#I AM LATE TO THIS SHINDIG BUT LOOK

[velvetmud]

tongue ring temptation

your father’s neighbor and close friend joel is fixated on your tongue piercing and fantasizes about all the things you could do with it.

warning(s): 18+ smut, dbf!joel, 69ing, daddy kink, dirty talk, age gap, let me go on…….

not a request, just an idea I had cause I think tatts and piercings in weird places is hot. dad’s best friend!joel is late 30s/early 40s, meets reader when she’s 18, takes places while she’s mid early 20s. joel is for sure a weirdo.

au no outbreak, just the dad’s best friend dynamic is so taboo and hot imo so I had to join the bandwagon and write this filth. anyways!!! thank you for clicking and reading and interacting:) it’s seen and super appreciated !

-

honestly, you didn’t know how the word got around about your new tongue ring so fast. either way, when your family tried asking about it, you declared it as nothing but a fashion statement. and sure, there’d been plenty of curious eyes trying to catch a peek since.

but really, the only pair of eyes burning the back of your head so persistently, almost shamelessly was always joel miller. joel, mr. miller, the mystery man that lives alone down the street. also amongst your father’s neighborhood friend group. even if joel was a little on the quieter side compared to the rest, it wasn’t hard to see what he thought about you.

it’s just this phase she’s going through, your father says to joel as they lay in lawn chairs in the backyard. she’s just a punk-y kind of girl. I don’t even know how many times she’s come home during the holidays with another tattoo or a new hole in her face. barely recognize her anymore. kids, am I right?

joel’s grip around the can of beer almost crushed it. he forces himself to refrain from giving any kind of reaction. the adam’s apple in his throat bobbed up and down as he gathers up more stoicism and some goddamn composure.

“yeah. guess she is lookin’ pretty different nowadays.”

joel doesn’t know what else to say after that. he gulps down the rest of his cold brew and turns his head to dreamily stare off into the window of your vacant bedroom.

even if it’s only allowed for a brief moment, his mind still goes wild thinking of how gorgeous you’d look choking on every inch of his dick while he fucked your mouth relentlessly. in an instant, his body feeds him some more fantasy fuel. his dick slowly sprang up, on the verge of begging for at least a little attention and relief in his jeans.

and yeah, he already can’t help it anymore.

his mind drifted off further away, beginning to imagine the kinds of things you could do with that new stud in your tongue. how much hotter it’ll be kissing you with it. swirling his own tongue around the ball. maybe after tonight he’ll look up some vibrating tongue rings from the mall to buy you—

your dad’s phone rings obnoxiously, snapping joel out of his embarrassing daze. he watched in the corner of his eye as your father’s face lit up after answering it.

“there she is. late flight, huh? come say hi to me and joel out back once you get here, honey.”

-

throughout the night it wouldn’t have been as much heinous torture if you hadn’t been reciprocating all of his micro advances.

he’d lick his lips like he was parched while you’d talk and catch up with him and your parents. felt even more devious when you’d absentmindedly start playing with the shiny silver ball in your mouth. like a secret just for him to see.

he makes an innocent attempt at conversation alone while your parents do their own bickering. joel had asked you if it hurt when you got it. you wanna roll your eyes at such a typical question, but he seems genuinely baffled. still laughing it off, you go on explaining it only hurt to eat and you had to hold off on smoking for a bit but now it’s all healed. completely.

implying you could do whatever he wanted to him and then some.

around midnight was when the casual ‘welcome home’ shindig was over. joel helped load your luggage upstairs, helped your parents clean up and even helped wash the dishes right next to you.

someway and somehow, there was an unspoken bet that both of you should just play pretend when it was time to say goodbye, meet up later some place elsewhere. where you could both be alone.

joel has a subtle smirk pointed at you, looking like you possess this dirty little secret only the two of you share. the tension in the room has you two in a chokehold. he slowly moves in to hug you, tightening once both of you loosen up and relax into it. before you have a chance to say anything, your parents are right back behind and waiting to say their goodbyes to joel too.

he eats the moment up, wanting to take the opportunity to turn you red as a tomato again.

“I feel bad for your dad, you’re really growin’ up pretty, sweetheart. probably already breakin’ hearts.”

you barely register your parents in the background giving their ooohs and awwws about how much you’ve grown up too. your dad agrees with him, that he really is fucked. joel thinks he doesn’t know the half of it. they say their good nights and good byes, and joel steadily keeps his eye on you knowingly.

about an hour later, you’re treading lightly down the dark street to his house, knocking rhythmically with both fists on his back door.

joel is shirtless in old plaid pajamas as he slides the screen door open and turns a light on. when the initial shock and excitement washes over him, so does the hesitance, and he goes on and on and on. tries to warn you about the consequences, and blah, blah, blah. luckily you’ve quickly found your way of easily shutting his worries down, going in and kissing across his jaw and down to his scruffy neck while you reassure him it’s okay, y’know. not like I’ll even dream of telling him about this. know you’ve thought about it too.

his breathing gets labored once you had him right where you wanted him, and he decides fuck it. it was only a matter of time before he was gonna do something about his problem anyway, with or without you here.

he was already going to hell for thinking about it, fantasizing about you and what skills you could show off with that tongue.

-

though you’ve known joel for a few years now, in your eyes he’d only ever been this shy, wounded, somewhat guarded man.

but now that you’re getting tangled up in his sheets, shedding your clothes sitting in between his toned legs, begging him to take you however he wants you; he doesn’t ever seem to shut the fuck up. he’s voicing everything he’s feeling, throwing names at you and controlling the pace however he wants. and it just makes you need him that much more, hearing how much he’s needed you all this time.

now you’re down on your knees because he shoved you there. he’s commando under his pajamas, the hard outline through the fabric making it pretty transparent.

you watch as it twitched and stubbornly whipped up and poked upwards against his stomach. he strokes the base lazily and breathes hard. you stick your tongue out invitingly.

“oh fuck—show me how good that ball on your tongue feels. yeah, that’s it—good girl. suck it all down, good little slut. mhmm.”

he cheered you on as you close your eyes and hum around the mouthful of his warm length. you feel the rapid heartbeat thumping, pulsing. with juicy fervor, your mouth starts to salivate as you suckle down the tip and swallow around whatever you can. you start to gain a sense of routine for what drove joel mad and use it to your advantage.

he moaned the longest whenever you made obscene efforts trying to wiggle the silver little ball around every one of his sensitive spots. or show it off while you flattened the length of your tongue to lick a strip from the bottom to the top.

the line beneath his tip down to the long thick vein gets your undivided attention and affection. the kitten licks give him more stimulation than he knows how to deal with. it’s so good that joel has to do a double take, yanking your face off of him. strings of spit still keep you both connected, and joel is tempted to take a fucking picture. he tries to catch his breath, angrily pinching the tip to keep himself from cumming.

he gives up only a second later and starts pumping himself with a loose grip, staring down at you while he mumbles “yeah, fuckin’ knew it. only dirty girls that like gettin’ their mouth used and fucked have these. you’re just made to drink up my cum, aren’t you? fuck. makes it so good. c’mon, open up.” he instructs, his gruff demeanor returning while his thumb pulls down on your plush bottom lip, opening your mouth up to him again.

you stick your tongue ring out with siren eyes gazing up at him. ducking your head lower, you start running the silver ball up the veiny base of his cock some more. precum slowly but surely starts dribbling out in little waves, sloppy right from the tip. you already found yourself missing what he sounds like when he’s helpless.

“fuck, stop, hold on,” he commands, the words coming out in depraved whimpers as his hands reach down to pull your head back. “enough. I wanna touch you some more.”

you unconsciously try hiding your blushing cheeks when he brought your face up to his. he grabs your chin and doesn’t allow you to hide anything from him. his palm is still pressing on the back of your head, pushing your face closer. it was as close as he’s let his lips near yours, and it started to look like he couldn’t contain himself any longer.

his big hands slide down your whole backside as he relented and connects his lips with yours. the fact that your mouth had just been going to work on his dick and he doesn’t even care. it occurred to you that that’s what might be turning him on even more while your lips slowly move together. he embraces the tang of his own pre-cum and finally goes in to play with your piercing. you hum in his mouth when he suddenly heaves you up in his lap, ripping his mouth from you and moving on to the descent of the valley between your breasts.

“these nipples sure would look real cute if you pierced them too,” he proclaims, mesmerized. two of his fingers grab one of your nipples and pinch the soft bud. it hardens while goosebumps trail beneath his touch.

“or maybe…” the pad of his finger wanders down your body all the way down to your eager clit. you immediately start rutting up against the perfect pressure. “maybe you could pierce this cute little clit next. make it feel good for both of us,” he grins, twisting the button and spits a decent amount down and rubs it in. you mewl and keen and whine out his name. “bet you’d just melt under me while I eat it. teasing you would be too fuckin’ easy.”

“thought about it over summer,” you admit. “didn’t have the money though.”

“I’ll get it for you,” he insists, head traveling down lower to stuff his face between your thighs. “think you’ll love it even more when I kiss it. tease it. looking so fucking pretty.”

you grab hold of his salt and pepper hair and comb your fingers through it, sighing and smiling. “really? you’d do that for me?”

joel nods while making himself at home. runs his tongue up and down your smooth entrance, warming up before he nuzzled his nose into your clit. the man takes the squeal coming from your mouth as a reward, and he licks up the evidence of your excitement.

“mmmhm. wanna see my cum on every tattoo, on every piercing,” he kisses your inner thigh and sticks his thumb to your chin. “starting with that tongue ring of yours, baby girl.”

“please, please joel—“

“fuck…” joel impatiently snakes the tip of his middle finger inside, feeling the wet warmth tempt him. “c’mere, I know we’re both so close. doing good for me. god, knew you were a daddy’s girl.”

your cheeks heat as slick gushed between your legs at the pet name he gave himself. you brace yourself for what elaborate plan he has next while he manhandled you around like you were nothing but a sack of grapes. he maneuvers your face in his lap while his face gets a full frontal.

“I cum on that tongue, you cum on mine.”

it’s hard not to drool when his length is in your face again, but you get the memo that he’s not fucking around anymore when you feel him plunge several fingers inside. his tongue joins to wet your clit and suck it like a gumdrop.

“joel, I’m—I’m really close, I can’t…”

“I know, I know. me too, me too just—just keep going,” he groans, feeling you clamp down around his fingers. it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be just as tight and wet around his cock. he physically aches from having to hold back, his moans buzzing through you while you gulp him down inch by inch.

you’re drunk on each other, faces stuffed in each other’s laps, in perfect sync with how close you are. sweat beads down your chest and you’re begging him to either let up or let you finish. the thick digits plunging inside you over and over make a hook. you clench down on him one last time and just barely let out your warning that there’s no hope left for you to keep lingering right at the edge.

“yeah, that’s my girl. that’s daddy’s girl. love makin’ you feel this good.”

his rough voice stutters out more blind praise while you make a slick mess. he laps up all of it, sultry greed taking over him while you come down.

just when you think you have time to recover, he’s flinging you right back down to your place on your knees. his cock is swollen and red as he fists and taps it on your mouth, signaling you to open up. hazy, you still do as you’re told and open wide, ready to catch everything he’ll give to you.

“shit, baby. that’s right, keep it open wide for me,” he panted. a deep, low warning follows as the first spurt of his cum lands right on the bullseye. your mouth is almost full by the end, and he doesn’t let a drop land anywhere else. a hand comes down to hold your jaw open before he goes down to merge you in a sloppy kiss. you feel his tongue move sensually against yours, playing more with your tongue ring. sharing the mouthful of his load.

he pulls away and wipes his mouth and tells you to swallow and show him again.

the only sound in the room is heavy breathing. you feel your limbs turn to jello and accept your fate when you try sitting up, only falling back over when he tugs you back down.

kissing your temple, he rubs your shoulder with ease before wiping the sweat from his brow.

“I uh, I know this isn’t exactly ideal,” he trails off, a post-nut wave of insecurity rushing through him when he thinks about the shit he let come out of his mouth. “but I’ve thought about that for a real long time.”

“oh, I know what you’ve thought about this whole time,” you chuckle, nuzzling your head in his shoulder and dragging a nail up and down his arm. “if I knew all’s I had to do what stick my tongue out at you, I would’ve done it forever ago. you’re easy.”

“I’m only a man, sweetheart. don’t even gotta bat those eyes and I knew I wanted you,” he finds your eyes and holds contact with sincerity.

both of you lean in and kiss once more. it isn’t leading anywhere this time. it’s just because you wanted to.

“oh and I stand by my word. we’re getting that clit pierced soon.”

you laugh and scoff and kiss him some more.

in the early hours of the morning, you’d fall asleep still wrapped around each other and sleep in late enough not to get home in time. your father’s words float back to joel’s head when he slowly wakes up and sees what time it is.

barely recognize her anymore. kids, am I right?

-

this is open ended on if they’re already this close to getting caught like fucking idiots, so I’ll leave it up in the air. thaaank you for reading and my ask is open, im still in the midst of writing existing prompts too.

masterlist + buy me a ko-fi !!

[tomtenadia]

A Little Braver - 70

Helloooo... So, yours truly will be in Italy for ten days from tomorrow. I am not taking my laptop with me, but I will read all your Rowaelin fics and I have one ready to be posted. So as a gift, I am going to leave you with ch 70.

Another big day for Rowan and for Brullo too.

MASTERLIST

It was May and the sun was shining up high. Rowan rolled out of bed and smiled. It was a special day. A year ago his new adventure as a paramedic had started. His plan b.  The best decision of his entire life.  On that day he was going to have a meeting with Chief Harker and discuss his future. He hoped Lys had given him a good review but most of all, he wanted to stay at east. Not just for Aelin. The entire team was incredible and he had bonded deeply in the past six months. He was one of the family through and through.

 He leaned over and kissed Aelin. They had a belated birthday party. Her official one came on a day she was on shift. The team threw a full on shindig at the firehouse, but then he had taken her out. They had an opera date night and dinner at Enda’s restaurant and once back home he had given her his special present.

But while she was still sound asleep, he was giddy. He made waffles using the super cool waffle maker Aelin had given him for his birthday. He loved it. He looked around the kitchen and swore. They were weeks away from moving to their new house and a lot of stuff was being packed already. Had it been for Aelin they would have left it until the night before. He had managed to convince her to start at least pack the non essential items. Turned out that some of his cooking tools counted as non essential to Aelin. Which made sense since she was not the one cooking. In the two years they had been together the amount of fancy utensils had grown and Aelin kept being puzzled by why they needed such a large selection of pots and pans and oven dishes and why they needed about five different types of knives? She had laughed at him when he told her that there was a special one to cut bread. Once at Enda she had asked the man if it was true and the man had showed him the collection of utensils in a professional kitchen.

The cousins had become a permanent fixture in their life and Rowan was glad to have them back. Sellene had started working full time at the restaurant and Enda had hired her as baker. Aelin was a fan of his cousin’s cakes.

He looked away at the mantle piece and saw the box with the fragment of the old hangar. It was there, prominent. Aelin wanted to have it out so that when people would ask what it was she could answer saying that it had been the best fire of her life. In April they had celebrated two years together and some days Rowan still could not believe Aelin had chosen him.

He was woolgathering when a set of hand brushed his midriff and felt her lips deposit a kiss on his naked back. He had put shorts on, but the day was lovely so he had opened the window and was enjoying some rare warmth in Orynth.

“Good morning, paramedic Whitethorn.”

He turned her in his arms and kissed her “morning, captain.”

“Ready for the big day?” Her words a whisper against his lips.

“Will you still love me if I don’t end up at east?” He kissed her “what if I end up in a regional house?” His gaze landed on her “please tell me our house in the north falls under Marcus’ jurisdiction.”

Aelin smiled “it does, it’s still in a city postcode.”

He relaxed and Aelin bumped his nose “were you making waffles?”

“Yes, are you okay with them?”

“Very much��”

Breakfast had then lead to a shower and illicit activity and now Rowan felt that he was running late. He had said goodbye to Aelin promising to see her at the station after the meeting.

He felt bad showing up in front of the chief is his paramedic uniform, but he was meant to go on shift afterwards. Surely the chief would understand. Then he realised it was his military training kicking in. Showing in front of a superior in nothing but perfect uniform was the rule.

He climbed the steps quickly and at the reception he announced himself to the secretary. Chief Harker came to meet him a few minutes later “Rowan…”

“Morning, chief.”

“It seems like yesterday when you were standing in that hall for your interview,” he made polite conversation until they reached his office.

“Sit down, please,” and he took out his file and opened to read it “So, we are here for your six months review. Anything you’d like to say?”

Rowan nodded “these have been the best six months I could have asked for. I love my job, deeply. I have an amazing team and two wonderful partners who have taught me so much.”

The chief gave him a huge grin “Lysandra wrote a very in depth review of your training months,” he paused “and she asked me to add that it was made with the eyes of a senior paramedic, not as a friend. It was based on your actions, skills and what you showed in the field.”

“Thank you.”

“Rowan Whitethorn has proven to be a very skilled paramedic. He accepted all the teaching from myself and Miss Lochan but has also shown the ability to work independently if the situation asked for it. He displayed great people skills with the patients, making them comfortable and reassuring when panicking. Mr Whitethorn is eager to learn and displayed great passion for the medic career. He is calm and focused and on a couple of occasions he had demonstrated to perform wonderfully under pressure. He fits perfectly with the firehouse and also has become an asset for the paramedics team. It is my judgment that Mr Whitethorn be fully granted the status of paramedic and work under miss Lochan as her permanent partner.”

The chief stopped reading and his heart was racing madly in his chest. He had done it.

“I guess that Lysandra’s report speaks for itself.”

Rowan nodded.

“I had a good feeling about you from the start and I usually I am good at reading people.”

“Thank you sir for this opportunity.”

“Lysandra reported to me very frequently, and I have known the woman for a long time and it takes a lot to impress her. You and Elide are the only two paramedics she actually ever liked or trusted and that is the biggest endorsement.”

Rowan nodded once more, feeling that words would fail him.

“And yes… you will be staying at east. I am not separating a team that works. I am sure you are aware that Lysandra is planning to step down and join the academy as instructor.”

“She hasn’t said it officially but I think everyone suspects it.”

“Lysandra confirmed it to me last week. She will do her last shift today at east and then become an instructor. She is six months pregnant and firehouse life is taking a toll on her.”

Rowan had noticed and on every call he had been worried. It was getting harder for Lys to do most things. She had progressively let Elide be in charge while she was overseeing things. At the firehouse she struggled to sleep and she was always tired. Aelin had explained to him that Lys wanted to stay until his appointment was permanent, but it had been hard on the woman and Aedion had been appearing for visits more and more frequently.

“I guess you are eager to go back to the station and celebrate.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Go, you deserve it.”

Rowan did not bother to text Aelin. He just jumped in the car and drove to east station.

He walked through the common room doors with a sad face just to mess with them. He just hoped Lysandra hadn’t said anything.

Aelin was the first one who spotted him “Ro?”

He sighed dramatically “they sent me to the worst station in all of the TFD. The team is bonkers and don’t get me started on the captain,” he was struggling to contain his grin “she is such a menace.”

And when they all finally registered his words they exploded. Aelin ran to him and jumped in his arms, kissing him all over his face “You are at east.”

He stared in her eyes “I am.”

Aelin climbed down and the rest of the team went for a hug and then he awkwardly enveloped Lysandra in his arms “thank you,” he kissed her head “for everything. For all you taught me and all the opportunities.”

Lysandra caressed his face and sniffled “you have been an incredible student,” then she turned to the team while still sniffling “I guess it’s time to make it official,” she grabbed Elide and Rowan’s hands “This is my last shift in the firehouse, then I will officially transfer at the academy as instructor.” She was now crying “my little boy here is making it hard to cope with firehouse life,” she patted her bump “Elide will be the new PIC and Rowan her partner,” she blew her nose quite hard “I love you all, this is the best team I could have asked for and knowing that Elide has a great partner makes it much easier for me to step down.” She tuned to Elide and with her hand she reached her collar and removed her insignia and stepped closer to her friend “Elide, you are officially the PIC. You worked hard for this and I know you will do great. I trained you, I know what you are capable of,” then she hugged “I will miss you.”

Rowan moved beside Aelin and pulled her to him.

Lysandra pulled back and breathed in “I will see you all and I am sure Aelin will fill me in on all of your adventures,” then she looked at her friends “you are not allowed to cry, I am the pregnant one, it’s my prerogative,” a friendly punch on Brullo’s shoulder “and we also have to celebrate our lieutenant today.”

That had been the plan, to wait for Rowan’s news and the celebrate with the hope of a quiet shift.

Enda had sent food over and Sellene had prepared the cake. It was in the shape of the firehouse, at the front she had an engine parked near a number 30 and the ambulance with a figurine beside it that looked a lot like Rowan.

Aelin had it commissioned a week before. Lysandra had told her in secret that Rowan was staying at east and she had set her plan in motion.

“Did Sellene do that?” asked Ansel eyeing the cake.

“She has become a pro.”

“I feel guilty eating it.”

Rowan chuckled “Don’t worry, Asterin, Aelin surely doesn’t.”

The woman in question punched him gently on the shoulder “beware captain or I ask chief Harker to ship you to the worst regional team they have.”

He grinned and kissed her.

The boys started to distribute the cake around and when everyone had a piece Aelin took the stage. She walked in the middle of the common room “Shush everyone, it’s speech time.”

The team fell silent “today is a special day for many reasons,” she walked to Brullo and placed her hands on his shoulders “Brullo, our dear lieutenant celebrates thirty years as a firefighter. An achievement that very few have reached. You have been a mentor and a good friend, you made me feel welcome when I started at east a long time ago. You did it with all of us. You are the dad of this firehouse and its beating heart. Thank you.” She hugged him and the man blushed and Aelin turned to Lys “bitch, you are my best friend and I love you and it will be so strange not to have you around,” Aelin took her hand “but you are moving on for a wonderful reason and the academy is lucky to have you full time. I can’t wait to see you and Ae deep in diapers and baby stuff. You two deserve this.” The two women hugged fiercely and Lysandra started crying again blaming the hormones.

Finally Aelin turned to Rowan and stopped in front of him, her eyes locked with his “Ro, a year ago you embarked in your plan B. You overcame everything life threw at you, graduated from paramedic school and today you are officially part of this family. I am proud and I am glad you can call east your second family.” Rowan pulled her to his chest and kissed the crown of her head but did not add anything. Aelin knew how he felt.

“Right,” she pulled back “now you can eat.”

They were all eating cake when three men appeared on the doorstep.

“Lor, guys, you made it,” Elide walked to them and kissed her boyfriend.

“Sorry we had a few things to do.”

“Come on, there’s plenty of cake,” added Ress waving at the men.

“Flight school business?”

Lorcan nodded.

The three men had decided to open a flight school but had not realised how complicated the bureaucratic process would be. Sellene had offered to help with all the legal parts and after months it finally looked like they were almost ready to go.

“We think we are only a few weeks away,” Lorcan looked at Rowan “you are an elite boy, any chance you can come at the site and check our planes?”

Rowan hesitated “sure you guys know how to do checks and all?”

“But you are the test pilot.”

Rowan turned and walked away and Lorcan followed him “Rowan!”

They reached the bunks room and Rowan stopped.

“Why can’t you help us?”

“Because I don’t want to.” His words almost a growl. He knew he was letting his friends down but he couldn’t fly anymore. The days of the wildfires had made that very clear.

“I am not a pilot anymore, Lor. That chapter of my life has closed a while ago… I just can’t…”

Lorcan sat at his side and sighed deeply “I miss him too…” and for a moment he let himself vulnerable “I watched him die… and all I could do was watch the action unfold from the CIC,” Rowan could feel the anger in his friend’s words “I was not out there,” Lorcan stood and began pacing “I hated being a fucking commodore, being in that hole and watch my men die. I fucking hated every single moment of it.”

“Have you talked to Elide?”

“About what?”

“This? Lor, I know you grew up in a family where emotions were seen as a sign of weakness…’” Rowan stood too and stopped in front of his friend “But I know what pushing emotions away does to you. I have done it for so long that it fucking messed up with me.”

“I can’t…”

“Lor… start with Elide, then when you feel a bit more comfortable I can recommend you the organisation I used.”

“What if Elide leaves me?”

Rowan shook his head, the woman would do no such thing. He was positive of that.

“Elide will not leave you. You need her.”

“Fine, you win.”

Rowan smiled “I can come one day and play glorified mechanic… I am not flying.”

“Come on Chaos, let’s get back, they are celebrating without us.”

When they got back both Aelin and Elide looked at them and Rowan nodded. It was all fine he seemed to say to the two women. Lorcan joined Elide while Vaughan and Connall were  busy talking with the team.

They were all having fun when dispatch alarm put a hold on the festivities “you three stay here. This is not over. Lorcan, you know the house.” Shouted Aelin as she ran to the engine.

The three men followed them on the apparatus floor and watched the vehicles go.

“Embankment station. Drunken man in the water, apparently.”

Aelin groaned “just what I needed, to get wet.”

They arrived at the location ten minutes later and saw a crowd gathered around the pier.

Aelin got off the engine and walked quickly to the crowd “away, I need you all to stay far away and let us work.”

“I am the one who called you guys. I was walking the dog when I saw it happen. He just stumbled and fell…”

“Do you know how long has he been down?”

The woman looked at her watch “A good five minutes already.”

“Ress, Wes with us we are going in. Grab your scuba gear. Quickly.”

Very swiftly they grabbed their masks and respirators, abandoned bunker gear on the pier and the the three of them plus Manon, jumped in the water. They had to work fast.

The four disappeared under water and the team waited. Brullo had the lifesaving buoy ready for the victim. Although it was May the waters of the Florine could still be quite cold.

The minutes passed but no one emerged.

“The water is too murky,” added Rowan while following the operations.

“Time is ticking…” said Lysandra “ten minutes without oxygen and he is brain dead.”

Rowan was pacing and felt useless but until they found the man, his job was to wait.

All of a sudden a movement and Manon broke the water “Aelin got him,” she said while removing her respirator. Wes followed a moment later and then Aelin and Ress emerged. Aelin had passed her respirator to the unconscious man in her arms. With Ress they swam slowly and Brullo threw the buoy. They placed it around the victim and the team on land pulled him closer and out of the water.

Aelin sat on the pier and coughed a bit and Rowan tried to ignore it for a second. He and Elide were checking the vitals of the man. His breathing was shallow but the respirator had done his job and prevented him to drown. The four firefighters grabbed some blankets and Lys pushed him to Aelin. The situation was under control.

“Let me check on you,”

She coughed once more “I am fine. I just drank some water.”

“That is my job to decide.”

“You are so bossy.”

He took out his stethoscope and listened to her lungs and did a few more checks “make sure you dry quickly once you are back at the station.”

“Love you too.”

Rowan rose and grinned at her and went back to Elide and Lys and they got ready to go to Med.

Aelin’s team got back to the station and as soon as they got there, the four who had been in the water ran to get changed into dry clothes then went back to the common room to continue where they had left off and noticed Lorcan, Connall and Vaughan waiting for them.

“Had a nice swim?” Vaughan passed a plate to Aelin “Fancy coffee you all? It’s warm.”

The team nodded and the two men started distributing the drinks.

“I was saying to Lorcan that is amazing to watch you guys spring into action. You’d put the response time in the airforce to shame.”

“Aelin is our drill sergeant,” joked Nox “she sneaks on us and runs drills even in the middle of the night and times us.”

Aelin finished to take a bite of her cake “I am just making sure we are the best house. You all want to keep Dorian happy, right?”

The team nodded. Dorian was a good chief but they knew they did not want to be on his bad side. His reaction on the day Aelin was attacked and had not listened to Lysandra had convinced them that the chief could be scary when mad.

“No ma’am. Dorian is a cinnamon roll with a dark side.” The joke had come from Asterin and the team laughed.

When the paramedics came back they found the team eating and laughing “look at them, we are working and they are here being lazy,” said Lys walking slowly  in the common room.

“Elide and Rowan are working…” Aelin smiled at her friend and Lys replied by sticking her tongue out “Wait until you are in my situation then it will be me making fun of you.”

Rowan walked to the table and grabbed an apple while all the others went back to their cakes “Don’t anger the woman…” he said walking to Aelin who was finishing her huge slice of chocolate cake.

Lysandra plopped heavily on the sofa and started massaging her belly “yeah don’t anger the stranded whale.”

“You are just glowing, darling,” jested Elide.

“Lys, why don’t you go home? You look exhausted.”

“My shift is not over yet.”

Aelin placed the fork down “Lys, Elide and Rowan can finish this shift.”

“You are trying to get rid of me early.”

Aelin stood and sat at her friend’s side “No darling. I am just worried about you and your little boy.”

Lysandra leaned back “Ae, is coming to pick me up.”

Aelin smiled and kissed her friend on the cheek “good.”

An hour later Aedion arrived at the station and joined east team in the common room and went for his wife.

“Thanks for convincing her,” he said to her cousin.

While his wife was getting changed he walked to Brullo and congratulated the man for his big anniversary, then walked to Rowan “Aelin told me the good news. East is lucky to have you.”

Rowan grinned “I guess that having two ex airforce an ex navy and ex army would have been too much for your station.”

Aedion raised his arms in a yielding motion “I am surrounded.”

His wife appeared ten minutes later, bag on her shoulder and the whole east team was there for her.

Elide ran for a hug “You have been the best partner I could have asked her. If I am the PIC it’s thanks to you.”

Lys shook her head “no, you got there by yourself.  You are ready, Elide,” and her stare turned to Rowan “now you got him.”

Aelin jumped in the hug “I will miss not having you around here.”

Not long after the three women were sobbing and slowly the whole team joined in for a gigantic group hug.

When Lys protested she could not breath they pulled back “This is not a goodbye. I will probably still annoy you all. You are my family after all and love you all,” a sob broke from her “when I joined east I had no idea I would find this, friends, an amazing husband,” she patted her belly while Aedion pulled her to him “This place will forever be in my heart.”

“Just try and be nice to the students,” the joke had come from Manon to break the poignant moment and Lysandra chuckled “I am wonderful teacher.”

“I can vouch for that,” added Rowan while holding Aelin.

“Come on now let me take you home.”Aedion grabbed her bag and slowly walked out while the whole of east station followed them outside.

Once the couple was away they got back inside “Do you remember the days when they were both denying their feeling and drive us insane?” Said Aelin while going back at the big table and at her cake.

“They were so cute,” added Ansel “Lys would ignore him, but as soon as she was with us ladies she would gush on how hot he was.”

“Yes, making me sick. Ae is my cousin…” and she shivered “ugh.”

The team laughed and Rowan held her from behind with his chin on her head “was she ever like that about me?”

“Captain, I can safely say that the entire female population of this firehouse had at some point improper thoughts about you.” The comment had come from a deadpanned Asterin and Ansel raised her hand straight away “amen to that.”

Rowan laughed hard and kissed her head “sorry ladies, but this man here is happily taken but thanks for the fan club.”

The afternoon had been calm and east team was hoping in a very quiet shift. Something that rarely happened.

But the peace was broken by dispatch alarm.

“All units on scene, high rise fire on South market st.”

The whole team jumped into action “all units? Five firehouses, this must be a beast.” Commented Aelin while donning her bunker gear “come on, quickly.”

“Cap, it’s in the financial district,” added Nox once in the engine.

“Skyscrapers… and that’s us hoping in a nice boring shift.”

When they approached the area they were not ready for the raging fire engulfing the top half of the skyscraper in front of them.

“Fuck.”

TAGS:

@rowaelinismyotp​ @swankii-art-teacher​ @whimsicallyreading​ @elentiyawhitethorn​ @aelin-bitch-queen​ @bruiseonthefaceofhumanity​  @mis-lil-red​ @thegreyj​ @sailorsassley​ @leiawritesstories​ @clairec79 @morganofthewildfire @sv0430 @heartless--aromantic @autumnbabylon​ @rowanaelinn​ @backtobl4ck​ @susumaus98​  @gracie-rosee​ @mybloodrunsblue​ @tanvee1231 @avenrebekah​ @whoever-you-choose-to-love​  @theywillnotsingforme @universallytreepost @black-daisy-water @goddess-aelin @whispers-in-the-darkest-heart

[uselessidiotsquad]

gonna give you right back what you gave me--one ∞ for general music and one ∞ specifically for riag :D @kerra-and-company (and i hope you're doing well too! <3)

Ty for the ask :D I am doing better lately, brain is less spicy!

General:

"When the God of Love Returns There'll be Hell To Pay - Father John Misty"

"Oh it's just human, human nature We're got these appetites to serve. You must not know the first thing about human beings, We're the earths most soulful predator. Try something less ambitious next time you get bored, oh my Lord."

This one just has good commentary on the ridiculousness of the human existence and how we're tried to paint a picture of it through religion.

Riaghael:

(WHEEZE) I PROMISE NOT ALL MY SONGS ARE GLOOMY - THE SHUFFLE FEATURE IS FRAMING ME

"Graveyard - Mitch Grassi"

"Roots and lies, roots and lies, our family tree is old. From there we climb the golden hill, calmly will eternity I held your heart, a giant wand; all tell of sorrow And history begins to be blue and brown eyes."

This reminds me a lot of Riag looking back on things as his time as Commander, not even just the whole Maguuma shindig, but just the whole experience. And also him sort of reflecting on the Sylvari as a whole and how much they've gone through in a short period of time (family tree is old - considering they're from Elder Dragons).

[crystallizekpop]

｡･::･ﾟ★ ⋆welcome ⋆ ★

KPOP Enamel Pins, Buttons, Art Prints, and more!

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. 　　　.   　　˚　　 　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　 ˚　.˚　　　　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　 　　 　　　　 ✦

Find me here~

ETSY | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

Click to read more about me and my story!

Hello wonderful human! Thank you for checking out my page and choosing to learn a little bit more about the beautiful face that runs this shindig. So let's begin! My name is Hannah and I am the owner and operator of crystallizekpop. I am an ‘02 liner and have always had a passion for anything art related since I was really young. My interests are: listening to music (specifically KPOP), drawing, dancing, photography, and just about anything else hands on and crafty. Since I was little, I always wanted to start my own business of some sort. KPOP has become a very important part of my life and I have been able to create and heal many relationships over the music and culture. Now let’s get into how I am where I am today, I started my journey with KPOP back in October of 2018 when my best friend introduced me to BTS. I had never heard of it before and after watching DNA and MIC Drop, I was instantly swayed over to the KPOP community. It wasn’t until July of 2019 when I actually sought out the music myself; getting more familiar with BTS’s discography and introducing myself to new groups. I was so excited when I got front row tickets to see BTS for the Map of the Soul 7 tour, when all of the sudden…COVID-19 hit and made a huge negative impact on the world. I was absolutely devastated when the tour was canceled and I had nothing in life to look forward to, so I turned to art as an outlet to escape my worries. Being cooped up inside left me to my own thoughts, and I was reminded of the small business I wanted to create. After tons of research and late nights creating the perfect templates and designs, it was time to show the world my passion and hardwork. So in July of 2020, crystallizekpop was born. Since then I have been able to make so many wonderful products, form partnerships, and create even more relationships within the KPOP small business community. Crystallizekpop has been one of the greatest things to happen in my life and I am so happy that this timeline has allowed me to share this experience with all of you. I always look forward to what comes next, and I know my amazing and wonderful supporters can’t wait to see what’s in store. I wish I could go back and tell my past self that what she is doing is the right thing and that there will be moments of dread and feeling like this will go nowhere, but creating a small business is not about how successful you are, it’s about the experience and how much it means to you, so you have to keep fighting for what you believe in and keep your head up, no matter what. I cannot wait to see what the future of crystallizekpop holds and I hope each and every one of you reading this right now (if you’ve made it this far, haha) stick by me and continue to follow me and my dream, because I would not be here without any of you. I can promise you that crystallizekpop will not be going away anytime soon and I will continue to grow as a small business owner and as a store. There will be many more great products and new things to look forward to in the upcoming years. So please continue to follow and trust me and I promise you that you will not be let down. Now go secure your goods before they run out!

[always-andromeda]

hi meda!! i hope you're having a great story time tonight 🥰

so i went to a suuuuuper religious mormon high school in the middle of utah (because there's no other kind lol). it was a public school, but everybody was mormon. like 98% of the student body, which caused sooooo much drama.

most of the drama was caused by the seminary, which is like another class mormon high schoolers take. for most people who don't live in utah, they have to do early morning seminary at 5 am, but at my school we had release-time seminary during the school day, and they had a building right next to the school so there was a bunch more influence ig.

anyways, the seminary would have 'morningsides' once a month at 5am, and it was a BIG DEAL if you like slept in and forgot. also, i didn't start driving myself to school until my junior year, so my mom had to wake up and drive me 😭 they were honestly kind of boring and i hated to go, but people were so bitchy if they didn't see you there so. and then, just to make sure everybody knew you were at the morningside, you had to wear your church clothes for the rest of the day. it was literally the stupidest thing in the world.

also every month the seminary building would have F.E.A.S.T.S, which stood for "friends eating at seminary together" and you were supposed to get your lunch from the school and then go to the seminary to eat it. they would pack like 400 kids into these tiny rooms and we'd have to sit on the floor while they told us that looking at porn would turn you into a rapist. all the actual teachers would get super mad too, because they ALWAYS went long, and so like more than half of the class would show up late and be like, "oh i was at F.E.A.S.T 🥰" and then get mad when they got marked tardy.

i fucking hated seminary 🙄

I am having a fantastic time, anon!! Hope you’re having a great time reading alone with these too!! ☺️

First of all. My condolences on going to a mostly Mormon school. 🥲 I wasn’t raised Mormon, but a decent chunk of the folks in my family are from Utah and are super Mormon so I heard a fair amount of Mormon weirdness on occasion.

I ALSO had a fat crush on a guy in high school who was Mormon so he was doing a seminary course as well!! I remember my dumbass would listen to him talk about Mormonism all starry eyed (I was attracted to lots of different flavors of religious boys in high school lmao). He’d show me BYU youtube videos in class and I’d be all like, “Ugh, he’s so cute!! 🥰” GIRL, he’s probably trying to convert you.

But you gotta love when that moment when you realize just how many of those teenage religious shindigs are so very performative?? Like no one wants to be there but everyone is there anyways because if you aren’t, that makes you a bad person. 🥲👍🏻 Props to your mom for driving you at five every morning though, that shit had to be so exhausting.

[letsgofoletsgo]

Are you still doing this? Bc I’d like to ask Jay 1, 2, & 10 🥰 I miss talking w you two about our lives in Auradon! Harry says hi btw 👋🏼👋🏼

Hi Emily! We miss you guys too! Don’t worry, Jay’s still around.

That I am! Glad to hear from you Em. (And Harry too, I guess. Just keep him in line for me, ok?)

1.Give us a rundown of s/i! Who even are they? How are they doing?

Well, Zales is my partner in crime, in more ways than one, heheh. Though most of our major thieving days are behind us, we can wrap together a solid scheme if need be. For now though, xyr doing fine for xemself helping out Evie with her fashion business. Ever since we’ve made our peace with the AKs and VKs, I’ve noticed xyr calmer, more upbeat than when we we’re on the isle. It makes me happy to see xem doin’ better these days, even if he spends his time in a fancy lookin’ button up; which he looks hella handsome in, by the way.

2. What have you been up to with s/i lately? Did anything fun happen in the last couple days?

As I said, Zale’s been busy with Evie these days, got some big projects to work on. But xe still came out to see our latest Tourney game, one of the final of the season. We wiped the field with the other team, of course, and that meant celebration. The core and I had a little shindig with our friends, was a bang up time. Zales and I snuck out a couple hours later for some one-on-one, as much as I like basking in my glory, I can’t stay away from em for too long, you know?

10. What’s your favorite thing about s/i? Like in general?

Well, when I first met xem, Zales just… Always seemed to know what xe was doing. He was resourceful, always able to get xemself out of a sticky situation. But after I spent time with xem, after they became part of the core, I learned how loyal xe is. Xe never turned xyr back on us, even if it could have benefited xem. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I guess Auradon can bring out the best in even the sharpest of VKs, heh.

[turtle-babe83]

Hello can I order number; 37,43,14, 7Please??? 🥺

Happy to oblige sis! 🧡🧡🧡 Let’s play a little game with our party dude, shall we?

Warning: Language and NSFW 18+ only

Michelangelo, nunchuck specialist, pizza aficionado, and all around party dude, was in a bit of a pickle. His endless flirting had produced the opposite of what he was aiming for. When he realized he had feelings for you, he upped his charm repertoire and instead of falling into his arms, you laughed and punched his shoulder. No matter what he tried, you brushed it off.

He finally decided to talk with Raph about it. His big brother’s suggestion? Quit being all talk. Lades like a man of action. Mikey mulled that over for a while, and with you coming over for a small get together at the lair tonight, determined to test out the theory. 

You arrived with April, waltzing in with confidence, wearing a short sundress and flats. It was simple, but Mikey was nonetheless entranced. He debated on how to start his conquest, opting for a slow burn. He would start out with his regular flirting, build the intensity, then make a more physical move. After a quick mental pep talk, he brushed up against you in the kitchen.

“Hey hot stuff, you look like a cool drink of water and I am dyyying of thirst,” he drawled, draping an arm around your shoulders. You laughed out loud with a shake of your head.

“Geez, Mikey! Where do you get this stuff?” you giggled.

“You’re my muse, girl. I see you and I get lots of ideas running through my head,” he wiggled his brow ridge at you. “You know, I need to work on my dirty talk. Wanna help me?”

You wiggled your brows back at him, “What did you have in mind, Casanova?”

A perfect opportunity and you just handed it to him on a silver platter. He mentally rubbed his hands together with glee.

“How about a little contest, a game if you will,” he murmured.

“I’m listening.”

“I’m going to flirt, talk dirty, stuff like that through out this little shindig. If you manage to resist me, I’ll stop all the flirting. But if I can get you all hot and bothered, I get a kiss. Deal?” he felt his heart hammering away in his chest as he waited for your reply.

The fact was, you really did have a thing for the turtle in orange. It was annoying to you when he flirted because he didn’t didn’t treat April any differently. You just assumed that flirty was his style and there just wasn’t anything else behind it. This little bet though, it could possibly tip the balance and show you where you really stood with him.

Holding out a dainty hand to shake, you agreed, “Deal.”

Throughout the evening, Mikey made sure to stick extra close to you. When no one else was close enough to hear, he murmured hot promises in your ears. Explicit details of exactly how he could turn you into a whimpering mess with just his tongue. His hot breath on the back of your neck, spreading goosebumps over your skin. Little touches that were light, but strategically placed. Compliments dripped like honey from his lips. As the evening wore on, you lost count of the times he sent shivers down your spine and wetness to your panties. You had to admit you were incredibly turned on. And the smug bastard knew it.

It was getting late and the few other guests were saying their goodbyes, when he slipped up behind you and those meaty arms wound around your middle. He walked you backwards into his bedroom to discuss the game.

Deciding that he had time for one more, he turned you around and slipped the straps from your sundress down slowly, “Wow. That outfit...oof. Here, let me help you get it off.” 

Instead of the giggles and eye rolling you usually resorted to, you gutted him with a sultry look as you gave him your back again, “The zipper is back here, Mikey.”

He gulped. Shit, it actually worked? He would have to buy Raph his favorite pizza as a thank you. His fingers trembled as he pulled the zipper down slow, licking his lips at your exposed skin. No bra. Dear lord, he was going to combust. When you let it drop to your feet, you heard his quick inhale of breath. You stepped out of your flats and the puddle of fabric on the floor.

Turning to face him in nothing but your teeny panties, you took your stance, “You won, Mikey. Come get your prize.”

Mikey felt his gut clench and his cock stir as he took that step forward and reached for you, “You have to kiss me, that was the deal.”

Your arms came up to hug that thick neck and you pressed your naked breasts against his hard plastron. The first touch of your lips was soft, tentative, shy even. But as you pressed more firmly, it was like lightning arced between you. You both paused in shock, then mouths were sliding clumsily and tongues were tangling. The onslaught of feelings bombarding the two of you was like a sudden thunderstorm drenching you with hard pelting rain. Between kisses, Mikey managed to walk you both back to his bed, where he fell back, keeping you on top of him. Professions of like and love, proclamations of lust and desperate want filled the air. Hands wandered and finally you were both naked and panting for breath.

Staring deeply into his baby blues, you managed to gasp out, “Fuck me. Please.”

“Yeah, yep! Okay,” he stammered. He hadn’t thought this far ahead. His plan had included revealing his feelings and hoping you felt the same. Now you were naked in his bed asking to be fucked. He was lightheaded with the turn of events. But he was now a man of action, he reminded himself.

You laid back on the bed, watching the bewilderment on his face. “C’mere baby,” you cooed, widening your legs. His eyes naturally zeroed in on your glistening pussy. A few deep breaths later, Mikey was hovered over you, aiming his hard shaft at your entrance. You both watched as he pushed in the first couple of inches, groaning in tandem. You felt like hot silk around him, tight and welcoming. He was stretching you so deliciously, you pressed your head back into his pillow, arching your back. When he was finally seated all the way, he took a moment to lean down and capture your open lips. Your tongue met his and danced and swirled as he pulled back and began to rock his hips. You pulled away, panting as he filled your canal so full, each thrust nearly taking your breath away. A mantra of ‘ohgodohgodohgod’ was on repeat in your head when he shifted and it changed the angle. Suddenly, the g-spot that no one else had ever found was getting the treatment it deserved. You clenched your walls around him with a whine, and that must have been the button to press, because suddenly, Mikey sat up with his big hands grasping your hips hard enough to bruise as he jerked you onto his cock over and over. With the noises that were leaving your mouth, you were sure you wouldn’t be able to face his brothers in the morning. Mikey’s eyes were darkened with desire as he plunged deep with a rhythm worthy of a heavy metal anthem. As much as you wanted the experience to last, you knew you were getting close, and surmised that Mikey probably was too.

“Mike, I’m gonna-“

“Ah fuck, gonna cum, gonna cum!” he whined, his rhythm becoming erratic.

You cried out as you came hard, legs wrapped tightly around his hips and he spilled into you a minute later. Both shaking and breathing hard, he eased out of you and fell to your side.

“Mikey, holy shit. That was absolutely perfect,” you looked over at his sweaty face.

He looked back, a slightly guilty expression on his handsome face, “I may or may not have left some....marks.”

A sly grin crept across your face, “Well, I suppose that just means I get to mark you somehow in the next round.”

Mikey supposed he might owe Raph a case of Orange Crush to go with that pizza.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

stage 1: denial 🤨

[Referencing this post! Or any L*ona denial post, really—]

YOU DIDN’T HEAR/READ THIS FROM ME, BUT.............................

One of my friends described Raven (my OC, not me) and L*ona’s dynamic as “Beauty and the Beast” MEANWHILE I’M OVER HERE LIKE “I’m picturing more like Zazu in the bone cage and Scar” 😂

BUT THEN I STARTED THINKING (a dangerous thing to do, I know)........................

OKAY LIKE OTL L*ona in that suit (ponytail too) that the Beast wears, and Raven in Belle’s dress (cnjsbsjsvsjw which kind of suits her since L*ona ironically nicknames her “Canary”)??????

Let’s say that Crowley wants to rub shoulders with the rich and the powerful to suck donations from them, so he decides to host a charity ball 😳 and since he wants to come off as a super competent headmaster and guardian, of course he’s gotta drag along his niece. Look at how prim and proper she is, surely Crowley must be as well-put together as Raven—

Then uh-oh, she runs into Ruggie who’s kind of like the wingman? stuffing free food into plastic containers for later~ And Ruggie mentions how he’s someone’s “plus one” to this fancy shindig OTL

xbjsvsjwbsje They do the dumb thing where the trumpets blare and they individually announce the arrival of each important guest and at THAT exact moment they announce L*ona 😔 There he is at the top of the stairs, looking grumpy as he descends in that stupid suit—

“Ne~ L*ona-san sure does clean up well, huh?” Ruggie lets out a low whistle, elbowing Raven in the ribs................. THEN HE MAKES IT WORSE BY WAVING AND CALLING L*ONA OVER..............

“What are you doing here? This is an exclusive, upscale event. It’s no place for wildcats—and from the looks of it, the wildcat doesn’t seem happy to be here, either,” Raven will say to him.

L*ona just folds his arms and scowls................... “In case you’ve forgotten, canary... Despite my being a beast, I am still an esteemed prince of the savanna. Putting on airs for wealthy old fools is a special skill of mine.”

OTL AND THEN HE YOINKS HER FOR THE FIRST DANCE one hand in hers, the other around her waist. Brings his face reeeeeeal close and hisses his next words:

“But then again... I’m sure that you’d know all about beasts that put on airs, now wouldn’t you? After all, you’re always chasing that octopunk’s henchman #1 and his silver tongue.”

“Wh-What...!? I... I’m NOT...!! I’ve done no such thing!”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard this song and dance plenty of times before.” 😷 stupidhotsmirk— “Enough. Let’s put on a show for these elites.”

And then, to the hyena: “Oi, Ruggie. I’m borrowing the canary for the night. Don’t wait up for me.”

“Heeee, gotcha~ Have fun, you guys,” Ruggie snickers as he goes back to pilfering food. “Isn’t this great, Raven-kun? You get to dance at a ball with a prince, just like in those fairy tales you write. A dream come true, nishishishi!”

“Who in their right mind would dream of THIS?!”

OTL But it’s too damn late for her, cuz L*ona’s already hauling her to the dance floor and A Tale as Old as Time is starting up—

..............................................,,

AnYWAY,

THIS WAS NOT ROT 😊

[missdawnandherdusk]

A Girl’s Choice

Draco X Reader (highschool!AU)

Summary: Everything was absolutely fine in his small town, until you stumbled in and began to defy the status quo.

A/n: So, guess who got Midnight Sun and has been reading it non-stop for the past few days? Me. It was me. So, please enjoy this Twilight Parody of our favorite characters. Also I get to move back to college in like a week and I am EXCITED--mainly because there’s a good chance that I get a room to myself bc of the virus. So yay me. I love you guys a lot and really thank you for your patience and enthusiasm. It makes me smile. 

“So, Gin asked me to the dance this morning,” Harry was chatting you up—a normal occurrence before class started.

Draco didn’t mean to eavesdrop on you. He really didn’t, but he was intrigued about how this would go down. Since moving to the small town, you had been a buzz among the boys in the grade level. Draco could all but assume that most of the fantasized about you asking them to the girl’s choice dance coming up.

“That’s great!” You genuinely smiled. “You’ll have a lot of fun!”

Harry fumbled, losing his casual composure. You noted on it, and your look became more skeptical and judgmental—something Pansy would approve of.

“Well, I told her I’d think about it,”

This surprised Draco as much as it seemed to surprise you. It was no secret that star lacrosse player Weasley and Potter were all but official and had been for almost all of high school.

“Why in the world would you tell her that?” Your words mimicked his thoughts.

“Well... I thought maybe you’d... want to ask me?” He ran a hand through his usually untidy mass of curls.

Draco could not make this up if he wanted to. He barely suppressed the laugh that threatened to escape his lips. How in hell had Harry figured that you’d want to go to the dance with him? You’d been here maybe a month. As far as Draco knew, you weren’t interested in anyone. Perhaps the small town didn’t have enough shine for your city lights.

“You should tell Ginny yes, Harry,” You scolded him like a child. “It’s rude to make a girl wait,”

“Yeah, I guess,” Harry sulked, his face falling as the bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Draco couldn’t wipe the amused smirk from his face. You huffed annoyed and opened your notes, already prepping a new page for today’s lesson. You didn’t pay him any mind during class—a normality between the pair of you. Draco ignored you and you returned the favor. It was almost easier this way for him. Your shiny new toy status had no effect on him. He had every shiny toy he ever wanted. You had no appeal to him.

Harry, however, Draco stole glances over from time to time. The green-eyed jock pouted throughout the entire lesson, stealing glances over to you. You hardly noticed. Instead you were doodling in your notebook, waiting for the teacher to move on.

Maybe the stars aligned, or maybe you did fascinate him, but Draco found himself in the lunch line next to you the following day as another tried to ask you to the girls choice ball.

“So, I heard you turned down Potter,” Cedric gave off-hand. “Waiting to ask someone else then?”

Draco snorted, and this time you did give him the slightest glare before turning back to Cedric.

“I’m not going,” You answered curtly, grabbing fruit from the stand. “And no, I don’t plan on asking anyone.”

“Why aren’t you going?” Cedric almost pouted.

“There doesn’t have to be a reason.” You snapped. “I’m not going,”

Draco could only imagine the glare that you gave Cedric for him to back off so quickly. Again, a smile quirked at his lips. You might be the shiny new toy, but you weren’t going to be used like a porcelain doll.

“So, has she asked anyone yet?” Pansy asked as he sat beside her at their usual lunch table.

“She’s not going, and you totally missed her going off on Diggory,” Draco grinned. “That girl has to have a glare that rivals yours,”

“She turns down Potter and Diggory... do you think maybe she’s into chicks?” Pansy asked almost hopeful.

“Wouldn’t know and don’t care,” Draco shrugged. “Besides, she’s not going to the dance so go ask Greengrass before it’s too late,”

Pansy sulked and stabbed her salad with a bit more vigor than before.

You stormed into the chemistry classroom a bit more irritated than he had seen you in the cafeteria. He wanted to guess that another guy had tried to ask you to the girl’s choice dance because honestly it amused him to see you so upset. It was cute how riled up you could get from some unwanted attention. He wondered how far you’d have to be pushed before you actually started swinging. Maybe he wanted to find out.

“So,” He asked pointedly. “Anyone else try to ask you to the dance?” 

“Oh, fuck off Malfoy,” You hissed making him grin wider.

“Well, I was wondering if—”

“If you even start to finish that, I won’t be so forgiving,” Your hand clenched into a fist and Draco thought that maybe you’d actually try to hit him, but Snape walked in as the bell rang, taking any chance away from you.

Draco sat back smugly in his chair—to your great annoyance—as class droned on. At the end of the hour Draco followed you out, calling your name. You froze in the hallway, before turning to face him.

“I’m really not in the mood right now Draco,” Your strained voice gave a hint of weariness. “What is even with you guys? Can’t you just leave a girl alone? I’m not going to the stupid dance and I’m not just saying that so I can ask someone else,”

Before Draco could get a word in you stalked away, disappearing in the crowd. And he stood there, dumbfounded. Was he not amused an hour ago about your annoyance? Did it not make him smile that you were tortured by your suitors? Why all of a sudden was he frowning and loathing Potter and Diggory—and whatever poor bloke had the unfortunate courage to ask you before class—even more for winding you up?

“It was Krum,” Pansy didn’t even say hello as she sat next to him in Spanish. “He was the one who tried to ask her,”

“She said no to Krum?” Draco’s eyebrows shot up. “You might be right, she really might swing the other way,”

“Aw, but I already asked Daphne,” Pansy pouted.

“Pans, darling, I think if anyone else breathes near her about the dance she’s gonna send someone to the nurse,” Draco chuckled. “So maybe you dodged a bullet there,”

She sighed wistfully. “Still, it’s nice to dream,”

____________________________________

“So, did you ask anyone to the dance yet?”

“Dad, I really don’t want to talk about this,” I huffed, kicking off my shoes. “I’m not going to that stupid dance,”

“Well, I know it’s probably not as glitzy as your uptown shindigs, but you should still go and have fun,” My dad set down his paper. “Make some friends while you’re here,” His tone was hopeful, as I knew it would be.

He wanted me to be happy here. He wanted me to fit in and enjoy my time in the middle of nowhere. It was a farfetched dream. But it was mine, I supposed.

“I have a few friends,” I insisted. “But I’m not one for dances... and the guys in town aren’t exactly... appealing,” I decided.

“Well, not that a father will complain about his daughter not wanting to date, but maybe you should go with a group of friends or something?”

“Everyone’s paired off, dad,” I sighed, looking in the fridge for something to make for dinner.

As I set off to do my chemistry homework, my mind meandered to my chem partner. It was out of character that he spoke to me today. Normally we disregarded another in comfortable silence. It had been that way since I showed up. And though it might have stung a bit in the beginning, I could tell quickly that Draco and his friends were the wrong sort of crowd that I didn’t want to be caught up in. The kind of crowds that I escaped by moving from my city life.

And I liked the crowd I had found; Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville were all very sweet and welcoming on my first day and had sort of adopted me into their group without looking back. Not that there was much depth in any of their lunchroom conversations, but at least I wasn’t alone. Hermione was the only one I could hold a conversation with—she had AP classes as I did and was a saint when I needed homework guidance.

Chemistry, however, was the one subject she couldn’t help me with. She had opted out for AP Environmental instead, claiming she had done her time with Snape and would rather dropout than be in his class another year.

So, it left me begrudgingly texting Draco about tonight’s homework. He was the only other one in class that seemed to keep up easily. Maybe it was because he was a shoe shiner class pet of Snape’s.

Malfoy: Oh, so you’re talking to me now. Don’t want yell at me again?

My cheeks flushed in anger and embarrassment at his response. He was never one to hold back what he was thinking—even if it was brutal.

Y/n: I’m sorry for snapping at you. It wasn’t fair to you. I’d give a reason, but I doubt you’d care

Malfoy: Pansy already told me that Krum tried to ask you to the dance. That’s what? Three guys now? If I hadn’t stopped her, Pansy wanted to ask you too.

Y/n: At least it would have been a girl asking me to a girl’s choice

Y/n: And you’re short one, Ron asked me too

Malfoy: Weasel? Wow. Never thought he’d have the guts to ask anyone 

Y/n: He’s actually going with Hermione

Y/n: Now will you please help me on 7?

And to my surprise, Draco was quite civil about walking me through the covalent bonding prompts. It made me feel a bit more guilty about snapping at him earlier today.

Seeing how I struggled on the homework, I wasn’t surprised that Harry came over during study hall and asked me for help on the same, if not more, questions. After the first couple, he griped that I was too similar to Hermione for knowing it all. And that it wasn’t fair that it came so easily to me.

“Actually, Draco helped me,” I smiled as I showed my notes to Harry for the next question. “He might help you if you ask,”

That was a long shot. Harry hated Draco and vice versa. It didn’t take me long to figure that one out.

“Malfoy helped you? Like actually helped you?” Harry scoffed. “The little prat,”

“Hey,” I warned snatching my notes away. “If you’re not gonna be nice about it I won’t let you use my notes,”

“Oh, come on, don’t be like that,” Harry pouted. “You know I was kidding,”

“Yahuh. Sure Harry,”

“Oh, come on,” Harry tried again. “He’s a prat. Always has been,”

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to hear anymore of Harry’s lamenting, and grabbed my bag. “I’ll be in the library,”

Wordlessly I left, fuming slightly. The music from my headphones thawed out my anger towards Harry a bit as I pushed the doors of the library open and sat at a table, pulling out my calculus homework to go over it one last time.

“This seat taken?”

I barely heard the question over my music. My eyes darted up to meet steady grey ones.

“It’s a free country,” I shrugged then remembered that I want particularly irate towards Draco at the moment. “Thank you, by the way,” I murmured, taking out one of my headphones. “For the chem help,”

“I might have had an ulterior motive,” Draco mumbled, pulling out a binder.

“If you think I’m gonna ask you to the dance because you helped me with my homework you have another thing coming Malfoy,” I warned.

“I think every guy in the school has got that by now,” a smile played at his lips. “No, I... I need help in McGonagall,” He was almost sheepish to admit it.

I raised an eyebrow at him skeptically, but he did seem genuine about needing help.

“I’m not sure I’ll be much help, but I can try. My old teacher, Jones had a different way of explaining it...” I trailed off, a pang of remorse about leaving my old school in my chest.

And maybe the way Jones taught me made more sense to Draco because he did eventually start to understand the calculus on the paper beneath us. I realized that Draco was very methodical. He enjoyed having rules that worked every time no matter the question. A failsafe that kept him ahead of the curve.

“Do you miss it?” He asked as we started to pack for the next hour. 

“Miss what?”

“Your old school? It has to be a lot different than this hell hole,” His words were nonchalant but still skeptical.

“It’s not so bad here,” I defended weakly. “But... I miss it, yeah. I feel like I have to prove myself all over again. Back home—back in New York no one questioned me. The teachers trusted me... the staff knew me...” I sighed. “I’m a stranger here.”

The warning bell rang and the same sense of dread that settled upon me reflected in Draco’s eyes: we were halfway across campus and there was little hope of getting to Snape’s class in the two minutes we had left.

Both scrambling, we headed for the doors and tore down the hall. I followed Draco’s path because if I was honest, I still didn’t quite know my way around the school nor the quickest ways to certain buildings.

“Miss Y/l/n,” Snap looked down disapprovingly at me. “I hope you have reason for being late or it’s Saturday detention for you,”

My anxiety spiked as I fumbled out an explanation. In the corner of my eye, I saw Harry stand, ready to come to my defense, but there was no need. Flawlessly Draco directed the attention of the irritated teacher to him with a sly smile and quick lie, that wasn’t really a lie at all.

“It was my fault,” Draco smoothed quickly. “I was having Y/n help me with McGonagall’s homework and I kept her late.”

Snape’s eyes darted between the two of us before he sighed, telling us to get to our seats before he gave out detentions for disrupting his class.

With a breath of relief, I sat beside Draco. 

“Thank you,” I murmured.

He shrugged and took out his notes and homework just as Snape began to go over it. And we went back to ignoring each other. Except, this time, it deemed impossible for me not to glance at him every so often, or for my eyes not to drift to his notes on the table, making sure that I hadn’t missed anything. The hour seemed to end quicker than normal. As usual, Harry walked to gym with me, chatting about the upcoming game before the dance this weekend.

“So, you and Malfoy?” The comment caught me off guard. “I don’t like it,”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s nothing Harry,” I shrugged. “No need to let your little feud make up wild stories. He just needed help with calc,”

“Sure, the golden boy needed help with his homework,” Harry said flatly. “That’s believable.” 

“And what about it is so farfetched?” I demanded.

“He’s doing it for some reason. He knows you turned me down, maybe he’s trying to get at me by being nice to you,” The offhand comment had my blood boiling.

“Are you serious right now!?” I snapped. “What is so wrong with you that you can’t see past your own ego!?”

Storming off, the only relief from my anger I was allowed happened when I ‘accidentally’ pelted Harry with a ball in the face, sending him to the nurse. When my anger faded, doubt remained. Was Draco only trying to be nice to me to get at Harry? From what I knew of Draco secondhand, I wouldn’t put it past him.

______________________________

Draco was shocked when Snape had called on you for a homework answer, and you admitted that you didn’t know. Didn’t you know that he didn’t mind you texting him about the homework? That helping you wasn’t the worst waste of his time in the world? You had done it before. Not days ago. And yet you allowed yourself to be ridiculed by Snape for your lack of habitual knowledge.

You didn’t notice the small frown that lingered on his face for the remainder of class as you kept your head down and doodled in your notebook. Deciding that he didn’t like your comatose, he did something that deemed childish: he passed you a note.

You ok?

You stared at the paper and looked over at him, biting your lip before scribbling: 

Fine. Pay attention.

Rolling his eyes, he took the paper back and wrote:

I can’t if you’re over here moping.

You took the small piece of paper and crumpled it in your hands, shoving it into your bag. Draco decided to leave you alone for the rest of the hour his curiosity still burning through him. A quick meeting of Harry’s livid stare, and Draco had a better idea of what was going on. He just hoped, for perhaps the first time ever, that he was wrong.

“Oi, what the hell did you say to Y/n?” Draco demanded, singling Potter out in the hall the next morning.

His curiosity and suspicions had festered over the night. Draco had made the conscious decision to text you, asking if you needed help with chem, and your lack of response had him worrying again.

“What are you going on about Malfoy?” Ron crossed his arms, coming to Harry’s defense.

“Stay out of this weasel,” Draco hissed, noticing the crowd that began to gather around the small confrontation. Most of his attention, however stayed focused on cold green eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Malfoy,” Harry tipped his chin back. “What? Is she not bowing down at your feet like you’re used too?” A laugh barked out of him and Weasley and a few other onlookers.

“At least she’s got enough self-respect to not be on her knees for you,” Draco heard the familiar condescending voice of Pansy beside him. A grin curled onto his face at her words.

Harry didn’t know what to say to that it seemed, and it further proved Draco’s suspicions. 

“So, you did say something to her,” He accused. “She got her not a month ago and you’re already dragging her into our mutual hatred?” Draco wouldn’t stoop that low. It was pathetic. 

“Well if you hadn’t gone and pretended to need help with McGonagall’s work, there wouldn’t be a problem,” Harry gritted, as if he had the high ground.

“As opposed to you who pretends he doesn’t need help them blames others when he fails?” Draco snapped.

There was quite a large crowd gathering around now, and he and Harry were less than a foot apart. Both boys were on the verge of snapping.

“Draco?”

Your voice was enough to distract him that he didn’t see Harry throw the first punch. Pain blistered across his jaw as fury burned in his eyes. Now the kids around them were chanting and egging on the fight. But Draco never had the chance to swing back.

Because you had drove yourself into the cleared circle and delivered a few punches of your own.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!?” You shouted at him kneeing him in the groin leaving him keeled over, groaning. “I told you to back the fuck off!”

Draco wasn’t as surprised at the comment as he was about the knowledge that you knew how to beat the pulp out of a star football player without a whim. You never seemed like the athletic type but the blood pouring from Harry’s nose begged that you were slightly more dangerous than Draco had originally thought.

“Are you okay?” Your wild worried eyes were trained on him.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” He didn’t mean for the words to be so harsh, but the hurt that flickered across your face made him regret them.

He wished he had time to explain exactly why you shouldn’t have done that, but McGonagall and Snape were already upon the scene and threatening detentions. He and Harry, of course, were called out as the other students scattered.

“McGonagall, please,” You stood loyally beside him, despite his harsh words. “Draco didn’t have a hand in this, I did.”

Both teachers raised their eyebrows in surprise. Draco just gaped at you. Harry was glaring and still bleeding.

“I see. All three of you go to Dumbledore’s office.” She said, her careful eyes not leaving yours.

Harry strode off first, perhaps feeling smug in the fact that either way, you or Draco would be in trouble for this encounter. Draco wondered if you knew you had just bought yourself three days suspension for fighting.

You were silent beside him as you flexed your hand. He pondered if you had hurt it in your fervor. He almost asked you. Then he remembered the hurt on your face at his last words and decided against it. You wouldn’t want to talk to him.

“So,” Dumbledore said pointedly. “I heard there was a bit of a skirmish today in the hall,” An amused smile sat upon the principal’s face, no doubt taking in Harry’s state. Draco wondered if his skin was bruising yet.

“It was me,” Draco said not realizing what he was doing.

“Oh, don’t you even,” You were scathing at him, your hands clenched again, pain flitting across your face—you definitely hurt your hand then. You turned to Dumbledore. “Harry swung at Draco and I stepped in. I’m the one who did it.”

“Mr. Potter?” Dumbledore raised an ancient eyebrow.

Harry seemed like he was debating whether or not he wanted to admit getting beat up by a girl. The thought made Draco smile, causing his jaw to hurt. He tried to flex it but halted when pain blossomed again.

“That’s what happened,” Harry admitted under his breath.

“And why, Mr. Malfoy, did Potter swing at you?” Dumbledore turned to him, an amused smile lingering on his face.

“I thought that Harry had said something to her that hurt her. She... wasn’t keeping up on homework and it was unlike her. After she turned Harry’s proposal to the dance down, I thought...”

“You turned down Mr. Potter’s proposal to the girl’s choice dance?” The principal turned back to you.

“His, Weasley’s, Cedric’s, Viktor’s,” You muttered, much to Dumbledore’s delight as the older man began to chuckle.

“Had quite a welcome here, haven’t you?”

“You could say that again,” Folding your arms, your face became solemn. 

“And do you have a reason for your actions?”

“I don’t like bullies, no matter where they come from,” Confidence founded your voice as you squared your shoulder. Never once had Draco ever heard someone call Harry a bully. The words had always been reversed. Everyone in the school saw the reputation in Draco, never Harry.

“Well, under normal circumstances, I’d have to suspend you and Mr. Potter here, but instead, I’m suspending you from being allowed to the dance this weekend. All three of you,”

“But sir!” Harry argued.

“Not another word Mr. Potter.” Dumbledore rose from his office chair. “My decision is final.”

Three ‘yes sir’s were mumbled as the three of you filed out of the office. You began to walk away, towards your next class Draco assumed, but he caught your non-injured hand, Harry slinking away himself.

“Let me go,” You shrugged him off.

“Wait,” Draco caught up to you, blocking you in the narrow hall of the office. “Look, about what I said,”

“Forget it Draco,” You snapped, and he could see unshed tears in your eyes. “Just leave me alone,” You pressed past him with a bit more force than necessary that had him after you again.

“I didn’t mean it like that!” He called, and you actually paused, your head turning in interest.

“Then what did you mean?” Your voice with thick. “Cuz all I see is a rich little prat who can’t say thank you. Or a self-centered guy who thinks I need someone to fight my battles for me. A high and mighty guy who thinks he can tell me what to do,” Your words were sharp and snarled. “So please, tell me what you meant.” The challenge dripped dangerously from your scowl.

“I...” Draco fumbled for the right words. “I’m not worth getting suspended for,” Your anger turned to confusion, turned sympathy, turned neutral.

“But I’m worth fighting for,” It was a stubborn and bold declaration. “And I know that,” A pause as you turned to leave. “So yeah, I should have done that,”

___________________________

I couldn’t help the tears that streamed down my face as I nearly ran to the parking lot, yearning for the safety of my car. Slamming the door shut, I let out a frustrated yell and slumped in the seat.

The backroads under my tires held a calming solace as I drove the long way home. It was something that New York couldn’t replace: the backroads I had grown up on. With the windows down and the radio blaring, all of my thoughts were tuned out.

At a red light, I found the courage to call my father and explain what happened. He said I was grounded this weekend for fighting, but I didn’t mind much. It got me out of having to go to the dance, even if Dumbledore hadn’t already said I couldn’t. I smiled when my dad told me he was proud for standing up for myself and beating the hell out of Harry.

I found myself smiling as I pulled in at home. Icing my hand and popping some pain killers just in case, I scrolled through my notifications, only answering Hermione. I didn’t care what the school gossiped about or what rumors started because of the fight. Hermione just wanted to know if I was okay and if I’d want her to send the homework from the classes I missed. I told her yes to both and thanked her.

Another notification popped up.

Draco: are you okay? how’s your hand?

I stared at the notification, and instead of deleting the icon like I should have, I opened it and gazed at the words. His mood swings were giving me whiplash. I thought about ignoring it, but he had already seen that I had read it. Cursing modern technology, I responded.

Y/n: fine

Mulling it over, I sent another text.

Y/n: can you send me the chem homework? please

The messages that followed were unexpected. Steady and clear photos of his notes for the day— and week it looked like—as well as the worksheet Snape had given. I felt a pang if gratitude towards Draco in that moment and his words from earlier settled in.

Draco has confronted Harry because he was worried about me. Somehow, he had picked up on how Harry’s words had affected me and driven me into doubt and a few missing homework assignments. Tears sprung back up in my eyes without my consent. It left me regretting the words I had snapped at him earlier. I let him know as much with another text.

Draco: most of it was justified

Draco: I know I’m not the easiest person to know 

Y/n: I was still wrong to say it. I’m sorry

Y/n: and you’re not so bad :)

There wasn’t a response from him for half an hour, so I settled down and began to transcribe his notes into my own notebook, then began to untangle the questions that the worksheet gave me. The crumpled note from a few days ago spilled out of my bag. I took it, unfurling it, running my hand over his words. I tucked it in my chemistry binder, smiling softly at his kindness.

Anxiety fluttered in my chest the next day as I drove up to school and parked in my usual spot. I felt torn between two clicks—probably the only two clicks this school had, and I had managed to get caught in the middle of a turf war—the thing that I wanted to escape by moving back in with my dad and I still managed to find myself in the same situations. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I was the problem.

Shaking the thought, I headed to first hour just as the bell rang in my efforts to avoid confrontation. Other than a few approving comments from my sorta friends, no one seemed put out that I had fought their golden boy. It eased my anxiety as the day went on. I was quelled a bit more when I heard that Harry wasn’t in school today. And maybe I smiled at that a bit.

“The jackass deserved it,” Ginny shrugged, “If you hadn’t shown up, I wouldn’t have hesitated either,”

She calmed the majority of my fears with her words unknowingly. If there had been one person I didn’t want to cross it was Ginny—she was fierce and took no prisoners. If the school had a queen bee, it would have been Gin.

“Is your hand alright?” Luna asked during art class. “You seem a bit off your game today,” She noticed my failing live portrait.

Luna was always quiet but observant of others, and it drew me towards the peaceful girl. Her calm nature as well as my fierce need to protect her from bullies kept me as her partner despite the seat changes in Trelawney’s art class. The teacher didn’t seem to care as Luna and I were some of her best students although Luna’s whimsical style contrasted my realistic preference heavily.

“It hurts a bit,” I answered truthfully. “But not enough to cry about,” There were yellow and purplish tinges to my knuckles, but nothing was broken.

“Everyone’s talking about it,” Luna semi-whispered. “Are you and Draco together?”

“No,” I answered a bit more harshly than I meant and refined my answer. “I was tired of Harry being an egotistical ass and dragging me into it,”

“He’s probably just jealous,” Luna gave offhand, adding some shading to her sketch. “Boys are like that,”

“Jealous? Of what?” I scoffed. “He’s with Ginny, and it’s not like I fancy anyone at this school,”

“Yes, I heard about all the failed proposals to the dance.” A smile touched her lips, “Regardless, from the outside, the only person you’ve shown interest in is Draco, and Harry doesn’t like it,”

“Well, he needs to get over it,” I muttered. “I’m not some prize to be won,”

My annoyance didn’t fade as I slumped into my seat at lunch, grateful that Harry was absent today because I might have just gone off on him again. Stupid teenage boys thinking they have some claim over a girl.

Harry was back the next day, looking worse for wear. I went to apologize, but he didn’t allow me too, saying he deserved it and the he was the one who was sorry. I wondered if Ginny had a hand in his apology. Shrugging, I decided it didn’t matter. At least Harry, and maybe everyone else at the small school, knew that I could handle myself.

The weekend passed, and I didn’t notice much. Hermione sent me a few pictures of the dance. They held no interest to me, but at least they were having fun.

On Monday, it seemed that Draco had gone back to ignoring me. At least that’s how it appeared for about the first half of Snape’s lecture. Then every so often I’d catch him staring at me, or my notes. His eyes would quickly dart down when he realized that I had noticed his gazes. It left me frowning and struggling to focus.

It was Wednesday that Hermione and I talked about the calculus test coming up on Friday. I glanced over to Draco, wondering if he’d need help or a study partner for the exam. I wondered if he’d be too proud to ask. Or if I’d be too stubborn to offer.

“Go over there and ask,” Hermione nudged my arm, picking up on my train of thought.

“I shouldn’t,” I shook my head. “Besides, you’d be a better tutor than I am,”

“Yes, but Draco doesn’t like me. You on the other hand,” An amused smile lingered on her face.

“We’re friends,” I insisted. “That’s all,”

“More than it was last week,” She pointed out. “Draco’s always been a stuffy prat, but I see how he is with you. He’s almost... normal.”

My eyes shifted back over to his lunch table, where he was hunched over a book, tuning out the dark-haired girl beside him as she prattled about something adamantly. Something the girl said must have caught Draco’s attention, perhaps she warned him about my gaze, because his eyes met mine. I looked down quickly, my cheeks flushing.

“He’s coming over,” Hermione whispered.

“Stop staring,” I hissed under my breath, breaking my own rule by looking up.

“Can I talk to you?” His voice was quiet and guarded, his eyes sliding over my company. 

“What’s up?” I asked casually.

“Alone?”

I looked to Hermione who was saying if I didn’t go, she’d never forgive me with a single look.

“Sure,” I stood, gathering my things and followed him out of the cafeteria and down the halls, to the library. “Did you want help for the calc test Friday?” I asked softly as we sat at the same table as our previous encounter.

“Well, yes,” He chuckled softly. “I... also wanted to talk to you... about last week, and...” His eyes refused to meet mine. I waited in silence for him to continue. “This... this doesn’t have to be anything, and I know you’d probably rather it weren’t... but I’ve never actually...”

I raised my eyebrows, leaning closer to him, the butterflies in my chest growing more restless with each second that passed. They had begun to arrive on the day of the fight, and now it seemed like they were taking flight for the first time.

“You came here a month ago... and in that time have managed to capture every guys heart in this school and then proceeded to turn most of them down. You’ve gotten into fights and out of trouble and you’re really someone I should avoid, but... I don’t want to, not anymore.”

“You think you should avoid me?” The question was soft on my lips. His eyes flashed to mine in brief panic.

“Again, not what you think,” He sighed and scrubbed his face, then proceeded to wince at the pain that no doubt was triggered by his action. “I should avoid you because if I’m being honest, I’m not much better than Harry, and I wouldn’t be someone you’d want to be with. And it would make it easier for the both of us if I avoided you.”

“Cards on the table then?” I mused softly and he nodded, begging my candor. “I know what they say about you. And I have my own opinions, but...” I paused and smiled. “You are the first guy who hasn’t acted like an arrogant jackass to me,” Then mended, “At least in a way that hasn’t made me want to deck you,”

“That’s comforting,” A smile reached his eyes this time.

“And... if it had to be anyone... I’d probably want it to be you,” This surprised him, told by the expression on his face. “In terms of intelligence, I feel semi-confident to say that you wouldn’t drive me mad with your lack of knowledge, because most of the kids at this school are so dull,” I muttered then continued. “You’ve been kind to me, and never pushed me into doing anything I haven’t wanted to do,”

“So, you wanted to beat the shit out of Potter then?” The same smile turned to a grin.

“It was bound to happen eventually,” I chuckled softly. “You gave me a valid excuse, to which I thank you,”

“Shouldn’t I be thanking you? For ya know, being my knight in shining armor coming to my rescue?”

I laughed at his words and shook my head at his antics.

“Does that make you my damsel in distress?” It never occurred to me how easy it might be to talk to Draco, considering we’d barely said a word to each other since my arrival.

“If I must be,” He feigned distaste, the smile not leaving his face long enough to convince me of his façade.

A silence fell between us.

“Is this something then?” His words were riddled with uncertainty.

“It’s not nothing,” I offered. “But I don’t know what it is yet.”

“Would you be willing to see what it is?” Draco’s voice turned hopeful.

“If you’re willing to be patient,” My eyes met his grey ones, storms above the seas held in them. “I don’t really... date. Flings and a list of exes isn’t really on my bucket list ya know?”

“Understandable,” His smile returning. “Not that I prefer them either,”

I sighed softly. “People are gonna talk, if they’re not already,” It was a defeating thought.

“Let them talk,” Draco shrugged, lost in thought. “That’s all they do. No matter where you go,”

“It’s a bit worse in a small town,” I challenged.

“I’ll give you that,” He chuckled. “But things are a bit less scandalous in a small town,”

“Granted,” I thought of New York and how the smallest things morphed into rumors and gossip that took down empires. Here, in the middle of nowhere our problems seemed almost trivial.

“So,” He raised an eyebrow at me, awaiting my verdict.

“So,” I mimicked. “This... this can be something,”

 ______________________________

Draco had never once thought of dating. Ever. Whereas Pansy couldn’t wait to have her next summer love, Draco... he was reserved. Not that he ever held it against Pansy, and of course he was there to curse the name of her exes with her, but him dating? It was laughable.

He could claim that ‘you weren’t like other girls,’ but it’d be a lie. You were just the perfect mix of being like other girls that appealed to him so much. The girls he had passed in the halls for years and never once felt attraction to were now suddenly a bit more interesting. Granger had calculus with you and was very good at the subject, sharing your passion for it. Ginny had the same fire in her eyes as you did when you were angry. Even Lovegood seemed less like a spaz and a bit more down to earth in the few passing moments that he saw her when picking you up from art class.

“I might warn you,” he whispered gently the next day, hand in yours as you headed to the cafeteria. “Pansy has been dying to talk to you... so heads up,”

A laugh fell through your lips as he opened the door for you, the cafeteria, once buzzing solemnly was now almost hushed as eyes turned to the couple at the door.

“Oi! Malfoy!”

Draco tensed at the curt calling of his name but relaxed when you smiled and waved to Ginny.

“Come sit with us,” The redhead offered. “No need in you taking Y/n away from us,”

“Get Pansy,” You smiled, letting his hand go as you went to drop your stuff at the table before heading toward the lunch line.

“Can I talk to her now?” Pansy demanded.

“She’s all yours,” Draco chuckled, trailing behind his dark-haired friend, a smile resting on his face as you entertained all of Pansy’s question with unbelievable grace.

Tensions were high as Draco sat with you at your usual lunch table, Pansy on his other side, but it seemed that you, Ginny, and Hermione had the boys under control, so nothing more than loathsome glares were exchanged before the conversation settled into something pleasant.

It took a couple weeks, but the bruises on your hand and his jaw faded, then soon Harry’s broken nose was healed, and it was as if nothing had ever happened. As if it were preposterous that your group ever had animosity against another.

True to your word and his, it wasn’t exactly dating. He dedicated a lot of his effort to figuring out what you were comfortable with and what you weren’t. Something that appealed to both of you was holding hands in the hallways. The gawking faces of those around you seemed to keep a smile on your face. You had tamed the rich prat and he had tamed the spitfire in their eyes. And perhaps he was a bit kinder to those around him. And maybe you weren’t as volatile. Maybe you had finally settled into the small town.

Slowly it seemed, you sifted into the role of a girlfriend—well, whatever the equivalent was for you and him. It took some coaxing and a compromise, but you allowed him to pick you up and drive you to school—three out of five days of the week. He looked forward to those mornings and didn’t mind leaving earlier as long as you were at the end of the road under his tires. You were defiant about him paying for things, mundane things like lunch or random gifts, so he tried to keep it at a minimum, or at least didn’t let on how much he had spent on you.

Draco was never one for physical affection. His parents had been distant and reserved. Closed off. He wasn’t bitter about it, but he was worried that it might affect how he was around you. But it seems that you were a bit standoffish as well. The abrasion faded over time, but it was still never over abundant. You held his hand, that was easy and almost routine for the both of you, and though he hadn’t kissed you yet, displays of make outs in the halls never appealed to any part of him. Ever.

But he wouldn’t forget the first time you kissed him. It was a quiet night at your place after you two had studied for Snape’s final. You declared if you looked at another carbon bond you were going to scream, so you slammed your binder shut and led him to the old sofa and pulled him down, both of you nestled beside another as you flickered through TV stations, settling on something that held half your interest.

His arm draped around your shoulder, a gentle sign of affection that you returned by resting your head on his shoulder, your arm stretching across his stomach, holding him. His hand absentmindedly played in your hair, earning soft sounds of agreement from your lips as he continued. Your exhausted face in the TV light held all of his interest. The way your eyelashes fluttered eleven your eyes changed focus, or the way you worried your lip now and again almost thoughtlessly. Never knowing that it drove him mad.

Draco called your name softly, earning your attention. Your faces were inches apart and he could feel your soft breaths mix with his. Your eyes searched his for something—what exactly he wasn’t sure. But you must have decided that whatever you found was enough, because you leaned up and closed the distance between your lips and his.

He smiled at the moment and the ones that followed. The desire that built in his chest and the gentle pant of need that left your lips, flushing across his as you pulled away.

“Thank you,” You had murmured.

He smiled at you simple gratitude and wondered why you thought it necessary. Did you believe that he didn’t want to kiss you? That you weren’t constantly in his psyche? Imagining how soft and warm your skin must be? Wondering if the rest of you was worked and scarred like your hands from years of use?

Not knowing what you were thinking—or why he was for that matter—he pulled you into his lap as the two of you sat on the couch, cradling you close, letting you know that he craved your affection though he wasn’t the best at portraying the ideal.

You had fallen asleep in his lap that night. When your dad came in to check on the two of you, Draco thought your father would be furious but instead he smiled and suggested that Draco carry you to your room so that you could stretched out on your bed and sleep for the night. Those were the few moments that Draco had ever been in your room. It was one of your fathers rules—which he humbly agreed to. The sight made him smile. It was perfectly you. An organized chaos of all of your favorite things.

You barely noticed him setting you into your bed and pulling the covers over your shoulders after removing you shoes.

He preferred your home over his. It took about two months before you coaxed him into the idea of meeting his parents formally. Draco was terrified, knowing that his parents disapproved just about everyone in the town they lived in, save a few families. He wasn’t sure how they felt about the divorcee and his daughter living on the outskirts of town.

“You understand how much of a bad idea this is?” Draco hissed as he walked you up the front steps of the pristine farmhouse—it was the last attempt he made before it was too late to back out.

“They’re just your parents,” You took his hand, saying the words nonchalantly.

“That’s why I’m worried! They’re my parents!” He dismayed.

“Dray, love, it’s gonna be okay,” You reassured, and he couldn’t argue with the honesty in your eyes.

You’d never stop surprising him. He didn’t think ever. He knew his parents were hard people to entertain. There were thousands of unspoken rules that they forced him to follow and you picked up on them as easily as you knew calculus. Sit one way, speak another, you blended in flawlessly. Your persona differed from the one he knew, but it was still perfectly you.

“And you moved here? From New York?” His father eyed you skeptically.

 “Father—” A cold look silenced Draco.

“Yes sir,” Your smile was sweet and conniving.

“Was the city not satisfactory for you?”

“It had a certain charm,” You spoke softly. “But I didn’t want to give my teenage years to a concrete jungle when I could call here my home,”

“Well,” Draco’s mother cut in before his father had a change to reply. “You sure do have quite a spirit in you. I can see what our Draco likes about you,”

You smiled and looked over at him. The blush on your cheeks matched his.

“Thank you,”

Lunch came and passed. If it was out of the ordinary in any way to you, you gave no sign.

You did however, pause, gazing at his grand piano that sat in the drawing room, your face pensive.

“You play?” He mused, curious. You hadn’t let on if your hidden talent. 

“Not very well,” You muttered back. “It’s been years.”

“Y/n, do you play my dear?” His mother cut in. “You must play for us,”

“I...” Glancing at the piano, you caught your lip in worry.

“Mother, if she isn’t comfortable, she doesn’t have to,” Draco defended.

“No, it’s alright... you must forgive me, it’s been a few years since I’ve played properly.”

The shy smile on your face didn’t fade as you made your way to the instrument. He shadowed you all the while, asking one more time before you began to play.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Your smile turned warmer. “It’ll be alright.”

Draco watched as you placed your hands on the glossy white keys and fell into a pattern as they searched for the next note, the next chord, the next verse. And you kept forging ahead until your piece had come to an end. Draco should have known that you’d lie about having the talent tucked away.

“That was lovely,” His mother fawned from somewhere behind. “Draco you must play with her,”

The eyebrow you raised at him informed him that maybe he also hid the talent from you unintentionally. Who did you think the piano belonged to?

“Any ideas?” He muttered softly, placing his hands on the keys next to yours.

“Moonlight Sonata?” It was a simple request, and one that he knew decently enough to nod.

Draco began the repetitive harmony as you waited for the melody and joined him. Your fingers played in time and in tune as the song unfolded—your hands trailing along the treble clef and his adding in the deeper bass tones.

It wasn’t until one of his hands ran into yours that the dance faltered, and four hands banged on the keys in frustration. Draco laughed at the simple fact that you had the same response to making a mistake as he did while playing. Your soft laughter joined his.

Someone cleared their throat behind him, and you both turned, meeting the scrutinizing gaze of his father. Draco looked down anxious and respectful and you followed suit, your hand finding his in reassurance.

“Perhaps if you two had more time to practice together, you two wouldn’t be tripping over another.” His father mused.

“Father?” Draco looked up. “Does that mean?”

“Yes, she is welcomed here any time she wishes.” His father gave a small smile.

 Relief flooded through both of you. Draco might have even slouched momentarily. 

.

Masterlist

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Seven Minutes in Heaven

Author’s Note:  Well hello my friends!  Since hitting 1000 Followers in July (WHAT?!  STILL UNBELIEVABLE!!!) I’ve been working on the requests sent in by my amazing troop of readers!  This is another one of those stories which I’m pleased to share.   As always, help my unending need for validation but re-blogging or liking the story!  Also, you can send asks, make your own request, follow me, or be added to my tag-list! Last, @sammy-jo1977 is my beta... and my ride or die home girl!  Thanks lady! Pairing:  Loki x Female Reader, appearances from most of the Avengers

Summary/ Request:  @queenofmischief asked for a story where “Loki and you guys are friends growing up and you realize you like him and try to hide it but somehow at a party or something or another, maybe Seven Minutes in Heaven is involved, it comes out and really hot smut ensues?”

I used some of the ideas you gave me, dear reader, but made it a little more mature, so I sincerely hope you enjoy!

Warnings:  Lots of 80′s references... music, movies, clothes, etc.  References of smut, heavy petting and kissing

ENJOY!

"But, like, I really don't want to go."  Your cellphone, pinned between your ear and shoulder, pushed your earring into the tender flesh behind your lobe.  It probably didn't help that the jewelry in question was a pair of huge hoops, fluorescent in color and hard plastic.

You heard Wanda sigh, "Yea… I know.  It's just, we all are… and you know it'll be worse if you don't show up."

"I really hate it."  Using a sing-song voice didn't change the feelings behind your words.  Going up to the main floor of The Avengers Tower for a theme party was not a thrilling idea.

"I know you do-", pulling open the door between your room and hers, you palmed your phone, frowning at your friend, "-But you look great!"

"Radical… or wicked… or tubular would be more 80's appropriate."  Still, her compliment made you smile.  It really was a great outfit, totally encapsulating the MTV generation's vibe, complete with hot lime colored leg warmers. 

 Your cropped REO Speedwagon t-shirt was cut off at the neck, dripping low enough to expose one whole shoulder, and a wide stripe of the magenta colored tank top underneath.  Having tucked the camisole into your acid washed denim micro miniskirt, you finished the ensemble with a pair of black pumps, and the obligatory scrunchie of cheap yellow satin.  It pulled your hair into a low, side ponytail.

For makeup you'd painted your eye-shadow on, bright turquoise with pink under your brows.  Lipstick in a shimmery rosy hue brought extra attention to your lips.  And you stored your cell phone, lip gloss and keys in your iridescent fanny pack.

Wanda couldn't help giggling at the sight of you and your collection of clashing colors.  For her look tonight she'd dawned a pair of skin tight leggings, an over-sized button down shirt with a stretchy black belt that was about four inches wide.  Ballet flats, teased out hair and stark makeup had Wanda looking like a video vixen.  It was impressive.

"See, you went sexy… and I went silly."  Pouting now, you flopped onto your bed, "Can I just not?"

Sitting down next to you, patting your knee, "You don’t look silly, but you do look like you could be a hair band groupie!  That’s sexy!” Shrugging your shoulders, unconvinced, Wanda added, “Besides, tonight… It may be fun.  And, worse case?  You get blitzed like a teenager on prom night."

"No… that's not the worst case.  Worst case?  He's there."

Sighing, Wanda shook her head, "He does still rub you the wrong way, huh?  And, yes, he may be there… but-" standing, taking you with her, "-it would be a shame to waste all your wicked cool work!"

Hearing her use the dated vernacular made you grin.  She was right.  Tonight could be a blast, if you were able to get out of your head.  Jumping off the bed, unsettling one of those fashionable leg warmers, you hugged your friend tightly.  You could do this.  You wouldn't be alone.  And if Loki was there, he'd just have to get over it.  You weren't going to pay him any attention.

---

"Mr. Loki… can we please go?  We're already stupid late."  

Bending to straighten his red suspenders, Loki smirked at himself, "Greed is good."

Sighing, exasperated and edging into anger, Peter pulled open the front door, "I don't know what that means, but you look… greasy."

"Like I could steal your company in a corporate take over?  Maybe steal your woman too", Loki questioned, excited at the idea.

Crossing his arms over the red puffy vest he had bought specifically for tonight, Peter grunted, "Uh… I… I guess.  I meant more like one of the assholes in Wolf of Wall Street."

God, you had better be there tonight.  Loki was putting a lot of hope on Stark’s little shindig and he wanted to make sure that all of the little details were absolutely perfect, giving him every advantage.  Standing now, slicking back his long dark hair, "That, my young spider friend, is exactly what I am going for… Evil 80′s CEO."

"Great."

Loki heard the frustration in the young man’s voice.  Someday he would understand, Loki thought, turning to the youthful Avenger beside him, "You certainly make a dashing Marty McFly, Peter.  Truly."

"Aw!  Really, Mr. Loki?  Ya mean it?"  That made the Spider Boy preen, popping his collar, and standing a little straighter.

"I do!  Now-" flashing a rakish smile to his reflection as he passed, "-let's get upstairs and see how everyone else is doing!"

---

Everyone else was ready to party.  The last mission, a particularly difficult one, involved Hydra agents banging it out against our heroes along the rough terrain of the polar ice cap.  Draining the physical and emotional resources of everyone, including you and Loki, Tony had planned a little party to kick off a period of rest and relaxation.

As soon as the elevator opened you knew it was going to be an insane night.  Everything was brightly lit.  Paper streamers were strung up haphazardly along the walls and ceiling.  Big plastic buckets of chips and cheese curls were put out on the counter along with a huge punch bowl that reeked of rum and sugary fruit juice.  On the floor in the kitchenette was a garbage can, freezing, full of ice, only the keg tap visible.  A stack of red plastic cups was at the ready.

Someone had ordered pizza.  Well, dozens of pizzas.  The boxes were piled along the table already crammed with pretzel bags and Doritos.  

Steve was being instructed on the basics of Beer Pong and, you decided, definitely being hustled by Sam.  Bucky looked on with curiosity, quietly sneaking closer to the chips and dip, hoping no one would notice.  Rhodey was watching them both through the reflective lenses of his aviator shades, doing a great job of looking like a Top Gun cadet, including the tight jeans and broken-in bomber jacket.  Grinning as he drank down a bottle of beer, Rhodes shouted, "Hey Stank!  Is all of this really necessary?"

"Don't come for me Rhodey!"  Wearing a pair of neon leopard spotted knit pants, a green polo shirt and white sneakers, Tony was clutching a glass bowl filled with little slips of paper to his chest.  No one had managed to figure out what they were or why he held them.  Drinking two beers from his plastic, can holding helmet, Tony would answer only with a slightly slurred, "It's my trashy 80′s party and I do what I want!"

And Tony had thought of everything.  Sounding like a mixed tape pulled from the radio, the tunes didn't let up!  Ratt, Foreigner, Cindi Lauper, Madonna and Tom Petty all took turns blasting through the room.  So many hits from the past pumped through the sound system, getting people on their feet and keeping them there.  You were swinging and swaying along, having a blast, but when Bon Jovi hit the group of Intergalactic Warriors went wild.

Clint, rocking a mullet wig and a vest with no shirt, jumped onto a table making the motions of an air guitar champion.  Singing into a beer bottle like it was his microphone, "Whoooooaaaa we're halfway there…"

Guffawing, you hid behind your Bud Light filled cup, already red cheeked from the non-stop laughing and alcohol in your system.  At some point you had given up Wanda to Vision in a varsity jacket, doing his best jerk-off jock impression, and not quite pulling it off.  It wasn't his fault that he was too polite to put people down in the way of Eighties movie bad guys. Alone, feeling flushed, but happy, you needed a break and some quiet.  Flinging yourself onto the soft sofa, watching the frat house style antics unfold all around, you couldn’t help laughing.  Tony always found a way to knock the group out of their post mission funk.  Sometimes that meant week long Caribbean vacations and sometimes that meant dressing up in retro attire and scream singing with a cold beer in your hands.  Either way, it seemed to bring everyone closer together, and the pictures were certainly worth framing. The couch dipped as someone joined you.  Swiveling, not quite drunk but not quite sober, you couldn’t help the groan that left you.  “Oh.  It’s you.”

Not exactly the response Loki wanted, he was just grateful that you spoke to him at all.  Lately you seemed to flee any room he entered, a hurt and heavy sigh escaping you before you'd make your exit, never looking back.  Loki couldn't understand why.

After all, it had been two months since that night.  The one where he'd stumbled on you, glowing blue in the light of the television set, alone and in the darkness.  You asked him to join you, he had accepted.

The movie was called "Say Anything" and Loki had to admit, as far as romance on film went, this story was very moving.  But that was an unexpected bonus to being so near to you.  Before the credits rolled, you had burrowed against him, snuggled under his arm with your head on his chest.  

Stroking your hair, Loki pressed a kiss to your forehead, thoughtlessly, naturally.  Pushing away, looking up at him through hooded lashes, "You… you kissed me?"

Words failed the silver tongued devil, something he still pondered all these weeks later, so a nod was all you got for a response.  Kneeling, your sleep shirt riding over your thighs, Loki watched your small hand rising to cup his cheek.  Feeling your lips against his own was the beginning of the best night of his life.

And then, nothing.  It was like a switch had been thrown and no matter how many ways he tried to reach out for you, Loki wasn't able to connect.  Not like that night.

So, he was going against his nature tonight.  Joining the group, drinking a bit of his brother's mead, wearing a dated but pristine business suit.  All done in the vain hope that something would shift in his favor.

He had already lost too many nights to memories of you.  Soft, full skin under his broad palms.  The tiny moan you exhaled when Loki’s tongue met your own.  How your wet, willing body accepted him, without question or stipulation.  And in the afterglow, when your head rested in the crook of his neck and your cherry cola scented breath circled him, you let Loki hold you close.

But he buried it all.  Tonight he was the embodiment of all things slick.  Nothing could stick to him; not when he had a goal in mind and this much gel in his hair.  Loki Odinson would be taking you home tonight, come hell or high water. Wolfish, Loki’s grin was wicked, “Yes.  Your dream has come true.”  Sitting back, he crossed his designer suit covered knee at the ankle, exposing socks with little golfers on them.  He let his right arm rest along the back of the sofa, not around you… not yet, but inching closer. “What is that cologne you’re wearing?” “Don’t you like it?  I’m told Drakkar Noir was quite the scent of the 80′s.  I did my research.” Twisting, you looked him over, impressed despite yourself.  The suit was totally of its time.  Black, pinstriped and you were sure the jacket that came with it was draped somewhere safe.  His shirt was shiny but soft and bright, blinding white.  Suspenders of red matched the tie that draped down the center of his chest. With his hair combed straight back and held in place with some kind of product, Loki looked like he was capable of eating a six course lunch at Sardi’s, complete with dirty martinis, then jetting back to the office in time to defraud a corporate spending account.  The kind of executive that blackmails a co-worker with pictures of a mistress.  The kind of douche bag that tries to take over a rec center to build a mall.  In short, an avarice little asshole.  So, why was it so hot? “It’s… overpowering.”, boy, was that an understatement.  Loki’s whole aesthetic was overpowering right now.  And, was he moving closer? His bent knee brushed against your own as he leaned near enough to be heard at a whisper, “You look adorable, you know that?” Scrunching into the corner of the couch, eyeing him suspiciously, “Oh?  Really?” “Really.”, his hand brushed over your exposed shoulder, making you jump at his touch.

Uh uh.  No way.  You would not be so easy to seduce this time around.  Even if those wide hands sent goosebumps growing all over your body, Loki would not charm his way into your panties again.  Not like last time.

It had been spontaneous.  Genuine, at least for you.  And in the moment, it felt like Loki had given you a little piece of himself, a tenderness that no one else ever saw in the far flung Frost Giant.  

Maybe that's why Clint's words hurt so much.  He had told you so casually, holding up a spoonful of Cheerios, "Loki said his last girl was a drag.  Basic bitch?  Is that what the kids say?"

Thinking about it now made your heart hurt.  You had given yourself to someone who thought you were beneath him.  Loki couldn't want you.  You would never be good enough.

But that night haunted you.  His soulful kisses that stole your breath.  The drag of Loki’s hands over the swell of your bottom as you straddled his hips.  His solid chest under your own hands, dark head curved against the couch cushion, but those burning eyes never leaving your face.  “I thought you said I was plain.  Simple.  Boring.”  

Leveling his own words back at him made Loki straighten in his seat.  How could you think that?  Unbalanced, stammering, “Uh… I… I’d never…” “Never expected me to find out?  I believe that.  And, let me tell you this-”  Pushing yourself up with the help of the couch’s arm, you rose on unsteady legs, “-I’m not nearly drunk enough to fall into your arms again.”  Spinning away, you made a dash towards the people in the kitchen, without looking back. Watching you go, Loki could do nothing but stare after your retreating form, flummoxed.

“That was… painful.”

He knew that voice well enough, frustrated, confused and unfit for company, “Go away, Tony.”

“I don’t think I will.  In fact-” sitting down in your empty spot, patting Loki’s knee, “-I’m going to make myself comfortable.  Now, tell Uncle Tony all about it.”

Rolling his eyes, unable to find you in the crowd, Loki risked a sideways glance at his replacement companion.  Was he really going to indulge in this?  Tell his almost friend about you… about your one night together?  Loki raked his hands through the pomade in his hair, growling low, “If you breathe a word of it Tony, I’ll-” Lowering his wrap around sunglasses, peering at Loki, Tony smiled, “Your secret is safe with me.” ---

Thinking less and less about Loki as the night went on should have been a relief but it seemed like the scent of him followed you everywhere.  Unable to get free of him, you busied yourself with drinks, dancing, and munching like you were a kid again.  Anything to keep your mind from wandering.

It's not like the party was boring.  Not at all!  There was plenty to distract you and you let it.  Natasha made you her partner for beer pong and somehow you successfully won against Rhodey and Sam.  

Next, Wanda needed you, which is how you wound up sitting on the bathroom sink listening to her go on about Vision in that wistful, loving way that made your own heart ache.  Being a little drunk, you had to fight the urge to cry because you were lonely and hurting. “I saw you talking to Loki… what was that about?”  She was reapplying ruby red lipstick, studying herself in the mirror, not looking directly at you.  

Wanda's voice cut through your self doubt spiral though, something you were thankful for, and with a casual tone you countered, “He was trying to get something started, I think.” Eyebrows lifting, Wanda’s interested piqued,  “Really?  Loki was hitting on you?” “Yea… I mean, I think so.  Was coming on awfully strong too.  But… he’s been a jerk, right?”  

Wanda cleaned up her eye make-up taking a minute, after washing her hands she looked at you, “I mean, he is here.” “So?” “So, you know he’s not really a joiner.  More of a lone wolf.  In fact, I think this may be the first of these little parties he’s come to.  Maybe he’s changed… grown a bit?  And, honestly, you never asked him about-”

Hopping off the counter, cutting her off, more than a little huffy at her good sense, “No, I didn’t and I don’t plan to.  Loki thinks I’m a bore?  Too basic for him?  Fine.  I have better things to do with my time.” Laying her hand on your shoulder, Wanda stopped you, eyeing you in the mirror once more, “I know his words hurt… but you’re going to have to clear the air eventually.  Especially if we’re all going to work together.”

Shrugging, you offered your friend a small smile.  There was truth in her sentiment, even if your slightly drunken brain rebelled against hearing it, “Yea, you're right… plus-” looking around the small washroom, just to make sure no one could hear the pair of you, “- he looks really hot tonight!”

Giggling, Wanda hugged you close, “I didn’t want to say anything, but… yea he does!” The pair of you were still laughing together, standing at the back of the crowd as Tony turned down the music, announcing, “Gather round children, Uncle Tony needs your attention!”  There were a few groans, mostly from the beer pong table, as apparently Bucky was unhappy about forfeiting his winning match.  Everyone else, in all their high haired glory, were congregating near their host, curious and more than a little drunk.

“Tony, what the hell, man?  You killed the tunes!”, Clint shouted, spilling Bud Light foam as he joined the tightening circle. “Patience, my drunk friend.  You all remember this?”  From the table nearby, Tony picked up his glass bowl, triumphant, “Our Destiny!”

Pepper, sighing with a smile, “So dramatic!” Shaking the bowl in her direction Tony smirked, “Ok smarty, then you pick first.  Go on… Pick!” There were oohs and ahhs from the assembled Avengers.  Rolling her eyes, Pepper reached in, grabbing the first slip her fingers found.  Pulling it free, she grinned, eyeing Tony, “It says ‘Loki’...” Hearing his name, Loki snapped his head up, surprise registering on his face, “Excuse me?” Holding it up for his examination, Pepper waved the slip under the regal nose of the junior Odinson, “See… your name.” “Yes, but why?”

Butting in, Tony snatched the scrap from the hand of his lovely fiance, practically dancing with glee.  Turning to Loki, “Now you, Gordon Gecko, pull a slip.” Aware of all eyes locked on him, Loki reached into the jar, digging around a little more than necessary.  Finally satisfied, the thin paper pinched between his fingers, Loki opened the folded note.  When his fierce gaze met yours, you knew without a doubt.  It was your name he had grabbed. Throwing a thick arm across Loki’s broad shoulders, Tony hugged him close, “Well?  What’s it say?” It all made sense in that moment.  The tacky costumes, flat beer and endless music.  A drunken moment of clarity had descended.  Tony, waving his arms, eating up the crowd’s reactions, heads turning to gauge your response.  Swallowing hard, your hearing failing you, you just faked a smile. You and Loki were going into the closet for Seven Minutes in Heaven. Only there was no way you were going to do that.  Not after what he’d said.  Not after your one night together, right?  But you felt a gentle hand pushing your forward, into the center of your circle of friends and for some reason, your feet followed.  

Refusing didn't enter your mind.  With everyone ogling you and Loki, making a scene would only cause more speculation, something you weren't keen to do.  Instead, you stepped next to Tony, outwardly eager to play along.  

You just shouldn't have dared to look at your proposed make out partner.  Laser focused, Loki’s lusty look hadn’t wavered.  No, the light in those thundering blue eyes was carnal, darker than you had ever seen, matching your own.  Against your better judgement, you wanted Loki, too.

Whatever Tony was saying was a blur, merely sounds, because you were utterly stunned by the nearness of Loki.  The roaring laughs of the rest of the group were drowned out by your pounding heart.  A door opened to a dim room, the pantry maybe?  You didn’t know and in that moment you didn’t really care. 

With a small smile, Loki ducked into the cupboard, lacing his fingers with yours, offering a bit of his strength.  Dragging you inside, your body pinned between a shelf of snacks and the hard body of your frenemy, a whimper of want passed your lips.  Loki still smelled so good and now he was so close.  “Have fun you two!”, Tony’s words were accompanied by the door shutting you and Loki inside, in the dark.  Surrounded by silence, Loki’s sharp pants were the only sound louder than your racing pulse, which was saying something. Afraid to move, afraid of spooking you, Loki struggled to search your stare in the low light.  He had already experienced your angry dismissal of his attention tonight.  It wasn't something he wanted to relive, not when you were so close with sweet and speedy breath, your chest brushing against his own at each exhale.

Lifting a hand, grazing over your uncovered shoulder, Loki's touch was electric.  You moved towards it, towards him, needing more of his energy.  Craving it.

Bold in the dark, you grabbed at Loki’s suspenders, tugging him closer.  Rising on your toes, covering some of the distance between your mouth and his, you pressed a hot kiss to those soft, pink lips.  Under your fluttering fingers Loki shivered, "Darling-"

"Shut up.  I… I don't care."

"But I never…"

"I told you.  I don't care.  Now kiss me like you mean it, because we only have about six more minutes!"

Not needing any more encouragement, Loki found the flare of your hips in the shadows, molding your curves to the rigid planes of his body.  Desperate, needy, you felt his tongue move against your own.  Want, plain and simple, led your own fingers to the collar of Loki’s starched shirt and the tangle of his raven hair. Fisting it, tugging against those luscious locks, you couldn’t seem to get close enough to the tall God sharing your cupboard.  Whining, his name on your lips, you drew Loki tight enough that the press of your breasts was edging towards pain.  Demanding, true to your word, with every pass of Loki’s magical mouth over your own the last few weeks were forgotten. Hungry for more, Loki roughly squeezed the flesh of your ass, grinding you against his wool blend covered crotch.  Stuttering, his arousal was so stiff, for a minute Loki worried about making a mess.  But that feeling was replaced with unbridled ecstasy when your lips found the tender skin below his ear.  

A nip, enough to make Loki hiss, was soon soothed by your sucking on the same spot.  Resting your butt on the nearest shelf, you didn’t have to stand on tip-toe to reach the soft, sweet sections of Loki where you longed to lavish attention.  He took advantage of your new position by sliding a free hand along the swell of your separated thighs.  “I just need to feel you, dove.  I need to know that you want me as much as I want you.”  It was a husky whisper, directly into your ear, and it sent an arc of icy fire to your core.  When his long fingers skimmed over the silky slick of your panties you moaned in unison, bucking into Loki’s touch, lost in the moment. Stepping between your legs, Loki took one of your hands into each of his own, pinning you wide open against the boxes of cereal and granola bars that lined the pantry walls.  Devouring you slowly, Loki kissed along the column of muscles at your throat, across the exposed line of your clavicle.  You could do little more than take his delicious torment as more and more of your sweat dappled skin was serviced by his silver tongue. “Yes… Loki…”, tumbling out of you, just like the night when you first came together, you crooned his name in delight.  Breathless, boneless and broken with need. CLICK!  The sound made you both freeze.  Snapping swiftly, Loki’s head swung towards the door where the bright light and noisy crowd of the party was intruding into your private pantry. “WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!  What do we have here?”  Swinging into the tight space, Tony’s shrewd look took in the scene in seconds, “What were you two doing in here?  It was a very quiet seven minutes!” Straightening to standing, Loki stood, blocking you from sight as you readjusted your clothes.  Smoothing down his tangled strands, sarcasm dripping, “Talking.  Very quietly.”  When he was sure you were decent, Loki offered you his hand, and blinking you stepped back into the wild and raucous party still in full swing.  Tony, flashing a knowing grin your way, nodded, “I hope you didn’t smush the chips!  We still need those!” Giggling, you locked onto Loki’s arm, letting him lead you towards the keg and away from the shouted questions of your friends.  You knew there was no mystery about what happened in those seven minutes.  Hair mused, makeup smudged, lips swollen and shirts twisted, the pair of you were walking neon signs for getting to third base.

Silently Loki poured you a beer, taking a small glass of Asgardian mead for himself, before raising his glass your way.  Returning his gesture, you downed the frothy ale fast, feeling a little parched after your spit swapping time in the hall closet.  Boring into you, his eyes followed each of your movements, searching for a sign of your feelings. Dropping your empty cup on the counter, you turned and jumped onto the marble ledge, feet dangling.  “Loki?” Placing his own glass down gently, Loki took his position between your bent knees, looking down at your darling face, “Yes?” “Did you say those things?  That I was… boring?  Basic?” Shaking his dark waves no, Loki bit into his bottom lip, “Never.  What I said was, my last girl, ages ago, was those things… but my new lady-” tracing along your jaw, tipping your chin his way, “-she is everything I could ever want.”

“Am I… am I your new lady, then?” With a fierce flicker of fire in his eyes, Loki nodded yes this time, “Absolutely.” Leaning into him, arms around his neck, you tugged him down to meet your waiting lips.  “Good.  Good to know.  Because I think I’m going to watch a movie tonight.” “Really?  I recall really enjoying the last one.” “Hmm… me too.”  Sliding off the counter, ducking under Loki’s long arms, you turned back to face him, “My room… say, an hour?”

Snapping his suspenders, smirking, “I’ll be there.”  Watching you skip away made Loki’s pulse pound in anticipation.  Pouring himself another glass of clear liquor, he chuckled, amazed at the change seven minutes had created.  

“You’re welcome.” “Ah!  Yes, many thanks Tony.”  

Leaning against the counter, Tony knocked into Loki’s shoulder, “You’re cute together, Rock of Ages, but don’t make me regret helping you tonight!  Treat her right.”

“Of course.  I... truly, thank you.”, sincerity seeped from Loki at the favor from Tony. “No worries!  No worries!”  Waving away any additional gratitude, Tony looked over the group of half cocked, and totally cocked heroes before him, “Of course the real bitch was getting Pepper to pull your name from the bowl…”

My Marvelous Minxes tag-list:  @queenofmischief @vodka-and-some-sass @just-random-obsessions @brokenthelovely @lots-of-loki @thefallenbibliophilequote @iamverity @iluvsumbucky @unadulteratedwizardlove @wolfsmom1 @procrastinatinglikeabitch @mizfit2 @shxdowofdarkness @nonsensicalobsessions @ahintofkiwistrawberry @jessiejunebug @rorybutnotgilmore @crystalizedcaramel @lokislittlecorner @scrumptious-finicky-illusion @capcapcapsicle @jamielea81 @caffiend-queen @thenatalie @sammy-jo1977 @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore @is-it-madness @jenjen8675309 @alexakeyloveloki @poetic-fiasco​

[sisterspooky1013]

Perfect Opposites, chapter two

Rating: General Audiences

Read it on AO3

Tagging @today-in-fic

You all requested a chapter two, so here it is

I couldn’t forget it if I tried. I’ve turned it over in my memory so many times by now that it comes back to me like a well trained muscle repeating a familiar movement. There were a lot of little moments before that, but this one in particular stands out because it was the first one where I realized that he felt the same way I did.

We were an odd pairing from the start; he a pragmatic, analytical planner and me an idealistic, carefree dreamer. He used to call me a “loose cannon” and at first it was truly meant as an insult, said in a moment of frustration, but over time it became a term of endearment. That first day we worked together, I immediately noticed how handsome he was, tall and blonde with a square jaw and slim hips. He was so stoic, and my attempts to get to know him were met with one-word answers and pleas to focus on our assignment. I knew that I wasn’t bad-looking, and in fact I was quite used to men responding to me readily, so it felt like a fun challenge to try and crack his shell. I wasn’t trying to sleep with him; I was smart enough to know what that would do to my reputation. I was one of the first dozen female field agents to serve and I wasn’t about to blow it for all the others by hopping right into bed with my partner. But I was intrigued by his guarded demeanor, and the more he resisted me the more I wanted to know him. He insisted on calling me Rogers, even though I asked him repeatedly to call me Bridget. At first I called him Harry, but then I started calling him Hansen just to make a point and it stuck. It became a dance; I would tease and flirt with him, he would ignore my advances while we worked a case, and every once in a while he would give me a little something. First, it was little jokes, told so dryly that I had to look for the barely-there smirk on his lips to be sure he was intentionally being funny. Getting him to smile was a game in and of itself, but when I got one it was like magic. He was so beautiful when he smiled, and it became a drug I was always seeking. Over time, little by little, he started to trust me, and confide in me. He turned off the AM radio on our long drives and talked to me, not just about work.

One day he turned to me while we were driving, smiling about some stupid program he’d seen on TV the night before, and I realized that I was in love with him. I can’t say now when that happened, exactly, but in that moment I knew it, and that started the years of pushing it down, of going out with other men and pretending that he wasn’t the only one I wanted. It was so hard and heartbreaking, and I thought about asking to be reassigned dozens of times, but I couldn’t give up on the chance to be near him every day. As different as we were, he complimented me so perfectly that he became my equilibrium, the thing that grounded me to the place I was in space and time. I didn’t know how to exist without him. I was faced with an impossible choice; leave the bureau and try to have a happy life without the other half of my heart, or stay and resign to a life of pining for him across the console of our rental car. Of course there really wasn’t a choice. I could no sooner have left him than I could have chosen not to breathe anymore.

I’ve thought about that September night so many times, I can still remember the way his gingham table cloth felt under my fingertips as I nervously traced its pattern, waiting for the news I had been dreading for the last three years. He’d been seeing someone, and I just knew he was going to tell me it was getting serious, that they were getting engaged. I was afraid that I would cry, and he would ask me why, and then he’d know. He was sitting close, closer than most people would to their coworker, but that’s how we were. And he was telling me about this woman, Donna, and I felt so sick.

“I broke it off with her” he had said, and I looked at him, confused. “It just wasn’t right, Rogers. She’s a nice lady, but it just…it didn’t feel right. She’s not the one.”

I was so flooded with relief that I actually did start crying, and of course he was confused. Why would I be crying because he broke up with his girlfriend? He knelt down in front of me, and he held my hands in his, and he was just so sweet. He was always so sweet with me.

“Rogers, what’s wrong? Are you upset about Donna?”

I didn’t know what else to say, or how else to explain it, so I just nodded.

“I know we seemed like a good match, but she’s not the one. She’s the kind of person I always thought I’d end up with, but I’m realizing that I was wrong about what I wanted. About who I wanted.”

I looked at him then, at his crystal blue eyes. It felt like he was looking straight into my soul. He was searching my face like he was looking for an answer, but didn’t know what the question was.

“Bridget, have you ever just realized all of a sudden that everything you thought you knew was wrong?”

He called me by my first name. I nodded, and I thought of that moment in the car. And he was still looking all over my face, and at my mouth, and it felt like we were suspended in space, adrift in a moment that could never go forward or backward. Stuck until we made a choice. We had to make a choice.

He kissed me then, so softly, and we returned to Earth together, having found new ground. Having found each other. Even though we’d worked together and been best friends for 8 years, something entirely new was born that night, and we spent the next 20 years making up for the 8 we had wasted.

I was thinking about this at my retirement party, while the other agents ate grocery store cake and politely looked at photos of my grandchildren. When Agents Mulder and Scully walked in, I couldn’t suppress my smile. Agent Scully walked over to me with a secret smile on her lips, one she always sent my way when we were in the same room together. We had never spoken of our conversation in the bathroom last year, but she always went out of her way to say hi to me.

“Agent Hansen, congratulations” she said warmly, taking my hand in what felt more like a hand-hug than a handshake.

“Thank you, Agent Scully. I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren.”

Agent Mulder walked up then. He sure was a handsome man, and somehow seemed to get better looking as the years went by.

“Agent Hansen, the time has come!” He said jovially. “I only wish Harry could be here retiring alongside you, he would have loved this little shindig.” There was heavy sarcasm in his tone; he knew Harry would have hated the fuss.

“You knew Harry Hansen?” Agent Scully asked him with genuine surprise.

“Of course, we worked together in VCU. I liked to give him a hard time. He reminded me a lot of you, actually” he said to Agent Scully with a gentle nudge of his elbow to her ribs.

“Sounds like he was a great guy” she joked, then “we have to catch a flight out for a case, Agent Hansen, but I wanted to come by and say goodbye. It’s been such a pleasure working with you.”

Agent Mulder looked at her a little quizzically, but I understood the meaning behind what she was saying. I shook her hand again, and held it in a little squeeze.

“I hope you’ll remember what I said” I told her, and she nodded once before they turned to leave. I was happy to be retiring, but I would miss watching them together and would always wonder if they ever found their way to each other.

A few months later, I was at the 7-11 picking up donuts for my grandsons when I heard a familiar voice in the next aisle. It was Agent Mulder, on his cell phone.

“Hey, sleepy head… It’s after 9, that’s hardly early… Well what were you doing staying up so late last night?” He chuckled, and the innuendo was clear even from the bit of the conversation I could hear. I felt sadness tug at my heart thinking that he was seeing someone, and how Agent Scully must feel. I knew exactly how she’d feel.

“We’ll I’m getting you breakfast now, and coffee, so hopefully that helps…I was thinking we could go to Annapolis tonight, there’s one of those movie in the park things, we could stop by and see your mom first…because no one in Annapolis knows us, so maybe you’ll actually be willing to be seen in public with me…you know what I mean, outside of work”

I couldn’t help but smile from my hiding spot behind the donut case. He was talking to Agent Scully.

“…well, think about and you can decide later….yes, I’ll be back in 15 minutes, go back to sleep if you want…Love you, bye.”

He paid and left, and an idea started cooking in my head. Annapolis wasn’t that far of a drive, and I didn’t exactly have an active social calendar. I just wanted to see them together again, one more time.

My plan had been to get there early so I’d be sure to catch them as they arrived, but through a combination of traffic, my own poor navigation skills (that had always been Harry’s strong suit) and lack of parking, I walked in to a full lawn and the previews already starting. Thankfully, her red hair was easy to spot and I found a place for my blanket just a few feet behind them. It was a little too close, and made the odds they would see and recognize me higher than I would have liked, but soon enough it was clear that it wouldn’t be an issue. They were in their very own universe, bordered by the ugly brown Aztec blanket they sat on. Agent Mulder was reclined against a cooler with Agent Scully between his legs, leaning against his torso like an Adirondack chair, his arms wrapped around her. He whispered in her ear and kissed her neck as she giggled. They looked more like two teenagers on a date than two federal agents and it reminded me of so many nights Harry and I snuck off for dates in some forgettable city after wrapping up a case, freed from the risk that someone from the bureau would see us together and report our relationship. Those were some of the most exciting times in my life, and watching them now…I felt the tears bubbling up in my eyes. They were happy tears, full of memories and love and hope. Full of the promise of a relationship forged in fire and turmoil, sealed by dedication and hard work. I knew I’d have to go visit Harry the next day and tell him all about it, and remember with him how clumsy and awkward we were in the beginning, peeling each other’s armor away slowly until it was just us, unguarded and vulnerable and the most seen we had ever been by another person, or ever would be again.

By the end of the movie, they were spooned together under the stars, the relative darkness allowing for a kind of public intimacy that would normally be out of place. She had fallen asleep, and Agent Mulder was watching her, tracing a finger along the shell of her ear before placing a kiss to her temple. He sighed and I could hear him whisper to no one in particular “my perfect opposite.”

[lovelyirony]

Oh, can I please ask for one of your folklore prompts? “And I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want/just not home” my tears ricochet  For a young Tony, maybe? It doesn't have to have a pairing if you don't want to. :)

A house and a home are different. Tony did not know this until he was in college, much to his surprise. 

A house is somewhere you live. A central place that you come back to in between visits to other people or places or countries or anything else. It is not personal. It is something you use until you no longer see the need or the desire. You can move to a lot of them. 

A home lingers. A home is where you smile late at night over drinks. It is where crumbs reside from last night’s takeout, and you spend lazy Sundays. 

(Tony also didn’t know what that was either.) 

He’s lived in a lot of houses. He has a lot of houses. There’s the one in New York that is looming and lonely and probably would be his least favorite except it’s in New York, which earns it its redemption. 

There is sunny Malibu with its beaches and great views. There are a few others. 

None of them are homes. It’s just a place to rest for a couple of months or a year or until Howard decides it’s not enough. 

He gets to MIT and gets a dorm room, same as everyone else. It is pitifully sad, he gets sun only in the mornings, and that sucks. He kind of hates it. He guesses that’s the college experience. 

He also has a roommate. Jarvis had told him it’d be good for him, and Tony had had to talk Howard out of about twenty-seven different legal documents that basically said “if you ever breathe a word of anything to anyone, you’re being legally sued.” 

James Rhodes. Literally studying to become a rocket scientist, has questionable taste in posters, and waves at Tony when they meet each other. 

“Call me Jim.” 

“...Jim. Are you eighty or something?” 

It’s probably the wrong thing to say. It definitely is the wrong thing to say by Jarvis’ raised eyebrows and down-turned frown. 

But James Rhodes takes it in stride. 

“You can call me something else if you want, but it has to be good and I have to approve it. Can’t be my last name, can’t be Jimmy. Anything else is fair game.” 

Different reaction. That’s...that’s weird. 

So Tony shrugs, smiles as Jarvis leaves, and realizes that he’s alone and Howard doesn’t really have an influence--except he does, god he does--and Tony asks James Rhodes if he’d like to get pizza. 

“You know anywhere with good pizza?” 

“Wanna find out if Hemingway’s is any good?” 

“It’s either going to be artisan hipster or the worst. Hell yes.” 

It’s artisan hipster. It is bad, and James laughs as he tells a story and burns his tongue when he’s reenacting his mother is chewing him out, using his full name, and: 

“Rhodey,” Tony gasps out. 

“I told you that you couldn’t use my last name!” 

“It’s technically not your last name, sugar plum,” Tony mocks, using one of his mother’s nicknames against him. “You are forever now Rhodey. Forever.” 

- 

From there, friendship progresses. Tony’s never actually had a real friend before, not that he tells Rhodey that. Besides, Rhodey probably knows. Tony just automatically assumes he’s paying for everything, and he’s not sure what to do with genuine affection for a couple of months. 

He looks at Rhodey with such love and affection. He does, really. Rhodey has created a whole new world for him. 

- 

And then, the holidays. 

Thanksgiving is Tony’s least-favorite-holiday for a variety of reasons. It’s all a fake kind of gathering. “Coming together to celebrate gratefulness” is the biggest goddamn crock of bullshit he’s ever cooked in his life, and for once his family isn’t doing a PR stunt, so his mother has announced that he’s welcome to be back home, but they won’t be there. 

Howard is taking Jarvis with him on a trip to England to visit Aunt Peggy and probably talk shop about Cap and ice and stupid fucking theories about the degree of alive he’ll be when he’s found. 

(When. What pretentious bullshit.) 

Tony doesn’t want to be alone in the house, because that’d suck shit and MIT would be better. At least he could make shitty ramen and cry and only get a noise complaint instead of one of the cleaning staff members saying that he probably needed therapy. 

“You are not staying in the dorms, what the fuck man,” Rhodey says. “You’re coming home with me.” 

“Now darling, I thought you said we weren’t going to be forward about this whole thing,” he purrs, putting on an old Hollywood accent. “Are you finally coming up and seeing me?” 

Rhodey rolls his eyes. 

“I’ll be as forward as I want,” he decides, and Tony wishes he wouldn’t say things like that, because that seriously get’s a man’s heart rising. “Besides, I told you that you need to have my Aunt Kendra’s rolls, and that’s a promise. So, Thanksgiving is now with the Rhodes’ family.” 

Tony doesn’t know if they know that he’s coming. He also doesn’t know the dress code, and Rhodey is absolutely no help. 

“What do you mean by casual?” Tony squawks. “Is it business casual? Dressy casual? Jeans casual?” 

“What do any of those mean?” 

“Oh my god, I’m going to look like a failure at this shindig. Your mother will die over her cooking because I’ll pull out of the wrong wardrobe and be a fool. I’ll die, and you’ll have to bury me, and you won’t even know which outfit I’ll want. God, this is going to--” 

Rhodey shuts him up, putting a hand over his mouth. 

“Just wear your red turtleneck and your dark jeans or whatever. That looks nice.” 

“You noticed?” 

“You don’t give me as much credit as I deserve,” Rhodey grunts. “Early wake-up on Monday. I’ll supply coffee as long as you give me gas money.” 

“I’ll give you anything for coffee. I’ll give you my hand in marriage for coffee.” 

“Don’t tempt me,” Rhodey teases. “I might actually do that.” 

God, I wish you would. 

- 

Rhodey’s house is a nice place, a wire fence bordering with a porch swing covered in a light dusting of snow, and swinging slightly with the wind that blows through the neighborhood. 

There are quite a lot of cars parked in the driveway and in the street, and Tony can see at least six people inside the house, which is more family than he actually knows on either side. 

It’s all warm and yellow, and Rhodey moves with an ease that Tony didn’t know happened outside of those cheesy family shows. 

He throws open the door and there are shouts of joy and happiness and “Jimmy-boy!” 

“I didn’t know Jimmy-boy was on the table,” Tony remarks dryly. “And here it’s been for months, Jimmy-boy.” 

Rhodey groans. 

“This is worse than Rhodey,” he mutters. 

A woman who could only be his mother steps forward, grinning. 

“Call me Mama, darling. And what’s this I hear about ‘Rhodey’?” 

“He burnt his tongue on pizza while telling me about a time he got a well-deserved talking-to by your own graceful words, Mrs. Rhodes,” Tony says. He’s charming. Oh, he’s very charming. 

She giggles. 

“I said mama, but I can’t say I’ll mind too much when you talk like that. Jim, you should’ve had us meet earlier.” 

“You see I would’ve, but I happen to value myself,” Rhodey says. 

“You do?” a man says. Mr. Rhodes, tall and a smile that could put any of the fake veneers in Hollywood to shame. “Could’ve fooled me.” 

Rhodey gets pulled into a hug, and he laughs, and Tony has the Distinct Memory that He’s Never Been Hugged by his Father. 

Well, isn’t this a time to realize family inadequacies! 

“Rhodey, light of my life, where am I setting up my suitcase?” Tony asks. 

“Come on up with me. We’re sleeping in my room, hope that’s alright.” 

It’s more than alright, and Tony smiles when he sees Rhodey’s room. 

He loves it. It’s decorated with model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, a peeling Star Wars poster that has most definitely been needed to be thrown away for more than five years (but won’t be), and a few trophies from soccer. 

Tony’s never had his own room decorated with anything but the current trends, his mother hand-picking his comforter and the decorations in his room. And they all say he’s so “fashionable” and “keeps an eye out for trends.” 

(Ha.) 

It’s odd for him to see a house look so...lived in. 

“Welcome home,” Rhodey says. “I haven’t grabbed it yet, but I’ll use a sleeping bag and you can take the bed.” 

Tony snorts. 

“No way, honeybee. I’m not kicking you out of your own bed. We’ve shared a bed before, this is no different.” 

"Only if you’re sure,” Rhodey says, smiling at him. “This is a bit different than both twin beds being crashed together because we wanted more space for the fridge.” 

“This time we don’t have the fridge,” Tony quips as Rhodey laughs. 

“Come on, let’s head downstairs. Mama’s probably gonna have us wash dishes or something. Maybe set up some more chairs.” 

What actually happens is that their laundry machine has gone rebel-mode, and is currently trying it’s best to fling the door open and spew laundry everywhere. 

“Shit,” Mr. Rhodes says, looking at it. “Another call to the repairman this month...” 

“He won’t get here until a week after Thanksgiving,” Mama says, sighing. “How much do you mind your jeans freezing up a bit?” 

He smiles a bit at his wife. 

-

Tony’s never seen that. But he likes it. 

-

“I can fix it,” he says. Family turns to him. This is all quite embarrassing. “I, uh, I’ve taken apart some washing machines before. I think I can figure it out, if you don’t mind me poking around.” 

“I wouldn’t mind a bit,” Mama says. “Jimmy, I like this one.” 

Rhodey rolls his eyes. 

“I’ll go get the toolkit for you. Need anything?” 

“Towels and you, honey-pie.” 

“You get one out of two of those options.” 

“You treat me like a vagrant,” Tony declares. Rhodey laughs as he heads to go get supplies. 

- 

The night goes on. People occasionally check in, and Rhodey assures them that it’s going well. 

“Instruction manuals are such bullshit,” Tony says. “Half the time they’re written by someone who doesn’t even know how to do it themselves. The other half, no one uses them.” 

“Well when you take over your company, write better instruction manuals,” Rhodey says. “Pass me a towel, things are about to get sudsy.” 

Forty-five minutes later, the washing machine is probably doing better than it was even at production, and Tony gets a kiss on the cheek and cheers all around him. 

“This calls for cookies,” Rhodey declares. “Tony, let’s go get some.” 

They sit at the kitchen table, and Tony learns so much about Rhodey’s family. He sees him laugh and relax and tell the funniest stories about when he was little and got stuck in a tree. 

-

It’s home. That’s how he finally understands it. Home where you keep on going long after, with people you love. 

He doesn’t have one of those.  

He thinks, maybe, that he could make a home of his own. Maybe he could have AC/DC posters lining a wall, or have the pictures of friends and vacation in the kitchen. 

And Rhodey would be there. For now, he’s going to enjoy his hot chocolate and try to get more embarrassing stories about his best friend from his family. 

[darylandbethfanforever9]

Devil’s Backbone

Devil’s Backbone

Chapter 5 

Story Rating: Explicit, 18+

Warnings: Smut, violence, past flashbacks of sexual assault, descriptions o torture, racial hate and forced abortion. Not Tony Stark friendly.

Relationships: Bucky/OC, Steve/Natasha, Billy/Wanda/Grant, past Clint/Laura, eventual Clint/Yelena and Frank/Karen.

Summary: In the aftermath of the Blip, Bucky struggled to find his place among the world and the Avengers. However, when he is sent on a mission to Madripoor to investigate a young woman, he starts to realize that maybe his past isn’t too far behind him. Co-Written with WalkingPotterGirl14

Nat was acting weird. Clint usually was a very noticeable guy. He may be the man that never misses, but he was also the man that could read people like a book. And right now, Nat was acting very much not like herself, even with her usual stoic face.

He felt like she was hiding something from him and Laura, which made him conflicted. He knew Natasha's past with the Red Room was horrific, but she was keeping something secret, and had been on the phone to a woman last night. She usually never went on calls late at night. Sighing, he texted Laura to let her know that he was alright and that the kids were settling into school. After Tony had exposed their location to Thaddeus Ross, he'd had to move them to the outskirts of New York. He frowned when he saw Natasha in the conference room, running the facial recognition software. The tech had been created by Pym Industries and X-Con Security Consultants, as Stark Industries' facial recognition software was for more expensive and didn't always work. "What are you doing, Nat?" he asked quietly. Natasha ignored him as he entered the room. She was reading a file that was in Russian. "Trying to find out who this mysterious woman is, Clint. Steve isn't exactly talking to me right now, so I have to do this on my own," she answered harshly, causing him to grimace at her answer. Steve and Natasha's relationship had become strained after she had survived Voromir and revealed that she had been pregnant. Then she had suddenly broken up with Steve, devastating the man. He knew how much Steve loved Natasha. He'd been a shell of himself after Natasha had supposedly died. The man was far more guarded now and simply kept things civil with Natasha. "You should have told him, Nat. He loves you and it clearly shows in the way that he looks at you," he argued firmly, trying to understand why Natasha was acting this way. Natasha refused to acknowledge Clint's words. She knew Steve loved her, but she just didn't feel like she wanted children. She was upset that she had miscarried, but she hadn't been sad in the same manner as Steve had been.

Ana had gotten ready for Sharon's art gallery. She had decided to wear a red dress for tonight made with red satin and had a V-neck. It would partially show the faded burns on her chest, but no one would hardly notice them. She didn't like thinking about the burns, or the agony they had caused. It was better to just forget about it. She finished applying her makeup, adding some eyeliner and grabbed her handbag. She had put a knife in there, along with her cell phone and lipstick, before heading out. The car was waiting for her outside the building, and with a quiet smile, it drove her across High Town to where Sharon lived.

Bucky had left Sharon’s after a little but to head back and get ready for the real art show tonight. While he did, he had memorized everything for the mission, including his backstory and the reason as to why he was in Madripoor, looking at himself in the mirror. He'd showered, and let some slight stubble grow on his face for tonight. He was wearing a black blazer, black trousers, and a black shirt. He nodded to himself as he left the bedroom and said goodbye to Alpine. The cat meowed at him affectionately, before going to sit on the bottom of the cat bed. He'd made sure that no one would be able to break into the house, using the security system to its best advantage for heading out. He left his place after making sure he had everything that he needed, including his gun, a knife, and keys. He walked to the motorcycle, getting on, and quietly drove to Sharon's house.

The party was in full swing when Ana arrived at the house. She smiled at Conrad, who had already arrived and was with his girlfriend. He raised a glass to her from the corner as she approached. Sharon was showing a client some beautiful paintings as she wandered around, admiring the art gallery. She was about to ask Sharon about a Van Gough painting when a strange silence fell over the room as most eyes headed towards the door. Curiously, she turned around to see a young man with short dark brown hair, dressed in clothes that made it clear he was part of the Russian Mafia. Her brow raises in surprise. His eyes though were what caught her attention. They were a dark grey, like a wolf's eyes. She couldn't shake off the feeling…that they had met before but where? No, no way. She hadn't met anyone like that. Or at least…her memory sucked. "Everyone, this is one of my clients who has come from Moscow, Russian. His name is Yakov Surkov," Sharon said calmly, introducing the man, who nods. Ana got the sense that this man was dangerous. "He's a Russian mobster," Conrad whispers to her discreetly as they turned back around. "He doesn't do the usual Mafia stuff, but he sells weapons to resistance groups who fight dictators." She raised an eyebrow at his words, watching the man intently as he walked up to the bar to get a drink. She wasn't surprised when he ordered a Ruskova vodka to drink. The party returned to normal quickly after, with many people returning to what they had been doing. She excused herself from Conrad, whispering that one of the paintings he was looking at would be hers to which he laughed, and sat at the bar contently. She enjoys her glass of red wine, when she got the sense that someone was watching her. She glances up and feels herself smile when her eyes dance across the room at Yakov, who had been looking directly at her. Without breaking contact, he downs his drink before standing, walking over to her. Ah, a man of confidence, she could see. However, as he moved closer, a weird sense of peace settled over her. Conrad had told her who he was, what he did, but coming over to her, she didn't feel fear. In fact, his eyes almost felt familiar. It was such a strange sensation. But even so, she didn't let it show on her face. "You came over her nice and quick," she remarks, her brow raising. "Almost like you're on a mission." "What can I say? When I see something, I like, I know what I want." Okay, now that brought some colour to her cheeks. He was smooth. "For a Russian man, your English is very good." "I've been around them enough in the past for me to know. Takes some practice but you learn to work with it well." He reaches out and holds her hand, bringing it to his lips in a kiss. "Yakov Survok." Oof, he was pulling out all the stops. She couldn't remember the last time she had been treated with such respect from a single man. Surely not of this year, that's for sure. However, she still had her smarts ahead of her, and knew that it wouldn't be too brilliant if she gave out her regular name. So, she instead smiles and states back another name. "Maria Kapitonova. It's a pleasure to meet you." He lowers her hand again, smiling. "A pleasure to meet you as well." He glances around and gestures to this. "You been going to this for some time? I've never seen you around." "You've been here before?" "Couple of occasions," Yakov states quietly. "Usually for business reasons, but I've been to Sharon's a couple of times, trying to find the right piece for back home. However, I recently decided to move here all together." Ah, so he was in the area? Good to know. "To be honest, I haven't been here that often," she states lightly. "I only just recently showed up in the city…had some high friends in some good places so they got me into this big shindig. Sharon is a nice woman…smart one too." "That she is," he agrees before raising an eyebrow at her. "So, you're new to Madripoor?" "I am, yes." "Well, obviously you do know the city…isn't necessarily safe." Ana chuckles a bit. "Trust me, I know. But I think it was exactly what I needed. A change of scenery. Last place I was in was far too cold." The man snickers a bit. "I've heard that the summers in Madripoor are beautiful. I look forward to it." She looks back at him. "Then why did you move here?"

"As you said. A change of scenery," he agrees lightly. "It can be quite cold in Russia too." Ana smiles a bit and nods. "That is true…I've been there as well. All over the world. It's almost like people, in a way." At his furrowed brow, she continues. "Every person has warm and cold parts in a way. When you're close to someone, you get to see their warm parts, but if you anger them, the cold parts emerge, as vicious as ever. But even in the cold you can find warmth sometimes, and coldness withing the warmth – if that makes any sense." She found herself chuckling at the end. "I'm sorry. Maybe the wine is getting to me." Yakov chuckles before shaking his head. "No, I…I get it, really." He glances at the ground. "God knows I've had my fair share encounter with warm and cold places within me." Ana could see a bit of a fight in his eyes, glancing at the ground. He clearly had some sort of past, and for a moment, she forgets that they were practically strangers and reaches out, squeezing his arm. It causes him to look up. "We all do. That's the beauty of people. They're complex and wonderful in every way. If you're not willing to accept all parts of someone, then why even try?" That causes him to smile as well, although this one was smaller. "That is true…a beautiful statement for a beautiful woman." Ana rolls her eyes. "Now you're just saying that." "I mean it," he argues back, but there was a certain twinkling in his eyes that had her smiling. She takes the last sip of her wine, standing. "Well…thank you, Yakov." She clears her throat, remembering that she wasn't here to flirt with men. She needed to focus on actually getting the art she needed. "I have to use the restroom, but after that I plan to peruse the art here. Do you want to join me?" "I'd love to," he answers back with a smile. "Good," she responds back, offering her own grin before turning around, grabbing her purse, and heading to the restroom. Jeez, she hadn't felt something like that in…God knows how long. She wondered what Yakov had to offer her. Maybe being friends with a mafia man would benefit her greatly.

God-fucking-damn, she was gorgeous. As soon as Bucky had arrived back at Sharon's place for this whole party she was throwing for the art, she had directed him directly to where the mystery woman she knew was sitting at the bar. And while Bucky of course followed up on her and began to talk to her, trying to learn her name – Maria, of all things, but he knew that was most likely a front – and all about her for his own case, he couldn't deny the beauty that she had.

She had the most beautiful eyes that he had ever seen, a light grey that he compared to opals. She had wavy dark brown hair that was almost black but had a mahogany colour. She was tall, but barely reached his height. The red silk dress flattered her figure and emphasized the curves she had. He noticed a few men were watching her as she left for the restroom, her hair glowing in the disco lights. She was most certainly a looker, that was for sure. "Enjoying the party, Yakov?" a voice asked with amusement. He turned around to see Sharon had come over to the bar, and had ordered herself a Piña colada, eying the drink that he was drinking. "It's enjoyable, Miss Carter. And I just met the delightful Maria Kapitonova. She's a charming young woman," he answered smoothly as he saw a young woman with blonde curly hair enter the art gallery and go to the restroom. "That she is. She's friendly with Conrad Mack, the Smiling Tiger, Melissa Gold who is known as Songbird and two hackers called Polina Astakhova and Evan Drake. She's making a name for herself in this city - plus she's laid down some ground rules for everyone," Sharon said impressed. After a moment however, she turns him around, looking at him carefully. "Be careful, Bucky. She's not like most of the people who live here but she's dangerous. She's killed at least three folks who didn't abide by the new rules," she said warningly. Before he could reply, Maria returned from the restroom, her bag in her hands. "I'd love to see the new art collection you've acquired. Sharon, I heard from Conrad and Melissa that you have some art nouveau pieces?" Maria asked curiously. She'd loved the art nouveau art and architecture. Bucky takes her up on that. "I'd like to see this art collection as well, Sharon. I have a deep fondness for Art Deco, and Art Nouveau style," Bucky added, genuinely interested. Sharon smiled, as she showed them the collection upstairs, moving along gracefully through the halls until they arrived where it was. Bucky admired the paintings on the wall, knowing fully well that these paintings and sculptures were the real deal. Most of the paintings and sculptures in the museums and art galleries, including the Louvre, were elaborate fakes. "I'll take those and some of your Asian Art collection as well, Sharon," he answered smoothly, handing her a wad of cash in Russian ruble. She smiled at him as she took it. "You have great taste," she mutters to him, to which he chuckles. Both of them saw Maria admiring the one of the paintings on the wall, before she turns to Sharon. "I'd like to buy this and a few other pieces," she said softly. Sharon smiled and arranged to have them sent to her house, as well as Bucky's place.

The party continued going on in their absence. Bucky noticed that some people were smoking marijuana. He didn't have a problem with people taking it. He knew Leah smoked the painkiller to help relive her back pain she'd gotten from a car accident during the Decimation. It had nearly paralyzed her. He glanced up at the grandfather clock to see the time and was astonished to see it was 2:30 AM in the morning. He saw a young woman with silver hair that had pink highlights at the front, and she came over to greet Maria. So she was using an alias to keep her real identity a secret? On that he didn't blame her. If Thaddeus Ross found out that there was another survivor of the Red Room aside from Natasha and Yelena, then things would get ugly. He would check in with Steve, Sam, and Wanda along with the others tomorrow. He went to say goodbye to Sharon and Maria, and found them talking to Conrad Mack, his girlfriend Jeannette and Melissa. "You heading off, Yakov?" Conrad asked amused. The Russian mobster had a cat that he was fiercely protective of. God help the idiot who tried to hurt it. They'd have the White Wolf hunting them down, like John Wick. "Tired from the flight. The party was wonderful Sharon. And it was lovely to meet you, Maria," he said smoothly, kissing Sharon on the left cheek. She flushed, chuckling a bit. Deep down Bucky hoped Sam wouldn't get upset about that. He knew there was something brewing between the two. He smiled at Maria, shaking her hand. He could smell her perfume from where he was. It smelt of lilies, red roses, and cherry blossoms. "I hope to see you again, Yakov," Maria said softly. He smiled at her as he watched her go inside and got onto his bike before taking off.

Steve, Sam, Wanda, Clint and T'Challa were in the conference room with Fury looking over the photos. They had been taken by Bucky when he had been at Sharon's art gallery. "Ok, so I've identified most of the guests at the party. Conrad Mack also known as the Smiling Tiger, was there with his fiancé, Jeanette Deveraux. Now, believe it or not, his criminal record isn't that bad. He sells marijuana to people on low incomes, and he is an arms dealer, but he sells weapons to Algeria, where there is a civil war going on due to the former prime minister coming back and trying to make a dictatorship," Amy explained patiently. "What about the chick with the gorgeous breasts and pink highlights? Did our Manchurian Candidate I.D. her as well?" Tony asked rudely, causing most of the team to stare at him in disgust at his cruel jibe towards Bucky. "Stark, don't call Bucky that. It's insensitive and unkind," Sam said firmly, before Steve could speak in defense of his friend. Tony had becoming very unkind towards Bucky since he had joined the Avengers. Tony started laughing at Sam's words, an expression of disbelief, contempt and disgust on his face. "Oh I'm sorry, Wilson - or wait is it Captain America? You think I shouldn't be unkind and insensitive to the bastard who strangled my mother to death and is the reason the team broke up?!" he shouted angrily, slamming his fist on the table. The piece of furniture rattled violently, and Peter squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. "It wasn't Bucky's fault, Mr. Stark. He is as much as a victim of HYDRA as were your parents," T'Challa said compassionately, but firmly to the man. "I don't care. He killed my goddamn mother! Because of Barnes and the man who I call father, I lost my mother, and Rogers had the nerve not to tell me!" Tony raged, his face turning red with anger. "When could I tell you, Tony?" Steve asks. "I didn't know if Zola was telling the truth at the bunker, and everything was a mess. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, sooner. Truly, I am. But you wouldn't answer my calls after retiring from the Avengers and the Accords happened," he reasoned calmly, trying to keep his temper. "Barnes should be rotting in the Raft or be fucking dead. He's a murdering, sociopathic bastard who ruined my life! He's the reason why Morgan doesn't have a grandmother!" Steve's hands turn to fists, but he refuses to yell. He wouldn't stoop so low as to lose his temper. So instead, he stands, aiming at him. "You don't think that Bucky feels that every day? You don't think he hasn't apologized and tried to make amends with every damn person he's hurt in the past? If anything, you don't even have the right to talk, because you've had so many people that you have hurt in the past as well. Do you deserve to be rotting away?" "You want to know everything I've done for this organization? For this country? I know that we've hurt others and we've tried to redeem that by singing the Accords and trying to make things right! Barnes was a literal psychopath that, just because we choose to believe what the Wakandans did, he's out there right now just living when he could snap at any moment!" T'Challa raises an eyebrow. "Are you questioning the power of Wakandan technology?"

Tony sighs and raises a hand to T'Challa. "I have nothing against you or your power, your highness. Your tech is great. My issue is with the current former assassin that is on the streets!"

"Will you two sit down!" Fury snaps angrily, causing the two of them to let out a puff of anger before doing so. "I know that you two don't get along but for the love of God get your damn selves together, because if don't figure out what is going on, then we might have another fucking breach." He angrily waves his hand. "Tony, the rest of your team head out and do a bit more research on Madripoor. Steve, called up Barnes and get more info. And when we get back, you two act like fucking adults."

"Yes, sir," was a collective muttered response.

Steve saw Tony glare at him before getting up, heading out with the others. Steve goes to talk to him but feels someone reach out to him, and he turns to see Wanda, shaking her head.

"It's not worth it," she says softly.

Steve sighs before running a hand along the back of his head, and turning around. "You're right." He looks to Sam and Wanda, who then he nods towards the meeting room. "Let's go call up Bucky."

[just-another-writing-sideblog]

Date or hangout

Pairing : Drarry

Fandom : Harry potter

Word count: 458 words

Requested : No (Requests are open)

A/N HI! I wanted to explore drarry so here you go:

Harry ran his hands through his messy hair, Hermione was going to kill him. She had told him to finish reviewing these documents last week, but lately, he had been distracted.

It was definitely not because of Draco Malfoy.

He glanced over at the Auror who sat across him: Draco Malfoy. He seemed to be in a similar predicament as him. Harry raked his eyes over him, his no longer gelled hair was falling over his face and into his eyes, the blonde was resting his bored face on his hands as he wrote.

"Potter?" Draco's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Hmm?" He reached for the water resting on the table trying to make it seem like he hadn't been checking the other man out "I-I uh have two VIP tickets to the weird sisters' shindig on Sunday, you wanna come with me?" Harry spit his water out, was he trying to ask him out, or was he just overthinking this? "Yeah" He tried to keep the excitement from his voice, he really did.

"Great!" Draco exclaimed cheering up instantly. Harry simply nodded.

Two days later

"Did he ask me out or am I just crazy?" harry groaned, pacing nervously. "How 'bout you go to the gig and see how it goes?" Ron offered. "And you could get dressed, he's picking you up, isn't he?" Hermione suggested with a smile.

Twenty minutes later he was at his date? Harry wasn't really sure. Draco himself was rather fidgety. The concert was amazing and as it went on, Harry found himself relaxing more and more.

"Harry by the time this is over, it'll be pretty late, would you like to grab some dinner afterward?" Draco asked over the loud music. "I know a nice diner which is fifteen minutes from here," Harry answered.

Draco was right, by the time the concert was over, it was almost 10. So, the two walked down to the diner with smiles on their faces. The muggle waitress recognized harry immediately and said "Hullo harry! What can I get for you and your date?" "He's not my- "Harry began turning redder than a tomato but Malfoy cut him off "What are your recommendations for a first date?" The waitress smiled and left promptly.

The blonde turned to look at his date, who was turning a shade of red that could give the Weasley family's hair a run for its money. "Look Harry, I've fancied you for a long time and didn't know how to ask you out so I did this. I hope you're not mad," Draco explained, pretending to fix his collar. Harry squealed.

A/N You read the whole thing? Thanks!

[wrenhyperfixates]

Yule Log

Pairing: Loki x reader Summary: With Christmas quickly approaching, Loki finds himself missing his favorite time on Asgard. If he can’t go back home to celebrate, you’re determined to bring the party to him. Warnings: just the tiniest bit angsty, but mainly just fluff. And a lot of kissing A/N: We’re already halfway through December, can you believe it? To continue the spread of holiday cheer, please enjoy my latest fic! Happy reading :)

Tag List: @lucywrites02 @frostedgiant​​ @lunarmoon8​ @twhiddlestonsstuff​ @lokistan​ @thelokiimaginechroniclesficrecs​ @gaitwae

Disclaimer: Gif not mine 

“Thank you for coming,” you said to some of the last guests as they made their way out into the chilly night air.

Being Tony’s personal assistant was no easy feat, and sometimes it meant you had to be in full work mode at parties rather than being able to let loose. So many times your boyfriend tried to pull you away from all the seriousness, but you would only be able to enjoy a dance or two before having to do something else. It was yet another reason why Loki was not a fan of Stark’s shindigs.

“Darling,” he called as you made your way back into the room. “Come sit with me now?”

“I can’t. There’s still people here.”

“And they are occupied talking to Stark and Captain Rogers,” he pouted. “Certainly you can rest for a minute. You deserve it, after all.”

“Ok, I guess,” you replied, walking over. He pulled you down onto his lap before you could change your mind, kissing you quickly but passionately. “Well if that’s what you mean by rest, I would have stopped working hours ago.”

“Duly noted,” he said, nuzzling into your neck, enjoying your scent. “I will be sure to be more specific next time.”

You giggled against his lips as he kissed you again. The whole scene was picturesque, really. Sitting with your boyfriend on the couch, a tree in the background, snow falling outside, and a fire crackling nearby; it was like something right out of a painting. Or maybe a dream. Then again, that’s how you felt about every second you spent with Loki.

Just when you were getting settled against him, your boss called your name, and waved you over with a smile. He probably needed you for another scheduling problem. At least you would be getting a break for Christmas soon. You sighed and pecked Loki on the cheek, wiggling out of his grip, much to his protest. With a promise to meet him in your shared room as soon as you finished up with the last few guests, he let you go.

Roughly half an hour later, you were stumbling into your quarters, feet sore and eyes tired. Walking into your bedroom to change, you saw Loki standing by the window, his shirt in his hands as if he just forgot what he was doing halfway through changing. You hugged him from behind, resting your forehead between his shoulder blades. His hand immediately alighted on your arm and began rubbing slow circles on your skin. You’d noticed he did that anytime he was pensive or working through a lot of emotions.

“Hey, are you ok? Do you need to talk?” you asked.

“I am alright, my angel. You need not worry,” he told you, turning around to hug you and kissing your forehead gently. “Now, I believe we were going to watch a movie.”

You frowned at the way he changed the topic, but decided not to push the subject. You could always try again in the morning, but you didn’t want to make him talk if he didn’t feel like it. You got changed while Loki set up the film, something he was still very proud that he’d learned how to do. Settling on the couch, Loki rested his head on your lap, and you played with his hair as Rudolph began to play on the TV.

You looked down at the beautiful god, wondering what was going through that beautiful mind of his. There was no doubt in your mind; you loved Loki. The thing was that he could be so guarded sometimes that you felt left out. Like he was keeping things from you. It was more out of concern for him that it made you worry, not because you didn’t trust him. In fact, you trusted him with your life. You only wished that he would do the same with you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, you woke up in the bed, wrapped in Loki’s arms. You didn’t quite remember getting off of the couch last night, and you knew Loki must have carried you after you fell asleep. His eyes were on you, as you laid there. You could feel his loving gaze even before opening your eyes. You liked to do that sometimes, pretend like you were still asleep and bask in the joy of Loki admiring you. Whether or not he told you everything, he obviously adored you, and this was a nice reminder of that. Though, now that you thought about the issue of communication, you cracked open your eyes, determined to get him to tell you what is wrong.

“Good morning, darling,” he said, smiling warmly at you. “I love you.”

It always made you flustered when Loki told you that so soon after waking, like it was the most important thing. Like he had to make sure you knew before anything else happened. Before you could even get up most days, he was saying those words. They always made you snuggle further into your chest, resolving to stay in bed a bit longer, rather than getting up and starting your duties for that day.

“Morning, Loki. I love you too.”

Still laying together in a tangle of limbs, the two of you chatted for a bit longer, and you were carefully working your way up to the question you wanted to ask. It was a delicate topic, for sure, but maybe he’d be soft enough after all the pillow talk to share.

“Loki, can I ask you a question? And can you answer me honestly?” you asked.

“Of course. I will do my best, my angel.”

You frowned a little at the response, but plowed on anyway. “Last night you were upset about something. What was it? You know I worry about you. It’s ok, you can tell me.”

“Well,” he sighed. “It is nothing much, really. It is just with all these Christmas festivities, I am reminded of my mother’s favorite celebration. The winter solstice ball was always around this time. She loved planning the Yule celebrations. It was why she put up with the planning of every other ball, just so she could do this one. It was always the most fun, for her love of the holiday shone through every minute detail of the day.”

You looked at features, peaceful and happy, a small smile tugging at his lips. You wanted to be happy for him, too, but it made your heart break as you read deeper into what he was saying. It wasn’t just the holiday he was upset over.

“Oh, Loki. You miss your mother,” you cooed as he sadly nodded.

“It is nothing you need worry yourself over, really.”

“Yes, Loki, I do. Because I love you. If you’re allowed to worry over me, I can over you, too.”

“That is... fair,” he conceded, though he was frowning a little. “So what are you going to do? Nothing too over the top, I hope.”

“I’m not exactly sure yet, but I’ll start with this,” you admitted, cupping his cheek and kissing him. You started on his lips, but then moved to placing little pecks all over his face. His smile had returned by the time you finished. “Better?”

“Much,” he confessed as he pulled you closer, earning a giggle. “But you are not done trying to fix this, are you?”

“Not even close.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days later you were setting up the common room for a solstice party, much like the Asgardian ballroom would be looking soon. You’d asked Thor more about how the holiday was celebrated on his home planet and, together with the rest of the Avengers, you were getting ready to surprise Loki. Though you had Bucky and Peter keeping him busy and out of the way right now, you were sure that Loki suspected something was up.

“Are you sure this is everything Thor?” you nervously questioned, giving the room a once-over. “Everything has to be perfect.”

“Do not worry, my friend. You were very thorough.”

After combing through your notes one last time, just to make sure there wasn’t anything you were missing, you called Peter and Bucky to bring Loki back. In true surprise party fashion, you turned the lights off and got into hiding places. When he walked in, you all jumped up and screamed “Happy Yule.” For a second he didn’t move, and the silence was kind of awkward as he stood there with a sort of stunned but otherwise unreadable expression on his face. Finally, he gently said your name.

“You don’t like it, do you?” you said, feeling like you might cry.

“Like it? No, no, I do not. Darling,” he said, shaking his head before breaking out into a huge grin and crushing you in a hug, using his godly strength to pick you up and spin you around. “I love it! I was certain you had some trick up your sleeve, but this? This is beyond my wildest imagination. It is perfect! Thank you, love.”

“Really?” you squealed in excitement. “Loki, that means so much to me.”

“And the fact that you went through all this trouble means so much to me.”

He kissed you then, not caring about the reaction from the rest of the Avengers, which was a mix of whoops and groans. Even when you broke away from each other, you still stood there for a minute, just gazing at each other. The look in your eyes said everything that words couldn’t.

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let us party,” Loki announced.

He swept you onto the dance floor as the music began to play, enjoying waltzing amongst your friends. After a few songs, you led him over to the thrones at the front of the room. He nearly cried tears of joy when you said it was for him. Long ago, he’d given up on the notion that he’d rule, let go of the desire to do so. He did not need it if he was king of your heart. But to be offered one, even just for the night, it meant more to him than he knew how to express.

It was late into the night after a number of Avengers had moved past tipsy and into drunk, when Loki asked you take a walk with him. You bundled up before stepping into the cold night air, but afraid of his little mortal catching a cold, Loki draped an extra cloak on your shoulders. It was so soft you wondered if he’d cast some kind of spell on it. He took your hand and led you away from the Tower and into the city, lit up even more than normal by all the Christmas decorations. Eventually, you reached Central Park, and Loki slowed to a stop so he could cup your cheeks and kiss you yet again that night. You lost yourself in him, losing track of time as you stood there, lips locked together. When you finally separated, he was looking at you like you were the most precious thing in the world.

“My sweetest angel, thank you so much for cheering me up,” he said.

“It was no problem. It was totally worth it to see you so happy. Did I miss anything that you were looking forward to?”

“Darling, you simply must stop worrying yourself. The party was amazing.”

“But?”

“Did it sound like there was a 'but' coming? I assure you, you have done everything perfectly.”

“I don’t know,” you shrugged. “I just feel in my gut that there’s something missing, and I know you won’t tell me of your own accord. Please, Loki, if there’s something else, let me know.”

“Admittedly, there is one other thing I miss. But you have done more than enough already.”

“Will you please stop that?” you snapped a little, surprising the god. “Stop pushing your feelings aside, especially with me. I care about you, ok? I want to trouble myself with what’s bothering you. Because if we deal with it together, it’s not so hard for either of us. We love each other, Loki, I know that. So just open up. Tell me.”

“Are you done?” he inquired with an impressed and amused smirk as you nodded, a little flustered and embarrassed after your outburst. “Good.”

Once more, Loki kissed you, catching you completely by surprise. Usually he liked to show his love through little things, but tonight he couldn’t seem to keep his lips off yours. Not that you were complaining, of course. The displays of affection were certainly as welcome out in public as they behind closed doors. You tenderly caressed his cheek and brushed a lock of hair from his eyes.

“The Yule log,” he said. “It was the one night a year I felt like we were truly a family. Father, mother, Thor, and I would sit around the fire into the late hours of the night, laughing and telling stories.” He zoned out for a second and you let him reminisce before continuing. “I remember when I was just a small child, father even let me fall asleep on his lap sometimes. And then as we got older and things became more tense, there was still always that night.”

“Loki,” you whispered, “that’s lovely. I would love to light a Yule log for our little family, if you’ll allow it.”

“I would love nothing more, my angel.”

Then you excitedly whisked him back to the Tower, where you promptly told everyone the plan. They gathered around, and Loki conjured a log which you lit together. You snuggled with your prince in an oversized chair, safely tucked under his arm.

“My angel,” he whispered, “I really cannot thank you enough. And I vow to be more open with you from now on. Because I trust you and love you more than anything else in the Nine Realms and beyond.”

“You’re welcome, Loki. I love you, too, though I never could say it as eloquently as you can,” you chuckled. “Happy Yule, my love.”

“Happy Yule, darling.”

You began to doze off against his side. Loki listened to the conversation and laughter flowing all around him. Soon, everyone followed your lead and began drifting off to sleep. He smiled as he realized he got to keep his favorite tradition of sitting around the Yule log with his family, after all.

“Happy Yule, mother,” he whispered into the night before falling asleep, too.

[cpd5021]

Santa’s Helper

Happy Smutmas! Here’s day number one! Rated very much M!! Enjoy!

It started off as any other day in Intelligence, they were working a case and Jay and Hailey had been out tracking down a witness. As they walked up the steps back into the precinct, the typical easy banter flowing between them, Hailey caught Platt’s eyes and immediately knew she would regret it. Platt stared her down and summoned her over with a wave of her finger. Hailey sent Jay a panicked look but he simply shrugged and continued his way up the steps leading towards the bullpen. Hailey begrudgingly made her way over to Platt, feeling her stomach sink with every step as she took in the clearly fake smile plastered on the sargents face. 

“Goldilocks! Just the detective I wanted to see!”

Her uncharacteristically chipper voice did nothing to quell Hailey’s nerves. 

“What can I help you with, Sarge?”

Hailey asked, forcing her own fake smile onto her face. 

“Upton, I am so glad you asked.”

Platt accentuated each word, smiling even more as she spoke. 

“CPD is hosting a little Christmas event for kids and I need some volunteers.”

The way she said ‘volunteers’ told Hailey it would be anything but voluntary. Hailey simply nodded along, waiting for the other bomb to drop. 

“We’re having a Santa and he needs some elves.”

There it was. Hailey cringed internally at the thought of what Platt was suggesting but knew better than to protest. 

“Who else is helping out?”

Hailey asked, trying to draw the attention away from her initial reaction. 

“Well, Kevin was more than happy to be our Santa and you should have seen the look on Kim’s face when I told her, she’s the one who suggested elves. It’s perfect!”

Hailey smiled at the thought of Kevin as Santa and was not one bit surprised that Kim was all for this. She nodded again, letting Platt know she would help out before turning to dart upstairs and hoping that she could somehow get out of this. Walking into the bullpen, Hailey walked by Kevin’s desk, sharing a knowing look with him as she passed by. She was so distracted by her previous conversation she didn’t notice Kim jogging up to her until they almost collided. 

“Did she tell you? I already found the costumes!”

Kim beamed, practically jumping with excitement. 

“Co...costumes?”

Hailey stuttered, not having even considered that thought.

“Well yeah, we can’t just go as is. We’re elves!”

This time Kim did jump and Hailey fought to plaster a smile on her face. She excused herself and hurried over to her desk, sinking into her chair and wishing they had used the other door when they came in. Jay sent her a questioning look from his desk and she couldn’t bring herself to explain so she just shook her head at him and focused on her computer. 

    Hailey made it through the rest of the day without mention of her new gig, thankful that they had gotten too busy for Kim to have the time to show her the costumes. Now she stood in the locker room, ready to go home and dreading tomorrow. It was supposed to be her day off anyway, she should have told Platt she had plans. Not that that would have mattered, the Sargeant would have gotten her roped in one way or another. While word of Hailey’s role at this shindig thankfully stayed under wraps, the mention of the function itself spread quickly. Jay had asked her if she planned on attending it and she had brushed him off, hoping he wasn’t planning on going. He had let it drop but the way he looked at her made Hailey think he suspected something was up. Hailey finished up in the locker room and quickly headed home, praying tomorrow would be over with quickly. 

    Morning came far too quickly for Hailey’s liking. She found herself snoozing her alarm a few times before she finally rolled out of bed. She padded into the bathroom, taking a long and hot shower before she got dressed and headed downstairs for some breakfast. She glanced at her phone, checking the time and groaning when she realized she needed to get going if she was going to meet with Kim at 11 as they had planned. Hailey headed out the door, pulling her coat tight against her in the cold Chicago wind. The drive to the banquet hall was much shorter than Hailey would have appreciated and soon enough she was trudging her way inside. An older woman at a table by the door pointed her in the direction of a room being used for the characters and Hailey cringed at the title placed upon her. Pushing the door open slowly, the first thing that caught her eye was Kevin in the corner of the room, donned in a full on Santa suit and instantly glaring at her smile. She walked over, lifting her hand to rub it up and down the red fabric.

“Wow, it’s even real velvet.”

She smirked, chuckling when he glared down at her. 

“Only the best for the best.”

He said, puffing his chest out and adjusting his Santa hat. Hailey was just starting to think maybe this wouldn’t be so bad when Kim came running up behind her, clad in a bright green elf dress, complete with obnoxiously glittery tights. She even wore a hat with a little bell on top and Hailey wanted to sink into the floor at the thought of putting it on. Kim handed her the bag containing her garment and pointed her in the direction of the bathroom. Hailey held back a sigh as she took the bag and headed out of the room. 

Once dressed, and having swallowed every last bit of her pride, Hailey walked back out into the main room. She met eyes with Kevin and it was his turn to smirk at her. She sent him a glare in return and then was bombarded by Kim once again. 

“Okay, I have some glittery makeup we can add for you. I think it really pulls the look together.”

Kim turned her head back and forth slowly, displaying her glittery handiwork. Hailey pursed her lips in an attempt at a smile, knowing she wasn’t getting out of this. Once kim had “worked her magic” as she called it, the two followed after Kevin as another older woman came to tell them it was time to set up. Walking into the auditorium, the trio were met by Platt, wearing a huge smile plastered on her face. She walked over to them, coming to Kevin first and cupping his face between her hands. 

“Most handsome Santa I’ve ever seen.”

She said and the look on his face was priceless. She turned to Kim next, sending her another smile before she finally turned to Hailey. 

“Awe, aren’t you just adorable.”

Hailey tried her best to smile at the Sergeant but it fell flat. Platt leaned in close enough to speak so only Hailey could here. 

“And hating every moment, which I’m loving. For the kids Upton! For the kids!”

And with that she was gone and Hailey was moving to catch up to Kim. 

The event started then and Hailey and Kim fell into an easy rhythm, leading the kids up to sit on Santa’s lap and posing for photo ops when requested. Hailey’s nerves had settled slightly as they neared the end of the event and she had to admit, seeing the kids light up by seeing Santa almost made this whole disaster worth it. Almost. 

As the afternoon wore down, the line started to thin. Hailey was standing next to a family with two kids, ready for their photo, when she saw the auditorium doors open and her heart sank. In walked Adam and Jay, heading directly her way. She panicked briefly and considered boltling, but the photographer reminded her they were ready to take the photo. By the time the camera clicked and Hailey was free, it was too late. Jay was standing just a few feet back, staring at her with the biggest grin on his face, Adam’s eyes were locked on Kim. The girls ushered the last few kids through, finishing out the event before Adam jumped onto the end of the line. Kim played right along, moving him up to sit on Kevin’s lap and Kim laughed as she snapped the picture. Jay walked up to Hailey, a huge grin still plastered on his face. 

“Shut up.”

She told him, though she was unable to control the small smile tugging at her lips. 

“I didn’t say anything.”

Hailey glared up at him, his mischievous eyes glinting down at her. 

“Did you want a picture with Santa too?”

She asked, raising her eyebrow at him. He leaned in closer to her, whispering into her ear as he spoke. 

“No, but I wouldn’t mind a session with his elf.”

Hailey instantly felt heat rush to her cheeks but she hoped the glittery makeup Kim had plastered on her would hide it. 

“I’ll see if Kim’s available.”

She deadpanned, knowing damn well he meant her. The two had recently shifted their relationship past just work partners and friends and honestly it had been the best decision Hailey had ever made. Jay was amazing, as she knew he would be, in every aspect of their relationship. But the way he was looking at her with the dark look swirling around his eyes, made Hailey very aware of the one element he really excelled in. The thought sent heat rushing to more than just her cheeks, something she knew Jay was definitely aware of. Jay stood behind her, with enough distance that any onlookers wouldn’t think anything of their spacing, but close enough he could tug ever so slightly on the hem of her short skirt. Hailey jumped at the contact and spun around to send him a threatening look. He sent her a smirk in return and she was blushing once again. Hailey turned back around to survey the room, Kevin, Adam and Kim were huddled in the corner all laughing at something Kevin had said. The cleaning crew was making their way in to tear down the decorations, signalling to Hailey that she was done for the day. She reached back to tug Jay’s arm, leading him out of the auditorium. They headed into the empty hallway and Hailey started back towards the dressing room. 

“Give me just a sec to change and we can get out of here.”

She spoke, checking the plaque on each door as she walked, looking for the dressing room. She only made it two more doors before Jay’s hand yanked her backwards and quickly turned her back to be up against the wall. He was in front of her in a split second, his knee coming to rest between her thighs. Her eyes darted up and down the hallway, finding it thankfully empty.

“Are you insane?”

She hissed, finally looking up at him. He winked at her before dipping his head down, his mouth instantly finding the spot just below her ear that he knew drove her wild. She clutched the front of his shirt, eagerly pulling him closer before she thought better and pushed him back. 

“Jay, look where we are!”

She hissed again, scanning the hallway once more. 

“I don’t see anyone.”

He countered, biting his bottom lip as he took in her flushed face. 

“That’s not the point.”

She muttered, her heart racing at the look on his face. 

“One of these rooms has to be empty, it’s a Saturday, everyone’s probably headed home.”

He whispered, waggling his eyebrows playfully. 

“You really are insane.”

She replied, making the mistake of looking him in the eye once again. Jay pulled her off the wall, tugging her down the hall and checking for an unlocked door. To her horror, and albeit slight pleasure, he found one and quickly pushed it open, yanking her inside. They found themselves in an empty office that looked like it wasn’t in use even during business days. A desk covered in a thick layer of dust was in the middle of the room but Jay led her to the leather couch pushed up against the wall. He sat down and immediately pulled her onto his lap, her legs straddling his waist. 

“I wasn’t joking about that session with an elf.”

He said, leaning up to kiss along her neck once again. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders, pulling him closer as her body began to give in to his ministrations. His hands gripped her hips, gently moving her back and forth against the front of his jeans, causing an obvious reaction from the both of them. His fingers came to dance up her thighs, sliding under the fabric of her skirt easily and continuing their way up. His thumb brushed over her sensitive nerves and even through all the fabric she bucked at the contact. He pulled back from her neck, tilting his head to smirk up at her. She bit her lower lip, her fingers trailing down his neck before scraping down his shirt until she met the clasp of his belt. His eyes darkened even more as she quickly undid the belt and his button, pulling down his zipper slowly, with enough pressing to drive him wild. She freed him from his boxers and her hands instantly started to set a rhythm, his hips lifting up into her with every stroke. She sent him a smirk before sliding off his lap and onto her knees in front of him. 

“Hailey…”

He breathed out, registering what was about to happen. She bit her lip again, sending him a wink before she dipped down and took him into her mouth. Her eyes never left his and she watched as he fell apart under her touch. She set a slow pace, something she knew drove him insane as her mouth and hand worked together to bring him to the edge. She could tell he was getting close when his thighs started to twitch around her and then his hands were in her hair, gently pulling her off. He pulled her up and positioned her on the couch, sharing a quick kiss before he pushed her to lay back. He pulled down the skirt and tights, dragging his nails down her thighs as he went. The sensation caused her to shiver and he sent her a devilish grin in response. Jay shifted himself down, his tongue darting out between his lips for just a second before he lapped at her wetness, Hailey arching instantly underneath him. He drew his tongue through her wet folds again before he moved back down and slid inside her. Hailey’s hand clasped over her mouth in an attempt to silence her moans as Jay continued to work her. As her legs began to shake around him, Jay pulled away from her, causing Hailey to groan at the loss of contact. Her disappointment didn’t last long before his fingers slid into her core, another loud moan rising from her chest. His mouth latched onto her clit and as his tongue sucked and flicked over the sensitive bundle, Hailey felt herself fall apart. Jay continued to work her until the waves of her orgasm finally slowed. Then he crawled back up her until his body hovered over her, the tip of his erection dancing just over where she wanted him most. His mouth found hers and she tasted herself there, causing another moan. Jay positioned himself at her entrance, nipping at her bottom lip before he pushed his whole length in.He paused for a moment to let her adjust before his hips began to rock against her. Hailey met him thrust for thrust and in a matter of minutes, they were both on edge. Jay moved one hand between them, his fingers dancing over her throbbing bundle and it was enough to drive her over the edge. 

“Jay...oh fuck…”

She moaned loudly before Jay’s mouth clashed against hers, silencing her with a kiss. His own release followed right after and his thrusts became sloppy as he lost control. They stilled for a moment, both catching their breath, before Jay moved out of her and sat up on the couch. Hailey laid, completely spent, on the cool leather sofa as her stomach and thighs continued to quiver. Jay stood and put himself back together before bending down to grab her clothes. He helped her slide back into the tights and skirt, laughing as she swayed upon standing. Her arms came to clasp around his neck, pulling him into a quick hug before she moved back to look at him. 

“You’re awful. A kids Christmas program?”

She shook her head in mock disappointment, causing him to raise his eyebrows at her. 

“I didn’t hear you complaining. In fact, I’m pretty sure everyone heard quite the opposite.”

His words brought another flush to her cheeks and she buried her face in his chest. 

“Shut up, I’m not that loud.”

He chuckled against her, giving her hips a squeeze before they separated. 

“That is highly debatable.”

Hailey shook her head again and pulled him towards the door. They stepped back out into the hallway and Hailey resumed her search for the dressing room door. To her horror, she only made it to the door next to the one they had just come out of. Hailey slowly pushed it open, hoping no one would be inside. Of course that wasn’t her luck and as they stepped inside they were met with a mixture of looks and whistles from Kevin and Adam. Kim sat in the corner laughing. But as Platt moved to stand in front of her, Hailey’s stomach sank. The Sergeant didn’t say a word, just glared Hailey and then Jay down before leaving the room. Hailey turned to punch Jay in the shoulder before bolting to the bathroom to change, locking herself inside and debating never coming out.