to me later!" You pinched his cheeks and noticed his smile growing bigger.

"Come here.”

“What no—

“Selfie.”

Jaemin stood beside you and you smelt like the familiar shampoo, your skin glowed as the sun which was almost on the verge of getting lost into the horizon. He positioned the camera and smiled along with you. He clicked the first picture and positioned the phone again for the second one when you suddenly kissed him on the cheeks just when he tapped on the shutter.

“Let me see the picture!” You smiled widely and impatiently waited for Jaemin to unlock his phone and open his camera roll. And there it was, a blurry picture of you kissing him on the cheek captured onto his phone screen. “Send that to me as well, I’m gonna make it my home screen.”

“It’s blurry.”

“And?”

Jaemin inspected the picture for a while before concluding that it was indeed cute and you couldn’t stop grinning. He watched you and he wished he could make you smile like this everyday till his last breath.

AUGUST 25

It had officially been a year since you and Jaemin exchanged "I do’s" to each other in front of all your friends and relatives. You cringed at the thought of your wedding vows, the one which apparently made Jaemin shed some tears in front of everyone. It was shocking to think that you’ve somehow managed to complete a year with the love of your life and you couldn’t help but look forward to more. However, what excited you more was whatever Jaemin had planned for you tonight.

“What has the poor grass ever done to you?” Jaemin’s voice pulled you out of your train of thoughts outside the restaurant at the resort. Jaemin surprised you with a staycation at a lakeside resort and who were you to say no to espacing work even for just 24 hours.

“Huh? What?” You glanced at Jaemin behind you and he was too busy arranging his credit card in his wallet after paying for the over-expensive food you two just devoured. The black pants paired with the black dress shirt you got for him on his birthday made you weak at your knees. Probably it was just the wine flowing through your system but you couldn’t stop staring at him under the dim lights of the corridor outside the outdoor restaurant.

“You were just,” Jaemin paused to laugh. “Just staring at the grass like this.” He widened his eyes dramatically to mock you and you smacked his forearm.

You replied with a throaty chuckle, “I was just…thinking.”

“About?”

“I feel bad about leaving Yiseul with your mom. I told you we should just leave her at my mom’s place instead. I don’t want your mom to take the hass—

“Don’t worry about mom. She’s probably sitting on the couch with her on the lap and watching dramas right now.” Jaemin pinched your cheeks and leaned in to press a kiss. “Let’s go to the bar!”

“Now?!”

“Duh, it’s not everyday that we get to drink freely like a wild teenager. Let’s go!” Jaemin’s hand found themselves intertwined with yours as he dragged you down the corridor which lead to the dimly lit bar.

You were sure Jaemin was going to be tipsy by the end of the night and your hunch became the reality when he leaned up against the door to your hotel room. "Hey," You could tell he was drunk from the way his cheeks were flushed. "Do you have the key card thingy?"

"Yeah," You answered, as you started rummaging through your purse. "Here," you started to hand it over to him, then pulled it back. "Wait. Let me do it instead."

"You always do it too fast."

"No, I don't." You shoved the key card in the slot and whipped it out. You both watched as the little red light came on.

"Baby. See?" Jaemin was trying not to laugh as he used the wall for support. How many cocktails did he drink? You lost count after his third glass, but you suspected it might have been more by the way he wanted to giggle at everything — including you struggling with the door. Not that you weren’t tipsy as well but thankfully your alcohol tolerance had always been stronger than his.

"It's fine." You did it again and once again, the red light blinked. "Fuc—"

Jaemin laughed at your words, as if you just said the funniest thing ever, and took the keycard from you. He gave you a grin. "Here. Let me show you how it's done, baby." Jaemin’s eyes stayed on your the whole time as he very slowly slid the card into the slot, waited a beat, then slowly pulled it out. He smirked at you just a bit as the green light went on.

"Okay, fine. Get in here," You grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into the room.

As soon as the door shut, you were kissing. Sloppy, enthusiastic, drunken kisses that left you both breathless. There was something exciting about being in a hotel room, you couldn’t figure out whether it were the memories from college — the memories from the cheapest room you two could find a few years ago in contrast to one of the most expensive suites at the hotel you were in right now.

"You should do it.” Jaemin blurted out suddenly.

"Do what?" You halted unbuttoning his shirt.

"No, I mean," Jaemin paused. "Well, submit the design of yours."

“Fuck, I forgot to tell you.” You pulled away and sat on the edge of the bed, excited to tell him about your work. “I submitted my design last Tuesday! We will get the results on the 31st.”

Jaemin’s eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yeah," You waited a second longer to gauge his reaction. "How do you feel about that?"

"You're going to be such a hot, sexy senior architect and designer.”

"Don’t say senior like that, I didn’t get the promotion yet."

"You'll get it. I’ve seen you work hard every single day and night." He kissed you and you melted under his touch. “Have you considered designing our luxurious house with two floors and a backyard with a swimming pool in 5 years?”

“Yeah, with a jacuzzi and a movie theatre as well.” You rolled over on the bed, your legs still dangling off the bed and you two high-five, both dissolved into laughter. “You've got my lipstick on your lips.”

Jaemin laughed and wiped his mouth with the back of his palm. “Come here. I’m so proud of you.”

You leaned into him, arms wrapping around his middle, and gave him a big grin from under his arm. “I love you,” you said, easily and happily. “Happy anniversary to us, I guess.”

Jaemin on the other hand couldn’t keep the smile off his face, the alcohol in his bloodstream contributing to his sudden giggly attitude. “I love you too. Sorry we couldn’t be at some fucking fancy resort at, I don’t know, maybe Greece.” Jaemin had slightly started slurring now. “Next year, when we’re not the busiest people on Earth, we’re definitely going on a Europe trip.”

“We will think about next year later, let me enjoy this first.” You squeaked when his hands found your waist. Before you could reply, Jaemin had already started kissing along your neck. You moaned and you're arching back against him.

“Did you bring it? I told you last ni-

“Inside the luggage.” You breathed against his lips after he pulled away. Jaemin placed one last kiss on your forehead and got up to retrieve the thing you have been looking forward to since the night before. You giggled while Jaemin nearly tripped in front of the bed.

You gulped when he placed the pink bullet vibrator with a string attached to it at the end on the nightstand and crawled over to you. His wedding ring was visible as he ran his finger up your thigh, underneath your thigh length black dress. You shivered under his touch, goosebumps forming on your skin. Maybe it was because you were tipsy but you wanted him so bad at that moment — it was driving you crazy. “You look so-

“Handsome?” Jaemin interrupted, winking one eye. “Beautiful? The hottest man in town? The best husband ever?”

“I was gonna say sexy…”

“Well come here and give your sexy a kiss then.” Jaemin didn’t need to ask twice. Your red lipstick smeared under the press of his mouth, tongues dancing together in a familiar way. When you break the kiss, you finally find your voice.

“My pretty wife,” He said, grinning widely.

“Yeah, thank you.” You replied dramatically, eyes rolling.

“I’m not done teasing yet by the way.” You could only make an unintelligible noise as he flipped you over on to your back and kissed you again. His fingers made the quick work of unzipping your dress and unhooking your bra, and he had you bare and writhing under him within minutes.

“Would you like your present now?” Jaemin breathed, his lips inches from the soft skin of your neck. You only nodded your head and Jaemin retrieved the pink vibrator from the nightstand and flicked the switch, bringing it to life immediately.

“Happy anniversary,” He grinned and pressed the tip of the rumbling vibrator against your clit. You squealed and wriggled away from him as he snickered. “What?” Jaemin continued laughing and you broke into laughter as well. “Come back here.”

“It fucking tickles!”

“Do you trust me?”

You nodded quickly. “Yeah.”

“Then relax,” Jaemin caressed your thigh. “We’ve done this before.”

“That was more than a year ago actually.” You reminded him and he playfully smacked you in the thigh.

“Just trust me.”

You inhaled a heavy breath and collapsed back on to the pillows, biting your lip as Jaemin bent his head to kiss the inside of your thighs. His fingertips stroked the soft skin around your centre, and you felt yourself begin to melt into a puddle of need. It never took him long to have you gasping; he knew just how to touch you by now and exactly what you liked. When his tongue found your core, you called his name and arched your back, toes curling into the sheets.

After a few minutes, Jaemin stilled his tongue and asked you to close your eyes. You obeyed, sinking into the darkness behind your eyelids, only to shutter them open again, shrieking, when he inserted the cold vibrator fully into your wet pussy in one swift movement.

“Shhh,” Jaemin said softly. “Trust me.”

“This shit is cold.” You giggled nervously.

“I’ll warm you up,” Jaemin smirked and flicked the switch at the highest speed. The buzz filled the room and you cried out at the sensation inside you. He bent his head to trail the inside of your thighs with kisses, reaching just below your core where the vibrator was rumbling furiously. You felt something uncurling deep in the pit of your stomach, climbing higher and higher. Your palms found themselves over your mouth, not wanting to disturb the other guests at the resort. You whimpered his name over and over again, your voice almost unrecognisable. Jaemin held you firmly in place when you started squirming, his fingers digging into your hips so hard that you were sure you'd have bruises in the morning.

“T-Too much—fuck!” You were unable to form coherent sentences and Jaemin was having the best time of his life.

You really wanted to punch the smirk off his pretty face but right now all you could think about was how it felt beyond incredible. You were whimpering, sobbing and then finally, your release reached its peak, harder than you think it had ever had in your life. Jaemin on the other hand started circling around your swollen clit and you arched your back only to fall back on your elbows, hips jerking up as you chased your high. “My baby is close…”

“Ja—Oh fuck.” You mewled as your first orgasm of the night took over you. Jaemin continued to circle around your clit till it all became too much and you pulled the vibrator by the string out of you yourself and tried to swat his hands away, while you twisted into the pillows, sobbing into them. “I-I can’t…I can’t.”

“Was that too much?” He kissed you on the shoulder and caressed your back. “We’re not even done yet, baby.” God, the cockiness in his voice, you really wanted to punch him at that moment — but he made you so, so good, you didn’t have any complaints.

“Just don’t fucking overstimulate me again…” You replied with a weak chuckle, trying to catch your breath. “I would’ve probably squirted if that vibrator stayed in there for more than 5 seconds.”

“I should’ve stopped you from taking it ou—” You smacked his thigh with a gasping chuckle. “Damn, sorry.”

“There’s no way I’m doing that in a hotel room.”

“Why not? Pretty sure the staff have seen worse.”

“No seriously, just—” You got up and kissed his mouth shut passionately. Jaemin didn’t give you much time to stay still because he got down on his knees on the carpeted floor and pulled you to the edge of the bed by your thighs. “I know you’re not doing what I think you’re about to do.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“Get a towel from the luggage, I’m begging.”

“We don’t need it.” Jaemin replied from in between your thighs. You really couldn’t tell if he was being oblivious on purpose to fuck with you or he really just didn’t know. “It only happened once.”

“Do you know my body more than m—why are we having this conversation with you in between my legs?”

“If you’re so worried about the hotel staff, I’ve got a solution for you. Call the staff and say that we accidentally spilled our beer and then there you go, new bed sheets.” Jaemin chortled. “Now, please let me just do this.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me—ah” You felt his warm tongue glide through your sensitive folds, and you threw your head back at the sensation. Your toes curled as his tongue continued circling around your sensitive nub causing you to buck your hips forward, fingers making their way into his hair. When you felt him push his two fingers inside and your walls clutched them, hips lifting as your back pressed deeper into the mattress, helping him get a better angle at that one spot.

“You’re so eager, I just started and you’re already close to cumming?” All you could do was moan as he added another third finger, scissoring them and stretching your walls, the movement having you gushing on his hand. “You’re my pretty baby,” he was speaking softly, desire clear in his low voice.

“Jaemin, please,” was all you could muster, your mind clouded from the pleasure. He obliged and pushed them in and out of you faster and faster. You felt pressure building up in your lower abdomen, tightening and threatening to burst with each of his thrusts. Your hands were gripping desperately at the sheets, as your walls were clenching frantically.

Jaemin’s other hand reached for your clit, rubbing it and after a moment you felt the tight coil in your core snap. He pulled out his fingers, as the pressure released in the form of clear liquid bursting from your pussy and splashing onto his lap and some on the sheets. Your body was shaking, your mind numb from the overwhelming pleasure.

“You’ve really made a mess,” Jaemin laughed, landing a hard slap on your ass. You let out a cry at the unexpected pain, but it soon mixed with pleasure as he began placing soft kisses on the reddened skin. You were always taken aback by this side of Jaemin when he channelled it once in a while. It was almost like an alter ego of his, a contrast to his jolly personality in front of the world, only for you to see.

“We’re still not done yet.” A second slap landed on your other ass-cheek, soon followed by an array of kisses. Your cries turned louder, as a couple more spanks decorated your skin, leaving behind the outline of his large palms. You felt your walls clench again, his words serving to arouse you further. “Can you cum again?”

You panted and snickered, raising yourself onto your elbows. “Too sensitive, maybe wait for a few minutes.”

Right after the words left your mouth, Jaemin rolled you onto your back. In an instant, his lips were crashing with yours, the intensity of the kiss taking you by surprise and your mouth opening to his tongue without any protest. You felt him trace lines with his fingertips along your stomach and chest, settling to your tits, pinching your nipples, and twisting them, your whimpers and cries swallowed by his mouth.

“Can you just fuck me now?” You whined as he pulled away.

“Weren’t you just saying you’re too sensitive?” Jaemin smirked.

“Shut up…”

“Alright.” Jaemin smirked and started unbuttoning his shirt and threw it on the floor beside the bed. You took in his sculpted chest, the way in which his muscles moved under his skin made your mouth water. He moved between your legs, spreading your thighs and placing them on his shoulders. He grabbed your ass, lifting your hips off the mattress as he aligned his cock with the entrance to your core. “Ready?”

You nodded, trying to push your hips forward in an attempt to feel more of him. His fingers dug into your hips at your movement which were definitely leaving marks for you to see in the morning.

“P-please, I need you,” you pleaded, clenching around nothing. He was so close yet so far and you needed to feel him inside you. Your pussy ached and you didn’t know how much more you could take. Jaemin leaned down to move your disheveled hair out of your and kissed you one last time on the forehead. He started pushing his cock inside you slowly and your toes curled. You closed your eyes, the way your insides were spread overwhelming you.

“That’s my baby,” Jaemin grunted as he pushed himself entirely inside you, as you squirmed at the sudden movement, walls clenching around his cock. “You’re taking me so well…” He praised as he started thrusting inside you, each movement eliciting moans and whimpers from you. You bit on your hand, trying to keep your moans down, not wanting to disturb the guests in the next room. Your skin felt like it was on fire, the way his tip pressed your sensitive spot driving you crazy, tears welling up at the corner of your eyes.

“I’m going to c-cum again.” You managed to barely form the words between your moans. He quickened the pace, his hips crashing onto yours as you felt your orgasm wash over you, making your whole body shake as your mind went blank. You were unable to let out even a whimper, the pleasure from the climax overpowering for a few moments, even your need to breathe.

Jaemin continued to fuck you through your orgasm, spurred on by the lewd expressions on your face till he emptied himself inside of you, painting for your walls white. Your legs wouldn’t stop shaking from the intensity as he suddenly placed them on the bed on either side of his hips.

Before you realized what he was doing, you felt his warm tongue on your clit again, two fingers buried deep inside, pushing his cum in, curling and trying to draw another orgasm from your now overly-sensitive pussy. “I-I…cant anymore,” you cried as your hands sunk in his hair. “T-too much, Jae—please.”

Jaemin didn’t stop even as you tugged at his hair— an half-hearted attempt to get him to stop, as you weren’t even sure you even wanted him to. He bit your nub gently, sucking on it and licking, his fingers continuing to move at the same pace as the volume of your cries rose, your body shaking. Your hips started moving on their own, meeting the thrust of his fingers as you climaxed for the fourth time.

You probably blacked out for a few seconds because the next thing you heard was Jaemin falling flat on the bed next to you, his breathing rapid, sweat dripping from his body. He started caressing your side lovingly and placed a kiss on your shoulder. “Sorry.”

Turning on your side to face him, you intertwined your hands with his, humming, “I just had the best sex of my life, shut up.”

Jaemin laughed, planting a kiss on the top of your head as his hand was stroking your hair. A few minutes passed in blissful silence before he spoke again. “Let’s go take a bath, it would be easier to clean up now than in the morning. I need to take off the sheets and call the staff as well.”

He came back to the bed after a while, picked you up gently and helped you steady yourself, handing you the glass of water. “Thank you,” you muttered lightly, your legs were wobbly which he noticed and picked you up bridal style, carrying you to the bathtub that was already filled with warm water.

“I love you, baby. Are you sure you’re alright and I didn’t go too far?” He asked again, crouched down beside the bathtub, adamant to make sure you were indeed okay.

“Jaemin, two slaps on my ass isn’t gonna kill me.” You chuckled as your body relaxed in the warm bath. He kissed your hands and stood up straight again. “They’re gonna come to take the sheets soon, let me go and clean up the room a little.”

You giggled to yourself and he frowned. “What are you laughing at?”

“Just imagining myself as the staff.” You continued laughing, punching his arm lightly. “They’re not dumb.”

“As I said, they’ve seen worse.” Jaemin shrugged. “Didn’t you see how many couples there were during dinner?”

“You’re so silly sometimes,”

“I love you.” He crouched down again and whispered into your hair, before kissing you in the temple. “Happy one year to us.”

You splashed water at him, “I love you too, my cutie.”

AUGUST 31

The evening air was cool as the strong breeze nipped at Jaemin’s skin from the open window inside his car. It was one of those days when you had to leave early in the morning, carpooling with Jisu and Yeji and Jaemin had to pick you up later in the evening. He was leaning on the leather car seat behind the wheel, too distracted with his phone to notice you slowly making your way to the car. You coughed loudly once you were close enough and his head shot up at you, a small smile already forming in his lip when he saw your face.

"Hey." Jaemin greeted you as you opened the door to the passenger seat. “How did it go?”

You don't answer and Jaemin already knew your project didn’t go well. He hummed as he watched you sit down and take a deep breath. You fastened the seatbelt and Jaemin glanced at you one last time before he started the car. "I got food for you." Jaemin motioned at the chicken nuggets and fries along with a bouquet of peonies neatly placed at the back seat.

“Flowers again?”

“Last one for the year, they’re going out of season soon.”

"I didn’t get the promotion." You broke the silence, taking a bite of the nugget as you watched Jaemin drive, admiring the way his profile glowed whenever he drove past street lights and well lit convenience stores, "They said my design was way too minimalistic.”

"Were you happy with your design?" Jaemin asked, not taking his eyes off the road. The sky rumbled above followed by a lightning strike. “Amazing, it’s gonna rain.” He muttered under his breath.

"Yeah, I was.” You chuckled lightly. “I really liked the design for the living room. Too bad I can’t submit it anywhere else now.”

“That’s what matters the most.” Jaemin replied, glancing at you for a second with a smile as his free hand intertwined with yours. “It’s truly their loss, I thought the design was perfect.”

You didn’t reply, instead you chuckled and leaned over to peck Jaemin gently on his cheek when he stopped at the red lights. “Thank you. I don’t care about the promotion, it's not like my salary was gonna increase.”

“Who got the promotion?”

“Yeji did, but her design was like, very luxurious.” You leaned back against the leather and looked up at the sky through the window when it rumbled again. “I don’t think anyone with a budget of less than $10-20 million can get her design.”

Jaemin proudly grins. “Any idea of how much your one might’ve been?”

“Budget?”

Jaemin hummed in reply.

“Probably a million or two? It had multiple window walls and—

“That’s it. It’s gonna be ours in a few years.” Jaemin replied so casually, you had to raise your head from the comfort of the seat to look at him in disbelief.

“What?”

Jaemin glanced at you from the corner of his eye, “What?”

You scrunched your brows together. “So, you’re saying that we’re gonna live in a million dollar penthouse in a few years?”

“That’s exactly what I said, yes.”

“Nice.”

Jaemin’s fingers tapped against the steering wheel in time to the song he had softly playing out of the radio and he turned his head and gave you an odd look. “Nice? You’ve got nothing else to say?”

You truly got over your fear of commitment, thanks to the man beside you. Nothing seemed scary in life anymore when you knew he was going to be by your side through thick and thin, no matter what. Unknowingly you started, “I fucking love you so much, it drives me crazy sometimes. Have I mentioned that before?”

Jaemin’s eyes widened and he was grateful his car was stuck in the traffic at that moment or else he would’ve pressed the brake pedal in the middle of the road. “That was so random…”

“Sorry, ignore me, my mind is going haywire right now.” You pulled your hands away from his and hid your face in the palm of your hands. “I need some fucking sleep.”

“It’s September tomorrow.”

You groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

Jaemin stopped the car in front of your apartment and unbuckled his seat belt. “I love you too, by the way.”

Remember

Author: @stiles-o-dylan24 Pairing: Thomas x Reader Word Count: 1427 Warnings: none like one swear word I think?  Prompt: “hey, hey calm down, they can’t hurt you anymore” with Scorch Thomas - @lettersofwrittencollective​

|| MASTERLIST ||  NEXT>>  ||

Sitting at the tables in the room they call the cafeteria with Aris, you notice a new group of faces walk in. A couple of minutes later a lone boy walks in and you stop mid chew at seeing his face. A face that you’ve been seeing in your dreams lately, ever since you were sprung free from the maze with Aris and the rest of your friends.

“y/n, you ok?”

You swing your gaze over to your friend and smile as reassuringly as you can “mhmm”

“You sure because you look like you’ve seen a ghost–”

Keep reading

---

It’s Not Me, It’s You

Hufflepuff!Reader X Draco

Let’s get the story straight

You left me broken

You tried to make me think

That the blame was all on me

With the pain you put me through

And now I know that it’s not me it’s you

Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3    

Chapter 4     Chapter 5    Chapter 6    

Chapter 7    Chapter 8

Summary: Healing was a slow process that takes vulnerability. You and Draco seemed more at peace though the world around you continued to burn. There was one flaw in your plan for healing and making it out peacefully and you’ve had enough.

A/n: Y’all. This is… oh my god this is fantastic. I broke my mould a little bit so this doesn’t finish out the school year, because well a lot happens and this is already over 10K words. And I’m so ready for you guys to read this because you guys have been begging for it and who am I to say no? I love you guys so much and I know you won’t hesitate to tell me what you think (also, I start my fall semester on Monday, so I’m not sure how it’ll affect my writing habits so just be patient

Draco felt a strange relief, stepping back onto Hogwarts grounds. The castle hid many secrets, and perhaps it could hide his as well. In fact, it already did keep some of his secrets, and yours.

With a soft kiss you parted from him, heading up to your dorm to get settled in again and no doubt find Abby. He hated to watch you go, but he supposed that it had to be done. In the Slytherin common room, a few of his friends were gathered around the announcement board. A new piece of parchment was pinned, reading:

Keep reading

---

I’ve Got You, Always (Tom Holland)

A/N: This has been sitting in my draft for a lil bit and I just got around to finish it. Also, this may seem rushed, which it is, kind of, but I hope you guys still like it <3

Pairing: Tom Holland x Actress!Reader

Summary: An interviewer asked you a topic that was off limits which prompted a panic attack and Tom decides to step in.

Warnings: slight angst, mentions of past trauma, panic attack, and angry tom but with fluff in the end.

Word Count: 2.4k+

Masterlist in Bio

-:-:-:-:-

You were sat inside a room across an empty chair with the microphone all hooked up. A movie poster showing only your face — looking all horrified and troubled — was right behind you as the official one stood on the opposite side, right beside where the interviewer would be seated.

Two cameras stood on its rightful places for two continuous shots, accompanied by big blaring lights that illuminated the whole room. There were a maximum of six people occupying the space to make sure everything was working just fine and that the interviews go as smoothly as they could.

It’s the last press for the day and you were more than relieved.

Not necessarily dreadful — you love your job — but it is draining doing junket, especially when you’ve been doing it for hours on end. Redundant questions are inescapable and they usually turn boring after countless times of repeating, but you answer them as thoughtful as you can anyway, being that you’re the most proud of this movie.

You’re always thankful for the interviewers who spice things up a little, make it more interesting than the whole simple question, simple answer routine. Even more so if they get to ask a genuinely good question that would pick your brain to tell more about the movie.

However, you didn’t expect the last interview to be quite different from the others, but not in a way that you’d like it to be.

Keep reading

---

Superior

Her being captured is a problem. Him being captured is a bigger problem. But both of them? That’s just shitty, and she doesn't care for it.

starring: reader and levi care about each other and some people wanna be assholes about it, they love each other but they're also professionals, goddammit, and a little torture isn't gonna make them break

warnings: the torture isn't overtly graphic by any means, but content warning for zapping with an unnamed device and a knife cutting into the skin.

a/n: and now all three oneshots are uploaded!! stay tuned for the first chapter in the next part of the series. again, reminder that all these oneshots can be read and enjoyed without reading any of the other works in the series.

Her back aches.

God, it aches bad.

They’ve only been here for what, an hour? Two hours? But they haven’t spoken - in fact, Levi has not even thrown a single glance in her direction, despite their close proximity in the cell. Good. She knows that the worst possible situation has finally come to their doorway. Her being captured is a problem. Him being captured is a bigger problem. But both of them? That’s just shitty, and she doesn’t care for it.

They couldn’t speak even if they wanted to, because there’s two guards at the door and a man whose gaze makes her blood run cold, both because of his reputation as a mad scientist and because he keeps looking at them like he can’t wait to cut them up and see what’s inside.

She finds herself afraid. She hates it.

Why did Levi have to come after her? She can’t even glare at him like she enjoys doing most of the time - instead, they can only sit and stew. She wonders what he’s thinking. Knowing him, he’ll find a logical explanation for why this is her fault, but the blame only extends for getting herself captured. As far as she is concerned, Levi could have easily escaped. So he can blame himself, the asshole.

“Are you in pain?” the scientist - she decides to call him Dick - asks, looking at her.

“She’s fine,” Levi answers for her.

Dick does not seem to like this response. “Captain Levi, while it is an honor to have you with us, I do want to ensure that that lieutenant is not feeling uncomfortable.”

Levi gives the man his most deadpan look, and she winces before he even starts speaking. “I’m her superior, and I didn’t fucking train her to be uncomfortable.”

Well, that much is true. Countless drills at 4 AM in the morning definitely made this jail cell seem like child’s play. But the scientist must have received information that Levi hasn’t. Before he had arrived on the scene, she had taken a rather hard blow to the back, and the sting (both the one on her back and her ego) is still acting up. There’s no need to tell him that though, she doesn’t need the lecture on top of the biting remarks that are going to follow.

“Regardless.” Dick waves a hand, and looks at her with a gleam in his eyes. “If she’s uncomfortable, perhaps...perhaps we should change her position.”

She knows what that means. It means that the torture is about to begin. Apparently she’s going first, oh goody! She is up on her feet before the guards even reach the cell. She doesn’t look at Levi, and she knows that he is certainly not looking at her. This was inevitable, and neither of them are idiotic enough to not prepare themselves for this.

As they drag her out, she does her best to not let the heavy pounding in her chest get to her. Surely, surely, all those times that her trainers beat the absolute shit out of her - as a lesson, a punishment or just because - would be worse than this. She survived those, she can survive this. Right? Right?

None of the uncertainty plays out on her face. It remains impassive, and this time, when Dick asks her once again whether or not she is in pain, she responds before Levi can be an asshole about it.

“No.” It’s simple, no need to make him mad. Her goal is not to gain the upper hand, it’s to survive.

Dick radiates sick positivity as a wide smile grows on his face. “Oh? But I heard that one of our soldiers had delivered a rather well-placed kick to your back. They said they heard a crack.”

“Nothing’s broken,” she says loudly, more for Levi’s benefit than anything else. She will not have him think she’s not ready to fight the second he needs her to. “I am absolutely fine.”

“Is that so?”

With the snap of his fingers, one of the guards moves, and within a few seconds has her pinned against the wall. Her cheek presses against cold stone, and she does her best not to tremble. Her uniform is yanked off, followed quickly by her shirt. Thankfully, none of them are ripped, so she’ll be able to wear them again. The nasty voice in her head tells her that she’s going to want to cover up very soon.

“Well, you were correct, Lieutenant. Nothing appears to be broken, but you may want to get that bruise looked at.”

She is turned back around harshly, Dick picks up some sort of device that looks like it’s crackling with static. She grits her teeth roughly, and gets ready.

He raises the device, she closes her eyes, and -

Nothing happens.

A second passes.

“Now, this won’t do.”

She opens her eyes, confused, and notices he isn’t even looking at her. He’s looking at Levi with a frown, shaking his head.

“Now you see, I can’t do this until you look at her. How else will I get you to talk and spill your dirty secrets?”

Finally, her gaze goes towards her captain, who is standing as well and looking at the wall next to him pointedly. His whole body is tense, with clenched fists and narrowed eyes.

“I don’t plan on talking. You can continue. This isn’t a performance, so you don’t need an audience.”

Dick clicks his tongue. “If you don’t look, I’m going to make this twice as hard on her.”

“Go ahead,” Levi mutters, still not looking. “That’s her problem. Not mine.”

Thanks, she thinks without any real bitterness. She doesn’t want him to look either.

The scientist decidedly likes her more than he likes Levi. Maybe that’s because she acts like a normal human being who is in captivity and not a smarmy asshole who knows he is always in control of his emotions and lords it over people.

He sighs, as though talking to a child. “Now, this doesn’t make sense. There are widespread rumors that you and Lieutenant (L/N) are more than superior and subordinate. I put faith in people’s words, Captain. Is that not true?”

“Please.” Levi scoffs. “That woman has been a pain in the ass since the day I met her. You think I’m interested? I’m not. And just so you know, the sound of your voice is torturing her more than that stupid toy is going to. So if you want this to work, go ahead, keep talking.”

Dick sighs again, and motions to the other guard. The imposing man walks into the cell, grabs a fistful of Levi’s hair and shoves him down on his knees, yanking his head up so he can’t take his eyes off her.

A flare of anger rushes through her at the sight. Levi could take that man down, easily , but there’s no point. There’s about thirty more outside, and they can be replaced fairly easily. But still, the humiliating sight of her captain on his knees, forced to watch the shit they’re about to do her, enrages her. This was worse than anything else they could possibly dream of.

Levi’s face is blank, but his eyes are scarier than normal.

“Now, let’s begin.”

And then her stomach is on fire.

She clashes her teeth together, hard, and barely stops herself from screaming. Instead, her legs buckle and she topples over, a hiss barely escaping her lips. In a second, it is as if nothing happened - she even places a hand on her stomach just to make sure.

Above her, she hears a disbelieving, almost disappointed sound from Dick. When he speaks, he sounds like one of her early professors about to tell her that she could do so much better if she only applied herself.

“Surely you’re not that weak, Lieutenant (L/N)? A woman with so many titan kills to her name can’t even take a little pain?”

She was wrong, dead wrong. Just that small bout had been about fifty times more painful than any time someone had ever kicked her in the stomach. She dares not look at the captain, but a spark of anger rises knowing that he is watching, that these dirty bastards are making him see this. She looks up, prepares, and spits at him.

Dick only chuckles.

She is brought to a standing position by the guard, and is then jolted again. And again.

And again.

“What is the scouts’ next move?”

“Where is Eren Jaeger now?”

What does Commander Erwin mean to do with him?”

“Have tea with him,” she spits out harshly, panting, “I hear human-titan hybrids like oolong.”

He holds it to her skin for just two seconds longer as punishment. This time, she can’t help it - a cry escapes her, and her head falls forward as her eyes shut in pain.

“Do you want to answer, Captain?”

There is a few seconds of silence. God, she can usually tell what he is thinking, but right now all she can focus on is how bad it stings, how much she wants it to stop. An image of her bed back home, warm and soft, flutters through her mind, and she shoves it back down as firmly as she can. She can do this. She can take this a thousand times if she has to.

“She seems fine to me,” comes his uninterested response.

And so it continues. On one hand, she is relieved that they never change the weapon and continue to use the small hellish device. It gets her accustomed to it, and as much as it hurts like a bitch, at least it is not breaking the skin. Certainly burning it, though. Or something. She can’t think straight. It hurts. It hurts.

Cries turn to screams as the questioning is drawn out.

The screams that sound terrible even to her own ears, honestly. With the guard’s vice-like grip on her arms, she can’t even catch a moment’s relief. She has no time to catch up with the pain, to reel herself back in control. Instead, her screams get louder, and her fists clench so hard that her palms burn, and her hair starts coming loose from the tight bun it’s been in.

Half an hour later, or four hours later, they finally stop. The guard lets go, and she falls to the floor in a heap, panting harshly. Every inch of her chest and stomach stings so bad that she is scared to touch the skin in fear that it will turn to ash under her touch. Instead, she struggles to reach forward and grab her uniform, fingers trembling.

With a humorous chuckle, Dick tosses it to the side.

“Fetch it.”

It doesn’t matter. None of the shit they’ve done to her in the past few minutes (hours?) matters. Her pride is still intact, thanks very much. With hateful eyes and her teeth bared furiously, she looks up at him, remaining exactly where she is.

He doesn’t like this response, but lets it go, maybe because he is tired too. Poor guy, she thinks, having to stay up past his bedtime just to torture her.  She hears a grunt to her right - the other goon has let Levi go, and the two of them go stand by the door again without a word. Damn, she bets that her captain wishes she was as silently obedient as these two.

Dick helps her up, and then throws, actually throws, her into the cell. She feels her back hit the wall and remembers that she was injured before as well. Right, both front and back are in pain! This will be such a fun night for her, she thinks bitterly as she crumples to the ground. Her uniform is thrown on the floor in front of her, but her shirt is kept outside the bars. That’s probably fair. Her life for the cause and all that noise.

Except it’s too far and she can’t reach for it. She doesn’t want to try only to collapse and appear more pathetic than she already is.

The cell is slammed shut in front of them, and her eyes meet the scientist’s, who watches the two of them hungrily. “That didn’t quite go the way I was planning. So, tomorrow…” He licks his lips. “We’re going to switch the roles.”

Her fingers twitch angrily, but she can do nothing but glare at him.

“Lieutenant,” he coos in a way that makes her skin crawl, “I know you’re in pain. But I want to assure you that for every bit of pain I’ve inflicted on you, I intend to inflict tenfold on your precious superior. To not spill your secrets would be insubordination!” He laughs as though he’s told the world’s greatest joke.

“Honestly,” Levi drawls, “you really are as stupid as you look. She’s going to enjoy that, dumbass.”

“We’ll see,” Dick responds simply. He whistles a merry tune before picking up his Toy From Hell and leaving the room.

She hears his footsteps as he gets farther and farther from the room, but she still refuses to look at Levi. Besides the humiliation she has just suffered, she’s not sure if she physically can turn her neck to do it. Every movement feels like a burden right now. She closes her eyes, willing herself to push through the pain. This is nothing. This is nothing.

Suddenly a hand is on her bare back, pushing her forward gently. She lets him do the work and move her forward, just a bit. Her uniform is flung over her shoulders and tears spring to her eyes. What is this? If she can go through the entire torture session, then she can certainly deal with Levi being gentle without crying. The tears don’t fall.

Arms are wrapped around her, and a kiss is pressed against her temple before he murmurs, “You are so brave.”

A small cry of anguish escapes her lips and she buries her face in his neck. His arms tighten around her as much as they possibly can, and she can tell he’s trying not to squeeze her too tight.

“He’s gone,” Levi whispers, raw anger creeping in his voice, “he won’t be back until morning. He’s done, he won’t hurt you anymore. Someone is gonna find us soon.”

He keeps going on like this, whispering reassuring things. He doesn’t seem to realize that his close presence is enough to keep her from panicking. She finds what little strength is left in her arms and clutches onto his shirt, closing her eyes and pressing as close to him as she can. This is the easy part. This is Levi, and Levi means safety, there’s no one in this room that she needs to fear anymore.

Still, she chokes out, “I’m not crying.” She simply refuses to.

His fingers are shaking a little. “Why not? You have every right to.”

“I won’t,” she hisses, and this time she means it. She pulls away despite her mind and body both protesting - he’s warm, he’s safe, and it’s him. But she needs to show him she’s not going to break and she needs to show him why.

“I don’t know if you remember.” She sits back against the wall, wincing in pain. “But...before I joined your team, before the Garrison and all that shit, back when I was still training…” She groans, realizing that there really is no comfortable position. “You told me something. When I got that letter from my mother, remember?”

Levi remembers, she can tell by the way his eyes soften, but he lets her continue.

“You told me to stop crying. You said…” She grunts, but manages to finish. “You said that you were the only one allowed to make me cry.”

“That was for training,” he mutters, taking off his own uniform and placing it behind her back so that she has some kind of cushion. “You have full control of whenever you want to burst into tears now.”

She laughs, making him raise a brow. “I have no control over anything whenever you’re around, Captain. Joining your squad was equivalent to selling my soul to you.”

“Then you shouldn’t have done it.”

Her eyes close - she focuses only on his voice. “How could I not, when you were begging?”

“Tch.” She smiles when he sounds like himself again. “I didn’t beg, you insolent minx.”

It still hurts. But her hand finds his and she squeezes and she manages to keep everything in. There is no outpouring of tears. Just him and her, communicating through silence just like they have always managed to do oh so well.

“It’s going to be me tomorrow. I don’t suppose I need to order you to keep your mouth shut?”

She thinks about it. She imagines what it will be like tomorrow, when they’ll force her down in Levi’s place, yank her up by her hair and make her watch as they hurt him, over and over. The thought of it makes her nauseous, but if she can handle it, then he can handle it better. She knows that. Between the two of them, he’s seen more shit, purely due to being in the Scouts longer. And a hard childhood, as opposed to her rather comfortable one.

“You know I’m more likely not to listen if you order me. I’m interesting like that.” She opens her eyes, managing to crack a grin at him.

His shoulders sag, and he gently brushes her cheek with his knuckles. His touch is so soft that she wonders if he thinks it’s going to hurt her. “I like when you joke around. Lets me know you’re okay. Tell another one,” he requests.

Having Levi request one of her jokes makes her wonder if she’s dreaming, because for one thing, Levi never requests anything, he mostly demands and orders and grumbles. And second, he has made clear exactly what he thinks of her jokes - and she’s lucky if he doesn’t roll his eyes or make a scathing remark about her poor sense of humor every time she tries. Which is ridiculous, because her humor is amazing.

“You don’t even like my jokes.”

“I promise I’ll like it, no matter how shitty it is.”

“Okay,” she agrees. “Um…” She bites her lip, thinking. “What do you call a…” She shakes her head. “No. Wait. Wait.” Her stomach is still too sensitive to touch. “How many…” She furrows her brows, trying to focus. Captain Levi is requesting a joke. This is big, feeling pain can wait right now, “Oh, I have one!”

“Tell it to me,” he says encouragingly.

“Knock knock.”

“Who’s there.” When she gives him a look, he asks in a proper tone. “Who’s there?”

“Colossal Titan.”

Levi sighs, shaking his head. “Colossal Titan who?”

“ Pew, ” she says, waving her arm a little.

He stares at her blankly and she pouts. He said he would like it. She makes the motion again, miming the titan breaking down the wall.

A hint of a smile comes upon his face, and he lets out a low chuckle. She looks at him crossly.

“Don’t fake laugh.”

“I’m not.” He looks down and laughs, genuinely. “I get it. It’s breaking down an outer wall. But it knocked first. It’s funny.”

“No, that was bad.” She sighs, looking up at the ceiling. “Because then everyone dies.”

Levi tilts her chin down so that she’s looking into his eyes. No matter what else, she loves how truthful, how genuine he seems at all times, even when he’s not trying to be. His eyes bore into hers, leaning in just close enough that she could lean forward and catch his lips if she tried.

“Knock knock,” he says, his voice low.

“Who’s there?”

“Armored Titan.”

“Armored Titan who?”

“I’m not sure, we haven’t figured it out yet.”

She actually laughs, and then winces, squeezing her eyes in pain as her body protests. How was laughter going to be the best medicine when she couldn’t even laugh? What a stupid saying. Levi’s general negativity is getting to her, honestly.

When she opens her eyes, he is still gazing at her as though he has never seen anything so captivating.

“You look your prettiest when you laugh,” Levi murmurs, “don’t ever stop making your shitty jokes and laughing at them. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Any other time she might have been snarky, cocky even, asking in a singsong voice if he really thought she was pretty , just to annoy him. But being snarky requires effort, and she spent the last of it on that amazingly stupid joke.

Levi notices. He can’t seem to help himself. Still trying his best to be gentle, he wraps his arms around her, moving her just a little so that she’s resting against his chest instead of the wall. She doesn’t mind, he’s much more comfortable anyway. And the day’s events are catching up with her, as evident by the yawn that escapes her as much as she tries to fight it.

“Go to sleep,” Levi orders, no room for argument in his voice. “Come on.”

“Mm...don’t want them to find us like this…”

“They won’t,” he says firmly, “now sleep . That’s an order, (L/N).”

Hearing her name from him only makes the sleepiness worse. A wave of calmness washes over her, and she presses her face in his chest and breathes in against his shirt. It feels impossible to be scared like this, feels ridiculous to think that anyone could possibly hurt her when he’s holding her like this.

Still, she tries to hang on. The logical but dire part of her brain reminds her that this is fleeting. Within a few hours, maybe less, they’ll be woken up and he’ll be snatched from her and they’re going to hurt him and he doesn’t deserve to be hurt and can’t they just leave him alone -

Levi starts stroking her hair. God, her eyes are closing without her consent, goddammit , this is a dirty trick on his part.

“That’s…” She feels her consciousness slipping. “My move...thief...”

She knows she mumbles more, but she can’t tell what she’s saying, or whether it’s even coherent or not. She doesn’t make out his response either, too busy losing herself to his soothing touch and to the welcoming arms of sleep.

Her last thought is that he is way too good at this.

A thud to her head is her wake-up call, and she wakes up with a gasp. The ugly guard from yesterday is in front of her, and before she realizes what is happening, her and Levi are both on their feet, pressed against the wall and made to look at the scientist, who looks like he certainly had a good night’s sleep.

Gratefully, she notices that she and Levi had indeed no longer been sleeping in the same close proximity. Bless him, he didn’t give them away. Even though she misses and craves his touch, waking up in his arms just isn’t a luxury they can afford right now. She also notices that her hair is tied up again, and a rush of love for her captain swells inside her.

“So!” Dick says in his grating chirpy voice. “Did you sleep well?”

Neither of them answer. She is simply too groggy to come up with a clever response right now, and she suspects Levi is too busy trying to kill the man with his glare. Dick does not seem to be bothered - in fact, he looks even more eager than yesterday.

“Let’s give you two a proper wake up call. Are you ready, Captain?”

Her heart beats a little faster, but she prepares herself. Levi can handle this, he’s going to be fine.

“Just get it over with,” Levi mutters dryly, “I’ve been ready for hours.”

“Good!” Dick smiles widely. “Bring her out.”

Her head snaps up, and she gasps in pain as the guard shoves her forward roughly.

“What?” Levi growls angrily. “No, it’s my turn! You said it’d be me!”

Dick finally likes Levi’s response. He lets out a hearty chuckle, motioning for the guard to pin her against the wall. Her breathing quickens, but this time, she’s ready. This is the best option she could have hoped for. As much as she was sure that seeing Levi hurt wouldn’t break her resolve, she is glad that her mental fortitude does not have to be put to the test.

Damn it all, she can do this!

“She’s had enough!” Levi shouts. She hears a movement behind her, and then the guard holding her up leaves her side, knowing she doesn’t have enough strength to struggle. Without looking, she knows that Levi is putting up a fight now. If he doesn’t stop, he’s going to give them away.

She understands the anger. The bastard pulled a clever move last night, letting them prepare for something that wasn’t going to happen. Levi must have spent the night readying himself for this, and so he had no time to consider what would happen if they continued on with her.

An arm presses her further into the wall and a sharp pain explodes from her stomach up to her chest, making her vision go blurry a little. Levi shouts protests that end with a thump and him on his knees again. God, she could kill these sons of bitches.

She feels Dick tug her bun upwards, exposing her neck and making her wince in the cold. “This is your favorite part of the body, isn’t it, Captain?”

“Don’t you fucking dare -“

She’s not sure what’s happening until she feels her skin break right over the nape of her neck, and she lets out a hoarse scream.

“Stop it! Stop it! ”

Red hot blood drips down her back from her neck, pouring from an alphabet-shaped slice. Her world is spinning - she wonders if this is karma sent from the titans themselves.

L.

“I think I’ll leave her a somewhat memorable scar,” Dick crows, “how about your name, Captain?”

“ You’re going to kill her, you bastard, stop it!”

E.

God, now that she knows what he’s carving into her neck like it’s a tree bark, she can feel it all the more keenly. She’s written his name several times, after all, whether it be in copious amounts of paperwork, letters responding to people’s inquiries about how the good captain is doing, or her own notes that she’ll leave next to a cup of tea that will be as simple as dear levi, i accidentally put salt instead of sugar in this, sorry and she’ll see him roll his eyes but pocket the note anyway before forcing himself to drink her godawful beverage.

Dick’s handwriting is nice, she thinks hysterically. The scars will look pretty on her corpse.

V.

Levi keeps screaming and she hears the doors open as more people rush in to contain him. If only he had his gear, he could probably take them all on, but there’s only so much one guy can do without any weapons against ten or so people, even if it is Levi Ackerman.

Right before he writes the final letter, Dick stops, keeping a firm hand on her back just in case she was some kind of immortal goddess and could run away in this state. She’s closed her eyes by now, but her ears are still listening, and she can hear Levi panting harshly. She tries to imagine him, but it hurts to think.

“You can end this, Captain. Tell me what I want to know, and I can get her medical treatment in an instant. It’s your choice.”

There is a pregnant pause in the air, and she assumes all eyes are on him. The tip of the knife rests against her neck, ready to resume when need be.

“Tell me,” he presses, and she feels the blade dig into her skin a little. “What is the commander planning?”

There is more silence for a couple more seconds.

She hears the slightest hitch in breath, and it’s a credit to how well she knows Levi that she knows he’s about to say something. In a split second, she finds a will inside herself that she didn’t know existed until now, and she screams.

“Don’t even think about it!”

Dick laughs this off, digging the knife in a little deeper as punishment. “Well, Captain?”

Everyone waits. Her heart pounds loudly against her chest and she wonders if they can hear it.

“Burn in hell,” Levi hisses, and with a sigh relief she allows herself to submit to the pain.

I.

Several things happen all at once.

Someone screams - besides her - and the door is all but blown apart. From her left, she hears Levi yell something. She thinks a full on brawl has started, how does he hope to come out on top?

The weight that had been pressing her against the wall is gone, and she hears a voice that sounds suspiciously like Major Hange saying, “Let’s see how you like it!”

With nothing holding her up, she feels herself fall, fall, fall until her knees hit the ground hard. The room erupts into chaos around her, and she can only make out so much of it. She tries taking it one at a time. Behind her Hange is waving around a knife like a madwoman which is pretty on-brand of her so it’s not too alarming. Outside the door, it seems like the guard dogs of this hellish lab-place are engaged in combat with the Scouts. People fighting people. Huh. Seems a bit refreshing. At least no one was planning to eat her in this situation.

She’ll take what she can get.

Finally, at the center of the room, shouting something at Hange and throwing punches, is Levi. He looks slightly unhinged and wonderfully furious, with his feral grey eyes (who even has grey eyes) being the only warning any of the poor chaps get before slams into them with his knuckles.

Wow. All this for her sake? She’ll have to tease him if she lives through this.

It doesn’t feel like she will, though. Pain seems to be radiating from every part of her body. She can’t differentiate between areas of her body that are actually injured versus what’s hurting by association. This is actually more than a bit embarrassing, after fighting titans for ages, it was going to be one man with too many toys that was going to take her out?

No, fuck that. She decides, losing consciousness, as Levi elbows his next victim in the face and then finally makes his way to her, his face contorted in anger and his eyes focused, that she absolutely has to make fun of him for this.

In the ten minutes since she’s woken in the infirmary, Hange has asked her about a million questions. Truthfully, she has no problem answering - she even adds hand gestures and extravagant details to entertain the woman more. After all, Hange had led the charge that saved her life, the least she can do is give her something to write about in her collection of horror stories. Hearing about a human monster seems to thrill Hange enough to hang onto her every word.

Besides, it’s much better than sitting and idly twiddling her fingers in her hospital bed.

Eventually, Hange sighs, standing. “Sorry. I’d love to keep you company longer, but there’s a load of work calling my name.”

“It’s fine, Major.” It’s so not fine, she’s going to be damn bored holed up in here. “Er, I was wondering…”

“Short stack hasn’t come in here since after they confirmed you were gonna make it.” She scoffs. “Truthfully, I was surprised, considering how he carried you in here like he was ready to say his vows right then and there.”

Her nose wrinkles. “I’m not a married woman now, am I?”

Hange laughs, shaking her head. “Not yet. Next time, try getting your entire head sliced off and I’ll bring a white dress for you.”

See, this is why she likes Major Hange - at least someone in this military has a sense of humor, she can’t be expected to pull all the weight herself.

“If you see Captain Levi, can you tell him I’m up?” She relaxes back against the pillow. “I want to talk to him.”

Her savior agrees, and leaves with a wink and encouragement to get better. Now that she has time to actually sit back and think, her thoughts are sour.

Levi is avoiding her? She takes two beatings, lets him coax her to sleep using her own genius move, gets his fucking name carved into her neck, stays alive out of pettiness, and this is the thanks she gets? He’s not that cold. She doesn’t know what it is she’s done that made him want to stay away, and she knows that Levi never does anything without his reasons, but that doesn’t stop her from being irritated.

Nearly half an hour later, he arrives - well, he sure took his damn time walking there. He’s in his stupid suit and his stupid cravat, looking as unperturbed as ever, as though him screaming bloody murder and punching people out left and right wasn’t the last thing she saw before she fell unconscious. She thinks she catches the briefest flash of relief in his eyes, but then he looks as bored as she’s been feeling while waiting for him.

She puts her hand to her chest and salutes, because he’s still her superior first and foremost.

“You’re awake, good.” He steps up to the front of her bed. “There’s a shit ton of paperwork with your name on it.”

She waits, but that’s all he says, and she realizes that he’s waiting for her response.

“Yeah, I’m glad to see you alive too, Captain. ” She crosses her arms, glaring daggers at him. “Do you want some tea while I get to my chores?”

“Your tea? No thanks, I’d rather drink Jaeger’s disgusting titan blood than whatever the hell you manage to brew every time you touch a kettle.”

Asshole.

He turns to leave, and not able to contain herself, she squawks out angrily, “Captain! Aren’t you even going to ask if I’m alright?”

Her captain doesn’t even stop walking. Without looking at her, he says, “You look alright to me.”

“Levi!”

There. That stops him in his tracks.

He turns back to her slowly, and she matches his cool irritation with her own, defiantly jutting her chin out, just daring him to punish her for being informal when she’s in this condition. Besides, who was the one cuddling her in a jail cell less than twenty four hours ago? If he reports her for being informal, she’ll report him back even harder and then they’ll be stuck in an endless cycle trying to out-report each other.

He starts walking right up to her and she leans back on the bed a little and raises her hands because if he plans to fight her she needs to prepare her defenses, hold on -

Levi is suddenly crushing her in a hug, his arms around her waist and her face looking over his shoulder. She freezes up as he buries his face in her neck, and squeezes her like she’s going to disappear as soon as he lets go.

Well, she thinks, tearing up for the second time in the past few days, now he’s being even more informal.

“This is what got us in this mess in the first place, (F/N).” He breaths into her neck and without further encouragement she slides her fingers in his hair, keeping him close. “Because apparently we’re so fucking obvious that everyone’s caught on.”

“So what?” she protests stubbornly, eyes narrowing. He’s the best thing that’s happened to her and she doesn’t plan to let him go just because some psycho had too much fun with a knife. “We held out. We’re not stupid or weak - neither of us broke.” She can’t help it, and presses a kiss to his cheek. “I know I didn’t get the chance to show you, Levi, but I could have done it. I would have held out, I swear.”

“I know.”

“But then, why are you -”

“Because I didn’t hold out.”

And there it is, the big confession. She forgets how to breathe for a split second, thinking back to how quiet the room had been, everyone waiting for Levi’s response, seeing if he’d choose to keep his secrets or whether he’d choose her.

And he’d been about to choose her.

“If you hadn’t screamed right then, I don’t...” He sighs, frustrated, holding her even tighter. “I don’t know what I would have done. I was ready to tell them anything just to make it stop.”

“ Levi ,” she whispers softly, not sure how to react to what is such a raw display of love for him, humanity’s strongest, the one who never lets himself care for anyone anymore. “He fucked with your head. I know you’re stronger than that, it was just a bad day.”

He chuckles mirthlessly, repeating her words incredulously like he always does whenever he thinks she’s just said something ridiculous. “A bad day.”

“Yes, a bad day.” She pulls away so she can look up at his face. His expression tightens when he sees the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes, before he reaches up and brushes them away with his thumb. She wonders how he manages to keep his touch so light after all the fighting he’s been thrown in. “And don’t worry, I’ll be there to scream at you next time too.”

This promise seems to only make him even more miserable. “And what happens the day you’re not?”

She opens her mouth to answer, but there is really no good response to him asking what happens when she inevitably dies. It probably will happen, and she doesn’t want to lie to him. She’s made her peace with it.

“Then that day you don’t have to worry about having a weakness anymore. It’s a win-win.”

It’s a dark, fucked-up answer to give him, and she knows that. But Levi doesn’t appreciate bullshit responses, and that’s probably half of why he likes her in the first place (the other half is her strikingly good looks). She’s always been blunt if nothing else - she would always rather tell him the truth than a pleasant sounding lie, as much as she is tempted to do the latter at times, if it would make the haunted look in his eyes go away. Still, she says what her conscience dictates.

Levi nods, closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them with a newfound sense of peace. Nudging her shoulder, he gestures for her to move aside. “Let me sit.”

“You sure, Captain? This is a hospital bed, you know - think of all the germs and sick people that have crawled all over it.”

He rolls his eyes and pushes her to the side himself, climbing on and leaning back against the pillow. Without an invitation, she lowers herself down until her head is resting against his chest, hand on his waist, and basks in his comfort. In turn, Levi slides his arms around her back and presses a kiss to her forehead.

“I’m still mad at you for stealing my hair-stroking thing,” she mutters, rubbing circles against his hip with her thumb.

He smiles against her skin. “You didn’t invent hair-stroking.”

“Yeah, but it was my tool to put you to sleep.”

“And it works annoyingly well, so I was seeing how you liked it.”

“I did like it,” she admits shyly, hiding her face against his chest. “But still, you’re a damn thief.”

Levi reaches up to the hair tie keeping her hair in a far looser bun than he had tied it in. With a practiced motion, he takes it off, letting her hair sprawl against his chest and running his fingers through it. She feels him press his fingers to her nape and she swallows nervously as his thumb and index finger start stroking his own name on her skin. That’s right, he is touching the scar for the first time, a scar that’ll last pretty damn long if not forever. His Adam’s apple bobs when she places her hand over his, squeezing his fingers gently, letting him know it’s okay, that she’s fine. There were worse things that could have been marked on her skin. This she can deal with.

“It’s easier like this,” he mumbles, “with you.” She understands.

She wants to tell him everything is easier with him there. But the words die on her lips, afraid of pushing him away. If he figures out that she’s ready to die for him, her superior, one day, then he’s going to keep her from doing just that. Instead, she raises her head and gives him a kiss with his fingers still tangled in her hair. She tries to convey everything, and it does feel like he understands, as he cups her cheek with his free hand and kisses her back fervently.

His lips are always such a treat for her, a rare delight that she gets to have when he’s feeling generous or particularly longing. She takes advantage of these moments, pouring her all into it, showing him just how much she adores him. How much she loves him.

Levi hooks their legs together to keep her close, and her heart thrums at this unspoken message that he needs her as much as she needs him. God, fuck , she wishes he could stay this close always. From his low groan and the way he tugs her even closer to deepen the kiss, she knows he feels the same.

Somehow, he pulls back first and makes a small tsk at the pout she sends his way. “I’m not going to make out with you on a hospital bed. Who knows how diseased you are already?”

Just for that, she kisses him again, and smirks victoriously when he kisses back again.

This time, she pulls back, grinning victoriously. Levi makes a show out of rolling his eyes at her obvious desire to have the last word, but doesn’t comment. He pulls her back against his chest, and seems content burying his face in her hair and finally letting himself relax.

Which, she decides, closing her eyes and intertwining her fingers with his, is all she needs for now.

---

Cynosure- A focal point of admiration. (M)

Cynosure- A focal point of admiration. (M)

Pairing: Reader x Jaehyun: Nct

Word Count: 20.4k

Genre/warning: Enemies to lovers; Surgeon au: language, mentions of previous patient death, fluff, smut

Plot: When the young hot shot doctor, Jung Jaehyun, has been solicited to your hospital. He is to become the new Chief of Surgery. Your excitement and curiosity are soon to be washed away by his cocky disposition.

Songs: Ginny: Sylo Nozra ↳ Thinkin Bout You: Katie

A/N: It’s been awhile. This has Scrubs vibes, just saying. Sorry to the medical professionals if any of this is off. I started writing this in January and finally got around to finishing it.

“You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you have a crush on this ‘Jaehyun’ guy.” Doyoung said, picking at his food. The two of you and a few others scattered across the cafeteria, eating lunch.

You paused, giving him a look before continuing to eat. “I’m sorry, I’m enthusiastic about something. You wouldn’t understand that would you?” You smiled, speaking with fluent sarcasm.

Doyoung coughed out a laugh. “I have plenty to be excited about.”

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