#black! reader

Horny was an understatement. Erik took you anywhere and everywhere; once in sacred waters, with your back against stone walls and one leg around his waist as he held you up, dew from the waterfall tracing the patterns on his back. Another time he had you on his lap, thighs spread as you rode him on the throne, right into the morning sun. 

And now you were face down gripping the sheets, fully nude except for the antique wedding ring on your finger.  With a sharp smack, you lurched forward, losing your balance. 

“You runnin’ from me?” He leered, baring his teeth as he smirked. “You ain’t never had no dick like this, huh?” 

Between moans, you shook your head, throat dry as you tried to find the words. 

“N-No—“ 

“Nuh-uh, none of that mumbling shit,” he cut you off. “Lemme hear it. Tell me who owns this.” 

Clamping down on your lip, your chest constricted as the weight of his words weighed on you. The sex was good – painfully good – and Erik was undoubtedly hot, but your submission hadn’t come easy. Though you had no ties to Wakanda, you were one of Xavier’s mutants and had heard of the destruction he’d caused to those of the nation, simply for disagreeing with him.  

That was why he’d sought you out; a mutant and a mercenary-turned-King would make a powerful baby…essentially ensuring the country’s status for generations. 

Protection was one thing, yes, but your freedom was far more important, especially when it came to a man like Erik. You’d resisted him at first, to which he’d replied with a strong hand around your throat and a dagger pressed against your back as he held you against him. 

“You might be all high n’ mighty now, but those people ain’t your friends. You belong here with the rest of us. I ain’t gonna let you forget where your real family is, princess. Never.” 

You hated giving him the satisfaction, but you inevitably ended up eating your words. 

“Shit…” you groaned, torso heavy as you felt Erik raise one leg, thrusting into you harder. His balls were heavy on your soppy wet cunt as he grunted profanities of his own, a thumb lingering dangerously close to your star of your ass. “ ‘S good…So good…Nobody could fuck me like you can—“ 

“That’s right,” he hummed, voice smooth. Sneakily, he pressed his thumb against your hole, the pressure sending a tingle through your loins. “Say it again. Say my name this time.” 

“E-Erik—“ you breathed, the lower half of your body seemingly on fire. “T-This fucking dick is so good, Erik…” 

“You just eatin me up…This ass’ so perfect—“ he sneered, brown eyes ravenous as he spread the fat of your cheeks, admiring the way your tight cunt swallowed all six-something inches of his cock.  

He was balls deep now, but he could see his cock glistening with your juices at his base, vein throbbing as he felt himself beginning to lose control. His thick black locs blurred his sight as they fell in his face, unruly, forcing him to sit back and let your ass envelop him once more. 

Each of his bulging muscled seemed to twitch, and you could’ve sworn that you felt your pussy quiver with anticipation as he called out the words: 

“Fuck, babygirl. You drivin’ me crazy. ‘M gonna fill this pussy up, hm? You gon’ give me a baby?” 

“Yes, w-whatever you want — ugh!”  

You garbled, unable to comprehend the words that were leaving your mouth. Your walls clenched as his fat tip hit that sensitive spot, sending you crashing down almost instantly as he came with you with a loud groan.  

Hot and heavy, he shot ropes of white ribbons into your sensitive cunt, languid strokes making pornographic squelching sounds as he fucked it into you, ensuring that you didn’t waste a drop. Erik’s grip on your skin was certainly enough to leave a bruise on you tomorrow, combined with the soreness of your ass cheeks. 

Somewhat uncharacteristically, Erik leant down to place a chaste kiss along the small of your back and up your spine; chest dense and heaving as he practically collapsed on you, cock still inside. 

“You doin’ so good for me, mama…” he cooed, briefly glancing at the sunset in-front of him, now casting brilliant shadows within the bedroom. You couldn’t see it, but there was a smug gleam in his deep brown eyes that would’ve told you instantly that he probably wasn’t done for the night.  

The sound of footsteps neared the bathroom’s door before Chris walked through, arms up and behind his head as he fiddled with the clasp of a silver necklace he decided to wear; an amused smile stretching his lips, making his dimples pop with ease.

“Find out what? That I’m spending time with my girlfriend and family, like any other boyfriend would?”

“That we’re hiding the fact that it’s a cookout, Chris!” You couldn’t help but mirror his amusement, staring at his reflection with narrowed eyes, “You know my auntie would love more mouths to feed.”

“And you know that as much as I’d love to invite them, it felt like it would be too much to organize with our managers – besides, the boys planned stuff for themselves, too.” Finally getting the clasp to latch, he dropped his arms as he walked toward you, wrapping them around your waist instead and resting his chin on your shoulder. “Are you really upset that I didn’t check and see?”

Catching his soft, puppy-eyed look in the mirror you pursed your lips, trying in vain to hold your smile back before shaking your head; you could physically feel the tension leave his body as he held you a little tighter.

“No, baby, I was just messing with you – though I was serious about Changbin and Hyunjin being pissed – Auntie Deb made ribs and there’s no way they won’t smell that sauce on us.”

Chris let out a low groan, eyes rolling as he could practically taste the barbeque on his tongue, “I skipped breakfast for those ribs, I hope you know that.”

“And I skipped it for the turkey legs, so,” reaching into your back pocket, you took out your phone and swiped open the camera, putting your free hand on top of his while he tucked his face into the crook of your neck before taking the picture. “I guess we’re two sides of the same coin, right?”

“There’s gonna be turkey legs?!” His voice vibrated against your collar, earning a squeal in response.

“Yeah, apparently your significant other’s world tour is a big enough reason to make them so, surprise!” Patting his hand, you knocked the side of your head against his, “Now, can we get an actual picture before heading out?”

Moving to press a quick kiss to your cheek, Chris lifted his head, pressing his cheek against yours before smiling bright – pulling an equally bright smile out of you as you snapped the picture – followed by a few more with slight changes in the pose.

You pocketed your phone, ready to slip from his hold until he slid his own phone out, the tips of his ears turning a cherry red within the mirror.

“Two more, yeah?”

Nodding, you let his arm wrap higher around your waist while he huddled closer, both of your faces obscured by his phone in the reflection – snap – while the atmosphere grew warmer by the second.

Turning your head, you caught your first full glance of his face without the mirror and it didn’t take long for his gaze to settle on you either; warm, soft, and twinkling with something that made your heart flutter. Noticing the way his eyes flickered to your lips, you couldn’t help but giggle before tilting your chin up in offering; one he welcomed graciously as he closed the gap with ease.

The sound of the digital shutter came and went, and you were the first to part with a soft breath, his nose gently grazing against yours in the close space.

“I really think we should head out, now.”

Chris went to speak however his stomach beat him to the punch, grumbling loudly in protest of everything that was currently happening, leading to the two of you breaking out into a fit of laughter.

“Yeah, okay, that’s our sign – or else the next one would’ve been a hangry princess, and I don’t think I can handle that on an empty stomach.” He nuzzled his nose further against yours, pecking your lips quickly before swiftly slipping away from you with high pitched giggles in his wake.

“Hey, watch yourself! Don’t make me leave you here, ‘cause I will.” Gathering your bag and slipping into your shoes, you met him at the room’s door, watching as he did a mental check of all his things; breaking his focus to give you a devious smirk.

“I don’t think grandma would appreciate that, now would she? What was it she said last time?” Eyebrows pinched in a faux thinking face, he smiled, “Oh, right, ‘Whenever I see her face, I better see yours too, baby baby.’ So, you’re kinda stuck with me, little one.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes yet smiling at the memory you held close to your heart, “Then let’s go, baby baby.”

The drive from the hotel to your aunt and uncle’s place wasn’t too far, yet you both treated the drive as if it were a mini road trip; the two of you singing to the shuffling playlist as Chris drove, while you upheld your passenger princess duties of adding to the queue, pointing out animal farms off the side of the highway, and minding him of route updates seconds after the automated GPS voice spoke. Eventually, the car rolled down the slightly packed street of their home, a spot left empty specifically in front of the house for its esteemed guests.

“That’s– That’s dad’s rental, I thought they couldn’t make it until later?” Chris spoke – mostly to himself – as he parallel parked, checking to make sure he wasn’t too far out, or too close to the car behind him.

“Oh! Right, my uncle asked if there was anything specific your parents wanted to have grilled and I called your mom to check, then she talked to your dad and somewhere down the line it ended up with them showing up sooner and your dad helping out on the grill.” You waved your hand flippantly with a shake of your head, turning toward him, “Even though my aunt really wanted your parents to be guests and simply enjoy, she sorta got over it when your mom said it wasn’t an issue – something about men in the family not taking easy to being catered to.”

His eyes widened, jaw dropping slightly, “What– She said that?!”

You smirked, “No, I did, and you can’t tell me that’s not the truth!”

“You’re gonna be the death of me, I swear.” Chris groaned as your delighted giggles filled the car, “And it’s not even like that, we just…”

“Mhm? Go on?”

“We like being useful.”

“Of course, babe,” you cooed, poking his cheek lightly, “whatever helps you sleep at night.”

He groaned once more as he got out of the car, leaving you to your amused laughter while he came around your side and opened the door. “Come on, before I start getting hangry.”

Without wasting any more time, you got out of the car and slid your hand in his – squeezing it gently – before leading him down the pavement driveway toward the backyard; music and the smell of the grill floating through the air like a lure.

Opening the gate, you were welcomed to the sight of familiar faces – both familial and friendly – before locking eyes with your mom, a wide smile growing on her face as she opened her mouth–

“Y/n! Chris!”

Her thunder was quickly stolen by a small hoard of your younger cousins running toward the two of you, the elders of the bunch exchanging quick hugs and greetings while the younger ones began vying for attention from whoever they could gain it from.

“Did you know Jada met someone when she went to band camp?” Your cousin – and her sister – Amber, spoke quickly as she heard a sharp gasp come from behind her. “Someone she likes-”

“I did not! Shut up, Amber!” Jada dragged her sister away, making whatever noises she could to block out Amber’s excited ramblings.

“Oh, god – Okay, you two gotta tell me everything later, okay?” You laughed as you watched them bicker, turning to see Chris in a riveting conversation with another cousin.

“...and then it was super wiggly! So, my dad said he would take it out and I thought it would hurt, but he let me tie it to my race car and drive it around and then it came out like POP! And it didn’t hurt! Then I put it under my pillow and I got two dollars!”

“Wow, Jaden, that’s so cool! I wish I could get money for my teeth, but none of them are wiggly anymore.”

“Really? But Nana doesn’t have any of her teeth, maybe you can ask her!”

You pressed your lips together tightly, nearly choking on a laugh as the cousins who could understand the context made varying noises of ‘Oop!’ and ‘Pfft!’, watching eagerly for your boyfriend’s reaction.

Chris’s shoulders shook as he held in his laugh, nodding enthusiastically, “S-Sure thing, buddy! I’ll do that, t-thank you.”

Through with their form of a welcome wagon, they all dispersed to allow for the adults to say their hello’s; the first being your parents and Chris’s mother.

“Oh, Chris!” Your mom wasted no time in engulfing him in a big hug, squeezing him gently before holding him at arm’s length, “How’re you? You better be getting some rest on that road, and eating too! You know it’s crazy out there, have you guys been staying in good places? Look at you, you’re getting so big – do they have you working out? Even when you’re so busy?”

“Ma…” You chided lightly, though Chris’s lighthearted laughs curbed your embarrassment.

“I’m doing great, Ma’am; I’m getting lots of rest and I’m eating regularly – Y/n definitely makes sure of that – and our label and management has been making sure all of our hotel stays have been private and safe.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, a light blush turning the tips of his ears, “And, I’ve been trying to stay on top of my daily workouts since we’re moving around a lot.”

“Alright, but if they start running you ragged just call me, I’ll tell ‘em about themselves real quick.”

“Mom!” 

Your pointed whine made her laugh as she released Chris, “I’m just messing with you – but, still, keep taking care of yourself, you hear me?” She walked toward you with equally open arms, hints of a taunt still lingering in the smile she wore, “Hi, my baby girl.”

“Hi, Ma,” stepping into her embrace, you released a breath you never knew you were holding, “I was starting to think you disowned me for him for a second.”

“If you don’t hush with those lies.” She chided you now, her arms squeezing tighter around you, “Lord knows how much I missed you.”

“I missed you too, so much.”

“How are you? He treating you good? Everything fine with you being on this tour with them?”

You nodded without hesitation, “I’m great– He’s treating me great, Ma. Everything’s great, the tour has been wonderful so far – hot, but wonderful, and he made sure all of my accommodations were taken care of once we got the green light.”

“Good, as long as he’s treating you the way you should, and you’re feeling good about all this, that’s all we need to know.”

Over her shoulder, you spotted your dad talking to Chris, easy smiles on both of their faces as they spoke.

With one final squeeze, she made way for your dad to swoop you into his arms as if he was waiting for her to have her fill. “Hey, little princess.”

Hugging him back with fervor, you tucked your head against his chest, “Hi, daddy.”

There were no words needed in that moment, just the feeling of his embrace and the sound of his heart against your ear.

“He being a gentleman?”

You laughed, nodding, “Yes, dad, he’s taking care of me.”

“And you?”

“I’m taking care of myself, too, don’t worry.”

“We’ll never stop worrying about you, you know that.”

Squeezing him a bit tighter, you nodded, “I know.”

With a quick kiss to your temple, he made his way over to your mother’s side before heading back toward their table; giving you just enough time to blink away a few grateful tears as Chris’s mom stepped forward.

She pulled him into a hug first, holding him for a moment before pulling back with a bright smile, “I feel like I’ve given you a hug every week since the tour began.”

Chris laughed, dimples on full display, “That’s because you have! We’ve hugged more times these past few months than we have in the whole first half of the year!”

“Good! That means I’ll have a record to beat for the next year, and the years after that.” Her voice was light with a teasing song, her hands reaching up to cup his face, lightly smushing his cheeks.

“Mom!” He whined, Korean slipping naturally against his tongue as he “tried” to wiggle out of her grasp.

You couldn’t help but giggle at the interaction, watching as she murmured something softly to him before she turned her sights to you; her gaze remaining warm and motherly as she pulled you into her arms.

“Thank you for inviting us here, your family is so welcoming.” She squeezed you tight before stepping back, keeping your hands in hers.

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Bahng; it was only right to, my family wanted to celebrate Chris and that included celebrating you and Mr. Bahng, too.”

Her smile grew, her face glowing under the bright afternoon sun as she squeezed your hands once more before going back to her seat near your mother.

“Ready for more hello’s?” You grinned up at him, knowing full and well which tables you had to hit first to keep the welcome train going.

Chris nodded without hesitation, smiling at you as his hand reached down to hold your own, “I’ve been waiting for this, let’s do it.”

With silent reassurance, the two of you made your way through tables filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins who missed the initial welcome wagon; laughing at familial jabs and sharing quick snippets about the tour life until you reached the final table – grandmas.

“Christopher! Oh, come here!” Your grandmother beamed as she all but dragged him into a hug that he readily accepted, hugging her with almost equal force. “It’s so good to see you, how’s everything?”

“Everything’s good, Ms. Theresa, I’m just happy to see you!” Looking at you with a sly smirk, he spoke, “Y/n’s been threatening me all day about not coming.”

You gasped incredulously, glaring at him – though the playful glint in your eyes dulled its sting – and crossing your arms, “Chris!”

Your name fell from your grandma’s lips in mock astonishment, letting go of your boyfriend to “scold” you. “You’re threatening people? I thought we raised you better than that?!”

“It wasn’t a threat, it’s more like a promise I should’ve kept…” You huff dramatically, sticking your tongue out at the supposed “victim” – laughing as he grabbed his chest with a wounded gasp – before snuggling up to your grandmother. “Anyways, hi grandma! I missed you – and your cooking – but mostly you!”

She pinched your cheek as she hugged you, earning a soft squeal, “I missed mostly you, too – and stop bullying Chris, he’s a nice man.”

Hearing the sounds of his snickers behind her, you sucked in a breath and nodded, “Okay, I will.”

Moving from her, the two of you made your way to the final family member sitting comfortably in the chair of her walker.

“Hey, grandma,” you spoke carefully as you leaned down to hug her, her arms coming up gently to pat your back while a soft kiss was pressed to the apple of your cheek.

“Hi, baby baby – how you?” Your great grandmother cooed, a relaxed smile set on her wise features, eyes set on you with unbridled focus.

“I’m doing good, been busy traveling and all…” Your lips pulled into a small smile as you tilted your head slightly, “I got someone special here to see you.”

Blinking at you, she turned her head to look up at Chris, eyes squinting slightly in the process. You laughed to yourself as you reached up to pull her glasses from resting on the top of her head, perching them delicately on the bridge of her nose.

“Miss lady, if you wear your glasses you can start to half see someone!”

“I can see just fine!” Shooing your hand away, she blinked a few more times before her face lit up, the peaceful smile she once wore now bursting with joy. “Chris – come here and give me a hug! I outta beat your butt for not coming to me first!”

Chris laughed, bashful and pitched, as he leaned down for a hug, “I’m sorry, grandma, we were saving the best for last!”

“Mhm, you better have.” Gracing his cheek with a kiss, she pulled back, staring at him a little longer, “Your hair wasn’t always this long, was it?”

“No, Ma’am, it was really short last time, I started growing it out… in May? Yeah, early May.”

“That’s good, that’s good, you’re getting bigger too – it’s all that sun – you got a little tan, don’t you?” She hummed happily, patting his cheek, “Means you’re healthy; look at you, my baby baby.”

Your great grandmother couldn’t see the blush taking over his ears, but you had the perfect front row seat and you were loving every moment of it as you carefully fixed a strand of his hair.

“Yeah, grandma, and he wouldn’t stop talking about how much he couldn’t wait to be here.” You teased lightly, causing Chris’s bashful smile to grow as he stood straight and tugged you against his side with a retaliating squeeze. “I couldn’t wait either, I’ve been craving mom’s mac and cheese for days!”

The elderly woman nodded, careful eyes studying you, “Mhm- You ain’t pregnant, are you?”

Chris choked on his own spit, falling into a coughing fit while you frantically shook your head, already feeling the eyes of anyone who overheard now burning holes into your body.

“No! No, no, no, nothing like that, grandma! I’m just hungry!”

“Respectfully,” he added once he caught his breath, blush highlighting his face yet an easy, comfortable smile settled on his lips, “I’d like to marry her first, grandma.”

His addition didn’t make things any better for you as a chorus of “Ooh”s and a flurry of encouraging “Okay!”s floated around, embarrassment hotter than the sun beating down on you.

“Food’s ready!”

You couldn’t have been more grateful for your aunt’s call, taking it as your opportunity to duck out of the conversation with Chris in tow.

Music danced through the warm summer air, the delighted yells and squeals of children playing interjecting like unnecessary adlibs, and conversation flowed with ease amongst your family.

You and Chris sat at the opposite end of your parents’ table, several paper plates occupying the space in front of you filled to the brim with meats from the grill and sides from several foil pans.

“I’m so sorry for what you’re about to witness.” You spoke as you hastily gathered a few braids into a quick ponytail, eyes set on your first target of interest; the baked macaroni and cheese.

“Sweetheart, we’ve been together for years-” picking up his fork, Chris began to pile on some collard greens, “-and I’ve seen you demolish a seafood boil in under 45 minutes with no gloves, nothing can scare me away now.”

Huffing out a laugh, you rolled your eyes, “Thank you so much for reminding me, Channie, I definitely needed that.”

He bumped his shoulder with yours, a smug smirk pulling at his lips, “Any time, baby.”

With that, your unofficial mukbang began; from collard greens to potato salad, candied yams to cornbread, mac and cheese, pasta salad, corn on the cob, ribs, prime rib roast, and turkey legs, it was definitely a cookout.

You weren’t sure if either one of you took a proper breath while eating, not one word said save for the sounds of delighted hums and euphoric groans from every bite taken.

Chris was the first to stop for a breather, a non-oily hand gripping his red solo cup for dear life as he took heavy gulps, sweet tea effectively quenching his thirst. “Oh… my god.” His eyes shifted over to you – your eyebrows furrowed with unbridled determination as you bit into a rib – and he laughed heartily. “Worth the wait?”

Humming in affirmation, you went in for another bite without hesitation, the perfectly cooked meat practically falling off of the bone.

He chuckled, wiping his hands with a napkin – despite mentally preparing to dig in again – until he felt a tug at his shirt, too low to be from one of the adults. Turning, he looked down to see a pair of wide brown eyes staring right back at him and his heart soared.

“Tianna!”

The three-year-old smiled brightly, any air of nervousness now gone at the squeal of her name as she squeaked back in equal excitement, “Channie!”

Lifting her with ease, he sat her in his lap and wiggled, earning a high pitched laugh in return. “Hi! You look so pretty, I like your dress,” he cooed, helping her smooth out her jean overall dress before tugging at the ruffled yellow sleeves of her undershirt. “Did you eat already?”

She nodded happily, leaning back as if he were her personal lounging chair. “Yeah, I ate mac and cheese and a hot dog, and drank juice.”

“Wow, that sounds like it was really good, Tia – what else did you do today?”

The young girl took off on a colorful recollection of her morning, from brushing her teeth with her older brother to a detailed explanation of the children’s show she watched before needing to get dressed; she especially mentioned a certain fox plush she wanted to bring for the car ride over.

“...but mommy said it would make the others sad that I didn’t bring them too, so foxy stayed home.” She finished with a quick huff, winded from her own storytelling as her small hands drummed against his arm almost rhythmically.

Chris hummed thoughtfully, “Ooh, well maybe next time you can bring FoxI.Ny next time, yeah?”

Tianna nodded out a small, “Yeah”, as she looked around the table, taking in the people and things that occupied the space.

Making sure the young girl was secure in his lap, Chris went back to his plate, peeling off a piece of his turkey leg before popping it into his mouth.

“Channie? What’s that?”

“Hm?” Peeking down, he saw her tiny finger pointing at the turkey leg, “It’s turkey.”

“Like thank-giving?”

He chuckled, nodding even though she couldn’t see, “Kinda like thanksgiving, yeah; you wanna try some?” When she nodded, he hummed, “Okay, well, let’s ask Y/n if you can have some, okay?”

You perked up at the sound of your name, swallowing down the last of your potato salad as you turned toward your boyfriend, only to internally melt at the sight of your youngest cousin in his arms. “Tia Mia! Where have you been, I missed you so much!”

She smiled, baby teeth on full display as she kicked her feet, “I was talking with Channie!” Her head turned to look at the man behind her – pointing for extra measure – before looking back at you with a soft pout, “Um, can I please have some turkey?”

“Turkey, hm?” Shifting your eyes to the man above her, you held back the laugh that bubbled within you; his face was wrapped in an expression that screamed whipped, his eyes twinkling in a silent plea and his own plump lips set in a puppy pout. “Okay, fine, but only if you give me a kiss for not saying hi to me first.”

With an excited nod of agreement, you leaned down for her to press a quick kiss to your cheek, just for you to take her tiny face in your hand and smother her chubby cheeks in kisses and noms, her laughter coming out in high pitched squeals.

“Say hi to me first next time, and I’ll get you ice cream, alright?” You laughed after pressing a final kiss to her forehead, relenting as her small hands attempted to push you back.

Breathless and glowing with joy, she turned back to see Chris peeling a smaller piece of turkey off the leg before handing it to her, murmuring a small “Chew carefully” as he watched her eat.

Your heart bloomed at the sight, admiring their comfortable bond despite the mere handful of times Tianna actually met him in person; she had him wrapped around her tiny finger and he was none the wiser.

“Chris, you want me to hold her while you finish eating?”

“Nah,” he shook his head as he pulled his plate closer to his right, out of reach from the young girl before he picked up his fork, “I got her – you finished?”

You huffed out a laugh, looking at your graveyard of plates, “I’m so finished, if I even look at another rib I might explode… I might take some back to the hotel, though.”

“Y/n! Auntie Deb made strawberry shortcake!”

Your head snapped in the direction of Amber’s voice, spotting her and a few others starting to gather near the dessert table; a weary, yearning sigh vibrating from your throat.

There was a hearty laugh – warm and familiar – and you looked back at Chris with a pointed glare; not that he was paying you any mind as he fed Tianna some of his mac and cheese.

“Don’t even try to stop yourself, baby, go get it.”

“It’s not a case of ‘I shouldn’t’, it’s a case of ‘do I do it now’, and–”

“There’s banana pudding, too!” Your uncle called next, amusement threaded through his voice.

This caught Chris’s attention, his eyes snapping to yours with determination burning behind his irises, “Baby.”

There was no hesitation as you rose from your seat, gathering your empty plates and his singular finished one with a nod, “Heard you, I’ll see if there’s containers.”

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays through the trees in the still warm air; the backyard slightly emptier from family members making their journey back home. The plates that decorated the still occupied tables were dotted with traces of whipped cream, icing, fruit juices and stems, or ice cream as whatever was left of the main courses were brought into the house for safe keeping.

You laughed at the conclusion of a story Jada was telling, thoroughly amused as your other cousin, Miles, began adding in moments from his side of the situation; glancing beside you to see Chris smiling softly, one arm stretched across the back of your chair while the other wrapped securely around Tianna.

The small girl had fallen asleep in his lap after finishing a small bowl of chocolate ice cream and a rather large strawberry, her cheek smushed against his chest with the evidence of her sweet ending staining his white t-shirt.

He caught your gaze, eyebrow raising slightly, “You okay?”

Nodding, a small smile curved your lips, “Yeah, I’m good-” turning your head to the sky, you sighed before looking back, “-should we get ready to head back to the hotel?”

“Do you wanna leave now?” His questioning expression shifted into a soft stare, tilting his head, “We can stay longer if you want, I don’t mind.”

Of course, he would leave the decision up to you – knowing full and well how important spending time with family was while living so far away – and although part of your heart ached to stay, it was getting late, Chris’s parents had already left, and he had an early morning schedule for rehearsals.

“It’s okay, I feel like if we stay any longer I’ll be knocked out just like Tia.” You reached out and brushed your fingers against her fluffy, curly ponytail, “Besides, if we leave now we’ll avoid the meltdown of her seeing her favorite person leaving.”

“Yeah, so you better make sure you give her a kiss goodnight before we go, or else you won’t be the favorite anymore.” Chris grinned before standing up, cradling Tianna and bringing her to Miles who waited with open arms.

“You guys are leaving?” Amber frowned, watching as you stood with a long awaited stretch.

“Mhm, gonna hit the road before it gets too dark out…” You hugged Miles and leaned down to press a soft kiss to Tianna’s forehead, before tiredly dragging your feet toward her and her sister; leaning down to pull them both into a hug. “I promise to come visit again soon, we can make a cousins weekend out of it!”

Both girls nodded begrudgingly as they held your arms, Jada wishing you both a safe drive back while Amber whispered a playful “Or just fly us out to South Korea!”

Giving Chris time to get his own goodbye hugs in, you both made your way into the house for the remaining farewells; exchanging more hugs and well wishes, while adamantly reassuring your grandmothers that six containers of food was more than enough for both you, Chris, and the horde of men back at the hotel.

“Be safe, you two!” Your mother called from the couch, “Tell the boys we said hi and we miss them.”

Chris nodded, dimples on full display as he fixed his fold on the reusable bags containing the to-go boxes, “Will do, ma’am.”

Opening the front door for him, you waved at your remaining family with a full heart, “See you later! I’ll text when we make it to the hotel.”

Slipping out before your grandmother could suggest taking yet another to-go container, you and Chris secured the food in the back seat of the rental before setting off on the road once more.

The drive was quiet – comfortable, 2000’s R&B floating through the speakers as you focused on the open highway ahead until you felt something brush against your left hand. Looking down, a small smile curved your lips as Chris’s hand slid its way under yours, prompting you to intertwine your fingers with his before squeezing it in earnest.

“Doin’ okay?”

Glancing up, you caught his warm, yet inquisitive, gaze before it snapped back to the road and your heart swelled; a warmth settling over you like a blanket on a cold night. It was just one day, not even a full day, and yet it was a moment in your life you’d treasure forever; a moment you would have never gotten if he hadn’t insisted on you joining him for the North America stretch of the tour, taking his own free time fine tuning the schedules and small details so not even management could deny his request.

There was nothing you needed to worry about, from accommodations and tickets, to concert seating and exclusive access after the show, Chris had it all figured out; all that he asked of you was to blow him a kiss if he managed to spot you in the crowd – and you did, every single time.

“Yeah,” your voice was soft, your thumb stroking the side of his finger slowly, “I just love you.”

He made a noise, a huff of a chuckle while a small smile tugged at his lips, “I thought you’d be sleepy, not sentimental, baby.”

“I can be both, Christopher!” Lighthearted laughter filled the car, and you let out a small breath, “But no, really, everything that you’ve done for me – everything you continue to do… I think it just hit me how much you love me, and I just hope that you know I love you just as much – even more, but we both know you’d argue the opposite.”

“Hey, of course I know you love me! I feel it every time you check on me throughout the day, every time you remind me to take a break and eat an actual meal that isn’t a protein shake with supplements, and in the times when I can only say goodnight over the phone even though I know you’d rather have a kiss and an arm around your waist.”His tone was raw and honest, leaving no space for argument as he continued, “I knew this would be the best chance for us to see your family together, but there was no way in hell I was flying you out for one day knowing I’d just make you stick around for the rest of the stops.”

Chuckling lightly, he shrugged, “Besides, I might’ve had this planned since management started scheduling for the tour.”

You gasped – shock, astonishment, and unmitigated gall dropping your jaw as you stared at the side of his head, “You did not!”

Chris simply grinned, raising your hand to press a chaste kiss to the back of it. “If there’s a way to bring you wherever I go, you can bet I’m gonna find it because I love you.”

“God,” you sighed dramatically, letting your entwined hands fall back to your thigh, “I might just have to give you a baby for that, I can’t even lie.”

“Oh my god, babe-” His bashful, high-pitched squeaky laughter only spurred you on to continue your teasing rant.

“You’re responsible, reliable, great with planning, my family loves you, the children adore you – either you’re getting me pregnant, or I’m getting you pregnant, there’s no in between.”

“I’m gonna choose to ignore everything you’re saying for my own sanity.”

“And he cares about his mental health? Yeah, you’re getting twins.”

“What?!”

Melting into lighthearted giggles, you lifted his hand to grant him with a kiss as he did to yours – stomachs full and hearts even fuller as the dulcet tones of Musiq Soulchild floated through the speakers.

Epilogue

“I can’t believe I let her convince me to take so much food with us.”

“I mean-”

“Chris.”

“It’s not too bad, though!”

You crossed your arms over your chest as you watched him carefully readjust the takeout containers in the mini fridge; amazed that he was able to somehow fit all six in such a small space, yet mildly annoyed that all of the leftovers had to be finished within the next day.

“See?” His head turned to meet your analytic stare, nodding his head toward the fridge before closing it with ease. “Told you it’s not bad – now we’ve got food for lunch and dinner, and there’s plenty for the kids if they want some, too.”

“Oh, what ever would I do without you, Mr. Bahng? How can I repay you?” 

Taunting in a southern drawl, you bent down to run your fingers through his hair, only for him to push himself to his feet and wrap an arm around your waist with a smirk.

“I’m a simple man, Miss, a kiss would do.”

An airy hum floated past your lips, arms coming up to wrap around his shoulders as you pulled him down for a simple kiss; lips grazing each other in the lightest of pecks before you settled back with a small smirk. “There, that work for you?”

He held you a little tighter, dipping his head to brush his nose against yours, “Maybe just one more…”

You giggled, suppressing a shiver from the feeling of his breath fanning against your lips. “One more?”

“Well, there were a lot of containers – Five more should balance it out, yeah?”

“Five?” Scoffing out a laugh, you ran your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck, “How about this, cowboy – we get ready for bed, and I’ll kiss you as many times as you want. Sounds like a deal?”

Grinning devilishly, Chris snuck his fingers underneath the raised hem of your t-shirt, tracing nondescript shapes and relishing in the light catch of your breathing.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

✧. ┊Tagged lovelies: @having-an-internal-crisis-rn, @midnightfrog625, @anyhow-everything, @bangchanbabygirlx, @sweetracha, @nightimescapes, @caitlyn98s, @ch4nn13luv, @ihrtlix, @jeonjungkookenthusiast1997, @maximumkillshot, @y-ur--i, @acker-night, @dreamescapeswriting, @specialstay, @s00buwu, @tinyelfperson, @jj-stay, @katsukis1wife, @inlovewithmusician, @keen-li, @armystay89, @main-character0, @vampcharxter, @ddyskz, @prettymiye0n, @bbgnyx, @bahng-chrizz, @milknhoneyracha, @hann1bee, @palindrome969, @newhope8, @kpopsstuffs, @starquokka, @wolfs-howling, @laylasbunbunny, @4-chan-inpadella, @butterflydemons, @kimahreummm, @ta3baee, @bethanysnow,  @skz-smut-reader, @theworldofligia, @butterflydemons, @ katsukis1wife, @stayvillecitizen, @sweetsbyniah

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5TH

11:48PM

—————————————————————————

"I'll sell on the streets the day hell freezes over."

I really should've kept my mouth shut.

If I'd known where I'd end up a week later, I probably would've wished for a billion dollars instead. Maybe bought a private island somewhere and disappeared. No customers. No problems. No random ass gangsters showing up in my flower shop asking dumbass questions.

I still don't know how I got here.. That's a lie, yes I do.

One minute I was selling to my usuals, minding my business, and the next I was standing face-to-face with some bald head thug named Rio.

Which, by the way, definitely don't sound like a name for a drug dealer.

He don't look like a Rio.

He look like a Christopher.

Maybe a Christian.

Definitely not no Rio.

But that's beside the point.

Before I get to rambling, let's go back to where this all started.

—————————————————————————

MONDAY, JUNE 1ST

11:36 AM

The bell above the door jingled.

"Can I just get an eighth?"

I looked up from my phone and immediately wanted to roll my eyes and slap the source of the voice. The guy standing in front of me looked like he was about to pass out.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"I-I said can I get an eighth?"

He was tall-ish with buzzed blond hair that 100% came from a box dye kit. He looked nervous and couldn't keep eye contact for more than two seconds. I looked him up and down. Then I looked around my flower shop. Buckets of fresh flowers lined the walls. The scent of roses and damp soil hung in the air. A customer was browsing tulips in the corner.

Then I looked back at him.

"I don't sell to randoms. Sorry."

"I'm not random. Your friend told me about you-"

"That still makes you random."

He paused and stared at me blankly.

"I don't know you. Therefore, you're a random."

"Right... sorry."

He mumbled something under his breath that sounded like an insult before turning around and leaving. The door closed behind him.

Second person today.

—————————————————————————

I rubbed my forehead.

Selling had never been part of the plan. I started growing for myself, told one friend about it, and then that friend told another friend.

Then another...

Then another...

And now I somehow had regular customers and enough extra money to keep my business afloat. Life was weird but the money was enough to make me not care too much.

I picked my phone back up but the bell rang again.

"Excuse me, miss?"

I looked up with a smile already prepared.

Please be buying flowers.

The man standing across the counter definitely didn't look like he was there for flowers.

But maybe he was.

He was tall. Really tall with dark eyes and a clean buzz cut. A bird tattoo stretched across his throat though it was half way hidden under a black button up. And he looked calm, i wish i was as unbothered as him. only one could wish.

For a second, I wondered who the flowers were for. Lucky girl.

"Hi," I said. "How can I help you?"

His eyes settled on me.

"You're Y/N, right?"

"Yeah. That's me."

He nodded once.

Then smiled, small and polite. Somehow that made me nervous.

"Need somethin'?"

"Actually, yeah."

His eyes drifted around the shop. The flowers, the shelves, the customers, and then back to me.

"I need to talk to you."

And that's when i felt like i had to throw up. it could've been that chicken salad i had earlier but i doubt it, it could be because he fine as hell.

"About what?"

"A little side business."

A million things started running through my mind. I wanted to keep my face calm but with the feeling that my heart was gonna shit itself out i couldn't help but chew on the softness of my lip before replying.

"What side business?" i don't do well under pressure and maybe lying wasn't the best option in this situation but it's too late now.

He tilted his head slightly like I'd just said something amusing.

"Really?"

I swallowed a lump down my throat and thought to myself, 'i'm such a bad liar'

"Really."

For a few seconds he didn't say anything and just looked at me. The silence made me want a hole to appear in the ground and swallow me. Then he nodded.

"Funny thing, ma."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Some of my customers stopped calling."

Oh..

Oh, no..

"They found somewhere cheaper."

His eyes never left mine.

"Took me a minute to figure out where."

I suddenly became very interested in the flower arrangements behind him.

Then he smiled again.

"There you are."

Of course, the attractive customer was here because I accidentally stole from him AND he was a drug dealer, could my luck get any worse? That island with a billion dollars sounds like heaven right now.

I laughed nervously but the sound came out weird.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Oh."

"Mm."

Another silence only this one felt worse. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans.

"So..."

I pointed vaguely toward the display shelves.

"...would a seventy-five percent discount on flowers help?" He stared at me. Just stared. Like I'd said something that required serious evaluation from a higher council.

Then, slowly, that almost-smile returned.

"You think that's funny?"

I blinked. "...No?"

It came out like a question. Which was embarrassing. Love that for me.

He exhaled through his nose, like he was deciding whether I was stupid or just brave in a really inconvenient way.

"Seventy-five percent," he repeated.

I nodded once. "Yeah. In this economy..."

Silence.

I could feel my soul trying to leave again.

Behind him, someone reached for a bouquet of lilies and I almost cried from jealousy. Must be nice to have a normal problem like choosing flowers instead of whatever this was.

Rio finally shifted his weight. Not aggressive but still scary because he was calm, calm people always made things worse.

"You been busy," he said, not a question.

My throat tightened. "I sell flowers."

A moment of silence passed, then lightly-

"Sure you do."

My face probably showed how scared i was but in my defense it was probably the only thing i hadn't lied about in this entire conversation so it could be the only thing saving me from being thrown in a van right now. I tried to make eye contact again but failed miserably and decided to just look at my shoes. "People like arrangements."

His eyes flicked briefly to the counter. To the register. To me again.

"Mm."

That one sound felt like an accusation and a receipt at the same time.

I leaned slightly on the counter, pretending I wasn't actively considering relocating to another planet.

"So," I said again, because apparently I enjoy pain, "are we good? Or are you here to... not be good?" I looked up at him again.

His mouth twitched but it wasn't quite a smile this time, more like he found something mildly entertaining but wasn't going to tell me what it was.

"You always talk this much under pressure?"

"No," I said immediately.

Another lie.

"...Yes."

The only true thing i've said and that finally got him. A real smile formed on his face this time, small, quick, and gone almost as soon as it appeared but somehow that made it worse. Maybe because  now he wasn't just scary, he was comfortable.

He leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on nothing, like the shop was his space too.

"I'm not here to mess up your little business," he said, trying to relax or calm me down.

I didn't relax because that "little" was doing a lot of work in that sentence.

"I just needed to find out where my product went."

There it is. Of course he said it like that. Like I was a missing inventory report instead of a person standing in a flower shop trying not to pass away.

I cleared my throat. "Right."

He watched me, waiting for something else to fall out of my mouth like word vomit, so I did what any rational person would do under pressure.

I lied worse.

"I don't know what you mean."

Long pause.

He tilted his head again, slower this time. Like I was a puzzle he already solved but was letting sit there just to see if I'd admit it.

"Yeah?" he said softly.

That one word hit different. Not loud. Not threatening. Just certain.

And that was the worst part.

My fingers tapped the counter once. Then stopped.

"...Look," I said, voice a little quieter now, "if this is about pricing or competition or whatever, I can just- I don't know- stop selling or something."

The second I said it, I regretted it, because his expression shifted. But it wasn't with anger, no, it was with interest. And that was so much worse because that meant i wouldn't get peace and quiet to myself for a long time.

"Stop?" He said almost like i was joking, i wasn't.

I nodded quickly. Too quickly. "Yeah. I mean- I didn't mean to mess up what you got goin', it just kind of... happened."

A beat.

Then he straightened.

"'Kind of happened,'" he repeated.

I nodded again, like repetition would save me.

He looked around the shop one more time. The flowers. The soft light. The customers pretending not to listen.

Then back at me.

"You don't look like someone things 'just happen' to."

I let out a short breath that was almost a laugh. "That's because I'm very unlucky."

Silence.

Then a small hum escaped his throat like he was considering that. Finally, he stepped back. Not leaving. Just resetting the space between us.

"Here's what's going to happen," he said.

My eye twitched in irritation because i just wanted to be done with this conversation as soon as possible and be done with seeing him for the rest of my life but clearly that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

"You're going to keep your shop open," he continued.

I blinked. "...I am?"

"Yes."

I waited for the trap, it didn't come immediately.

"But," he added, "we're going to adjust how you operate."

There it is.

My brain screamed. My face probably displayed that.

"I operate with flowers," I said carefully.

A pause.

Then that faint smile again.

"Mm. We'll see."

And then he did something that made my entire nervous system glitch-

He turned like he was done with the conversation, like he already owned the ending of it. Before he left, he glanced back once.

Not long, just enough.

"You're gonna want to stop pretending you don't understand," he said.

Then he was gone.

Bell jingled.

Door closed.

And my legs finally remembered they existed.

I grabbed the counter before I fell into it.

"...I hate my life," I whispered.

Behind me, a customer coughed like they hadn't just witnessed emotional warfare in aisle one of flowers and bad decisions.

A/N: omgosh it's my first story since my old wattpad account from like 2021-2023!!! i had to make a new one bc my old one got deactivated.. but i also made this note to say i don't have auto uppercase on so that's why some stuff starts wit uppercase and sum stuff doesn't bc i have to do that on my own and i be forgetting soo.. also i do write for a black fem reader kindaaa but i haven't really gotten to a part where i can describe the baddie but trust ima get there. leave me some tips in the comments and some advice!! let me know if Rio is out of character or not and if ts is cringe or ass.