#i got to nip out to go to the toilet once

[4phr0d17e]

roughhhhh day at work today omg

[squipa]

intertwined, sewn together

aka jason todd obligatory sickfic

———

you wake up earlier than you usually do, trickling beams of light from the sunrise basking over you through your window like some sort of natural alarm. you try and shut your eyes, to fall back into the warmth of your boyfriend, who has his arm hooked around your waist and his nose planted firmly against the back of your neck, but you just can’t seem to lull back into the warm, dark comfort of sleep.

gently, careful to let jason continue to catch up on some much needed sleep, you pick up his arm and place it at his side. you groggily slide out of bed and stand on two aching feet, a new wave of exhaustion hitting you once you’re completely upright. you groan, recognizing the unfortunate sensations forming while you trudge to the bathroom— you’re sick.

a quick look in the mirror confirms it. your eyes are bloodshot and puffy, and your cheeks are lightly dusted with a warm pink reminder that you are not immune to the flu that the kids you teach pass around. you grab a wad of toilet paper, blowing out the yellowish-greenish snot that prevented you from breathing through your nose. that motion lodges a cough in the back of your throat, which proves itself impossible to suppress.

“why are you up s’early?” jason slurs, wiping the sleep from his eyes while walking into the bathroom. you frown— you hadn’t even heard him get up. his arm finds it way right back to your waist, the warmth of his closeness a better medicine than you could ask for. he dips his head down to rest it atop yours, blearily looking down at you through the mirror.

you wad up the paper pressed into your hand, tossing it in the small wastebasket you keep on the counter to hold makeup remover for you mascara and sanitizer wipes for jason’s wounds. you sniffle, leaning into him, eternally grateful for his presence.

“i think i caught the flu.” you say, wincing at the way your voice sounds so deep and congested. “y’should probably go back to your place ‘n try not to catch it.”

jason pulls a face, sitting up straight and guiding you back towards the bedroom. you’ve spent countless hours kissing his bruises and sewing him back together after especially rough nights in the suit, and you really think he’s leaving you to fend for yourself? not a chance.

when he tells you this, you protest. “i’ll be fine, i don’t want you getting sick.” you counter, slipping back under the covers while he stands above you. he’s almost offended that you won’t let him take care of you, like he’s supposed to the only one getting pampered in this relationship. no way, absolutely not.

“i’ve got my flu shot baby, i’ll be fine.” he says, slipping on some decent clothes and sliding into the brown leather jacket you gave him for his birthday. you mumble something that sounds a lot like ‘so did i’ under your breath and jason pretends not to hear it while he laces up his boots.

“i’m just gonna run to cvs, get you some cold medicine.” he says, leaning down and pressing a kiss on your forehead. he frowns. “jesus, you’re burning up.” he mumbles as he pulls away.

you blink up at him, admittedly a little out of it. feverish aches nip at your joints, and without jason’s warmth you’re prone to shivers.

you wish you never got out of bed.

“i love you.” you mumble, closing your eyes. you don’t see it, but he smiles, his watchful eyes gazing over you. he wonders if you know how much you mean to him. if you know that you’re his word, that there’s a part of you intertwined with his very soul. when he says i love you too, pushing the words out slowly so you can hang onto every one, he hopes you know that he’s not just saying it because you did, he saying it because it’s the only thing on his mind.

he slips out through the bedroom door, lingering for a moment to watch you as you doze off. “i’ll be right back.” he says, his voice just above a whisper.

true to his word, he back in less than half an hour. he can hear you snoring from the living room, so he refrains from making his way back to you just yet. instead, he drops the bags gently on the countertop. he takes out two cans of soup (tomato rather than chicken noodle, because tomato’s the only kind of soup you’ll actually eat), a dayquil/nyquil duo pack, and a pint of your favorite flavor of ice cream.

jason puts the pint in the freezer and begins preparing the soup. he’s not much of a cook, especially compared to alfred, but he can handle heating up the stuff from the can. he even adds some of the seasonings you have in your cabinet to make it test a little less premade.

fifteen minutes pass and you wake up to him gently setting the soup on your bedside table. that’s how he did everything around you, gently. you honestly can’t believe he goes out and beats bad guys up every night, that the same hands that run through your hair and rub circles into your skin have killed people. sometimes he’s so gentle with you that you feel the need to remind him that you aren’t made of glass. he’ll give you a tight squeeze, but nevertheless, he remains gentle.

you blink the sleep out of your eyes, sniffling as you sit up. “what’s that?” you mumble, letting out a long yawn.

“tomato soup.” he says, smiling, sitting on your bedside, placing his hand against your forehead, his thumb messing with your hair. you smile, a sweet, loopy smile that he just loves. he loves that he made you smile, and he wishes he could keep you this happy forever. of course, your face drops when he pushes the cough medicine towards you, a mix of dread and disgust as you stare down the orange liquid. “medicine first.” he insists, as you take the cap from his hands.

“you suck.” you say, downing the dayquil like a shot. his head tilts back and he laughs, handing you a bottle of water when the syrup makes you gag. you pat the notably empty side of the bed beside you, gesturing for him to lay beside you.

and who is he to deny you? after setting the soup on your lap, he kicks off his boots and slides under the covers, wrapping his arms around your stomach and pulling you close as he rests his chin against your shoulder. you smile, softly, leaning into him (after the soup is finished; he worked so hard), letting his presence take away your ails. your head buries itself in his chest, and you doze off once more, letting yourself fall into him, letting him heal you in that way that only he can. in that way that means he loves you and you love him, that he’s part of you and that you’re part of him, sewn together with red string.

———

yes officer that’s my cutie pie

[baddiewiththebook]

ONE OF THE BOYS [PART 3]

-> While you pine hopelessly over your best friend, Eddie Munson. You hear the sentiment 'one of the boys' one too many times and you've decided to change that. All in the name of the one boy who won't even look at you, or so you think.

-> eddie munson x you (she/her)

-> friends to lovers, slow burn, angst

-> warnings - strong language and suggestive themes [no smut]

-> a/n Oh, my god. When I tell y’all that everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. I stayed up all night writing and editing just to get it out today, so you don’t have to wait another week when I’m off from work again. Yesterday, I was going to surprise y’all with a back to back upload, but when my laptop died and all of my content got deleted, I needed a pause. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Part 3 of a series I didn’t know would become a series.

[Part 2] Part 3

-> <-

You decide to wake up at five because your eyes wouldn’t stay shut any longer. Ripping the blankets off your body, the cool air nips at your skin. You shove your toes into your slippers. Tripping over your tennis shoes, you rethink how close you are to your desk. Feeling around for the corner, you find the desk and you begin to aim yourself the other way. You yelp when your waist collides into the doorknob and you silently curse to yourself while trying desperately not to wake your family. Shuffling through the dark, you take mini steps to your bathroom.

Closing the door behind you, you flick on bathroom light. Squinting, your eyes adjust and the shock of the bright room dulls. You use the toilet first, before your bladder combusts. While washing your hands, you meet your own face in the mirror.

Mornings weren’t your best look. Your hair mats to one side because you’re a side sleeper. Sometimes when your sick you’ll lay on your back to keep your stomach from getting nauseous. Instead of drying your hands on a towel, you toss them back into your hair to mold and shape what’s on your head. Massaging your scalp, you forget your worries for a moment. You wash your hands of the hair that sticks to your hands, and then you dry them off.

You bounce back from the shower when you twist the hot water handle. Water splashes in your face anyway. Steam breathes into your bathroom and you almost feel suffocated by the hot air. That’s what wakes you up in the morning. You strip, then step inside allowing the beads of hot water to bake your skin. The soap you use is plain and boring. It moisturizes the layers of your skin without leaving a scent behind. You watch the bubbles drain below you.

Leaving the shower is harder to you then getting back in. Your day will begin as soon as you step out. Going to school feels like a chore. Your classes all have projects due by the end of the week or by the end of the month. Then there’s the obvious boy you are trying to avoid. Before you can imagine any lewd situations between yourself and him (and trust that you have plenty), you switch off the water to your shower.

You don’t like washing your face in hot water, so you wait until your dry and you have a towel wrapped around your body. The icy water pricks at your pores. You dry, and you apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your skin.

Finding yourself vulnerable in a towel, and thrown into darkness once again because you have forgotten your clothes in your bedroom, you shimmy across the hallway once again.

When you choose a lotion, you act as though you won’t pick the same option you have been for as long as you can remember. The label reads ‘Fruity.’ Simple enough. Throwing on an extra spritz of perfume to compliment the lotion. You like to spray perfume while you’re bare to ensure the smell sticks to you, rather than your clothes.

Wrapping yourself in your robe, you want to take a peak at the sky. Rain clouds form above. Gray all day. You happen to, also, see that Eddie’s trailer is dark. Wayne Munson’s truck is on, and he’s in the driver’s seat waiting for the engine to warm. He goes to work early, and he stays late. That’s how you got to spend so many days and nights at Eddie’s growing up.

You’d tell your mom that you were spending the night with your friend Robin, and she would cover for you in a heartbeat. She must have known what was going on before you did. Did that even count - if you didn’t know?

You shy away from the window.

Going through your closet, you find an acceptable pair of denim that’s right on your hips and loose at your ankles. The striped sweater you call your favorite will scratch at you skin all day, so you put on a plain shirt on underneath.

If the you from a few months ago, saw you sitting at your desk whipping out all of the tools and the sponges that it took to apply makeup to your skin, you’d shrivel in a corner and cry. You got used to the feeling of the brushes against your skin. The way your face feels with a bit of foundation. And the sticky feeling of mascara pressing on your eyes.

As you finish powdering your nose, your stomach growls. Your hungry.

The sun is beginning to wake, and you’re able to move through the home a bit smoother. You find yourself in the kitchen pawing through the refrigerator. No one has gone grocery shopping in a few weeks, so your options are limited.

You take the box of Honey Comb cereal off the top of the fridge. A bowl off the drying rack will do, and there’s even a spoon next to it. You pluck out your mom’s cigarettes that she “hides” inside the box. She doesn’t count them when she smokes, so you know that you can sneak one into your pocket for later.

After pouring yourself a bowl of cereal, and stealing your mom’s cigarettes, you grab the milk from the fridge. It’s heavy. When you open the milk the rancid sour odor spoils your appetite.

“Jesus!” You curse.

The expiration reads about a week ago. Gross.

You toss the milk.

Even though you’re completely grossed out, you shovel a few bites of dry cereal down your throat. Dipping your head under the sink for a drink of water, you slurp down the crumbs sticking to the sides of your mouth.

By the time you’ve brushed your teeth, your watch reads seven fifteen in the morning. If you head to school now, you’ll be there by seven thirty.

That’s exactly what you do.

The drive is quiet. Most of the town hasn’t woken yet for their day. Shops still have signs in their window that read ‘Closed.’

You’re allowed into the cafeteria with the other early birds once you get to school. Finding a group of girls you’re in home room with, they welcome you for a study session.

“You look so pretty,” Michelle gushes over your makeup.

You smile. “You too. I love your shirt.”

“I got it on sale,” she tells you the name of the store. “We should all go shopping on Saturday.”

“Girls day out!” Lisa snaps her fingers. “Count! Me! In!”

The three of you small chat for a bit, before you dive into your awaiting assignments. They’re there to help you. You reciprocate the action when they want advise.

The school bell rings.

You pack up, and you wave goodbye for now. But, you’ll see them again in just a few moments when you get to class.

Heading to your locker for the first time in months, you have to try the code twice. The third time’s the charm. You take the specimen in your locker between your index and your thumb. Finding the nearest trash can, you throw the moldy sandwich away. At least the smell hadn’t penetrated through the bag yet.

You’re just zipping up your backpack after ridding yourself of about a hundred pounds of unnecessary textbook weight when someone shouts at the end of the hall.

Petty squabbles between students, you’re usually able to ignore. However, as all the noise is headed in your direction, you hear your name in between cursed and yells. A catastrophic tornado blows your way. Your feet are firm to the ground in terror.

Roxie’s purple, and about to blow a blood vessel judging by the vein nearly popping out of her neck. Hot on her trail is petite Indie, who’s begging for Roxie to just listen to her.

“Hey, you!” Roxie jabs her finger in your face.

Indie tumbled over her own feet, “Roxie!”

You check over your shoulder in hopes that someone might be there. No one is there except a few onlookers she’s drawn in her tirade. Now, you’re thinking. Eddie couldn’t have spilt the beans this quickly. Could he?

“Oh, I’m coming for you, bitch,” she snarls.

You’re toast.

Roxie is larger than you in all retrospects, but she’s especially big in muscle. If she’s about to pummel you, then you’ll be knocked over and split in two like a pin and she’s the ball going a hundred miles an hour.

“Can’t we talk this out?” Indie asks through gasps of air.

You stare between them. Indie isn’t after you by the worried expression she holds. Still unsure exactly what Roxie’s prattling on about, you decide to wait before you interject.

“Is there something going on between you and Eddie?” Roxie demands.

See, you knew their relationship wasn’t casual! Still, you did nothing wrong. Yesterday, you didn’t even express to Eddie that you liked him in the first place. You wanted to drop the conversation, and he kept going. This is his fault. Why isn’t he about to get a fist to the face? Who’s to say he hasn’t already? Yikes.

Roxie sucks her tongue to her teeth.

“Uh-,” you’re still loading in the information, and you hesitate to answer right away. “N- no?”

“Is that a question?” Her hot breath hits your nose.

You bring your hands down to your sides because you can’t let her see you trembling like a leaf. If she smells fear, she’ll know she’s won. Her prey is hers for the taking.

You’re tired of this. “Eddie and I have nothing going on. We’re just- just friends.”

You have a hard time saying that, but not for the reasons that Roxie has in mind. You’re not even sure if Eddie wants to be your friend anymore.

“Okay,” she sticks her tongue into the flesh of her jaw, and then says. “How come last night he moaned your name instead of mine?”

Blood rushes to your ears. Your face is on fire, and you’re sure everyone can see so.

Onlookers jeer and whisper amongst themselves. Rumors are already beginning from mouth to mouth; and, hitting ear to ear.

You would also like to understand what she meant by “moaning your name.” Spare the details. Obviously, you knew what happened last night. You wipe the winner’s smirk off your face, before Roxie even notices.

“I don’t know,” you fold your arms across your chest. “Shouldn’t you ask him?”

Roxie squares her shoulders. She clenched her fists until her knuckles are white. Cursing a few more angry words your way, she’s a bull ready to charge. You might as well be wearing all red.

“What’s going on here?!”

Miss Brown sticks her nose into the hallway and notices the crowd of people. Before anyone can do anything rash, she pushes her way into the center of the chaos. With an ostentatious sort of sigh that suggests she’s better than all of you, she starts breaking up the fight.

“Off to class,” Miss Brown shoo’s them.

“Let’s go, Roxie,” Indie grits her teeth.

Roxie eyes you one more time. “Fine. I’ll be seeing you later.”

You gulp.

It’s time to play a new game around school: Hide from Roxie! Winners get the very rewarding prize of not getting their face beat in.

You dart from class to class all morning. A huge target sticks to your back with Roxie aiming for a bullseye. Meanwhile, Eddie is still no where to be found. He’s probably hiding under his sheets at home, full of shame when he mistook your name for hers.

That’s just fine by you. You still didn’t want to see him either. Or, maybe you did. First, to clear the air about you liking him. A little flimsy crush isn’t going to break a friendship, right? You’ll get over it in time. Secondly, you’re sure that him naming you is a big misunderstanding. He just got distracted or something.

After lunch was over, you planned to sneak through Mr Campbell’s empty classroom. He doesn’t have afternoon classes, and you can easily shoot through since there is a door on either side of the hallway.

“Over there!”

Roxie has the cheerleaders involved now. No doubt they want a piece of judge, jury and conviction too.

Colliding into something solid, you topple over onto the tile. You’re swept away in thought and you forget to watch where your going. Mr. Campbell has that skeleton on wheels that he’ll leave just about anywhere. But, you haven’t knocked over that stupid skeleton.

It’s Eddie.

“Oh, God,” you rub your backside.

Eddie gasps, “What are you doing?”

“What am I-,” you snap. “What the hell are you doing? Your girlfriend almost tackled me like linebacker!”

Eddie shushes you. “Do you want her to hear? She’s not my girlfriend. I told you it’s casual.”

“Casual?” You want to yell, but you also don’t want her to hear. The last thing you need is for Roxie to see you in the same room as Eddie. “Whatever you have is not casual.”

“I messed up, okay?” He rubs his temple. “Jesus!”

Your chin lifts at the familiar brrring of the school bell. Now, you’re skipping class. You’ll get another hour of detention no matter if you stay here or go to class.

“You’re hiding from her too?” You conclude.

Detention doesn’t matter to Eddie. He just wants to ensure you’re okay. Judging by the way you’re creeping through empty classrooms, you’re doing just about as good as he is.

"I'm not hiding," he jumps when someone's locker slams. "Okay, so maybe I am hiding."

"This is so humiliating," you cry.

Eddie apologizes, “I’m sorry-,”

“You’re sorry?”

You’re grateful that the light in the room is limited. Otherwise, you don’t know if you could have a conversation with him right now. Eddie has these eyes that you could simply drown in.

“It was an accident,” he claims. “You’re the one who said-,”

“I didn’t say anything,” you correct him. “You’re the one with the wild imagination.”

“Wild imagination?!”

“Maybe I do like Jeff, hm? Or- or maybe I’ve come to realize that Gareth is a great guy. Did you think of that?” You stand before him, while he scrunches down into a chair. “Eddie Munson you’re selfish - no, you’re self centered. All about Eddie- it’s Eddie’s world and we’re all just there like puppets on strings.”

“You done?”

“No!” You snap. “Yes.”

“How could you call me self-centered when you’ve been prancing around this place like the rest of the guys don’t exist? Everyone wants to know where you are all the time. Why would I know? Oh, because you’re supposed to be my best friend,” Eddie rubs his hands across his face. “God, when did things get so complicated?”

"When you started calling me one of the guys in middle school, and I just wanted whatever you wanted,” you admit out loud. “Why do you think I changed when Gareth mentioned Roxie? I thought that’s what you wanted.”

Eddie’s unreadable. Although dark, you can see his thoughts bubble and burst.

“It doesn’t matter,” you continue. “You don’t like me like that.”

“Who’s to say that?” Eddie’s voice comes out barely audible.

You shake your head. “Don’t pity me.”

Eddie kicks the stool from under him, “I’m not.”

“Eddie,” you pick at your nails. “What we have is a great friendship. I’m lucky that you’re in my life. I don’t want to risk messing that up. Are- are you okay with that? Are we okay?”

Eddie doesn’t want to leave the air so broken. While the words are spelled out in front of him, he can’t find a way to bring them out.

“We’re okay,” he says.

-> <-

Flicking a green bean on his plate with a fork, Eddie can’t be bothered to bring the food to his lips. Nothing passes his mouth. He watches the ice crystals on his steak defrost because he doesn’t want Uncle Wayne to worry that he’s messed up dinner, since this is the first one they’ve shared in a while. Wayne told his boss that he wanted to be home tonight for Eddie, and here he is.

“You’re not eating?” His uncle points out because Wayne has eaten half of his meal, and he worries that Eddie is appearing a bit gray and slender.

Eddie replies. “I ate a lot at school.”

“In the years that you’ve been under my roof, you haven’t stopped eating,” Wayne lowers his head to meet his nephew’s eye. “Try again.”

Eddie pushes the microwaved dinner aside. A low hum comes from the television, and he’s not even sure what’s on. Someone’s bobbing around like a baboon trying to make a woman smile. Yet another attempt from Wayne to make Eddie relive his childhood, he guesses.

“That girl your seeing isn’t pregnant is she?” Wayne presses when Eddie won’t talk. “Eddie Munson, I’ve told you to use a condom-,”

“No,” he cocks his head to rethink. “No, she’s not.”

Even if Roxie was pregnant, she’d get an abortion and make Eddie pay for it. Actually, he still owes her for the condoms.

Eddie wants to be done with women for a while. But, there is still this pinching on his ears that reminds him you’re still there. He’s actually wearing a pair of your studs that you forgot at his house one day. Since Eddie is prone to losing just about everything, he’s decided to wear them so they don’t get lost. No one even notices except for him. They hide behind his hair.

“Look,” Eddie wets his lips. “If I tell you, then you have to promise me you won’t do that weird ‘oooh’ thing you do. Got it?”

Wayne claps his hands together. Say no more. He’s solved the case! That little lady across the park has had her eye on him since the day Eddie moved in. Wayne really likes her. ‘Thinks she’s a great ball of sunshine that can keep Eddie under control. He’s been just waiting for Eddie to wake up and smell the coffee!

“Really?” Wayne excites.

Eddie exhales. “Don’t-,”

“Wait,” he lectures. “You’re not seeing both of them are you? Eddie Munson that is wrong, and I won’t tolerate that behavior. I taught you better.”

“No-,”

“Seriously, boy. Wear a condom. It’s not just for you, but her too you know?”

“Wayne-,”

“You can’t be spreading your butter on everyone’s toast.”

“Wayne!”

“I knew it,” he blabs on. “Ever since I caught you two brushing each other’s teeth. Oh, I saw this coming - I did!”

That incident happened once, and Wayne would never let Eddie live that down.

You smoke one joint.

After sitting in his room complaining of boredom, you tell Eddie you had never brushed someone else’s teeth before. He hadn’t either. You wanted to try. But, Eddie would only let you if the offer went both ways. Wayne burst in when you were scrubbing his tongue. You splattered toothpaste all over the mirror, while Eddie tried to keep you from squirming so he could scrub your teeth.

“You need to learn how to knock,” Eddie tries sailing with the conversation his old man is going on about.

Wayne challenges. “You know there’s no closed doors when you have girls over, Eddie.”

“Oh, my God.”

Reliving the memory, Eddie wants to make more with you. Cooking. You’ll cook. He’ll burn food. You’ll tell him he’s doing a wonderful job anyway because you’re too sweet to tell him to get out before he burns the house down. Eddie visions that you’ll teach him a better way to organize his clothes. You’ve already tried to show him how to fold, but Eddie only lasted a week doing your method before going back to shoving the clothes in whatever drawer is the least bit full. He’ll now admit that he only let you teach him because he wanted you close. He wants you close. Always.

It’s not just domestic stuff he sees. He wants to take you on a date. Many dates. He wants to take you out of Hawkins, even if it’s for just a day. He misses your laugh. Seeing you cry today broke him. Knowing that you’ve changed everything for him, and he didn’t notice. Because at the core of all the makeup and the hair, he guesses, that he just didn’t care. He loves all the extra, don’t get him wrong, but all he can see is you.

“What are you going to do, boy?” Wayne wonders.

Eddie replies in a question, “What if everything goes wrong? I- I can’t lose her, Wayne.”

“Son-,”

“What if I just turn out like him? Like my father?”

Eddie’s lip quivers, as he bites back the tears he’s been holding onto for years. Not a day goes by does he not miss his father, even if the years weren’t kind to him. His father is locked away somewhere in State, but he hasn’t visited. They’ll take one look at Eddie and they’ll try to lock him away too.

“That’s not you, Eddie,” Wayne opens his arms. “Come here.”

Eddie drops his head onto his uncle’s shoulder. Tears slide down his cheek and across his chin.

“Deep breaths,” he rubs his hand across Eddie’s back.

He doesn’t cry for long, and Wayne wipes his tears when he’s calmer. This isn’t a usual interaction between them, but neither of them care. Wayne takes away a stray eyelash from Eddie’s cheek.

“You like this girl?” Wayne says as a fact more than a question.

Eddie nods.

“You have to try,” he insists.

“Yeah, okay,” his nephew agrees.

Wayne and Eddie end their conversation there. Eddie eventually eats (after microwaving the food because he could have broken teeth on that steak), and the show that his uncle makes him watch isn’t half bad. Their night comes to a close when his uncle snores.

Mouth agape, head tipped over and his feet propped up, Wayne would be out for the night.

Eddie tucks his uncle’s toes beneath the blanket Wayne was hugging. Tip toeing his way into the kitchen, he puts both forks into the sink along with their drinking glasses. The TV dinners find home in the trash can. While Eddie left the television on to lull his uncle in his sleep, Eddie flicks off the living room and the kitchen lights. He sneaks off to his bedroom, the only bedroom in the trailer. Wayne gave up the space for Eddie to grow into.

Eddie finds that sleep won’t do.

You project onto his ceiling like a film about his life. There you are. Every new milestone. Eddie didn’t think about just how many times you were there for him. His birthdays come to mind, even the ones he didn’t want to be there for because he doesn’t always feel like he deserves to be celebrated. You’d sneak off to get him a beer when his uncle was distracted with all the other kids invited.

When you kept him from going outside, while Wayne drove up in his brand new van that was a gift for Eddie when he got his license. Wayne took on extra hours just for him. That might just have been the night his heart beat a little faster for you. Watching you perform songs in your living room in that ridiculous feather boa and sunglasses, Eddie’s drawn to laugh at the memory of you out of tune and off key. You didn’t care. The hair brush you swore was a microphone was just not working that night. You’re much better performer in the shower, you’d said.

Eddie sits up in bed, and he can see that your bedroom light is still on. Your curtains are drawn, but your silhouette dances about. Bouncing up and down will sometimes get rid of your last bit of energy, Eddie’s witnessed your routine first hand. Your wild, and Eddie finds this fascinating.

When your silhouette disappears, but the light remains, Eddie concludes that you’re reading a chapter book. You told Eddie to try reading sometime because that’s what helped you get to sleep. He bought his first book that very same day.

The Lord of the Rings was your suggestion. Not that he hadn’t found it first, but he wasn’t about to point it out. Eddie sees the book hidden under a lighter he used last night.

Smoking seemed obvious to him. He couldn’t sleep, so he would light up. With Wayne home, though, Eddie didn’t want the smell getting to him. He’s pretty sure Wayne knows he smokes by now, and he doesn’t care. Eddie isn’t a reckless smoker by any means, and he keeps to himself. If Wayne found out he was selling, that would be a different story.

Never the less, Eddie reads page after page of the same book he’s been fascinated by for weeks. He immerses himself into the books wishing he could be the hero, rather than the one who runs in the face of danger.

Eddie hears your front door open and close. This interests him and tips his head up. Tossing the book aside like he’s suddenly been hypnotized, he looks through his window.

You’re on the porch in thin pajamas and a robe. A lit cigarette slots between your fingers. You only smoke when you’re stressed. Pacing back and forth, Eddie understands that you’re talking to yourself. He just can’t make out the words.

This is creepy. Eddie shuts his window, and sinks back in bed. Leaving you alone - leaving you alone.

The words in his book blur into blobs of unrecognizable text. All he can see right now is you on that porch. You’re alone - and you’re probably cold. He has a blanket that he could offer. Maybe he could- no, he is leaving you alone.

Eddie wants to untangle the knot he has in his belly. He even tries to convince himself that he’s still hungry. But, he knows he won’t eat. You’re there. Even if you were caked in mud, you’d still be the most beautiful girl in the world to him. Actually, he has seen you caked in mud before. You were definitely hot then too.

Oh, God. What was he doing?

Pulling open his closet now, Eddie finds a jacket to slip on over his pajamas. He takes an extra blanket with him. It’s a bit torn up, but the blanket is clean. Wayne washed the blanket a couple of days ago, along with Eddie’s sheets which he claimed he could smell from across town. Eddie was not that dirty. It was the weed - but, er - don’t ask about the stains. He doesn’t know what they are or where they came from. Seriously, don’t ask.

Wayne is still snoring in the living room. He mutters in his sleep when Eddie opens the front door, and he doesn’t see Wayne stir once the door shuts.

His uncle stretches, and wakes up enough to take a leak in his bathroom. By the time he returns to the living room, he catches a glimpse from the window in the living room. His boy is with you on your porch making you smile and making you blush.

Wayne doesn’t need to spy. He’s seen this movie before when his brother made moves on his girl. It’d be a few more years until Eddie is born, but the picture is already there.

“Atta boy,” Wayne cheers to himself.

Eddie’s sitting with you, and sharing a cigarette. You’re not sleeping either. Dried black makeup you haven’t smudged off is stuck under your eyes. He wants to swipe it away, but he doesn’t know if he should.

“Is your mom in tonight?” Eddie asks.

You shake your head. “No, but my dad is such a deep sleeper. He’s nothing to worry about.”

Eddie worries about your dad catching him there with his only daughter, then your mom who likes to call you both “crazy kids.” Your dad is stern. Overprotective. He’s jokes about having a gun locked away somewhere, but Eddie still has no idea if he is joking. You won’t tell him because truthfully you don’t know.

“What’s got you up?” Eddie brings the blanket closer to you because he sees your shoulders dance.

You shake your head blowing out smoke to the left where Eddie isn’t.

Eddie takes a drag from the cigarette after he says, “I don’t think I’ve been all that honest with you.”

He reads your face.

“Not like that,” he can’t look at you, so he counts the floorboards of your porch. “I said we’re okay, but I don’t think we are.”

Your heart skips in your chest. “What do you mean?”

While Eddie might not be able to look at you, your eyes are all on him. In the moonlight, he’s like this shiny thing. You can’t put your thoughts into words, but he’s carved by the shine of the moon. He might hide his face with his hair, but when he hunches over you relax a bit.

You haven’t been able to put yourself in bed. Knowing that Eddie was there had wrecked your mind. You’re itching to be near him.

The whole day you thought about nothing, but him. How unsatisfied you are with your earlier conversation. You thought being the one to take charge in the conversation, and assert yourself, might make the blow easier. Truthfully, it hurt even worse.

You spent the evening sobbing in your room like a baby. Friends. You signed your name at the bottom of that contract. But, then, you thought about the day you’ll find a nice boy that will like you back. You’ll get married. You’ll get a house. Everything will be okay. But, as you thought about your life, your mind wondered about Eddie. What happens when he finds a girl? He’ll have a wife and he’ll have a house too.

You’ll be at that wedding. Sitting in a chair that’s not too close to the front, but also not all the way in the back. The band sits in front of you. They might not be able to pronounce the brand name, but their check cashes on their suits. All of your friends are his friends.

Eddie’s fiancé is faceless, but her gown is breathtaking. They’ll say ‘I do.’

You’ll cry along with them, but the tears you shed are ones you let out at a funeral. Are you just supposed to sit there and pretend like you don’t want to throw up?

Because that’s not you standing at the alter.

That’s some chick he’s met on the road while he tours with the band. Sure she’s great. But, the sight sickens you. Maybe that means your selfish, but you can’t do this. You can’t see Eddie with another woman. You refuse to see it because Eddie’s always been with you.

“I’m sorry?” You’ve spaced out while Eddie is speaking.

He begins to say, “please don’t make me repeat myself.”

Throwing the cigarette to the ground, you stamp out the flame. You wrap your hands around his neck, and you pull him forward. Eddie's lips meet yours in an awaited embrace. Longing and passionate. His hands burrow into your hair pulling you ever closer. The tender touch of his fingers fall to your waist to tell you he's not going anywhere.

You can't be sure which one of you pull away first. But, when your eyes open you breathe a sigh of relief. Eddie is still there, and he's about as hot in the face as you feel. You let out a breathy laugh, and he hides his grin behind his hair.

It doesn't take long for him to ask,

"Can I take you out sometime?"

And, of course, you say. "Yes!"

-> <-

tags: @hellfirenacht @queercodedcharacter @ogoc-19 @littlewinchester1 @stardustingold @ghost4love @spenciesprincess @animechick555 @foggyfooz @aactuaaltraash @loves0phelia @sofaritsalrightt @thisisktrying @somethingvicked @sebastiansstanswhore

[russo-woso]

Wimbledon || Leah Williamson

Based on this Request here. Thank you anon for sending it in :)

First of all, I don’t know anything about tennis or Wimbledon so this was a guess. Hopefully it works like this.

Warning smut, cunnilingus, semi-public sex, top!leah

Summary Leah rewards you after you win Wimbledon

Tennis had always been your life.

Your mum and her sisters had grown up playing tennis, and so you were bound to play it too.

Being the only daughter, niece and granddaughter, it was up to you to continue their legacy.

And that’s what you did.

You collapsed to the floor in happiness as the ball hit your racket for the final time.

After weeks of going through knockout stages, you had won.

After years of injuries and constant hard work, you had won.

Winning Wimbledon had only ever been your dream since the age of four, and here you were collecting the trophy from princess Kate.

Lifting the trophy up in the air, your eyes connected with your family, tears streaming down their faces, but there was another person who looked even more prouder.

Your fiancé, Leah, was sat next to your mum, smiling through the tears that welled in her eyes.

You blew her a kiss, Leah immediately blowing one back.

Once shaking hands with everyone, you made your way back to your designated changing room where you were met with Leah.

Leah had her arms open, waiting for you to jump in them.

“I’m so proud of you, baby.” She mumbled in your hair, placing you back on the ground before putting her lips on yours. “Listen, your family wants to go out for dinner and they’ve reserved the table for 5:30 so you’ve got just under an hour to get ready.”

“Okay, perfect. God, I can’t believe I just won Wimbledon. I’ve dreamed of winning it since I was four, Le.” You tell her and once again, she envelops you in a hug.

“I know, pretty girl and I am so proud of you.” You connected your lips with Leah’s, the kiss becoming passionate very quickly.

“Here’s the star girl. Well done hunny.” Your mum walked through the door, you and Leah separating very quickly.

“Thanks mum. It’s all thank to you that I’m here today. Thank you.” You said, hugging her.

“It’s all you, darling. You’re here today because you worked for it. Now hurry up, you two stop kissing and actually get changed. I’m not having us be late for our reservation.”

————————

“Le, stop it.” You whisper to her, removing her curious hand from your thigh.

“Come on, pretty girl, I’m just resting my hand there.” Leah responded, putting her hand on the original place it was in before it started travelling.

You looked up and tried to join the conversation but was soon distracting by Leah’s lingering fingers travelling up your thigh.

“I — umm — Do you mind if I take a minute? Le, come with.” You stuttered, stumbling out of your chair, before practically dragging Leah to the toilets. “What’s up with—” You began asking Leah but you were cut off with her lips on yours.

“I just wanna show you how proud I am.” Leah said, separating your lips from hers, reconnecting them to your jaw seconds later.

You whined as Leah nipped at your neck, marking it gently and leaving light red marks.

“We’re gonna have to be quick, love, okay? Be quiet.”

Leah’s hands travelled down your body before reaching up your dress.

“Le, please. Please don’t tease.” You whined into her shoulder, resting your head on it.

“Don’t worry, love, I won’t.”

You felt Leah’s hand touch your clit and your knees buckled from beneath you, luckily Leah held you up.

“Good girl, keep quiet.” Leah said, circling your clit at a set pace.

“Oh god - Le, it feels so good.”

“I know it does baby, but keep quiet.”

“I don’t think I can, le.” You managed to mumble into Leah’s shoulder as moans escaped your mouth.

“Lift your head up.” Leah commanded and you obeyed, meeting Leah’s eyes.

Within seconds, Leah’s lips were on yours, Leah swallowing your moans.

“I’m close, le. I’m so close. Oh god - I’m gonna cum.”

You took ahold of Leah’s neck, pulling her into you so your lips were on hers, Leah swallowing all your orgasmic moans.

“I love you so much.” You told Leah, separating your lips.

“I love you too, pretty girl. We’ll continue this when we get home, okay? I’m gonna make you know how proud I am.” Leah stated, pressing her lips on your head as she helped you gain your balance on the floor.

“Y/N, Leah, are you in there?” You heard your mums voice say through the toilet door.

“Umm, yes mum, we’ll be out in a minute.” You said, stuttering some of your words.

“We’ll try leave early. I’ll come up with an excuse.” Leah told you with a smirk, opening the door and putting her hand in yours.

It was going to be a sinful night.

Requests are open :)

[asmutwriter]

My Angel (Part 1)

DESCRIPTION: You go about your day as usual. Getting some cash for your stolen items from the previous day. Little do you realise you may steal from the wrong person.

A/N - Header may change depending on how the story goes but for now I will keep it as this - enjoy

WORD COUNT: 2550

Next / Master List  

WARNINGS: Swearing, mentions of prostitution/sex, talk of low income, petty crime (stealing), a small fight if you squint (no one gets hurt), self defense

DISCLAIMERS

- This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand

You let out a soft grumble. The thin sheet covering your body not doing much to keep you warm. The bare windows allowing the early morning sun to come in and tease your eyes open. You rub your face. Burrowing your head into the hard pillow.

"Come on. Get up" you mutter to yourself. Eyes stay shut as you push yourself up from the bed. Twisting your nude body to exit the bed covers. Finding your various clothing items you scatted on the floor from the events of last night. Picking up the small wad of cash your regular customer had set aside for you. Stuffing it into your bra before you bundle yourself with layers.

You walk in the brisk air. A breath leaving your lips in a cloud of fog. Ears turning red from the cold nipping at them. You'd forgotten your hat and now you were paying the price. Your hands were firmly planted into the pockets of your thick coat. Trying to gain the warmth from your palms and transfer it to your head. Plus you could hug your keys in your fist this way.

Sadly it was common for you to get cornered. You soon got used to dealing with it though. Your keys being a good choice. Couldn't be charged with a planned assault with keys. Knives and other weapons could be. But that's not the point. You get to your home. Unlocking the front door.

It wasn't much but its been your home for 4 years now. Nearly 5. Two rooms. One small one to the side for a toilet and shower. The other, bigger room. Containing a bed, fridge and sink. Once you lock the door behind you again you go over to the bed. Emptying your pockets (and bra) onto the brown blanket adorning the bed covers.

Two wallets, a necklace, plus the fifty you made last night. You sit on the bed. Going through the wallets. Giving an annoyed huff. "Great". You throw the leather onto the bed as well as the contents. "I've made an extra seven bucks and a Starbucks voucher". You give out an annoyed sigh. Bringing the item up. Looking at the faded cardboard. "What a shitty day" you mumble. Flopping down onto your bed. Head hitting the creaky mattress below. Fingers fiddling with the flimsy item still in hand. Picking at the rough edge of it. Glancing your eyes to the bedside clock. 7:07am. "Yep. A shitty day".

You give an annoyed groan. Your hands coming up and covering your eyes. "Fuck. Ok" you keep your eyes closed as you process your day out loud. "So bad start. Its ok. We have spare cash from last month that we can use for rent. We can go and get our-" you bring the card back up. Glancing at it through a squinted eye before flopping your hand back onto the bed. "Free coffee or hot beverage and decide what to do from there". You sit up. Bouncing to your feet as you grab a coat and remembering your hat.

Bounding to the door as you unlock it and swing it open. "Shit". You go back over. Grabbing the necklace too. The shiny silver being a harsh contrast to your grime covered fingers. Shoving the jewel into your coat pocket. "I can swing by Liam's before coffee. See how much this bad boys worth". You go out to the street. Locking your door behind you. Turning once again to start your confident stroll your foot meets a rather large and muddy puddle. Splattering up your leg. You stand still. Annoyance coursing through your veins. Giving out a shaky breath as you try to remain calm.

"I can see Liam after coffee" you correct yourself. Shoving your keys into your pocket, but making sure you have a firm grip around them as you stroll down a few blocks. Coming to the coffee shop in question. Going inside and getting your free beverage. They were so busy they ran out of clean mugs. So you settle for a large take out cup.

You find the only space you can in the small and mildly crowded shop. Briefly paying mind to the elderly woman you sit next to. The seat to your left being free still as you sip your drink and do some people watching. Looking out the large window in front of you. Completely in a world off your own it takes you a little while to process that someone is actually talking to you. Turning you meet a pair of blue eyes. A soft smile adorning his defined features. "Hmm?" you say softly. He smiles more.

"Can I sit here?" He repeats. You note his drink and food in hand. Giving a nod as you smile back up at him.

"Of course". He sits beside you. Watching as he sits down. You tilt your head slightly. He attempts to take a sip of his drink. Seeing the regret flash through his eyes as he burns his tongue. You try not to laugh. Giving a small smile as you start speaking. "I know most of the locals yet you I don't recognise. You must be new". He gives a small chuckle. "I'm Mia". He turns to look at you as you outstretch your hand. Taking it in yours.

"Steve"

"So what is a guy like you doing out here then, Steve?" He gives a small chuckle again. Shaking his head slightly.

"I'd rather not get into that at the moment" He faces you again. Eyes scanning your features. "How long have you lived here for?"

"What made you think I live here?"

"You said you recognise the locals. Only people who live in the area recognise locals. Its either that or a poor attempt at a pick up line". Now its your turn to give out a soft laugh. Sipping your coffee.

"Could it be both?" He smiles. Turning his head back to look out the window. "I've lived in the area for five years now. Well, five next week". His brow scrunches slightly. Turning to look at you.

"You are either way older then you look or you moved here when you were very young". You smile. Resting your head on your palm as you continue to look at him.

"I moved here when I was 17 but we don't need to get into all of that". You turn to look out the window. Drinking your drink as fond memories of your past flutter through your mind. Before everything turned dark and gloomy. You mentally shake yourself. Turning back to smile at him.

"So you're 22?" you give a small nod. Smiling as you quickly dart your eyes to his lips.

"Smart man". He smiles at the compliment. His eyes steady on yours. "How old are you then Mr Steve?" He gives a low chuckle.

"Too old for you" you smile. Turning back to your drink as you down the rest of your beverage.

"You're probably right. Besides-" Watching as you plop the now empty drink down onto the table. "You seem way to nice for me" you smile as you look at him. He turns his head. Looking at the table as a small smile and laugh escapes his lips. Your eyes quickly dart over his features. Giving out a small sigh before planting your hands onto the table.

"Right. Work calls" You push yourself up with your arms. He watches as you stand. "Its been lovely chatting with you but I got to go and make some money" he gives a low chuckle. Nodding as he smiles at you.

"Good luck" he says. A genuine kindness in his voice. You smile back. Picking up your empty take out mug you squeeze past him. Going to the bin. And hand going into his pocket. Swiping his wallet and pushing it up your sleeve as you head to the bin. Chucking it in before squeezing back past.

"Hope to see you around Mr Steve" he gives a small nod. Giving a small wave to you as you head out the door. He watches you out the glass window as you start walking to Liam's.

Going a few roads away from the cafe. Coming to a dodgy looking house. You go up. Giving it three hard knocks before stepping back. A few moments pass before the door opens. A scrawny man with a tattoo on his neck opens. White wife beater and grey sweatpants. He smiles as he removes the lit cigarette from his mouth.

"Mia!" he smiles at you. Eyes going so gracefully to your chest. "What do I owe this pleasure?" You smile. Bringing your lip between your teeth as you reach into your pocket. Taking out the necklace from your pocket. His eyes stop staring at your boobs as they go to your hand. Giving out a whistle as he nods.

"How much for this?" He places the smoke back into his mouth. Outstretching a hand. You place them into his palm. His hands also a harsh contrast of dirt to the delicate jewellery.

"20"

"Fuck off"

"Thats the best I can do"

"Its worth atleast 100". He gives a small chuckle. Looking back up at you.

"30"

"80"

"40"

"I ain't going lower then 50. I'm not an expert with jewels but those-" you motion to the item in his grasp. "Those are worth the big bucks. The kinds that kings and queens wear". He gives another soft chuckle. Leaning against the door with his back as he pushes it open. Grabbing out a wad of cash. Counting out the money loudly.

"$50" he hands you the money. You smile. Taking it from his hand. Undoing the zip of your coat slightly and managing to shove the money int your bra. His eyes watch as you zip the coat back up. "I'll give you an extra 30 if you come inside". You give a scoff. Shoving your hands back into your pockets. If you did then you would be able to pay off the next couple of weeks rent. Plus have some left over.

"50". He smiles. Hand still holding the roll of cash. He takes out the money you asked. Handing it to you. You go to take it. He moves the hand away. Smiling at you.

"100 if you let me do it raw".

"No way. I ain't risking that" He gives a chuckle. Nodding as he hands you the money. Moving aside as he motions with his hand for you to enter. This wasn't your first time doing this with Liam. You knew where to go to find his bedroom. Plus you knew what he liked so the ordeal was over and done with after ten minutes. Putting your clothes on as he rests in bed. Throwing your coat back on. 100 dollars firmly wedged between your bra and skin. You wish him farewell as you head out the door.

The smell of his cigarette smoke stuck to you. God you would need a shower when you get back. Thankfully you could afford the bill to have a nice hot shower so you deemed it as a necessity. You start to head back to your home. Walking down the alleyway. The one that was normally empty besides the odd drug deal. Today it was empty though. Your lucky day. You smile as you head to your home. Unlocking and opening the door.

You reach into your pocket. Taking out the wallet from your earlier swipe. Opening it. You think its strange that he didn't have an ID or anything but didn't think to much of it. Your mind was set of the cash. your gleeful smile turns to a frown as you open it up fully. "Fucks sake" you mutter. You take out the single note. Twenty bucks. Feeling the little zip part of the item and opening it. 43 cents. "Great. Handsome man is a broke bitch". You chuck the wallet onto the bed with the cash and coins.

"I really need a shower". You sniff your coat. "Ew" you mutter. Smelling strongly of cigarettes you shrug it off. Going and pulling the curtains shut to your main room. Darkness other then the small light emitting from the bathroom. Reaching into your bra as you take out the wad of cash. Also throwing that onto the bed before starting to strip. Chucking your clothes into the dirty pile on the floor. You'll take them to the washer dryer tomorrow. Right now you needed a quick shower. Hopping in. Letting the hot water stream down your body. Washing the smoke out of your hair before getting out.

Towel drying yourself before heading into the bedroom living area. Grabbing some clean clothes out the drawers. Pants then bra. Socks. Then shirt. You go to put a leg into your jeans when you hear a noise. Your front door. The door handle jiggling. Hearing people talk outside. Two voices you think. You quickly pull your jeans up. A difficult feat but you manage it due to the rushed nature.

You try and be quiet as you go over to the door. Picking up a bat from beside your bed. Going over and standing beside the door. Trying to look intimidating. You go to bring the bat down as soon as it opens. A hooded figure. The person has quick reflexes. Grabbing the bat and pulling it. Disarming you as it gets thrown the into the hallway outside your apartment. You don't hesitate as you bring a foot up. Squaring it into their stomach. Winding them as they fall into the wall by the door. The person behind goes to grab you. Catching your wrist before you can react to anything else.

You twist your hand. Moving it to break from their grasp. Exchanging your wrist for theirs as you take a tight hold of their arm. Other going to their upper arm as you bring them up and over your shoulder. Knocking them onto the floor beneath you. You turn. Going into the hallway. Grabbing the bat from before and holding it up. Shutting the door as you stand by it. Eyes frantic as you look at the two bodies on the floor.

"Who the fuck are you and why are you in my home?"

"I know that voice" a female says. Obviously winded. She was the one you kicked. Your turn your head between the two of them.

"Answer my damn question or I'll start swinging"

"Wait. Wait a second" the other voice - a male voice - says below you.

"Who the hell are you?" There's a small pause. Too long. You bring the bat back. Swinging it against the wall. "Answer me"

"Mia?" The female voice says. You just can't quite out a face to the voice.

"Mia?" the male mimics. Almost disbelief. You recognise that voice too but are again unable to pinpoint who they belong to. You give out a sigh. Still on high alert and adrenaline. You reach behind you. Turning on the light. Turning back. Seeing your good friend Natasha bracing herself against the wall. The man you met earlier lying beneath you. You drop the bat. Making them both flinch as it hits the floor.

"Fuck"

Next

TAGS

@wonderlanddreamer

[pxgeturner]

joel takes you, his intern, on a work trip, and fucks you in the bathroom of the convention center.

Why? why did the one intern that was chosen to go to the yearly conference be you? all the other interns are just going to snicker behind your back that you don’t deserve it because now they think you’re sleeping with mr. miller. But you got here on your own merit.

worst part is, they’re half right.

you are having sex with joel.

you’re having sex with joel right now, in the bathroom, where just down the hall, tommy is starting of the company’s presentation. You have an ear pressed to the door, trying to figure out how far away he is from your and joel’s queue. 

Joel pinches the softness of your thigh, perfectly time with a harsh thrust into you. you yelp and look at him, eyes beginning to water. 

“sorry, doll, did that hurt?” he cups your chin, “i’m sorry, angel, I just can’t have you focusing on anything else right now.”

“but-” another thrust. 

“not a word, doll. You let me worry about the timing. You just worry about how your pretty little pussy is feeling, stuffed good with my cock.” he grinds into you and your mind goes blank.

“mmm, that’s it baby, that’s it. just go nice and dumb on my cock huh?” he adjusts you, and your blouse rolls up, and your back meets the unforgiving cold of the door. You gasp and clutch joel, forcing him to bottom out in you. 

he groans. “FUCK, sweetheart, what happened?”

“the.. the door is cold…”

“do y’want me to set you down on the counter?”

you grab hold of him tighter. “no! it’s wet!”

he hisses, he’s about to start seeing stars if you don’t relax soon “ok then, you feel good like this, sugar?”

“if you’re good, so am I.”

“alright then, baby, I need you to loosen your legs a little bit so I can move.” he takes a deep breath, and it’s clear to you that he wants you to do the same. 

And soon enough, he’s back to moving you like the you don’t weigh anything. Your hands tangle in his hair, and your face is in his neck. You nip at him, as he puts a finger on your clit. 

“c’mon angel, c’mon my dumb little baby, cum for me, let me feel it, c’mon I know you want to.”

“I wanna,” you whimper.

Every so lightly, he pinches your clit, just enough to send you over the edge. Your legs shake with force of the orgasm and joel feels you dripping onto him. He slips himself out of you, and holds you for a moment, keeping a finger on your clit to to move you through the end of your orgasm. 

“angel,” he whispers into your ear, once he can tell that your coming back down to earth. 

“y-yeah?”

“you squirted.” he smiles, mischievously proud. You blush and playfully smack his shoulder. 

“and angel?”

“what?” you ask, slightly annoyed. 

“time to get you dressed.” he sets you down on the toilet and starts wiping you up. 

“joel,” your mind is starting to clear up and you don’t remember joel finishing. Proven by the sight of his still-hard cock “you’re still hard.” you try to reach over, wanting to help him finish. 

He gently swats your hand away, pausing cleaning you up to pull up his pants up from his thighs and fasten them. “this was for you, not for me.” he goes back to wiping you up

“but-”

he helps you with your skirt “we’re on in five minutes, angel girl.”

soon, your blouse is fixed and your lipstick has been touched up, and joel’s helping you into your heels. 

“nervous?”

“no, honestly i feel really calm.”

“because you know the stuff. you were overthinking.”

“yeah,” you nod sheepishly.

He opens the door, offering you his hand, “ready to put on a show?”

you smile and take his hand, “as long as you promise to help keep me steady.”

“i’ll always be here for you, sugar.”

[ragingbookdragon]

It’s well into the afternoon when Spades finally emerges from her den and into the breakroom, bleary-eyed and obviously hungover. Price nor Laswell say a word as she shuffles from the company coffee maker then to the table, a groan escaping her as she lowers herself down onto the seat. She doesn’t drink her coffee, she just hovers over it, blinking and hoping that the caffeine will magically absorb into her bloodstream.

Price is the one who finally breaks the silence with, “You alright, Spades?”

She frowns, brows pulling together as she responds with, “I…don’t remember how we got back to base last night.” Her voice is rough, hoarse like she’s been screaming; she pulls at the sparkly silver dress, one arm is out of the sleeve, the other covered.

Laswell notices the lipstick and eyeliner smeared across her face. “Where did you guys go after Soap’s party?”

“I think we went to McDonalds?” Spades replies confusedly. “We pre-gamed here but then Soap was hungry, so we went there. But after we left, we saw a bar and…it’s all fuzzy after that.” She rubs at her temples. “I think there was another bar or was it a nightclub?”

“Where’s everyone else?” Price asks. “The guy’s quarters are empty.”

Spades hums low in her throat. “Soap’s passed out by the toilet, Ghost’s in the tub, Gaz is on the bed, and König is out cold on the floor.” Her head lowers and she rubs her chest. “My nipples hurt.” She sounds confused. “Why the fuck do my nipples hurt?”

Pulling at the dress, she manages to somehow get her other arm out of its sleeve and tugs it down her chest, completely ignoring Laswell and Price; Laswell squints. “Oh my god…Spades, did you…?”

“Who the fuck pierced my nipples last night?”

Price blinks and rubs his eyes. “My only inquiry is if you’re the only one.”

Spades doesn’t reply as she rises shakily from her seat and stumbles out the door, down the hall and back into her quarters. She steps over König, barely sees Gaz wedged between the wall and her bed, and into the bathroom, where Soap is laying with his head against the porcelain of the toilet, and Ghost is contorted into the bathtub. He’s got both knees bent up, heels together, arms crossed over his chest, and his chin is in his chest as well.

She doesn’t even bother to wake him up as she unwinds his arms and shoves his black hoodie and shirt up his chest to reveal two silver bars through either of his nipples.

“Had a dream like this one night,” she hears from a groggy voice. “But it’s a very different location and position.”

Spades drops Ghost’s shirt and does the same to Soap, but the man doesn’t even twitch as she looks at his gold bars. “Did we all—?”

“Mhm.”

“Tell me we at least got photos?”

Ghost grunts and gives a short nod before grabbing her by the sleeve of her dress and yanks her back into him. He tucks her against his body and the tub is way too small for them both, but she somehow manages to twist comfortably enough to tuck her head into the crook of his neck.

“My nips hurt.”

“My dick hurts,” he retorts, and that’s when Spades notices that Ghost is cupping his groin in a way that is protecting it from her weight and her jaw drops in shock.

“Nuh uh, you didn’t.”

“You made me.”

“What?”

Ghost shifts, chest rising and falling as he wraps his arm around her waist. “You said you wanted to feel it whenever I fuck—”

Her hand slaps across his mouth and for once in her life, Spades is flustered. “Okay, end of sentence. You can take it out whenever you want.”

She can feel the smirk and self-assuredness in his voice as he says, “Nah, I think I like it.”

“You’re out of your mind, Ghost.”

“Indeed.” Ghost’s hand slips up her thigh to grab at her ass. “But you like it.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” she replies, and settles against him. “I have a reputation.”

“You will when I’m done with you.”

[ghostgirlkeks]

Flannel- Sweet pea

This imagine is of you wearing one of Sweet pea’s flannels while patching him up after a fight. This is just bittersweet, no smut! If you want anything done with any character I will happily do that if you send me a message or anything like that! Enjoy reading!!

——————————————————————————

Your POV:

It’s getting dark outside. I figured Sweet pea would be home already. I get onto my knees as I check the window once more, looking for any sign of my tall, hardheaded boyfriend.

He said he had plans tonight with some of the Serpents, and even though they are my family too, I can’t help but worry. As I continue to look around, I see lightning flash across the sky. In an instant, it begins pouring rain.

God I hope he’s okay.

I get up from the couch and turn on our porch light. At least he will be able to see when he gets back home. I go into our shared bedroom and change out of the clothes I wore today, my bra was really starting to get on my nerves. I changed into a pair of shorts, and into a tank top. However, our trailer doesn’t have very good heating, letting the cold air nip at my skin.

I look around for anything to cover myself with; spotting one of Sweetpea’s flannels, I grab it and throw it on. I walk out of our bedroom and back into the living room. I can hear the rain hitting our roof hard.

I grab the tv remote and turn the channel, trying to find any good show to keep me occupied. However, nothing can get him out of my mind. Thoughts running through my head, wondering if he’s hurt, in trouble, etc.

I opt to just clean instead, stress cleaning is the way I usually go. I do the laundry, remake the bed, put things back where they should go, I even reorganized our fridge. But even when that was all done, he still hadn’t walked through the door.

I walk back over to the couch, and settle near the armrest, having a perfect look out the window. As I stare into the darkness, sleep crawls upon me like a shadow. It eventually wins, and the last thing I remember is staring out into the pouring rain.

The door opening and slamming shut is what woke me up. I jump up, looking at the door. His Serpent jacket is all I see, since his back is turned to me.

“Pea?” I ask, my voice coming out tired. I walk up to him, wrapping my arms around his torso. “Pea what happened?” I ask, looking up at him waiting for him to turn around. I let my arms fall as he turns, and that’s when I see the cuts on his face.

“Got into a fight with Northsiders, I’m sorry if I woke you up.” He says, running his hands through his soaked hair. His chest is heaving, and I can hear his breathing.

“Let me get you cleaned up and you can tell me all about it.” I say, grabbing his hand and leading him to our bathroom. Once we are both inside I help him take off his Serpent jacket, and hang it onto one of the hooks meant for towels. He sits on the toilet like he usually does when I have to patch him up.

I grab the supplies I need, and put them on our small bathroom counter, getting the alcohol and cotton balls ready.

He watches my every move, and I swear he didn’t blink.

“Is that my flannel?” He asks, letting out a small laugh. I give a small smile and nod my head. “Yes, yes it is” I say, as I start to clean his cuts. He winced from time to time, especially when I go over one of the larger cuts.

“So tell me what happened.” I say, my voice stern, and my hand holding his fax as I continue to doctor him up.

His hands find their ways to my thighs, beginning to rub small circles as he starts to go through the story of how it was Archie Andrew’s and the Bulldog’s faults. How they faught on the bridge, and Archie’s crazy girlfriend shot a gun to stop the fight.

As I threw away the last cotton ball, Sweet pea stood up, walking behind me, and letting his hands rest on my hips. He leans down and plants a soft kiss to the back of my head.

“Thank you for cleaning me up pretty lady.” He says, now planting kisses on my neck, earning a laugh from me as his hair tickles the side of my face. “You’re welcome honey.” I say while just enjoying being in his arms.

I go over to the sink and wash my hands, ridding the alcohol smell from my hands. As he walks past me to go into our bedroom to change from his wet clothes, his hand swoops down and smacks my butt, earning a hiss from me.

“You look good in my flannel by the way.” He says, giving me a wink and a smile before going into our bedroom.

Lord, what am I going to do with this boy?

[mariamakeslemons]

Kinktober 2024: Day 11 Gags/Shaving

Warning: mostly fluff with heavy implications, talk of shaving pubes, bondage mentioned

Johnny whines, high in the back of his throat as his thighs flex uselessly on the chair. You just hum in response, checking over the straight razor you bought specifically for this job.

“Now, just be a good boy,” you coo, making sure the shaving cream is prepped, “You wanted to try this with me first.” Johnny huffs, gnawing at the bit gag you had fit into his mouth before tying him to the chair. You love Johnny (like you love all the boys of 141 and their captain), but he’s always got to be in motion. If he wants to try intimate shaving, he needs to be still.

“Hey, Cap said you were in heeeeere…” Kyle chirps through the door of the bathroom, only to trail off when he opened said door. Once again, you’re thankful that John talked you out of your tiny apartment, since this bathroom is the size of your old kitchen at least.

“Heya Kyle!” you chirp while Johnny makes a noise that is similar to a greeting.

“What is going on in here?” the pretty boy of 141 (voted on and everything. Kyle was so embarrassed) asks, eyeing the straight razor in your hand warily.

“Oh, well, you know how John will let Simon or I shave his beard?” you start as an explanation. Kyle immediately gets it.

“Yeah, he’s been talkin’ about doing that,” he acknowledges with a nod, before jerking his chin at the binding holding his fellow Sergent to the chair, “But what’s with the bondage and gag?” You don’t even say a word, just holding up the straight razor for Kyle to see and motioning at Johnny’s wiggling. Kyle clicks his tongue and nods, “Yeah, no, that makes sense. But the gag?”

“He makes me laugh,” you explain, picking up the brush and whipping up the shaving cream, getting it to cover the bristles before straddling Johnny’s lap. Immediately, his thighs tense as he obviously wants to grind up into you.

“And you might cut him if you laugh,” Kyle finishes for you, dropping down onto the toilet to watch as you gently lather the shaving cream over the Scot’s chin.

“Exactly,” you agree, humming and tilting your head thoughtfully. With a click of your tongue, you apply a heavier layer of shaving cream over what is already there, before picking up the straight razor. You stare into Johnny’s blue eyes and order, “Now, stay as still as you can, you masochist. I don’t want to grab the first aid kit if I don’t have to.” He whines, but nods, making a slurping sound as drool starts to try escaping his mouth. You start, working quickly around his mouth first so his drool doesn’t start washing off the lather you had made. Once his skin was clear, you press a kiss to the now smooth area, smiling as Johnny pretty much melts under you.

“Fuck,” Kyle sighs, adjusting himself while watching you slow down while shaving Johnny’s cheeks and jaw. You offer him a smile as you wipe the razor clean for the next pass, leaning back when your shared boyfriend tries to nuzzle into your shoulder.

“Too cute?” you ask, gently running the blade over the last of the lather, before leaning in to press another kiss to Johnny’s cheek.

“Too sexy,” Kyle corrects, flexing his hand idly as you set the razor to the side and reach around to unlatch the bit gag from Johnny’s mouth. Once free from the gag, the Scot nips at your throat and shoulder.

“Aye, ‘ey are,” Johnny agrees, “Straddlin’ mae lap li’ a ‘ramp. Sexy thin’, ye are.”

“English, MacTavish,” you tease, as Kyle slides behind your boyfriend, his hands running through the hair on Johnny’s chest thoughtfully.

“Feckin’ sexy,” he groans instead, arching his chest into Kyle’s hands eagerly.

“How about we put the gag back in,” Kyle says, “and we play with him for a bit longer.”

“An interesting proposition,” you hum, leaning forward and dragging your teeth across Johnny’s newly shaved chin and throat, “What do you think, Johnny?”

“Feck mae,” he groans, his eyes rolling back in his head when Kyle gives his nipples a pinch.

“Now, that doesn’t sound like a gagged Soap,” a new voice teases. You turn and smile at John, who is leaning in the doorway, and Simon peering around the older man’s shoulder.

“Nope, but we did give him a shave,” you chirp, motioning at Johnny’s hair free chin and cheeks. John hums as Simon strides over, his fingers gentle as they turn the Sergent’s head back and forth. Johnny whines, his eyes glassy as he sinks just a bit into sub space, especially when Simon bullies one of his big fingers into a half open mouth.

“Got ‘im oll riled up, too,” Simon rumbles, gently thrusting the finger between Johnny’s lips. You shrug, completely innocent in this situation. Or, partially, as you didn’t intend to rile Johnny up when you straddled him. It’s just easier to shave him on his lap.

“What if, and hear me out, we shaved something else of his,” Kyle pipes in. John arches an eyebrow as Simon pulls back his fingers with a soft pop and a whine from Johnny.

“I’m not shaving his chest,” you immediately shoot down, “It’s comfy and weirdly smells good all the time.”

“Still don’ know ‘ow it does,” Simon agrees, running his fingers over said chest hair.

“Wasn’t thinkin’ his chest,” Kyle says, fingers trailing down until he’s toying with curly pubic hair that is always a little scratchy.

“Ye wan’ mae bare as a bairn?” Johnny slurs out, pouting up at Kyle. The other men snort and shake their heads while you hum.

“Nah, just want it under control,” Kyle corrects with a grin, “But it’d be funny for you to be in the community shower, bare down there when you’re still so hairy everywhere else.” Johnny tilts his head, his eyes clearing a little as he mulls that idea over.

“I’m getting scissors no matter what, because Kyle’s right,” you decide, “We’re trimming that back at least.”

“I’ll take him to the shower after,” Simon offers. You’d think it was just to rinse off any stray hair that stubbornly clings, if not for the hard on Simon’s joggers are barely containing.

“Perv,” you tease, as Kyle peppers Johnny’s face with kisses. Rising, you decide you’ll find out the final decision after grabbing the scissors, laughing when Simon swats at your ass while you pass him.

[headingalaxys-sweet]

Spooky Season Shenanigans for the Nekos Part 1

America-Cat 

He begins to gather clumps from his litter box and soil that is damp from the backyard. America cat has taken some of his owners socks which he uses as casings to store his ‘ammunition’. This crazy cat is even in the midst of crafting an underground lair of sorts. He’s stored a few long lighters, fireworks, toilet paper rolls, eggs he’s brought to ‘ferment’, masks, costumes, etc. America cat is going to be putting on an entire production. If he already wasn’t the King of Halloween this will make him the king now for like ever meow! 

Canada-Cat 

Has gone to cat markets, candle shops, and bakeries where cat’s all over the world come to visit when Sept 1st hits. There is one shop in particular that sells this legendary Maple Fish Cake, which only available during this time of year. They’re so popular in fact that they have to limit cats with only being able to purchase 5 of these specialty cakes for the season. [Yes, there were many years where scammer cats hoarded the entire stock of cakes in the morning. They’d mark up the price of them 300% to say that ridiculous is an understatement but the cakes are that yummy. And they may or may not have a special cat-nip lacd in them] 

Canada-cat tentatively passes by the costume shops debating with himself on if he’s going to attend his brothers cat’s annual Halloween party and prank-a-thon. 

China-Cat

Busy raiding his owners' pastry / cookbooks to make an entire special Fall menu of food for the season. He will do more to spend time in the sun while it still lasts. China-cat wants his dark chestnut fur to get nice and toasty so he can store it away for the Winter months. [So his old bones don’t get frozen and brittle.] China-cats favorite pass time is to go to Yi Dian Dian & The Alley once or twice a day to get a hot or cold milk tea that occasionally has Boba in it. 

England-Cat 

His tail will be flicking back and forth lowly on the carpet. The season where he got to be on the fresh grass or out on the open sea. When he daydreamed about the wide open waters he thought about the days that he was a mouser alongside his swashbuckling and commanding owner. As England cat was in the midst of his thoughts clouds made the sky darker and the air became colder. When his head rises he was able to catch the last milliseconds of a lightning boldt. He hears low chattering rising from the basement. 

‘Arthur must be at it again so he can try to win Halloween this year against that Yank. I guess now is a good time for me to maybe get ready for America cats shenanigans this year as well.’

France-Cat

He’d invited ‘Charmy Chartreux,’ a famous cat known for doing home holiday decorating, planning, and execution. By the time Spet rolls around, France cat will be ready for the season of the spooky but make it posh & elegant. Tangerine tea lights, pumpkins with the flur de lese, macaroons, & the Eiffel Tower carved into them. He even managed to make a deal with Canada-Cat to have a shipment of Maple Fish Cakes sent to him. 

Germany-Cat 

Planning safety guides for cats and what to do when you’ve had too much cat-nip contingent plans. He knows America-cat is planning an insane rager complete with ill-advised pranks, stunts, and performances all meant to stroke his ego. Germany-cat also makes note to buy extra sausages, treats, and Apfelsaft (Apple Juice—just make it sparkling). He does this so no cat is on an empty stomach and has its whiskers twisted by catnip. 

Italy Cats 

They haven’t thought about Halloween all that much. They’re just vibing with the season changes. The crisper air carried the fresh scent of harvested grapes, olives, pumpkins, etc. The two of them love stealing Felicianos tortelli di zucca (pumpkin soup), minestrone, and strudel di mele. 

“Germany! Germany! Help me! The kitties have run a-way with my delicious food again!” 

Japan-Cat 

Yet, another cat who loves to watch the season transition into the next. He adores watching the thousands of leaves float down to the ground. The mesmerizing colors of the fall leaves are cornsilk, fawn, midnight greens, and burnt oranges. All these colors melded together to create a beautiful scene that is ephemeral and sort of angelic in a way. Japan-cat has a special stash of tuna that he likes to eat when he finds a magnificent view. 

While he eats he’s working out how he’ll survive another America-cat rager. 

Russia-Cat 

Happily roaming the streets receiving belly rubs, scratchies, and treats from the last of the summertime tourists. Halloween only seems to come to his mind when his owner mentions it or begins to decorate for it mid-September. When Ivan does begin to get the decorations out Russia-cat gets far too comfortable in the organs of one of the pumpkins Ivan has made. 

“Really, my little cat?” He crouches down to pet his loveable but somewhat mischievous cat. 

“Meow.” (Da.) Russia-cats beady eyes will be looking at Ivan like: “I’m cute and a cat. What are you not understanding? I’m number one now, BELLY RUBS human BELLY RUBS!” 

[wildshona]

Girly Night Out

So Tammy and I went to Ku-Bar and met up with Bai and Yina. Bai means Purity apparently and Yina means Joy. Lots of joy in Yina but not a lot ofpurity in Bai hehe, I guess Bai is in her mid twenties, lovely long Chinese blue-black hair and brown eues with multiple ear piercings and a tattoo of a tiger of a spirit of some sor on her back - her whole back. Yina was a little younger maybe the same age as Tammy who is 22. So I was the youngest as usual. Yina has a septum ring and her tonguw was pierced.

So we had about three cocktails at Ku-Bar and lots of snogging which i guess you American followers were called making out. Then Bai said it was time to go - she knew somewhere. I would really like to tell you guys wheerabouts we went but once we were in the taxi I was concentrating on Bai's hand which had found its way up my dress and past my thong.

So anyway we arrive at an alleyway off a High Street of some sort and we go down some steps into a basement. There is a bar and a seating area all alcoved - i guess it had been a storage cellar at some point cos then it went into another cellar that had low lighting - well, lower than the seating area that had futons on the floor. I didnt get much chance for a look cos Bai had me by the hand and pulled me into the toilets. Well thats quick i thought. She had both hands up my dress and pulled my thong off

you don't need these and threw them into a toilet stall. o well easy come easy go and then we were back into the seating area where Yina and Tammy had got the drinks in.

this place was far more of a happy contact place that a bar or night club, happy contact place was what a giggling Yina called it. so we had a couple more drinks and then Bai led us back into the other room where we managed to get a large futon cos some girlz were just leavin - did i mention this was all girlz. anyway Bai was on me and i had my dress up and down round my waist while she pulled me down on her. it wasnt long before i discovered the pierced nips and the pierced clit and fuck did she taste good. it seemed that i was to be Bai's partner and Tammy was for Yina although afetr a while it became a bit all in and it was difficult to follow after a while whose tongue and whos e fingers were quite going where especially when the girlz from the next futon seemed to just join in.

I was definately getting hazy with all the cum but there was certainly a very big titted black girl and a another girl who was about my size in height - or length as were all lying down but had even less tit than me. So u could say there were 6 of us except it was very difficult to follow and girlz came and went. I had almost lost my self in the amount of times i had cum when Bai pulled me to my feet. we were in the alley before i had even got my dress pulled up/down but the mini cab driver seemed used to it - she was a woman so i guess there was an arrangement with the happy contact place. There was just me and Bai. Yina was taking Tammy to her place, i had assumed bai and Yina lived together but obs not.

Bai lived in a small flat somewhere. and i mean small, a studio that had a big double bed taking up most of the space and i was on my back again and then face down and there were toys and it was so fucking amazing.

eventually i fell asleep or passed out whatever and eventually we were up and there was fesh coffee abd some sort of Chinese breakfast dim sum things, the doorbell rang and Bai kissed me and said she would see me again and there was the same minicab driver who Bai paid to take me to Waterloo.

Now ive showeerd and naked and my fingers would do some work but i am so sensitive i think i am going to give my cunt a rest today. my jaw is sore too. hehe.

Chris has made me a cup of tea and will no doubt fuck me tonight while i tell him the details.

hope youve enjoyed the latest adventure of fucked up Shona.

[popcornforone]

Mistletoe and Whine

A Max Phillips Fan Fic

I have too much in draft everywhere. Film reviews, notes, fics & I did actually have a very predicative Sunday playing catch up. However very randomly after watching an alternative Christmas film on Saturday night & my head still thinking about it, my mind stumbled into this festive Fic idea for Max Phillips. So here we are writing about our favourite vampire over the festive season. & it’s going to get sexy.

Synopsis:- Chance encounters with Max have lead you to your 5th anniversary, & he wants to make sure that you whine as he celebrates with you.

Word count:2750

Warnings:- DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER 18! PIV Sex, established relationship, vampire lore so biting, feasting & blood drinking, lack of consent, alcohol, drugs, swearing. Innuendo, intense orgasms. Basically like most couples they get steamy in their special day, it just so happens they are vampires.

Thanks as always for the read peoples. All feed back is always welcome. I hope you enjoy.

It’s your fourth espresso martini of the night. You & the girls are at an adults only winter wonderland. Candy canes have secret ingredients to make you extra happy, the chatter is loud, the games are intense but fun & the music is belting.

“Okay” Frankie says “who’s ready for us to go & play the next thing”

“Oooh im not sure I can move” Tina says. “And look” she waves her hands in front of her face “there’s 6 hands on my two arms” clearly the special sweets were effecting her more.

“Well I’m just gonna go sort myself out, but I’ll come find you in about 5minutes” you say. You need some water & to use the toilet. Your the mum of the group, your always the most sensible. You check with Lucy that she’s okay to hold the fort & make sure no one does anything crazy as you nip to the bathroom. It’s not that far away & you know it will take your friends in a sober undrugged state at least 10mins to pick what they want to do next, but with them high on everything, they won’t budge. You’ve got plenty of time.

As you walk past the Christmas trees you turn a corner & accidentally walk into someone.

“Oooh im sorry” you say as your shoulders clash. You look up & make eye contact. Your frozen. Two deep brown eyes make contact with you. If you knew any better you were being hypnotised. The red tie. The Santa hat. The broad shoulders. The dark suit. A smile like the devil.

“Ho Ho Ho… merry Christmas to you, my victim” you hear this deep voice & it arouses you. You giggle back. Suddenly his large hand is around your neck. He’s pushes you against the wall of the little hut that’s selling pretzels behind you. You gasp for air.

“Am I a Christmas treat?” You ask. You then feel your scarf be tugged off. His tongue licks up your neck. He always loves the taste of fresh meet, be it consensual or not.

“More, your my grand feast. The Satan Clause wants you all to himself.” He says. He makes eye contact once more making sure all his hypnosis, mixed with the drink & drugs you’ve had tonight, mean you won’t remember a thing. He licks his lips. “I’m famished” Those beautiful brown eyes turn to red & you feel the sharp pain as those fangs dig into your neck & your body jolts & you scream.

“MAX!!!!!”

You jolt awake. A sweaty sticky mess. Panting gasping for air. You check the clock, it’s 7pm & you lie back down onto the bed. Desperate to get air into your body. The bedroom door flings open & there stands Max. Two cups of warmed blood for you both on this winters evening. The perfect way to wake up.

“You okay baby” he asks. He walked over to you in his long white dressing gown & hands you your mug. Just by the smell you can tell it’s AB positive.

“Nightmare, that’s all” you say & you sip your blood. You make a small mmm sound as it hits your taste buds. The iron sinking into your system. This is your favourite blood type.

“What was it today?” He asks as max rubs your back. Your undead skin is always cold, but even he can tell despite you sweating & being in a panic that it’s very icy.

“The day we met…” you start “… but no consent, you just had your way with me & sunk your teeth inside me”

“We both know that’s not how it went down” Max says as he shakes his head. Vampires only have nightmares when things aren’t certain. You’ve only been a vampire 3 years. You’re almost at your vampire potential, but you do still sometimes forget you aren’t human.

“No you were very shy about it, didn’t want to interrupt the game me & my friends were playing” you smile & reminisce.

*

It wasn’t a winter wonderland you & your friends were at. It was your local pub. It was board game night, & you & your friends were a little tipsy but no drugs, other than cigarettes. You were playing articulate with them all & smiling.

“Royal family, not the ginger one” Tina says.

“Prince William”

“Diana”

“Prince Andrew” Tina collected her card

“High trouser”

“SIMON COWELL” you all shout at once & Tina collects another.

“Doctor Who”

“Ooh god there’s 14 of them” you roll your eyes & then the buzzer goes off. “Times up” Lucy counts Tina cards.

“She got 8”

“Which doctor was it”

“John Hurt”

“Seriously of all the clues you went for doctor who? Not alien or…” you scoff & down your drink.

“Sorry I’ve binged it all again recently” she say. You all laugh, Tina loves her scifi.

“Well I’m gonna nip to the toilet before the next round” you say & you wobble in your heels as you get up from the table.

“How many drinks have you had tonight” Frankie asks.

“Not that many, I blame the shoes.”

You walk to the bathroom use the facilities & then as you leave to rejoin the group , you lose your balance as your heel slips. You can see the Christmas tree in front of you, that your about to face plant & break as you fall forward. But then you stop mid fall.

“It’s okay I gotcha” says a very deep voice. Two arms are wrapped around you & pull you up. You turn your head to say thank you but all that glances back is this man’s beautiful handsome face. So perfect. So divine. It’s love at first sight.

“Wow” you say & then realise what you’ve said as you see him blush a little “did I say that outloud?”

“Yes you did” he helps you to your feet. “It’s okay, I think your rather wow too” you giggle & turn red.

“Ha your funny”

“I’m serious” he says “I’ve searched everywhere for the person I’m meant to be with, but I never thought they would actually really stumble upon me” he smiles. You’re now standing up & you both look at each other up & down. You say your name & he takes your hand & shakes it “Im Max” he’s clearly a charmer. You bet he says this to all the girls.

“Well Mr Max can I buy you a drink, as a thank you” you say.

“I think we’ve both had enough to drink” he says saying that he thinks that’s why you fell.

“No it’s the heels, I don’t normally wear them. Special occasion.”

“Oooh you’re the lot in the corner, on your girls night aren’t you”

“Are we that loud & obnoxious?” You ask feeling ashamed.

“Never apologise for who you are, always be you” his thumb graces over your chin. His eyes make contact. “Where have you been all my life?” He asks.

“I don’t know, where have you been” you lips are inches away.

“Searching, yet I didnt realise it would be someone like you” these word are soft. His lips part. You look at him & see there’s mistletoe behind him on the wall. He sees you looking past him & turns around. “Well it’s bad luck if we don’t, don’t want to ruin the Christmas spirit.”

You go for it & lean in. Kissing deeply a man you met 4 minutes ago. His lips are plump. You easily slip your tongue inside as your deep kiss gets more passionate. His hand is up in your hair. Yours caress his clean shaven face & his shoulders. It may only be for a few seconds but it’s something that you want to do with this man for the rest of your life.

From behind you, you hear your girls all cheer. You never do this on a night out. You are the careful one of the group. Your break the kiss & turn around & go shhhh, before facing Max again.

“They seem happy for you” he smoulders

“It’s never me who gets the guy” you say & you beam, you miss the feel of those lips already.

“Why don’t you introduce me?” Max says as his eyes dazzle.

“Do you think you’re gonna be sticking around Max?”

“Ooh beautiful you have no idea.”

*

You smile at Max back in the now, as you finnish sipping your mug of blood on the bed. His hand is still slowly stroking your back.

“Nice memory trip?” He asks. He finds it so cute when you glaze over to remember past memories in such detail. He wishes he could go back to some of his memories in such detail as you do.You put your empty mug down.

“Your lips still taste as good as our first kiss 5 years ago”

“Are you sure?” Max raises an eyebrow. You never need to be encouraged to take advantage of your man. He then reaches into his gown pocket & produces a little bundle of mistletoe. “It’s actually today, Happy anniversary baby” you practically pounce on him. Lips that always ignite your undead soul. A touch as he caresses you, that fills you with joy & glee, the noises you both make are sweet songs to each other.

Max hand lets go of its mug & it crashes to the floor. A small amount of blood that was left in his mug spills across the floor. The mistletoe follows. He loves how passionate you are in the mornings. Morning sex with you is delight, even if your morning is 7pm. You straddle him & undo the cord to his gown, hoping he’s got nothing on underneath. His hands are grasping your bum. Squeezing it as your lips continue to lock & your dead hearts feel like they are pulsing, filled with adrenaline. Your body already rolling into his lap ready for pleasure grinding on his thigh.

“Maxie” you exhale when you lips part. It’s drawn out a long whine. But one where you can feel how excited he is.

“Ooh baby” you help his shoulders & you both remove his dressing gown. You initial instincts were right. He’s naked beneath. His length hard & leaking & you smile. His hands leave your bum & find the bottom of your red silk night dress & free you from it. Your breast look extra perky today in the cold winter air in your bedroom & you feel sexy.

“Happy anniversary my forever” you say as you adjust yourself to take him all. He’s also sat up & he’s so beguiled. He moans deeply, as he slips his penis through your slick.

“Ooh you’re drenching me already” he states.

“Can you blame me?”

“No, never”

“Oooh fuck” he is slow as he pushes through your entrance & makes sure his shaft is fully inside you. Be it alive or undead he loves it when you whine & moan as he fills you up each time.

“You good baby” still after all these years max still asks you.

“On cloud 9” you whimper. Your earlier grinding on his thigh now means his penis glides around you. Your walls feeling every inch of his thrusts. He always feels so good. That’s why you fell for him. He may have used some vampire tricks on you to make things move quicker but you always realised & he then didn’t need to persuade you in that way.

“Let me pleasure you” his hand slips between your two naked bodies as you match each other’s rhythms to make sure this is sweaty hot & passionate. He strums you like a double base, your clit quivering quickly.

“Max” you moan.

“Whine baby” he mumbles & he pulls you towards him & licks a stripe up from between your breasts up your chest & then your neck. The salt & sweatiness makes him smile & the way his tongue feels as it leaves its own moistness across your skin gives you goosebumps.

“Oooh Maxie” you feel like you are being spread wider than before. Each roll forward as you take him as you finger nails dig into his shoulders bring you closer to euphoria. Each ooooh noise escaping your mouth has his finger work faster.

“So good, so sexy” he moans before his lips latch back to your nipple. Your tummy flush to his, sweat dripping everywhere.

“Mmm mmmm mmmaxxxx oh fuck oh fuck yes don’t stop baby mmmm fuckkkkkk” he giggles the more you moan & whine, desperate for more. Being undead hasnt decreased your thirst for your man.

“So tight & it will always be this tight” he manages to muster his thrust are pounding away. Each motion he’s closer. This was never going to be a long session. That can wait for later. This is two soul mates fucking away their bleary eyed start to their night lost in lust & desire. Your cunt quivers in pleasure. He’s never pleasured you like this before. You need more & you dig your hands in his shoulder & he jolts.

“Fuck max oh fuck fuck fuck yes oh fuck yes” you sink your own teeth into his shoulders. He’s taking you on a night you’ve never experienced before & you let go & scream his name. “MAX!” You clamp hard & cum. His own body judders as he feels you lick him in. He’s never had you sink your teeth into him before & the way you whined, has his mind spinning out of control. It may not be your fangs but it felt good.

“Baby fuck baby oh shit shit fuckkkkk” having vampiric speed is useful. Your clit is on fire from the friction & the way the thrusts into you as your orgasm continues is relentless. & soon it’s his turn & you feel the ejaculation inside you. “Fuck this pussy” hit lashings of cum fill your insides. Max snarls, his eyes at the point of pleasure always turn dark red. Yours don’t but it always makes you smile that he gets that much into the zone.

“Fuck Max”

“Fuck in deed” he pants. You’re both resting your head on the other shoulders, your movements minimal. You peck up his neck until you reach his face & you use two fingers to turn his face towards you. The sweaty state that is your forever slowly opens his eyes to look at you, his vampire bride looking so sexy covered in sweat, filled with him cum. You’re all his, no one can match you. You’re bound together by destiny.

Eventually you properly speak, the rocking has stoped & Max slowly slips his penis out of you as it softens but you don’t want to move. You like sitting in his lap naked. Taking your time to kiss each part of his face.

“So 5 years of knowing you” you giggle.

“Yep” he smiles “& I brought the mistletoe too” you look at the floor & so does Max. The broken mug with the blood spilled on the floor, the white berry’s of the plant now turning crimson.

“That you did baby” & you face to turn him again. “So what would you like to do for our 5th anniversary?”

“You, I want to fuck you all evening, until the sun rises”

“Hmmmm” you smirk as you think “but I’ve not come wrapped up”

“Don’t care” Maxs strength still impresses you. He lifts you off his lap so you’re lying on your back on the bed & he hoovers above you hardening again. “I’ve provided the mistletoe” he lifts his head so he whispers the next sentence into your ear seductively. “& you are more than providing the whine”

“Fuuuucckkkkk Maxie” you moan & gasp as his large hand goes around your throat & he slowly pushes his penis in side you again. Still sensitive from your session that just ended. “What did I do to deserve this” you ask & look up at his beaming satisfied face.

“Nothing,” he hits the spot first time & you moan. “Can I not treat my forever on our day” & that’s all it takes. You never have to worry about Maxs desire & lust for you. The night of your 5th anniversary is rampant & the whines you make as he makes you cum all night, well they will stay with Max until next years anniversary.

[slut4corbin]

Motorcycles And Date Nights (Chapter 7)

Note : *This is most likely the last chapter of this fanfiction, but I don't know yet!*

Summary : The reader and Baron Corbin both have a crush on each other but what happens when Baron asks the reader if she wants to go on a date with him

Warning (s) : Smut and slight profanity

Your name (Y/N)

Word count : 905

Tag list : @adriennegabriella @dulcesitapr @sassymox @ava-valerie @wwelovergirl @romanthereigns @mysticvampyre @nerdypanda20

*From previous chapter*

Once we made it to the door. Baron opened the door, letting me step outside the building first with him quickly following me. After a few minutes of walking me and Baron finally made it to the motorcycle. Baron quickly grabbed his helmet and put it on his head before getting on the motorcycle and turning on the motorcycle once again. I quickly put on my helmet and climbed over the motorcycle. Once I got comfortable, I wrapped my arms around Baron, and with that, he backed up the motorcycle and took off out of the parking lot.

After a few minutes of riding, we finally made it to his house. Baron got off the motorcycle and took off his helmet once again. "Grab my hand." He said, holding out his hand. "Okay." I replied back as I grabbed his hand as he helped me off the motorcycle like he did the day before. Once I was off the motorcycle, he gently pulled the helmet off my head, causing me to giggle. "There's your beautiful face." Baron said, smiling as he slowly leaned down to kiss me. I quickly accepted the kiss by opening my mouth and letting him put his tongue in my mouth. After a few minutes of kissing Baron, he finally pulled away from the kiss. "Let's go inside."

Baron said, basically dragging me to the front door of the house. Once we made it to the front door, Baron quickly opened the door, letting me walk in first, quickly following behind me. Once we were inside, he shut and locked the door before shoving me up against it. "Y/N, you want to join me in the shower?" Baron asked, nipping at my neck, causing me to moan a little bit. "Yes." I replied, and with that, he carried me upstairs to his room. Once we got to his bedroom door, he put me down on the ground, causing me to pout. "Y/N, it's going to be ok. Once we get in the shower, you will completely forget about that." He said, causing me to smile. Baron finally opened the door, letting me walk in first like he always does.

"Head to the bathroom Y/N." Baron said, locking the door. As I walked to the bathroom, I felt a jolt of excitement course through my body. Once, I made it to the bathroom door. I quickly opened the door and walked inside, taking off my clothes. After I was done, I sat down on the toilet as I waited for Baron. After a few seconds of waiting, he finally walked into the bathroom with two towels in his hands. "I'm sorry Y/N I had to grab some clean towels." He said, smiling."That's fine, but I think you should take your clothes off too." I replied, smirking, causing him to take his shirt off slowly. "Let me help you." I said, getting up and helping him take off his shirt.

Once his shirt was off, I quickly grabbed the waistband of his pants and boxers and pulled them down. Baron ended up stopping me before I could get his pants all the way down his legs. "Go turn on the shower, Y/N." He said, taking off his pants and boxers. As we waited for the water to get nice and warm. I stood on my tip toes and placed a kiss on his lips. "Let's get in the shower." Baron said against my lips, and with that, we got in the shower. While I was washing my hair, I felt Baron's hands run down my sides.

"Baron." I said. "Yes." He replied. "Let me get the shampoo out of my hair, then you can touch me." I replied, running my fingers through my hair, trying to get all the shampoo out. After a few minutes, I finally got all the shampoo out. I slowly rubbed my eyes, making sure I could see. Once I could see, I turned around and faced Baron. "I'm done." I said, causing him to shove me up against the shower wall, shoving his dick inside. I tensed up at the suprise. "You ok?" Baron asked, pulling out of me. "No, I'm fine." I replied. "You sure?" He asked once again, making eye contact with me. I sighed as I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I'm fine, but I want you inside me again." I said, and with that, he shoved himself back inside me, causing me to moan. "F- Fuck that feels good."

I strutted through the moans. After a few minutes of waiting until I got comfortable with his size, he started to slowly thrust in and out of me, making me a moaning mess. "You like that?" He asked, nipping at my neck. "Holy fuck yes." I moaned out loud making him go faster. After a few minutes, Baron came inside me. "Holy fuck that was fun." He said as he pulled out of me. Eventually me and Baron got out of the shower and dried off, and put our clothes back on. "Let's go to sleep." Baron said, smiling. I nodded my head in approval, and with that, we headed to the bed and quickly fell asleep, all cuddled up next to each other.

[asmutwriter]

My Angel (Part 1 - 12)

DESCRIPTION: You've spent your whole life listening to the devil on your shoulder. You figured it was about time you started listening to the angel instead.

WORD COUNT: 27,427

From beginning / Master List  / One Shots

WARNINGS: Swearing, talk of prostitution, money struggles, small fights (nothing too graphic), theft, non-consensual flirting, derogative/sexist term ('slut' used once), female sanitary items, pregnancy (nothing detailed), talk about food, talk about readers 'good' figure (no details of body type), flirting, mentions of foster care, brief talk of sex trafficking (no details described), talk of death, talk of breaking the law, kissing

DISCLAIMERS

- This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand

You let out a soft grumble. The thin sheet covering your body not doing much to keep you warm. The bare windows allowing the early morning sun to come in and tease your eyes open. You rub your face. Burrowing your head into the hard pillow.

"Come on. Get up" you mutter to yourself. Eyes stay shut as you push yourself up from the bed. Twisting your nude body to exit the bed covers. Finding your various clothing items you scatted on the floor from the events of last night. Picking up the small wad of cash your regular customer had set aside for you. Stuffing it into your bra before you bundle yourself with layers.

You walk in the brisk air. A breath leaving your lips in a cloud of fog. Ears turning red from the cold nipping at them. You'd forgotten your hat and now you were paying the price. Your hands were firmly planted into the pockets of your thick coat. Trying to gain the warmth from your palms and transfer it to your head. Plus you could hug your keys in your fist this way.

Sadly it was common for you to get cornered. You soon got used to dealing with it though. Your keys being a good choice. Couldn't be charged with a planned assault with keys. Knives and other weapons could be. But that's not the point. You get to your home. Unlocking the front door.

It wasn't much but its been your home for 4 years now. Nearly 5. Two rooms. One small one to the side for a toilet and shower. The other, bigger room. Containing a bed, fridge and sink. Once you lock the door behind you again you go over to the bed. Emptying your pockets (and bra) onto the brown blanket adorning the bed covers.

Two wallets, a necklace, plus the fifty you made last night. You sit on the bed. Going through the wallets. Giving an annoyed huff. "Great". You throw the leather onto the bed as well as the contents. "I've made an extra seven bucks and a Starbucks voucher". You give out an annoyed sigh. Bringing the item up. Looking at the faded cardboard. "What a shitty day" you mumble. Flopping down onto your bed. Head hitting the creaky mattress below. Fingers fiddling with the flimsy item still in hand. Picking at the rough edge of it. Glancing your eyes to the bedside clock. 7:07am. "Yep. A shitty day".

You give an annoyed groan. Your hands coming up and covering your eyes. "Fuck. Ok" you keep your eyes closed as you process your day out loud. "So bad start. Its ok. We have spare cash from last month that we can use for rent. We can go and get our-" you bring the card back up. Glancing at it through a squinted eye before flopping your hand back onto the bed. "Free coffee or hot beverage and decide what to do from there". You sit up. Bouncing to your feet as you grab a coat and remembering your hat.

Bounding to the door as you unlock it and swing it open. "Shit". You go back over. Grabbing the necklace too. The shiny silver being a harsh contrast to your grime covered fingers. Shoving the jewel into your coat pocket. "I can swing by Liam's before coffee. See how much this bad boys worth". You go out to the street. Locking your door behind you. Turning once again to start your confident stroll your foot meets a rather large and muddy puddle. Splattering up your leg. You stand still. Annoyance coursing through your veins. Giving out a shaky breath as you try to remain calm.

"I can see Liam after coffee" you correct yourself. Shoving your keys into your pocket, but making sure you have a firm grip around them as you stroll down a few blocks. Coming to the coffee shop in question. Going inside and getting your free beverage. They were so busy they ran out of clean mugs. So you settle for a large take out cup.

You find the only space you can in the small and mildly crowded shop. Briefly paying mind to the elderly woman you sit next to. The seat to your left being free still as you sip your drink and do some people watching. Looking out the large window in front of you. Completely in a world off your own it takes you a little while to process that someone is actually talking to you. Turning you meet a pair of blue eyes. A soft smile adorning his defined features. "Hmm?" you say softly. He smiles more.

"Can I sit here?" He repeats. You note his drink and food in hand. Giving a nod as you smile back up at him.

"Of course". He sits beside you. Watching as he sits down. You tilt your head slightly. He attempts to take a sip of his drink. Seeing the regret flash through his eyes as he burns his tongue. You try not to laugh. Giving a small smile as you start speaking. "I know most of the locals yet you I don't recognise. You must be new". He gives a small chuckle. "I'm Mia". He turns to look at you as you outstretch your hand. Taking it in yours.

"Steve"

"So what is a guy like you doing out here then, Steve?" He gives a small chuckle again. Shaking his head slightly.

"I'd rather not get into that at the moment" He faces you again. Eyes scanning your features. "How long have you lived here for?"

"What made you think I live here?"

"You said you recognise the locals. Only people who live in the area recognise locals. Its either that or a poor attempt at a pick up line". Now its your turn to give out a soft laugh. Sipping your coffee.

"Could it be both?" He smiles. Turning his head back to look out the window. "I've lived in the area for five years now. Well, five next week". His brow scrunches slightly. Turning to look at you.

"You are either way older then you look or you moved here when you were very young". You smile. Resting your head on your palm as you continue to look at him.

"I moved here when I was 17 but we don't need to get into all of that". You turn to look out the window. Drinking your drink as fond memories of your past flutter through your mind. Before everything turned dark and gloomy. You mentally shake yourself. Turning back to smile at him.

"So you're 22?" you give a small nod. Smiling as you quickly dart your eyes to his lips.

"Smart man". He smiles at the compliment. His eyes steady on yours. "How old are you then Mr Steve?" He gives a low chuckle.

"Too old for you" you smile. Turning back to your drink as you down the rest of your beverage.

"You're probably right. Besides-" Watching as you plop the now empty drink down onto the table. "You seem way to nice for me" you smile as you look at him. He turns his head. Looking at the table as a small smile and laugh escapes his lips. Your eyes quickly dart over his features. Giving out a small sigh before planting your hands onto the table.

"Right. Work calls" You push yourself up with your arms. He watches as you stand. "Its been lovely chatting with you but I got to go and make some money" he gives a low chuckle. Nodding as he smiles at you.

"Good luck" he says. A genuine kindness in his voice. You smile back. Picking up your empty take out mug you squeeze past him. Going to the bin. And hand going into his pocket. Swiping his wallet and pushing it up your sleeve as you head to the bin. Chucking it in before squeezing back past.

"Hope to see you around Mr Steve" he gives a small nod. Giving a small wave to you as you head out the door. He watches you out the glass window as you start walking to Liam's.

Going a few roads away from the cafe. Coming to a dodgy looking house. You go up. Giving it three hard knocks before stepping back. A few moments pass before the door opens. A scrawny man with a tattoo on his neck opens. White wife beater and grey sweatpants. He smiles as he removes the lit cigarette from his mouth.

"Mia!" he smiles at you. Eyes going so gracefully to your chest. "What do I owe this pleasure?" You smile. Bringing your lip between your teeth as you reach into your pocket. Taking out the necklace from your pocket. His eyes stop staring at your boobs as they go to your hand. Giving out a whistle as he nods.

"How much for this?" He places the smoke back into his mouth. Outstretching a hand. You place them into his palm. His hands also a harsh contrast of dirt to the delicate jewellery.

"20"

"Fuck off"

"Thats the best I can do"

"Its worth atleast 100". He gives a small chuckle. Looking back up at you.

"30"

"80"

"40"

"I ain't going lower then 50. I'm not an expert with jewels but those-" you motion to the item in his grasp. "Those are worth the big bucks. The kinds that kings and queens wear". He gives another soft chuckle. Leaning against the door with his back as he pushes it open. Grabbing out a wad of cash. Counting out the money loudly.

"$50" he hands you the money. You smile. Taking it from his hand. Undoing the zip of your coat slightly and managing to shove the money int your bra. His eyes watch as you zip the coat back up. "I'll give you an extra 30 if you come inside". You give a scoff. Shoving your hands back into your pockets. If you did then you would be able to pay off the next couple of weeks rent. Plus have some left over.

"50". He smiles. Hand still holding the roll of cash. He takes out the money you asked. Handing it to you. You go to take it. He moves the hand away. Smiling at you.

"100 if you let me do it raw".

"No way. I ain't risking that" He gives a chuckle. Nodding as he hands you the money. Moving aside as he motions with his hand for you to enter. This wasn't your first time doing this with Liam. You knew where to go to find his bedroom. Plus you knew what he liked so the ordeal was over and done with after ten minutes. Putting your clothes on as he rests in bed. Throwing your coat back on. 100 dollars firmly wedged between your bra and skin. You wish him farewell as you head out the door.

The smell of his cigarette smoke stuck to you. God you would need a shower when you get back. Thankfully you could afford the bill to have a nice hot shower so you deemed it as a necessity. You start to head back to your home. Walking down the alleyway. The one that was normally empty besides the odd drug deal. Today it was empty though. Your lucky day. You smile as you head to your home. Unlocking and opening the door.

You reach into your pocket. Taking out the wallet from your earlier swipe. Opening it. You think its strange that he didn't have an ID or anything but didn't think to much of it. Your mind was set of the cash. your gleeful smile turns to a frown as you open it up fully. "Fucks sake" you mutter. You take out the single note. Twenty bucks. Feeling the little zip part of the item and opening it. 43 cents. "Great. Handsome man is a broke bitch". You chuck the wallet onto the bed with the cash and coins.

"I really need a shower". You sniff your coat. "Ew" you mutter. Smelling strongly of cigarettes you shrug it off. Going and pulling the curtains shut to your main room. Darkness other then the small light emitting from the bathroom. Reaching into your bra as you take out the wad of cash. Also throwing that onto the bed before starting to strip. Chucking your clothes into the dirty pile on the floor. You'll take them to the washer dryer tomorrow. Right now you needed a quick shower. Hopping in. Letting the hot water stream down your body. Washing the smoke out of your hair before getting out.

Towel drying yourself before heading into the bedroom living area. Grabbing some clean clothes out the drawers. Pants then bra. Socks. Then shirt. You go to put a leg into your jeans when you hear a noise. Your front door. The door handle jiggling. Hearing people talk outside. Two voices you think. You quickly pull your jeans up. A difficult feat but you manage it due to the rushed nature.

You try and be quiet as you go over to the door. Picking up a bat from beside your bed. Going over and standing beside the door. Trying to look intimidating. You go to bring the bat down as soon as it opens. A hooded figure. The person has quick reflexes. Grabbing the bat and pulling it. Disarming you as it gets thrown the into the hallway outside your apartment. You don't hesitate as you bring a foot up. Squaring it into their stomach. Winding them as they fall into the wall by the door. The person behind goes to grab you. Catching your wrist before you can react to anything else.

You twist your hand. Moving it to break from their grasp. Exchanging your wrist for theirs as you take a tight hold of their arm. Other going to their upper arm as you bring them up and over your shoulder. Knocking them onto the floor beneath you. You turn. Going into the hallway. Grabbing the bat from before and holding it up. Shutting the door as you stand by it. Eyes frantic as you look at the two bodies on the floor.

"Who the fuck are you and why are you in my home?"

"I know that voice" a female says. Obviously winded. She was the one you kicked. Your turn your head between the two of them.

"Answer my damn question or I'll start swinging"

"Wait. Wait a second" the other voice - a male voice - says below you.

"Who the hell are you?" There's a small pause. Too long. You bring the bat back. Swinging it against the wall. "Answer me"

"Mia?" The female voice says. You just can't quite out a face to the voice.

"Mia?" the male mimics. Almost disbelief. You recognise that voice too but are again unable to pinpoint who they belong to. You give out a sigh. Still on high alert and adrenaline. You reach behind you. Turning on the light. Turning back. Seeing your good friend Natasha bracing herself against the wall. The man you met earlier lying beneath you. You drop the bat. Making them both flinch as it hits the floor.

"Fuck"

"Glad to see you're still a good fighter" Natasha says. You roll your eyes. Holding your hand out to which she takes. Letting you pull her up before you offer the same hand to Steve.

"I had a good teacher" She gives a small smirk. Pulling the man up as you speak. Steve drops your hand once he's up. You go over to the door. Locking it properly before turning around to speak to them. "Why are you in my house?" Nat's eyebrows raise slightly. Eyes watching you like a hawk.

"Your house?" She chuckles slightly. Shaking her head. "This is not a 'home'. This is a safe house. For people who are trying to not get found"

"Which begs the question as to why you're here?" You query. Folding your arms over your torso. Meeting her steady gaze.

"Don't ask to many questions now Mia. It'll only get you in trouble". You roll your eyes. Meeting hers again. She remains silent. Any sort of humour seems to have disappeared from her being.

"Are you seriously not going to tell me?"

"No".

"Fine" you say. Moving and bending down as you pick up the bat from the floor. Resting it over your shoulders as you stand tall once again. "Then get out of my house. Or I'll call the police"

"Ok. Why don't we just think for a minute" Steve interjects.

"Nothing to think about" you say. Looking at the tall man. "You are intruders. Now get out of my home"

"This isn't your home" Natasha says. Eyes going back to her.

"I have squatters rights. I've been living in these abandoned premises for 4 years now without any trouble. So it is legally my home. Now respectfully-" You unlock the door. Opening it for them. "Get the fuck out". They both look at you for a minute. The three of you staying silent.

"We need your help" Steve breaks the tense silence. You look at him.

"Interesting and none of my business. Goodbye".

"Just shut the door and hear us out". You take in a breath. Slowly placing your palm to the back of the door. Pushing it shut. Resting a hand on your hip as the other lets the bat swing by your leg. Leaning against the now closed door. "Natasha is right. We can't tell you everything for your own sake. Just know that we aren't the bad guys" You give a small scoff. Turning your head to the side. Tilting it towards him once again when he continues speaking.

"We need a place to stay. One off the radar. We believed this place was empty so we came here. I think we can both see that we were wrong in that assumption. We will find a different place"

"No. We can't". Your friend says. Both you and Steve facing her. "We have two places that we could stay."

"Ok so we both go to the somewhere else. Leave Miss Mia here to her life"

"They'd expect us to be together. We're safer if we split up. Its why we left Bucky right?" He takes in a sigh.

"Whose Bucky?" Ignoring your question as she turns to you.

"Does anyone else know about this house?" She questions you. "Your clients or friends?"

"No. I always go to other peoples houses or hotels" she nods.

"Good. The only people who know of its existance are the people in this room"

"Making it a safe house still" Steve finishes her thought. She nods. A small smile taunting her lips.

"Exactly"

"You should stay here. I'll go to the other house" she shakes her head at his request. Her smile quickly fading as she looks away.

"No. I know Mia on a personal level. They could link me back to her". She runs a hand through her hair. "You have no direct ties to her though. You should stay here". Raising your brow as you look between the both of them.

"Do I get any say in the matter?"

"No" Natasha says. "We're running out of time. The longer we stay together the likeliest they'll find the both of us"

"Let me get this straight" you quibble. Putting a hand out to make them both actually listen to you rather then dismiss your thoughts. Their heads turning to face you. "You want to kick me out the place I've been living in for half a decade now just because you feel unsafe anywhere else?"

"I never said you have to leave" she taunts. You roll your eyes. Her taunting gaze changes to a more serious one. "We need this place Mia. I know its a lot to ask and I'm sorry to put you in this position but we need this safe haven". You look at her. Then at Steve. "Would I be in danger?" She takes in a breath.

"I can't guarantee you'll be safe if you help us. But if - once we sort this mess out then I will pay you back. Ten times the amount of this favour".

"And all I have to do is room with Shoulders?"

"Really?" Steve looks at you. The stern expression on his face mixing well with the mild glint of amusement and annoyance flashing through his eyes.

"That's all you have to do". You rub your face with your hands. Looking at the man before you. A sigh leaving your lips as you eye him up and down. Your brow furrowing slightly.

"One condition". Your eyes go to his as you bring up a solitary finger. "I'll buy you a couch but I'm keeping the bed". He chuckles slightly. Lips upturning as he nods.

"I have a condition of my own"

"Shoot"

"I want my wallet back".

"I don't..." you trail off. His hand pointing towards your bed. To the wallet embroidered with the letters S.R. on them. "Fuck". Looking back at him. Taking in a breath and holding your hand out. "Deal". He takes your hand. Giving it a shake before dropping it. Natasha looks between the both of you.

"I can tell you two will become best buds". You roll your eyes at her. "I need to be going". Steve turns to her. You look away slightly. Letting them say goodbye properly. She turns to you. Drawing your attention back to her. Hugging you too. "Thank you so much for this Mia". She speaks in a quiet tone.

"No worries. Anything for the woman who saved my life" she gives a small chuckle. Moving from the hug.

"Right. I'll see you both around". You both watch as she goes to the front door. Her hand resting on the door handle. "Try not to kill each other". You give her a small wave. Opening it and closing it behind her. You go over. Doing the latch back up. Realising you still have the bat in hand. Going and placing it by your bedside once again. Gently patting the handle before turning to him.

"How long have you and Nat been dating?" He looks at you. Shaking his head.

"Oh... Oh no. No. We aren't dating". You raise your brow. Scanning him before giving a small 'mhmm'. "We aren't. We've just been through a lot of stuff together. We're close but not... that close"

"Sure Shoulders. Sure"

"Can you..." he lets out a sigh. Watching as you go to your small fridge. He looks away as you bend over to grab something out. "Can you not call me Shoulders?" Turning back to him as you open a can of coke.

"What do you want me to call you?"

"Steve. It is my name"

"Sure thing Shoulders". You smile at him. Taking a sip of your drink as he glares at you. Moving he grabs his wallet from the bed.

"We are going to fall out if you arent careful". You chuckle. Bringing the can back down. Placing it on top of the fridge.

"What did you bring with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're on the run right? You must have like spare toothbrush and shirts?" He shakes his head.

"I didn't have time to pick up anything when I ran". You give a small nod. Motioning with your head.

"There's a shop down the road that sells shirts and things. We could go later tonight and see what we can swipe". Taking a sip of your drink. Turning your head to watch his face. His disappointed face.

"I'm not stealing clothes". You roll your eyes. Going over to your drawers. Opening it. He curiously looks at what you're doing. Very quickly looking away as he sees a lace thong on top of your clothes. A small blush coming over his features. Vanishing before you notice.

You take out a wad of cash. Shutting the drawer with your hip. Turning to him. "Right. So we need new clothes plus a sofa. I have about 200 quid but I don't want to spend it all as its next months rent. However I'd rather be living with a man who owns more then one pair of underwear then be able to pay next rent". You go over to him. Holding it towards him. "Go get yourself something nice". He goes to take it but you snatch it back. "You owe me big time". You look up at his blue eyes. Putting the money back down. He gives a small nod. Taking the cash from you. Looking at you through his lashes.

"Where can I buy clothes and a sofa from?"

You helped Steve find some new clothes. Going out to some thrift shops. Letting him wonder round and pick out some shirts and jeans and such. Using the rest of the money to buy a sofa. You had $135 left. "Where are we looking for exactly?" He questions.

"The furniture shop. The second hand one. It has some good items there. I went when I was first trying to furnish my home". You'd both been walking for a while now. He keeps trying to hide his face from passers by. Unsubtly so. "Can you try and be a bit more obvious please?"

"I'm worried someone will recognise me". His eyes quickly glance to you. "I'm trying to do this for the both of us". You roll your eyes. On your walk your eyes catch the light of a store. A convenience store. You stop in your tracks. Bringing a hand up. The back of it hitting the middle of his chest. His eyes go down to your hand. Then back to your face.

"I need a drink. Want one?" He shakes his head. "Wait here". You shoot him a small smile before going into the store. The cashier tilts his head up from the newspaper he's reading. Giving you a small smile to which you return it. A gentlemen. Noted. You go straight to the sanitary isle. Picking up a box of tampons. Looking up you make it clear what you grab. He gives a small cough. The sanitary item causing a mild discomfort. Enough for him to politely look away.

Walking past a stack of sunglasses. Smiling as you try a pair on. Looking at yourself in the mirror. Using the mirror to see his reflection. Still looking at his paper. Hand going and grabbing a baseball cap and shoving it into your hoodie pocket as you look at your self. Before taking off the glasses. You put them back on the rack. Hand reaching down and grabbing a different pair. Shoving them into your back jean pocket. You go to the drinks. Taking out a coke. Going to the counter as you place the coke and tampons down. He looks. Giving you a small smile.

"Time of the month. Son of a bitch snuck up on me". He gives a small chuckle. Obviously uncomfortable with your openness about your womanhood. Meaning he doesn't look too hard at you as he rings in the two items. Making you able to hide the stolen goods on your body better. He motions at the price. Taking out the amount of cash you have and handing it to him. Thanking him before you walk out. Shoving the items into your pocket.

Steve is leaning against a wall. Head down. Hood up. Peering up when you stand by him. "Lets go".

"How long does it take to buy a drink?"

"I am trying to help your ass". Reaching into your various pockets and taking out the items. "Now put these on". He hesitates slightly before talking.

"Did you steal those?" He speaks in a hushed tone.

"Do you want me to answer truthfully or do you want me to say the answer that'll get you to shut up?" You look at him. His blue eyes meeting yours as he clenches his jaw. You tilt your head as you give him an innocent smile. Letting him take the items from your hand and putting them on. "Good. Start walking" you say. Turning so your sideways to him. Striding as he soon follows. Walking beside you. Both travelling the rest of the way in silence.

Finding a small and old looking furniture shop. "I knew it was here somewhere!" You gleefully speak out. He looks at you. Then at the dingy shop.

"Really?"

"Yes". You look in through the shop window. A young woman - a little older then you. You move out of her line of sight again. You look at your hand. Taking the fanciest ring and moving it from your thumb to your ring finger. Moving your hand back down as you look at him. "Follow my lead". You take his wrist in your hand. Dragging him into the shop. You smile at the keeper. She looks at you. A smile coming over her lips as she meets your gleeful face. "Hello!" you bound over. Dragging Steve with you.

"Hey. What can I help you with?" She speaks. Her tone meeting yours in its happy nature.

"Well..." You rest a hand on Steve's chest. Leaning into him fully. "We recently got engaged-" Her eyes go to your hand splayed on the mans chest. Her eyes suddenly beam with excitement. "And hubby here said we could buy a sofa"

"Oh my goodness! First off congratulations. I love seeing young love". She gives a small and happy sigh. "Secondly, what do you have in mind?"

"Sadly we have a tight budget so anything under 130 dollars would be ideal" you smile. Moving your hand to his arm. One hand around his wrist still as the other moves from his chest to his bicep. She smiles still. Faltering slightly when you tell her your budget cost though.

"Well you've come to the right place" she comes from behind the counter. "What do you have in mind? Certain fabric or anything?"

"Something soft. Nice cotton or something similar would be good. Or silk maybe" she nods. Smiling at you both. Clasping her hands together.

"Let me show you what we have on offer" she starts walking. You follow. Dropping Steve's arm as he comes behind you in pace. Being taken to another room. A couple of sofas dotted about. "The prices are labelled on the side". She reaches down. Showing an example of a label. All the sofas looked... bad. Used. Goodness knows what some of the stains are. You can't see Steve's eyes but you can tell he's disgruntled by the situation. He feels tense as he stands slightly behind you.

"What about that one?" he motions. A flowery print one. Relatively clean.

"Oh thats a nice one. Its new in the shop. It is on the pricier side though"

"How much pricier?"

"Let me have a little look for you" she goes over. Her hands coming up in a t-rex style as she dances over. "$250"

"Oh that is very much out of our price range." You say. Looking around at a few others from the spot. She looks at you two. Then back at the sofa.

"I could see if I could do a discount if you'd li-". You shake your head. Giving her a smile.

"Oh don't be silly. We'll settle for something more our price range" You turn to Steve. Giving him a smile. "Right honey?". He nods. His eyes darting to yours before going back to the other woman's.

"Thank you though ma'am". She gives a small nod. A small smile over her lips.

"I'll let you two shop". She smiles. "I'll be upfront if you need me". She turns. Going back to the front of the store. You turn to the broad man.

"Any others suit your fancy?" He gives out a sigh. Eyeing up a couple of items.

"I like that lamp". You follow his gaze. Giving a small scoff as you see a vintage looking light. Probably 1930's or 40s.

"I struggle to see how you'll sleep on it. But if that's what you want to spend the money on". He gives out a chuckle. Heading to a few different sofa's. Quickly discarding them due to price or other unsanitary reasons. Going over to a different sofa. It looks faded but doesn't have anything ominous looking about it. He picks up the label. "How much?" You question.

"150". You give a small nod.

"Do you still have the twenty on you?" he looks at you. Feeling into his pocket. Nodding when he finds his wallet. "Perfect. We have 130 plus your twenty". He gives a smile. "I'll go and grab her". You saunter past him. Going up to the lady. You lightly place your palms on the desk. She gives you a smile.

"Did you and your fiancé find one you like?" You nod. Smiling at her. She follows you as you lead her to the item. "Oh this is a lovely one. Been in the shop for such a long time but no one seems to have taken it yet. Think its because the fabric is rather... in your face. Having said that it is sturdy and durable. Plus you can always get different fabric and relay it if that bothers you". You chuckle. Going over and standing by your fake husband-to-be. She takes the label. Looking at you two. "Are you aware of the price?" You nod. Giving her another smile.

"Yes. We recounted the money we brought with us and we actually have enough". She nods. Looking back at the sofa.

"How are you taking it home? Are you aware of our dropping off system with furniture?" You nod.

"Yes I am aware. We don't live that far from here so we will just carry it"

"Are you sure?"

"Sadly renting out the drivers system is out of our budget. Its ok though" you place a hand on Steve's arm. "Why else does this guy work out if not to help me move furniture?" You look at him. Giving him a mischievous smile. He is not as amused. Staring you down with a death glare. Not that you can see it. But goodness you could feel the daggers he's giving you. Quickly forcing it away as he looks back at the cashier. She gives a soft chuckle. Taking a small step forward as she lowers her voice slightly.

"You know... I have a van you could borrow. Free of charge"

"Oh goodness I couldn't". She shakes her head. Motioning towards Steve.

"Though I am sure you are very capable of carrying it I would feel a lot happier with you driving my van".

"Thank you miss. Are you sure?"

"Oh please. I'm a sucker for love. And this is true love right here". He chuckles. "Come to the front and I'll ring it through for you then we can get it to your home". You follow her up to the front of shop. Watching as she types in 130 into her machine. You go to question her but she shakes her head. Giving you a playfully dumb look.

"I was born with dyslexia so I really struggle to read numbers correctly - the sofa was $130 right?" She smiles at you. A knowing smile. You smile back. Giving a small nod.

"Yes. Yes that is correct. Thank you". You reach into your bag. Getting out the cash. Handing her the money. She doesn't bother to check it. Trusting you to have paid her the correct amount of the semi devious scheme. You attempt to help Steve move the sofa. Him mainly doing the work though. She gives you her keys. You get into the drivers seat. Him sat next to you as you smile at her.

"I'll be back quicker then the shake of a lambs tail" she chuckles. Giving a small nod as you start to drive away. "She was nice". You say. Watching her in the wing mirror. He nods in agreement. Looking out the window as you drive back to your home in silence.

Pulling up you again try to help him move the furniture item. Failing as he easily brings it up to your apartment. Putting it into the small room. You do help by moving some of the furniture around. Allowing their to be space for him to chuck it. He slumps down onto the new sofa. Leaning his head back. Breathing heavily from the heavy lifitng.

"You rest here. I'll drive the van back". You say. Taking the keys out.

"You sure you're happy to?" You nod.

"Why wouldn't I be?" You give a small smile. "You know you can lose the hat and glasses now". He gives a small chuckle. Nodding as he takes the items off. Letting his short hair and blue eyes be revealed again. "I know I'm not meant to ask any questions but..." He tilts his head to look at you.

"What?"

"Your 'wanted' image - do they describe you as clean shaven and short hair?" He thinks for a moment.

"I guess they would yeah". You nod. Motioning at the items in his hand.

"Maybe ditch these items and go for a more naturally disguising look. Facial hair and such". He gives a small nod. A small smirk coming over his lips as he looks down. "Just a suggestion".

"I'll keep it in mind". He looks back up. A smile still playing his lips. You smile. Throwing the keys into the air before catching them.

"Give me 10 minutes and I'll be home. Maybe 20. There should be a clean sheet and blanket somewhere in that cupboard" you motion to a small cubby hole. He looks at the wall then back at you. You go to the van. Getting into the drivers seat and heading back to the place.

Pulling up and setting it where you found it. Getting out and locking it up. Going to the front of the shop. Seeing a customer ahead of you you patiently wait behind them. Looking around at the other items. She turns. Catching your eye as you go to smile politely at her. Your forced social smile turning into one of actual shock as you see someone you haven't seen in about 6 years.

"Oh my god Mia!" she exclaims

"Riley!" you say. More shock then excitement in your voice as she hugs you close to her. Your hands stick out. Unsure of where to put them before she moves away from the embrace.

"What have you been up to? I didn't realise you lived around here?" You shake your head.

"I've been all over the place. Only been here a few years. I found a nice apartment not too far from here"

"Oh that is lovely". Her brows furrows as she waits for you to carry on the conversation. Eyes nesting onto yours. Bringing your hand out before hitting it onto your upper thigh. Sliding it into your hoodie pocket as you speak.

"What about you?"

"Oh well - me and Finn have recently gotten pregnant! Its why I'm here actually. Looking for a crib for the little rascal". She rests a hand on her stomach

"Holy fuck congrats!" She smiles. Looking down slightly at the pleasantries. "That's amazing news".

"We've been trying for a couple of years now and its finally happened so - yay!"

"Oh I'm so happy for you Riley. That is really lovely news" She nods. Smiling at you. You hear a small ding.

"Speaking off. That is likely the husband". She reaches into her bag. Taking you the phone before she opens the message. "Yep". She quickly scans the text. Smiling slightly at the message before shoving her phone back into her bag. "I should be doing what I need to do then head back" she looks at you. Giving a smile.

"I should probably give these back too". You hold up the keys in your left hand. Her eyes grow wide. "What?" Your face fills with alarm at her sudden change in character.

"Is that a wedding ring?" she beams. Looking between you and the hand. Your eyes dart.

"Umm well..." Your eyes look. Seeing the kind woman who sold you a cheap sofa was in ear shot of your conversation. Fucks sake. "Its an engagement ring". You lie. Her phone pings again. Then again. She takes her phone out. Quickly skimming them once again before she looks at you.

"Ok well I need to meet this man and we need to meet up and catch up over some drinks. Non alcoholic for me obviously but you and your fiance can drink right? Does this tomorrow night work for you?"

"Damn no it doesn't I've got... stuff"

"What about next Friday instead? Would that work around any plans?" You know if you keep postponing she'll only keep hassling. So you give a nod. Shutting your eyes quickly. Opening them to meet her expecting onces.

"That works fine" you speak through gritted teeth.

"Oh well thats just wonderful!" Her cheery tone grates against your ears. "I should go and find a crib. I'll see you next week. Oh sugar". She turns. Picking up a pen from the side. Taking your hand as she writes her address and phone number down onto your forearm. Putting the pen back down. Her phone starts ringing at this point.

"See you then" she speaks. Glee in her body as she turns. Striding away to find a crib for her unborn child. Watching as she disappears into the backrooms of the shop. You go over to the woman behind the counter. Faking a smile as you hand her keys back over.

"An old friend of yours?" you give a small nod. Your smile faltering as she talks. "Oh that's lovely. I enjoy meeting friends randomly". You give another nod. Running a hand through your hair as you force your smile to stay on your face. She goes to speak again but you cut her off.

"I'm sorry I've got to head back for my fiance. Thank you so much for the car again". She nods. Sad but understanding of your tone shift.

"Oh ok... Anytime. I'm glad you found the sofa meant for the both of you". You give a nod. Turning as you walk the few blocks back to your home.

You get to your apartment complex. Looking upwards at the tall building as you take in a breath. Going inside. Travelling up the large building. Going to your door and unlocking the door before heading inside. Steve was lying on the sofa. He'd obviously either not wanted to go through your cupboards or he couldn't find any sheets as his sofa remained bare.

His head resting against the arm as he reads one of your few books from the shelf. Some vegan recipe cook book. He brings the book down. Looking at you as you shut and relock the door.

"You were a while". You give a small nod.

"I bumped into an old friend of mine and we got chatting for a bit". He nods. Bringing the book back up.

"Was it a good reunion?" You give another small nod. Going and sitting on your bed as you take off your shoes. Kicking them too the floor. He looks. A slight annoyance coming over his face but he stays quiet. His eyes going back up to yours. His annoyed expression turns to one of confusion. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing". You look at him. Focusing on his eyes. "Nothing is wrong" you give him a small smile. Unsure if you're trying to convince him or yourself. He gives out a sigh. Swinging his body round. Leaning forward onto his knees.

"I may have only known you for a day but I can tell something is wrong". You lean forward. Matching his pose.

"Nothing. Is. Wrong". His eyes graze yours. His face remaining serious. Both of you as stubborn as one another. You grit your teeth. Breaking eye contact from his tense stare. "Fine". You don't see the slight twinge tickle his lips as he tries not to smile. Your eyes remain looking down the small length of your home. "I saw my friend and she saw the engagement ring and long story short she now wants to meet my fiancé". Any amount of cockiness he had in his body has disappeared.

"You told her that the ring was fake though?"

"How could I? The nice lady who sold us this couch was a metre away from her. I couldn't say 'oh yeah well I actually lied about being engaged in hopes I could get a piece of furniture cheap'"

"This is why you shouldn't lie". You turn your face to him. His tone. A Mr Know-It-All tone. You take in a breath. It wouldn't be good to get off on the wrong foot with him. Not this early on in... whatever you describe this relationship as.

"She wants to meet us for dinner next Friday. At her place"

"What did you say?" You stay silent for a beat.

"Just be glad I managed to change it from tonight". He lets out a very annoyed sigh.

"Great. That's just great". He leans back on the sofa. Running a hand through his hair. "So much for a low profile" he whispers. Your eyes stay on him. His head tilting to look at the wall. Drifting out the window next to your bed. Your eyes go down to the floor. A small amount of guilt filling you. Then it hits you.

"Maybe its a good thing". He turns to face you again. You lift your gaze up. Meeting his blue eyes yet again. "Think about it - You're on the run from a big bad. A big bad whose probably expecting you to be fully under the radar. Using fake names. Fake ID's. All of that shit". You go forward a bit more. Excitedly placing your hands on his knees as your smile widens. His eyes go quickly to the affection before meeting your gaze again.

"They wouldn't expect you to use your real name. To show up in semi public setting like a friends meal. They probably wont even check any bank uses under that name as they wouldn't think you'd be stupid enough to do that". He stays silent. Watching you. Thinking your plan over. Your very stupid. Very brilliant plan.

"What day is it today?" Your brow furrows softly at his obscure question.

"Friday". He nods.

"So we have a little over a week to learn everything about each other. Stuff that a fiancé would know". Your smile grows. Tongue darting over your bottom lip as you stand.

"This should be fun". He gives a low chuckle.

"Fun isn't the word I'd use for it". You smile. Going over to the cupboard and opening it. Taking out a spare pillow and sheet. Even finding a blanket you'd stuffed away ages ago.

"A challenge then". You go over to him. Holding out the items towards him. Watching as he takes the items from your hand. Placing them onto your lap as he listens to you talk. "My name is Mia Collins. I'm 22. My birthday is October 8th 1994. My favourite colour is pink and my favourite animal is a snake". You sit back onto your bed. Eyes soft as they look at him. He pauses slightly.

"Name is Steve. My birthday is the 4th of July. I used to work as a soldier in the army. My favourite animal is probably a dog".

"I think you got one of those facts wrong". He tilts his head to look at you. His brow knitting slightly. "Your name isn't Steve". You can see a slight panic come over his face. Not that you process that's what it is at the time. "Your name is Shoulders".

"You know what..." You smile at him. Wiggling your eyebrows. He takes in a breath. Shaking his head slightly yet giving you a small smile.

"When is our wedding set for?" He thinks. Standing as he puts the pillowcase on his new pillow.

"5th of August 2017. Exactly one year from the day I proposed to you"

"We met each other mid 2014 but made it official later that year". He nods. Placing the pillow down. You reach into the top drawer of your night stand. Taking out a small wad of paper. He turns. Noting you writing down the various questions and answers. Nodding in approval at your idea. It means you can revise this like a test.

"How do you want to tell them we met?"

"We'll stick to the truth with that one" you glance at him. "Met through a mutual friend". He gives a small chuckle as you go to write it down.

"That would be a lie though". You move your head up. Pen hovering over the pad as you look at him. "We met when you stole my wallet". You smile.

"You can tell them I stole your wallet if you'd rather".

"Makes it a more unique story doesn't it?" You give a small chuckle.

"And only slightly makes me look like a thief".

"But you are a thief"

"That doesn't mean I want them to know that". He smiles. Slowly fading as he watches you scribble down the answers. "We met through a mutual friend. Natasha".

"How did you learn to fight?"

"Hmm?" You look up at him.

"You don't strike me as someone who does fighting in their spare time yet considering you managed to take me and Natasha out with relative ease I'd say you were taught professionally". You take in a breath. Breaking eye contact quickly.

"Natasha actually taught me. When I was younger. But that is a story for a different day". Your eyes go back to his. A small smirk teasing your lips. "I doubt we'll be asked to start Fight Club with my friend and her husband". He smiles. A slight chuckle coming out. Actually happy he understood that reference more then what you actually said.

"What do you do for a job?"

"I er..." am a con artist, steal things, and sometimes sleep with people. "Work in finances. You? You said you were an ex soldier from the army?". He nods.

"We could say I'm on a health leave at the moment"

"We'll say mental health. No one will believe that a man with your... build is struggling physically". He laughs softly. Tilting his head down at the subject. You bring your legs up. Crossing them under you as you scribble the notes down onto the paper. Your stomach rumbles loudly. It was 4:30 in the afternoon and you'd had a coffee today and... that was it. You give a small sigh. Standing up as you go over to your fridge.

"Isn't it a bit early for dinner?"

"Technically" you turn to face him "this is breakfast" you say. Turning back to the fridge. Taking out a ready meal.

"You've not eaten today?" You shake your head. Turning to look at him.

"Food is expensive. I need it to pay rent and-" you motion at the new make-shift bed in your apartment. "Sofas apparently". He glances down at the item he's sat on before looking back up at you. "Besides, by the time that this cooks and I can eat it it'll be after 5 o'clock and that is an acceptable time to have a meal". His brow crosses slightly. You peal back the film. Opening the oven and chucking the item inside. "Feel free to grab any food you want". Slamming the oven door shut. Turning the device on as you continue talking. "I've got a few ready meals and tins of stuff". You nod with your head at the fridge and small box filled with various food items. His eyes follow your gesture. Giving a small nod before turning back to you.

SATURDAY

You hear the sound of the shower running. Furrowing your brow slightly at the confusion. You lived alone. Why was your shower on? Opening your eyes as your body remains under the thick blanket on your bed. Sitting up you look around your small room. The memories from yesterday coming back to you as your eyes fall onto the very neatly made sofa.

Steve. You sigh. Flicking the blanket from you. Stretching your arms above your head before standing. Going over to the set of drawers. Taking out some clean clothes. Hearing the shower turn off. Your eyes dart to the bathroom door before looking back at the sofa bed. Bed sofa. Whatever you want to describe it as. You get brought out of the daydream when you hear the door open.

He walks out. White muscle shirt on. Grey jogging bottoms. "You're awake". He sounds surprised. You give a nod. Standing as he walks past you. Taking your clothes into the bathroom and pushing the door shut.

"Not been awake long". You call through the wooden door. Starting to strip yourself from the fabric of your pyjamas.

"Did I wake you?"

"No" you call back through the door. Technically yes but you weren't going to tell him that. Quickly stripping your clothes off and replacing them with day clothes. Opening the door once you were changed. He looks at you. You chuck your clothes onto the floor. Watching as he distastefully watches you make a mess in your home. His eyes going back up to yours as you run a hand through your hair. Scratching the back of your head as you look around the small room.

"Don't let me stop you from doing what you would normally do on a Saturday" You shrug.

"I don't normally do anything. I live day by day. Surprised I've made it into another day of living to be honest". He nods slightly. Watching you. "I should probably go and try and earn some cash. Would you be happy staying here?" He looks around the small apartment. Giving a small nod before looking back at you. "I have a couple of books you can read". You motion to the pile of books by your nightstand. "They aren't exactly the most intriguing but they might tickle your fancy". He nods. Looking at the small pile of books you have on your nightstand.

"They might be better then the vegan recipe book you were reading yesterday". He gives a small chuckle at your remark. Turning back to face you. "I can try and bring back some more if you'd like?" He stands up. Going over and picking up one of the books.

"These will do for now. Thank you" He glances to you. Turning the book as he reads the blurb. You nod.

"I'll try and be quick" you smile. Going and grabbing your coat. He watches as you shut and lock the door behind you.

You go to a couple of places. Managing to swipe 3 wallets, a necklace and a watch today. You do what you usually do. Go to Liam's and see what he can offer you for them. Smiling as he holds the two items up. Eyeballing each one.

"Where did you swipe these?" He asks. Holding them up.

"I don't ask you questions. Don't ask me them". He laughs.

"I can give you 200"

"200?" you choke. You thought he'd say 150 or less knowing how much of a cheapskate he is. HE holds up the necklace.

"This is worth 200 on its own usually. Due to the questionable nature of you getting it I will sell it to you for cheaper". You hold your hand out. Letting him put the item into your palm. "Its a pretty item. Very pretty in fact". His eyes go to the item in your hand before looking back at you. "You should keep it. Wear it out on a girls night". You scoff.

"Where am I going to wear something like this?" He smiles at you. Watching as your eyes turn slightly sad. You wanted to keep it. Feel like a true lady. But the thick layer of grit on your nails contrasted the kind beauty of the item. Mentally shaking yourself before holding the item back to him. Letting him take it.

"You deserve nice things Mia". You scoff. Folding your arms over your torso.

"Give me my money Liam". He chuckles. Going inside his home. You look around. Two seconds later he opens the door again. Counting out a few notes making the 200 he promised. Handing it to you. You smile. Chucking them into your pocket.

"Do you want to come in for a bit?" You look at him. Then glance to the inside of his home. Remembering the man sat bored at your house you shake you head slightly.

"I can't today. I've got guests I'm hosting for. Sorry". You look back at him. A small smile coming over your lips. He nods. "I'll see you around though". You smile. Shoving your hands into your pocket as you make your way back home.

Unlocking the front door when you get there. Opening it. You frown slightly. Quiet. Empty. Locking the door again before turning around fully. "Steve?" You call out. Nothing. Your body going tense as you try to search for him in the small room. He was a tall man. He couldn't hide that easily.

"One second". You hear him call from the bathroom. Your shoulders drooping as the small amount of anxiety you had leaves your body. You give a small nod. Not that he could see it of course. You go over to your chest of drawers. Hiding the wallets and money under your clothes. You had yet to determine what kind of man Steve was. Although he knew you were a crook you didn't want to rub it in his face. Worried he'd either call the cops or steal the money for himself. Shutting the drawer quickly when you hear the toilet flush and the tap run before the door opens. "Didn't think you'd be back this early". You give a small chuckle.

"Work was good today. Easy. Managed to get off early". He nods. You look at the pile of books. One missing. Neatly placed on top of his makeshift bed. Small piece of scrap tissue sticking out the top. "How are you enjoying the book?" Walking past him. Shaking off your coat before hanging it over the back of your armchair.

"Its good". He moves. Going and sitting down onto his bed. Picking the book up. "I take it you enjoy romance novels?"

"That obvious huh?"

"It makes up about 90% of the pile". You scrunch your eyes shut.

"Sorry". He gives a small chuckle. Shaking his head slightly. "I've got a few crime thrillers too". He nods. Eyes on yours as you bring your hands down.

"I noticed them in the pile. This one caught my eye though". He picks up the book he was reading. You sit opposite him on your own bed. Holding a hand out. He passes it to you.

"Oh I love this one!" You smile. Even though you could probably quote this book at this point you still reread the blurb of the book. Handing it back to him as you smile. "If you like that one then..." you trail off. Standing up as you go over to a shelf in your room. Scanning the books before grabbing a handful of them down. Going over and placing them next to him. He half smiles. Looking at the sweet gesture. Starting to pick each one off the pile.

His stops in his motion. Eyes falling to a book. The front cover having a female soldier on the front. You motion with your hand. Sitting cross legged on your bed as he picks it up. "Oh that one might be my favourite". He looks at the cover. A look you can't figure out sitting in his eyes. But you continue talking.

"Its about the second world war. A female soldier falls in love with one of her fellow soldiers. Its typical romance but the twists in it are wonderful. Obviously it deals with the idea of grief and the gender inequality during the time period. If you can put up with the lovey side of it then it's worth the read". His eyes go over the cover. His finger coming up and gently stroking over the soldier picture on the front.

Your eyes go from his to his hands. Gentle fingers stroking over the image. "Did you have to leave behind a girlfriend when you left the army?" He looks up at you. Eyes going back down to the item. Being snapped out of the trance he was in. Looking up at you. "You said you were a soldier in the army. I assume you have or had a girlfriend that you had to leave behind when you came to the safe house". He remains unreading. A flash of something in his eyes. In a moment its gone.

"You sure do like asking a lot of questions don't you?"

"I just like being observant. That's all". He gives a small scoff. Shaking his head as he puts the book down. Leaning forward as his eyes meet yours.

"Stop asking questions". You tilt your head. Watching his eyes. Sad. Regret. You give a small nod. Taking in a breath as his eyes turn stern. Keeping on yours. You break eye contact with him. Looking downward.

"Sorry. You're completely right. Its none of my business". You whisper. He gives out a sigh. Looking downward.

"No. I'm sorry. You welcome a stranger into your home and I snap at you". You look back at him. His eyes go back to their usual soft self. Meeting yours once again. A small smile coming over his lips. "Have you eaten anything today?" You shake your head. He gives out a sigh. Going over to the small box with cans of food in. Kneeling down and taking out a couple of them.

"I'm not hungry"

"You need to eat something. I need to eat something". He reads the labels of your items. "You are aware that most of these cans are out of date?"

"Those are just precaution labels". He turns his body to face you. Reading the label before his gaze falls back to you.

"Best before 2nd November. 2009"

"Its tinned though! It can't go off. Tinned food doesn't go off".

"Its seven years after its best before date. I couple of months, even a year I could justify but seven?" He shakes his head. "Stand"

"Why?"

"We need to go and get you some food that was made this decade". You roll your eyes.

"You know I did manage to live before you got here and started bossing me around"

"And you'll live a lot longer if you eat actually decent food". He stands up. Taking your coat from where you'd dumped it on the chair. Holding it out to you. You fold your arms. Grumpily looking up at him. "Come on". You remain sat. He takes in a deep sigh. "I'll only get lost round here if you don't join me".

"Fine". Standing before him. "But we're using you money to buy it". He lets out a sigh. Resting his hands on hips after you take the coat from him and shrug it onto your shoulders. Flicking your hair from your clothes grasp as you do the buckle up. Going to your door and unlocking it. He grabs his cap and glasses. Placing them on as he follows you. Also chucking on a leather jacket.

You both start walking. Going for about 10 minutes before coming to a small corner store. Hopping inside you smile at the person behind the counter. A small woman. The stereotypical woman who owns a corner store. You give her a smile before going down the isles. Steve picks up a basket. Taking and looking at a variety of items. Spending a long time with them all before deciding whether to by it or not.

You watch him as he shops. Eyes focused on him as he carefully looks at each individual can and ready meal. You look at him. Then at the woman behind the counter. Hand going behind you as you grab a Wispa bar from the side. Pushing it up your hoodie sleeve. Turning back to face him. He doesn't seem to notice.

Instead he continues his shopping. Spending a little while in th shop before you follow him up to the counter. The silence staying strong as he gives a small smile to the woman. She smiles back. Scanning all the items before looking at you. "Chocolate bar" she taps the top of the counter. "Now".

"I don't understand" you fiend innocence.

"Girl. Now!" she says. "Or I will use gun". Steve's eyes widen slightly at the threat. Looking at you. You simply roll yours and pull out the two chocolate bars from your sleeve. Placing them onto the table.

"Really?" He says. Disbelief in his voice.

"Sorry. I can't help myself". He judges you. Hard. Although you cant see his eyes due to the dark shades. You can feel them. He turns his head back to the cashier.

"I apologise for her mistake". She shakes her head in disbelief.

"You are naughty girl". She says. Scanning the items. No. Scanning one of the items. You cock your head. Looking as she places them both into the bag.

"Wh-"

"You have handsome friend. Free chocolate for him. Not you". Your draw slacks. Steve tries his hardest to not laugh or anything. But you can see the grin starting to form on his lips. Giving the woman the money. Taking the bag as she gives him his change.

"You cheeky bitch!" You say to her. A smile on both your lips as he takes your wrist. Leading you out the building. She simply winks at you. Admiring your new roommate as you leave. You look at him. He drops your wrist once you exit. "I've gone to that shop for 3 years now! She has never once given me free shit"

"Maybe you should try not stealing from her. Then she'll give you free stuff"

"Or I should just get you to go in there more often". You mock. Nudging his arm as you keep up with his quick pace. He lets out a small chuckle. "Fancy banging a 50 year old woman for me so I can keep getting free crap?"

"If people give me free stuff then that's fine. I'm not going to try and swoon anyone so they give me it though"

"You can say fuck rather then swoon"

"I'd rather not". You laugh softly. His eyes focusing on everything as you walk. The drug dealer you pass. The prostitute who tries to make a move on him. The debatable 'hug' happening down the alleyway. You get home. Unlocking the door and letting him in. Shutting it again.

"You have a lot of crime around here". You nod. Placing the bag onto the counter side. Taking the items out and laying them before you.

"People stopped trying to be heroes here a long time ago". You take out your chocolate bar. Opening it and turning to him. Taking a bite from the sweet treat. "Not like the rich parts of the world with their Metal Boy or whatever he's called"

"Iron Man?"

"That's what I said". You take another bite. Speaking through a mouthful. Hand coming up to semi cover your mouth. Trying to get some form of decency as you speak. "We don't get the luxury of having superheroes on our doorsteps". He gives a small nod. You reach behind you. Taking his chocolate and handing it to him. He takes it from you. Resting it into his palm as he looks at it. You tilt your head to look out the window. Silence falling between you both.

SUNDAY

You come out of the shower. Towel drying your hair. Although Steve was awake when you had gotten up to shower neither of you had spoken apart from the nicety of saying 'good morning'. It was 10 in the morning. And you had gotten up about 5 minutes ago. Steve had been up since... god knows when. He leans against the wall. Looking out the window. "Looking for anything specific?" He shakes his head.

"Do you have a church here?" You nod. Sitting on your bed cross legged.

"Not far from here. About a mile and a half". You go into your bedside cabinet. Taking out a hairbrush and starting to bruch through your thick curls. "You a religious man?"

"I have faith. Though many events in my life have made me question it". He turns to you. "Are you religious?"

"No". You purse your lips together. "I tried to be. But I realised at a very young age that the only being or thing I needed faith in was myself". You break his gaze. Placing your brush on the side cabinet. "What do you fancy doing today?"

"What do you usually do?"

"Sundays I usually have as me days. Where I don't do chores or go to work or anything. I just chill out and relax. Having said that-" you reach over for the small bundle of notes you've been keeping. Flipping through the pieces of paper. "I've not had to study before". He gives out a small chuckle.

"Why don't you call her on Friday morning and tell her you're ill rather then this whole façade?"

"For starters I don't have a phone. Secondly if I post pone it she'll only hassle me". He nods. You lose eye contact with him. Muttering under your breath.

"What was that?" He asks. Eyes focused on yours. You refuse to meet his gaze. But speaking louder.

"Plus I want to show off the fact I have a fiance"

"A fake fiance"

"But she doesn't know that"

"Why do you want to brag about having a fake fiance to a friend?"

"Well... friend is a strong word. Frenemy is probably closer to what we are"

"What's a frenemy?"

"How old are you dude?" He smiles softly. Sitting on the edge of his bed as he looks at you. Waiting your answer. "A frenemy is a friend-enemy. Someone you want to like you but you also kind of detest". He tilts his head slightly. An amused confusion in his eyes at the definition.

"How did you meet this girl then?"

"We met in the foster care system. Kept bumping into each other because of it"

"You were in foster care?" You look at him. Giving a small nod. "How long were you in the system for?"

"Eleven years. Seven to sixteen. I ran away and I was too old at that point for them to care about coming t find me"

"I'm sorry Mia"

"Why? Its not your fault. Besides, I now have a fiancé and I can rub it in everyone's faces". He laughs.

"A fiance you've known for 3 days"

"I've slept with people I've known for less time". He gives a small laugh. Looking down at your statement. "But lets not bring these details up when we meet her. Right?"

"Of course not. Want to give your- frenemy -a good impression of you". He pauses slightly around the word. Obviously checking he was saying it correctly. You smile. Nodding in agreement.

"But you do need to know my favourite colour"

"Pink?"

"Ayy!" You smile at him. Continuing to quiz each other for a couple of hours. Basic facts. Birthdays. Favourite colour and animal. So on and so forth.

You lie on your bed. On your stomach. Open bag of off-brand Doritos next to you as he sits on his bed. Leaning forward. Legs apart as he rests his arms on his knees. He has a plate of crumbs left next to him from his small dinner of beans and toast. "Where is my birthmark?" You say. Looking at him.

"Is this really going to come up?"

"It might do. Come on. Take a guess". He looks at you.

"Its either going to be somewhere crude or..." His eyes dart to your chest. Then your ass. Going back to your eyes. Taking in a breath. "Its a trick question. You don't have one".

"Is that your final answer?" He looks at you. Giving a small nod.

"Ding ding ding! We have a winner!" He laughs at your overdramatisation. You take out a crisp from the packet next to you. Holding it out to him. "Your prize good sir". He chuckles. Taking it from you and chucking it into his mouth. "What's your last name?" You ask. Putting the pen onto your bottom lip as you look at him.

"I'm not telling you my last name"

"Why not?" You move the pen and hand away. Hitting them onto your bed. A look of disbelief coming over your eyes. "That will definitely come up when I get asked what my new last name will be when we get married"

"Its too much information to give you". You roll your eyes. Knowing what he's saying is true but still allowing yourself to be mildly inconvenienced by it.

"Fine" you draw out the word. "What name should I say if it comes up?" Your eyes meet his. A kind patience in them. He thinks for a minute.

"Carter". You blink at him. Slowly.

"To clarify, you're actual name is more of a giveaway then 'Carter'?"

"Yes"

"Jesus. How on the run are you?" He looks at you. The same look he gives you when you know you've asked to many questions. You roll your eyes. A look he has gotten used to you doing. "Why don't you settle for Smith? That's a very common name and no one will question it"

"Sure" he agrees. A small irritance in his voice but he silently agrees with your statament.

"Mrs Mia Smith". You give a small half laugh. "Sounds quite nice actually"

"Don't get soppy on me now Collins".

"Fuck off" you mutter. Moving to stand from your bed. "I got to piss. Back in a second". You go to the bathroom. Shutting and locking the door behind you. Doing your business before washing your hands. You open the door. Seeing the man looking towards the window once again.

"We can go out for a bit if you'd like?" He shakes his head.

"I went out yesterday for a necessity. I need to wait a little longer before I can go out just for pleasure". You go to your bed. Sitting cross legged on top of it.

"I don't think yesterday was a necessity"

"For my sanity and your dietary health it was". You give a small chuckle. Taking a pillow and hugging it. Resting the item onto your lap as you look at him. "When do you next have to work?"

"I should probably go tomorrow. But I can post pone it until Tuesday". He nods. Looking around the small apartment room.

"I might go a bit stir crazy if I have to stay in here". You give a small chuckle. "No offense to your home"

"None taken. I had to stay here for a week before without leaving. It was the longest 7 days of my life. Didn't dare turn the lights on or anything". He furrows his brow at you. "Oh that's a long story".

"I have time". You let out a pfft of air. Turning your head from him.

"I dated a guy. Very toxic". You look down. Picking at your finger nails. "When I told him I wanted to break up with him for a variety of reasons that I wont get into he threatened to kill me and... I didn't doubt he wouldn't. So I came here. Natasha had told me about this safe house. Said I could use it if I ever needed a place to hide away so I did. I then never left as I was too scared. I was very young at the time. Soon realised that the people who live in this building are dodgy but not killers. So I started venturing out after a week or so".

You shake your head slightly. Looking back at him. "But that is enough about me today. I want to learn more about you". He half smiles. Looking downward. Taking his silence as a way for you to stop asking questions. "Sorry. I know - not meant to ask questions. I'll stop prying". You move the pillow from your grip. "Do you want a hot drink? Coffee? I..." You look around the apartment. "-can only offer coffee?" His eyes glance to the book still on top of the pile. Now placed on the floor. But the same woman in the soldier uniform sat on top. You look at him. Waiting his answer in regards to a hot drink. Not paying mind to his thoughts.

"I did have a girlfriend in the war. Kind of". He looks up at you. Your eyes meet his. Sad blue soft on yours. "We had a mutual attraction for each other. I imagine-" He takes in a breath. "I hope that if I had stayed then it would've developed into something more". You look at him. Taking a few steps towards him and sitting next to him on the bed. You hesitate for a moment. Taking his hand in yours as a means of comfort. His eyes fall to the affection. Coming back up to meet your gaze.

You assume this is a recent event. That he had to leave her when he went into hiding. You are unaware that she was his love 70 years ago.

"I'm sorry Steve". He looks at you. Eyes gracing your face. Catching himself doing so. He moves his hand away. Looking at the bed in front of him as he gives a small cough.

"What do you have that I can do whilst you go to work tomorrow?"

"Ummm" you turn your head. Kneeling down beside your bed. You pull out a plastic box. Sitting next to it as he looks too. A couple of boardgames. Sadly all needing more then one player. Taking out a pack of cards and placing them onto his bed. You stand. Pulling the plastic tub up and onto your bed for easier access to its contents. Plus being able to find any more items under your bed. Bedning down and reaching under. Feeling something you don't recognise.

"The fuck" you mumble. Grabbing a hold of the item and pulling it out. A guitar. An acoustic guitar. You let out a soft laugh. Looking at the light wood of the item. "I forgot I had this".

"Do you play?" You shake your head. Sitting on the edge of the bed as you start to instinctively tune it.

"I tried to teach myself some songs. It was here when I moved in and I didn't have the heart to throw it out. So I hid it under my bed when I became a permanent resident". You play a few notes. Smiling as you do so. "I wanted to be the best musician ever when I was a kid. I admired Elton John and Elvis Presley for their musical talents. I wanted to be like that when I was an adult".

"Why did you stop?"

"Hard to carry musical instruments around when your going in and out of care. One family did have a piano though. The dad taught me a couple of songs on it. I was with them for 4 months so learnt some things". He looks at you. You smile as you correct all the notes. Looking at him as your smile remains soft. Meeting his eyes. "Want me to play you a song?" You wiggle your eyebrows. He smiles slightly. Giving a small nod. "Shit wasn't expecting you to say yes". You tilt your head. Trying to think of one.

Your eyes go to the book that his had gone to previously. Looking to the guitar as you align your fingers to the notes before looking at him. "I'm not good. And my voice sounds like shit".

"I'll be the judge of that". You roll your eyes. Looking back to the guitar as you start to play the song. Zombie by the Cranberries. Steve didn't know this song. So intrigue was playing through his mind. You start singing after a minute of playing the intro. Not looking at him as you focus on the right notes in the right order. Stopping after you sing the first chorus. Lifting your head up to look at him. He gives a small clap.

"Thank you. Thank you. I'm here all night". You smile. Placing the item down onto the bed.

"If your job doesn't cut it then you could become a musician". You scoff slightly.

"I don't think so. I struggle enough paying the bills as it is. Don't need another form of income letting me down". He half smiles.

"You should do it. I've seen a lot of people getting famous on the internet from singing and song writing. I think you have potential"

"Even if I wanted to - I don't have the internet"

"I thought everyone your age did"

"Everyone my age doesn't normally have to prioritise food over wifi". He gives a small nod.

"I don't know. I saw how old your food stash was. I wouldn't even say you were god at prioritising food". You grab your pillow. Hitting his legs with it. Smiling as he gives out a laugh.

"You can go fuck yourself Shoulders". He laughs at your insult. Giving you a small smile. You detach your eyes from his. Looking at the clock on the wall. "Come on. It's late. We should get our beauty sleep". You say. Turning back to give him a smile matching his.

MONDAY

You wake up early. Very early. You know it must be as Steve is still sleeping and he's normally up at the crack of dawn. Sometimes earlier. You knew public transport would be busy. Perfect opportunity to try and grab as many items as you could.

Going to your dresser. Kneeling down as you quietly open the bottom drawer. Filled with your fancy outfits. You fumble in the dark. Finding the pant suit. The one that makes you look like a business woman. No one suspects a business woman to be a pick pocket. Giving a smile to yourself as you go into the bathroom and get dressed. Coming out you see Steve still sleeping. Writing onto a piece of paper and leaving it on your pillow.

'Gone to work. Back later'

Heading out the local buses. Trains. Sidewalks. Anywhere there was a lot of people and not much time to worry if they had everything as they bustled about. You spend about an hour and a half out. Making use of the busy Monday morning. You head back home once the hustle and bustle had died down. Going inside your home once again. Steve was reading on his bed. Over halfway through the book you'd lent him. His eyes glance to you before going back to the pages. You lock the door behind you. Giving him a smile as you take off your coat. You'd sort the stolen items out later. When Steve wasn't in the room.

"Very short day working"

"I told you my days are often short"

"You're a thief right?" You pause. His words sounding cold. You hang your coat up. Looking at him. Giving a small nod to his correct accusation. "Why do you steal from people?"

"Do I really strike you as someone who would have a 9 to 5?"

"I'm asking seriously Mia".

"And I'm answering seriously". He raises his brow at you. You take in a breath. Letting it out with a deep sigh.

"I realised from a young age that people will only see what they want to see. When people look at me they see a criminal. So I became the criminal they feared". He sits up properly. Eyes scanning over you.

"I don't see a criminal when I look at you". You clench your fists slightly as you look at him.

"You'd be the first in 22 years to think that". You turn. Hesitating before grabbing out your finds from today. From your pockets and sleeves. Not caring at this point what he thought of you. Not wanting him to know you care about his thoughts.

"Don't you worry you're taking from someone who might need the money? Pay rent? Hospital bills? Childcare?" Your jaw tightens. Eyes flicking down to the variety of wallets now sprawled on the bed. A pang of guilt going through you. One you've virtually never felt before despite doing this for most of your life.

"I don't have any other choice. I have my own life to pay for". You can feel his eyes on you. Judging you hard. You refuse to look at him. Instead settling for going through the wallets. You hear him let out an annoyed breath. Going into the bathroom and shutting the door. Your eyes dart up. Looking at the closed frame. Eyes going back down to the wallet. Taking out a rather large wad of cash. And a picture.

A man, a woman, and 4 children. Plus a cat. Your eyes scan the picture. Going to the rather large sum of money in your hand. A very large sum. Must be five hundred quid currently in your palm. That could be very beneficial to you. But his words ring through your ears. You take in an annoyed sigh. Shutting your eyes as you go over to a drawer. Taking out the other wallets you'd stashed away yet not been able to sort through yet. Plus a tote bag. Shoving them all in before heading out the door.

You go through each wallet. Checking for any ID. Business cards. Anything to give you a name and address for the owner of the wallet. Muttering to yourself at how frustratingly righteous Steve was. You had twelve to go through. Seven of which were withing a four mile radius of your home. Walking to the residencies of them. You'd borrowed Steve's sunglasses and wore your hood up so if they had any security cameras they would hopefully not recognise you.

Three of the items were places you couldn't get too. Abroad or across the country. So you went to a local police station. You don't talk to anyone. Instead dropping them in various places where someone would find them. Quite literally dropping them. Not spending time to make sure they fell neatly or looked good. You just hoped it would be an officer and not some random stranger who would find the items.

Once you'd done this you start to head back home. You have two wallets in your bag. Neither of which had an address or name or phone number in. So you decided you would keep them. It seemed fair enough to you. You'd tried but they didn't even have so much as an initial on them. Getting to your apartment. Unlocking the door as you go inside. Locking it behind you. Steve once again lying on his bed. Reading a book. Different book to yesterday. He must've finished it.

Neither of your speak to each other for a few minutes. Both to stubborn after your previous interaction. You chuck the bag into your set of drawers. Feeling his eyes watch you. You turn to face him but his eyes go back to the book before him. You take in a breath. Sitting on the edge of your bed as you take your shoes off.

"I'm going to have a quick shower" you speak softly. Standing up.

"Theres no hot water"

"What?" you go into the bathroom. Hearing him stand and follow shortly behind. You run the shower. Placing your hand under it. Cold. Very cold. "You've got to be fucking with me". You turn the shower off. Going over to the sink and running the water. Also cold. "For fucks sake". He watches you. Leaning against the doorframe to the bathroom. You bring your hands up. Palms going to your eyes as you mentally compose yourself. "We need to call a plumber or something".

"No". You move your hands down. Hitting them against your thighs. Looking at him in disbelief. His arms folded over himself. Eyes steady as they watch yours. "We can't do that. The people who are after me might have shut the water off with intention of then us calling someone to come and fix it".

"Ok. Ok". A slight panic going through you. Looking towards the sink again. "What to do..." You mumble. Eyes darting over the sink as you think. You hit your hands together once you think of it. "Water tanks are on the roof. I wonder if there is something to do with that whihc is making our water cold". You turn to him. "I have no idea how they work but maybe they have a switch or something that needs pulling. I can go up and check that everything seems to be working".

"I've got no better plan". You run a hand through your hair. Looking back at the sink before giving a nod.

"Ok. Cool. Lets do this". You walk out the bathroom. He turns slightly to let you out. Watching as you pick up your forgotten shoes. Sitting onto the edge of your bed as you push them onto your feet.

"Do you want me to join you?" You shake your head. Zipping the side of your shoe up.

"If they did shut off the power so you would come out of hiding then they would be waiting for you. As much as I appreciate the offer I think it'd be for the best if I go alone. Might as well call a plumber if you wanted to join me". He nods. Watching as you adjust the back of your shoe.

"Be careful". You nod. Picking up your keys from the side and unlocking the door. You pause. Shit. What if there were assassins or something waiting there for you? You look up the staircase. A sudden fear coming over your body. Quickly mentally shaking yourself you turn. Shutting and locking the door behind you. Placing your keys firmly between your knuckles as you make your way up the stairs.

Going up there you are wary. Feeling like some sort of crap spy as you peer around corners. Seeing a singular person up there. A man in his 60s you'd guess. You look around as he tries to fix the boiler. Pulling your hoodie over yourself more. It was colder then you expected. Going over you give a small smile. "Everything ok?"

He jumps slightly. Turning to face you. Giving you a little nod before turning back to the boiler in question. "Somethings dislodged with the system. Whole complex has bugged out. Just trying to fix it now". You give a small nod.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"No. Thank you though miss". He stands up. Wiping his hands on a cloth. Eyes going to you. Then your boobs. "What room are you in?" They go back to your eyes. "I'll make sure you get your heating back first". You give a small chuckle.

"Surely you could just turn the water on for everyone?" He nods.

"I can. But it has to be in an order. Right side of the building. Lower floors. All that stuff". His eyes go back to your boobs. "I could have your hot water up and running straight away. If not you could come back to mine and you could borrow my shower". He reaches a hand out. Gently stroking it down your arm. You flinch away from him. Eyes giving him a disgusted look.

"I should be getting back to my fiance". You semi lie. Eyes staying on his. His face falters at the word. Giving a nod as he looks back to the plumbing.

"Good luck with that". You turn. Going to head back to your apartment. But he says one word. One small word. That makes you start to see red. "Slut". You turn around. Not wasting time as your fist comes up and connects with his jaw. Your hands come to your mouth as you look at him in shock of what you did. His hand coming up. Holding the side of his face as he looks at you. "You fucking bitch!" He yells. Going to grab your wrist as he stands. You bring a foot up. Kicking him square in the stomach before you turn and start running.

Running back to your apartment. Hands fumbling as you try and open the door. Dropping your keys as you hear him make his way down the stairs. The door opens before you can fumble with the item. Steve opening the door for you. You bend down quickly. Reaching for the keys. Hand going to his chest as you push him into your home. Slamming the door behind your as your shaking hands lock it. Even putting the latch across.

"Shit. Are you ok?". Your fisted hands come up to your head. Hiding your face between them. Leaning against the door as you nod. Your whole body shakes from adrenaline.

"I'm ok" you whisper. Refusing to look at him. Shutting your eyes as you try and calm yourself. Focusing on your breathing. You feel a hand touch your shoulder. Flinching slightly as you turn your head to Steve. Your eyes scan his face.

"Mia?" You shake your head. Hiding your face into his chest. Bringing your hands up to rest by your head again. His hands come up. Gently rested on your back. One goes to your hair. Holding you close to him. You grip the fabric of his shirt. Willing yourself to not cry. He shushes you. Feeling him move his head down. Resting his cheek by your temple. His voice sweet as he speaks into your ear. Calming you.

Once you regain some sort of composure you pull away. Refusing to look at him. Bringing your hands up to wipe under your eyes. And your nose. His eyes go to your quickly bruising fist. He takes you by your shoulders. Moving you the short distance to your bed. Sitting you down before he goes to the freezer. Taking out some sort of frozen vegetation. Wrapping it into a tea towel before coming and sitting next to you. Gently taking your hand in his. Palms resting against each others as he places the cool item onto your burning hand. You take in a sharp gasp of air. The pain soon soothing from the numbness going through your hand. You watch as he cares for you. The fear you'd previously felt slowly fading from you.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

"A punched the guy who was fixing our water". You move your eyes to his. His blue orbs coming to yours.

"What did he do that made you punch him?"

"He called me a slut because I refused to have sex with him"

"Sounds like he deserved it". You smile slightly. Looking back down at your hand.

"We may not have hot water for a little while". He gives a small scoff. Also looking at your hand. Your brow furrows slightly. "Did you swear earlier?" You bring your head up to look a him. He stays silent. Your mouth widens into a smile. "You totally did!"

"Its not that big a deal". He says. A playful yet stern tone in his voice. "You swear all the time"

"Yeah but me swearing is second nature. You swearing is like seeing a dog walk on its hindlegs". He shakes his head slightly. A smile plaguing his lips. Your eyes stay watching him as his stay down on your hand. Even at this angle you are still able to see the blue of his eyes. He moves the makeshift ice pack away. Placing it onto your bed as he takes your hand in both of his. Bringing it slightly closer to look at the injury. "What's it like Doctor?" He looks up at you.

"You'll be fine. I reckon it'll heal in a day or two"

"So we dont have to amputate". He gives a small scoff. Shaking his head.

"No amputation needed"

"That's good to hear". You smile. Eyes scanning his eyes. Soft. Kind. You take in a breath. Moving your hand from his grasp as you feel a blush come over your cheeks. Adverting your eyes from his. Picking up the pack of frozen carrots. Standing as you go back to the part of the apartment you label the kitchen. Putting the tea towel to hang over the oven handle. Shoving the vegetable back into the freezer. Shutting it as you stand tall. Scrunching your hand as you watch the dying bruise. You turn back to him. A smile slightly on your lips as you look at him. He sits on your bed still. Watching you.

"I vote that we both stay inside for the rest of the day". You gives a small nod at the idea. "Do you need help with anything?"

"Oh no. I'm just going to... I don't know what to do". He gives a small chuckle. "We could play one of the games I have? If you'd like?" He gives a nod.

"What games do you have?" You go over to your bed. Kneeling beside it. He watches. Scooting along as you pull out one of the plastic boxes once again. Placing it next to him. Chucking the dusty lid onto the floor. He turns his body. Looking at the different games you present him.

"The classics. Monopoly. Cluedo. Scrabble". You place them onto the bed next to him as you say the names. He looks at them. Looking into the box. Eyes drawn to a red box. He reaches down. Picking it out. Giving a concerned chuckle as he looks at the writing.

"Exploding Kittens?" You look at his hands.

"I've never played it before. My friend got it for me for my birthday last year and I just didn't have the right occasion". He nods. Reading the caption of it.

"A card game for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats". He gives a small chuckle. Turning it to read the back. "Can we play this?" You nod. Picking up the games you'd brought out from the box. Putting them into the box again before shoving it under your bed. You get up onto your bed. Sitting cross legged opposite him as he starts to take out the cards. You take the instructions. Reading through them. Helping him set it up before you both play for a few hours.

TUESDAY

You stretch awake in the morning. Seeing Steve already up and dressed. Reading his book with the dull light from the sun beaming into the room. "You can open the curtain more you realise?"

"I didn't want to disturb you". You give a small scoff that turns into a yawn and stretch. Sitting up as the covers fall from your torso. "Still no hot water?" He shakes his head. "Great. That's just great". You rub your eyes. "Its fucking freezing"

"You're currently wearing virtually nothing. No wonder you're cold".

"Shut up" you say. Reaching down next to your bed as you pick up a hoodie. Placing it onto your body before standing. Stretching your arms above your head once again. Going into the bathroom you do your teeth. He continues reading. Calling out to you as you apply some deodorant. Brush still lodged between your teeth.

"How is the hand?" You put the spray bottle down. You spit the paste out into the sink. Rinsing it down and washing your face before towelling it dry. You go into your room. Looking around as you answer him. Holding it up before him. Scrunching it to show the lack of bruise and pain. His eyes go to your hand. Smiling as it has only a small bruise present onto it.

"A little sore but nothing that wont heal". You smile. Bringing it back down. "I was going to go out for the morning. Go for a bit of a walk round town".

"Mind if I joined you?" You look at him. "I need to get out. I'm not used to staying cooped up for this long". You give a small laugh. Nodding.

"If you deem it to be safe then I have no complaints about it". He smiles. "Let me get dressed properly. Put a bra on and all that good shit. Then we can go". His tongue quickly darts out. Going back to his book.

"I'm ready whenever you are". You nod. Going around the apartment and picking up a bra. Going to your drawers and taking out some clean underwear and shirt. You get dressed in the bathroom. Coming out in jeans and a shirt. After you've done the sniff test on the three hoodies you'd thrown onto the floor. Deeming the last one acceptable to wear.

"You've not been to this part of America before have you?"

"I went out with you a couple of days ago. But other then that. No". You smile. Pulling the hoodie over your head.

"Oh you'll love it". You pull your hair out from the hoodie. "Its filled with crime and near death experiences around every corner". He lets out a slight laugh. Moving the book from his gaze.

"Sounds no different to my ordinary life". You shoot him a quizzical look. Watching as he puts the piece of scrap paper he's taken for a bookmark. "Shall we go?"

"Absolutely not with that being your last statement". He half smiles. Sitting up as he tilts his head towards you. "Let me guess - drug dealer"

"No"

"Mob boss"

"No"

"Gang leader"

"Aren't they the same thing?"

"Pimp"

"Ok". He stands up.

"Yes?"

"No". You take in a breath. Going to speak. He covers your mouth with his hand. Causing you to frown at him. Your eyebrows scrunch as you meet his eyes. "I'm going to move my hand. Stay quiet". He says. You roll yours eyes. His hand coming down. You remain silent. Steadily keeping his gaze. "I used to be a soldier in the army. You know this. I told you".

"Oh yeah. Cause you fought in a war and met your girlfriend". He nods. "Still think you being a pimp would be funnier though".

"You're insufferable".

"I'm wonderful". You smile. Turning on the spot as you go and grab your coat from the chairdrobe. "Come on Shoulders. Lets go for a walk. Might warm me up too"

"Going out into the cold might warm you up?"

"Walking might". He chuckles. Watching as you grab a pair of shoes. Slipping them on. He comes over. Grabbing his glasses and hat and putting them on. Then a coat and his own shoes. You go over to the door. Unlocking it and pulling it open. Motioning with your hand for him to leave first. He does. Waiting for you as he scours the building. You shut the door. Locking it behind you. Shoving your keys into pocket. You start walking. Him following a few steps behind as you go down the grand staircase to the foyer.

You get to the front door for your building complex. Turning to push it open with your butt. Hands wedged firmly into your pockets. The chill air hitting you. Keeping it open for Steve to walk past. "Fuck me its cold". He gives out a small laugh. Dropping the door when he exits. You fold your arms over your torso. Hoping this position will keep the heat in more. Motioning with your head. "Lets go". He follows as you start a quick paced walk. His hands in his hoodie pocket.

"You really don't do well with the cold do you?"

"No. I like heat. Warmth. This is not that. Fuck me its fucking cold". He smiles at your discomfort. Letting out a small laugh as you notice his head remains up. You can't see his eyes but you notice his head making small movements. Checking to see if you're being followed. You unattached your arms from yourself. Linking it through his. Hands gently gripping his upper arm.

"What are you doing?"

"Helping you be more undercover". You whisper. "Plus you're warm". Nestling closer to him. He smiles. Moving his arm to wrap around your shoulders. Holding you close to him.

"Where are we walking too?"

"There's a cute little thrift shop up the road. They have some cute knick knacks that I like to indulge in when I can afford it. Plus I like going there and seeing what I can find for cheap. Making it look a bit fancier then selling for 3 times the price I bought it".

"Isn't that some sort of fraud?" You shrug.

"Probably. But it gets me money. Its only a crime if I get caught"

"That's..." He takes in a sigh. You speak before he can.

"Everyone knows that you become a criminal once you go to prison. Before that you are just an eccentric business man or woman". You swear you can audibly hear his disappointment.

"That's still not how crime works. You know that right?"

"Until I'm proven wrong I struggle to see how im not right"

"You frustrate me"

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And putting up with me will certainly do one of those". You hear him let out a small laugh.

"I'm definitely starting to see that". You spend the rest of your walk in silence. Before making your way to the small shop. Pushing down your hood as you go inside. Detaching from his arm. Going over to the different items on sale. He follows. Standing behind you. Looking out the window as you browse.

"Stop looking suspicious"

"I'm not" He whispers.

"Yes". You turn to face him. "Yes you are". Going past as you pick up an ornament. Seeing them around for 50-60 quid. You check the label. $3. Someone didn't do their research into this item when they cashed it in. You place it in a hand whilst you continue browsing.

"Can I ask you something?" You nod. Feeling his breath fan past your cheek and shoulder as he stands beside you. Slightly behind your shoulder. "How are you so comfortable stealing and conning from everyday humans? Yet you make no attempt to steal these cheap items when we both know you easily could?"

"This thrift shop gives 90% of its earnings to people who have come out of sex trafficking. Men. Woman. Children. It seems wrong to steal from them"

"Its nice to know that you do have a heart somewhere inside of you". You scoff slightly. Shaking your head. Picking up an item on the other shelf. Checking the price. Quickly putting it back down at the overpriced statue. Going over to the clothes section.

"I don't have a heart". You pull out a dress. Eyeing it before putting it back. "Its just a black void that's in the cassum of where my heart should be"

"Then why did you return those wallets you stole?" You furrow your brow. How did he know that? You turn to look at him. A light tone to his eyes. Your eyes dart to his lips. Seeing the hint of a smirk. Cocky bastard. Eyes going back to his.

"Think the real question is why were you going through my underwear drawer?" You see his cheeks start to flush a pretty pink at your notion. Making you smile. Going back to your clothes. "Perv" you tease him.

"No. No that's not what... I was trying to clean some off your clothes away for you and... I stumbled across the bag of wallets and noticed you had less so-"

"I'm teasing Shoulders. I've had far worse happen to me then someone go through my panty draw". He shuts his eyes. You didn't think he could go a deeper shade of red.

"Why- Can you not call them... panties?" He whispers the last word.

"I can call them thongs and braziers if you'd rather?" You speak loudly. Drawing the attention briefly from some of the other customers around. He takes in a breath. Refusing to look at anyone in the shop.

"I'd rather we drop the conversation completely". You smile. Knowing you've won. Throwing a few items over you arm before going to the jewellery. Picking out a few items before going to the till. Spending fifteen dollars on the whole lot. Thanking the man behind the counter before you head out the shop. Heading back home. Steve insists that you both walk around the block a handful of times. Convinced you're being followed and not wanting to give where you live away.

Eventually he allows you to both go back to your apartment. Going inside. You go over to the tap. Running the water to see if the heating had been fixed yet. Nothing. You give an annoyed sigh. Kicking your shoes off and leaving them in the middle of the floor as you go to your bed. Dropping the items onto the bed before going over to the oven. Turning it on and opening the front. He tilts his head slightly.

"It warms the house up. I'll only do it for a minute or so. Otherwise we'll get over heated or start a fire"

"Actual fire would certainly keep you warm". You chuckle lightly.

"I'd probably still be cold". He laughs. Sitting onto his bed. Nicely taking his boots off before picking yours up too. Going and placing them neatly by the front door. Tidying out the other shoes that are there. He comes back in. Leaning against the wall as you warm your hands and backside against the oven fire.

"What do you do with the items now?"

"I'll clean them up tonight then tomorrow I'll go to my friends house and see how much he'll buy them for. I think I've managed to get about three hundred worth of cash so he'll probably give me two hundred for it. Then he gets some profit from the items he sells onto other clients". You shake slightly. Turning the oven off and shutting the door. Double checking everything is off before walking away. Grabbing a mug and old toothbrush. Filling the mug with sadly cold water rather then then luke warm you'd rather have for this job. You go over. Sitting cross legged on your bed. Putting the cleaning items onto the nightstand before you empty out your bag of findings.

Steve comes and sits opposite you on his bed. Watching as you take out the items. Starting to scrub up each of the items. Paying close attention to each one. Most are what you deem ugly ornaments that you know are collectable. Placing them down on the kitchen counter at the end of your bed. Knowing they'll dry their over night.

You pick up a piece of jewellery. A necklace. Smiling as you look at it. "My dad used to do this. Find items from junk shops and make them nice to sell for a profit". He looks at your hand. Watching as you start to spruce up the pretty silver. "We would go away on these tours across the country and we would find items in shops and do what I'm doing now. However he would always say I could pick out one piece of jewellery from each state we went to".

"Is that why you wear so many rings?" You nod.

"The one that is our pretend engagement ring is from California. He thought he could make it big as an actor. It lasted about 2 months before he gave up"

"Why'd he quit?"

"The fellow actors weren't very nice. My dad was a very scrawny man and they'd pick on him. So he stole all their valuables and left". He laughs. His laugh warming you slightly. "I'm serious. We bought a campervan with that money. Oh I fucking loved that van". He smiles. Holding his hand out towards the items you just cleaned. You pass it to him. His strong frame being a contrast to the delicate item. Yet he holds it softly. So very softly. Admiring the beauty of it. Holding it back to you. Watching you as you place it on the side with the others. Picking up the next piece as you continue cleaning.

"Do you ever get tempted to keep the items rather then sell them?"

"I've tried. I've kept some things but rent day is a thing and my form of income isn't always the most reliable. So I often get rid of the items. I do have spare items kept around the house that I find pretty but could get me a months rent if I needed it too". You pick up the last item. Cleaning it. Well - the last non clothing item. The three dresses and shirt stare at you. You rub your forehead with your palm.

"Now its washing day on Thursday. So I will scrub these up as best as I can. Fix any imperfections if needed before washing them. I can then sell them on Friday before out date with Riley". You move from the bed. Grabbing the mug of dirty water. Standing as you awkwardly balance. Trying not to get yourself or Steve with the liquid. His hands come out. Going to your hips as he steadies you.

"Thank you".

"Thank you for not getting me wet". He removes his hands. Watching as you pour the water down the sink. Refilling the glass as you get out a sponge. Going back over to the bed you make quick work of the clothing items.

WEDNESDAY

"What do you have planned for today?" Steve says. Watching as you chuck some shoes on.

"Not a lot. We've run out of coffee so I'm going to head to the shops and see if I can pick any up". His eyes go to the kettle you have before going back to you.

"Mind if I join?"

"If you desire to". You grab a coat. Throwing it on over the top of your already 3 layered torso. "Don't quite know what you expect from it though. It'll be very boring". He gives a small scoff. Coming and grabbing his coat.

"I don't do well staying in the same spot. I need to get out"

"Fine. But we're going to the shop with your girlfriend in". He tilts his head. An amused question on his brow. "The woman who gave you free chocolate. Because she finds you hot". He nods. Smiling as he lets out a small 'ah'. "You're girlfriend. I mean I'd have thought she's a little old for you but.... whatever floats your boat". He chuckles. Grabbing his cap and glasses. Placing them on and putting his hood up. You can't tell if the last one is to help disguise him or if its to keep him safe from the cold.

You both head to the little corner shop. The cashier eye fucking Steve as you go to the coffee isle. Picking out the cheapest brand and going over to the till. She smiles at him. Picking up the item and scanning it. Only looking down when she fails to scan the code the first time. You take out a fiver. Handing it to her. Steve scratches the side of his face. Looking away as your patience thins as she holds the money. You cough. Causing her to come back to reality.

"Sorry". She says. Dialling in the money and taking out your appropriate change. Handing it to you. You smile. Taking it from her and shoving it into your hoodie pocket.

"Thank you". A light sarcasm in your voice that you really try to hide but massively fail. You walk out. Steve following behind you. He walks by your side. Staying close to you. "Have you always had the power to turn woman's brains to mush or is that a recent phenomenon?" He chuckles softly.

"Its a recent thing. I'm still not fully used to it"

"I can imagine its super hard for you to adjust too" you tease him. Giving him a small smirk as you glance to him. He smiles. Shaking his head.

"When I was younger I didn't even get woman look at me. So it certainly is... strange to adjust too". You raise your brow at him. Eyes going to his very defined torso and tall frame. Not believing him in the slightest. You go to say something else witty when you're cut off by a frantic female voice.

"Stop him! He's got my purse!" A man runs past. Hood up. Hand clutching a bag. One that doesn't seem to match his attire. You both look at the scene before you.

Steve doesn't hesitate. Turning and running after the man. You watch in awe as he speeds off at an inhumane pace. Not sure if you should stay out or run after them. Normally you were the person getting away. Not the hero.

Despite his fast nature the offender was slightly faster. Having the slight advantage. Taking the coffee jar out of your pocket. "Fucks sake". Bringing your arm back as you throw the item. As fast and hard as you can. Losing your balance slightly as you watch the item come down onto the runners head. Watching as he collapses to the ground. You stay put as you see Steve grab the man. Pulling him up. Dragging him by the scruff of his collar over to where you stand. The woman coming and joining you. Steve pries the bag from the attackers hands. Passing her bag back to her.

"Thank you. Both of you". She glares at the robber. "You deserve to be locked up for your sins young man" she spits out at him. Annoyingly he's too concussed from your throw off coffee that he doesn't have any comeback. "I've already called the cops. They will be here any minute now". Not the best option for you - a pick pocket. And Steve - a man hiding from authorities. The same thoughts seem to go through Steve's mind as you can see the panic suddenly come over his face. What you can see of his face anyway.

You once again do some quick thinking. Linking an arm with Steve. "I'm sorry ma'am but we really need to rush off. We've got a midwife appointment that I just can't miss today. This is our first scan you see". You place a hand onto your belly. Just to add some extra emphasis. "Will you be ok to handle this?" She looks at you. Then your stomach. Then the man you've clung onto. She smiles.

"Oh my goodness congratulations! Of course I'll be fine! You go and help create a wonderful foundation for the next generation. Goodness knows we need it". Her smiling features turn sour as she glances to the boy whose painfully holding his head. "Thank you so much again for the help. Good luck with your appointment". You smile. Turning and forcing Steve with you.

"A midwife appointment?" He whispers to you.

"People are normally very happy and relaxed when you bring children into the equation. Its a good way to get out of social events. Or in our case a run in with the cops". He chuckles. The both of you walking back to your apartment. You unlock the door. Shutting it behind you once again. You kick your shoes off. Reaching into your pocket. You'd had adrenaline running through your veins that you forgot the main event that had happened.

You'd gone out for coffee. Then threw the coffee at someone. And forgot to pick it up afterwards or purchase a different pot. "Oh for fucks sake!" You tilt your head back. An annoyed grunt leaving your lips as he looks at you. Raising an eyebrow as he sits on his bed. Starting to take his shoes off.

"Everything alright?"

"No. No it's not alright". You rub your face with your hands. Tilting you head back down as you push your palms into your eyes. "I forgot the fucking coffee as I threw it at the fucking twat. Fuck!" You hear him make slight movement.

"You mean this coffee?" You open your eyes. Beaming as you see the plastic container filled with coffee grains.

"I think I love you". He laughs. Picking his shoes up. Placing the coffee onto the side. Neatly putting his shoes down in the shoe pile. Going and grabbing the kettle. Filling it up with cold water before going and putting it back on. "Do we have hot water yet?" He flicks the switch for the kettle. Going over to the sink once again. Turning it on and sticking his pinkie under the running water. Standing there for a minute.

"No".

"Fucks sake".

"I can go and talk to the man if you'd like?" You shake your head.

"It'll get turned back on soon I'm sure. I just cant guarantee when". You slump yourself down onto the bed. Outstretching your arms as you let your legs dangle over the edge. Dramatically falling down onto the mattress. The slight spring making your body jump lightly. "I'm just hoping it'll get sorted before Friday. So we can have a decent shower before meeting Riley"

"That would be a good excuse to get out of it though"

"Not having hot water?" He nods. Leaning against the kitchen counter.

"Hmm. I suppose so. She'd be way too nice about it though. Say that we can use her fancy shower and bath with thousands of servants coming and giving us chocolate strawberries and hand feeding us grapes". He gives a small laugh.

"Is she even rich enough to have servants?"

"She's pompous enough". His laugh grows. Shaking his head softly. The kettle clicking off. He turns around. Making two coffees. One for each of you. Coming and sitting onto his bed as he sits opposite you. Holding out the mug for you to take.

"I'm fascinated in meeting her".

"Oh you'll love her. Everyone does". You say. Bringing the hot mug to your lips. Gently blowing on the liquid. Steam coming up and around your eyes. He half smiles. Watching you as you bring the item to your lips. Taking a sip of the scorching drink. Placing it down onto the bedside. He looks away from you. Eyes falling onto the guitar that's now discarded onto the singular armchair you have in the room.

"Will you play something again?" You look at him. Confusion over your features as you watch him stand. Going and grabbing the musical item with the hand not holding his drink. Coming back over and sitting down the his bed. The musical instrument being held in his less dominant hand.

"Goodness. You really want to subject your ears to that torture again?"

"I enjoy your voice"

"You're a madman". He smiles. You sigh. Placing the mug down and taking the item from him as he holds it towards you. Sitting cross legged as you put the instrument onto your lap. "What do you want to hear then Shoulders?"

"Surprise me". You move your eyes upwards. Trying to think of a good song to sing him. Starting to play a few notes. Starting to sing Stitches by Shawn Mendes. Getting more into it as the song progresses. The end of it comes about. He claps. A smile on his face.

"I have to ask. Do you know any happy songs?" You let out a soft chuckle.

"I'm sure I can think of one". You pause. Bringing your bottom lip between your teeth. "Or not. Jesus can I really not think of a single happy song?" You tilt you head downward. Your brain wracking through every song you've ever heard. That you can also play on guitar. "Ooh! This one". You look at him. Then the guitar.

"Fuck". You move your hand. Playing a note. "Nope. That's not it". You bite your bottom lip. "I can play it on piano". You mumble. You shut your eyes. Trying to visualise the notes in your head that are needed. Opening them again as you place your fingers. Correctly this time. Starting to play. Daydream Believer by The Monkees

Once you finish he claps. A smile on his face. "Happy enough song for you that time?"

"Definitely happier then the other two you've sung me". You give a small chuckle. Placing the guitar next to you on the bed. Picking up your mug of hot coffee. Blowing onto the top of it before taking a sip.

THURSDAY

Stuffing your dirty clothes into a wash bag. Scurrying around the room as you sniff various items scattered around. Steve's gaze falls from the window to you. A small amount of amusement in his eyes as he watches you hurriedly go around the room. "I have to go and do my washing today. You are welcome to join but it will probably be as fun as doing the laundry so..." He gives a small chuckle. Standing up from his bed.

"I have nothing better to do". You give a small nod. Watching as he picks up a hoodie from the floor and passes it to you. One you'd already done the sniff test too. Which it passed.

"This doesn't need washing. I've worn it once"

"I saw you drop ten tonnes of pasta onto it last night. Yes it does". You roll your eyes. Taking the item from him. The both of you going around the small of the apartment. Collecting your joint clothes before you head out the door. Locking it behind you as you make your way to the laundromat.

Going inside you put your load in. Sitting down next to him on a bench as you watch the washing swirling inside the machine. You turn your head to him. His cap and sunglasses being his disguise once again. His face now having a form of light stubble present on it. He turns to face you. Feeling your eyes on him.

"Is this what you do every Thursday?"

"Its the least busy day I've discovered. Some people do it earlier in the week so they can have clothes over the weekend. Some do it Friday or the weekend as that's the days they have off. A lot of people do it Wednesday because they think that's the day no one will go and do their washing. But everyone forgets about Thursday". He gives a slight chuckle.

"You've spent a lot of time here". You give out a small 'hmm'. Feeling his eyes on you.

"I would spend a lot of time in places like this when I was a child. They're a good place to go to escape reality". You look at him. "Get to people watch too". He gives a low chuckle. "Learn a lot of fun life stories too. Or at least get to make them up for people here".

"What stories would you give to the people in here then?" You look around. Leaning towards him as you speak in a hushed tone.

"Lady over there". He turns. You grab his hand. The action making his eyes fall back to look at you. "Be subtle dude". He smiles. Stretching his arms up. Wrapping one around you as he turns his head. "I said subtle. Not cliché".

"What's her story then?"

"Secret spy"

"Probably not that secret if you now about it". You playfully hit his knee.

"The guy whose currently been trying to use the machine for 20 minutes". You cant see his eyes but you know they scan behind you. Giving a small nod. "Genius". He half smiles. Watching as he struggles to put in some quarters. You turn too. Cringing as you watch him struggle.

You look back at Steve. Giving a small smile. "One second". You stand up. Resting a hand on your knees as you push yourself up. Smiling at the man struggling as you approach him.

"Do you need help sir?" He looks at you. A small smile coming over his face.

"Please". You smile kindly. Noticing his shaky hands. Taking his money and placing it into the machine for him. Smiling as you turn away from him. Going and sitting back down next to your fake fiancé.

"That was kind of you" the broad man says. His hands now placed by his sides. Eyes on your as you speak.

"Yeah well... I've done a lot of sin. Got to make up for it in some way, right?" You turn to look back at him. His shaded eyes watching yours. Your eyes scan his features. The ones you can see anyway. Darting to his lips quickly. "You were a soldier right?" He gives a nod. "What made you stop being a hero?" He falters slightly. Turning his gaze to look at the washing.

"I didn't stop". You watch him. Unable to see his eyes through the dark glasses. "Sometimes I just help people that end up getting me in trouble". He removes his hat. Running a hand through his hair before placing it back onto his head. You move your head away. Looking back at your washing. A few beats of quiet go past. You take in a breath.

"I'm sorry"

"What for?"

"For prying" He gives a small scoff.

"We're engaged. You need to know my secrets right?" You give out a small laugh. Rolling your eyes. "Besides... I will only tell you information I want to tell you or that I deem necessary for you to know. I'm not going to tell you everything"

"Will you tell me your last name?"

"You're pushing it" he says. Turning to you. A smile on his face.

"A girl can try". He laughs softly. Turning back to the washing. Taking in a breath you reach around to the wash bag you have. A little pocket on the side you pull out a deck of cards.

"Want to play?" You look at him. Meeting his eyes through those dark glasses. He nods. Eyes on your hands as you take the cards out the packet. Starting to shuffle them.

You both play a few games. Only getting up to move the washing to the dryer and put in another load. Soon everything being clean you chuck it all back into the wash basket. Wrapping your arms around the bag as you begin to walk home.

You struggle to take out the house keys when you arrive. Fumbling with them as you try not to lose your grip on them or the washing. You see Steve bring his hand out. His fingers gentle as he takes the set of keys into his hand. Singling out the house key. Unlocking and opening the door. Pushing it open he holds it with his hand. Letting you enter first before he comes behind you.

You go to your bed. Emptying your now clean clothes onto the bed. Chucking the now empty bag onto the floor as you start to fold up your various items. You see Steve come over. Picking the bag up and placing it neatly onto the armchair in the room. Behind your guitar you own.

You spend the next few hours chatting with him. Talking about the plans for tomorrow. Going over what you had rehearsed. How you met. How long you've been together. Things that will likely be asked at a dinner. You both stay up until late talking. Heading to bed shortly after eating something semi nutritious.

You lie in bed. Shivering. Freezing. Trying to get some warmth from the duvet you have on top of your frame. Your whole body shakes. It must be about midnight. Maybe 1 or 2 in the morning. And the lack of hot water means a lack of heating for your home. You could do the oven trick but you were so sleep deprived you were worried you might fall asleep and start a fire. So you just lie there. Freezing your ass off.

You try your best to not make noise as you shiver. Clenching your jaw together to stop it chattering. Squeezing your eyes shut as you try and will yourself to sleep. But knowing it would be in vain due to your current state. The same state you've been in for a few hours now. You hear movement. Too tired and cold to come out from your cocoon. Instead you stay bunched.

Feeling a gently hand rest onto your arm. You squidge your eyes open. Brining the covers down slightly enough for your eyes to be on show. Seeing the distinct torso of Steve. You try to smile at him in the darkness but just do some more shaking. He gives a small sigh. Concluding what the problem is quickly. He moves away from you. Going over to a drawer and taking out a hoodie. Coming back over.

"You aren't going to like me for a minute". He moves the covers. Your hands come out. Fisting the fabric as a means to keep it. "Mia". He speaks. A stern tone in his soft voice. You grumble as you let him move the fabric away. A shiver going over your body. He gently moves your body. Bringing the hoodie over your head as you lie there. His hands warm against your skin. Even after he pulls the covers back up your cold frame. His heat is warmer then any warmth clothes could give you. You grab his wrist.

"Join me" you whisper. He looks at you. You can't see it. But you can feel his eyes. You keep a hold of his wrist. Nails digging into the flesh slightly as he turns. Grabbing the blanket from his bed. Throwing it over the top of the one on you already. Moving the duvet to crawl in beside you. You don't hesitate as you wrap your arms around his torso. Fists clenched onto his back. Face hiding into his chest as you absorb his heat. Your legs wrap around his waist. The hand under his body comes up. Resting onto the space between your shoulder blades. The other rests oh so kindly onto your thigh. The one sprawled over his waist.

You can feel the warmth starting to spread through you. Giving a satisfied hum as you nuzzle your face into his chest. His hand moves slightly from your back. Bringing the covers up to hide more of your body from the harsh night air before it resumes its position. "Thank you". You whisper into him. Feeling him rest his head onto yours as you both let sleep overcome your minds.

FRIDAY

You hear the sound of the shower running. Furrowing your brow slightly at the noise. Opening your eyes as your body remains under the two blankets on your bed. Sitting up you look around your small room. Holding the blankets close to your frame as you try and remember the events from yesterday. More importantly the ones from last night.

Steve. He had spent the night in your bed. You feel your cheeks start to flush slightly. You'd shared a bed before. But not like that. That was far more intimate then anything you've experienced before. Because it was purely platonic. He had to other motive to trying to keep you warm. Your face goes even redder as you think about it. So much in your own head that you don't process the shower turning off. He walks out. White muscle shirt on. Grey jogging bottoms. "You're awake". You nod. Eyes falling to his large arms and defined torso. Were you really going to start crushing on a man you know nothing about?

"I fixed the shower this morning whilst you were sleeping". He motions to the bathroom behind him. "Works like a charm now". He walks past you. His neatly folded pyjama bottoms being placed equally as neatly onto his pillow. Your cheeks redden at the sudden closeness. Though you are well aware that you are already a bright shade of crimson. Yes was the answer to your previous question. You turn your head. Quickly getting up as you go over to your drawers. "I didn't wake you did I?"

"No". You shake your head. Technically yes but you weren't going to tell him that. For a multitude of reasons. Taking your clothes into the bathroom. Shutting the door behind you. You splash some cold water onto you face. You barely know the man. Pull yourself together. Drying your hands on your pyjama bottoms as you push your thoughts and feelings down into your mind. Starting to undress.

Opening the door once you were changed. "We have about 7 hours before we need to get to Riley's. I still need a shower and to do my makeup but I'll do that closer to the time we go. I don't know what to do before then though".

"I've not been to a dinner in a long while... What are you planning on wearing? I don't want to over or under dress". You give a small scoff.

"I was going to wear a dress. Nothing too fancy but dinners don't usually have graphic tees or hoodies". You go over to the set of drawers. Opening the bottom drawer. Your fancy clothes. Looking quickly before you take out a dress. Holding it up as you kneel on the floor. "This is the one I was thinking of wearing". He nods. Looking at the dark purple material.

"Pretty". You half smile. Turning the item to face you.

"Do you have a fancy shirt in the bunch of clothes you bought?"

"No". You nod. Gently chucking the dress onto the bed before you riffle through your clothes again. Taking out a button up shirt. You hold it out towards him.

"I'd suggest wearing a pair of jeans with it. Try it on and see if it fits though. We have time to make a quick trip to the shops if needed". He nods. Taking it from your palm. Standing up he makes his way to the bathroom. Shutting the door. You push your clothes back down into the drawer. Pushing it too. Standing as you admire the pretty dress laid on the bed before you. The deep v cut means you'll likely need a necklace with it. You open a jewellery box on the side. A silver chain sitting inside. Your hand goes to necklace. The purple jewel at the bottom of the chain matching perfectly with the shade of your dress. Pulling it out and putting it onto the side.

You hear the bathroom door open. Turning you see Steve. Wearing a very tight shirt. Your eyes widen slightly. The blush you'd managed to hide a few moments ago comes creeping very quickly back up your face. "It feels a little tight. Does it look alright though?" He asks. You give a very small nod.

"Mhmm. You look good". Your voice a whisper. He looks at you. Aware of how your eyes haven't left his torso. He pushes his lips together. Trying to hold back a smile.

"I'll take it off for now. I'll put it on before we leave". He turns back to the bathroom. Once again shutting the door. You start breathing again. Not that you were aware you'd stopped. Eyes going to the purple dress you have. Lying on the bed.

Once he gets out the bathroom you shake yourself mentally. Bringing yourself back to the reality at hand. You still know nothing about this man. And in a few hours you were meant to act like he was the love of your life. In those short hours you have you spend it questioning each other on interests and other specific details you would need to know.

You get ready in the bathroom. Yelling questions and answers to each other through the door. Towel wrapped around your body as you attempt to straighten your hair. You'd just showered and your curls were getting the better of you.

"What is my favourite colour?" He calls to you.

"Oh for fucks sake". There's a small pause on his end.

"No. That's incorrect". You open the door. Uncaring of your nearly nude state. His eyes widen as he quickly looks up at the ceiling. Focusing really hard on your light.

"My fucking straightener isn't fucking doing its fucking job"

"Maybe adding more profanity will help"

"Fuck you"

"Did it help?"

"You can go fuck yourself". He gives a small chuckle. Eyes glancing to meet yours before looking away again. "Oh grow up Shoulders. I'm wearing a towel for fucks sake"

"Really wish you would stop calling me shoulders"

"Please can you just come help me" there's a small whine in your voice. One he cant help but laugh at. Turning his head to look at you fully. Though his eyes keep glancing away. You pout at him. Holding the straighteners towards him. He comes over. Inspecting the item. Holding his hand near it. The part that should be warm. You move. Hitching yourself up onto the sink basin. A playful frown on your lips as he crosses his brow.

"Its not on"

"What?" He follows the lead with his eyes. Going to the switch and turning the item on. The small numbers lighting up on the item. "You absolute fucker". He tilts his head slightly. A small smile coming over his lips. Handing back the item. "Thank you". You beam at him. Resting a kind hand on his arm as a show of appreciation. Moving it and waiting patiently as the item gets hot. Starting to straighten out your hair. Once you both deem it in good working order he goes to walk out the room but hesitates. Turning back towards you.

"Do you want me to shut the door?"

"Can do. Don't think you'd appreciate being scarred for life". He gives a laugh. Pulling the door behind him. You do the rest of your hair. Putting on your flattering if not quite revealing dress. Opening the door as you step out. He was sitting on his bed. Eyes coming up as he hears the door open. Eyes gliding down your figure before coming back up to yours.

"You look beautiful". You smile. A light tint of pink coming across your cheeks. Walking into the room and going to the shoe pile. Taking out your only pair of heels. Sitting on the bed as you do them up. feeling his eyes on you as you continue getting ready. You look up. Smiling at him. Eyes going to his lips as you speak in a semi seductive tone.

"You know I am your fiancé tonight. You are allowed to do more then look at me". He gives out a small pfft of air. Looking away from you. You laugh. Hand going to your other shoe and doing it up. Small giggles still falling from your lip. He goes into the bathroom. Hearing the shower running for a short period as you do your makeup. About 10 minutes pass and he opens the door. His hair damp from the shower. He's rolling down the sleeves of his button up shirt. Smart jeans on as he comes out. He'd not shaved for around a week now and he had a shadow of hair appearing.

It was your time to goggle him. He puts his hands onto his hips. "Do I look ok?" You nod. Giving him a smile.

"In a different life we would make a hot couple". He laughs.

"One where you're my actual fiancé and not just my fake one?" You nod. Smiling at him. "You know I've never been in a proper relationship before"

"You're fucking with me?" You look at him. A smile over your lips in disbelief. He shakes his head. "What about your soldier girlfriend?"

"We had a... thing. Mutual attraction lets call it. But we got separated before either of us could make anything official. I've not actually courted with someone though. Ever".

"Jesus" you give a soft laugh. "You've kissed people though right?" He nods. No. He hesitates then nods. Only a small hesitation but you notice it. "Holy shit! Are you still a virgin?"

"No I'm not a virgin".

"I don't believe you"

"Don't have to believe me". He grabs his shoes. Sitting on his bed as he does them up. "Doesn't make it any less true"

"I cant believe youve never had sex..."

"Ok" he looks at you. An annoyance in his eyes and voice. The one that you've grown used to (and kind of fond off) over the past week of living together. "Not that its any of your business but I've kissed a handful of people and I've had relations with a few of those same people"

"A few huh?" He nods. "Is Natasha one of those people?" He pauses.

"I've kissed her. We've not... had intercourse though"

"Why didn't you two bang?"

"Can we not have this conversation? Please?" You roll your eyes.

"Such a prude". He goes back down and does up his laces. Watching his hands as he does them up. He stands up. Going over to his coat as he chucks it on.

"Shall we go?"

-

You get to the front door of your friends home. Giving it a gentle knock. Looping your arm through Steve's as you both put on your best 'we are a couple' face. Your friend opens the door. Her face grins as she looks at you. Her arms going up "Oh my god Mia!" she speaks. Arms wrapping around you as you disconnect from Steve. Lightly hugging her back. She moves away. Looking at your fake fiancé.

"You must be the husband-to-be". He smiles. Giving a small nod as she drags him in for a hug too. His hands going to her back. Gently patting it before she moves away. "Please come in. Dinner is nearly ready" she motions with her hands. You follow her inside. Taking off your coat and hanging it up on the coat rack beside the front door. She looks at you in the dress you're wearing. Giving a whistle.

"Oh hush you" you roll your eyes at her.

"I'm allowed to admire you. I would kill for your figure" you laugh. Looking down at your dress. "Where did you get the dress from?"

"Found it at a thrift store"

"It does wonders for your boobs". You laugh again. Shaking your head as Steve looks quite uncomfortable at your discussion. A man runs in. The man you assume to be Finn - Riley's husband. He smiles at the both of you.

"I thought I heard voices". Shaking your hand then Steve's. "Please to meet you both. Riley here has told me a lot about you".

"All bad things I hope" you smile. Causing him to laugh.

"Please come through" she says. Motioning for you to follow. Going to her dining room. Four seats set out. Smiling as she and her husband sit on one side of the table. You and Steve the other. Steve seems tense next to you. You put it down to his nerves. Fine. You get that this is a strange situation however he needed to play the role of fiancé. You gently place a hand on his thigh. Not so high as to cause concern or make him think of any ulterior intentions. But high enough that its an intimate hold and not a strictly friendly hand.

Dinner goes about surprisingly normal. You eat the delicious food that is provided. It was a nice change from the instant meals and tinned items you're used to. Though you wouldn't admit that to your host. The four of you talk and laugh. Even have a small bit to drink. You'd made your way to the living room by this point. You and Steve were sat next to each other. Shoulders touching. Laughing at a funny story Riley was talking about from their past.

Finn's phone vibrates. Giving a small scoff. Shaking his head. Muttering something under his breath. Riley looks at him. Noticing the mood shift to a more serious one.

"What is it dear?"

"There was word this morning that they thought they had found Bucky Barnes and where he was hiding". You feel Steve jump slightly next to you. Though it was invisible to the eye you can feel his body tense. Finn shakes his head. Shoving the device back into his pocket. "Turns out it was just some homeless guy living in a cave".

"I'm sorry they were unable to catch your criminal. But I'm sure our guests don't care to hear about the worlds most wanted men"

"Its ok love". He looks at her. Giving a smile. "I'll stop. I just got excited". You tilt your head to look at them both. Bucky. That name sounds familiar. You hadn't read it. No. Natasha had said that name a week ago. Despite your better judgement you press the conversation.

"Whose Bucky Barnes?"

"Who-" He shakes his head. "You're joking right?"

"No. I don't keep track of the news through media outlets"

"Oh my dear sweet child!" He speaks. Amused by your innocence of the events of the world.

"I hope you're prepared for this" Riley says. Leaning back as Finn stands. Adjusting his shirt. You watch him. Paying mind to Steve having his head lowered as the man before you starts to monologue.

"The story starts with the Avengers. Earths mightiest heroes. The government wanted to put them under their control. Use them as a weapon when and if they are needed rather then them being independent as when they run independently people die and property damage is caused. Iron Man said that's fine. Captain America said fuck that. A bunch of shit happened and America - Captain America - broke the law by trying to get involved in a fight that the Avengers weren't giving permission to get involved in. Because of this a lot of public damage was done and lots of casualties and death occurred that has put Captain America and a couple of his friends who helped him onto a massive wanted list. Bucky Barnes being one of them. Better known as the Winter Soldier. Who has murdered hundreds if not thousands of people. And Mr Rogers just let him go without any sort of punishment".

You furrow your brow. Taking the information in as he says it too you. But confusion sticking in your mind at the last name. "Mr Rogers?"

"Steve Rogers aka Captain America". The man sat beside you tilts his head slightly. Watching your reaction. You stiffen slightly.

"Oh... ok. Steve Rogers is Captain America who is responsible for the death of lots of people...". He goes to talk again but Riley becomes aware of your sudden timid nature.

"Ok sweetheart. I think that is enough of the doom and gloom right. How about a game?" She says. A small gleeful smile on her face as she tries to lighten the situation. You give a slight nod. Your brain racing with thought.

"I umm- Will you excuse me please? I need to use the facilities". You stand up. Vaguely taking in the directions she gives you to the bathroom. Getting there you open the door. Shutting it and leaning yourself against it.

He can't be the same person. The Steve you've been living with for a week wouldn't be capable of murder. Or any crime. He just couldn't do that. Right? You lean against the bathroom door. Palms going to your eyes as you think. A guy called Steve turns up at your safe house. On the run from goodness knows who. Refused to tell you his last name as it could give away his identity. Its a coincidence. You take in a few deep breaths. Hearing a gentle knock on the bathroom door.

"Mia?" The voice was quiet. A whisper. But you knew it. It was him. Steve. Your hands shake slightly. Opening the door. You look at him. Eyes filled with fear and anger. You whisper at him.

"What is your last name? Your real last name?". He lets out a breath.

"Can we talk about this when we get back to your home?"

"No. I want to talk about it now". He rubs his palm over his forehead. Looking down the hallway. turning back to you as he grabs your shoulders. Pushing you into the bathroom. Shutting and locking the door behind him. Your breath hitches. You're trapped. You move a few steps away from him. Wanting as much distance as you could get.

"I- shit" He mutters. Looking downwards as he tries to think straight. Looking back up at you. His eyes filled with the same emotions yours are. Anger and fear. "I am who they say I am. But I am not a murderer".

"Then why did they say you were?"

"Mia. You are going to have to trust me. I don't feel comfortable talking about this here. Any questions you have I will answer. Just not here". Your eyes scan his.

"Are you going to kill me?" You whisper.

"No. Like I said - I'm not a murderer. Please trust me". You take in a breath.

"I want to go home now". He nods. Seeing your eyes frantic on his. He opens the door. Stepping out. He gently takes your arm. Though you don't lean into him through spite you are grateful of the support. You don't process the excuse he gives to the couple. Knowing he must've told them something to let you both travel home but unsure of what. You just know you're grateful when he walks you home.

Due to the nature of your dress you don't have any pockets. He takes the house key out of his trousers. Unlocking your door. He lets you inside first. Shutting and locking the door behind him. You go and sit on the bed. Your legs feel like jelly. He comes over. Sitting on his bed opposite you. He holds his palm out. Key placed on top. You bring your hand up. Taking the item from him. Clenching it between your knuckle.

"Who are you?" Your voice no more then a whisper. Your eyes watching his. His gaze remains steady on yours. "Do not fucking lie to me". He takes in a breath.

"My name is Steve Rogers. I am Captain America. I am a wanted man but not for the reasons your friend said". Your eyes still remain on his. Watching his every move. "I'm not the bad guy Mia"

"You've killed people?" He shakes his head.

"My friend - Bucky - he was brain washed. Made to do some terrible things for people. Those acts have come to light and I helped him get away. I don't kill people. I do stick up for my friends though". You take in a breath. Eyeing him up. "I don't expect you to believe me. But that is the truth". You turn your head down. Running your hands through your hair. Resting them on the back of your head.

"Why are you wanted? Just because you defended a friend?"

"I went against the government and tried to prevent a disaster when I wasn't instructed too. Causing a lot of public property damage and the potential of serious injuries to civilians". You look at him. Eyes scattered with emotions. "I get that you are scared. But I don't want to cause you harm Mia. You have done me a huge favour by keeping me safe here at your home. I do not want to change that".

"Fuck..." you mutter. Standing up as you go to the kitchen part of your apartment. Resting your palms onto the counter top. Leaning against it as you sway the weight on your feet. "How do I know you aren't lying?"

"You just have to trust me". You turn to look at him. Taking in a breath as you meet his cool blue eyes.

"I want to" you let out in a whisper. He gives a small nod. Moving his gaze downwards. "I need time". He nods. Eyes still on the floor.

"Understandable". He stands up. Your body stiffens as he walks towards you. You turn. Facing towards him. Hands still resting on the counter top. Going to his shoes and coat. "I'm going to go for a walk. Clear my head. Give you some time to clear yours too". You give a small nod. Watching as he puts on a coat.

"Are you going to come back?" He turns to face you.

"Do you want me to come back?" You hesitate. Giving a small nod as you look at him. "Then yes. I will come back". He comes over. Holding his palm outward. You bring your fist up. Hand still shaking as you drop the key into his hand. He goes to the front door. "I'll be back soon". He unlocks it. Watching as he exits and hearing him lock it behind him. You stand for a while. What the hell just happened? You go and take a quick shower. To ease your mind and body before getting into some leggings and oversized hoodie. Thinking everything through as you get into bed. Trying to will yourself to stay awake as you await Steve's return.

SATURDAY

You jump awake. Hearing your front door shutting. You sit up. Eyes springing open. Shit you didn't mean to fall asleep. Your gaze falls onto Steve who appears to have just walked into the room. He notices your upright nature. "Didn't mean to wake you". He mutters. Walking in a quick paced nature towards his bed. Your gaze follows his frame. Taking notice that there is no sun coming through the crack of your curtains.

"What time is it?"

"About 3 or 4 in the morning". You notice he has a duffle bag. Starting to shove his clothes into the bag.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to leave"

"Why?" He continues packing. "Steve?" Still no response. You sit upright. On your knees as you perch on the bed. A hand going to his upper arm. "Steve". You try and speak in a stern tone. But your voice betrays you. Coming out a lot more timid then you wanted it to. He turns to face you. His eyes filled with concern. "Why do you need to leave?" He takes in a breath.

"They know where I am. They know where this place is. Its only a matter of time before they arrive here to arrest me. And I don't have that time to spare". You furrow your brow slightly. Eyes darting down before going back to his gaze.

"You were just going to leave me in the middle of the night without saying so much as a goodbye?" He turns back around. Continuing to shove his personal belongings into his bag.

"This isn't your fight Mia".

"It became my fight the moment you walked through that door". He continues packing. "Stop packing for a minute. Steve please". You grab his arm again. Forcing him to turn around and look at you. Hoping you in his vision will give him some sense of what he's doing.

"You will stay here. Go back to sleep. When they come in the morning you can pretend that you didn't know who I was. That you knew I was on the run but you didn't think it was serious. Even if you did think it was a big crime then you don't have any technology to be able to contact the authorities. They might put you in a holding cell for a night or two but they have no solid evidence again-"

You grab the scruff of his shirt. Pulling him into you. Cutting him off shortly as your lips meet his. His hands go up in surrender for a small moment. He doesn't reciprocate so you pull away. A small blush coming over your features as you look at him. Going to move your hands from his shirt. "Sorry. That was-" His hand goes to your cheek. The other to your waist as he pulls you in for a kiss. Your hands unclench from his shirt. Instead resting your palms against his firm chest. Melting into him as he holds you. Pulling away slowly. Your faces only a few inches from each others. A silence falling between you. You take in a small sigh of breath. Keeping a steady gaze with him as you start to speak.

"I've been running my whole life. You didn't change that by walking into it. You coming through my front door was the wake up call that I needed. To realise I can be doing so much more then just running away and hiding. I can actually do something with my life. I should be doing something with my life. Not just sitting on my ass all day. Waiting for something to happen". You bring your hands up from his chest. Resting them onto his cheeks. "I've been listening to the devil on my shoulder for far too long. You are my angel that's brought me back to this world".

He looks at you. Gently pushing your hair behind your ear. Your hands now falling to the tops of his shoulders. "If you come with me then you will be wanted by the police and every superhero in town. Plus any villains who may want me dead". His hands come up. Gently cupping your cheeks between his. "I am giving you an out. If you come with me then you cant go back to this life. Do you understand?" You bring your hands up. Gently holding his wrists in your palms. Eyes on his. Such kind eyes.

"I know how to hot wire a car. We can use it to get away". He smiles. Leaning in for another kiss to your lips. Capturing yours with his. Your fingers gripping his wrists as he envelopes you. Pulling away. Dropping his hands from yours.

"You should pack. Anything you need. Don't bring anything that's not a necessity". You give a small nod. He turns back round. You jump up from the bed. Grabbing out a bag and starting to shove a few shirts. Underwear. And a pair of jeans and jogging bottoms inside. A few expensive items. In case you need the bribing material later down the line. You scavenge all the money you have dotted around your apartment. You don't have time to currently count it but you know it should come to around $1000.

Shoving it all into your bag before grabbing a coat and your most practical shoes. Not that you owned many shoes - especially impractical ones. You meet him by the door. He unlocks and opens it. Stepping out into the hallway. You hesitate. Looking back at your home. The one you've lived in for five years. Five years exactly today. You turn your head back to Steve. He notices your hesitation. He doesn't say anything. Instead he outstretches his hand. Palm upwards.

You could go back into your home. Your safe haven. But why would you do that when your new home is standing in front of you with his arms outstretched. Placing your hand into his. Shutting and locking the front door for the last time. You quietly yet quickly go down the few stairs. Getting to the front mail box. Pushing your old house key through your letter box.

Finding a car. Picking the lock open and getting inside. Sitting in the drivers seat as he sits next to you. You lean down. Finding the engine wires and managing to spark them up. Putting the car into gear as you start to drive into your new life.

TAGS @wonderlanddreamer @strepsils123 @julesandgems

[milflewis]

dantteri + 38 🤧

38: because they’re running out of time

When Valtteri finishes Daniel’s joke, cutting in with the punchline, tired and heart sore, Daniel only stands there. He’s half frowning, despite the delighted smile stretching across his face. Valtteri can’t begrudge him for his confusion — it’s not something he should’ve known.

How is Daniel to understand that Valtteri has lived this day thirty seven times already, each time hearing the same joke.

Lewis wins, not because Lewis wins all the time, but because his tires are gone to shit and the car is flying under their hands and Valtteri and Sebastian are nipping at his heels and this is just what Lewis does.

Lewis wins, and Valtteri comes a very close p2 behind him with Sebastian stubbornly in p3. This rarely changes, though Sebastian and him switch twice when Valtteri got sloppy, freaked out and unsure at the beginning.

Valtteri wins once, on his twenty first go around, knowing exactly where Lewis is going to put the car on Turn Two and snaking around him. He throws himself into the arms of his mechanics, the feel of their hands slapping his helmet and the thrum of their cheers familiar even before Valtteri got stuck in this loop. Lewis laughs on the podium when Sebastian catches them both in the face with champagne. Valtteri falls asleep in a toilet stall that night before twelve and wakes up in the car, heading for the racetrack, listening to the same podcast he could recite from memory at this point.

It’s not the first time Daniel has gone out with them after the race, unusually loud and chattering and always in Valtteri’s space. It’s not even the first time Valtteri has found Daniel pressed up close in one of the booths to him, tucked in on either side by mechanics, bare knees warm and bony against each other.

It is the first time that they end up being left alone, everyone drifting away before Valtteri can realise it’s the time for it. He blinks, looking down at the amount of glasses that are his on the table.

It’s more than usual.

“Good race,” Daniel says casually, arm going across the back of their seats as he turns to face him. Valtteri hums.

It was not good for Daniel. For the fifty-third time, Valtteri wonders if he wants Valtteri to lie and return the favour. He wonders if Daniel said this to the media instead of his usual little side comments.

That’s not fair, Valtteri thinks, and the thought sounds like Lewis. It’s been a while. Not since — not since Redbull.

He watches Daniel look around awkwardly, biting at his lip. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here. Then leave, Valtteri wants to say to him. Then just fucking go. No one is keeping you here. What do you want from me?

Valtteri opens his mouth to ask Daniel if he wants another drink like he’s done every time before, wanting an excuse to get out of all of this. His eyes catch off the gleam of sweat on Daniel’s neck, the light circles under his eyes, the bridge of his nose.

It is dark here, tucked away in the corner. Valtteri can barely seen him through the quick flashes of club light. No one can see them, and even if they could, who cares? When he wakes up tomorrow, it’ll still be the same day.

He doesn’t know the exact time but the tug in his stomach gets stronger by the passing minute and knows midnight is slowly approaching.

He’s lived today so many times over and he will continue to do so but looking at Daniel now, tank loose around his shoulders, it feels like he’s running out of time.

“I am going to do something,” Valtteri says, and Daniel’s eyes go instantly to his, a little wide. “You can say no — that’s okay, okay? Just, just don’t make a thing out of it.”

“Uh.” Daniel is doing that thing where he’s pre-emptively smiling because he doesn’t know what’s going on and is never good when he feels like he’s missing out on something. “Alright.”

Valtteri nods. Daniel goes impossibly still under him when he places a hand on the bottom of his neck, right where it meets his shoulder. He doesn’t touch Daniel’s face when he kisses him.

Daniel doesn’t move for a moment, Valtteri staying there, lips dry and chaste together, horribly uncomfortable, before he is pushing against him, hands going to his cheeks.

He tilts Valtteri’s head to the side, opening his mouth and exhaling, almost a sigh of it didn’t sound so furious.

Valtteri keeps his eyes open as long as he can, taking in how tightly shut Daniel’s are, the bruises pressed into his skin, the length of his lashes.

Daniel’s nose smushes into his. His lips are chapped and his mouth is warm. Valtteri can’t remember a time when he didn’t want this.

When he blinks, his stomach swoops and the world starts spinning and he knows it’s midnight and then he’s back in his car, sun streaming in through the windshield.

He takes a hand off the wheel and touches his mouth with the back of his knuckles.

[mysticdreamcafe]

LMBO

In the Tarot cafe it shows my card of the day. Damn these things can be dead on. I've got a list, in my head, of projects to do around the house and yard. I've been buying stuff to accomplish these things and it's becoming a financial burden, so I need to reign it in.

The list of things is growing by the day, too. That needs nipped in the bud so I can get at least a couple of things done around here.

So here's the plan:

Finish bathroom by replacing sliding doors that broke after 70+ yrs. Put up stained glass decal on window to block summer light. Then put up the curtains and once it comes in swap out stand by pedestal sink and toss some crap from the old brittle one.

Clip scrub along back fence line so I have a path to carry block and open the ditch that's gotten filled in. I need that open for draining my backyard. I'm tired of muddy paws all year round unless it snows or is a draught. Build beds and toss in dirt, I had delivered, and scrub in, so I can plant seeds once weather starts feeling warmer...July? August? lol

Once done I can work on repairing the block side lights next to the door. They just need a bit of a caulk and trim replacement.

Stained glass, more coverage than the 3 birds in the bathroom to give people something to look at while sitting on toilet and blocking light. I am only doing the tops so dogs and we can look out. Reflective, dimming, tint will go on the bottom.

Build new shoe stand when it comes. Ours is collapsing in on itself. For dirt cheap it's lasted 7 yrs.

There's more to this list: sand and paint main floor hall and stairs to second floor. Getting herbs started and decals and shelves in kitchen windows to hold them and make it pretty and effective for cooking. Plus, block some sun. Clear garage when I save for a dumpster, or skip if you prefer.

I have daily migraines and love sunlight so these static cling type things are being tried to see if I can prevent painting windows black. Block, at least the top half of the sash or side edges in kitchen, to block some light. Keep bottom empty except for a light, one way, tint. Compromise.

Maybe I should actually make a written list...😒

MV