#we’re heading out to prague tomorrow!!!

[monstermonger]

Self portrait, 50 years from now (idealized)

[frickyeahfanfic]

〉the enemy of my enemy

chapter 6 - collateral.

ethan hunt x f!reader 》 masterpost here - playlist here summary: You’re alone. Prague is the first real lead you’ve had on VANTAGE since everything went haywire—and you’re not about to let some fancy IMF agent ruin your shot. But when Ethan Hunt intercepts you mid-mission, everything spirals. word count: 3780 (hope it was worth the wait!) warnings: some violence. a/n: sorry there's a bit of jumping around this chapter. but i just wanted to get to the good stuff - i'm sure you all want to as well!!

MARSEILLE. IMF SAFEHOUSE VILLA,  07:17 HOURS.

Tomorrow will come too fast. But for now, you can rest.

Beep beep beep 

The repetitive noise gets louder and more annoying coming from the other room. You open your eyes cautiously and see light pouring in from the windows. It’s daytime. 

You sit up and look around the room, oblivious to your bedhead, trying to pinpoint that irritating noise. It’s coming from the bedroom where Benji’s setup was last night. 

The moment you rise to your feet, the beeping stops. You wander to the room, rubbing your eyes to wake them up faster. You’re greeted with Benji and Ethan leaning over the computer, both of them with the same, focused expression on their face. They’re both in different clothes, all ready for the day. How come they didn’t wake me up earlier?

You rap your knuckles on the opened door. “Mind if I join? What movie are you watching?”

Ethan looks up at you. “We found the next server node.”

“It’s in Japan,” Benji chimes in, still looking at the computer screen. 

“Oh, okay,” you say, voice somewhat croaky. “So what does that mean?” 

“We have flights to Tokyo in about an hour. We’ll fly separately since Benji suspects that we might be on VANTAGE’s radar now, after Marseille. If we’re split up, we’re harder to target. We’ll all be in communication with each other and meet up at a rendezvous point once we’re all there,” Ethan says, moving away from the table and grabbing a backpack off the ground. 

He tosses it to you, and you catch it, wobbling slightly. He raises an eyebrow.

“My ankle?” You huff. His lips tighten slightly. He must have forgotten.

“That’s your travel bag. Don’t lose it. Keep everything inside and zipped up in the airport. You’ll avoid chaos if you do,” Ethan says, nodding to the backpack. 

“What? Like it’s got a bomb inside- oh.” You zip open the bag and see a small pistol and some tech gear. “Okay. Got it.” You figure the fabric of the bag is made of some sort of anti-X-ray material. 

You tilt your head and smile. “You’re okay with all of this? All this… power?”

“It was my idea. We didn’t want to leave you defenseless, of course,” Benji says. 

Your smile fades from your face. “I can handle myself just fine without a gun…” You mutter under your breath. 

Ethan takes a few steps towards you, then stops just a couple feet away. “Which reminds me to ask, you’re not just a programmer. So how did you learn-”

“How to take care of things?” You cut him off. 

“That’s one way to put it,” Benji chuckles. 

Ethan gives you a look. 

“You’re right. I���m not just a programmer. I had training. A sort of ‘special forces’ private agency. It was tactical and technical. VANTAGE recruited straight out of the program, said that we’d be behind screens, writing code.”

You pause for a second, debating on how much to tell them. “Soon we were in the field, gathering intel, running ops, and accomplishing… ‘tasks’”.

Ethan glances at Benji, then back to you.“Tasks?” 

“Your version would call them missions. Ours didn’t come with much briefing. We were told to not ask questions. Just get the job done. I had been so caught up with trying to prove myself that I didn’t realize what I was enabling until it was too late.” 

Your lip quavers, not with fear, but out of anger. “They manipulated us. I lost friends to VANTAGE and became someone I barely recognised. I advanced through ranks and became close to one of the higher ups. He liked me because I was efficient, and could program anything he needed. I started piecing together the bigger picture. What VANTAGE was really planning. And it hit me what that would result in for the rest of the world. I couldn’t let that happen. Not on my watch.”

You look down at the floor, unaware that your hands were clenched into fists. “I didn’t want to be caught in the fallout either. I was a coward. I obliterated my file. They tried to kill me. So I ran. And I’ve been trying to stop them on my own ever since.” 

Benji rises to his feet. “They put a target on your back because you were the only one who could stop them, didn’t they?” 

You meet his gaze. “I know too much. More than I should’ve.” 

You turn to Ethan. “They trusted me. Gave me access most people would kill for. And I let them.”

Silence hangs through the air. You squint at Ethan. “Still think I shouldn’t have come back for you?” 

He looks at you carefully, and you brace yourself for a sharp reply. 

“No,” he says, voice lower than before. “You should’ve had backup a long time ago.” 

You’re surprised by the softness of his voice. And you realize how badly you needed to hear that. 

Someone who believes in you. 

You take a deep breath and sigh. “I’ve never been to Japan.”

The tension is still thick in the air, like everyone is still thinking about what you just said about your history with VANTAGE. Only after a few moments Benji speaks up. 

“It’s a beautiful country. But we don’t have a lot of IMF coverage there. We’ll have to be careful.” 

He glances down at the computer screen. “We’ll need to get the next credentials from the relay server there, cross match them with the routing code that we pulled earlier. Once we have the second node’s credentials, we can move to the final relay location and intercept the activation sequence.”

Benji shuts the computer. “The activation requires multiple nodes to fire in sync. But since we already captured the Marseille credentials, and we’ll hopefully get the Tokyo ones, I can spoof that node remotely from wherever we are when we find the last relay location.”

“Anything to be worried about?” You ask with a dry scoff. You’re already calculating the odds, and they’re not in your favor. 

“Everything.” Benji replies without missing a beat.  

You nearly jump when Ethan puts a hand on your shoulder. “Let’s go. We’ve got flights to catch.” 

His presence is calm, but confident. It’s enough to pull you out of your spiral. Despite everything you’re gone through with him, he’s proven to be consistent, strong…

And maybe that’s what unsettles you the most out of all of this. How much you’re starting to rely on him. 

He leaves the room without another word. Benji busies himself packing the most critical pieces of tech. And for a moment, you just stand there, letting it all sink in.

Right now, you need Ethan Hunt. 

Although you may have kept him alive, he's the one holding you together now. And helping you take down VANTAGE. He believes you. You’re not fighting your past alone anymore. 

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

“Enjoy the flight, remember, stay in the Shinsen station at Shibuya. Ethan will arrive shortly after you and find you, then I’ll meet you both at the safehouse. Stay low and out of trouble.” 

The three of you are at the terminal, and Benji hands you a boarding pass and a fake passport. 

“No promises,” you wink at them, and then head for security. 

“She’s a handful,” Benji huffs. Ethan watches you narrow-eyed as you disappear into the sea of people. It’s a huge risk, letting you go ahead. You could take a different flight, end up miles away from them. But he’s willing to take the risk. Something tells him that you’re going to stay loyal. 

Maybe it’s more hoping rather than knowing. 

“She’s a threat. But not to us anymore,” Ethan says back. 

Benji turns, surprised. “You’re sure?” His nervousness is apparent on his face. 

Ethan avoids facing him. “She’s not going to split. She thinks that she can’t do this without us. That’s enough surety for me.”

Benji nearly snorts. “You’re not wrong. She does need us. But I think you need her just as much.”

This gets his attention. Ethan faces him, jaw tense. “We happened to cross paths with her. We got lucky she chose to stay.”

Benji shrugs, letting it go with a small smirk. “If you say so.” 

Ethan doesn’t reply. His eyes are back on the terminal, analyzing, observant as always. But the way his gaze lingered on the crowd you disappeared into…

Perhaps Benji was onto something. 

TOKYO, JAPAN, 18:01 HOURS.

Tokyo was electric, different, and busy. You had no worries about staying hidden from any followers. By the time your flight landed and you got to Shibuya district, you were high on adrenaline, carefully watching for any trouble. Head down, backpack on tight, scanning each building, each face that passed yours. 

You wanted to leave the underground station and explore the neon city, but this wasn’t a vacation. There was no time to be a tourist now. And you had to be ready for Ethan’s arrival. 

You pulled a wallet out of the bag Benji had given you and found some cash. Traveling made you hungry. In the station, there’s small restaurants lined up, and you duck inside one, ordering some hot ramen. After the waiter brought your food, you downed it in minutes, leaving none of it to waste. Who knows when your next meal is going to be. 

As you start leaving the restaurant, someone grabs your arm from behind. 

“Hey! You shout, turning to see who the offender was. You sigh of relief, realizing it was Ethan. 

“Do you not know how to use a phone?” He lets go of your arm. 

“What? Oh, I-” You squeeze your eyes shut for a second. You hadn’t even taken it out of the backpack. You look back at him. “You got here quick. Also how did you find me?”

He ignores your questions. Those were all easily explained by the fact that he was an IMF agent. “Let’s hurry. Benji’s flight lands in half an hour. We don’t want to waste any time here, the more time we’re stagnant, the greater chance of VANTAGE closing in on our location. Benji suspects that because VANTAGE is already deep in some servers, it wouldn’t be difficult to track us down. We’ve covered our tracks well so far, but who knows.” 

You nod and follow him through the station. It takes about twenty minutes by subway and walking to get to the safehouse, a good distance from the busy hub of Tokyo.

Once inside, Ethan starts laying out gear and some weapons. You can’t help but notice how small the safehouse is, cramped, furniture all nearly touching each other. 

You awkwardly stand and watch, trying to figure out how to help. You approach him at the table he was working by, set your backpack down and grab a pistol. 

“Don’t touch anything.” Ethan mutters, pulling out a jacket from a tiny closet. 

You put the gun back down on the table, letting it hit just a little too hard. 

Ethan turns and glares at you. 

You throw your hands in the air. “Come on! If you want me to be part of the team, then act like it! You’re acting like you have to babysit me or something,” you say, annoyed. “I thought you were starting to trust me,” you add under your breath. 

In a moment, Ethan steps forward, and he’s closer than you expected. His green eyes are sharp, unreadable, and there’s something else behind them. Not anger. Not exactly.

“I do trust you.” 

Your lips part, but no words come out. 

“But don’t make me regret it.” 

You’re frozen to the ground. His gaze lingers on yours like he’s waiting to see if you’ll push back or step away. You do neither. 

Without warning, the door swings open. 

Benji strolls in, completely oblivious. “Okay, good news, no one followed me. Bad news, I lost my spare change to a vending machine-”

He stops mid-sentence when he sees the space between you and Ethan. The tension is high. And you’re both suddenly pretending to look anywhere but at each other. 

“Did I… miss something?” Benji blinks, a bag of chips crinkling in his hand. 

You step backwards, hitting the wall behind you. “Ugh, this room is tiny!” you complain, trying to diffuse the moment. 

Benji says something quietly to himself and shrugs. 

Ethan goes back to prepping gear. You turn to Benji and watch as he shuffles around the room, putting his bag and chips down. He grabs a laptop out of his bag and gets straight to business. 

“So. The node is tucked away in a high-rise data center, sixty floors, just north of Shibuya. Ethan will go in as a third-party auditor doing a spot check on their physical security protocols, and you’ll get in through the roof. Is your ankle okay?”

“The roof? Do you expect me to fly?” You ask incredulously. 

Benji looks up and smiles at you. “In a way, yes. The building is a bit smaller than a few of the ones next to it, so you’ll get to the top of a neighboring building, use a wire, and just zip over to the roof.” 

You turn to Ethan, then back to Benji. “Can’t he do that? I thought you both wanted me off the ground.” 

Benji shakes his head. “Unfortunately, only authorized personnel with verified credentials can move freely through the lower floors. Ethan’s cover gives him access to most of the building, yours doesn’t. You’re the only one small enough to make the roof jump clean. Sorry. Besides, the zipline’s a fun ride. You’ll get to see more of Japan than either of us.”

“Fine. Roof access. Then what?”

“Then, you’ll make your way downstairs after planting an uplink. This will only give us access to the security personnel’s comms feed. On the 43rd floor is where the servers are. We’ll give you another drive that overrides the system and gets you the credentials again. Ethan will disable and keep the security systems offline so you can move around without getting caught. Unfortunately I can’t do much on the outside since they’re using a system I’ve never seen before, so you’ll have to wait for him to get in.”

You fold your arms. “Then we get out.”

Benji nods stiffly. “Hopefully it won’t be as bad as the last time. I’ll mute the security guards’ comms with the uplink so that they won’t be able to talk to each other. You’ll go back the way you came, though to a shorter building, and Ethan will leave the way he came through.”

Ethan clicks a magazine into a pistol. “Any questions?”

You quirk an eyebrow. “When do we start?” 

He drops the pistol into a holster and tosses it towards you. “Right now.”

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

The Tokyo air seemed to have cooled down a bit in the middle of the night. Or maybe it’s just because you’re on top of an extremely tall building in the city, and the wind is whipping through your clothes. 

Is now a bad time to say you’re afraid of heights?

“Benji, talk to me,” you say, crouched down on the roof, a grappling hook in your right hand. “How in the world am I supposed to shoot this straight?” 

“You’ve literally killed people, you know how to aim,” Benji’s voice crackles over your earpiece. 

You look at the grappling hook, eyes trailing on the thin metal wire behind you that you secured to a small ladder. 

“I know, this is just… different.”

There’s a pause, then Benji’s sweet British voice comes back on. 

“Ethan’s just about to head in. It’s time. Just aim for the middle of the roof and shoot. It just needs to catch onto the ledge, which there’s plenty of.”

“I’m entering the building,” Ethan’s voice says lowly. Your stomach turns. You’re not used to hearing his voice on comms. 

You shake your head, vision going somewhat blurry out of nerves. “Here goes nothing.”

You press the trigger, hook shoots out, and the wire follows. Within seconds it’s attached to the target roof. 

“Perfect. Now, attach yourself to the wire, and jump.”

You clip on your small hardness to the wire like you had practiced a few times, and stand on the edge of your current building. You try to not look down, but you can’t help it. 

You’re certainly seeing much more Japan than the rest of the team, but not in the way you’d like. 

Holding your breath, you jump. The hardness cinches tight around your hips and suddenly you’re flying through the air. The neighboring building gets closer, faster than you anticipated, and suddenly you’re crashing onto the roof. 

“Ow.”

“You alright?” Benji asks. 

You quickly get on your feet and brush yourself off, ignoring the slight pain in your ankle. 

“Never better.”

“Perfect. There’s a vent just a few meters to your left. Open it and get in.”

You follow his instructions as they come through. 

“Alright inside, place the uplink. Okay, turn it on. Now move forward till you can turn right. There should be a vent opening. But wait. We need Ethan’s signal.”

You linger in the vents for what seems like an eternity, then Ethan’s voice comes through. 

“It’s all offline. Continue.”

Exhaling, you open the vent with a small tool. You drop down effortlessly, making sure to not put too much pressure on your recovering ankle. 

“Now what?” You whisper. 

“Find the elevator, it should just be down the hall,” Benji replies. 

Thankfully, there’s no security personnel on the top floor. You find the elevator and it opens without you pushing any buttons. Ethan must be controlling it remotely.

You step inside and the doors shut and quickly descend to the 43rd floor. Your heart is nearly beating out of your chest as you recall the last breach, and how you had to save Ethan from being killed by guards. 

You swallow dryly. You’ve made it so far. Imagining doing all of this alone genuinely terrifies you. 

Don’t die, Ethan. I need you. 

Hand ghosted over your pistol, you step out onto the server floor room. It’s dim lighting, but you can make out the rows of server racks, and you head towards the last one, walking briskly now. The breach flash drive is hung around your neck with a small chain. Just like clockwork, you open the racks, take the chain off, and stick the drive into a port. 

Ten armed men burst into the room. 

They’re shouting in Japanese, and from what you can tell, they’re angry. One starts shooting in your direction, and you duck down, hiding behind a server rack. 

“It’s an ambush!” You scream into your comms. 

“Get out of there quick!” 

You shoot a guard that comes around the corner and he falls. “That’s a great idea!” 

“They must have known we were coming. Or something didn’t go right when Ethan shut the system down.”

“I didn’t make a mistake,” Ethan huffs. He’s out of breath, but why? 

I’m gonna die! How am I supposed to take them all down?

Thinking fast, you get up and run to the other side of the room. If you could start a small fire in one of the server racks, it would blow up. You open a server rack and wait till the guards get closer to you, then, 

BOOM.

With one shot from your gun into the rack’s wires, it explodes, sending several men, and yourself backwards. Sirens start blaring and the overhead sprinklers blast on. It’s a mess of fire, smoke, water, and bullets. 

You run back towards the main rack where you left the drive. To your dismay, it’s gone. 

“No! I lost it-”

You’re cut off by more gunshots ripping through the air. You turn around and shoot down two more men, ducking in the process to avoid any fire. Your breath is ragged from the smoke in the air and it’s getting harder to breath. The fire you set is spreading quickly to the other server racks, lighting the room in an orange glow that flickers off the metal and blood. 

You hear more orders in from the guards to each other, and they’re getting closer to your hiding spot around a cable box. 

Suddenly- 

A pair of hands grabs you from behind.

You nearly react until a familiar voice speaks low and close to your ear. 

“Easy, it’s me.” 

Ethan. 

“What? How-?” You stammer.

He pulls you backwards, basically throwing you out of the way, then in a flash of grey and black tactical gear, he raises two guns. In two swift shots, he drops the closest threats to you, clean. 

You exhale sharply, somewhere between a laugh and sob. Relief floods your chest, but it’s not over yet. 

“You really know how to throw a party,” he shouts over the sprinklers, sirens, and incoherent shouting. 

“A little late, don’t you think?” You gasp. 

He looks at you, checking for blood. “I’m just fashionably late. I actually got here three minutes ago.” 

We’ll look at who's getting some sass. You must be rubbing off on him. 

“You could have told me!” 

“I just did. Come on, it’s not over yet, Benji’s rerouting the elevators,” he says as another burst of gunfire rains down. Ethan stays close, shielding you as your duck through the flaming corridor and reach the elevators just as they slide open. 

“Get in!” He shouts, beating you to the doors. 

You dive to make it inside, then-

BANG. A shot cracks the air. 

The pain is sharp and blinding. 

Your knees buckle and Ethan catches you just before you collapse to the ground.

He drags you into the elevator and hits the close button. Bullets slam into the metal as the doors shut.

“Benji!” Ethan barks into the comms, voice raw. “We need an exfil, now!”

The elevator lurches downwards. 

Ethan tears off his jacket and presses it into your side. You gasp, clutching his arm. 

“Look at me,” he breathes, voice thick with panic. “Just-just hold on, alright? Stay with me.” 

You’re trying to make out his face as stars dance across your vision, but for a split second you see a chain glinting on his neck. 

The drive. 

He already had it. 

Of course he did. 

Already done what you came here for. And yet…

He’s here. Holding you like losing you isn’t an option. 

Like you’re the most important part of the mission. 

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

~ % TAGLIST: @sarahskywalker-amidala @mirrorballbb @angstylittleb1tch @allthespecificity @knowledgefulbutterfly @napplenapple @glittergellyric @solareclipse4 @sdrose93 @ninihunt @klriggs07 @theresirin @anima-patronos 

[weirdgenetic-fuckup]

PARIS? Girl give us a storytime, anyways I'm in some random gals basement rn and they're playing grindcore *I am drunk too*

Are you… having fun..?

I am in Paris, we’re here for two nights (now and tomorrow, it is currently 1:42 am), we’re going to the Eiffel Tower today (using the elevator, I will not climb)

After Paris we’re going to Prague for a ringette tournament, I’ve heard the hardest teams there are Canadian, a lot of Alberta teams so I am scared BUT I might get to play a game or two with Finland bc something happened to their goalie (I have been told nothing other than ‘they’re goalie is gone’ which is a fun sentence, really concerned)

The tournament is a week and then I’m headed to Italy, going to Rome (with a day trip to the Vatican), Florence (with a day trip to Pisa), Pompeii, and ending with the Amalfi Coast before we fly back to Paris and see AC/DC on the ninth, floor tickets 🤪

It took two flights here, I’m gonna kill my sister by the end of the trip (she almost made us miss the first flight bc she mixed up the times WE TOLD HER ON THE WAY TO THE BANK still don’t know what she was doing, she also yells at me every time I speak ☺️) the flights, idk what happened man HOW DID WE GET SEATED NEXT TO EVERY CHILD IN FRANCE they were all screaming oh my god thank the lord for headphones someone was going to get thrown out

One kid was sick though he sat in front of me and before the flight he was like screaming and crying and throwing up and his nose was bleeding so he gets a pass also his brother was mostly quiet (they were about 2 and the quiet one was definitely younger but I’ve learned my grasp of ages is way off so I won’t guess) every other kid, though, screaming the whole way

Free condom ads, I’m telling you

OH also, at downtown Disney where I went yesterday, there was a little girl there like she had to have been younger than ten and the only top she has on is a sports bra… girl get some better parents SHE WAS A BABY??? Anyway, ‘tis all for now

[sweet-babyrose]

Is That My Shirt? (Mapi Leon x Reader)

👚

“Honey, I’m home!” Mapi yelled. She walked into the living room, finding it empty except for the small kitten, Theo, you both had adopted a couple months ago. Mapi picked him up, giving him a few kisses in greeting. “Where’s mommy?”

Mapi walked around the entire apartment, dropping her bags in the bedroom, but not finding you anywhere. Sinking down into the couch, she figured that’s what she got for trying to surprise you by coming home a day early. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed your number.

“Hey baby!” you said when you answered. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. Just wanted to hear your voice. Where are you?” Mapi asked, hearing sirens.

“I’m just out getting a drink with Laia. She’s trying to distract me through this last 24 hours without you. I hate it, by the way. Super proud of you, baby, but I hate it when you’re gone.”

“Aw. I miss you, and I hate it, too. I’m so excited to see you.” Mapi decided not to tell you about her early return, instead saying, “I sent you something that I think might help. Just keep an eye out when you get home.”

“Okay! I can’t wait. How’s everything going?”

“Wonderful. We have a team meeting tonight and then we’re free to do anything we want. Alexia and I were thinking about going out mini golfing with a few of the other girls or something.”

“That would be fun.”

“Yeah it will be. Okay, well I don’t want to keep you. I love you. Say hi to Laia.”

“I will. I love you, babe. Can’t wait to see the surprise you sent me. And can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

Mapi disconnected the call and laid her head back against the couch pillows. She had spent the last 12 hours on 4 different flights trying to get back from the national team training in Prague. But tomorrow was your birthday and she didn’t want to miss a single minute of it by flying home with the team tomorrow.

She was asleep within two minutes, Theo curled up on her chest.

Two hours later, she was awoken by the front door slamming and her cell phone vibrating next to her. She silenced it when she heard you walking through the apartment.

“Hi, love,” she heard you say. “I didn’t see a package or anything at the front door. Was just wondering if you knew when your gift was delivered. Call me when you can. Love you.”

“It was delivered about two hours ago,” Mapi said, walking into the kitchen behind you.

You spun around, launching yourself into Mapi’s arms. “Maria!”

“Happy early birthday, mi amor,” Mapi said, hugging you close.

You kissed her, reacquainting yourself with her lips after two weeks apart. Mapi’s hands skimmed under your sweater, gripping the warm skin at your waist.

“I missed that,” she said when you leaned back.

“Me, too.” You kissed her again, picking her up and setting her on the edge of the counter.

She grabbed your hand and tugged until you were standing between her legs, kissing you again. Her hands moved down to the hem of your sweater, pulling it up and off you. She looked down at you when you pulled her shirt off and smiled.

“Is that my shirt?” she asked, taking in the League champions shirt she’d brought home only weeks before.

“It smelled like you,” you admitted, suddenly embarrassed.

She wrapped her arms around your waist. “Well I’m home now. Can I take it off you? It’s in my way,” she added, with a smirk.

“Yes please. I have you now. I don’t need the shirt.”

Mapi took the shirt off, tossing it on the floor. You picked her up again, carrying her backwards toward the bedroom, intent on showing her how much you loved your birthday gift. When your knees hit the edge of the bed, you put her down, and let her pull you down on top of her.

Who needed a shirt when Maria was here, laughing, sighing, and moaning under you?

[vdlest]

His "I Love You"

Characters:

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary:

You and Bucky are in a temporary LDR due to his mission and just by hearing those magical three words, you felt okay.

Warning:

None

You're in the middle of reading Steve's recent report and information about your upcoming mission with Nat and Wanda when you received a phone call from Bucky, who's been away for a mission with Sam and Clint.

When you saw Bucky's name on your screen, you immediately pressed the green button and put it on loudspeaker since you're in your room in the compound, all alone.

"Hey, Sargeant! How 'ya doin'?" you asked him as soon as you accepted his call.

"I miss you," he softly said.

He's been away for three days now. He's in Prague and he's been busy with their mission, but he doesn't fail to call you whenever he can. He never fails to say how much he misses you.

"I wish you're here with me right now," he added. You heard him sigh, "I'm in a romantic country, but I'm stuck with two oldies," he joked.

You can't help but chuckle and shook your head.

"What 'ya mean oldies?" you heard Sam on the other line, "You're a hundred and plus years old, soldier!" he mocked.

You know Sam and Bucky has always been cat and dog at each other, but they are each other's buddies as well.

"Shut up and go help Clint!" Bucky commanded Sam then he turn his attention to you, "Anyway, how are you, my love?"

Yes, you are a couple. You've been a couple for almost 2 years now, yet you're not used whenever he calls you "my love." But you find it cute and adorable as hell.

"I'm just reading some of the deets about my mission with Wanda and Nat. We're gonna leave tomorrow night for Virginia," you said. There's sadness in your voice, knowing that you won't be able to see him when get back from his mission in Prague, "And I'm not gonna be here when you come back."

He immediately sensed that you are sad, "Hey, don't be sad. We'll see each other when you get back," he reassured.

You haven't seen him for three days now, you only see him through FaceTime and you know that's not enough to ease the longing you feel for him. You're always searching the warmth of his hug in his hoodies that he lets you borrow. You're missing his kisses on your forehead, your lips, and your cheeks. There's no single doubt that you want to see him soon.

"I love you."

Hearing him said those three words, you already felt okay.

"After my mission, your mission, I'll go and ask Steve if we could go in a quick out of town. I've been wanting to take you out," he said on the other line, "I promise you, we'll make it up to the time we're apart."

You know that Bucky is doing everything to make your temporary LDR situation work. It's gonna be only for a while so you didn't want to complain and make him feel bad, so you just remind yourself that even though you're not always together, you are always in each other's hearts and mind.

"I would love that," you excitedly said when you heard about his plan when he got back, "I love you, my Bucky."

You know he love it when you say he is your Bucky, claiming that he is yours forever. In you, he found his home.

"Only yours," he said.

And just like that, you felt okay.

You are contented and okay after hearing his I love you.

[missmonsters2]

A natasha x wanda x reader fic where natasha and wanda had to deal a hyper reader because reader accidentally drank someone else's coffee? (reader does not drink coffee)

This is relatable as hell LMAO

COUNT: 634

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

There's only one rule at the compound.

You are not allowed to have coffee. 

Okay, well, it's a rule and half because the second part of that rule is that no one is allowed to give you coffee either.

But after this, there may be another rule.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am, the orders were mixed up," the barista apologizing profusely as she gives you a full refund. 

"It's...alright," Natasha says slowly, even though it's not okay because you're standing to the side, looking like you're about to shoot off the floor while Wanda is holding your hand to keep you rooted to the ground. 

They sandwich you on either side as they lead you to exit the coffee shop. It would probably be best to keep you at home to wait out this coffee-induced shit show you were about to go through. 

Wanda looks at Natasha, worry in her eyes while Natasha tries to her a reassuring smile.

"Babe," you exclaim, getting their attention. They could feel your fingers thrumming on the back of their hands. "We should go sky diving today."

Wanda sighs.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

There's a cycle, a wave, that you go through when the coffee has hit your system.

"How long do you think it'll last?" Wanda murmurs as she's in Natasha's arms. The two of them have sat on the couch, watching you pace around the entire living room.

You had done a three-hour workout, cooked an entire dinner, cleaned everything in sight, and all while talking a mile a minute to your girlfriends.

"Well, she drank half the drink before we noticed," Natasha mumbled, rubbing Wanda's arm up and down slowly. "I think the high is starting to wear off..."

"That means..." Wanda dragged.

"Yup."

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"I think we should head to the bedroom," you told your girlfriends, giving them the bedroom eyes.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"Oh my god, you two don't love me anymore, is that it?" You cried. "I'm the third wheel, aren't I? I'm fucking third-wheeling in my own relationship!"

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"Do you think we could go to Prague?" You looked at the bike down the road from your window. "It'd be cool if we biked it."

"The ocean might stop us, милый," Wanda blinked.

"Water bikes exist."

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"Have you ever thought about bringing in a fourth woman?" You question, looking at Carol, who just walked past your room to get to her own.

Purely out of curiosity. 

"Definitely not," Natasha and Wanda say at the same time. 

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"Oh my god, you guys only held my hand sixteen times today, are you mad?" You sniffled. "Are you breaking up with me?"

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

"I don't feel good," you mumbled.

"I bet not, моя любовь," Natasha says softly. 

You came up to them, heart thumping in your chest. It's not like you were oblivious to what coffee did to you. And even though you loved the taste, you did your best to swear off it when your girlfriends told you to not drink it.

You couldn't help it, though. The caffeine made you go on a high. But with a high, it also comes with the low. And a lot of anxiousness.

"C'mere, милый," Wanda holds out her arm, and you plop down onto the couch into them.

Wanda strokes your back as you rest your head in her neck while Natasha comes closer to hold the two of you, combing her fingers through your hair. 

"You still love me, right?" You murmur quietly, eyes drooping closed. Tomorrow morning, the caffeine will have worn off, and you'd feel like a ridiculous fool.

"There's no one else but you," Wanda smiles. 

"The only star in our sky," Natasha presses a kiss to your head.

You smile.

"But we're checking your drinks from coffee shops from now on."

Your smile drops.

[izzyaro]

Prompts you say? 👀 don’t give me that power haha. But you could do their reactions to when Emily blows her cover in Prague?

Haha, I'm curious to see what you come up with. Hope you enjoy this one!

-

Emily knows she’s in trouble the moment it happens.

The sentry’s eyes harden, his hands twitch, and Emily starts to back-track but it’s too late and she reaches for her gun but his is already in his hands and she knows she’s not going to be fast enough-

A shot rings out and the sentry falls with a bullet between his eyes, and Clyde’s voice crackles through her earpiece,

“We’re done here. Get to the south stairwell; Tsia will meet you there.”

“Understood,” Emily manages.

Guilt burns in her chest, but she can hear alarms sounding and shouts echo through the corridor, and she turns and runs. It’s not easy in heels and a short dress, but she’d half-expected it and she’s had plenty of practice.

Tsia is waiting for her, another unconscious sentry at her feet and her own gun out, and open relief flashes across her face as she looks up.

“Good. Let’s get out of here.”

“Clyde?”

“Covering us,” says Tsia. “He’ll be fine.”

Emily nods, but she doesn’t feel any better. This was not the plan. Tsia gives her a long look, and her eyes narrow. “We knew this was a long shot,” she says. “We’ll debrief in a bit, but now we have to go.”

She offers Emily her hand to help her down the stairs. Emily takes a breath. “Right. Let’s go.”

They don’t meet any further resistance. Emily keeps her eyes away from the bodies. Clyde is nothing if not thorough. The lower floors are swarming with SWAT, and Tsia finally relaxes as they make it out into the open air.

“The locals can take it from here,” she says.

Emily just nods. Now that they’re out of danger, adrenaline and fear are shifting to guilt. “I fucked up.”

“It happens,” says Tsia bluntly. “You did everything you could.”

“It wasn’t enough.” The words are bitter on her tongue. “If they were able to get rid of that data-”

“Emily, it’s done now,” Tsia interrupts. “Whatever they find, it’s more than they would have had without you.”

Emily looks, but she can’t find a trace of blame in her eyes. They’re out of danger, but Tsia still hasn’t let go of her hand, and now she gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Emily shivers. If not for Clyde…

“Where is Clyde?”

Tsia frowns, but even as Emily reaches for her earpiece her expression clears. “As if that lot would slow him down.”

Emily spins round and relief leaves her light-headed as she spots Clyde weaving his way through the crowds. His bag with his sniper gear is slung across his back, and some of the tension drains from his shoulders as he joins them.

“You’re both all right?”

“Fine,” says Emily. “I messed up. I’m sorry.”

Clyde shakes his head. “It happens to everyone, Emily. We’ll go over it tomorrow, but for now the important thing is that you’re safe.”

“Thanks to you. You saved my life.”

If he had been just seconds slower, she wouldn’t be here. Tsia’s grip on her hand tightens, but Clyde just raises an eyebrow.

“That’s what your back-up is supposed to do,” he points out. “But you’re welcome.” He settles his bag more comfortably and glances round at the officials swarming the building. “I’ll deal with this. You two head back to the hotel.”

Emily frowns at him. “I can help,” she begins, but both Clyde and Tsia are shaking their heads.

“This is my job,” says Clyde firmly. “You’ve done yours. And don’t do that,” he adds, when Emily can’t suppress a grimace. “We always knew an infiltration at this stage would be risky, and despite everything you still got what we need.”

“But-”

“Emily,” Tsia interrupts, “listen to him. We’ve all had undercover ops go south; that’s just part of the job.” She squeezes Emily’s hand again. “You’re safe. That’s all we care about right now.”

For a moment, Emily can only stare at them. Growing up, the only acceptable result had been perfection. Making mistakes, but still getting praised for overall performance would have been incomprehensible.

She’s just screwed up an important mission, but not even her boss seems to care.

Her thoughts must show on her face, for Clyde’s mouth twitches into a smile.

“Of course, I can rake you over the coals for not controlling every single one of your micro-expressions if you want,” he offers. “But I’m happy to skip that part if you are.”

Tsia snorts and Emily has to smile. “Okay, I get the message.”

“Good,” says Clyde. “Now, both of you clear off.”

“Yes, sir,” says Tsia, with a bright smile, and she ducks away with a laugh when Clyde rolls his eyes. Emily lingers a moment longer.

“Thank you.”

Clyde’s expression softens. “You never have to thank me for that, darling.”

Emily smiles, and heads after Tsia. It’s not the end to the mission that she’d expected, but she’ll take it for now.

[deja-you]

ten ways to say (i love you)

t. jefferson x reader

summary: Thomas has never liked the conventional way of saying ‘I love you.’

word count: 6.1k

warnings: a little bit of angst, high school, karen

masterlist

1.

There is no better way to start off senior year than arriving late to your first class.

In Y/n’s defense, she had left her house early. For once in her life she was actually going to be early to school. She was so proud of herself, and was so certain that she had extra time, Y/n allowed herself to stop at a drive thru and pick up a drink as a reward. Everything was going according to plan. 

That is, until the Karen in the car in front of her decided she wasn’t pleased with her order and made the barista redo it. To make sure she didn’t mess up Karen’s order a second time, the barista was extra careful. And extra slow. Y/n groaned as she watched the time tick by minute by minute. Just her luck.

Y/n watched the barista hand the drink to the Karen and breathed a sigh of relief. Yet, Karen’s car didn’t move. She had her drink, but Karen continued to talk with the barista. Y/n cursed under her breath and banged her head on the steering wheel. She must have been more aggressive than she was expecting, because she accidentally honked her horn. 

She jumped back in shock at the loud noise. Karen poked her head out of her window and immediately began lecturing Y/n on how rude she was being. At least, that’s what Y/n assumed she was saying, she really couldn’t hear the Karen with her windows rolled up. Y/n bit her lip, gave the Karen a little wave, and mouthed an apology.

Eventually Karen had finished her rant and left the drive thru. Y/n got her drink, no longer a reward, more like a consolation now, and sped to school. There weren’t any other students in the parking lot by the time Y/n arrived, remind her of just how late she was. Y/n shoved all her materials in her backpack, locked her car, and quickly walked into the building. 

Of course, Y/n’s first class just had to be with Mr. Rousseau. Any other teacher would just let her tardiness slide. She opened the door to Mr. Rousseau’s classroom, and any conversation that was being had stopped. More than a dozen pairs of eyes turned their attention to her, and Y/n wanted to melt right there and then.

“Miss L/n, nice of you to join us.” Mr. Rousseau addressed her. He narrowed his eyes at her, leaning against his desk as he sized her up. “If you’re done being a distraction to my class, I’d appreciate it if you would take a seat.”

Y/n swallowed roughly, and nodded. Rousseau went back to lecturing the class on how his class would be run, and Y/n did her best to find a seat as quietly as she could. She instinctively made her way over to where her best friends, Abigail and Thomas were sitting. 

Thomas moved his backpack off the desk next to him, and mouthed, “I saved you a seat.”

She gave him a grateful smile and mouthed back a ‘thanks.’ 

Abigail leaned forward and whispered, “Mr. Rousseau wasn’t very amused with you being late, huh?”

“I swear he hates me,” Y/n insisted. 

Thomas rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t hate you, hon’.”

“Thomas is right,” Abigail said. “Mr. Rousseau doesn’t hate you especially. Everyone knows he just hates women.”

2.

Late night study session was code for hanging out at John Adams’s house and messing around.

Abigail was dating John, so Y/n was friends with him and his friends by association. Abigail, Dolly, and Y/n were actually trying to study. John and James were discussing the football team’s chances of winning their next game. Martha and George had snuck off to get freaky somewhere. 

“Okay, Dolly.” Abigail held up a flash card. “What can you tell me about the defenestration of Prague?”

“Um, people were thrown out of windows for fun?” Dolly replied lazily. 

“No. Well, I guess you’re not completely wrong...”

Y/n threw her body against the back of the couch and closed her eyes. If she had to stay here any longer, Y/n would throw herself out a window. Not that she didn’t want to hangout with her friends. After a long day of school, she wasn’t exactly thrilled to spend more time with the people she spent the whole day with. If it wasn’t for her fragile social status, Y/n would have already been home in her bed right now.

“Sorry m’late, had to drop my sister off at a gymnastics class. Or fencing. Or Italian. Honestly, I can’t remember.” Thomas walked into the living room where everyone was hanging out.

“Ah, yes. I had almost forgot that the Jeffersons are all overachievers,” Y/n said with and eye roll. 

He wore an easy grin as he made his way over to Y/n, leaning against the couch and staring down at her. “What can I say? We’re just built different.”

Y/n scoffed but refused to dignify him with any further response. Instead, she closed her eyes again, pretending she was back at home under warm covers. 

“I brought you food.” 

This caught Y/n’s attention. She slowly opened one eye to see if he was telling the truth. Thomas held up a bag of fast food he must’ve picked up on his way over. Y/n couldn’t help but smile as she sat upright.

“For me?” She asked.

“Of course, hon’.” He handed her the bag. “I know you didn’t have time for lunch today, and I know you likely wouldn’t have gotten around to eating anything yet.”

Y/n happily pulled out an order of large fries out of the bag. “Have I ever told you how amazing you are, Thomas?”

“Not often enough.”

“Well. You are amazing. So amazing.”

Y/n finished her fries and was looking through the rest of the bag to see what else he had gotten her when John called out to her. 

“Hey, Y/n,” John said, “what are your thoughts on my cousin?”

“You mean Sam Adams?” Y/n asked. 

“Yep. The very one.”

She shrugged. “He’s cute. Why?”

“He thinks you’re cute. Wanted me to ask if you’re single,” John said nonchalantly. 

Abigail took time away from quizzing Dolly to get invested in the conversation. “She’s very single. Right, Y/n? You and Sam would be so cute together!”

Y/n could feel her cheeks begin to heat up, and she suddenly found the hardwood floors very interesting. “I don’t know... he really thinks I’m cute?”

“S’what he said,” John replied. “Can I give him your number?”

She weighed her options before giving a shrug. “Yeah, why not?”

“Y/n and Sam? I totally ship it,” Dolly said.

“Right?” Abigail grinned. “They’re going to be such an attractive couple.”

“Okay, can we stop talking about this now? I’m here to study,” Y/n insisted, pulling out a textbook.

“I’d rather not fail tomorrow’s test,” Thomas agreed.

Everyone begrudgingly went back to their previous activities, and Thomas took that moment to sit next to Y/n on the couch. She was flipping through the pages of her textbook before she came to a stop. Y/n passed the textbook to Thomas and pointed to the painting on the page.

“Look, this one’s my favorite,” she said.

“Wanderer above the Sea of Fog,” Thomas read. “You’re a fan of Caspar David Friedrich, then?”

Y/n shrugged. “I’m just a fan of the Romantic movement in general. Everything was just so creative, and beautiful, and emotional. There’s just so much feeling in this painting. It’s overwhelming.”

Thomas frowned looking back at the painting, and then back to Y/n. “It certainly is romantic.”

She gave the painting one last look before she began flipping through the pages of the textbook again. Thomas watched her curiously as she read over the vocabulary words for that week. Finally, he decided to say what was on his mind. 

“So, you and Sam Adams, huh?” He nudged her gently with his shoulder.

Y/n bit her lip and focused on a peculiar tchotchke the Mrs. Adams had decorated the living room with. “I guess. I used to have a crush on him in middle school, remember?”

“That’s right. Abbie and I spent most of science class teasin’ you about that. No wonder you’re so bad at physics now.”

She frowned and playfully bumped her shoulder with his. “I’m not bad at physics.”

“Really?” Thomas considered her with eyebrows raised. “Remember that botched science experiment that nearly killed Mr. Newton?”

“Can we not talk about that? He’s still alive, isn’t he?”

He hid an amused look. “Whatever you say, honey.”

3.

You’re tired. The sheets are too hot. It’s been a long day, your body is exhausted. The air in your bedroom is too cold. Your mind is tired, too. The sheets are too hot. If you just close your eyes and stop thinking you’ll be asleep in minutes. The air in your bedroom is too cold. Not thinking isn’t exactly easy. The sheets are too hot. Go then if you must, but remember, no matter how -- damn you, Sophocles, and your terribly beautiful words. 

Thomas threw his covers off his body and sat up in bed. He wasn’t going to get much sleep no matter how hard he tried. Thomas rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, if there had been any sleep to begin with. 

There was no doubt that he was tired mentally and physically. Emotionally? His heart was eternally restless. He crossed his room to sit at his desk, fully accepting that sleep wasn’t a viable option anymore. 

The blue light from his computer was a harsh contrast to the darkness of his room, but his eyes adjusted quickly. Thomas didn’t even know what he was doing on his computer in the middle of the night.

His fingers knew. They opened up an application and began scrolling. No, no, no, yes. Perfect. No, no, no, no, no, yes. This is her. And this went on for an hour or so, Thomas lost track of time. He’d be tired tomorrow, but he wasn’t going to get any sleep until he was finished. 

When he actually was finished, he smiled contentedly to himself. A wave of calm washed over him, and before he knew it, Thomas was back in his bed falling asleep. 

He looked terrible the next morning. Well, as terrible as a Jefferson could look. He had still had the sense to dress nicely, collared shirt, sweater, ironed pants, polished dressed shoes. Thomas was still sharp as ever in all his classes, but anyone who really knew him could tell he was a mess. 

“You okay, Thomas?” Y/n asked at lunch in Mr. Locke’s classroom (Mr. Locke was kind enough to let a group of moody teenagers eat lunch in his class, the lunchroom just wasn’t cool enough for them).

“Hm? Yeah. I’m great.”

Y/n cocked her head to the side. “You sure? You seem tired.”

“Don’t worry about me. Actually, I have something for you.” Thomas fished his phone out of his pocket.

“You have something for me?”

“Yeah, I’m sending it now. Check your phone.”

She raised an eyebrow, but Y/n opened up her phone to check the text Thomas had sent her. 

“Sophocles and Serotonin.” Y/n read aloud. “What is this?”

“I made you a playlist of songs I thought you might like.”

“Seriously?” A smile played on her lips; Thomas couldn’t help but reflect it. “When did you have the time for this?”

He shrugged. “I have more free time than you’d think.”

“With all your APs, varsity sport, and extracurriculars? I highly doubt that.” Y/n looked up at him, a teasing lilt transparent in her tone. “I appreciate the playlist even more, knowing you took time out of your rigorous schedule to create it. Thanks, Thomas.”

She leaned forward on the desk she was seated on to press a kiss to his cheek. Thomas froze like a deer in headlights, and if Y/n noticed, she didn’t say anything. He put himself back together before she could notice he was momentarily put-off, and leaned back against another desk in an attempt to look cool.

“S’what do you have planned for after school?” He asked in his best nonchalant voice. 

“Well, Sam and I are going to go see a movie.”

“That’s still a thing, then?”

Y/n shot him a look that had him raising his hands up in surrender. “Yes, it’s still a thing. I really like him, okay? He’s a good guy.”

“But is he good enough for you?” Thomas crossed his arms, his eyes not leaving her’s. It wasn’t that Thomas didn’t like Sam. Sam was great. It was just a fact that no guy would ever be good enough for his best friend. 

“He is.” She said with an eye roll. “Why do you care anyway?”

“Hon’, I’m just trying to look out for you.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Oh trust me, I know.”

4.

Summer had felt like an eternity ago, when in reality, it had been less than two months ago. The yellow leaves and the updated fall Starbucks menu were enough to convince anyone that it had always been October. 

It had taken a lot of convincing and a little bit of bribery to convince Thomas to attend the Homecoming football game, but with the assistance from Abigail, Y/n had eventually gotten Thomas to cave. She wanted him there, but more importantly, she wanted him to give her a ride there. 

Of course she could have taken her own car, but Y/n would rather not waste her own gas when she could use Thomas’s instead. It’s not like it mattered to him, his parents paid for his car, insurance, and gas anyway. Plus, his Mercedes Benz had a seat warming function that Y/n couldn’t get enough of. 

She spent most of the ride over to the stadium raving over his seat warmers, and Thomas spent most of the ride making fun of how excited she was about seat warmers. Eventually, they parked outside of the stadium, and Thomas paid for their entrance fee into the stadium.

“It’s co--” before Y/n could finish her sentence, remarking on the obvious cold weather, Thomas had handed her a sweatshirt. She looked down at the maroon sweatshirt, then back at Thomas, her mouth slightly open. “You brought an extra sweatshirt for me? I didn’t even ask.”

“You didn’t have to ask,” he shrugged. She put on the sweatshirt and stared at him with wide eyes. Thomas glanced at, bit the inside of his lip, and shook his head. “Now, don’t go thinking I care about you or somethin’ like that, hon’. Couldn’t have you taking the sweatshirt I’m wearing, then I’d be cold.”

She looked at him with a smug smile on her face that made him regret bringing her the sweatshirt in the first place. “Yeah? Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s all.” He was doing his best to act annoyed by all her questioning, but he couldn’t help but find it endearing. When he came up with another argument, he added on, “besides, ma would be upset with if she knew I let you freeze. It seems like she loves you more than she loves me sometimes.”

“That’s because she does,” Y/n pointed it out like it was obvious. “Can you blame her? I’m funny and adorable. You’re just a grumpy old man I have to drag to football games.”

“That’s it. Give the sweatshirt back. I hope you freeze.” Thomas was giving her the dirtiest look he could muster. Y/n had the audacity to throw her head back and laugh.

She reached into her purse, and after some digging around, she pulled out a five dollar bill from her wallet. Y/n thrusted the money into Thomas’s hand and pushed him in the direction of the concession stand. “Here. Go get us some popcorn, maybe you won’t be so irritable once you get some food in you. I’m going to go find some seats.”

Thomas grumbled something about “not being irritable” but nonetheless ventured off toward the concessions. Y/n climbed the steps up the stadium and immediately found Abigail sitting in the student section, all decked out in school colors and face paint. Abigail greeted Y/n with a warm hung, then holding her at an arms length, she took note of what her best friend was wearing.

“Is that Thomas’s sweatshirt?” Abigail asked.

Y/n looked down at the the University of Virginia sweatshirt she had wrapped around herself. “Hm? Oh yeah, it is.”

Abigail pursed her lips and mulled over this new information. “What’s going on between you and Thomas?”

“What d’ya mean? We’re friends.” Y/n pursed her lips. 

“And Thomas knows that?” Abigail observed Y/n. “Do you know that?”

Y/n narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Yes, of course I know that. I’m dating Sam now, okay? Thomas and I have always just been friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be.”

Abigail held her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. If you say so, I’ll believe you. I just don’t want any feelings to get hurt between the two of you.”

“There are no feelings between the two of us,” Y/n said, but she wouldn’t stop thinking about Abigail’s words for the rest of the night.

5.

All week, Thomas had dreamt about the mint chocolate chip ice cream that was waiting for him in the freezer. 

It was his favorite flavor, and there was just enough left in the carton for one last bowl. He had promised himself he wouldn’t eat the last of it until he had really deserved it. After spending a productive hour studying for the test he had tomorrow, Thomas decided he had finally earned that delectable bowl of artificially colored green ice cream. 

He made his way to the kitchen, humming an upbeat tune and sliding across the hardwood floor in his socks. Thomas had made it all the way to the freezer when there was a knock at the front door. 

Thomas paused. He was so close to getting his ice cream. Maybe it was just a delivery? He debated answering the bowl or ignoring and continuing to dish himself ice cream. Thomas was leaning toward his bowl of ice cream when there was a knock at the door again. With a scowl on his face, he abandoned the fridge and any hope for happiness he had left and made his way to the front door.

“Y/n?” He said in surprise when he opened the door.

“Hi, Thomas. I didn’t know who else to come to. Abigail’s out with John right now. Dolly and Martha aren’t good in situations like this,” she was speaking quickly, sniffling between sentences, and trying not to let any more tears fall down her cheeks. “I just--”

He interrupted Y/n by pulling her into his house and his arms. Y/n melted into his touch, her hands gripping his shirt as she hugged him back. 

“What happened?” Thomas asked softly, rubbing circles into her back with his thumbs.

“Sam and I broke up.”

Thomas sighed softly and rested his chin on her head. He bit his lip, weighed his options, and came to a reluctant conclusion. Thomas pulled away just enough that he could look Y/n in her bloodshot eyes.

“I think this is the part where we break out the ice cream, huh?”

She offered him a miserable smile. “Ice cream couldn’t hurt.”

He led her to his kitchen and began digging through the kitchen while she hopped onto the counter to sit. Thomas hid a frown from Y/n while in the process of pulling out the nearly empty carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

“So you want to tell me what happened?” Thomas asked, pulling out a bowl from one of the cabinets.

“It wasn’t a bad breakup.” Despite her words, Y/n still wiped at her tears with the sleeves of her shirt. “We mutually agreed it was best for both of us.”

“Yeah?”

She nodded. “He’s just not... he’s not the one.”

Thomas felt something twist and turn in his stomach, but he knew it wouldn’t be right to be happy when his friend was so miserable. He did his best to hide the smile that wanted to form in the corners of his mouth. “M’sorry about that, honey.”

“I know it was the right decision,” she said, staring up at the ceiling in an attempt not to let any more tears stream down her face. “Doesn’t mean it hurts any less, though.”

“It’s normal to be upset after a break up,” Thomas shrugged.  

“You’re not going to have any ice cream?” Y/n asked quietly as he handed her a singular bowl.

“Not in the mood for it,” he lied. 

6.

“You get enough sleep last night, hon’?”

Y/n was in mid-yawn when he asked her the question. She held a hand over her mouth and nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

“You look terrible.”

She scowled at him. “Wow. Just what a girl wants to hear. Anyone ever tell you you’re a charmer, Thomas Jefferson?”

“You’d be surprised.” He gave her a teasing smile. “So who’s the cause for your sleepless nights?”

“Napoleon Bonaparte.” She held up her textbook for him to see. “Why’d I ever let you convince me to take an AP class with you?”

“Because you like spending time with me?”

“Nah, that’s not it.”

“Ouch.” Thomas held a hand over his heart. “You really stayed up late studying for the quiz?”

“Some people have to study, okay? Not everyone’s as gifted as Thomas flippin’ Jefferson.”

“Flippin’?” He stifled a laugh.

“We’re at school. Gotta keep it PG, right?” She shrugged. “So yeah, I stay up and study sometimes. High schoolers aren’t supposed to get a good amount of sleep. S’not a big deal.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes I worry about you.”

She tilted her head to the side and gave him a small smile. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Believe me, if I could just shut it off, I would. I’ll make you a Quizlet next time so you can get more sleep.”

Y/n was about to say something in response when her phone began ringing in her pocket. “I should get this.”

She went out into the hallway to answer the call, and Thomas turned back to his lunch, not even bothering to hide his smile. 

“Thomas.”

He jumped at the sound of a voice and turned to see Abigail sitting at the desk across from him. Had she been listening to them the whole time? Thomas had completely forgotten she was there; a fact he would be certain not to share with her.

“Yes, Abbie?”

“Do you have a crush on Y/n?” 

Thomas blinked a few times, certain that he hadn’t heard Abigail right. “Excuse me?”

Abigail rolled her eyes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You heard me right, Jefferson. Do you have a crush on Y/n?”

“Y/n? Where’d you get that idea?” Thomas made a face like he was disgusted by the very thought of it.

“Oh, I don’t know. You’re always following her around and doing whatever it takes to make her happy. Not to mention you always call her “hon’,” seems pretty affectionate to me.” Abigail had a talent for laying out the facts.

“We’ve been friends since I can remember, of course I care about her. So what if I have a nickname for her? Doesn’t mean anything.”

“It’s not like you have a nickname for anyone else.”

“I call you ‘Abbie’. I have a nickname for everyone.”

“We both know that’s a load of B.S. Are you really telling me you don’t like Y/n?”

“I don’t like Y/n.” And it wasn’t exactly a lie, because the feelings he had for Y/n had progressed far beyond liking. 

7.

“There’s nothing people appreciate more than a hand-made gift, right?” Y/n said, pulling out a ball of azure colored yarn.

Thomas crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against a wall. “Sure, ‘cept maybe a nice Rolex or a new car.”

She scowled at him. “I don’t know what it is about me that makes you think I can afford a Rolex or a new car. I’m an unemployed high school student. My only income comes from birthday cards from my grandparents.”

“Ah, I see. Well, I’m sure Abigail will love the scarf you make for her.”

“Yeah, how hard could it be?” Y/n muttered, staring at the mess of strings in her lap.

Thomas’s eyes widened a little. “You telling me you’ve never crocheted before?”

“How hard could it be?” She pulled up a beginners guide on YouTube, and five minutes later, Y/n had a knotted pile of yarn in her hands. She huffed in frustration and began to aggressively pull at the yarn.

“Let me help.”

“You know how to knit?” Y/n raised a skeptical eyebrow at him.

Thomas rolled his eyes, sitting next to her and taking the “scarf” out of her hands. “This is crocheting. You don’t even have knitting needles.”

“Apologies. You know how to crochet?” 

“Lucy went through a stage where she was really into crocheting,” he shrugged. Thomas had quickly untangled Y/n’s “progress” and began to expertly thread together loops of yarn. He held up his work to her once a pattern had begun to form. “See? Perks of growing up with sisters.”

“I hate that you’re good at everything.” 

He snorted and gently began to move the work into Y/n’s hand for her to finish the rest. “’M’not good at everything. Just most things.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Y/n was now laser focused on the project in front of her, determined to get it right this time. Thomas would advise her, but for the most part he let her work on it by herself. She was a fast learner.

“You’re never going to get it like that, hon--” Thomas caught himself, remembering the conversation he had had with Abigail earlier. “Y/n. You’re never going to get it like that, Y/n.”

She looked up at him with furrowed brows. “What?”

He swallowed roughly and shook his head. “It’s nothing. Just... You’re going to want to pull the yarn tighter or it’s all going to unravel later.”

“Oh. Thanks, Thomas.”

8.

It was 2 a.m., and Y/n had already came to terms with the fact that she wasn’t going to get more than five hours of sleep. She wasn’t exactly trying very hard to sleep. She had tried to refresh her Instagram feed maybe a dozen times now, but it wasn’t like anyone was posting in the middle of the night. Instagram was doing a poor job keeping her mind distracted. 

Lightly biting her bottom lip, she threw her body back onto her bed with a loud sigh. She wrinkled her nose and caved, navigating to the facetime app on her phone. Hesitating one last time, Y/n tapped his contact with her thumb. Her phone began to hum while she waited for him to pick up.

“Hey, Thomas. I know it’s late,” she said when he finally answered the phone. Y/n frowned when she saw him rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “Sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, no. Couldn’t sleep anyway,” replied his groggy voice.

“You’re lying. Hey, don’t worry about it. Go back to sleep.”

“I was already up.”

“No, you weren’t. Don’t let me bother you.”

Thomas stopped rubbing his eyes and looked at Y/n firmly through the camera. “Maybe I was asleep, but I’m up now, yeah? Don’t worry about waking me up. I’d rather talk to you any way.”

Y/n pursed her lips, giving him a doubtful look. Thomas was too polite to ever tell someone if they were bothering him. She couldn’t tell if he really wanted to talk to her, or if he was just too courteous to tell her otherwise. 

He noticed the look she gave him and rolled his eyes. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” 

“Like you don’t believe me. Would’ve stopped bein’ friends with you years ago if I didn’t find all your annoying habits endearing. Promise.” Thomas shot her a smug smile that made her wish she hadn’t called. 

“So kind of you,” she said sarcastically. 

“I try.” His grin widened, if that was even possible. “So what’d you want to talk to me about?”

Y/n chewed on her bottom lip and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t?” Thomas narrowed his eyes and leaned in closer to the camera. After he had examined her carefully, he leaned back and crossed his arms. “Yeah you do. What is it?”

She shifted, uncomfortable by how easy it was for him to see right through her. Once more that night, she caved. “I can’t stop thinking about how you called me ‘Y/n’ earlier today?”

He tensed up but the action was barely noticeable. “What about it? It’s your name.”

“Sure,” she nodded, “but you never call me ‘Y/n.” It’s always ‘hon’’ or ‘honey.’ Always. Did something happen? Are you mad at me?”

Thomas raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “No, ‘course not. Everything’s fine.” He paused. “That really upset you? Me calling you ‘Y/n’?”

“It’s just not normal.”

“It’s not normal for people to call you by your name?”

“It is, but you are supposed to call me ‘honey.’ Okay?”

He laughed through his nose and couldn’t stop an amused smile from spreading on his lips. “Okay, honey.”

9.

“I’m finally going to get to see your mural, then?”

Thomas rolled his eyes. “It’s not my mural, Y/n. It’s the senior mural. It’s not like I’m painting it.”

“Yeah, but it was your idea.” She gave him a playful nudge. “I don’t know why you haven’t told me what it is yet. I’m sure if the great Thomas Jefferson designed it, it’ll be the best Senior mural ever seen at Charlottesville High School.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, hon’. I’d hate to disappoint you.”

“You could never disappoint me,” she said matter-of-factly. “You’re Thomas Jefferson.”

They turned the corner to see their fellow senior, Henrietta Johnston, working on the mural. The previously beige wall was now covered in black, gray, and light blue paint. In the middle of the painting was a figure made up of colorful hand prints standing above the blue-gray sea.

Y/n stared at the mural with an open mouth. She looked from Henrietta to Thomas, then back to the wall in front of her.

“It was my idea to make the figure all colorful with handprints,” Thomas said. “Thought it would be nice to let our class to literally leave a mark on this school.”

Henrietta smiled at the mural and set down her paintbrush. “It was a good idea. The splash of color is just what it needed. What do you think, Y/n? Do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it. It’s... it’s perfect.” She turned to Thomas with wide eyes. “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog. This is my favorite painting.”

“I noticed -- don’t give me that look. It’s not like I care that much. You just never shut up about that painting. It’s annoying, really,” Thomas muttered, rubbing the back of his neck and looking down at the ground.

She smiled and turned her attention back to the mural. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. I can’t believe you remembered.”

“Of course. It’s worth it, seeing how much you like it.”

There was a beat of silence.

“You’re the kind of person I could fall in love with, you know that?” She didn’t take her eyes off the painting, and Thomas was glad. 

Maybe if she had looked at him, she would have seen his breath catch in his throat and his eyes widen just a little bit. If he was the kind of person she could fall in love with, then why didn’t she? Thomas was flustered. If Y/n had noticed his lack of response, she didn’t say anything. 

10.

Charlottesville High School was filled with rich kids. The Charlottesville High School debate team had a minimal amount of members. These factors resulted in Thomas and Y/n having their own hotel rooms when they attended a debate function in Washington D.C.

After a long day of debating, Thomas and Y/n walked side by side down the narrow corridor to their respective rooms. Every now and then, they spared looks at each other when they thought the other wouldn’t notice.

Thomas cleared his throat. “So that guy in the green shirt asked me for your number.”

She glanced up at him. “He did? Did you give it to him?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Thought he was out of your league. Told him you snored like an ogre and I gave him Maria’s number instead,” he said with a shrug.

She gasped and shoved his shoulder. “Are you kidding me? I don’t snore like an ogre! He was cute and interested in me.”

“Can’t imagine why.”

Y/n scowled. “For your information, I’m adorable. I’m funny and enjoyable to be around. Even if I ‘snore like an ogre’ I’m also extremely attractive, so it makes up for it.”

“You don’t need to sell me on reasons why you’re dateable, honey,” he chuckled softly.

“Oh yeah?”

At the same time, Y/n and Thomas turned to face each other. Their teasing banter stopped when they realized they were only inches apart, he could hear every inhale and exhale. His eyes flicked to her lips. It was only for a second, but she hadn’t missed it. 

Thomas took a step back and cleared his throat. “It’s late, we should go to bed. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” she echoed. They both hurriedly stepped into their own rooms. 

Had he almost kissed her? Did that really just happen? Y/n leaned against her hotel room door. Maybe she had just imagined it. She shook her head and grabbed a sweatshirt and a pair of shorts out of her suitcase. Maybe Y/n could stop thinking about it after a good nights rest. She changed and was about to brush her teeth when she felt some kind of nagging feeling inside.

It was naïve to think she was going to get any sleep tonight if she didn’t confront Thomas about it. Y/n set down her toothbrush and made her way out into the fluorescent lit hallway. She had made it all the way to his door when she paused.

Is this really what she wanted to do? If Y/n brought up their almost-kiss, would they be able to go back to friends? Did she even want to go back to friends? Y/n bit her lip and glanced back at her own room door. She should just go to bed, it wasn’t worth putting their friendship in jeopardy. But then again, Y/n would always wonder what could have happened if she didn’t confront him.

She raised her fist to knock on Thomas’s door, but before she could knock, the door swung open. Thomas and Y/n once more stood face to face. She had a wide eyed expression that mirrored Thomas’s.

There was an accelerated heartbeat. A flutter. Thomas’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Y/n’s hand found its place on the back of his neck and guided his lips to her’s. His eyes were half open, sneaking glances at her to assure himself he wasn’t dreaming. Her overwhelming scent and the feeling of his hands threaded through her hair was all too real. 

Thomas pulled her into his room, kicking the door closed behind them. Placing both hands on his broad chest, she pushed him back onto the bed and climbed on top of him, straddling his hips. 

Thoughts were racing in Y/n’s mind. She tried to put reason to the way he gripped her waist tightly -- there would be bruises there the next day. She tried to put reason to the way his pupils dilated as she went in for another kiss. Y/n came up empty handed.

There was no way Y/n felt the same way, Thomas told himself. There was no way she loved him the way he loved her. For as long as he could remember, he had been in love with Y/n L/n. And for as long as he could remember, she had only seen him as her best friend.

Thomas missed the warmth of her lips when she pulled away, but he couldn’t help but admire the way her lips were swollen and her hair was a mess. Her bright eyes, and the way light highlighted the softness of her skin. Thomas took that moment to memorize every line and curve of her face, branding the memory into his head. 

She leaned in to kiss him again, but he pushed her away this time, sitting up. “Stop. We... we can’t do this. This can’t just be a one time thing.”

“Why not?” Her voice was quiet and delicate.

He felt his heart twist inside his chest and he clenched his jaw. “Because I love you.”

[tinyyoungblood]

midnight in prague | tom holland

summary: you play MJ in far from home and when filming gets too stressful, you and tom sneak off from set to explore the city of prague at night while also talking about the idea of running away together

pairing: tom holland x actress!reader

word count: 1.9 k

warnings: a bit angsty but mainly fluff, one (1) violent metaphor, language 

a/n: i highly recommend listening to the song, it’s absolutely beautiful, sets the mood and inspired this story. used some of the lyrics as dialogue. enjoy! 

song/inspo: Canada (ft. Alessia Cara) by Lauv

↳ masterlist

* * *

“That’s a wrap, guys!” The crew cheered weakly, lacking the usual enthusiasm. Not moving from your spot, you meekly pumped your fist in the air in mute joy. To say you were exhausted wasn’t just an understatement, it was a big truck that rammed and then dragged you through the empty streets of Prague. You’ve been up since 9 am and the enormous clock, that had surely become the focal point for everybody, almost signaled three hours after midnight.

Your scene partner was even more drained than you. Tom was barely twitching a limb—only a hollow shell, containing the last remains of his wiped-out energy.

With his head rested on yours, you believed he was dead asleep and lightly poked his side to wake him up. But he only reached out and held your hand in a loose grip, arms dangling between your bodies. “I’m awake,” he murmured, and you were sure he was talking in his sleep.

“Tommy, wake up,” you said gently and wrapped your arms around his torso, letting him engulf you in a warm hug but he didn't budge, “You’re compressing my brain, Tom.”

Slowly, he lifted his head, eyes fluttering open to scan your face but only a second later did he realize that insomnia had caused him to believe your teasing for once. You couldn’t help but pout at the prominent exhaustion on his face. Footsteps on cobblestone and the movement of heavy filming gadgets made up your surroundings but you focused solely on Tom and the guilty look on his face. No words were needed for you to know that he was still sorry for something that he had no control over.

It wasn’t his fault that the weather conditions pushed the night shootings back and it certainly wasn’t his fault that cars were constantly driving over the bridge that you were filming at, forcing you to quickly jump to the side, only to shuffle right back to restart the scene.

But this was Prague and he was Tom. Much like his character, he had thoroughly planned a romantic trip for both of you and after weeks of gushing about it, he was sure he could make it work but something would always come up and push his plans into hopelessness.

At this point, he had accepted his fate but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t sad every time he looked at you and mad every time somebody said “action”. He loved his job and was forever grateful but for fuck’s sake, was it too much to ask for to spend some alone time with his girlfriend?

Just when he was about to open his mouth to apologize to you, you locked his lips with yours and he melted into the kiss, tense shoulders dropping. Releasing his lips with a soft plop, he sighed with a small smile, but his eyes still held sadness. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed that the others were already walking toward the van to drive back to the hotel to fall into a restless sleep, but you couldn’t bring yourself to let Tom go to bed like this.

Your mind flicked to back home where you had naively envisioned your trip to Europe to be completely different—free and without a care in the world. You knew you were here for work, but you didn’t expect to have this many obligations that added to the constant pressure of having to deliver the perfect scenes. The world was counting on you to not fuck this up.

You sighed and looked down at the river. The water reflected the vibrant yellow streetlights and brought you a sense of much-needed peace and tranquillity. Tom watched you curiously as your eyes marveled at the scenery.

Your head whipped back to him and now you were beaming at him, a glimpse of mischief dancing in your eyes. “Let’s get out of here.” Tom blankly stared at you and blinked to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. “What?”

“I’m saying,” you dragged out and let go of his torso to swing his arms excitedly from side to side, he squeezed your hand, “this is our last night in Prague! We’ve been looking forward to this for the longest time, do you really want to miss it? Come on, we can sleep on the plane tomorrow. Let’s be carefree for once.” Your soul was fueled with sparkling joy and you forgot about your exhaustion. “Let’s be free.”

Tom took a second to contemplate your words before a wide grin broke out on his face and he nodded eagerly, surrendering to bliss. “God, I’m obsessed with your brain sometimes.”

With your hand still in his, you pulled him with you, excitement shimmering. Crossing the Charles Bridge, the two of you slipped away and entered the night you had dreamed of.

Golden lanterns on the side of the houses marked hidden but absolutely breathtaking alleys and for the first time on this trip, it was quiet and serene. Your eyes couldn’t stop darting everywhere, taking it all in with the deepest admiration. It was like you were falling in love with the whole world.

You had a bounce to your step and Tom couldn’t contain his bubbly feelings at the sight of you. He didn’t really understand what switch of yours was suddenly flicked for your spirits to fly this high, but he didn’t need to. He missed spending time with you. Back in the States, both of your schedules were packed and barely allowed a fleeting glimpse but now, the girl of his dreams was buzzing with happiness while the streetlights highlighted her glowing face and he’d be damned if he wouldn’t treasure every moment.

The darkness made the town appear like a secret fairytale village with its colorful houses and narrow passages. Your soft chatter lingered in the warm summer air and every time a giggle left your lips Tom’s heart filled with more love for you, warming him from within. With his adoring gaze, he spun you around. Your dress flying up and you stretched your arms upward, enjoying the carefreeness with a broad smile. You felt like you were floating, feet barely touching the ground as the both of you were dancing to no music.

Drunk with happiness, both of you laughed as Tom pressed your back against a wall. With his hands caressing your hips and your foreheads pressed against each other, your heart throbbed with profound joy, something you haven’t felt in a while.

Adrenaline and happiness consumed you, so much of it that you nearly forgot to breathe but you didn’t need to as Tom’s lips were already on yours. You pushed off the wall, sealing the tiny space between you and he deepened the kiss. Your heart almost broke with joy. Pulling apart, it left you breathless again and you were certain nothing could ever wipe off the stupid grin on your faces.

Arms swinging, the two of you continued your fairytale walk and ended up at the Charles bridge again where you had started off the night. Still high on emotions, Tom pulled you with him as he swung his legs over the rim of the bridge and gestured for you to follow. You didn’t hesitate and sat next to him, legs dangling over the river. You rested your head on his shoulder and his arm wrapped around your small frame as you overlooked the sight in front of you.

Your voice was delicate as you spoke, cautioning into the silence, “I really needed this. It's almost like I've been stuck at home forever.” Tom was playing with strands of your hair and you knew he was deep in thoughts.

Again, you watched the dancing streetlights reflection on the water surface but this time it didn’t bring you peace. You had your night and that was all you wanted. So why did you feel a pinch of sadness at the simple thought of heading to the hotel, settling into your bed and calling it a night. You didn’t want this night to end and you knew Tom also dreaded having to end this feeling.

So the question he asked next wasn’t a surprise to you in the slightest—it resonated with you.

“What if we move to Canada?”

He sounded hopeful. Musing about taking on the world in a different way than you both already did but he knew you two were in no position to be bold and just not give a damn. It was neither in his nor your power to be selfish. A sudden breeze left goosebumps on your exposed skin, but he dreamingly gazed at you with vulnerable eyes and you let yourself dream with him.

“We could bring Tessa,” you voiced, and the corner of his mouth quirked up. “And your paintbrush and some candy,” Tom added, and awe transformed your face, eyes lighting up.

“I guess we’re lucky that we don’t need much outside of us, do we?” You chuckled softly and he shook his head with a sad smile on his face. He took your hand in his and started to play with your fingers, eyes looking heavenward. For the first time tonight, you noticed the endless stars sparkling from above.

“You know, when we film those movies...” He licked his lips and your gaze darted to his hesitant face. You weren’t sure if tears were brimming his eyes or if they reflected the deep water but they were glistening and you squeezed his hand to remind him that you were there. “...When they talk about those people in the movies who up and leave, I always think about how that could be us.”

He looked down at you, hands tightening around yours and now you were sure those were tears shimmering in his eyes. “That could be you and me.”

You didn’t answer and he didn’t need you to.

Both of you knew this wasn’t the heat of the moment talking. ‘Let’s get away from here and do our own thing’ wasn’t an option for any of you. Your thing was acting, you loved it from the bottom of your heart, and you wouldn’t be completed without that passion in your life and Tom—Tom was Spider-Man. Arguably one of the most recognizable cinematic characters in the world. Besides the fact that he couldn’t just quit, he didn’t want to either.

This was the life that you both chose. Unforgettable memories, unconditional support and overwhelming opportunities. There were also hours of press tours, draining interviews and nerve-wracking red carpets.

Your heart rate picked up at the single thought of it all but if tonight had taught you anything, it had taught you something deeply beautiful. Amid the chaos and pressure, amid the glamour and blessings, all you needed in the end was Tom by your side. He was the reason why you soared your highest heights and he was your support system when you plunged to the deepest depths. Gratitude flowed through you.

Leaning forward, you pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, letting it linger for a moment before you nuzzled your head back into the crook of his neck—brown eyes never leaving you. He returned the gesture by leaving a gentle kiss on top of your head, before resting his own on yours, pressing you closer into his body with a content sigh.

We are lucky that we don't need much outside of us.

* * *

wrote this at 5 am so it might be extra cheesy but i’m still too sleep-deprived to tell lol. i appreciate the hell out of feedback so feel free to leave me some and if you don’t, that’s okay too. thank u for reading, buh-bye! x

masterlist

[candy-and-writing]

But With Three Of Us, Honey, It’s A Side Show

Summary: You and Bucky have a unique. . . friends with benefits relationship. He told you when you started that he didn’t date, that he didn’t do relationships. But you start to fall for him, anyway.

Warnings: 18+, smut, explicit smut, angst, oral sex (f), fingering, slight Steve x reader, mention of oral sex (m), soft! Bucky, dom! Bucky, mention of alcohol use and abuse, mention of substance abuse, Steve is a sweetheart

A/n: so this is for @p8tn0lish​ ‘s Sweet 200 Challenge.It was due like two weeks ago, but I suck, so :P

The one sex scene is loosely based off that one Endings, Beginnings scene with Seb in the kitchen (you know the one I’m talking about)

Feel free to leave comments and likes to let me know how you liked it! Enjoy!

I am NOT responsible for your media content consumption. This work is not intended for those under the age of 18 due to explicit sexual content and/or dark themes. By reading this work you agree that you are at least 18 years of age. I do not consent to have my work posted on any third party app or website; if you are seeing this work anywhere other than tumblr and archiveofourown, it has been reposted without my permission.

You still weren't quite sure how you ended up in this predicament, laying on your stomach with your ass up in the air as Bucky pounded into you ruthlessly, fucking away the stress of the latest mission.

He palmed your ass with his hand, squeezing your flesh before giving it a quick slap, causing you to yelp into the mattress. It amazed you how much you both needed this—how much you needed Bucky to be in control just as much as he needed it, how much you needed to relinquish power over your choices, to just let someone choose for you.

Bucky was the one who came to you with the proposal, after a drunken night of fucking until you were both sweating vodka. You thought it would be a good idea—no strings attached. Just a friend to come to when one of you needed to forget.

Now, though, as he pounds into you with his fingers locked against your throat, growling filthy things and calling you a good girl, you think you would've been better off taking a Xanax and drinking some of Tony's expensive whiskey until the combination knocked you out cold.

With a feral growl, Bucky came, tightening his grip on your throat until the edges of your vision turned black. He pulled out of you, the slightest whimper escaping your lips as he stood from the bed, taking off the condom and marching into the bathroom. You rolled over onto your side, catching your breath.

Bucky came back into your room, his boxers on, and handed you a damp rag.

"Here." You pushed his hand away with a grunt, Bucky chuckling as you closed your eyes. "That good, huh?"

You hummed in response. Sleep shrouded you, calling your name and you just wanted Bucky to lay down next to you. Cracking your eyes open, you saw Bucky pull his shirt down his torso. He brushed a strand of hair away from your face, whispering goodnight to you.

"Stay," you muttered, keeping his hand in place on your head.

Bucky huffed out a laugh. "I don't do cuddling, doll."

"It's only cuddling if you make it cuddling," you retorted, a snarky smile spreading your lips. "C'mon, you can sneak out in the morning. Please?"

He seemed to be considering your proposal, deep in thought as he sighed, pulling his wrist out of your grasp. "Another time. Get some sleep, doll."

You tried to hide your disappointment as Bucky walked out of your room. You ran your hand through your sweat-soaked hair, turning on your back as you stared at the ceiling until sleep took over.

--

Bucky came to you again the next night.

You had barely cracked your door open before he barreled in, slamming it shut behind him and pulling you into a bruising kiss. You let him, melting into him almost too easily. He pushed you back until your legs hit the bed, forcing you down.

"Bucky," you breathed, grabbing at his hands as he tugged at your nightshirt. He ignored you, nibbling at your neck. "Buck. Bucky, wait. Stop."

Bucky pulled away reluctantly, his eyes dark as he scowled at you. "What?" he growled.

"Talk to me," you said quietly. You could read him like a book—the way his shoulders tensed, the crease of his eyebrows, the way his jaw ticked when the words left your mouth.

Bucky sighed. "It's nothing, doll, really. It just. . . it hasn't been a good day."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

He chuckled humorlessly. "If I wanted to talk, I'd go to Steve. I don't want to talk—I want to forget."

"Whatever you need." Because that was the truth. You'd give him whatever he needed, and if that meant he needed you to lay down so he could pound into you until you lost consciousness, then that was exactly what you'd do.

Bucky kissed you then, hot and heavy and desperate. He shoved you down onto your back, his knees on either side of your waist.

"Safeword?" he asked you.

You swallowed, the breath leaving your lungs. "Brooklyn."

He smirked. "Good girl."

--

Things between you and Bucky only escalated. He came to your door almost nightly—sometimes after a nightmare, other times it was just after the last waking Avenger went to bed.

You hated it. You hated the way he worshipped your body, how he whispered filthy promises into your ear, how he called you 'doll' in that husky tone that sent shivers down your spine. You hated the power he had over you.

You just finished a mission in Prague with Steve and Bucky, some HYDRA lackies dealing illegal weapons across the borders. You were hot, sweaty, and you hadn't taken a shower in over four days. What seemed to bother you most is that Bucky hasn't touched you in those four days. You couldn't, not with Steve there. It was too risky.

Bucky was ready to jump you by the time the quinjet landed, speeding past you with a knowing look. Bedroom. Now.

Debrief was in an hour, which gave you and Bucky plenty of time to. . . wind down. You scurried to your room, finding Bucking already standing by your bed.

"Took you long enough," he huffed, his brow creased. "What'd you do, stop for ice cream?"

"Ha, ha," you snorted, smiling as you dropped your duffle bag onto your desk. You jumped when you felt Bucky's hand brush your hair over your shoulder, the tips of his fingers skimming against the nape of your neck. Shivers danced down your spine, his lips caressing your neck as you inhaled a shaky breath.

"M'gonna take you right here," he whispered hotly in your ear. "Then we're gonna take a shower."

You nodded eagerly, eyes closed as you relished in his heat. You gasped as he tugged at your tac suit.

"God, I missed you."

You melted into his touch, leaning against his chest as he nibbled at your exposed shoulder. He pulled the zipper down to your naval, yanking the fabric down your torso and leaving your top half bare. 

"Missed ya so much," he muttered huskily in your ear, more to himself than to you. But you heard it. It sent a shudder down your spine and made your knees weak. 

You spun on your toes and kissed him, your hands reaching up to cup his face. His fingers dug into your ass and pulled you up, your legs wrapping around his slim waist. He took a step forward and swept an arm over your desk, knocking your duffel bag and several stacks of papers off the surface before he set you down.

He kissed his way down your neck, his hands working on shedding you of your uniform. As he pulled the fabric down your legs, he dropped to his knees. He tore your underwear down quickly before he looked up at you, his eyelashes fluttering. You sucked in a shaky breath, watching him as he dived in.

Your head fell back against the wall as Bucky devoured you with his mouth, his tongue zeroing in on your clit until you were squirming, your body tensing as your legs wrapped his head. 

Bucky hummed against your flesh, sending vibrations up through your clit before continuing his ministrations until you thought you would explode. His tongue stayed focused on your folds, working you with his mouth until you were burning, hotter and hotter with each passing second.

You moaned as he inserted two fingers into you, pushing closer to the precipice. The pads of his fingers pushed up against your soft spot, causing you to preen. He continued to press against that trigger inside you, kept you balanced on the peak between his fingers and his tongue until you couldn't breathe; until you thought you would pass out.

He drew his fingers back then, fucking you with his tongue and you cried out, the pressure shattering in your gut and you came, fingers clutched in his hair as he lapped up your juices. You whined as you slumped back against the wall, weakly pushing his head away from your center, oversensitive.

Bucky pulled back, a sly smirk on his face as your juices soaked his beard. He stood, bringing you in for a sloppy kiss, all tongue and teeth and you could taste yourself on his lips. It was intoxicating. 

"Let's take a shower," he whispered.

--

You both were late for the debriefing. Steve had given you both a disappointed look but didn't ask why. Throughout the entire meeting, Bucky kept stealing glances at you when Steve wasn't looking, distracting you when you were trying to present your part of the review.

Suffice to say, the debrief was messy. But Steve had gotten what he needed to write the report, so he let the two of you go. Bucky left with a short nod to his friend, not even sparing you a glance. You followed him out, your shoulders dropping when he continued to ignore you.

You stopped when you heard Steve call your name. You turned, watching as Steve jogged to catch up with you.

"What's up, Cap?"

"Uh, nothing, I—" He suddenly looked very uncomfortable. He scratched the back of his neck as you watched him. "I was just wondering if you were free tomorrow night?"

You let out a small chuckle. "I am. Why?"

Steve felt his cheeks heat up. "Would you wanna get dinner? With me?"

You raised your eyebrows in shock. "Oh."

"It's fine if you don't," Steve said. "Just forget I said anything—"

"No!" you interjected quickly. "No, I mean, I. . . ." You thought about Bucky for a second, your relationship and your feelings towards him. It was stupid to think he would ever feel the same, but going out with his best friend? "I'd love to, Steve."

Steve felt a weight lift off his chest. "Good. Great! You been to that new Italian place in the city yet?"

You shook your head.

"Good, I'll pick you up at eight?"

You smiled. "It's a date."

Steve smiled down at you. His phone buzzed. "I've gotta take this, I'll see you around."

"Bye." You watched him walk away, beaming to yourself like you were a girl with a highschool crush. You smiled the rest of the way to your room. The smile went away, however, when you found Bucky sitting on your bed.

"What'd Steve wanna talk to you about?" he asked, not looking up from the book he was reading.

"Nothing," you lied. You kicked your shoes off and looked at him. "Uh—I need to talk to you."

Bucky looked at you. "What's up?"

You swallowed thickly, your nerves jumping in your throat. "I think we need to end this—us." You motioned between you and him. Bucky frowned at you.

"What're you talking about, doll?"

"Don't—" you took a breath, "don't call me that—you know what I'm talking about."

Bucky stood, walking up to you. "What did Steve talk to you about?"

"It doesn't matter," you said. "Just. . . just listen to me—"

He had you pinned against the wall. "So let me get this straight: not two hours ago you had my dick in your mouth and now you want to end things? I think I at least deserve an explanation, doll."

"Because this isn't healthy," you spat. "What we're doing isn't healthy. We fuck each other silly instead of talking about our problems and you barely even look at me during the day. I mean, do you even like me?"

"Of course I like you. We're friends."

"We're not just friends and you fucking know it!" You shoved him off of you. "You want to know why I want to end things? Because Steve asked me out. And I think he might actually like me. I can't go out with him if I'm fucking his best friend, and I couldn't tell him 'no' because then I'd have to explain why!"

Bucky stared at you, perplexed. "Steve asked you out?"

You scoffed. "Don't act like you care. I don't even know why you wanted to do this with me in the first place, I mean, it's not like you—"

His lips were on yours, then, swiftly silencing you. The desperation rolled off of him in waves as he kissed you, his hands cupping your cheeks. It took you a moment to gain your senses, to push him off in mere confusion. You stared at him, dumbfounded. He was breathless, eyelids hooded as he stared at your lips.

"If you really want to end things," Bucky muttered, "if that's what you really want, then I won't stop you."

You swallowed thickly, nodding. "It is."

His shoulders slumped and you swore you saw Bucky's face fall. "Okay."

And just like that, he was gone.

[shinymooncolor]

For my fellow Sweater Weather fans ❤️ @lumosinlove - thank you!

Kudos to @frombeauxbatons for helping me with Finnish.

@wxlfstxrx and @siriuslyqueer love youuu 💕

Sweater weather chats #10

The team goes to Vegas. Kris gets a new phone. Olli speaks Finnish. Remus and Sirius are in their honeymoon phase. The team dads ship it. Kasey gets cuddles. Logan gets lost. Leo is mad. Everyone bets on Sergei. Dumo is not a fan of Russian cheering during sex. Will we ever find out about Prague?

Wednesday 9.22 pm

Eliascookie: eyyy fucking love wifi in the air. 🤪

Dumodad: shhh someone is trying to nap and you guys are loud 🥴

Logantremblayzzz: sorry grandpa. Not all of us are old and cranky.

Sergei_81: careful I fight people for you

CarbO’Hara: and we love you dearly for that. But no denying you and dumo are old and cranky. You could literally both be Leo’s dads

Ollibear: he looks more like sunny and sergei’s baby than dumo’s

Blizzard: ohhh a love triangle 🙊😳

Sunnysideup: as much as I love sergei, I wouldn’t get between him and dumo. They’re the bromance of our gen :) also not my type

Kaneyoudigit: yeah. Where does that butt slap come from anyways? Even when one of them is out or injured they find time for that 👻

Bradygunz: I don’t think anyone understands it... where does it come from? Something about Prague - Allison was super cagey about it.

Dumodad: shhhh let us sleep. Night boys. Got another few hours and practice tomorrow is not optional. Sleep.

Nadotheman: VEGAS BABY

Krisvolley: practice and a game Nado.

RussianGod: DONT be boring krissy

——

Friday 12.33 pm

Remus created a group chat

Remus added Dumo, Sirius, Sergei, Sunny and Krissy

Remus named group chat HELP

Remus: okay boys. Sorry for this but I’m a little worried. We’re in Vegas and with a whole day of no games and only practice tomorrow once we touch down in LA, I can’t keep an eye on the entire team.

Dumo: haha dont worry go have a nice date with cap. God knows he’s cranky enough that you were away for that course for three days.

Sunny: don’t worry I sleep with ear plugs anyways 😜

Remus: hey we have separate rooms!

Krissy: wE hAvE sEpErAtE rOoMs....... it’s ok remmy 😉 cap plays better after you do whatever it is you do.

Sirius: alright stop. I wasn’t cranky. And leave Remus alone. You’re supposed to be the mature ones. Also Krissy?

Krissy: yes. I got a new iPhone and made the mistake of asking timmers and Olli to help me set it up on the plane. Now I can’t get it to change back. They set it to Finnish. Have no fucking clue and haven’t managed to get hold of Olli yet. 😳😳😳😳

Sergei: cap and re go enjoy honeymoon we take care of babies

Sunny: 😜😜😜😜😜 enjoy it while it lasts. Before you know it’s chores, babies and using alone time to catch up on sleep

Dumo: yeah. Don’t take your blissful kid free life for granted. 😈

Krissy: didn’t Logan and the other two walk in on your guys doing it in the kitchen last month?

Dumo: so?

Sergei: haha just kitchen? I’ve caught them worse. Is ok. You understand when you have babies. 😆

Krissy: I have a baby. I’m just single 😫😫😫

Sunny: want us to find a girl for you?🤓

Krissy: no thank you. Leave my sex life alone.

Sergei: u even have one?

Krissy left the group chat

Dumo added krissy to the group chat

Dumo: Sergei is sorry......... also he walked in on us maybe 5 times calm down. There’s nothing like Russian cheering to kill a mood....

Sunny: 5? That can’t be right. You were bunnies when she was pregnant last. I saw things I cannot unsee 🤯🤯🤯

Sirius left the group chat

Remus: you broke Sirius. Anyways I’ll leave the babysitting to you guys then.

Sunny: HAVE FUN REMUS 🥳🥳

——

Friday 2.54 pm

Logantremblayzzz: guys I’m lost. I’ve been walking towards that big pointy thing and the map from the hotel is crap and I got away from finn and he’s not picking up

*picture of map*

Blizzard: Logan.

Blizzard: THATS A MAP OF PITTSBURGH. WE’RE IN VEGAS. ALSO ITS UPSIDE DOWN.

Blizzard: how the fuck have you lived to see 23? 😆

Logantremblayzzz: oh. That makes more sense. 🙈🙈🙈

Newt-leo: what do you mean you lost Finn? Are you both lost somewhere in Vegas? Just use your phone and get back to the hotel...

Blizzard: Finn left his phone here in the room😂😂😂 better send out a search party

Logantremblayzzz: well I don’t know what happened. I can’t find him now. 😭

LeWilliam: There’s literally one strip of road in Vegas and you’ve gotten lost. 🐸

Dumodad: I swear to the fucking hockey gods we were never this stupid. Idiots. Get back here for 5, and we can go have a team dinner for those who want. Sergei is buying

Evanderbell: ohh @tylerthemighty and I are in!! Thanks @sergei_81!!!

Sunnysideup: he’s sleeping? Hahahah he’s gonna be unhappyyyy 😂

RussianGod: hehe thanks we’re play too...

Nadotheman: he means game. But yeah. Free dinner 😎

Prongstar: I think this one @logantremblayzzz has to go into the promo videos hahahahah 😂😂😂 I’m telling Marlene.... 😘

Ollibear: is anyone looking for Finn?

Newt-leo: yeah me and @krisvolley are going out now

——-

Friday 3.44 pm

CarbO’Hara: THANKS FOR DITCHING ME LOGAN

Logantremblayzzz: I was lost too! Not my fault you wander about

CarbO’Hara: I was talking to a puppy and when I got back up you were gone 😔 didn’t have my phone. Had to ask two Cher’s and an Elvis how to get back. 😫

Newt-leo: you’re back at the hotel now?

CarbO’Hara: yes. Forgot my phone.

Newt-leo: WELL THATS FUCKING GREAT. 😡

Walkietalkie: uhhh someone is in the dog house 😂😂😂

Nadotheman: bad fish... no goalie love for youuu

Blizzard: I can cuddle ya Finn. No worries. 😘😫😘

Logantremblayzzz: you’re not cuddling Finn. Go cuddle Nado if you need to.

RussianGod: come on blizzard. We do goalie sandwich 🥪🥪🥪🥪

Blizzard: gimme five minutes boysss 😍

Krisvolley: we’re heading back now. You’re paying for our cab Finn. Leo is really mad 😉

Friday 3.52 pm

Timmyforrealz: awww 😍

*nado and Kuny cuddling blizzard in a goalie sandwich*

Ollibear: there’s a lot of bromance in my room right now. 😂

Walkietalkie: at least they’re fully clothed. 🤞🏻

——

Friday 6.33 pm

Sergei_81: IM NOT PAYING FOR YOU All

Dumodad: yes you are. It’s your turn. 😘

Sunnysideup: u know it. It’s the deal. Shouldn’t bet if you can’t pay up.

Sergei_81: is thanks I get for fighting for you all.

Sirius: you keep bringing that up. But you love fighting for us. We love you for it 😜

Dumodad: haha cap’s got a point my friend. And you’re a glorious fighter. Haha your punches are feared through the league. Even the linesmen try to avoid getting between you and your victim

Nadotheman: you know there’s a bet in the league? First rookie to take you down gets a Rolex from a draw? Everyone chips in at draft? 😜

RussianGod: is true hehehe I put money in on never so I want watch

KrisVolley: was that an option? 😳 how did I not think of this

RussianGod: I’m smart just not in English. English stupid. Russian best 🥳

—-

Friday 9.33 pm

Ollibear: Mä oon niin ilonen mut mulla on ikävä kotiin. Mulla on ikävä muumeja.

Ollibear: Ja mun äitiä.

Ollibear: Tykkään myös tosi paljon pannukakuista.

Prongstar: Olli.exe stopped working…….

Sunnysideup: eh anyone’s got an eye on Olli? He’s defaulted to Finnish… 🙊🙊🙊

Dumodad: @timmyforrealzzz @nadotheman @russiangod

Dumodad: WHAT DID YOU IDIOTS DO NOW

KrisVolley: hahahaha Olli just had some shots. The waitress was making googly eyes at him and I guess he couldn’t say no 😆

Timmyforrealz: I think we should get him back to the hotel 😁😁😁

Nadotheman: not it!!!!

RussianGod: I got him. He dont walk

——-

“Kuny, he can’t even walk”

“I’m got him. He very drunk. Hehe not hold liquor well for Finn. Is embarrassing” Kuny snorted and hoisted his teammate more firmly over his shoulder.

“He owes me $100 for bribing the driver to take us”

“Sä oot hyvä venäläinen. Et ilkee venäläinen. Tunnen pahoja ja ilkeitä venäläisiä.”

“Any idea what he’s saying?”

“Not sure is even Finnish. Sound like just words”

[lothiriel84]

I Relate to the Sparrow

“Arthur,” Douglas clears his throat, the beginnings of a mildly problematic intuition stirring at the back of his mind. “You do know what ‘attractive’ means, right?”

“Of course I do,” Arthur scoffs, about as offended as he ever gets, which is to say, hardly at all. “What do you take me for?”

A Cabin Pressure ficlet. Acespec!Arthur, pre-canon. Title borrowed from Susannah Pearse's eponymous song cycle.

They’re sitting in an overpriced café in the main concourse of Prague Airport, enjoying the momentary respite from their employer’s sharp tongue – just a spot of Arthur-wrangling, nothing Carolyn couldn’t sort out in the blink of an eye, should she want to, but as they’re genuinely quite early there’s no real objection to letting the boy roam freely around the duty free area just a little longer. Not precisely the brightest of chaps, Arthur, but he’s really not all that bad, when you get to know him; and for all that he’s already witnessed countless displays of Carolyn’s maternal exasperation at her son’s misplaced attempts at making himself useful, he suspects no one would ever find the bodies of anyone who was foolish enough to dare touch a hair on Arthur’s head.

“What do you reckon?” Nigel nudges him, eyes darting sideways as a gorgeous specimen of the flight attendant persuasion walks past them, her pristine uniform doing a rather marvellous job at putting her long legs and delectable backside on display.

“Hmm. Not too bad,” he agrees easily, taking a sip of his alcohol-free passion fruit martini. “Reminds me of one of my old flames, actually.”

Well, not so much an old flame as a mutually enjoyable layover in Bern, somewhen between wife number one and wife number two. He’s certainly had his fair share of fun in his brief spells of singlehood in between marriages, not to mention his early days as a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first officer at Air England.

“What about that one?” he drawls at length, glass subtly raised to point at a stunning redhead strolling down the concourse, her low-cut dress leaving very little to the imagination. “Ten to one says she wouldn’t think twice about jumping into bed with an airline captain.”

“Well, we could scarcely call ourselves ‘an airline’, but I take your point,” Nigel concedes at length. “Carol’s best friend’s a redhead, and she’s always on about her latest conquests. Makes you wonder, you know.”

The rustle of several bags signals Arthur’s approach, mercifully without any sign of an irritable Carolyn hot on his heels for a change. “Hello, chaps,” he greets them, looking if anything even jollier than his usual self, which is something of an accomplishment when it comes to someone whose entire personality could be summed up as ‘perpetually cheerful’. “Did you know they have four different types of Toblerone in the duty free shop?”

At his side, Nigel sighs almost imperceptibly, and downs the rest of his virgin mojito. It’s not that he doesn’t get on well enough with Arthur, he even told Douglas as much on the first leg of one of their earliest intercontinental flights together; he just happens to find constant chatter a little tiresome, and who can blame him when he’s married to the most talkative woman this side of the English Channel. Not that Douglas ever had the occasion to exchange more than a few pleasantries with Carol, which is just as well, given how Helena seems to hold some kind of long-standing grudge against the woman for reasons she never actually cared to explain.

“Care for a spot of bird-watching, Arthur?” he says instead, keen on forestalling any potential diplomatic issue between his captain and their employer’s only son and heir. “Nigel and I spotted a few truly remarkable specimens earlier on.”

Arthur blinks, confusion apparent on his face. “Birds? How did they even get in here?”

“They’re not actual birds, Arthur,” Nigel explains, only just managing to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “We’re talking about women.”

“Ooh, I get it,” Arthur nods, plainly not getting it in the slightest. “What about them?”

“Attractive women,” Douglas clarifies, as if talking to a twelve year old. “It’s who can get most in however long it takes for Carolyn to hunt us down and shout us back to our respective duties.”

“Brilliant. How about that girl sitting on the bench, the one with the book? She looks like she’d give really good hugs.”

The two pilots exchange a surreptitious, disbelieving look at that, which goes completely over Arthur’s head. Each to their own and all that jazz, but for all that he’s got a good thirty years on her, Douglas can think of at least a dozen plausible scenarios off the top of his head in which he’d very much rather take a rain check.

“Suit yourself,” Nigel shrugs at length, twirling his empty glass so that the melting ice cubes clink against one another. “I can see at least four other people from where I’m sitting that I’d rather take to bed, and I’m not even counting that gentleman in the indigo suit over there.”

“How do you mean?” Arthur frowns, looking like he’s slowly and earnestly puzzling over the meaning of that sentence in his head.

“I mean,” Nigel huffs, pinching at the bridge of his nose in what is most likely a desperate attempt to keep himself from snapping at his boss’ offspring. “We’re not all straight here. I believe we’ve been through this before.”

“Oh!” Arthur’s eyes widen, almost comically, and then he’s shaking his head. “No, not the you being bisexual bit, I know that. I meant the bit about taking random strangers to bed.”

“Arthur,” Douglas clears his throat, the beginnings of a mildly problematic intuition stirring at the back of his mind. “You do know what ‘attractive’ means, right?”

“Of course I do,” Arthur scoffs, about as offended as he ever gets, which is to say, hardly at all. “What do you take me for?”

As luck would have it, Carolyn picks that exact moment to emerge from the crowd, phone still in hand. “Ah, there you are, drivers. I bring good news.”

“Absolutely not, Carolyn,” Nigel interrupts her before she can get another word in. “I don’t care if it’s the Queen herself, tomorrow’s our first day off in weeks, and I’m not going to give up on that.”

“O ye of little faith,” Carolyn sighs dramatically, and just like that, the entire conversation is forgotten.

.

A week later they’re on standby, and it’s just the two of them in the Portakabin – Nigel having apparently decided he feels lucky enough to brave the airfield canteen for a latte and whatever it is they’re trying to pass off today as pastries – when Arthur approaches him, and from the look on his face, he’s been ruminating about this for quite a long time.

“Douglas,” the boy begins, somewhat hesitantly. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“You just did,” he sighs, putting his pencil down and pushing the crosswords further away on his desk. “Go on.”

“I mean, it’s kind of a personal question. You don’t have to, if you’d rather not.”

“I’m not telling you how I got your mother’s Talisker off the plane, if that’s what you’re planning to ask,” he ventures, and that seems enough to momentarily derail Arthur’s train of thought.

“Wasn’t going to ask about that, actually,” Arthur shakes his head at length. “You know that game you and Nigel were playing in Prague?”

Douglas nods, slowly. “Bit sexist, I’ll give you that. Still, just a spot of harmless fun, hey? No harm done.”

“Yes, no, I mean – I’m still not sure what it was all about.”

“Come on, Arthur, I distinctly remember you mentioning at least two different girlfriends ever since I started out here at MJN Air. You can’t be seriously suggesting you didn’t at least have an idea as to what was going on there.”

“But,” Arthur pleads, a faint note of distress starting to tinge his voice. “You and Nigel, you’re both married, right?”

Douglas is suddenly reminded of everything he’s managed to piece together about Carolyn’s ex-husband – Arthur’s father – so far, and quickly realises he’d better tread carefully now. “Yes, we are, Arthur. I promise neither of us was seriously planning on cheating on our respective wives; it was more of a hypothetical question, you know – something along the lines of, who would you rather sleep with if you weren’t married. Not one out best moments, as far as game material goes, but there you go.”

“Yes, but – I was wondering, how can you tell?”

“How can I tell what, exactly?” It’s Douglas’s turn to start feeling confused, if he’s perfectly honest. Not that he’d ever admit that out loud.

“That you’d like to, you know. With them.”

“Arthur,” that half-formed idea from a week ago is back now, and it’s getting more and more disturbing by the moment. “Are you trying to tell me that you’ve never – ”

He trails off, struggling to reassess the situation to the very best of his judgement. “Not,” he hastens to add, “that there’s anything wrong with that.”

“Oh, you mean sex,” Arthur nods his head sagely. “Yes, I’ve done that.”

“Right,” Douglas feels pretty much like he’s grasping at straws now, but he’s still determined to see this through, whatever this is. “So, you must have been able to tell, that you wanted to. That you were attracted to them.”

“Well, that was easy. They were my girlfriends, of course I knew I fancied them. How does it work with someone you’ve never even spoken to?”

“Surely, with each of your girlfriends, you had to go through a stage in which they were but strangers you’d only just met?”

Arthur tilts his head to one side, considering. “I suppose so, yeah. I still didn’t know I wanted to have sex with them back then, though.”

“It’s not – you’re making it a bigger deal than it actually is. You were attracted to them, that’s the point. Doesn’t matter the exact moment you decided to act on it, so to speak.”

“But, I mean – with your wives, you didn’t just – I don’t know, look at someone walking past you on the street and go, oh, I know I’d like to have sex with them one day.”

“It was precisely like that with the current Mrs Richardson, in point of fact,” he points out, though he elects to omit the – neither small nor insignificant – detail that he didn’t so much bump into Helena on a stroll through the park as she was one of the bridesmaids at his second wedding.

“Oh. Okay. No, it doesn’t work like that for me at all.”

Douglas can almost hear the wheels inside his own head finally click into gear. His daughter would be appalled if she knew he’d put most of her half-hour lecture on sexual orientations and gender identities out of his mind as soon as she was finished with it, but he hasn’t precisely forgotten it, either. “If I recall correctly, some people experience sexual attraction differently than most. As in, some might not experience it at all, while others do but only occasionally, or under very specific circumstances. I’m not saying that might be your case, but I believe it could be something worth looking into, should you feel like you want to.”

For the longest of moments, Arthur stands stock still, turning the idea over and over in his mind. “Wow,” he exhales at length. “That’s just – wow. Thank you, Douglas.”

Before he knows it, he finds himself with an armful of Arthur, looking for all the world like he’s out on a mission to put the ‘bear’ into ‘bear hug’.

“Oh dear,” Carolyn’s voice makes itself heard from where she’s only just materialised in the doorway, clearly debating whether or not she has the energy to deal with whatever nonsense is going on in there. “Please tell me it’s not Hug Your Pilot Day, again.”

“That’s not even a thing,” Douglas protests, only to think better of it. It’s Arthur they’re talking about, after all.

“Don’t be silly, Mum,” Arthur grins, unrepentant. “That’s not until May.”

“Someone give me strength,” Carolyn huffs under her breath, even as her son plants a quick peck on her cheek and dashes off, only narrowly avoiding knocking Nigel – who appears to have finally found his way back to the Portakabin – over in the process.

“This is going to be a long day,” Nigel announces philosophically to no one in particular, and resumes his usual place behind his desk.

[here-be-misfit]

Adventures in Prague

Word count:6105 Genre: Smut, but with like plot and romantic stuff. Pairing: Tobias Sammet x Reader Warnings: Smut Summary: Reader is a photographer for Avantasia and also Tobi's gf and the band has a concert and then a day off in Prague. And there are some adventures and fun stuff to be had.

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A/N:I think that this fanfic is like my come back to writing fanfics lol. It took me like 3 months to write it and it's really different from the other ones I've written. This one was proofread by my friend ♥♥ P.S. I've never played Fifa so if it's incorrect I'm so sorry.

Another night, another concert. Usually it’s like that, but not this time. This time we’re anticipating an off day in the beautiful city of Prague. Just one more concert night.

I don’t dare whine even a tad bit to Tobi because I know that his job is harder and is more tiring than mine, but I can’t help showing how excited I am that we’ll have an off day exactly in this city.

My camera’s battery is fully charged and ready, lenses that I’ll need are unpacked, and I am ready for another three and a half hours of work. Tonight, Tobi seems to be in an extra good mood, probably because he loves performing in Czech Republic so much. I know that my job is to capture the best moments of the concert, but I can’t help smiling when Tobi or one of the other guys tells a joke. I mainly stay by the stage, but a few times I go to the backstage to rest a bit or to capture some moments from a different perspective. I don’t forget the fans either. I know, I’m mainly a band photographer, but capturing emotions of the fans is a good thing as well. Tobi seems to have upped his posing game for this show, or maybe it’s just me. I haven’t had more intimate moments with him for a while. Kissing or hugging doesn’t count. But enough whining. Every time Tobi spots me or comes to one side of the stage where I am and starts his silly poses, I can’t help but feel a bit hot. I smile as I take pictures. A few times he lets his tongue out for a picture, and I hear some fans screaming louder. Yes, fans do love that. Of course, I also take pictures of the other Avantasia guys. They pose less, but that’s okay for me. It makes my job more interesting.

Finally, the show is almost over. I go up on stage and take pictures of the band and the fans. Then my job for today is over, and I can go back to the hotel. Sometimes I hang around the backstage to take more pictures, but today I am done. All I want is a hot shower and bed. And Tobi of course, ehehe. I get to the hotel first. It’s a public secret between the band that I am with Tobi, so of course we share a room. I take all my clothes off except for my underwear, then turn on my laptop and let all my pictures be transferred to it. Then I jump in the shower.

Later, Tobi comes in and finds me all comfortable in bed with my laptop, quickly editing pictures. We smile at each other. I can see that he is tired. He surely gave his all tonight, and I’m not surprised that he goes for the shower straight away. After a good thirty minutes he comes out and flops beside me on the bed. I look at him and suddenly I get this strong craving. I think I know where it came from. I also know that he won't fall asleep right away, no matter how tired he is. Adrenaline from the show hasn't worn off just yet. So I put down my laptop and get closer to him. He finally opens his eyes and looks at me. “Want cuddles?”

“Always.” I giggle a bit. “But first, let me take care of you. Let me do something that will make you feel good.”

I see him wanting to protest and quickly put my finger on his lips. “I know, it's not what you think it is, and like I said, please, let me take care of you. You won't need to do anything. Just lie here, relax, and enjoy.”

He knows me, and he knows my sex drive, which can be high, and, sadly, when he is touring he is usually too tired to have some intimate time, even if we are in a hotel. Of course, his sex drive acts up too, but he can ignore it. I, on the other hand, really struggle with that, and sometimes I have to take care of it myself if I'm not fast asleep. It's kinda frustrating, but tour life is tour life - he warned me about this. Probably that's why the other guys leave their significant others at home. Of course, Tobi could have decided to choose someone else as a band photographer, but I guess his emotions got the better of him, and he chose me. And I was glad to be included into this happy family on the road. I don’t wait for his response, but I know that even though he is tired, he is also curious about what I'll do. I straddle him and start kissing his face. Nose, cheeks, forehead, and finally his lips. He giggles and smiles at the kisses. I let myself kiss him for some time. I always love kissing him, and lucky for me he loves kissing just as much. I break the kiss, then kiss down his jaw to his neck. I give his neck so many kisses until I am down to his shoulders. Then I move to his chest and keep slowly moving downwards. He sighs and makes some quiet noises. I feel his relaxed heartbeat and smile against his skin. I feel myself getting aroused even though I didn't do anything yet. I smell the shower gel, but also his natural scent comes through it, and it makes my head spin. So I have to remind myself that it's all about him. I move down to his stomach and feel his stomach muscles flex at my kisses. He has a towel around his hips, and I take it away and continue to kiss his body even lower. I kiss his thighs, then stop and just run my hands down his body. I look up, and from his face I can see that he is relaxed and content. I briefly wonder what he is thinking about. Probably me. I slightly smirk. I was soft, but now the urge to make him moan and come is taking over. I’m not taking my eyes off his face as I lightly run my fingers up and down his cock. I know he wasn’t expecting this, and his surprise is clear on his face. Without any pressure, I rub his tip with my thumb a bit. He makes a sound. I stroke him more, but after a few minutes I can’t help myself and lean down, taking his tip into my mouth and just sucking on it as my hand slowly strokes him.

“Oh, yesss!” he moans lightly and smiles. I keep my eyes on him, and his sexy reaction makes me smile internally as well. I swirl my tongue all around and listen to his sounds. This is one of the most effective ways to make him hard pretty quickly. And it seems it’s working magic. That’s the advantage I can take because I know that he hasn’t been sexually active for a few weeks. So he’ll be desperate to come, and oh, if it would be a different situation, I’d tease him long and hard. But now, I got him almost all hard already. His hips twitch a bit and I know it’s time for something he always loves so much. I take my hand away and slowly take him all in and as deep as I can.

“Ohhh, fuckkk..,” he moans louder and I feel goosebumps appearing on my skin. He looks so sexy like this – mouth a bit open, his head leaning back on the pillow. I moan too. When I’m sure I have him all the way I stop a bit, letting myself drool a bit too. I feel one of his hands tangling in my hair. Oh, this is perfect! I slowly move my head back up, creating this slow rhythm. Now he moans more often, though not as loud. I think he keeps in mind that we are in a hotel and the walls are thin. I close my eyes, not noticing him actually opening his eyes and looking at me. I hear him murmur something in German, probably some endearments or so. I smile internally at that. I moan a couple of times too, both to create some nice vibrations for him and, of course, because I enjoy this just as much as he is.

After some time, I move my head faster and now he tugs my hair more. I hollow my cheeks and hum a bit to give him the best experience and oh, that pays off wonderfully. “Oh, you are such a good girl,” he praises me and caresses my hair. I really can't help but moan. He knows how much I like being called that. I feel his hand that’s in my hair shiver a bit, and I can tell that he won't last long. I slow down again and every time I move my head up, I run my tongue over his tip and then slowly take him deep. I open my eyes to look at him, and he is biting his arm to not be so loud. But I can still hear noises and moans, and I wish I could hear them all normally. But of course we don't want any weird looks or complaints. One of these times when I take him deep, I feel his hand pushing down on me, then I hear him moan wordlessly and feel him coming down my throat. I swallow it all. After a few seconds, I feel his body and hand relax, and I slowly take him out. I look at him. He is breathing hard and has a happy smile on his face.

“That was amazing,” he says, sounding sleepy.

I smile. “I told ya. I just wanted to take care of you, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much”. I kinda wonder if I should bring up that I'm hella aroused now. But seeing him so sleepy looking, I just can't bring that up. He needs to rest, and I can always get off on my own or just wait for tomorrow. I crawl up to him, give him a little peck on his lips, and get both of us under the covers. We cuddle up, and unsurprisingly Tobi falls asleep after about five minutes. I feel his relaxed body close to me and his arms around me, and I smile. The ache between my legs is almost unbearable, but soon I feel tired too. I force myself to calm down, and soon I follow him into the dream realm.

It's an off day, and we are definitely catching up on sleep, but just a bit. I had an alarm set from yesterday and it goes off at 10am. I wake up immediately to turn it off and yawn. I hear sleepy noises from Tobi and smile. I hate mornings, and even though we had a really nice and long sleep, I could still use some more hours of sleep. “Morning, lovebird.” I hear his sleepy voice in my ear and giggle. Then I turn around to see his totally cute face.

“Morrrrrrrning,” I intentionally roll my r's and giggle more. He hugs me close to him and kisses me. Looks like someone's in a good and loving mood. I wonder why… I kiss him back and run my hands on him. This really wakes me up and my body as well. Oh, how I wish I could have some intimacy now, but that impossible. In thirty minutes we’ll have breakfast, and then who knows what we'll think of. I feel his hand playing with my hair, and I smile between kisses. After we satisfy our kiss needs, I just smush my face into his chest and hug him more. He giggles and starts drawing patterns on my back with his fingers. I feel goosebumps on my skin and shiver a bit. By now he knows me and my body so well that he can tell what I crave and want. After a few minutes though he pokes my side which makes me twitch a bit.

“I know what you want, but we have breakfast to attend to, and we don’t wanna be late”.

I look up at him and pout, but he gives me a kiss on my cheek as a silent apology. I sigh and disentangle from him. As he is getting up, I can’t help myself and give his ass a slap. He giggles and shows me his tongue. I giggle too. We are happy because we love each other and because we can be silly. I stretch and then get up too.

On band off days I usually get an off day too. Sometimes I go and take some pictures of the other guys, and sometimes I just go explore by myself if Tobi feels too tired or wants to hang out with others. This time though I’m spending it with Tobi. After breakfast, we decide to have a walk. I promised to take him to a few cool places, and I also agreed that we won’t take too long because he wants to rest at the hotel and play some video games. I am more than okay with this because I love video games as well.

Of course, I’m bringing my camera with us. It’s such a good opportunity to take some pictures of the city. And of Tobi, too.

It’s a nice and warm spring day, and we find ourselves in the city centre.

“Can we keep away from the main streets and go somewhere with fewer people? I don’t really want to meet any fans, you know”.

“Oh, sure,” I smile to him. “I know this little nice pub that we have to visit, and then I want to take you to another really cool place”. I take my phone out to see where we actually are and how we can get to where I want us to be. We walk away from the centre, and Tobi seems happy and looks around when we turn onto a small unknown street. I point out interesting houses or pretty architecture. A few times we stop because I see something cool and want to take a picture, and then we stop some more because Tobi wants me to photograph him near this house or that one. It’s nice like this. A few times he insists on taking a selfie or two with me. We don’t really talk too much, but that’s okay because I'm taking in the vibe of the city. As for him, I think his coffee still hasn’t kicked in. I look at him and can't help but smile. My heart is full of joy and love and happiness. So I "secretly" take some pictures of him when he isn't looking my way. I want to freeze this moment so I can always look at these pictures and remember how I was feeling, and of course to show him how lovely he looks when he isn't posing for the picture.

My knowledge of the city and the ability to orient myself in it finally lets us arrive at the cute little pub. I stop and wait until he comes to me and says “well then, show me around. You know this place better than I do”.

I smile and lead him into the pub. Inside there isn't much room to sit. We greet the bartender, and then I lead Tobi out to this nice backyard where there are more tables to sit at. We choose one that's closest to us and sit down. “This place is also a hotel. I've stayed here once. It's a nice, quiet place”.

Tobi looks around. I see him opening his mouth to say something, but then the waitress comes to us and gives us a menu. We both love Czech beer, so we choose the same one, and as a snack we get ourselves some nachos. As we wait for our food and beer, we both get on our phones, not because we don't enjoy each other's company, but because it's the first time today we both get to check on things. Soon our beer arrives followed by the nachos, and we dig in.

“You know, after this tour is over, we need to come back here for vacation,” I’m taking the last pieces of nachos. “I understand that you might want to be at home and get some rest, but I’m sure a week spent here won’t hurt”.

Tobi takes a few sips of his beer. “I guess you are right. I like it here. I like the atmosphere and the feeling this city has”. I smile when he talks and drink my beer.

We talk more about things that we’re gonna do after the tour ends. I’ve been planning to move to live with him, so we talk about that as well. Talking about all things except our jobs is good.

We finish our beers and pay for everything. “Now where to? Our hotel?” Tobi asks.

“Nah, I wanna show you this amazing church and the park outside of it, and I just want to spend some time there with you.”

“Church you say, huh? Is this a hint about you wanting to marry me?” he grins.

I can’t help but giggle. “Well, maybe it is” — I show him my tongue — “but you know, you have to propose to me first.” As an answer he just wiggles his eyebrows. Being silly like this is the best.

After a good half hour we reach one of many bridges. As we are crossing it, I point to my right. “See, that’s the church I was talking about. It looks badass.”

He looks that way, and I can tell he likes what he sees. “It looks a bit sinister, but I like it!”

I smile and sneak my over hand to his and take it. At first, I can tell he is hesitant, but then he takes my hand too and oh, I’m sooo happy. He loves holding hands, but usually does it when we are in private or somewhere without many people, and on tour it’s just a no-no. But it seems he gave in this time, maybe because nobody is really paying attention to us. I love holding hands and this thing of his kinda makes me sad, but I understand him.

We cross the bridge and choose to walk on the quay. So peaceful, so nice. A few times I have to take my hand away because I want to take some pictures of the Vltava river. A few other times I ask him to sit down and take some great shots of him. Once I sit beside him, and after I take the pictures, I just can’t help myself and kiss him. He’s surprised but pleased. I don’t know why, but after that kiss I giggle and blush and feel more in love with him than ever.

Finally, we reach the hill and the church on top of it. I speak. “Ready? It’s not gonna be so hard because it’s not so hot”.

He gives me a nod, and we start climbing up. It’s a nice place, some sort of park, and as we’re going up the noises of the city slowly go away. We see some park benches, and I take a mental note to sit here when we’re going back.

We are at the top, looking at this beautiful church. I kinda wanna go inside as I’ve never been inside it, but then we hear some sounds from the inside and decide to just look around. I take some pictures and then point to the cemetery next to the church. “This cemetery is really pretty. C’mon, let’s look around”.

But Tobi shakes his head and says “maybe next time. If we can’t go inside that church, then let’s go back”. I pout a little but say nothing and follow him downhill. As we are halfway, I spot a bench and run to it and sit. “Come here! It’s a nice place to chill!”

I really picked a good spot because the city panorama is before our eyes as we sit. I place my head on his shoulder and say nothing, just enjoying this little moment. Tobi looks at me and smiles. We both look at the beautiful city before our eyes for some time, and then I take one of his hands and start playing with his fingers. Eventually he leans his head on mine.

“You know, I’m so glad to have you in my life, and I know I say this a lot to you, but really, you mean so much to me, and I can honestly imagine being with you for all of eternity…” I’m almost whispering, but I know he hears me perfectly. “I know that sometimes you struggle with voicing out your feelings, but you make me happy, and you always make me find more reasons to be in love with you even more. Even if it’s your stupid jokes or random noises or anything else.”

I pause for a bit because, damn, I’m feeling a bit emotional, but I know that he is smiling and he is listening, so I sigh and continue, “I know that maybe it’s a bit too early to talk about marriage, but let me just tell you that when we’ll be ready for that I’ll gladly say yes to you.” This is actually important because he knows that I don’t really like marriage, but if I’m saying this it means that he and me together is a big thing. He moves, and now we are looking at each other. I can see in his eyes that he is looking for the right words to voice out things he wants to say, but his eyes also tell me a lot.

He takes my hands in his. “I’m so happy to be reassured that this, us, is serious, and I’m also happy that somehow I changed your views on marriage. You make me happy, and I love you with my whole heart.” Then he leans in, and we kiss. And we kiss for a long time until we are both out of breath, and still our lips search out the way to kiss each other again. Moments like these are always my favourite. It doesn’t need words. We both feel the same, and we make it feel either through kissing or when we make love. It’s something I only discovered when I met him. Magical stuff. We kiss again, but it’s a shorter kiss this time. As we break away, we giggle as we both feel the same. We go back to the hotel holding hands all the way. I think this was the first time Tobi didn’t care if anyone might see.

Back in our hotel room, I change into more comfortable clothes while Tobi sets up the game. Of course it’s Fifa, his favourite game. I sit on the bed near him and take my controller.

He picks the team first and of course he picks Bayern. I poke him. “Hey, ladies first, you know.”

He looks at me with a grin. “Oops, I forgot that. But hey, it’s your turn now.”

I show him my tongue and pick Manchester United. I’m not as good at this game as he is, but I’ve beaten him a few times before, and now I’ll do the same.

“I’m tempted to let you win this time and you know why.”

“That would be soooo boring, but I’m sure I’ll beat you anyway.” I put on a confident look on my face. Tobi giggles, and the game starts, and his focus and mine are on it.

I’m not particularly competitive at the moment, but Tobi seems to be really into it even though it’s not even five minutes past when we started. He swears in German when the character he is playing fails to get the ball, and I can’t help but giggle. My focus shifts onto him, and I just admire how cute he looks when he is so into the game. I’m not even noticing that I’m basically just looking at him, so when he suddenly shouts “YES!” I jump a bit and look at the screen. He got the first goal.

Tobi looks at me. “Why didn’t you try to stop me? You could’ve tried at least.”

“Sorry, I got distracted a bit.”

“Distracted? By what? OH!” he looks at me again but with a grin now. “You got distracted by me, didn’t you?”

I roll my eyes a bit and blush but don’t say anything. The game progresses, and I get my first goal too. Bit by bit, my focus on the game is back. Soon I’m into the game just like Tobi is.

Three minutes left of this match, and we are both shouting at our characters, aaaaand “YESSSS!” I shout as my team gets another goal and wins the match.

I put down the controller and poke him. “Told ya that I’ll win.”

Tobi pouts for a second, but then he puts his controller down as well and launches at me and tackles me down on the bed. I wasn’t ready for this, so I only made a surprised sound as I found myself being down on the bed with him on top of me. He giggles and grins. “I might not be able to win that game this time, but I know another game which I’ll definitely win!”

I have no time to think what he has in mind because he starts to tickle me, going right for my weakest place, which is my sides. I laugh and squirm and wiggle. Trying my best to get out of it but failing. I grab one of his hands and try to take it away, but he is of course stronger than me. He takes my hand instead and pins it to the bed. I whine and squirm more. We look at each other as we know that we both have one free arm. I’m quicker and pull him into a kiss. Tobi is surprised maybe for a second, but then he relaxes and releases my hand as he kisses me back. I hug him immediately. This kiss is different from the last one though. This one is more passionate and communicates my need without me having to use words. But it seems he isn’t getting the hint because his hands just go to my hair. Usually when he understands what I want, he does something, like his hands starting to wander. I break the kiss, and I roll us to the side so now I’m on top of him. I know I wouldn’t be able to do this in any other situation, but now he is all relaxed and so easy to move. He looks at me with surprise and opens his mouth to say something, but I lean down and kiss him again. He immediately hugs me and just lets me do what I want. Soon, I break this kiss to kiss down his jaw and his neck. I ABSOLUTELY love giving his neck attention, and he loves it just as much. I kiss his neck all slowly and hear him sigh and make quiet noises. I smile against him. But how can I leave his neck without some marks? His neck looks wonderful with my marks. So I bite his neck in a few places, making sure to make pretty marks. He moans at the biting. His moans are such a big turn on that I can’t help but whine as I feel myself getting more and more aroused.

“I need you so much right now, my love,” I manage to say between all my whining and biting.

His response is his hands, moving them to the hem of my shirt. I get what he wants to do, so I straighten up and let him take it. My bra goes next. Then both his hands go to my breasts, massaging them and pinching the nipples. My whole body shivers and I can’t help but make noises. I try to grind but realize that we both still have our pants on, and I whine. He gets why I’m whining and fiddles with my pants’ buttons, and then his hands are back on my breasts. I smile at him and run my hands under his shirt, slightly scratching him when he pinches my nipples. But he gets the hint, and soon his hands leave my body to take off his shirt. I roll off of him and wrestle off my pants but leave my panties on. Then it’s time for his pants to go, and I help him with that. Finally, I straddle him once again. I am so turned on that I can’t help but shiver. I start grinding on him, and we both moan at the same time. I lean over to kiss him as I move my hands to his hair. I feel his hands moving to my ass and squeezing it and pushing it down on him. We go on like this for a bit, exchanging kisses and little moans and breaths.

“Fuck, I really need you inside me,” I whisper against his lips. I feel him shiver at my words.

“Yes, yes! I want it too.” His voice changes when he is aroused. It gets sexier. I smile and straighten up and move a bit lower and slide his underwear lower too. He takes his cock and holds it for me. I pull my panties to the side and sink down on him. We both moan loudly at this. We both needed it so much. When he is all the way in, I keep still for a minute enjoying how perfect he feels. He is doing the same.

“You are so beautiful, so hot when you are like this,” I hear Tobi say and then feel his hands on my hips, moving to my belly and then back up until he cups my breasts again. I smile so big. I’d blush, but my cheeks are already red.

I finally open my eyes and look at him with a smile. “You look hot and pretty like this too.” I find his hands and hold them as I start to move up and down. His hips thrust too, helping me. I look him in the eyes as we both create this slow pace. I moan a few times feeling how I’m falling into this realm where only this pleasure and the look in his eyes exist. He makes noises and moans too, and they are oh so delicious. Eventually we let go of each other’s hands, and mine rests on his chest, both as support and because I like feeling his skin and heartbeat. He moves his hands all over me, not really resting them anywhere for too long, and I love that. I move a tad bit faster and my head falls back a bit as I breathe out a moan.

“I wanna make you come so bad!” he says as one of his hands is already moving downwards.

“Oh, yes! Please…” I look at him, but then moan when his fingers touch my clit and start to slowly rub it. I close my eyes again. I’m noisier now, and with his fingers rubbing at me I can feel it coming faster.

“Oh, Tobi…” That’s all I manage as I feel it coming. He still keeps rubbing slowly, and I’m moving at the same pace too. The orgasm starts washing over me, and I arch my back and don’t hold back any moans or noises that escape my mouth. I stop moving too and just shiver. I slowly start to relax, and my hips twitch, and he finally stops rubbing me. I make quieter noises now and slowly open my eyes. I’m realizing that my nails dig a bit into his chest, so he’ll have some nail marks too. Finally, my eyes make the way up to his face, and I’m greeted with a smile.

“You were so beautiful. And so hot that you almost made me come too!” Our eyes meet, and we both know that this isn’t the end.

I smile and lean down and kiss him. The kiss communicates all the words I wanted to say. After a bit, he slowly moves his hips in small thrusts. I’m still sensitive and break the kiss to moan lightly, and I just rest my forehead on his. I feel his hands going up and down my back and sometimes squeezing my ass. He moans a lot more now, and I feel that he wants to go faster, but he is being gentle for me.

“I love you so much, Tobi,” I whisper and caress his hair.

He smiles big, and I feel his hands going around me in a hug. “Love you so much too. You feel so perfect. I missed this feeling…”

I kiss his lips briefly again and then settle for his neck. His hips snap faster and harder now, making me bite him and making him moan more.

“I am ready when you are ready”, I whisper in his ear and also buck my hips to match his thrusts. That makes him throw his head back more on the pillows.

“I’m close, my love”, he manages to say between all his noises and breathing. I raise my head to his, then bring my hand down between our bodies and start rubbing my clit again. Soon we are both moaning out each other’s names. I feel him squeezing me tight and coming in me which just makes me shiver more. Everything starts to wind down, and we both go limp. My head is in the crook of his neck, and his hands are loose but still around me. I don’t even care that I still have an arm in between us, and it’s not really comfortable. We both breathe heavily, and when he shivers feeling the afterglow, I shiver too.

I don’t know how long we stayed like this, but both of our senses start to come back to us and we almost simultaneously start giggling.

Tobi tries to speak first in between giggles. “I wonder if we’ll get away with how loud we were…” I bring my other arm back and then finally raise my head.

“Ah, who cares about that. This was AMAZING, and that’s all that matters.” I give him a giggly kiss.

After some more time, we finally disentangle. I still refuse to leave the bed so Tobi gets up first. I'm all satisfied and happy and even more happy seeing him strut around all naked. Finally he gets back from the bathroom.

"How and when did you manage to mark me up like this? Now I'll have to wear my scarfs even more," he pouts playfully.

I giggle before I can respond. "I'm not gonna be sorry for this. Your neck looks even prettier with all the marks. And besides, you wear your scarfs almost always anyway."

He only shows me his tongue, but doesn't say anything more. He knows I'm right, and secretly he likes that now his scarfs will hide a little secret of ours.

I use the bathroom too. We get dressed up and go to dinner with the other Avantasia guys. No one really questions why Tobi wears his scarf and no one says anything about what happened earlier. Either they don't know, or they know but don't say anything.

After the dinner, I leave Tobi hanging out with the guys, and I go back to the room as I feel really tired. This is the last day in Prague, so I pack my luggage. Before I go to bed, I look through the window at the lights of the city and daydream a bit. Suddenly I feel very familiar arms going around me, and I smile. Tobi's here. He hugs me from behind, and we stand like this for some time.

Back in bed and just before I fall asleep, I think about all that happened, and my heart once again fills up with love and joy. Then I cuddle up with him even more and fall asleep. Tomorrow we'll go back to Germany. The tour continues, but we both will remember Prague for a bit longer this time.

[the-golden-ghost]

Drabble ask “love me” with jigen and Goemon? :)

They sure do love each other so I’ll give it a go!

~

Goemon arrived at the Paris flat at 6:15, fully prepared for a long night of planning whatever it was Lupin wanted to plan. The details on the phone had been rather vague. Something about an 18th-century gilded sword that had belonged to some elite baron or another. Lupin tended to get long-winded and Goemon tended to tune out details that weren’t important. What he had remembered: The address, and the meeting time.

But when he entered the flat Lupin didn’t rush to greet him so Goemon stood in the doorway, momentarily perplexed and wondering if somebody was about to scream and call the cops about a fully-armed samurai in their living room. He wasn’t always the best with addresses.

“You can go,” Goemon turned at the sound of a familiar voice to see Jigen strolling out of the kitchen. “He’s not here. The job’s postponed.”

“What do you mean, postponed?”

“He didn’t call you?” Jigen flopped back on the couch, putting his legs up on the coffee table. “He ran off to Venice on short notice. He’ll be back in three days, if we’re lucky.” 

The bitterness in Jigen’s tone told Goemon all he needed to know about why Lupin had run off, or rather, who he had run off with. He didn’t bother to press about it, though. “So, are we meeting him in Venice, or...?”

“No. I’m staying here and guarding the flat. You can go wherever you want. Back to Japan, maybe take a road trip around Prague, whatever. But the job’s postponed, so you don’t have to stick around.”

“I think I’ll stay here,” Goemon put his bags down. He didn’t think he could handle dealing with airport security twice in one day, and he had planned to be in Paris for a couple of days anyway. 

“Suit yourself.” Jigen didn’t really sound like he cared much whether Goemon was there or not, but his voice seemed to have lost its edge. 

Goemon shrugged and went to unpack, taking in the look of the flat. It was nice; not one of their fanciest hideouts, but this had really been meant as an in-and-out deal. It was a little shady of Lupin to ditch, but then, the man was brazen enough that he probably figured three days was too much time. Goemon wouldn’t have been shocked in the least if Lupin showed up two days and twenty-three hours later, dragged him and Jigen out of bed and still managed to pull the scheme off in record time.

Goemon didn’t really mind being stuck with Jigen, either. Sometimes it seemed the two of them didn’t get enough time by themselves. Lupin was always there, or Fujiko, and it wasn’t bad, but Goemon couldn’t just... bring Jigen back to the dojo with him, and Jigen didn’t seem to have a home anywhere Lupin wasn’t.

Goemon came back out to the living room and sat down in the chair across from the couch. Watching Jigen.

Jigen gave him a side-eyed glance, flicking his lighter on and off, absently. “So. Nice trip?”

“Aggravating.”

“I bet.”

They sat in silence for a minute more before Jigen spoke again. “You tired?”

“Not very.”

Another silence. Goemon had forgotten about Jigen’s legendary conversational skills. After a while, Jigen sighed heavily, stretched, and sat up. “Well, if you’re not tired, you want to go someplace?”

“Where?”

“Hell, I don’t know. We’re in Paris, we’re alone, we’re together, our boss ditched us for his broad and he owes us one. Let’s go out on the town.”

“We haven’t been paid yet.”

“Buddy, if anyone’s paying here,” Jigen said, heading for the door, “It’s Lupin.”

~

They went out on the town. It was past 1 o’ clock when they drove back, buzzed and exhausted but still joking about hitting up just one more stop. Why not. Goemon was at the wheel but he kept looking over at Jigen who was stretched out on the seat next to him, one arm out the window, eyes gleaming. 

“Think we bought enough crap?” Jigen asked, glancing at their bags in the backseat. 

“No. I think tomorrow we should go out again and buy more,” Goemon said. 

They’d hit up just about every shop, club and bar in Paris, intent on buying something from it whether they wanted it or not. Their total haul included everything from movies, cake and booze to various weapons and explosives to an entire ficus, crappy souvenirs and a bust of some guy they weren’t entirely sure the identity of but Jigen thought might be Mark Twain.

“I like the way you think,” Jigen said with a grin. “Come on, let’s get some of this inside.”

They collapsed on the couch once they’d dumped the stuff in the middle of the living room. “So,” Jigen said. “Tomorrow. We go back out and buy that haunted gemstone we saw?”

“Of course,” Goemon replied. 

“Do we send it to the lovebirds as a gift?”

“Obviously.” Goemon knew there were few things that would offend Lupin more than to pay legal tender for something he could have rightfully stolen, and that was the beauty of it.

Jigen lit up a cigarette and leaned his head back. “I’m beat. Want to watch a movie? We got those old samurai films you like.”

“I am nothing if not a man of taste,” Goemon said solemnly.

“Damn right, Goemon, damn right,” Jigen chuckled, heading into the kitchen. “Want something?”

“I do not ever eat after midnight.”

Jigen came back with a glass of whiskey for himself, some tea for Goemon and a bowl of popcorn which Goemon ended up nibbling on when offered despite his previous claim. Jigen then popped the movie in and settled down next to Goemon, close enough to be right up in his space. If Goemon was honest, he didn’t mind. He’d been hoping half the night for such an outcome, but with Jigen it was always hard to tell what you were going to get. 

They settled in. Goemon decided to move his sword to the coffee table for Jigen’s benefit so it wouldn’t poke into his back. There were perhaps two people on the face of the earth that Goemon would do such a thing for. Exhaustion pulled at him and he knew that even without his weapon in hand he could sleep easily here, sat like this beside a man that, in spite of everything that had brought them together, he trusted. 

And wanted. Goemon was still pretty pissed at Lupin for dragging him all the way out here to waste his time but this night had been good. He’d gotten to spend hours with a man who held Goemon’s focus, sometimes, a little too well. And none of it had felt wrong. Goemon thought back to a stupid joke they’d made at one of the bars, something about a rock band made up of Catholic nuns called “Guns n’ Rosaries,” which then led down a path of other suggestions on this theme - The Dolorosas, Twisted Sisters, The Bad Habits. Jigen had been howling with laughter which made Goemon laugh as well - he blamed it on how purely awful the jokes were combined with the face that he was tipsy - but what he remembered most was Jigen’s laugh.

Jigen - who had stubbed out his cigarette and was now dozing on Goemon’s shoulder. He smelled like smoke and liquor and Goemon considered the fact that if he had good taste in cinematography he didn’t have nearly as good taste in men. But Jigen’s face was illuminated by the flickering light of the screen, and Goemon could not help but think there was a subtle beauty in it. 

Sleep was rapidly catching up to him. He did not fight it, because the lull of the movie was soothing and Jigen’s warm presence at his side was more than a comfort. Goemon put an arm around his friend and closed his eyes. For a brief instant Jigen stirred in response to the touch, but he settled down in a moment and let his head rest on Goemon’s chest. 

The movie screen flickered and danced in front of Goemon’s closed eyelids as he drifted off. Yes, this was a very good night. And tomorrow, perhaps, there could be another.

[seanfalco]

Somethin’ in the Look You Give | 03. Steady Hands

(gif credit - @/vousnavezrienvu)

Darren Treacy x f!Reader

Word Count: 4.5k Warnings: Language, Drugs/Alcohol Mention, Blood a/n: the very first scene I wrote for this fic is in this chapter and I still love it.

[ masterlist ]

Lighting up your cigarette you took a deep drag as Mary joined you on the back patio, your eyes fluttering shut as you exhaled.  When the back door opened once more you cracked an eye to see who’d come outside, coughing as Darren stepped through the door.

“Hey, mind if I join yeh?” he asked and you quickly sat up, waving your smoke away.

“Yeah, course,” you exclaimed, scooting over on the bench so he could sit next to you.  Feeling Mary’s eyes on you, you purposefully avoided her gaze, offering Darren a cigarette from your pack.

“So, y’hear about Nidge and Trish?” he asked and you nodded as you brought your cigarette to your lips.  

“Yeah, Mary was just tellin’ me.  That’s gand,” you murmured.

“You goin’ t’Nigel’s stag then?” Mary asked as she crossed her leg over her knee and leaned forward.

“Yeah, I’m expected to, aren’t I?”  Darren answered, heaving a heavy sigh, “m’not all that keen t’go though, if I’m bein’ honest,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

“Oh?  Why’s that?” you prompted, tilting your head, taking another long draw, your eyes roaming Darren’s profile.

He shrugged as he frowned, “We’re goin’ to Prague, clubbin’ and shite, all th’lads,” he explained, rubbing at his eye, smoke drifting lazily from the cigarette between his fingers.  “I’m just not exactly in the mood t’get high and party it up with prostitutes,” he muttered, his gaze flicking to you for a moment before he quickly looked away again.

“Yeah well, Nidge better stay away from any prossies,” Mary said, her voice hard as she pointed at Darren, gesturing with her own cigarette.

“When d’you leave?” you asked, resting your chin in your hand, bending to flick your ash into the ashtray at your feet.

“Tomorrow,” he answered, his emerald eyes watching you carefully.  “What’re you two gunna be up to while I’m gone, huh?  Better not be gettin’ into any trouble,” he teased, a grin tugging at his lips and you shared an amused look with Mary.

“I’ll probably tag along dress shoppin’ with Mary and Trish,” you answered with a shrug.  “Y’know, girl stuff.”

“Sounds riveting,” Darren replied, nudging you with his shoulder and you laughed, “Totally.”

“I think you better be the one stayin’ outta trouble, Darren,” Mary mused, a lazy grin on her face as she watched the pair of you on the bench.

Darren spread his hands, holding them up in surrender.  “You’ve my word, dear sister,” he exclaimed, a fond grin spreading across his face.  “Though I know th’two of you better than that,” he pointed out and you cocked an eyebrow at him.

“What’re you on about?”

“I remember all the mischief you two used t’get in when we were young,” Darren mused.

Mary gasped, sharing a scandalized glance with you.  “Oh please—!”

“Yeah and most of those times you were eggin’ us on, or had dared us t’do it in th’first place, Darren Treacy!” you exclaimed with a laugh.

“We’re talkin’ about you here, not me,” he replied laughing along, trying to dodge the jab you directed at his arm.  “Truce!  Truce!” he cried, holding his hands up and you relented, letting him flick the line of ash from his cigarette.

“But, alright, you’ve my word, I’ll be good,” he agreed, leaning back to stretch.

“Good,” you murmured, checking your watch.  “Ah bollocks, I gotta head.  I’ll see yous later,” you exclaimed, bending to crush out your smoke before standing, Darren echoing you to give you a hug.

“Have fun, okay?” you murmured, in his ear and he nodded.

“I’ll see yeh when I get back.”

“Sounds grand,” you breathed, smiling softly up at him, before reluctantly stepping out of his arms.  “See ya, Mare.”

Mary lifted her hand to wave as you stepped back through the door.

——

“So, then what’s goin’ on there then?”  Mary mused, watching her brother as he turned back from watching [y/n] leave, blowing a stream of smoke skyward.  

“What’d you mean?” he countered carefully.

“Between you and [y/n],” she clarified.

Darren shrugged, leaning back nonchalantly.  “Nothin’.”

“Doesn’t look like nothin’,” Mary pointed out.  “I’ve seen the way you’ve been lookin’ at her since you got back.”

“And how’s that?”  Darren asked.

Mary shrugged.  “Like you’re seein’ her in a whole new light.  I mean, you two were always close as kids, but not like that.  It’s different now.  D’you think I wouldn’t notice?”

Darren frowned.  “It’s just good t’see her again, is all,” he murmured, looking down at his hands and the cigarette nearly burned down to the filter clutched between his fingers.

“Uh huh,” Mary scoffed skeptically.  

“I dunno…” Darren sighed finally, giving in, dropping the cigarette butt to the ashtray at his feet before running his hand through his hair.  “I forgot how much I like bein’ round her, okay?  And maybe you’re right… she does seem… different now.  I dunno why I didn’t see it before,” he muttered, avoiding his sister’s ‘I knew it’ look.

“Maybe because you couldn’t see past Rosie,” she mused, watching him carefully.  “That reminds me, what is goin’ on with you and Rosie?”

Darren groaned, not really in the mood for this conversation.  “I dunno,” he answered shortly.

Mary watched him for a moment longer before putting her cigarette out as well.  “Well, whatever you’re doin’, she’s havin’ a child.  So y’need to think about that.”

“I know.  I’ve just been talkin’ to her about stuff, is all.”

“Stumpy know you’re meetin’ up?” Mary interjected and Darren shrugged before she stood.  “She should have more sense.  It’s different when y’have kids, you know that?  It’s not all about the romance anymore.  It’s about the child.”

Darren nodded reluctantly.  If anyone would know about that, it’d be his sister, a single mom of two.

“You know, it might be for the best if you leave it,” Mary sighed as she paused by the door, her eyes sharp on Darren.  “Maybe… y’should focus on someone who’s not already taken and expectin’.”

“Very subtle, Mare,” Darren snorted.

“I dunno what you’re talkin’ bout,” she exclaimed with a sniff, though the look she shot him was hard.  “But whatever you do with [y/n], remember she’s my best friend and you know what she’s been though.  All that shite with John Boy.  So don’t you go jerkin’ her around or leadin’ her on if you’ve no intention of gettin’ serious,” she snapped

“I know, Mary,” Darren murmured quietly, looking at his hands.  “I know.”

Mary nodded sharply before pushing the door open, but she hesitated, leaning back out to squeeze Darren’s shoulder.  “I love yeh, y’know that right?  Whatever you decide to do.”

“I know,” Darren answered, a soft smile spreading across his face as he looked up at her.  “I love yeh, too.”

——

Darren had never really been one for the club scene, even before.  It was too noisy, too busy, too much, and with so much on his mind already — Jimmy Byrne, Rosie, and now [y/n], Darren just kinda checked out, watching the rest of the guys party as he nursed a beer.

They were on their second round of shots when Nidge clapped him on the shoulder telling him he should relax a bit, get a lap dance, but the thought merely turned his stomach.  He didn’t even want to think about touching another girl, not when there were already two on his mind, his heart being stretched in opposite directions.

“Nah man, I’m good,” Darren called over the pounding beat of the music, fixing a grin in place, but Nidge frowned.

“C’mon Darren, it’s my stag, live a little!”

“Really mate, I’m fine, I’ll leave the strippers to you’in,” he insisted.

“You heard the man, more for us!” Hughie exclaimed, throwing his arm around Nigel’s shoulder, already coked out of his mind and pausing to do another line off the back of his hand.

“Besides, I thought y’told Trish —“ Darren began.

“What Trish don’t know won’t hurt her,” John Boy interjected with a laugh, grabbing another shot and thrusting it into Darren’s hand, sloshing the alcohol over his wrist.  “Drink up, Darren, don’t act like you’re above all this.”

John Boy watched him as he tipped back the shot, a calculating look in his eye before he joined Hughie and Nidge, grabbing a woman to pull into his lap.

Grimacing as the liquor burned his throat on the way down, Darren pulled his phone out of his pocket, first firing off a text to Rosie to check in on her before opening a new message and selecting [y/n]’s number.

[Hey how you doin?  How’s the dress shoppin going?]

Several minutes went by without a reply and Darren nearly tucked his phone away again, until the screen suddenly lit up.

[y/n]: Oh, not bad, a bit awkward.  It’s good to hear from you.  How’s the stag goin?

[Pretty much the same, a bit awkward.  Everyone’s ossified.  Doin anything later tonight?]

[y/n]: Just workin.  You??

[Probably goin back to my room a little early.]

[y/n]: Now you sound like an old man lol.

As he continued texting [y/n] a small grin tugged at his lips and he finally glanced up, feeling eyes on him, to find Stumpy glaring at him from the bar.  As soon as Darren looked up Stumpy quickly looked away, but his mouth was turned down in a thoughtful frown.

It was strange, talking to [y/n] again after so long, it felt so… natural, so easy.  He’d been so preoccupied with thoughts of Rosie when he’d first stepped off the plane a couple weeks ago, but as soon as he’d seen [y/n] again it was like all these memories came flooding back. 

They’d grown up together, she’d practically lived with them during her childhood years, her family living next door with Darren’s mum babysitting, she and Mary inseparable.  She’d been his first kiss and as far as he knew, not even Mary knew this-- knew how he’d felt about her. 

Then it’d all changed.

He’d started dating Rosie, fell for her, and [y/n]... [y/n] had turned to John Boy, looking for security, for someone to take care of her after her parents’ accident.

But now… now they were both single again, and though his heart still yearned for Rosie, to make up for what he’d done, leaving her behind… those long buried feelings for [y/n], which at the time he’d thought were nothing more than a childhood crush were resurfacing and he didn’t know what to do.

Sighing, he buried his head in his hands for a moment before taking a deep breath and straightening, fixing his bemused grin back in place as he headed for the bar, telling himself to be a little more social, so his friends wouldn’t see how much he was falling apart.

——

You looked up from the rack of dresses you and Mary’d been idly pawing through as Trish stepped out of the changing room in a pair of lacy white knickers, stockings, and a corset.

“D’you think this is sexy enough?” she asked, a note of self consciousness in her voice and Mary quickly spoke up.

“Y’look stunnin’, Trish!”

“Yeah, it’s really lovely,” you exclaimed as well, though it wasn’t exactly your taste, but it wasn’t your weddin’ night either, you told yourself, trying to be supportive.

You’d always felt slightly awkward around Trish, Mary being much closer to her than you were and when the three of you hung out, you always felt a little like the third wheel.

“I’m worried it’s a bit too up market for Nigel,” Trish mused, turning to admire her reflection in the full length mirror across from you, planting her hands on her hips, Mary joining in on her laughter and you managed a grin.

If you knew Nidge, and you did, you’d say it probably was.  Tuning out the rest of their conversation you let your thoughts slip to the guys in Prague, wondering if Nigel really was staying away from the hookers like Trish said he’d promised.  If Darren’s earlier texts were any confirmation, you’d say the chances of that were low. 

“So who’re you bringin’?” Trish asked Mary, pulling you from your thoughts.

“Oh, I dunno, it’s too much hassle,” she replied evasively, clearly side stepping the question, but you knew who she wanted to bring.

“I could always arrange a mix up in the rooms so you’ll end up havin’ to bunk with Tommy,” Trish teased and Mary flushed, a giddy grin crossing her face.

“Stop it!” she cried halfheartedly, helping latch the string of pearls around Trish’s neck.

“What?  That’s what weddin’s are for!” Trish replied with a wicked grin before turning her sights on you.  “And what about you, [y/n]?  Who you bringin’?”

“Who me?” you spluttered as both women looked to you expectantly, a knowing look on Mary’s face.  “Oh, I dunno, I’ll probably go solo as well.”

“Oh, come off it, you can’t come alone!” Trish cried with a gasp, swatting at your arm.

“I know who you should ask,” Mary exclaimed and you gave her a warning look, but it was too late, Trish having already noticed.  

“Okay, spill!” she said excitedly, looking between you and Mary.

“You should ask Darren,” she insisted and Trish’s mouth fell open.

“Wait, you and Darren?” she asked.

“It's not like that,” you countered weakly, your phone choosing that moment to go off and Mary’s brows rose as she planted her hands jauntily on her hips.

“Now who would that be?” she asked with a cheeky grin and you glanced down at your phone, knowing exactly who it was.  Of course Darren would text you right as they were talking about him, and you cleared your throat awkwardly, no matter that you’d been texting him for the better part of the afternoon -- not that they needed to know that. 

“It’s uhm, it’s Darren,” you answered sheepishly and both women squealed.

“So he’s been textin’ you, then?” Mary asked excitedly and you didn’t have to reply for her to see the answer in your eyes.  “Well, that’s a relief,” she muttered.

“What d’you mean by that?” you asked with a frown and Mary’s grin faltered for a moment.

“Oh uhm, I mean, well... he’s been talkin’ to Rosemary a bit too, but--”

“Oh,” you murmured, your heart dropping and you stuffed your phone back in your pocket, leaving the text unread, suddenly wondering if the whole time he’d been texting you from Nigel’s stag if he’d been texting Rosie as well.

Noticing the sudden change in your demeanour Mary shared a worried glance with Trish who grimaced.  “But hey!  He’s been textin’ yeh, and I heard he’s been goin’ round t’the pub t’see you quite a bit, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you answered halfheartedly, forcing a grin, not wanting to take away from Trish’s big day or her excitement.

“So that’s somethin’,” Trish offered, reaching out to pat your arm reassuringly.  “I think you should totally ask him.  Besides, Rosie’s with Stumpy now, I can’t see her leavin’ him for Darren with a baby on th’way.”

“Exactly,” Mary agreed, though she didn’t sound quite as certain as Trish had.  “I really hope you and Darren get together,” she exclaimed however, coming over to slip her arm around your shoulders in a half hug.

“Yeah, and why’s that?” you asked, huffing a laugh, cheered slightly by your best friend, resting your head against her shoulder.  

“Cause I’ve always wanted you for a sister, [y/n],” she answered with a grin and you found yourself grinning as well.  The thought a nice one.

——

It was nearly 2am when you heard the tap on your door and you glanced out the window warily, reaching for the metal bat you kept near the front closet.  However, when you saw it was only Darren through the window, a relieved sigh passed your lips, until you began to wonder what brought him to your front porch in the dead of night.

Whatever the reason for him to show up this late, it couldn’t be good.  He’d only returned from Prague earlier that morning, what trouble could he have gotten into already?

Opening the door you frowned, finding him leaning heavily against the door jamb and as soon as he saw you he quickly straightened, flashing you a shy half grin, but you hadn’t missed the way he’d winced, your worry only growing.

“Hey [y/n],” he greeted and you quickly stepped aside so he could enter, glancing both ways down the street before shutting the door behind you and bolting the lock.

“Darren, what--?” your question cut off with a gasp as he carefully shucked off his leather jacket, wincing afresh and your eyes went straight to the blood soaking through the side of his shirt.  “Jesus, Darren,” you breathed, rushing to him, concern trumping every other thought.  “What happened?” you asked, your hands hovering over the wound, your eyes catching his before he looked away.

“One of Jimmy Byrne’s men took a shot at me,” he answered, watching you askance as you frowned.

“Come on then, into th’bathroom, light’s better,” you huffed, brushing past him to gather supplies and wash your hands.

Darren followed, clenching his jaw against the pain as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it in the bathtub.  For a moment you froze, towel in hand as your eyes roamed his bare chest and you shook yourself, hoping he hadn’t noticed you staring.

“What’re you doin’ sniffin’ round Jimmy Byrne for?” you demanded and Darren shrugged, thinking better of it as a hiss of pain left his lips.  “You know that’s just beggin’ trouble.”

“There’s been talk round town Jimmy was mouthin’ off, bragging bout havin’ done Robbie,” he explained as you soaked a cotton ball in alcohol and Darren’s answer made you frown in thought.

“I ain’t heard none of that.  Who told you that?” you murmured and Darren shook his head slightly. 

“At least that’s what Hughie’s been sayin’.  Anyway, we picked him up tonight, threatened him,” he continued, flinching as you cleaned the wound, careful not to be too rough despite your frustration.  “He said he didn’t do it… and I believe him,” Darren admitted.

“You think someone’s been spreadin’ rumors t’set your eyes on Jimmy?” you mused, picking up your suture kit and threading the needle.

“I dunno, but I don’t like it,” Darren murmured, hissing slightly as you began to stitch him up, his eyes finding yours and your hands froze as you pulled the thread taut.

“You’re lucky,” you pointed out, changing the subject and resuming your task, “the bullet only grazed you.”

Darren huffed a humourless laugh as you finished dressing his wound, his breath catching with each brief gentle touch of your hands.

“Does Mary know about this?” you asked, gesturing to his side and bringing a grimace to his face.  

“No, and she don’t need to,” he answered quickly, glancing at you meaningfully.

“Darren,” you groaned, “Mary’s my best friend, I can’t just--”

“I just don’t want her to worry,” he said, cutting you off, his gorgeous eyes pleading with you and you nearly gave in without a fight.

“Oh, but it’s alright if I worry?” you asked, a slight edge to your voice as you washed your hands again, scrubbing with more force than necessary.

“Course not!” Darren exclaimed with another grimace, realizing too late he’d stepped in it.  Jumping up he grabbed your arms, freezing when he realized just how close you were in the cramped bathroom, your chests nearly touching.

“Why’d you show up on my doorstep, Darren?” you asked, your voice barely a whisper.

“Cause I trust you,” he answered without hesitation.  “And you have a steady hand,” he added with a ghost of a smile.

“Flatterer,” you huffed, fighting back a grin of your own, not wanting to let him know how much he affected you, his smile too precious for words.

“Besides,” he murmured reluctantly, brushing his thumbs over your skin where he still held you.  “...I wanted t’see you,” he admitted.

What about Rosie?

The words were almost out your mouth before you could stop them, but stop them you did.  Mary’d let it slip that he’d been talking t’Rosie again behind Stumpy’s back and while you desperately wanted to know if you even had a chance, you feared any mention of her name might break the spell and you wanted him so badly to keep looking at you like that.

“You know I’ll always be here for you, right?  No matter what?” you murmured fiercely, hoping you hadn’t overstepped, but Darren merely smiled softly, his eyes roaming your face.  

“You want a cuppa?” you asked suddenly, quickly slipping past him to hide your reddening cheeks, butterflies swarming your stomach and Darren followed, leaning through the kitchen door after you.

“Yeah, alright,” he answered as you set the kettle on the stove.  “You got a shirt I could borrow?” he asked and you snuck one last look at his bare chest before gesturing back toward your bedroom.

“Yeah, I think I have one of your old shirts in the closet somewhere yet.”

When Darren returned, you handed him his mug and he joined you on the sofa.  You sat in silence for a long moment, your arm brushing Darren’s as you sipped your tea, until you finally broke the silence.

“So, if you don’t think it was Jimmy… who do you think is responsible?” you asked quietly, your gaze flicking to Darren, who shook his head.

“I dunno,” he sighed, setting his empty cup aside as he turned to you.  “Why does it seem like you know somethin’, [y/n]?” 

Finishing off your own cup, you sighed as well, giving him your full attention.  “Mind you, I have no proof whatsoever to back any of this up, it’s all speculation, and don���t y’dare breathe a word of this, but Darren, I wouldn’t be surprised if John Boy didn’t have a hand in this somehow…” you said seriously.

“But… why?  Why would he do that?” he asked, confusion warping his features.

“T’keep you in Ireland,” you answered.  “Think about it, you’re one of his best, and now you’re back, but how else would he keep you here?  I told you you were back in th’hornets nest, Darren.  God, I’m so fuckin’ scared you’re gunna end up like Robbie,” you exclaimed, your voice trembling and Darren moved closer.

“Hey, hey,” he murmured soothingly, taking your face in his hands, his rough thumbs deftly catching the few tears that managed to escape, rolling slowly down your flushed cheeks.  “I’ll be alright,” he insisted, caressing your cheek, and for a moment his eyes caught yours, drawing you closer til his face was mere inches from yours, his breath fanning over your skin, and you hesitated, wetting your lips moments before his mouth sought yours, kissing you slowly, thoroughly, and your breath hitched in your throat, your heart ready to beat out of your chest.

You couldn’t remember how long you’d wanted to kiss him like that.  You’d practically been children messing around the last time.  Before Rosie.

Giving in, you kissed him back, hesitantly, carefully, moving closer as your movements became more sure, your hands resting against his chest, balling in his shirt.  Drawing a deep breath you finally pulled back, finding Darren watching you thoughtfully, his bottom lip drawn between his teeth and you cleared your throat.

“Here if I didn’t know any better, Darren Treacy, I’d say you were tryin’ to seduce me,” you murmured with an awkward chuckle, reluctantly moving away from him when all you wanted was to grab his face and kiss him again, to keep kissing him and never stop. 

“You stayin’ on my sofa tonight then?” you asked, instead of the question you really wanted to ask and Darren grinned suddenly.

“If I really wanted t’seduce you, I’d ask t’stay in your bed,” he countered coyly.

“Oh, cheeky now aren’t we?” you laughed, at war with yourself as you reluctantly moved to stand, “keep your hands to yourself and I’m tempted to say yes.”

Darren grinned back at you and you itched to kiss him again, even if just a quick peck to the lips, but you refrained.  “Good night, Darren,” you murmured, running your hand through his hair, unable to stop yourself.  “If you need anything you know where t’find me.”

“Goodnight [y/n],” he called as you retreated to your bedroom, kicking yourself, turning once more to watch him before shutting the door, finding him already settling down on your couch, pulling the throw blanket up round his shoulders. 

——

You woke to the sound of your door creaking open and for a moment fear gripped you, nearly having forgotten that Darren had spent the night on your couch and you rolled over to his voice in the doorway.

“Good mornin’ sleepin’ beauty.”

Stretching under your covers, glad you’d decided not to sleep shirtless, you grinned up at him.  “Mornin’.  You sleep alright?  I hope my sofa wasn’t too uncomfortable.”

“It was perfect, I slept fine,” he answered before flashing you a bright grin, making your stomach flip.  “I made y’somethin’,” he said cryptically, disappearing into the hall.

Curious, you got up and shrugged into the cardigan slung over your headboard before following Darren out to your tiny kitchen, the smell of breakfast awaiting you.

“Oh my God, Darren, y’didn’t have t’make me anythin’,” you exclaimed, gaping at the table, but he waved the thought away, pulling out your chair for you with a cheeky grin.

“I know, but y’did patch me up last night and let me crash, plus you made me breakfast th’other day, so...” he pointed out, setting a plate in front of you before taking the seat across from you.  “I wanted t’say thank you.”

“Still...” you murmured, your words dying on your tongue as you found yourself grinning at him like an idiot.  Frowning, you shook yourself out of it and quickly picked up your fork.

Darren merely grinned at you before tucking in as well.

“How’s your side?” you asked as you ate, the events of the night before slowly resurfacing.

“It’s a little sore,” Darren admitted, a strange look coming over his features, and that’s when you remembered it.  He’d kissed you.  You’d kissed him back.  Oh my God, that hadn’t been a dream.

As the memory hit you, you froze, nearly dropping your fork and Darren quieted across the table from you.

What did it mean?  

You so desperately wanted to ask him, but you couldn’t make the words come, fear and uncertainty gripping you.  He’d not mentioned it either, so maybe it had been a mistake, or a spur of the moment thing.  Maybe it didn’t mean anything.

Fuck, you thought, trying to pull yourself together, quickly reaching for your cup of tea.

Darren watched you carefully, his gaze dropping, chewing his lip as if he wanted to say something himself, but then he shook his head and reached for his cup as well.

Maybe it was for the best if you didn’t talk about it.  Maybe it was best if you just forgot about it.

But, God, you didn’t want to.

[kerwritesthings]

South Of The Equator

Summary: Gestures of love are woven in the fabric of relationships, especially ones built around the priority of your love

Word Count: literally juuuuust shy of 5.8k

Warning: pining, love and fluff

Author Notes: Muse fell in love with this photo last week when Bre threw it out onto my dash, spit out stupid notes at midnight that night for it along with about 350ish words and then didn’t touch it until again yesterday evening where I proceeded to crank out about 5.8k in less than 24 hours. Oops?

This falls well later into the verse, like the latest I’ve taken it thus far. It just felt right to bring this into that part of the timeline with the premise and where the muse was taking this. Can be read as a standalone but diving into the verse and the masterlist would give a little bit more understanding.

It was not in the plans. Whatsoever. A whim. A lot of longing. A lot of missing connections. A lot of feeling that this was a sync you just wouldn’t be able to get. That scares the both of you, more than either of you will let on especially to the other. You both promise that this would be the longest stretch on this very last swing – something like 48 or 50 days depending on travel for both of you, that a somewhere between 12 and 14-hour plane ride at best for a long weekend made no sense. You’re in Bucharest when he starts the swing in Mexico. What was thought to be a few days off for him to come home to see you between the last Mexico show and the venture further south becomes non-existent, with surprise pop up concerts in both Costa Rica and Panama along with hoopla surrounding them on either side that the label drops last minute. You initially think you’d be able to make the last shows, but there was a potential work trip to Hong Kong hanging over your head, so you both agree not book anything.

Well, love makes you do some stupid and irresponsibly crazy things. When the Asia client pushes their timeline back, things change completely. Which is why you find yourself on the phone, trying to make arrangements while juggling 7 open browser tabs on your laptop at nearly 1am. This is what you do for each other. It’s been established. It’s been done for each other on numerous occasions throughout your relationship. But it’s never been something like this. This grand and involved.

“Up for a bit of a challenge?” you start. “What’s the actual schedule like between Buenos and Rio and Santiago?”

“Flip it around. Chile first. Then Buenos then Sao Paulo. Finish off in Rio,” Beatriz laughs. “Don’t book the wrong flight. Cause. This is where it’s going isn’t it? This bugger is so lucky to have you. He best appreciate this. He’s been whiny. More to Cez then me. Andrew too, but he trusts Cez more when it comes to you.”

“He’s not the only one,” you sigh. “Dee’s taken to sending me videos and photos of Tali every day before I call to bitch to her to try to ease my tension. We’ve done longer, when we first got together. This one though. We’re just not taking it well, either of us. It feels off. He can’t come to me, so I have to go to him.”

“There’s doubles now in Santiago, not just in Buenos and Rio. Only the one in Sao Paulo. Days off scattered through, but definitely some between the city jumps. Are you really going to try to do just a weekend down here?” she asks.

“Work remote if I can swing it. Then bank out on some time off. I’m due after the extra hours to lock in the Danish project and the haul to Bucharest for basically a 48-hour lookie loo from them with no commitments. Boss lady is great as long as my work gets done and I don’t pull the ask for ‘but my famous boyfriend’ very often, if at all,” you explain, poking away at the keys of your laptop.

“Ooh Denmark, so you going to get out for that one?” Beatriz questions. “Do you have a lam for this tour? Should we get you another?”

“I think I can, timing looks ok and I may be able to drag Shawn with me for once since it’s after all this hoopla,” you mutter, poking at Kayak and cursing. “I think I do, snag one just in case if it’s not too much trouble. It looks like Air Canada has a direct from Pearson to Santiago at 11 hours of flight time and an overnight red-eye. Bless it. No layovers. Less chance for him to even let on. Y’all can sneak me in on the flights between yeah?”

“Shawn is gonna shit you know this right?” she laughs. “I heard about your surprises you both have pulled on each other before, but this is something else. Duh girl, yes of course. He’d have you sit on his lap the whole flight if he had to, but we definitely have the room. Give me the flight info. I’ll make Cez book it. Do not even think about clicking that buy button that I know you’re hovering over.”

“Bea...” you begin.

“No, not hearing it. Cez blocked out travel budget for him to go home and you know that didn’t happen, so your flight there and then back with him at the end it is instead,” Beatriz interjects. “I’ll loop in C for sure. Maybe Andrew. Less folks who know the better, we need to keep this on lock down.”

“Beatriz, you’re the best. I owe you big time. I’m so glad you’re on this rag tag motley crew,” you thank her. “Let Cez know if he needs anything when he’s booking, if they don’t have it saved to just let me know.”

“Bottle of Bulleit and you finally spill the recipe for those kitchen sink bars the boys are always raving about and inhaling, we’ll call it even,” she deadpans. “But no really, I’m glad to help. As much as I tease that boy of yours, I’ve got a soft spot for him. We need to figure an epic reveal. It’s late. I’ll fire off a text to Cez and we’ll be on it tomorrow. Off with you. Night!”

You have a week between that call and your flight down to get all your things in order luckily. Work is understanding and accommodating, your boss practically sending out the out of office email for you after she hears your plans. He meanwhile has a few shows in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia ahead of him within that same time frame.

“There’s that face I adore,” you smile through FaceTime as you’re tucked in bed, two nights before you’re due to leave. “Hi you. How was the show? Where are you now?”

“Just out of the shower in the hotel and about to fall face first into bed, but I needed a dose of my pretty girl before I do,” he exhales, running a hand though his mess of wet curls. “Good, crowds down here are something else. Beyond the first time I swung through, on the last tour. And them singing back in perfect English still breaks my brain a little. Tired though. Looking forward to the break. Day break here, then like a half one off in Santiago before the last few shows. It’s so crazy to think we’re there already.”

“I can’t believe it’s almost over,” you murmur. “You did it baby, an entire circle of the globe. I’m beyond proud of you.”

“As much as I love this, I’m ready for just me, you and our bed. At least for a week straight, if not a few of them,” he chuckles. “Remind me of how tired I am now when I start to say I’m twitchy or bored, ok?”

“If you say so,” you say sleepily. “Just remember, I get to drag you with me on some my work trips next. Denmark for sure. Hong Kong perhaps since that’s still a moving target. Maybe Prague. Wanna be a silly romantic tourist with you for a bit. Just me and you”

“Always me and you, sweetheart. Go get some sleep. You’ve got work in the morning,” he whispers. “We can talk more tomorrow, promise.”

“You sure?” you fight back a yawn, eyes starting to flutter. “Can you sing to me though? Please? I miss you. Be like you’re here.”

He starts humming at first, the eases into a slowed down, Shawn-esque version of Sam Smith’s Latch. You want to stay awake to hear the whole thing, but he sounds like he’s there singing it right into your ear while he’s got your back against his chest. It’s so pretty, easy and dream like that you drift off in moments. He watches you for a few minutes after he finishes the song, making sure you’re truly asleep. Plus, he just wants to feel like he’s next to you in bed.

“Goodnight and sleep well, baby,” he whispers before disconnecting from FaceTime, a small smile slipping across his lips.

“He still has no clue by the way, so you’ve done a bang-up job,” Cez explains as he rings you while you’re in the car on the way to Pearson. “You’re still running on time from what we checked so you’re good. We’ve got everything square. Bea will come snag you from the airport, you’ll have time to hit the hotel, she’ll have the extra room key for you so you can get some actual rest and then get ready. Figure we’ll grab you while he’s doing Q&A. Do you want to surprise him before the show? After?”

“During?” you laugh, leaning your head back against the headrest as the car makes its way down the 401. “Maximum effect. Con would be on my side too you know, epic footage.”

“Of course, you do,” he retorts. “I should have known. Don’t forget, I’m on your side too. I’m glad this worked. I know it’s been a long stretch. For the both of you. I’ve seen it wear on him, but he’s put up a good front minus a few nights where he ends up with me until he needs to get to sleep, just needing someone who understands to talk to.”

“I’m glad he has you, that we both have you. You are a gift, Cez, really,” you reply as the car slows to ease up to the terminal. “I’m just about to hop out. I’ll text you and Bea when I land in the morning, customs will probably take a bit to get through. Thank you again.”

“Fly safe, dear. Try to get some rest and we’ll see you tomorrow,” he responds.

Check in was easy, of course they went above and beyond on the flight. You text Cez and Bea a photo of a cookie from the lounge with your ticket telling them they did not need to and thanking them. Cez responds first.

Again, you know if he found out we flew you like in row 24 on a flight that long, he would pitch a fit. I’m not up for a Shawn fit this late into the last of the last legs of tour. Enjoy the space and the lay flat. Sunshine and that boy awaits you.

Beatriz chimes in next.

Label owes you and the pain in the arse, so enjoy it! Have one for me. I’ll be there for you tomorrow with bells on and a tea in hand. Cannot wait for this – so epic. You two are nauseatingly adorbs.

The flight wasn’t crowded thankfully and the room to stretch fully is a welcome bonus. You are able to wind down a lot easier than expected and get a decent amount of sleep especially given it was on a flight, lay flat or not. Despite an extra circle, you land only a few minutes past your initial arrival time, make it through customs quickly and thankfully your luggage is waiting for you once you’re done.

“There she is,” Beatriz calls out as you head out to the open concourse. “And in one piece too with all your bits and bobbles. Good, the boss won’t be angry. And as promised, your tea!”

“Which one?” you chuckle, snagging the iced chai before hugging her.

“I can handle Cez, your man though,” she rolls her eyes as you walk out to the sprinter van. “He tried you last night when we were coming back from dinner, couldn’t get through even though we all told him it was late. He got all sad puppy. You were just about taking off, so it made sense. If he only knew what today is bringing him. I’ll drop you at the hotel, sleep, shower, eat, do whatever. I’ll be round to grab you about 4.”

As soon as you step into his room, you are overwhelmed just by the sheer sense of being back in his space again, despite him not even being there at the moment. You drop your suitcase, strip and crawl immediately into his still unmade bed to surround yourself in the smell of him. Setting your alarm before you drift off, you curl yourself around his pillow and exhale. Only a few more hours and you’ll be able to wrap your arms around him instead of a goose down that carries whiffs of his scent. A deep breath, an inhale you hold just for a moment before letting it go carefully and you’re drifting away.

You wake shortly before the alarm and to a couple texts from Shawn.

Miss you pretty girl. Almost there.

FaceTime after the show tonight? Even just for a few, I can tuck you in from here again like the other night.

Saw this on the drive over before, couldn’t help but think of you.

It was a slightly angled photo out the car window, but it was of a park with a fountain surrounded by high bushes littered with flowers.

I wish I could press you into those blooms and kiss you. Would make such a pretty picture. Love you baby.

You will yourself not to cry. That sweet, sentimental boy of yours. You’ll have time, you need to make that happen tomorrow.

I miss you sweetheart, so much. Yes to tonight, I’d love a tuck in from you. We’re so close. Love you <3

A shower, some primping and a good battle with both your blow dryer and your travel steamer later, you’re finally ready to head out.

“He’s a lucky bastard this one,” Beatriz whistles before handing over your new credential as you slide the van door closed behind you. “Don’t you have any sisters you can send my way? Cousins?”

“Sorry Bea, only child,” you laugh, as the van pulls away. “Cousins are stateside and not your type.”

“He was happy to hear from you before. Stopped in the middle of sound check to look at his phone. Got all stupid smiley and googly eyed,” she rolls her eyes. “He’s so gone on you if it wasn’t so bloody sweet to see him so gushy, it would make me ill.”

“Just wait ‘till later. I should apologize now,” you explain.

“Why there’s no plans for post-show, dearie. We knew better,” she giggles. “Shawn’s not going to want to share.”

You can’t help but smile as you pass the park he sent you the photo of earlier, it’s prettier than his shot let on. You definitely have to go there tomorrow. From that point, it’s a windy way through the streets of Santiago to the arena.

“He should just be wrapping up,” Beatriz prattles, looking at her watch as you make your way through the bowels of the building. “Which is good, I can sneak you into Cez’s room without him sniffing about. You, he, Jake and Con still need to hash everything out yeah?”

“Kind of. It’s the fine tuning of details at this point,” you say, flipping the pass around in your hands before slipping it around your neck as you walk, still not fully grasping you’re going to see him as soon as you are. “It’s a matter of where to go in the pit during his walk up to stage where I won’t be spotted too easily, but also not be in the way of everything either. I think it’ll work, totally up to Jake though. Worse case, we’ll do it just before rally or he hits the stage. Better visuals, and Con will agree with me, but it’s Jake and Cez who have final call.”

“It’s brilliant, all of it. However, here is where I leave you for now,” Beatriz nudges you through the door into Cez’s makeshift office for the next two days. “Need to make sure the sound techs have everything. Fridge is stocked, so steal what you need. He should be back in a few. They’re due to be walking your man now. His room isn’t far, so stay put. I’ll let C know you’re here. Toodles!”

Shortly after you settle in on the couch, engrossing yourself in your inbox, you feel someone settle down next to you.

“Thank god you’re here, I cannot do the sad Shawn shit anymore,” Connor sighs, throwing an arm around your shoulder. “I love him like a brother but damn, this go has been a beast when he’s feeling it like that.”

“Hi Connor, I’ve missed you too Connor, it’s good to see you Connor,” you roll your eyes, pushing his arm off you with a poke.

“Yeah yeah, all that too,” he smiles, sliding his arm back into place and kissing your cheek. “It’s good to have you here, all that aside. Despite all that, missed you around these parts.”

“Considering Central America took away our long weekend together, with no warning. It’s just been a hard go this swing. For both of us. May just be the wear and tear of a tour this long finally hitting. Even with as much as we’ve made it a priority to stay more connected and grounded. You guys are lucky it’s the end and it didn’t happen in like the middle of Europe, or the US leg. Though that would have been easier to get to than an almost 11-hour flight,” you fight out.

“You’re too good for him you know?” he teases. “Remember, he has friends if you ever need to bail.”

“Not any of y’all that’s for sure. No way. And, it’s the other way around, Con,” you reply, poking at his knee. “So, you’ve seen the setup, what’s going to make the most sense?”

“We’re going to do whatever you want, missus,” Jake chimes in as the door shuts behind him and Cez. “Only thing I require is a hug.”

“I think that can be arranged,” you say happily, ducking around Connor to get to Jake. “Con, stop being in the way.”

“Thank you,” you murmur to Jake as he pulls you into an embrace.

“We should be thanking you,” he whispers hugging you tightly. “And seriously. We’ll make it all happen. Kid needs this as much as you do.”

You pull away, smiling. “Ok guys so here’s what I’m thinking. Let’s surprise him on the walk out.”

The details come together quickly as well as easily. You’re happy, the team is comfortable with it all. It also helps he’s not expecting a thing. Everyone’s on board.

“So,” Cez begins, rolling a bottle of water around in his hands as everyone else filters out. “Hop a flight on a whim in the states or Canada is one thing. Cross the pond, a little more effort, but doable. This is something else entirely, even for the two of you.”

“I don’t know why this one is so different; I wish I knew; believe me I do. It would have saved me an 11-hour flight,” you utter. “It’s not like we’ve not done it before. We got through this, worse even, when he went out on last leg of the last tour and I had no leverage to take time off to come out other than that last show. We were only together a little bit at that point.”

Cez smiles his all-knowing smile, looking down at your hands playing with your credential. “I think you do, somewhere in there. I think he does too, well I know he does.”

“What are you talking about?” you ask inquisitively. “We’re good, really good. Minus this blip and it’s just us being a little more emotionally wound together. More in the groove than we’ve ever been. It’s been great, actually.”

He smiles yet again, making you wonder even more, and picks up his hand pointing to a certain finger.

“No,” you shake your head.

He nods, still smiling. “You’re practically there already.  We were honestly all surprised it didn’t happen before tour, or at break. Especially after Japan. I knew though not the holidays, it’s too cliché and not him, or you. He’s asked me a few things, more recently. Won’t give away more than that, but it kind of all makes sense. At least to me.”

“I just. Like. Shit Cez,” you sigh, looking down at the lam in your hands. “We’ve talked about it before, couple times. We want it, both of us. He’s it for me, and vice versa. He knows I’ll say yes. I’ve told him as much. But I’m also not that girl that needs the pretty on her hand to know where we stand in our relationship. He’s also not that overly possessive man who needs to prove he’s got me like that to the world, even in his crazy whirlwind of a life.”

“I think it’s both of you really ready for what’s next and this just all happens to be in the way right now. But, you’re here now, which not only is he going to be over the moon about, the rest of us are pretty happy as well. Not just because he’ll be in better spirits, it’s because we love you just as much too,” he states plainly. “You’re as much a part of this, a part of the family. I’m personally glad you’re here for these last few. This run’s been special, you should be here for the end of it.”

“Do not make me ruin my makeup, damnit,” you half laugh, half bite back a sob. “I’m so glad he has you, not just on the road, but in general. I know how much he loves you. I do, too.”

His phone pings rapidly.

“Ten-minute warning for fetching him. Let’s go get you out and set. Phil’s on you until Jake walks out with Shawn,” he states, reaching for his headset in one hand, for you with his other.

You carefully walk down the back hallway towards the stage together. Jake and Phil meet you at the back corner of the build out. Jake hands you off a fresh pair of earplugs.

“You’re going to need these,” he reminds you. “It’s his usual walk, so he won’t expect a thing. Especially seeing Phil at that junction of the barricade, once Phil gets the signal from me that we’re going, he’ll shift behind you so Shawn can spot you.”

You throw him a thumbs up as you wedge the plugs into place. Phil takes your arm in his, his other hand patting your forearm.

“Let’s go surprise him,” he says, leading you out to the pit.

For some reason, probably your conversation with Cez if you’re being honest with yourself, has your stomach set off with butterflies. You’ve not been like this since the early days of your relationship. Excited, always. Happy, without a doubt. Nervous though? No. You try to not shift about, instead closing your eyes to take in the moment. The crowd is loud, you can smell the remnants of the smoke machine test earlier lingering in the air.

Phil taps your shoulder, sliding you into place in front of him.

“He’s walking,” he mouths with a wink.

The house lights come down and the stage lights start to just warm. You exhale and lean back onto Phil slightly, whose hands come to rest comfortably on your shoulders. The opening video starts to roll and the lights hit the pit walk so you know you’ve got about 30 seconds at best before he comes into view. Phil pushes you forward just a touch just as you spot Jake and Shawn with Connor shuffling just behind to get the right angle for the surprise.

He’s in his pre-show zone, not taking in much around him. Jake nudges him though and his eyes shoot up. Shawn looks over towards you, taking a moment for things to register, and when it does his smile is as bright as you’ve seen. His eyes grow wide, he turns to Jake, who nods with a grin and then Shawn takes off in a sprint.

“Surprise!” you try to scream, but he’s already got you in his hold lifting you to swing you around.

“Tell me I’m not dreaming, please,” he utters in your ear before pulling you closer, finally getting you back on your feet.

You slide your hands from his shoulders, one to the nape of his neck fingering the wispy curls there, the other to nudge his one in-ear out.

“Not a dream, baby. Very much here, very much real. You got me for the rest of the run, love,” you say directly into his ear. “Go be my Rockstar. I’ll watch side stage, be there waiting for you after the show.”

You pop his in-ear back into place then cup his cheek, watching his eyes roll back slightly.

“I love you so damn much,” he yells before kissing you soundly. “I am so lucky you’re mine.”

Shawn rubs his nose against yours before sneaking in another kiss, then runs up to the stage with Jake on his heels. Jake winks as he passes, throwing a double thumbs up before Phil takes you towards the back staircase so you can set up on the rolling case you know is waiting for you.

The show is electric as always, but he’s got a special energy tonight. You can’t help but feel a bit happy as to probably being the reason why. He’s smiling, sweaty and disheveled, running back towards you in the break before the encore.

“You’re a mess,” you quip with a smile, handing him a bottle of water and a towel.

“Never minded that before,” he retorts back, running a hand through the mess of his hair after wiping his face down with the towel.

“Not the place Shawn Peter,” you say, shooing him away. “Go finish, I’m not going anywhere.”

He drops the water bottle down on the case next to you, stealing another kiss before bopping his way back out.

You hop off the case and head out towards the curtain line to get a better view. His encore covers have been something else this tour. He’s been leaning hard into Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ and it’s a stunner, especially just him and the piano.

“I had a surprise tonight delivered to me just before the show, a really amazing one actually,” he begins as he settles into playing the piano. “So, if you all don’t mind, I’m going to play something a little special before I get into my last two songs.”

Once he hits the first few chords, your jaw drops immediately.

“You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down. You, you enchant me, even when you're not around. If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down. I'm latching on babe now I know what I have found,” he sings and you can’t help but inch closer to the edge as far as you can go without being spotted or seen. “I feel we're close enough, I wanna lock in your love. I think we're close enough, could I lock in your love, baby? Now I got you in my space, I won't let go of you. Got you shackled in my embrace; I'm latching on to you.”

You didn’t expect this the other night, so you very much don’t expect it tonight. You can’t do anything but watch him, enamored and amazed. He sounds breathtaking. The whole song just gives you goosebumps, especially in a setting like this. Damn this boy.

“Thanks for indulging me tonight, Santiago,” he says and you can see the flush spreading across his cheeks, even from there. He immediately segues into Free Fallin’ to get his encore moving, before finishing completely with If I Can’t Have You.

He’s got a hold of your hands the moment he’s out of sight of the audience.

“Did you like it?” he asks, dipping his head down to kiss you, feather soft.

“Love it, love you,” you reply, dusting kisses across his knuckles. “Come on, let’s get you back there before they start to think we’re defiling a case on the stage.”

He chuckles, tangling his fingers deeper with yours before leading you towards his dressing room. As you hit the main hallway, most of the band and the crew are waiting there and start whooping and clapping the moment the two of you come into view.

“What the hell?” you question, as he holds your hand tighter trying to make your way down the hall. He shakes his head, cheeks pink as he bites his bottom lip.

“Hold up,” Jake stops you both just before the doorway to his room, arms crossing against his chest and a shit eating grin spread across his face. “Believe you owe this lady a thank you.”

“Hello, the song, on stage, the encore? In front of the whole damn audience,” he retorts, running his free hand through his curls before tugging you towards him and the door without getting you covered in post-show sweat. “Now I’d like to shower, get the heck out of here so I can spend some time with her. Without an audience.”

You can hear the snickers and wolf whistles, it’s your turn to flush. Jake shakes his head no.

“You know what you assholes, fine,” Shawn sighs before rolling his eyes.

“Don’t even with me kid,” Jake smirks.

“I know what you’re…” he trails off but tugs your hand, so you stand closer to him. “Shit. C’mere baby.”

The next thing you know he’s cupping your neck and kissing the breath straight out of you. Your hands fly up, one gripping his shoulder the other tangling in his hair. He pulls away first, just as breathless as you’re feeling.

“You all happy now? Can I please get into my room?” he asks.

Jake moves aside, patting him on the shoulder. He snatches your hand and tugs you into the room, shutting and locking the door behind you both.

“Do I even want to know?” you say, leaning back against the door as he toes off his boots.

“Grander the gesture, bigger the thank you,” he replies, stripping off his button down next, his tank and jeans follow. “They like to tease, you know this. Especially when you and I start getting the way we do. It’s all in good fun, but not when you pull the most epic surprise and I’ve run through a whole damn show. I haven’t seen you in how long and I still haven’t really held you or loved on you the way I want to.”

“Then you best go shower, sweetheart,” you tease. “You know feeling is mutual.”

He darts over to kiss you again, “Be right back.”

He’s quick, which you appreciate, and even more that he’s just in a pair of threadbare, low slung navy sweats when he heads back out to you. He drops the towel in his hand to snag yours, pulling you towards the couch. He flops down first and pulls you immediately down on top of him. He kisses your forehead before scooting you down so your head can rest comfortably on his shoulder. He smells fresh, clean, warm, like him and like home.

“Hi baby,” he murmurs against your lips before kissing you slowly and thoroughly. “Fuck, how I missed you. I can’t believe you’re here. I’m so damn happy that you’re here. You’re amazing you know that? How did you pull this off?”

“Once Hong Kong pushed timeline, I had a little wiggle room, but I wouldn’t be sure until Denmark signed off,” you explain, finger carefully tracing back and forth against his collarbone and shoulder. “I didn’t want to get either of our hopes up, so I didn’t say anything. Then like a week and a half ago? That night we just couldn’t get timing together I think you were in Panama still. I was up and cranky at stupid o’clock, said screw it. I knew I had some comp time due, had a little vacation time left, plus after Bucharest debacle on their part, they kind of owe me to boot. Called Bea, looped in Cez and voila.”

“You’re making it harder to even come remotely close to do for you what you do for me,” he presses his lips against your hair. “I’m so grateful for you.”

“There’s not a tally, sweetheart. We do for each other, you know this,” you remind him. “You and me, always right?”

There’s a knock on the door and jingling of keys, you go to move but Shawn holds you to him.

“Just gonna be C, we’re not doing anything. You stay put,” he wraps his arms around your waist and nuzzles your ear.  

“Sorry kids, time to get a move on,” Cez calls out from the doorway. “Can I come in? Are you at least PG?”

“It’s cuddling man, that’s all,” Shawn barks out with a laugh as you bury your head into his neck.

“You’ve got about 10 minutes to get yourselves together before the sprinter gets here,” he reminds you both. “We’ve got a curfew in the building overall, so we can’t be late on this one.”

“I’ll make sure he’s ready,” you reply, trying to wiggle out of his hold. “Let’s go, you. Need to get your stuff together. Can’t be late.”

“Listen to your girl, Shawn,” Cez remarks. “She’s right. Plus, you’ll be free of us and interruptions once you’re back at the hotel. Late call tomorrow since we’re already set here. I’m leaving the door unlocked and open so no funny bunny ok?”

“Thanks, Cez. See you in a few,” you say, trying to nudge at Shawn.

“You know that means we can go to that park in the morning,” you whisper, kissing his chin once Cez is back out in the hallway. “Upsy daisy dear.”

He sighs dramatically, but with a smile, “Only if you promise a little morning love, breakfast in bed and that park in the morning.”

“You drive such a hard bargain,” you giggle. “It’s a deal.”

He kisses you quickly and loudly before sitting up with you still in his hold, “I can’t wait to get you alone alone tonight.”

“Which would be sooner if you got a move on,” you roll your eyes, poking at his chest while his hands palm you ass.

He stops for a moment though, looks at you softly while not taking his eyes off of you.

“Love you pretty girl,” he declares, hand pushing stray strands of your hair away from your cheek, before holding it in his palm.

“Love you too, Shawn.”