#a nurse recognized me when i came back and was just chipper about seeing me again and its like oh my god it never ends does it

[readymades2002]

all being institutionalized even did is make it impossible to ever be honest with a doctor ever again like wow thank u thank u so much ^_^ i am not any better and i no longer think its possible to find a solution in staying alive but i do get nauseous when i see graham crackers now so thats very cool thank u 

[chrisevansjellybeans]

Happier|Part Four

You guys! I’m kind of sad that Happier is ending. I really enjoyed writing it and from the feedback I know a lot of you guys enjoyed reading it. This part is a little different. We get a little back and forth from Reader to Chris’s POV. 

Previous Parts: One Two Three

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: angst (surprise), swearing, mentions of accident and a small mention of blood

“You want to explain what the hell that was?” Carissa snapped as soon as Chris stepped into her line of sight. “Seriously, Chris. What were you thinking? You can’t just punch somebody.” 

“Well it’s my house.” He grumbled. Carissa shot him a look that had him letting out a long sigh. 

She ran her fingers through her hair, her eyes getting glossy. “This was supposed to be my night. I wanted to celebrate my birthday with friends and get to know some of your friends as well. What is going on?” 

“Nothing.” Chris shoved his hands into his pockets, the night air mixed with this conversation causing him to shiver. He watched as Y/N walked out of his house, her cheeks flushed and her eyes red. He did everything in his power to not walk over to her and wrap her up in his arms. “Nothing, it was a misunderstanding.” 

Carissa followed his gaze and let out an unamused laugh. “Okay if it’s nothing we’ll ask, Y/n. Since she was right there she can clear it up.” 

Chris tugged on her hand as she called out her name. 

“Stop. Okay? Just stop.” Chris pulled her back towards the side of the house as Y/N jumped in her car without turning around. “She’s leaving anyway.” 

Carissa didn’t say anything as she just watched Y/n drive off. Finally she turned back to Chris, her shoulders dropping. Chris watched as her resolve vanished and her shoulders started shaking slightly. 

Shit. 

“Honey, I’m sorry.” He walked over to her but she took a step back. 

“Why did you bring me here?” She looked up at him as the tears flowed freely down her face. “Why did you bring me back here when you’re in love with someone else?” 

Chris took a step back as if she slapped him in the face. 

“Carissa, what are you talking about?” 

“Please.” She scoffed, wiping away some of her tears. “Please don’t patronize me. I’m a lot of things, but stupid is not one of them. I see the way you and Y/N are around each other.” 

“Y/N? What? That’s-there’s no way. That’s crazy.” Chris fumbled over his words. “We’re just friends, Carissa.” 

“I’m not mad.” she sniffed. “I should be, but I’m not. Because it’s so clear that she’s as in love with you as you are with her. It was evident the first night I met her.”

Chris shook his head still trying to process everything that was coming out of his girlfriend's mouth. 

“Look me in my eyes and tell me that I’m wrong. Tell me that you aren’t madly in love with her.” She said softly. 

Chris opened his mouth, willing the words to come out but nothing could. He couldn’t. He couldn’t lie to her. 

“I think I’m going to stay with Veronica for a couple days. I’ll have some people come by and grab my things.” Carissa mumbled before she walked past an open mouthed Chris without another word. 

Chris watched as Carissa faded back into a throng of people in the house. He had two choices: go after Carissa or go after Y/N. He ran his fingers through his hair before running into the house. 

“Where are you going?” Chris walked past his brother as he reached for his keys that were hanging in the foyer. Quickly he glanced back inside where the party was supposed to be taking place. The music had been turned down and the carefree attitude that had been there all night was now replaced with a palpable tension. Chris knew he would have to give Carissa a better apology, for everything, but not right now. 

“I’m going after Y/N.” Chris finally answered simply.

“Listen, I’m all for Team Y/N and Chris but you guys can talk tomorrow. Give her some time. Tonight was a lot. For the both of you.” 

“We’ve wasted enough time, Scott.” Chris narrowed his eyes. 

“I know you have-” Scott was interrupted by the loud ring of Chris’s phone. Chris held up his finger, silencing his brother as he saw Y/N’s name flash across the screen. 

“Sweetheart, hey-” 

“Mr. Evans?” Chris stilled as a different female voice answered him on the other end.

“Yeah?” He questioned. He glanced at Scott who now had a confused expression on his face. “Who is this? Where’s Y/N?” 

“Sir, my name is Nurse Stadler. I work at Boston General. I’m calling on behalf of Miss Y/L/N.” She paused for a moment. “There’s been an accident, Mr. Evans.” 

Chris felt as though his entire body shut down. He reached out for Scott, his hand landing on his brother’s shoulder. 

“What?” Scott asked. “Chris, what is going on?” 

“What do you mean by an accident? I just-I just saw her.” Chris stuttered, his breathing coming out ragged. Scott stiffened as the word accident passed through Chris’s lips. 

“I’m not at liberty to give information over the phone, Mr. Evans. You are Miss Y/L/N’s emergency contact and if you come down to the hospital someone will be able to fill you in more.” Nurse Stadler’s voice was calm. 

“Uh yeah, of course.” Chris clicked off, his mind in a daze. 

I shouldn’t have let her drive off. She was drunk and emotional. No state to drive a three thousand pound vehicle. 

This is my fault. 

“Chris!” 

Chris blinked and looked turned to his younger brother who was searching his face for answers. 

“You have to drive me to the hospital. It’s Y/N.” 

Everything felt heavy. Your head. Your body. It was like you were weighted down. You slowly opened your eyes as they began to focus. 

Why is there a pole in my car? 

You tried to move but your body felt pinned in place. You glanced down at let out a silent whimper as you saw the blood pooling from your abdomen. 

“Oh my god…” You again tried to move, but once again failed. 

“Ma’am?” You turned your head as much as you could to the voice to your left. “Ma’am are you alright?” 

You groaned as your head lulled forward, too tired to stay upright.

 “Help me.” Your voice came out in a weak whisper. You couldn’t hear what the voice had to say as you passed out seconds after your plea. 

“I’m looking for Y/N Y/L/N.” Chris said hurriedly as he tapped his hands against the desk of the nurses station. Scott right on his tail, placed his hand on his brother’s back hoping to calm some of his nerves. “Y/N Y/L/N!” 

“Chris, calm down.” Scott warned his brother before giving the startled nurse an apologetic nurse. 

“I’m not going to calm down, Scott.” Chris snapped, spinning around on his sibling. “She’s here and she’s hurt and it’s my fault. So don’t fucking tell me to calm down.” 

“It’s not your fault, Chris.” 

“The hell it isn’t.” Chris looked away, turning back to the nurse. “Please. Where is she?” 

“Mr. Evans.” Both Chris and Scott looked up to see a plump, older woman waving them over. Chris recognized her voice as the one from the phone. 

“Nurse Stadler?” Chris pushed away from the desk and rushed to the woman. “Where is she?” 

“Mr. Evans-” 

“Chris. Please.” 

Nurse Stadler gave him a warm smile. “Chris. She’s right over here, but I’m going to warn you she’s pretty banged up. Her car collided with a guard rail on the highway.” Chris almost lost it. He bit his knuckle to stop him from crying out. “She sustained serious injury to her abdomen and her face has some lacerations and bruising.” 

“Is she awake?” Scott asked, his voice thick. 

“No.” Nurse Stadler shook her head. “She lost a lot of blood before the ambulance got there.” 

“Jesus Christ.” Scott muttered as Chris sat in silent shock. 

“They were able to get her into surgery and fix the internal bleeding. But her body has been through a tremendous trauma. Right now it’s just a waiting game. But she’ll come out of it.” Nurse Stadler laid a gentle hand over Chris’s. “Okay? You just have to have faith that she wants to wake up soon.” 

Chris just nodded before walking into the room. He stood at the foot of the bed, watching her breathing as her heart monitor let him know that she was still alive. 

“Come on, sweetheart. You gotta wake up.” He pleaded, his eyes blurry. “Please.” 

Again you felt heavy, but this time it was different. You opened your eyes slowly, afraid of what you might see. You squinted as the bright lights above started coming more into view. The steady beep of the heart monitor next to you and the whir of the fan above let you know that you were now in a hospital. You tried to move, but your arms were pinned now by IV’s. 

“Sweetheart?” Chris walked into the room carrying what looked like a fresh cup of coffee and a bagel. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His hair was unruly and his usually trimmed beard was now a mess. His pale face accentuated the dark circles that were forming under his tired eyes. 

“Hi, buddy.” You tried to sound chipper but it came out in the form of a groan. 

Chris set down his breakfast before rushing over to you, his lips instantly finding yours. At first you were too shocked to even kiss him back but as his fingers skimmed down your bruised cheeks you melted into his kiss. It was gentle and passionate and everything that you thought kissing Chris would be like. Slowly he pulled away, his forehead resting against yours. 

“Don’t scare me like that ever again.” His blue eyes were swimming with tears. Carefully this time you reached up and wiped away a tear that had fallen down. Chris closed his eyes as he rested his cheek in your palm. 

“I had to get your attention somehow.” You joked quietly. Chris let out a sob/chuckle as he kissed you again. 

“You have my attention. Always have and always will.” You tried to sit up to get closer to him but let out a whine as your stomach contracted in pain. 

“Don’t try and sit up right now, honey.” You looked past Chris to see a nurse walking in. Chris smiled at her warmly and gave her a quick hug. You raised your eyebrow in a question as he came back to you. 

“Nurse Stadler,” The woman playfully swatted Chris who just laughed. “My bad. Julie over here has been my saving grace. Well...yours too, but she’s kept me from chewing off the head of every hospital staff here.” Chris answered sheepishly. 

“Oh. Well then I guess thank you, Julie.” You smiled at her as she started checking your vitals. 

“Of course. This poor boy. Thought I was gonna have to call a code on him once or twice while he was waiting.You’ve got a keeper here, Y/N.” 

Chris squeezed your hand, careful of your wiring, before bringing it up to his lips. 

“He’s alright.” You laughed before wincing in pain. 

“Ahh, careful. Laughing is not going to be as enjoyable as it once was for a while.” Julie explained. 

You and Chris talked with Julie while she finished checking everything that needed to be checked. Thankfully she was able to remove one IV so you had a little more motion with your right arm. As soon as she left, Chris placed another sweet kiss on your lips. 

“Now that I’ve kissed you, I don’t want to stop.” He smiled against your lips. You hummed in agreement as you kissed him back. 

Carissa. 

You froze and pulled back slightly. How could you forget the biggest obstacle in yours and Chris’s way. 

“Chris what about-” 

“I ended it with her. Or she ended it with me. It might have been mutual, I don’t know.” Chris rambled. You squeezed his hand and he took a deep breath. “She came. Here, I mean. While you were still asleep. We had talked at the house but we officially ended it here.” 

“I feel terrible.” You said, absentmindedly rubbing your thumb along the track of his knuckles. “I never meant to hurt her or anyone.” 

“Hey,” Chris scooted his chair closer to your bed, if that was even possible. “Please don’t beat yourself up. This was on me. I shouldn’t have gotten into a relationship with someone when I was very clearly in love with someone else.” 

You chewed on your bottom lip as you processed his words. “You love me?” 

“I love you.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to your nose. “I love you.” Another kiss to your cheek. “I love you.” Another one to your other cheek. “I. Love. You.” He ended on your lips. 

“Would this be a bad time to say I think we should just be friends?” 

“You’re not funny.” Chris rolled his eyes, kissing you again. 

“I’m a little funny.” You smirked before your gaze softened.  “I love you too.” 

“Promise me, no more car accidents? I don’t think I can handle that kind of torture. Worst three days of my life.” 

“I was out for three days?” You gasped. 

“Yeah…” He sighed before smirking. “There are more fun reasons to be holed up in bed for three days and none of them include a hospital.” 

“Chris!” You smacked his arm but grinning none the less. 

“Ew, are you guys going to be this sickening forever?” Scott made a face as he walked into the room, a giant bouquet of flowers in his hand. He shot you a wink as he set down the flowers before going to your other side and giving you a quick peck on the cheek.

“If you don’t like it, don’t look.” Chris answered, but his eyes never left yours. “Cause I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.” 

Seven Years Later: 

You squinted as the light snuck its way through the small crack in the blinds, always somehow landing right on your face and causing you to wake up. Groaning, you rolled over throwing your husband over your husband's torso. But your arm fell straight to the mattress. You opened your eyes again and noticed that the spot usually occupied by Chris was now empty. You sat up and rubbed the sleep from your eyes. 

“Momma!” You smiled as your three-year-old daughter, Julie (affectionately named after her godmother), poked her head through the door. She let out a little squeal before running to you, jumping up on the bed and into your arms. “Morning, momma.” 

“Good morning, baby.” You pressed a light kiss to her nose and she scrunched her face in amusement. You scooted her back in your arms as you noticed she had something all over her pajamas. “What is all over you, silly girl?” 

“Sorry, that would be my fault.” You looked up as Chris snuck into the bedroom carrying a tray full of pancakes, bacon and fruit.  “We wanted to make you breakfast.” 

“You did what?” You tickled your daughter’s side as you smiled. “Did you help daddy make breakfast?” 

“Yeah!” She said excitedly, her tiny hands clapping together. 

“She’s the best sous chef in the state.” Chris set the tray at the foot of the bed and crawled next to the both of you. “Good morning, beautiful.” 

Your heart fluttered as he gave you a sweet kiss. Five years of marriage and you still felt like a teenager in love every time Chris was affectionate with you. 

“Good morning.” You whispered against his lips. 

Your heart felt full as you enjoyed your breakfast with your family. Julie thoroughly enjoyed when Chris made a big smile out of the bacon strips. You sat back content as you watched the two best people in your life laugh and play. You never thought that your life would end up here; Chris by your side and a beautiful little girl that was the perfect mix of the both of you. 

“I love you, momma.” you were snapped out of your thoughts as Julie climbed over to you again. 

“I love you more, bug.” 

“Daddy wins. He loves you both the most.” Chris said triumphantly, pulling the both of you into his arms. You cuddled into your husband and laid your head against his shoulder. Chris leaned down and gave you a kiss on your head. 

“Are you happy?” You asked after you all just sat in a comfortable silence, Julie slowly nodding off from all the excitement. 

Chris squeezed you closer as he brushed a piece of Julie’s hair out of her face. She gave him a sleepy smile before closing her eyes and resting her head on your chest. 

“I’ve never been happier.”

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[elareine]

I know I already gave you one, but I just thought of this now, if you could, or ignore it, either one is fine, can you please write Nurse or Doctor Tim with JayTim or DickTim, or both go crazy with it, if you want. And Tim being so exasperated with them because they keep giving him the lamest excuses for their injuries, because they don't know he knows or they suspect he knows but both sides are trying to see who will mention it first. So its like a big competition of who will break first.

So the competition aspect got lost a bit? I hope you still enjoy it :) 

Warning: Some dark jokes about domestic violence, mostly borne out of my experience when I actually fell down the stairs. Also I blatantly did not care about the actual medical issues in this. 

“You fell down the stairs.” 

Usually, when Tim had to repeat these words to someone, he said them gently: telegraphing his disbelief as well as his willingness to keep up appearances as long as the victim needed to. With kids, he was a bit more direct, though only after separating them from the parent. He never spoke this sarcastically; that would be uncalled for. 

(Also, contrary to popular belief, some people actually did fall down the stairs.) 

Today? Today his words were dripping with sarcasm. 

The man—‘Richard Grayson’ according to his file, ‘Dick’ according to his introduction, ‘Gotham’s most handsome bachelor’ according to the gossip mags—rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I… maybe it was more, like. The roof?” 

“Did the roof use a whip, by any chance?” Tim asked, examining the welts. “What did you do to piss off Catwoman?” 

“Not—Nothing, because I fell down the stairs.” 

“The roof.” 

“The stairs on the roof.” 

Tim sighed. “Alright. We’re gonna need an x-ray because I suspect your muscle has been cut through. Please report to room three, and the nurse will take care of it.” 

“Sure thing, doc!” 

—

When Tim had been inspired by Thomas Wayne to become a doctor, this hadn’t been what he envisioned. 

Cure the sick? Sure. Fix bones and other injuries? As an orthopedic specialist: every day. Look at every injury Dick Grayson acquired during his totally-legal activities? Nope. What the fuck. 

The explanations became increasingly stupider, too, which was hard to believe seeing how they started with a chart-topper like ‘I fell down the stairs/roof and it happened to look like a belt from a whip.’ 

Tim had resolved early on that he wouldn’t ask. His patience for Dick’s weak-ass excuses was close to zero, sure, but it was safer  to keep away. This was a professional medical praxis that cared for everyone, no matter their allegiance. Tim didn’t even know which vigilante was sitting in front of him. 

…oh, who was he kidding. This was Nightwing. None of the other vigilantes in Gotham was that chipper. 

(Also, that ass.) 

Fine. Tim could deal with that. He might’ve even privately fangirled over the fact that he got to patch up Nightwing (the first Robin!) on a regular basis. Also, Dick was ridiculously charming; Tim didn’t mind spending time with him. It was a nice break in the middle of a hectic day. 

Except then Dick started bringing his brother/boyfriend along. 

(Yeah, Tim felt as weird about that ‘/‘ as you do. But they were holding hands, so…) 

He took one look at Jason Todd and asked drily: “So, seen any good zombie movies lately?” 

Dick choked on air. Jason just grinned through the bloody mess he’d made of his mouth and asked: “Do I look that bad?” 

“Worse.” Tim sighed and started examining the mess closer, carefully pressing along the lines of the other man’s jaw. “Let me guess, you’re also into parkour?” 

“Among other things.” 

“Hmm. Yeah, nothing broken, I think, but we’ll double-check. If not, ice, painkillers, and no ‘rooftop parkour’ for a while, alright?” He paused. Honestly, judging by Jason’s stature (too wide for most vigilantes) and age (too young to be Batman)… “I’d tell you to wear a helmet, but apparently, even that’s not helping.”  

Jason turned to Dick, grinning widely. “I can see why you like him.” 

Tim had no idea what to think about that, so he didn’t. 

—

It was supposed to be a quiet afternoon. Every Wednesday, Tim would close his practice at 2 p.m. and spend the rest of the day doing paperwork. A cup of tea and the tv in the background 

Except then the news started, and Tim heard the phrases “Nightwing and Red Hood,” “magician,” and “explosion.” 

Then, the footage—obviously taking from mobile phone recordings—began playing. He watched for three minutes, panic spreading through him. Nightwing limp on the ground. Red Hood, literally thrown through a wall. He knew that these men were terrifyingly well trained, that Red Hood must’ve had some beta modifications at some point in his life with the injuries he took in stride—

But on camera, they weren’t moving. 

According to the timestamp, the footage had been taken thirty minutes ago. 

“Clean-up has begun,” the reporter on the screen said. “There is no sign of the two vigilantes who have defended our community center to the last—“ 

Tim grabbed his things and ran. 

Tam, his assistant, looked up in alarm as he entered the waiting area. “Tim?” 

“I need to go,” Tim told her, not stopping. “It’s an emergency.” 

And because Tam was the best, she simply called after him: “Call me if you need help! I’ll take care of the practice.” 

Tim knew Dick’s home address, had memorized it just in case—just in case. That’s where Tim drove now. If they weren’t there, he would try Wayne Manor next, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. 

But when he pressed the doorbell at the apartment labeled ‘Grayson,’ he was immediately buzzed in. 

Jason was the one who let him in and led him to the living room, where Dick half-sat, half laid on a couch. 

Tim asked: “Okay. What hurts the most?” 

“His head,” Jason replied, and Dick glared: “I’m told you I’m fine, Jay—“ 

Tim walked over. Swelling, definitely, and something about that shoulder… 

“I popped that back in,” Jason explained. “But I think there’s something wrong with his neck.” 

Yeah, there really was. Tim recognized the beginning of some deep bruising—strangulation, his mind supplied, that magician had tried to choke Dick out—and the back of Dick’s head felt tender and hot. 

“I don’t suppose I can interest you in an x-ray?” he asked. 

Disagreement all around. Fine. Tim would write them prescriptions for braces, if they didn’t have them lying around in a corner, anyway. Unless something felt like it was broken or shifted out of place or actually torn. You didn’t mess around with that. 

Jason had sat down next to Dick, and Tim moved on seamlessly to checking him. Jason’s ribs were definitely not okay, but probably hadn’t punctured his lung or anything, or he wouldn’t be sitting here. Apart from that, he was one massive bruise and a fucked-up hit. No running for Red Hood for at least a week. (Six weeks for normal humans. Tim was used to the calculation by now.) Oh, and something had crushed his foot—“the building falling on me,” Jason very helpfully informed him—and they had both suffered fourth- and third-degree burns. 

Tim began dressing the wounds in silence. His hands were shaking. Why were they shaking, dammit. He was a fucking doctor. His hands were the steadiest thing about him. 

It felt like hours passed before he was done. 

“You need to stay awake.” His tone was too sharp; he could do nothing to soften it. “With a blast like that, concussions are a given. Is there anyone we could call to stay up with you?” 

Dick nodded, then winced. Yeah, he should avoid that movement for a while. “Yes, we could—“ 

“No.” Jason shook his head. 

“No?” Dick looked at him. Something must’ve been telegraphed in Jason’s eyes because Dick continued: “Oh, I mean, no. I’m afraid there isn’t.” 

“We’re all alone.” 

“Totally.” 

Tim sighed. “Don’t you have, like, fifteen siblings and a butler? I should just call Wayne Manor; I’m sure that number is on Google or something—“

“Tim,” Dick said very gently. His hand went up to grasp Tim’s. “Stay with us?” 

Tim blinked. “That’s. Really unprofessional.” He didn’t pull his hands away, though. 

“You’re in our living room.” Jason shifted—it looked painful—and continued: “Pretty sure nothing about this is professional, so…” 

“Please?” Dick asked. 

Tim inhaled deeply and shook his head. “You two are so—stupid.” They flinched. “Like, what’re you doing, getting injured like that every week? You’re going to get yourself killed, and then I will have to come up with an explanation and it’s gonna be better than any you ever came up with. You’re gonna be so bad for my blood pressure.” 

Dick looked crestfallen, but Jason was starting to grin: “So, you’re staying, then?” 

“Duh.” 

(I’m taking prompts until the end of the year.) 

[xxdragonwriterxx]

🔥The Angelus Mortis (1/2)🔥

A/N: Hey everyone, I’m back! I apologize for the really long wait but I wanted to try something different where, instead of posting one story at a time as soon as I finish it, I wrote five stories and then I went back and edited them in the order I wrote them. It took so long because I’ve been writing a ton in the past week.  Hopefully I can make up for the long wait by giving you guys several stories in the next few days or so. Thank you so much for the support on “Scalding”, I was not expecting it but it makes my really happy to know you guys liked it ❤️. Now, without further ado, here is my next Levi x Reader fic!

Warning: This one is super long so I actually had to split it up into two parts so it wouldn’t be such a huge pill to swallow. I will post the next chapter asap though, so keep an eye out for part two!

Summary: Erwin finds a dangerous assassin in the Underground while Levi is on a solo mission.

~~~

Erwin sighed and rubbed his temples to try to dispel the headache that was already building there, the message from the Military Police on his desk, mocking him. He glared at it, his eyes scanning over the words again.

Gods they were so incapable. He would never voice his frustrations aloud, but he wished, for once, they could deal with their own issues. Fight their own battles without having to drag the Survey Corps back to do all of the hard work for them. 

Despite his annoyance, Erwin would not have normally been so frustrated, but this situation was different than usual due to the fact that Captain Levi was gone from the base. He had been sent off on a solo mission to get some more information for Erwin on the movements of the violent gangsters that were fighting with one of the Military Police branches.

“What’s today’s headache about?” The loud, chipper voice of his girlfriend, Hanji, made him look up and grunt at her and the stack of finished reports she held in her arms.

“Oh, I just received a message from the Commander of the Military Police. There is a dangerous assassin who has been cutting down the MP’s that venture into the Underground. Apparently, this guy is impossible to catch and incredibly ruthless, known to leave pieces of the soldiers around for the officers to find later. They want us to go down there and find them, put an end to them before they wipe out an entire regiment.”

Hanji leaned her hip against Erwin’s desk and raised her eyebrow at her partner as she listened to the gruesome things the assassin had done.

“Holy shit…, who are you going to send? Levi is on that solo mission,” Hanji said.

“Yeah that’s the problem,” Erwin responded. “I’m going to have to be the one to go. I’m not going to send someone who will lose their life on this mission. There is no need to waste lives on something as trivial as catching this guy. Also, if he’s impossible to catch, the only one other than me who has enough experience with the ODM gear to navigate the Underground would be Levi, who you pointed out is not here at the moment.”

“Well, I’m coming with you then,” Hanji said. “Someone will need to watch your back, and be there to bring you back to the surface if you end up getting your ass handed to you.”

Erwin smiled at her as he shook his head.

“I’m not going to lose this fight.”

“Oh ho ho, tough guy! Such confidence, I can’t wait to watch your ass hit the ground when that assassin shows you a couple of choice moves,” Hanji chortled.

“Your obsession with my ass is noted. Now go get ready, we are leaving in an hour,” Erwin said, his eyes twinkling as he teased her.

Hanji’s laughter bounced around the halls as she exited his office to pack her things and prepare for the trip to the Underground.

__________________________

Levi grumbled lowly to himself as he nursed a glass of whiskey, his silver eyes appraising the other people in the bar in annoyance. The Captain was not normally one to drink, especially back at the base, but after having to deal with some of the most annoying people on the planet, he felt as if he deserved to relax a little.

At least neither Erwin nor Hanji were with him. That was one of the only reasons he was able to convince himself to go into the old bar; not having to worry about Erwin pressuring him to loosen up, or Hanji trying to wrestle secrets about his life out of him while he was drunk.

Levi took a sip from his glass. The alcohol slid down his throat, leaving a fiery trail in its wake to settle in his stomach, the warmth spreading throughout his gut. The whiskey was starting to loosen the headache that was holding his skull captive, allowing the usually stoic Captain to settle a bit more in his seat, enjoying the relative silence of the dingy establishment.

All day he had been forced to fight with violent gangsters, helping one of the Military Police branches arrest the most aggressive ones and scaring away the others. The whole day had been a loud, frustrating, exhausting experience, making Levi almost miss his normal expeditions outside the walls with the Titans. At least it was his last day in this shit hole, finally able to return to the base in the morning now that all of the criminals had been successfully rounded up.

Thinking about the men and women he had helped put away that day, combined with the alcohol that was circulating through his system, made his mind stray back to memories from his Underground days. For the most part, he tried to forget about his past, thoughts about his time down there, only bringing up bitter emotions. It was like reliving a nightmare over and over again. 

He huffed as he tried to lead his train of thought elsewhere to no avail, his mind flooding with images from his childhood, his struggle as he and his friends fought for survival. His mind even dragged up a foggy image of a beautiful face from the dregs of his past before he quickly diverted his train of thought, refusing to think about that face, that loving smile.

Levi didn’t know if he was lucky or unlucky when his spiraling thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a woman. She wearing a severe red dress that pushed her cleavage up so her breasts were almost spilling out over the top, her lips pursed as she sat herself across from him.

Levi refrained from groaning aloud in frustration, wanting absolutely nothing to do with the woman in front of him, but also recognizing that a tiny part of him was grateful for her intrusion, distracting him from sinking further into the dark memories of his past. Now, he just had to figure out how to shrug this woman off as she leaned forward, so obviously trying to get into his pants he was surprised there was not a ‘FUCK ME’ sign strapped to her chest.

Levi scowled and pulled away from her when she went to touch his arm. To his annoyance, the woman laughed instead of moving away, her eyes sparkling with barely disguised lust as she looked him up and down.

“Look, I’m not interested,” Levi said bluntly.

“Come on, handsome, it won’t hurt for you to relax, why don’t we ditch this joint?” the woman purred.

Levi rolled his eyes so hard he was worried he’d strained something. The situation reminded him of all of the times Hanji had tried to set him up, ignoring his protests and forcing him to meet women from all walks of life despite the fact that he turned them all down without a second thought. It bothered him to no end, not only because it was annoying as hell, but also because there was only one person he had ever given his heart to, and she was gone. Nobody could ever replace her, it didn’t matter that she wasn't around to love him anymore, he refused to be with anyone else.

He figured some people would probably see this as childish, but he didn’t care. To him, he didn’t have a heart left to give, the organ dying with his lost love all those years ago.

“Not interested.”

The woman pouted but moved closer still, practically leaning into him despite his grimace of disgust.

“You don’t mean that, baby, you look like you could use a good time. Here, let me help you. I know exactly how to make you feel better. Have you ever felt the stars? Because you’re about to…,” the woman said boldly, her hand slowly drifting downward.

Levi stood up so fast he almost knocked the table over. His glare was fierce as he slammed his empty whiskey glass on the table. Piercing her with his sharp gaze, Levi snarled lowly at her.

“Not. Interested.”

Grabbing his cloak, Levi stormed out of the bar in even worse spirits than before, memories of the face that haunted his dreams floating across his mind to tease at the edges of his broken heart. Growling to himself, Levi was only grateful that he was leaving in the morning as his feet carried him back to the shitty inn he was staying in for the duration of the mission.

____________________________

This was a bad idea. Scratch that, this was a horrible idea. Erwin laid on the filthy street of the Underground, hidden in the shadows of an alleyway, holding his hand to his shoulder where a dagger was lodged, gritting his teeth as he fought back the bile that rose in his throat at the pain swelling in his body. 

He had no idea where Hanji was, the pair having been separated when they were attacked out of nowhere. Erwin realized now as he lay in the dirt that he had severely underestimated this man, the assassin who got hired to kill the most powerful soldiers and officers in the military. He had read about his strength, but even with that information, he had not expected the fight to be so overwhelming.

This man was dangerous. Very dangerous. Erwin knew from the reports that the killer worked alone, using wit and cold, calculated cunning to attack in ways that not even the veteran soldiers had seen before.

Erwin’s thoughts were suddenly cut short when he heard a pained shriek, one he immediately knew to be Hanji, and watched in horror as a figure slowly came around the corner, holding the limp form of his comrade in his grip.

Hanji let out another pained noise as the figure threw her right at Erwin, the Squad Leader hitting her Commander, causing them both to grunt. Looking down, Erwin saw that Hanji had a long gash down her side, but it didn’t look very deep and she didn’t seem to have any more wounds other than some bruising. A warning.

Erwin managed to hide his nearly imperceptible sigh of relief at the thought that this assassin was considering sparing them if they only left him alone. He knew that he could never leave the assassin alone forever, but if it gave them the chance to get to safety, he could come back another time with reinforcements. It was only one man. A very powerful man, but a man nonetheless, he wasn’t invincible.

Forcing down the whimper that bubbled in his throat when Hanji moved against his shoulder, shifting the blade in his flesh, Erwin locked his eyes on the figure that was still watching them, the darkness of the alley covering any distinguishable features. The only thing Erwin was able to make out was that the figure looked smaller than he imagined. But the seasoned Commander wasn’t stupid enough to determine his threat level based on size, not when one of his best friends was Levi Ackerman, one of the shortest yet deadliest men alive.

The pair tensed when the figure suddenly started towards them, his arm reaching back to procure a wickedly sharp sword from underneath his black cloak. Erwin’s mind scrambled for a plan but he came up blank, his mind ceasing all thoughts when the figure suddenly charged them, sword held aloft.

Erwin and Hanji closed their eyes, clutching each other as the killer came for them, both of them waiting for the quick sting of pain before death, waiting for their remains to be scattered around the Underground like Easter eggs for their friends to find when they came back to their empty offices and cold beds.

Erwin sucked in a breath when he felt the cold, harsh tip of the sword touch his throat but slowly opened his eyes after a moment when the feeling stayed there, the blade hovering just above his delicate wind pipe.

From this distance, Erwin could tell that the assassin was wearing a mask in the shape of a wolf over his face, his body poised to strike as he hovered over the pair of senior officers, his breathing labored.

“Are you Commander Erwin?” The man suddenly asked, the voice deep and distorted thanks to the mask.

Erwin contemplated lying for a second, but knew he didn’t really have a choice in the matter when the man pressed the tip of their blade a little bit harder against his flesh, even causing a pinprick of blood to bubble up from under the steel point.

“Yes.”

The man hesitated for a moment. It was almost as if he were remembering something, Erwin’s name bringing up memories from another time. The Commander had no fucking clue what that could mean for them, but he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to find out.

The assassin opened his mouth to say something when all of a sudden, several ropes were thrown from the darkness, catching the killer by surprise. He leaped out of the way, dodging the ropes at a speed that could only be rivaled by Captain Levi, almost making it out onto the street before he ran headfirst into a trap of chains, the metal clinking as it wrapped around his lithe form and tightened, forcing his arms to snap to his sides and his legs to buckle.

Erwin and Hanji scrambled into a standing position and smiled in joyful surprise as a familiar Mike, Nanaba, and Moblit rounded the corner. Erwin sighed in relief and Hanji let loose a little cheer as the three other veteran officers surrounded their quarry. The pair had no idea how their friends had found them or even why they had thought to follow them, but neither cared as relief filled their systems.

The assassin snarled at them and continued to struggle against their bounds, his mask making the words coming from his mouth sound nearly animalistic in nature.

“Fuck you!” The assassin roared, somehow finding the energy to fight harder as the veterans leaned down to detain the criminal. The soldiers ignored the assassin as he continued spewing profanities while they made their way towards the stairs, their mission complete.

___________________________

Erwin blinked in utter shock as he stared at the assassin through the bars of the cell they had shoved him in underneath the Survey Corps HQ.

Only, it wasn’t a him.

Erwin could only gawk as the reality of the situation settled in, his eyes roving over the assassin’s (h/l) (h/c) hair, feminine curves, and beautifully angled face. The strongest assassin in the Underground, the one that had been dubbed The Angelus Mortis, The Angel of Death, was a woman.

He never doubted that women were strong, he trained and fought beside a whole legion of strong, battleworn women that could take down anyone in a heartbeat any day. But this woman had come from the Underground. While not impossible to gain strength in the Underground, most women, and many men for that matter, that lived in that cesspool merely ended up rotting away, their legs destroyed by the lack of sunlight and their bodies wracked with disease. Even if a woman managed to avoid the severe malnourishment, most of them were forced into brothels to be used by the wealthy merchants and nobles who decided to flaunt their wealth in the poorest part of their cities.

But this woman had fought. She had fought like an animal, a wolf, as her mask had suggested. She had used her impressive intelligence and strategic mind to avoid getting caught, all while clawing her way to the top of the food chain, making herself such a feared symbol that nobody would touch her. She was cold and vicious but not at all feral, her mind sharp and her eyes clear as she stared right back at the giant blonde Commander, her gaze never drifting from his.

Erwin leaned back as he appraised her. He could tell that despite her strength, her body was severely malnourished and neglected, the lack of proper food and water paired with the intense physical labor she pushed herself through every day, rendered her body weak and thin. Erwin could tell right away that if she were given the proper commodities and nursed back to health, she would be stunning and very powerful.

He had to think about this carefully. He had sent in an after action report to the MP’s telling them that the Survey Corps had done their dirty work for them, and they had already responded with a message telling him to bring her to one of their prison cells the next morning to be tortured to death for her crimes. He knew she probably deserved a punishment like that, she had killed a lot of soldiers, but he felt a strange tugging on his heart, like he knew, deep down, that there was more to her story, something that would make her worth much more than a street rat to be thrown to the dogs.

He had no idea why but he wanted her in the Survey Corps. He knew that she was dangerous, knew that most people would call her insane and then call him insane if he brought this up. But he felt something, like he knew that if he didn’t get her into the military, they would be losing something priceless.

“Are you going to keep staring at me like a perverted fuck or are you going to tell me when I’m being taken away?”

Erwin’s eyes snapped to hers from where they had drifted to her ribs, which were jutting out of her chest prominently. 

“I knew you were going to be testy, sassy even, maybe downright insane, but I didn’t expect someone so close to death to be so confident,” Erwin said, a smirk teasing the corner of his lips.

The assassin rolled her eyes.

“I’m from the Underground, idiot, death is always a constant companion on your shoulder. I’m not scared of death, scared of the torture before death, maybe, if I decide I care enough, but not of death.”

“Is that why you killed all of those people? Because death is your friend?” Erwin asked.

“Don’t be stupid.”

“That is what you said.”

“I only said it is something I am used to, the constant threat of death and suffering, not that I enjoy it. Death is not my friend,” She growled with a sharp glare in his direction.

“So why did you kill all of those soldiers? Besides being hired to, I mean. I’d understand your motivations a little more if you had started killing other people who lived in the Underground, to give yourself an advantage, but you chose soldiers.”

The assassin was silent for a minute, breaking his gaze for the first time since he had come down to see her. He could’ve sworn her gaze clouded over slightly, as if she were remembering painful memories, but the fog in her gaze was gone as quickly as it appeared, making Erwin question whether it was even there to begin with.

“That’s personal,” she said after a heavy pause.

“They didn’t compliment your outfit?” Erwin teased, flashing a smile in her direction when she snarled at him.

“Fuck you.”

“Alright fine,” Erwin said. “Why did you ask about me? About my name?”

“That’s personal too.”

“Well you’ve got to answer at least some of my questions.”

“Why should I care about you and your inquiries?” She asked, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms in a way that reminded Erwin so much of Levi he almost smiled.

“Because it might guarantee you your life,” Erwin said.

“Who says I care about living?”

Erwin was silent for a moment this time as he scanned her with his bright blue eyes again, really taking her in. She was something, he could say that. She was unlike anyone he had ever met before. Even Levi, with his similar distrusting nature and sharp, piercing gaze was never this witty, never this sassy.

“I say you do,” Erwin said.

“Oh really? And what makes you the authority on that?”

“Nothing. You are the authority on yourself, on your emotions and instincts. I am merely an observer in this matter. I can see it in your eyes, I can read it in your posture and spot it even in the methods of your actions. In why you became an assassin, and the best one at that.”

She stayed quiet, watching him.

“I know you want to live. I don’t know anything about the personal shit that went down between you and the Military Police but I’m assuming that whatever it was was crippling, which was why you went to such drastic measures to make it to the top, to do whatever it took to make them hurt and scream. Why you never even attempted to hide the bodies. I know some people claim it was because you are cocky or egotistical, but I know better.”

Erwin leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the dull golden light of the lantern hanging on the wall. The assassin again said nothing but she never stopped watching him, playing into this game they had started, dancing on hot coals.

“Just from the fact that you did all of that. That you chose to fight back against your grief rather than succumb to it, rotting away in a forgettable corner of the Underground, shows me that you want to live. That you want to give yourself a purpose to cover up whatever loss you have felt in the past, and use it to fuel your own future.”

The assassin’s eyes narrowed on him as she pushed away from the stone wall of the cell. “I’m impressed.”

“Not quite so much of an idiot anymore, right?”

She glared at him and the smirk that spread across his face.

“(Y/N).”

“What?”

“My name is (Y/N).”

[staywritten]

A Love That Lasts│Bang Chan│II

A Love That Lasts │ Chapter II

Synopsis: You’ve spent the last two years, helping your very handsome next door neighbor raise his adorable daughter. The two of you fell into a routine before you knew it. And now you had this little family. You couldn’t help but fall for him. 

Genre: Parent!Au, Dad!Bang Chan, Fluff, Nonidol!Au, smut in a later chapter

Word Count: 2303

Part I

Felix opened the door to Chan’s apartment, heading straight for the fridge “G’day Channie-Hyung” he grabbed the orange juice, helping himself to a glass.

Chan sighed looking back to his computer “You do know this is breaking and entering right?”

“Hey, you’re the single dad, not locking his door here, who’s really at fault?” He scoffed, tossing back his juice. “Anyway, how’s my favorite niece?”

“Fair” Chan closed his laptop before joining Felix in the kitchen. “And your only niece is fine, just changing her outfit for the umpteenth time this morning.” his eyes narrowed “I feel like it’s for a boy and I wanna fight him already”

“Chan relax he’s five” he chuckled. “Besides you can’t deprive Minseo of dating the way you deprive yourself.”

“I’m not deprived. I just haven’t found anyone” he grumbled to himself.

“You’re not looking either, come on let me set you up on a date” he groaned “You know my coworkers are always asking about you. You know Yeji right? Any time you stop by my shoots she always tries to get me to give her your number” 

“I don’t need to date, I’m content really.” He chuckled lightly. “Besides Felix I’m a dad, I’m sure some twenty-year-old model isn’t trying to date me”

“Ok, first off you’re hot so please give yourself more credit and secondly, I’ll lay off but it’s been like five years since Minseo’s mom... you telling me you don’t have any needs? You don’t get lonely? Or even want Minseo to have a mom? I’m not saying going on a date is gonna change all that but, don’t close the door to it”

“Felix please-”

“Fine, fine. But tell me does this have anything to do with a certain sexy doctor next door? Are you two finally…?” he waved his hands around in the air vaguely while wiggling his eyebrows. 

“No! She’s my friend. My very beautiful and caring friend. But a friend”

“First of all, if she's only a friend, you wouldn’t have had to say it that many times, sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself of that. Secondly, it’s been like two years, You seriously not gonna make a move? You two are practically married, do you realize that right?”

“We are not! She’s just my frien-neighbor, occasionally she helps out with Minseo just like you, Jisung, and Changbin.”

“You guys eat dinner together like every night” he crossed his arms over his chest, looking at him in disbelief.

“She lives alone, and she said it’s no trouble cooking for two more.” he sighed. “I know what you’re thinking, our relationship isn’t conventional but it’s completely platonic. Stop looking at me like that Felix. I can have platonic feelings and recognize that she’s hot”

The door swung open as you popped in. Your smile instantly brightening the room. “Hey, Felix! It’s been a while” you wave before shouting down the hallway “Minseo! Baby let’s go, I’m dropping you off today”

Chan turned to you and smiled, meeting you near the door “Thanks for taking her today”

“It’s no problem, good luck at work today, oh and remember to pick up dinner on your way back. I already placed an order for tonight”  you smiled, absently adjusting his button up, smoothing down the collar. “There, now you look ready for a meeting” 

“I got it, I got it” he smiled shyly. “Thank you” His eyes twinkling meeting yours. He reached for your hand, giving it a warm squeeze. “Seriously, thank you for everything”

There was something about how he was looking at you that just made you feel so shy, before you could say anything you heard Minseo running down the hallway, her little feet padding against the wood floor. ‘I’m reaaaaadddddy!” She came barreling out, backpack bouncing as she hugged Chan and gave him a kiss “ByeBye Daddy, byebye Uncle Felix” You held her hand, before kissing Chan on the cheek and walking her out, giving them a final wave. 

“See you tonight Chris”

Chan knew he was done for the minute you pressed your lips against his cheek, and his first reaction was to try and chase your lips. It was the subtlest of moves, but he caught himself. Hoping that Felix hadn’t noticed. He closed the door after watching you two disappear down the stairs, only to be met with Felix’s judgmental stares. 

“Mate, are you kidding me?”

“I… that was pretty domestic wasn’t it?” he raised his brow nervously. 

“It felt like a damn sitcom, I mean it was cute as hell but still”

“Ok, ok set up your little blind date, I’ll go” he groaned. 

“You sure man? Like you two are really cute, you could just ask her out”

“I can’t man...it feels like I’m taking advantage of her...I don’t want her to date me out of a weird obligation she has for Minseo...and like...what if I mess it up?”

“Bro, I don’t understand how your self-esteem got this low but I’ll handle setting up your blind date. I’ll even babysit Minseo for you”

“Thanks, Man”

You walked into your office, placing your bag on your desk. Traffic was pretty light, and Minseo’s school brought you closer to the highway so you made excellent time. “Good Morning Dr. Lee~” you smiled as you looked over your patient files for the day, seeing your colleague walk in. 

Minho gave you a knowing smile “You sure look chipper today. Did you finally make a move on your hot neighbor”

You groaned covering the rising heat on your face. “Ugh please don’t remind me, I’m mortified. This morning I went to his place to pick up his daughter and bring her to school”

“Ugh you guys are sickening, that’s so cute” Minho rolled his eyes, sipping his coffee. “What happened? You jump his bones?”

“You’re disgusting” you scoffed before sinking in your seat. “He was just so cute, and he had a meeting this morning so he was all dressed up and like, I dunno I couldn’t help it. I was fixing his shirt, and like leaned in and kissed his cheek and ugh” you squealed hiding in your arms. 

“Oh my god, this is like foreplay for you isn’t it? You’re so touch starved, that really got you this worked up”

“Oh shut it Minho” you pouted. “He’s just so cute…”

“So when’s the wedding?”

“At this rate, Minseo is gonna get married before me” you sighed.

“Who’s fault is that? You’re attracted to him, you love his daughter, she loves you. You guys are literally a family. What’s stopping you from dating him?”

“I just don’t want to ruin this…”

“Ruin what? Your relationship? Why do you feel like you guys are gonna fail? Don’t you think it’ll be harder for Minseo to have to adjust to another woman in her life aside from you? She’s known you for half her life, as far as she’s concerned you’re family.” he sighed. “Think about it, you’re trying to avoid awkwardness from failing at a relationship because you don’t wanna lose what you have, but if Chan finds someone else and she is perfect for him you’re gonna lose Minseo and him because what woman is gonna want you around?”

Your eyes widened as his words sank in. He had a point, you were fighting to keep what you could untouched for as long as possible, but there was a chance that someone could take them from you and it broke your heart. 

“I’m not trying to scare you...But just maybe talk to him and see if the attraction was mutual”

His words were in the back of your mind all day, any moment you weren’t throwing into your work or patients it was lingering. Did you really stand a chance with him? Could there be a future? 

“If it isn’t my favorite Doctor” a low voice called out of your thoughts, making you look away from the charts. 

“Oh Hey, Dr. Kim” you gave him a cordial smile. 

“I told you to call me Woojin” he gave you that toothy smile, taking a seat on your desk. “How’s your day going?”

“Steady, it’d be even better if my nurse could finish his rounds” you called out a little louder seeing nurse Hyunjin going for yet another cup of coffee outside your office.

“I’m on it” he chimed.

Woojin chuckled before clearing his throat. “So...tonight me and a bunch of the guys are going drinking.”

“The guys?” you raised a brow. 

“Seungmin from pediatrics, Minho from ER, Jihyo and Naeyeon from neuro, a few of the nurses.” he smiled “You wanna come? It’ll be at the pub down the road.”

“Thank you for the invite but I’m busy after work”

“Can’t it wait?”

“I’m picking up a little girl from school. I’m not gonna make her wait” you gave him a forced smile, not liking to defend yourself. 

“Sorry” he raised his hands in defeat. “It won’t be until later, like 11pm since Minho doesn’t get off until then so...if you find yourself with the time swing by.” he smiled “I’ve worked with you for years but I feel like I barely know you.”

“And your way of getting to know me, is at a loud bar with all our co-workers?”

He laughed “You have a point. Maybe we can do coffee sometime.” he pat your desk before heading out. “I’ll text you the address for tonight just in case.”

“Later” you waived, shaking your head. 

After work you grabbed Minseo from school, and she told you every single thing about her day and how her teacher Mr. Yang complimented her dress and all the new hairstyles she wanted to try. Once you got her home and washed up the two of you winded down with some tv as you practiced making her the perfect pigtails for school tomorrow. 

It took the entire day but you finally built up the courage to talk to Chan about your feelings, and possibly address this obvious attraction. You figured you weren’t gonna jump right into Hey, lets date. But somewhere along the lines of. You feel this too, right?

“I’m home” Chan chimed, setting his laptop down just in time to catch his daughter running at full force into his arms. “Hey Baby” he showered her with kisses. “I missed you!”

“How much?” she giggled between his kisses 

“To the moon and back!” he spun her playfully, laughing with her as she giggled. He gave you a tired smile “I even remembered to pick up dinner”

“Perfect”, I was starting to worry since you were late” you smiled helping him unpack it as he had his hands busy with his daughter. Looking over at his stuff, your brows furrowed at the clothing store shopping bag “You did some shopping on your way home?”

“...I did” he faltered, setting Minseo down so she could grab her ribbon from school. He rubbed his neck nervously. “Felix set me up on a blind date tomorrow, and I didn’t have anything appropriate to wear. He thinks I’m out of touch, so he helped me find something”

“Oh…” you almost hated yourself for how obviously disappointed you sound. “Anyone I know?” you practically slammed the container down, trying to figure out what to do with this surging uncomfortable feeling.

“No... Um she’s one of Felix’s model coworkers...” his voice small, all of his nerve dissipating seeing your shift in mood.

You were never one to hide your feelings. You wore your heart on your sleeve. Deceiving people was not one of your strong points. Your eyes shifted down before you forced a laugh. “Wow, a model...that’s nice. I’m sure you’ll look great in what Felix picked out” you unpacked the dinner quicker, clearing your throat to try to ignore the rising tension. 

Chan just stood there, fiddling with his watch, rocking on the heels of his food. Each tick of the second hand on the clock, acting almost like a constant reminder of how awkward it felt. 

“...Did you need a babysitter for tomorrow?” you finally asked after the suffocating silence.

“No...Felix is gonna watch her…” Chan fiddled with his fingers awkwardly. The mood between you two fell instantly, and suddenly he regretted this whole blind date thing. Was it presumptuous to assume you were upset because of him? “I...are you ok…?”

Are you ok? What kind of question is that anyway? It always prompted such a negative response from you. If you had to ask someone if they were ok, that meant they very obviously seemed bothered. And yet there it is slapping you in the face alongside the only acceptable answer to follow up the question with because of social niceties. “I’m fine.” you gave him a bright, tight-lipped smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “I...I’m just starving” you tried to blink away the tears that threatened to fall. 

Minseo came out of her room holding her ribbon “This is what Mr. Yang gave me today he said I had the best outfit because it was a blue day and we learned about everything blue and my dress was blue” she beamed. 

“Beautiful Baby, I’m so proud of you” Chan picked her up “You ready for dinner?”

“I’m so ready!” 

Chan sat her down in the chair and looked back toward you. “You ready to eat?”

And there was something about seeing Minseo’s face that just broke you. She frowned seeing your face. Your eyes were glazed over but you were smiling. But it wasn’t like your warm and bright smile she loved. You looked so sad.

She was always so sensitive to her surroundings, Kids were licked that, they could tell when you were sad, and they weren’t afraid to ask questions. And you couldn’t bring yourself to keep up the act in front of her. “Um actually. I just remembered” you laughed “I had a dinner thing tonight with my co-workers, a bunch of stressed doctors drinking tonight at the pub” you clapped your hands “Honestly I’m such a clutz, how could I forget?”

“But you just said you were hungry…” Chan frowned watching you gather your things. “You don’t have time to eat even a little?”

“I don’t. I forgot I have to dress up for this” you smiled, doing everything in your power to avoid looking at him. 

“You’re not eating dinner with us?” Minseo frowned.

“I’m sorry Baby…” you smoothed down her hair not wanting her to feel sad. “I forgot I had to do a work thing...But I’ll tell you what, I’ll stop by tomorrow after I get off of work to tell you a story.”

“Promise?”

“Promise” you wrapped your pinky around hers before pressing your thumb against hers. 

As you walked out, mumbling a small goodbye to Chan he grabbed your arm. His body moving before he could think, just hating this awkward feeling between you two. “Hey seriously...are you ok…?”

“I’m fine.” you gave him a weak smile.

And he didn’t have it in him to fight you on it. Like it wasn’t his place, because after all, you were just neighbors. 

You returned to your apartment and it suddenly felt far too big and far too empty for you. Sighing and slumping against your door. Of course, he’d start dating eventually... It just really sucked that he wanted to start the moment you realized that maybe you stood a chance to date him. 

And it wasn’t your place to tell him to not go. What were you even supposed to say? Hey, I know you’ve been completely platonic friends for the past two years but, hey I really like you sorry I waited for you to literally have a date before I told you? You wiped away the stray tears that fell down your cheek. 

Would it have been better if Minho never made you come to terms with your feelings? Perhaps, but a part of you knew that you would have been heartbroken regardless. All you could do now is to pick up the pieces and cherish what’s left of the time you had with Chan and Minseo. 

To be continued… 

▶Chapter III

I’m sorrryyyyyy 

this chapter went on a little longer than I planned so my series went from a 3 parter to 5 parter but don’t worry it’ll be uploaded quickly

<3

Let me know if you want me to tag you :3

[lilmissmousey]

Hi there.

It’s been awhile.

Denial Chapter 7 is live 💖 love you all

Denial Chapter 7

Vegeta stared with disdain at the flight of stairs in front of him. Hip throbbing, head aching, temper boiling, he attempted to rise from the front passengers seat of Bulma’s black SUV only to be engulfed in a blinding fire of pain.

“What’re you doing?!” Bulma’s hand gripped Vegetas shoulder, “You goon! You can’t be walking right now! Your hip is broken!”

“Watch. Me.” He growled, brushing her fingers off.

Bulma massaged her temples, “For the love of God. Let me get the crutches out of the back at least!”

“I will NOT be caught dead with crutches! I will snap them in half! I can do it my-“

“Hi ya buddy!”

Oh. Oh no. Vegeta knew that obnoxious, chipper voice.

Beaming down at him with a huge smile from the open car door, arm up and casually leaning on the roof was Goku, “Ya missed our match this morning! Just wanted to see...hey, what happened to you?!”

“It...” Vegeta mumbled, “it was nothing. Just a little run in with a car.”

Goku’s dark eyes grew large, “A car?”

“Nothing?!” Bulma’s head popped into view from beside Vegeta, “You got HIT by a car!”

Goku blinked, “Who’re you?”

“It wasn’t that bad.” Vegeta could feel his cheeks starting to burn hot.

“Not that bad?!” Bulma shrieked, “you were unconscious for hours! You have a concussion! And a fractured hip!”

“A minor inconvenience.”

“You almost died!”

“Says who?”

The man outside the SUV watched with great confusion. Vegeta got hit by a car? There had been a blurb on the news the other night about it, but they hadn’t released a name. Only the vehicle description. Goku felt terrible he hadn’t known sooner. Vegeta was his buddy. He also could have sworn he recognized the blue haired woman in the drivers seat from somewhere...

“Aha!” Goku proclaimed, snapping his fingers loudly.

Both Vegeta and Bulma’s mouth snapped shut, their eyes both now focused on Goku.

“You’re the girl from Vegeta’s phone!” Goku grinned, “The girl on the wallpaper! It’s nice to meet ya! I’m Goku. Vegetas ju jitsu partner!” His large hand shoved itself past Vegetas nose to shake Bulma’s hand which she offered, “man, he sure talks about ya a whole lot! And with how much he doesn’t talk that’s sure saying something!”

“Kakarot...” Vegeta hissed, ignoring Bulma’s smug smile.

“Well, I think you and I are going to get a long just fine!” Bulma laughed, giving Gokus hand a last squeeze before Vegeta batted it away from in front of his face.

“Man, I’m sorry to hear about the accident!” Goku scratched his chin, “I tried callin’ ya yesterday to make sure of the plans, but ya never answered. Makes sense now.”

Vegeta inhaled sharply, “Ah shit.” His phone. He never even realized it was gone.

“Oh no,” Bulma sighed, “Vegeta, you lost your phone? I’m so sorry.”

“It’s just a phone,” he mumbled, “I’ll buy another.”

“Already done.” Bulma finished typing something on her phone screen and shoved it back in her purse, “I ordered you another, I’ll have someone drop it off this afternoon.”

Suddenly, as if a wave came over him, Vegeta felt to tired to argue. The world shifted on its axis, causing a rippling wave of nausea. He winced, adjusting his hip as the pain radiated, “Thanks.” He muttered.

“Hey, you okay buddy?” Goku crouched down, eyes full of worry, “What can I do?”

From inside Bulma’s heart, a warmth began to tug. This Goku guy was very kind, “We need to get him inside,” she said gently, blue eyes meeting Goku’s black, “But he’s not supposed to walk very much. He has crutches, but is refusing to use them.”

Goku’s brows furrowed, “Aw man. I just came from ‘Geets apartment. The elevators broken.”

Heaving a sigh, Vegeta cracked one eye open, willing the world to stop spinning as he met the worried gaze of his best friend. Hades be damned if he ever admitted it, but in his own heart he knew it to be true. He was well aware Goku felt that way about him as he expressed his feelings openly and without abandon, and never once forced Vegeta to say it in return. It was unwritten, but wholly understood between them, “Kakarot, I’m going to ask you the most embarrassing question of my life.” He winced.

That look of determination Goku got before every match suddenly spread across his face “What’s that?”

~~~

“Okay bud, only about ten steps left.” Goku carefully readjusted his arm beneath Vegetas left armpit, gripping the right hand a little tighter that was slung over his shoulder. Every step the took, Goku would lift Vegetas entire body off the ground, gently placing him right foot down on the next step. It had taken over a half hour and a lot of swear words from Vegeta, but they finally reached the apartment. Bulma unlocked the door, opening it wide enough for both men to fit through. As they finally crested the threshold Vegeta grunted, and quickly tightened his grip meaningfully on Gokus hand, being careful to not meet the larger mans eyes. He could feel the gentle stare though, see the sincere smile out of the corner of his eye. Goku squeezed back and said warmly, “Anytime.”

“Mph.” Vegeta looked away. Goku chuckled.

Bulma’s head popped out from Vegetas bedroom, “Let’s get him laying down in here.”

“Got it!” Goku grinned, then turned his head “Hey,” he whispered in Vegetas ear, “at least ya got a cute nurse outta the deal.”

“Shut. Up.” Vegeta hissed.

“Hey,” Goku shrugged, “it’s better than a picture, ain’t it?”

Vegeta clenched his jaw. A picture; his picture. It was gone. In all honesty, he was more upset about that than the phone. Hopefully it had been saved somehow.

After another round of swear words, Vegetas leg was propped up with pillows, at least relieving some of the pain. Bulma flitted around, gathering water and snacks as well as sorting out Vegetas pain pills in the kitchen as Goku sat on the edge of Vegetas bed and asked questions about the accident.

“I’m telling you, it was intentional.” Vegeta muttered, sipping at the glass of ice water Bulma had already placed on the side of the bed, “just a gut feeling.”

Face propped in his hand, dark brows pulled together, Goku drummed his fingers on his cheek, “Who though? And why her? She seems awful nice.”

Vegetas eyes darted to the door to make sure Bulma wasn’t eavesdropping, “Not sure. It could be anyone. She has a position of power in her company, and the smarts and money to go with it. There are a few nasty lawsuits floating around. I’ll have to take a look when I get the chance.”

“Hm.” Goku stood, stretching his back, “Well, I still have a few contacts out there. Old friends,” he shot an uncharacteristically dark smirk at Vegeta, “I’ll see what I can find.”

Vegetas eyes narrowed, “Don’t go digging to much Kakarot. You don’t need to get involved. We’ve both been out a long time. You’ve got a clean record. You’ve got the wife and kid to worry about.”

“Eh, Chichi won’t mind.” Goku shrugged, “She can’t mind if she doesn’t know anyways. I was never really a part of them in the first place. No one, and I mean no one, hurts my friends.” There was a sharp edge on the end of that sentence that made Vegetas fist clench into the blanket, a small and familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him.

Goku’s normally chipper facade seemed to falter for a minute, a glint in his eyes, “Just like the old days. I got you. And you got me.” Just as quickly as the tense air in the room was there, it was immediately sucked out again, and Goku’s grin returned, “Anyways, fell better buddy! Call me when you get your new phone!” With a roll of his neck, and with his signature wave, Goku was out the door.

Vegeta let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He knew that look. He knew that Goku. That was the Goku most people had never met. He hadn’t see that look in a long, long time.

I got you. And you got me. The words repeated in Vegetas head, memories of them as young teens racing through back alleys, those same words being laughed as Goku and he managed to get away from whatever trouble they were involved in. “What have I done.” Vegeta muttered, eyes pinching closed as another wave of nausea ran through him.

“You alright?”

“Just...a headache still,” He grumbled, Bulma’s cool fingers dancing across his forehead.

“I’ll get you your medicine.” She whispered, “I’ll shut the blind too. The light may be hurting your eyes.”

Vegeta grunted, “I don’t need the pills. I just need some sleep.”

Bulma sighed, the sounds of the blind hitting the window sill echoing like a bomb in his ears, “Stop trying to be tough, it’s alright. You got hit by a car. You’re allowed some pain relief.” He could hear her shuffling around the room. Everything was so overwhelming. He wished this would stop.

Another wave of head pain, “I just need you.” The words tumbled from his lips before he could stop them, his eyes still sensitive from the concussion pain snapped open to see if she’d heard.

But she wasn’t there.

“Did you say something?” Bulma’s called from the kitchen, “sorry, I was grabbing you some more water and the pain pills. I really think you should take them.”

Vegeta sighed, half relieved, half disappointed, “Whatever.”

[murdertrialimagines]

Fuyuhiko x Marks-woman! Reader (Soulmate Pain AU!)

“Soulmate AU where you can feel the same pain as your soulmate with Fuyuhiko and a fem!Ultimate Markswoman (who’s super bubbly and chipper but can kill a man in seconds)?”

I LIVE for soulmate AU’s, not gonna lie...story under the tag!~

 You had been at Hopes Peak for only a year now, practicing your talent everyday despite everyone saying you were already top notch

Yet you trained for two reasons: to keep yourself sharp and to make sure you never got hurt in a real fight

 Why? You didn’t want to bring pain to your soulmate, not after the time you were shot in the leg by some idiot fooling with your guns

 Everyone had a soulmate, and they could feel each other’s physical pains as if they were their own

 Sucks yours got stuck with a clumsy marks-woman

 You never had to worry much though, as no one dared to challenge you

 Well, some did, but they would end up with a bulletin grazing their face as a warning

 And sometimes worse, if they were acting cocky

But today was exam day, and all fighters or weapon users would be sparring, no matter what their fighting style was

 “To mix it up a bit!” Said the proctors with a cheery smile

So here you stood, twin revolvers in both hands, looking at your opponent readying her stance

 “Uh, sir?” You turned to the guy supervising the fight. “Is this really a good idea? I mean these are guns, if I land a serious shot she could get really hurt.”

 “Don’t worry, we have the best nurse here on supervision.” He pointed to the nervous wreck in the corner

 A small chuckle came from your opponent.

“Bold of you to assume you’ll even get close.” She lifted her glasses ever so slightly on her nose, causing them to reflect off your steel weapons

 “Oh it’s on.”

With a go from the main proctor, both of you charged, her jumping up to swing her bamboo sword down at you

 You swiftly dodged, raising your right hand to fire a gun in her direction

 ‘If I can just break her sword, she’ll be forced into hand to hand combat; I’ll take her down then’ you thought, trying to calculate her moves

 She surprised you though, faking a slash to catch your feet from under you, knocking you down

 “You go Peko!” You heard someone in the audience yell

“No shouting during the match!” The proctor yelled

 You rolled over to dodge another blow, this time firing two shots in her direction, one barely grazing her glasses

 “Yknow, if you stay still, I’ll be less likely to kill you” you smirked

 She remained focused as she resumed her starting stance, then running at you again

You took a step back to prepare yourself, but your foot caught your other leg, causing you to stumble and fall, pain shooting up your leg

 “Ow!”

 “Fuck!”

 Sitting up, you looked at your ankle, already turning purple

 The nurse immediately ran up to you, in tears for an unknown reason

 As she wrapped your leg up you hissed in pain, her apologizing and crying harder at the sound

 After she had bandaged it completely, she pulled you up, letting you lean on her to keep weight off your injured leg

As you left, the proctor announced that your exam will proceed once you are healed, as you technically weren’t beaten by your opponent, apparently named Peko

 You looked to the stands as you left, ashamed to have them see you defeated by something so stupid

 As you left, you’re eyes caught momentarily onto a boy holding his ankle, staring at you

 You had to sit in the nurses office as they prepped a brace to your measurements, leaving you time to polish your guns with some rags you found

You ignored the door swinging open, only looking up when the person standing there gave an obviously fake cough

“Hm?” You looked up, noticing it was the boy from earlier. “Oh, sorry! I thought you were that kid that kept coming in here talking about how my injury was a step towards greatness. I don’t even know him...”

He gave a small, halfhearted smile, coming closer to you.

 “Are you okay?” You set down your gun, shifting slightly on the medical bed you sat on. “You’re limping.”

 “I’m fine,” he sat in a nearby chair. “I was wondering if you were fine”

 “Yeah, I mean, besides having to redo my exams, I think I’m doing pretty good for someone with a sprained ankle!” You gave a small laugh

 “Yeah...”

Noticing the awkward silence, you’re smile drooped a bit, turning from a genuine one to one of unease

 “So...”

 “Yea?” You moved a piece of hair from your face

 “I hurt my leg today” “What a coincidence, how did you do it?”

 “I don’t know. I was watching you when it happened. At your exam” “oh, I’m sorry! Has the nurse checked it out?”

 You looked up at him to see him staring at you deadpan.

 “Oh. OH!”

 You jumped slightly, careful not to hassle your ankle, and turned to face him more

“You...think you’re my soulmate?”

 “Well, yeah. But how would we know for sure?”

 You sat for a moment, before slapping yourself across the face

 “Ouch!”

 “Ow! Why did you do that?!” The boy said, holding his cheek, before his eyes widened slightly. “Wait. So that means...”

“We’re soulmates?!” You two said in unison

 “This is crazy!” You said, looking at yourself as if you were dreaming. “I can’t believe it! I doubted I’d ever find mine, let alone in my own school! What’s your name?”

 “Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, ultimate Yakuza. I already know you’re y/n f/n, the ultimate marks-woman.”

 “How?”

 “Master, are you alright?” A head peaked into the door after a warning knock

 “Peko?” You asked, recognizing her

 “I’m fine Peko, just...figuring things out.”

 “Ah, I see that Kazuichi was right after all. You two are soulmates. He’ll be happy to know that”

 “Don’t tell him, he won’t shut up for weeks”

 “Who’s Kazuichi?”

 “The idiot who made me come down here in the first place” Fuyuhiko walked over to the bed and sat beside you

 “Well, I better thank him then!” You nudged Fuyuhiko, earning a small grumble

 “Normally I’d kill someone for that-“

 “Good thing I’m not just someone then”

 Peko gave a breathy laugh. “I’ll leave you two to get to know each other.” She closed the door behind her

Back to awkward silence

 “...ever shot a revolver before?”

 “No.”

“Wanna learn?”

“Hell yes.”

It’s four in the morning

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

Imagine: PRT THREE.

Reader gets a surprise visit from nasty Erik.

This was requested for another part. May be the final part because I didn’t plan for this lol. Wrote this today.

Part One. Part Two.

You had a certain pep in your step that didn’t go unnoticed. Heading towards your Micro Biology classs, books in hand and a blush on your face, you try and discreetly enter the classroom only to find eyes on you. Head down, you pull your hoodie further over your head, sitting down slowly so you wouldn’t gain anymore attention.l

Erik put it on your pussy last night. You ended up spending the night and fucking another two times after the first. After each hard fuck this man’s fat dick would just plump up and harden with the tiniest look in your direction. He loved the way you looked dressed in his large t shirt with your curly hair pulled back from your face. He would kiss your cheeks and stroke it with his thumb lightly, causing you to bite your lip and blush profusely.

He knew what he was doing to you. He was your new addiction and it had only been one night of him. As you open your laptop to begin typing, the vision of him burrowing deep inside of you with your legs over his shoulders had you rubbing your hands over your face. Your shoulders begin to bounce with excitement as you laugh, still perplexed that you even opened your legs and gave your tight pussy away to a 30 year old man.

A hung, freaky, pro of an older man.

“Miss Y/N?”

You hadn’t noticed that your Professor had been calling you the entire time.

“Your research paper, please?”

Your heart sank.

Fuck. You forgot to grab your written paper from your desk within your dorm this morning when you came back around 6:00 am. Brandy, your room mate and close friend, was knocked out on her bed, snoring and all. Brandy didn’t have an 8:00 am class like you did. And to top it all off your paper was also on a flash drive you forgot to bring to class.

“I’m so so sorry, I-“ you shake your head with disappointment in yourself. So much for a 100%

“I forgot to grab it from my desk this morning. I didn’t wake up to the alarm.”

Your professor nodded his head slowly, “Okay, you know how I feel about late assignments, correct? That will be a five point deduction from your grade, Miss Y/N.”

Your professor left it at that, returning back to the discussion about virology and parasitology.

“You know, this shit ain’t really like you, Y/N.”

That deep voice made you laugh. Your assigned partner and school friend, Lakeith, has to have something to say about everything you do.

“Lakeith, mind your business for once, please.” You sass in a hushed tone.

“I would if I wasn’t enjoying the fall of a supposed future Nurse Practitioner.”

With a death glare, you turn to him, his chestnut eyes always a hypnotic thing for you. Then he decides to smile, showing off his dimples.

They weren’t deep like Erik’s but they were still something.

“I got my shit on lock, Sir, worry about scoring higher than me on the TEAS, Mr. Future RN.”

“Baby girl,” he chuckles low, “My shit always on lock. Coming up in here like you just left a dick appointment.”

Your heart flutters. Was it that obvious? I mean, the dick appointment was hours ago but damn it was still written all over your face. You decided not to respond to that portion. He didn’t need to know.

“So, somebody hitting that and you down played every chance I offered? Wow.” He laughs to himself, leaning in towards you, practically all up in your grill.

“You getting some dick, Y/N?” He smiles, his shiny teeth almost blinding. Damn him for being this fine.

“Why are you checking for me so much?” You roll your eyes into your head.

“I’ve been checking for you. Don’t act brand new because you let some other nigga wow you.”

He smelled like cinnamon. Lakeith always smelled good.

But Erik smells like sandalwood and citrus.

Even Erik’s sweat smelled like cologne. The thought of him had you shivering down the spine, you focus your attention back on your typing.

“Yeah, you got a noticeable arch in your back that wasn’t there before.”

You heard a chuckle from Lakeith’s partner in crime, Marvin. Both of them, two Kappa brothers that joked like teenagers.

“Fuck you.” You fire back, flipping him off, “sit on it and spin, nigga.”

“Yeah, okay,” He puts a base in his voice, “I’ll have your little ass sitting and spinning on something if you keep playing with me, big headed ass.”

“You started with me!” You argue back, trying your best to keep your voice low.

“Whatever,” he shoves your head, “do some damn work.”

Kissing your teeth, you throw your led pencil at his head, watching him scrunch his face with discomfort, rubbing the spot that stung.

“Bitch ass,” you end the argument there, cracking your knuckles to get back into the grind. Lakeith wasn’t about to fuck up your A average.

How about Erik and his big Daddy dick fucking you? Remember, he said you can come see Daddy anytime you wanted some dick.

You press down over a series of keys, typing out something like dmcbcdjendh.

———————————-

“And again, this tutoring shit will not help me get through Calculus I. I don’t need some student tryna teach me.”

You ball up the flyer that your calculus teacher gave you for tutoring help. Tossing it in the recycle can, you march out of her office, fuming with fists balled and cheeks puffed out. Yes, you were a straight A student but the last calculus exam you took you received a 79 on it. That had you crying into a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream. Now, she was offering you tutoring yet again. The students who tutored acted so self righteous. She didn’t need for any them laughing at her behind her back or hounding her because they had the upper hand at the moment.

“Y/N!” Your young, chipper, Calculus teacher called out to you. She reminded you of Daria but less moody and socially awkward.

“Yes?” The annoyance in your voice was clear.

“Would you like another referral? There is a guy on campus who is here as a Graduate Student receiving his Doctorate. I graduated with him and he’s basically a genius. If you want, I can set you up over the next few weeks to meet with him during library time.”

Another teacher? Maybe this would help. She lectured crappy and it had you zoning out every few seconds. You had to result in teaching yourself.

“What’s his name?”

She motions for you to re enter her office. Closing the door behind her, you take your once vacated seat, staring at her accomplishments from M.I.T.

“His name is Erik Stevens. He is back getting his Doctorate in Engineering.”

Your Calculus professor handed you his business card. It was laminated, perfect watermark and everything. She didn’t understand the pure shock on your face. How could you forget that name after you moaned it and imprinted it within the hippocampus of your brain.

“Is there something wrong?” She asked with a slight smirk on her face. You must have looked crazy.

“No!!” You take the card, placing it in your hoodie pocket, “No, I just thought of something out of nowhere. You know how that happens sometimes.”

“Yeah,” she laughs it off awkwardly, “Give him a shot, Y/N. He’s really good at what he does.”

“Mhm,” you felt a sudden wetness in your panties. He sure as hell is good at what he does. Even your own teacher recommending him to you had you horny as a bitch.

This fucking man.

“I’ll give him a call today.” You look up at your teacher one last time before grabbing your bag, exiting her office.

//////////////

Erik: Call me and put that pussy on the phone, lol. I wanna hear her talk to me cuz I know she wet as a motherfucker.

You bite on your thumbnail while sitting in one of the study rooms within the Library. You were surrounded by Lakeith and a few other Micro Biology class mates to study for the next exam. You didn’t inform Erik about him tutoring you yet because you wanted to drive over to his apartment and tell him in person.

Y/N: It is wet, but I’m in study group right now I can’t show you. 😩

You were NEVER this damn bold with a guy.

“Y/N, you’re supposed to be the one writing on the white board what the fuck you doing?” Lakeith startles you from your sexting.

“Shit, my bad,” you stand up, grabbing your phone and expo marker. The group began telling you information to write out, your mind in tune with education. After applying the top to your marker, you hear a soft knock on the door as if knuckles were tapping it. Craning your neck, you make out the outline of a guy around 6’3, new balance on his feet and a navy blue Champions sweatshirt with matching pants. He had a black North Face beanie on his head, with an artistic pair of gold rimmed glasses on.

At first glance you didn’t recognize him but the moment you stepped closer to the door to open it, a deep pleasure ran through your veins like lava. With a sly smirk on his face, he leans into the door further, staring down at you while curling a single finger for you to come here. He bit down on his bottom lip the moment you were staring at him face to face, the only barrier between you both was the door. He jiggles the door knob, motioning with a tilt of his head for you to open it before he did. Sighing nervously, you open the door, his body smelling like testosterone and patchouli. The thought of the pheromones he produced after sex had you buckling at the knees.

“You in here studying?” He asks with a whisper.

You knew eyes were on you at that door.

“Yes, Biology.” You respond, but not with a whisper. You didn’t need any of them wondering why you were being secretive.

“What kind?” He asks with a tilt of his head, his finger discreetly stroking your hand. You pause to breathe, shifting on your feet.

“Micro.” You meet his gaze, blinking away as soon as you saw the heavy lust there. Why did he have to bring his fine ass over here? Clearly he was in the library the entire time. He did say he’d been watching you around campus and he wanted your thick ass for a long while. So maybe he was watching you study with friends?

“Were you keeping an eye on me, Erik?” You smirk.

“That’s all I can keep on you for now, ma. Ain’t like I can keep this dick on you while you in front of your friends.”

Erik looks over your shoulder. His eyes fell on Lakeiths. He knew from that moment that homeboy wanted you. It was all over that niggas face.

“Let me help I know a lot about Micro Biology.”

Erik wasn’t asking really because he pushes past you, fully within the room. You shutter slightly before closing the door, taking in calming breaths.

“Can we help you?” Lakeith speaks for the group like he was the leader.

“Nah, looks like y’all need it though,” Erik takes it upon himself to spread your notes out on the desk, craning his eyes behind his glasses to read what you had. He takes his other hand, stroking his gotee before turning to the white board.

“Y’all sure y’all know how to study for this?” He asks with a joking tone. Lakeith and Marvin share a look before turning back to Erik.

“Yeah, we got this, bruh. You looking at the top students in the class.”

Erik nods his head slowly, “How about you, Y/N? He speaking for you like he know you smart.”

Lakeith laughs, “we work close together all the time. I know she got it going on.”

Erik lifts a single brow, taking your notes to stack neatly, “Y/N, this nigga always speak for you?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, staring from Erik to Lakeith. There was clearly a weighing of dicks in this room but Erik would come out on top for sure, gold metal and all.

“Not always, but he has a habit to sometimes,” you hide your smile, focusing back to the white board.

“Y/N,” Erik calls for you. He had the right to do that you felt. He opened your pussy up and ate your pussy like a bowl of ice cream, licking his fingers and all. He could call you and you would answer.

“Yes?” You turn to him, giving him your undivided attention.

“You want me to help you study? I can do that right now I got time before my evening class starts,” he places his hands in his pants pockets, waiting for your answer. You both knew you would say yes, and you didn’t hesitate either. This could lead to what you needed.

“Okay, sure,” you try and pack your things but Erik was already on it, zipping up your back pack and throwing it over his shoulder. He walks to the door, opening it for you to leave first.

“You not gonna say goodbye to your little friends?” He says with a smirk before licking his lips.

“Bye y’all, see you this Wednesday,” you step out of the study room, Erik’s arm around your shoulder. Before you could leave the library, Erik pulls you in between an aisle full of history books, slamming you against the shelf. He pauses, trying to keep the solitude of the library at bay.

“Who is that little nigga?” He asks you with a calm that had you squirming.

“His name is Lakeith.” You respond with a whisper.

His eyes look from your toes and back up to your face. Erik takes off your hood, your messy curly bun frizzy from wearing it all day.

“Damn, you ain’t even fix this after I was all in yo’ shit last night.” He laughs with a deep raspy tone.

“I didn’t have time,” you whine, pouting like a baby.

“Why the fuck are you so cute? He had a slight tendrill of anger building up, you could tell from how his brows furrowed, “why you so damn cute, lil mama? Out here having these weak dick niggas craving you.“

You swallow spit, shrugging your shoulders nervously, “I don’t know.”

“What I tell you about that I don’t know shit?”

You forgot he didn’t like for you to tell him that.

“Sorry.”

“All you gonna do is say the shit again. But it’s cool, I know you remember how this strong dick nigga had you crying.” He was even closer now, breath on your cheek.

“I mean, to be honest, aint like you can do much about being the cutest bitch on campus. Cutest bitch with the tightest pussy.”

You could feel him grabbing your breasts with no restraint. Anybody could spot the both of you. You watch as he unzips your hoodie, the thin t shirt you wore underneath giving him a clear view of your big ass nipples.

“Y/N....shit,” he takes both, pinching your nipples and playfully slapping them.

“Big ass titties.” He kisses your neck on both sides with a little tongue.

“Erik,” you moan out with a shiver.

“I’m the only one allowed to put it on you, you hear me?” He whispers. Erik pulls you from the shelf by the collar of your shirt, palming your ass hard before slapping it.

“Daddy is gon’ be all in your shit girl, you wait and see,” he bit your ear, taking you by your hips to make you grind on him from the front. It was the wildest shit ever. You never did anything like this in public. For the most part it was kissing and ass grabbing but not this.

Erik pulls one of your legs up, his hands on the shelf while he dry humped your crotch.

“Damn, babygirl, that leg all the way up there, huh?” He pulls you with three quick pumps over his clothed and now fully hard dick. You could feel it against your leg and it was long as hell. He had you so open last time...Damn, he was gonna do that shit again.

“Let me stop before I have a big ass nut,” he chuckles, lowering your leg but never moving his hand away from your ass, “girl, when we get back to my place, I swear to God your ass is mine.”

————————————

“You’re so hard, I can feel all of that big dick, Daddy.”

You moan while grinding on his crotch, wet pussy wrapped around his bare dick. The minute you stepped out of his car and entered his apartment, he started undressing you without a word. Now here you were, fully naked and coating his dick with that good sticky shit. Erik has his fingers on your clit, rubbing in a slow circle while he instructed you to keep wetting his dick down to his balls.

Erik places his fingers within his mouth before grabbing your waist, angling you and making you bounce on his dick in rhythm with his grinding. It was an erotic sight to see, legs spread wide, pussy wet, hard dick all slick.

“Fuck, Y/N, got me ready to buss a fucking nut, damn girl!” He slaps your ass, “You ain’t all sweet, your little ass a fucking devil. What kinda sweet girl put a pussy like this on a nigga? Ain’t never heard of that.”

Erik grabs his dick, smacking your pussy with it, “Get on your fucking knees. Go on, ma, get down there.”

You were on your knees now, grabbing his dick with one hand, licking yourself off of him.

Damn this girl.

“Y/N, don’t be shy girl, c’mon, lil mama,” Erik motions for you to take him more, “open up...yesss, just like that. Mhm, good girllll.”

You gag on him. He was just so big. You had to stop and look at his dick like it was from another world. He laughs at your tear stained face and swollen lips. The spit on your chin he had a lot of fun with it seems, smearing it in with his fingers.

“I ain’t say you were done,” he jerks his dick, smacking you in the chin, “let’s go, ma, dick ain’t gonna suck itself.”

You grab him up, sucking him again. This time, he was fatter than before. What the hell was this! Your pussy was leaking, no lie. You could feel it on your thighs. Fuck if you weren’t sucking his dick. Erik rolled his eyes, head falling back when your tongue snaked up his dick.

“And you was tryna play scared?! Shit,” he shakes his head, “scared of what Y/N? You ain’t afraid of all this big dick.”

Erik grabs your hair, fucking into your mouth. You grab his thighs, eyes on him while he fucks your mouth.

“Damn, I’m balls deep in your mouth.” He grunts, pushing one final time before releasing your mouth, a thick stream of spit caught on your lips.

“Sloppy mouth bitch.” He slaps you with his dick. You were so astonished. He just hit you with his dick.

“Fuck. Me,” he looked from his dick to your wet face, “Come ride Daddy.”

You climb up, watching him apply a condom again. You pout with sadness, looking down at him roll the condom over all that spit on his dick. The vision was covered and it had you rolling your eyes.

“Fuck you doing all that for?” He caught that shit.

“If you fuck me raw I won’t act like this,” you speak in a timid tone. Erik licks his lips leaning back to admire you.

“You want some raw dick?”

You nod yes.

“Ard...take the condom off then.”

Quickly, you snatch it off, throwing it to the ground.

“Like I said, a slut for this dick,” he pulls you over him, “Get up here and fuck me since you want it raw. Fuck this dick like you tryna mold my shit in that little kitty.”

You squat over him on your tip toes, rubbing his dick over your clit a bit before lowering over him. He slaps your ass extremely hard, the connection complete and your lips in a full pout now.

“Yeah, thats my fucking girl, such a good little girl. Making that face I like, that dumb struck face with all this dick in you balls deep, fuck.”

You start bouncing, hands on his shoulders and head thrown back.

“Ohmygodddd ohmygoddddd.”

He was really hitting different. It was so much pressure you were sure to squirt. The dick was knocking on your walls for a squirt in return. Damn, his big dick was all the way in there. Shit didn’t make no sense.

“You hear all that?” He speaks to you but you were dickmatized, “you are splashing on me, girl! What the fuck!” You sure were. You could hear it loud and clear.

“Yes I am, oh my Godddd,” you gasp.

“Yes I am, Daddy. I’m so wet, Daddy.”

“You taking this big dick girl, it’s okay for me to keep fucking you like this? Fuck, Y/N this pretty pussy so wet.”

His hands were everywhere. He was low on the couch, hips pumping up into you with his eyes low and on your face. You were in an eye lock with him and it made the moment even better.

“Never thought you would be bouncing on this dick did you?” You both shake your heads at the same time, “I already know I just wanted you to agree with me, sexy bitch.”

You watch as he presses his hand into your back, lifting your leg with the other hand, pounding into you, beating your shit in.

“Damn, ma, I got you looking possessed,” he says all of this while fucking you deeper, flesh smacking louder, “mhmmm, this cool? Huh? Daddy hitting that spot, right?”

You were in no shape to speak. This man had a tight grip on your leg while he beat the brakes off your pussy.

“Shit better than the first time? You getting all of me girl ain’t no holding back. You want this raw dick you taking it like a big girl.” He slows down, making you feel every inch. It was literal murder.

“You a big girl,” he looks down at the way his dick was fucking you, “big girl when you getting this pussy fucked.”

“Fuck, yes.” You moan out. You’d be a big girl and take anything. This man had you wide open.

Damn, hold up, shit,” Erik slips out, arching you over the couch now. He used your shoulders, pushing you down so your face was pressed into the cushions. Your ass was pointed so far up, pussy spread wide for him to slip inside with ease. Your pussy was already wet anyway so he would be in that shit with no problem real soon.

“Throw this phat ass back on me.”

You move with as much energy as you could force. He had you tired. You move your hips seductively while throwing it back, your eyes on him to watch his every reaction. You watched him take in a deep breath, several to be exact, trying his best to control the urge to cum.

“This little pussy finna make me buss.”

You were about to buss from the way his head stroked your sweet spot.

“Ahh, I’m about to cum, Daddy,” you grab the back of the couch, legs shaking and cum spilling out like warm sugar.

“Pussy so sweet, Y/N,” he grabs your hips, taking control now while drilling you. The change of pace had your mouth wide open and eyes glossy from the pressure.

“Damn, you really in there!” You yell, back muscles flexing from the intense feeling. This man was stirring your guts around like a bowl of noodles.

“You putting it on me Daddy I don’t wanna stop!!!” You yell with literal tears in your eyes. You were being completely honest. You didn’t want him to ever stop. You wanted him to keep going and going.

“Putting it on this tight pussy?” He asks with a smirk, “This my tight pussy, you hear me? My tight pussy, little mama.”

“Yes, it’s for you!” You couldn’t believe it, you were cumming again, “DADDY MY PUSSY!!!”

The way you reacted to him had his balls tight and dick rippling, ready to cum.

“Best believe little girl I’m taking. this. SHIT.” He started fucking then stoping, fucking then stopping, like a pattern of torture. Your body would jerk forward in surprise, and then he would stop for about three seconds leaving your clit a throbbing mess. Each time he started back up you would gasp, the surprise of it leaving you motionless and breathless.

“Mhm,” he stops, slapping your ass, “Mhm.”

You reach back, hoping for him to grab your wrists. When he does, you prepare for the pounding of your life. Arching more, you feel him increase momentum, eyes growing lower and lower each time. He had you hooked. That’s it. You were fucking Erik Stevens from now on.

“How you feel about me bussing this pussy open?” He says in a breathless tone.

“I feel so good, Daddy.”

/////////////////////

You watch as he sucks on your nipples, your shirt lifted over your head. You just got out of the shower, your legs weak. He had you against his front door, wet hair all over your face and chest arched forward into his mouth. You cry and do it loudly like a whiny brat, his tongue flicking your nipples in the best way.

“Daddy...stop...” you push at him weakly.

He starts sucking like a damn baby and you extend your head back, hitting the door with a loud thud.

“Chill out,” you say between breathless moans. He was a damn animal for you.

“Daddy, what the fuck,” you rub your thighs together, “ooo...stop,”

He doesn’t say a word as he tongues and sucks on your titties. Nipple play never aroused you this much. Erik was a man of firsts for you. How was it that you could feel your pussy throb and drip from this? His eyes meet yours while he flicks his tongue over your right nipple. Damn, he was a fine motherfucker with a mouth you wanted to sit on. Imagine having a tongue like that slipping from front to back and side to side in your slit.

“Daddy eat my pussy,” you ask with no regard.

“Suck on that pussy?” He lifts with spit on his chin, “If I eat it you ain’t going no where for the night cuz im only gonna fuck you again.”

“So?” You sass, “plus, I’m gonna be here more often anyway. My calculus teacher recommended me to you for tutoring.”

He looks at you with dark eyes of lust while twirling your nipples, “Damn, forreal?”

“Yeah, I figured you could reward me with more dick if I do well.”

“Yeah, I can do that. But that means you gotta do well though.”

You kiss your teeth, “Okay, I’ll do my best.”

“Put that bag down and undress. Squat over the couch with that pussy sitting over the edge, okay?” He said it so casually, his naked chest looking edible.

“Okay,” you put your bag down, undressing again. You know you looked a mess but he didn’t care about that shit. Walking to the couch, you watch him as he takes a hit from his blunt. You get into position, arching with your legs wide and pussy sitting for his mouth. Erik admires you while blowing smoke from his lips, walking over to you and getting on his knees.

“You gon pop that ass and pussy while I eat your juicy shit from the back?”

“I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

“Good.”

You could feel him turning around, his arms up and on your ass, spreading you wide. You feel his lips kissing your pussy, eyes closing with bliss. He tongues your folds apart, his tongue dancing with your nectar. He slobs, then slurps, slobs, then slurps, a continuous pattern. Each time you would flinch, your clit jumping each time he did it. Fuck if you would get your pussy ate from someone else. He knew your pussy like the back of his hand. His tongue started flicking upward, only the tip of it teasing your clit and inner folds. It moved all over, Erik working that thing. You claw at the couch, turning your head no matter how painful to try and watch how he did that. This man was full of surprises.

“Daddy, how you doing that?” You ask with a sweet tone. He responds with a sloppy kiss to your clit. You fall against him, giving in to his dance.

“Fuck, Daddy.” You start popping your ass, the feeling of his gold slugs making you shiver. Shit, he was making you cum. Already this man was making you squirt. You were overwhelmed.

“SHIT,” you shake, pussy squirting in his mouth. He applauds you with a slap to the ass before going back to work. Now your clit was overworked and sensitive. The more he slobs the more you cum. And just like that, you were creaming.

“Oh, fuck yeahhhhh.” You talk into the couch cushion beneath you.

“My dick hard again. I told you.” He stands, dick ready to rip through his sweats.

You could hear your phone ringing, sure that it was Brandy but all that didn’t matter, Erik had you up in the air. You could see yourself in his mirrors that he had on his living room wall over his TV. You were so small compared to him. He’s taller, extremely taller, and so toned and cut, not one part of his body was covered with fat. He looked into that mirror too, eyes on you at times but also on the way he held you up like you were as light as an infant, bringing you down over his dick. Each time you both connected he would look back at you to catch your reaction. It didn’t matter how this man fucked you, it was great each time.

Erik walks over to the mirror while he still bounced you, turning sideways now, those full lips of his pouty and his eyes low and hazy.

“Creaming on me something serious,” he rewards you for that buy fucking up into you quickly. Your toes curl, hands around the back of his neck squeezing.

“Y/N, damn,” he scrunches his face, hands palming your ass to keep you up and open for him, “Baby girl, look at me.”

You look at him, moans stuck in your throat.

“Why you letting me take this pussy like this? You not afraid to fall for a nigga?”

You were already falling. It was only day two. He knew what he was doing. He played the game well.

“You not afraid to fall for me?” You catch your breath, “you’re not afraid to get pussy whipped by a girl like me? A little mama?”

“Nah, ma,” Erik shakes his head with a smirk, “not at all.”

You blush, your pussy gushing further over him. He may be your fuck buddy now but the thought of him being more excited you. He made you forget about your ex. Erik was the man of your dreams now a reality.

“Shit, I’m about to have a big fuck nut!!!” You watch as he fucks you at full throttle, body bouncing, wet pussy sliding, moans and groans loud for the entire apartment complex to hear.

“Fuck, girl!!!!” Erik slips out, resting you on the floor while cumming on your face and titties. You catch as much as you could and scrape up the rest to put on your tongue. Erik watched you with primal eyes, his sweat dripping on you. The sweat that smelled like citrus and patchouli. While you tasted and swallowed his cum you wished he would cum in you. You know why but damn his dick was good that’s where you wanted it next! You could only beg for it honestly.

“Ard, ma, time to get up we got some studying to do.” He picks you up, throwing you over his shoulder. You watch him pick up your back pack Erik walking you back to his bedroom. How were you going to study and get through the semester with Erik’s dick in you at any given opportunity? This was going to be tough. Erik drops you on the bed, your body bouncing. As you sit up and fold your legs, Erik opens you bag while his blunt rested between his lips, pulling all of your things out that you needed.

“I’m serious about this studying, shorty. Education is important. You want me to help you out you gotta pay attention to everything I tell your little ass, Aight?”

“Okay, whatever you say, Erik.” You pull your hair up into a top knot bun.

“Gotta work hard for what you want,” he looks at you, a smirk growing on his face, “you hear me talking to you?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Daddy Erik when I’m in that puss, professor Erik when we hitting these books,” he takes a puff of his weed, “you smoke?”

You take the blunt without answering, smoking a little.

“Aight, what you get on your calculus exam?”

You felt embarrassed to say. You knew he would frown at you if you told him what it was.

“I’m an A average student, Erik.” You try and ease away from answering his question. His eyes were on you like he was ready to fuck you yet again.

“Ma,” he shakes his head, “just tell me. What you get?”

“A fucking 79.”

“You can do better but that’s better than shit I’ve seen. Stop beating yourself up, Y/N.”

His words had you dripping on his bed. You bounce, titties jumping and a seductive smile on your face. Your eyes focus on him, his still hard dick pointed to your mouth. He bites the corner of his lip, eyes peeking at the way your big ass titties looked bouncing. With a shake of his head and closed eyes, Erik grabs you by the chin, making you look up at him. He opens his eyes real slow, trapping you.

“Just suck my dick again, ma. You did that shit right the first time. I like the way you look chocking on my stick.”

Yep, this was going to be difficult.

@dameshaemonique @sheisexcellent1 @blktinkerbell

[kennyisscrewy]

Playing Hard to Want II Webgott

Thank you to @speirtons aka Lily for organizing this #bobtogether fic writing event, and kicking a healthy dose of inspiration into me! You’re seriously a GIFT to this community 

W/C: 5076

Prompt: There was only one bed

   David was already not looking forward to seeing Joe again once he was finally let out of the hospital. Every day that he spent lying on that bed felt like a new nail added to his coffin, yet another tiny spike in Liebgott’s hatred of him. And truthfully Joe had hated David before he’d even done anything wrong, so now that he had… He shuddered at the thought. The street sign boasting Haganeu blared in his peripheral like a neon warning sign. Bitterly, he mulled over the unfairness that his one motivator as he was healing up (returning back to the 101st) was now something of a cold dread in his stomach. His friendship with Joe, too, had been shot in the dirt before he’d even gotten the chance to try.

  The icy ball continued to roll around in David’s stomach as he called out to George Luz, so very relieved to see a friendly face that wasn’t frowning and somber and pitying, only to have the usually animated man respond tiredly. And it just got worse, and worse, and worse. He couldn’t seem to stop his big, fat mouth from opening; asking where’s Hoobler? How’s about Toye or Wild Bill? Where’d that cheeky little Julien kid get off to now? Nobody said a word, and it spoke miles. Finally Foley and Martin ground out something about how thin 2nd platoon had become, and David was shooed away like a buzzing gnat.

  He swore under his breath as he walked up to the next Jeep and was instantly pinned in place by mean, dark eyes. The second Joe recognized him as more than just “anonymous annoyance”, he was rolling those glittering eyes, and David resented him for looking so pretty while doing it. It felt surreal to finally take in those near-black eyes that shone in the foggy french sunlight like pebbles in person once more, rather than just using his best memory to muse over them in his hospital bed.

   David has had a long time to mull over those eyes that narrowed into repulsed little slits as some unfamiliar face finally yanked David up into the remaining empty space. Four months, according to that red sneering mouth, which was news to him. In the first month, he’d kept count, anxious to get back to his platoon and his friends (and Lieb, of course). But around the second time that the nurses had none-too gently told him that if he left, the infection would kill him before he got another chance to play hero, David had become disheartened enough that he just let the days and weeks roll by sluggishly. Joe’s pissy remark: “Must’ve like that hospital.” almost made him collapse into hysterical laughter.

  That hospital room was never ending purgatory; solitary confinement. He lay there in his soaked through clothes and waited to die a meaningless, empty death. Dozens of times he’d pictured his father's reaction upon receiving the letter. Dull, bloodshot eyes would scan over the words: “died of his wounds”, and “taken off the frontline due to his own lack of awareness” and his father would chuckle meanly. Mutter how he’d been right to tell David he’d never make it out there, and “oh I hate to speak ill of the dead and say I told ya so!” The peeling off-white wallpaper and fleshy toned curtains plagued his nightmares still; Normandy felt like a tropical getaway in comparison. He opened his mouth to tell Joe that, and see that shit eating smirk slide off his pale face with satisfaction, but looking at him gave David pause.

  Beneath those pretty, glinting eyes were heavy bags so purple they could’ve been mistaken for bruises at first glance. His O.D.s and face were dirty-which was nothing new- but seeing Joe’s hair a stringy, careless mess sent something of a shock through David. Kind of like Perconte’s dental fixation, David has always been able to spot Liebgott from a mile away simply because it was clear that, even as his bloody bandages soaked through, the man took a few moments each day to make sure his thick, dark hair was still soft and touchable looking.

...Alright, so maybe David was just projecting there.

  Regardless, he looked like HELL. Which felt oh, so wrong. David has always admired how unaffected he’d seemed by the war, both physically and mentally, and his guts twisted as he watched those long, oddly dainty fingers bring a cigarette to his lips. They were shaking . And it’s not like it was exactly cold out.

  Feeling nauseous, his gaze moved unabidden to Heffron. Unkept, ruddy stubble dotted the usually chipper replacement’s thin face, and the shine appeared to have left his bright eyes. Dirty bandaged fingertips poked out of olive gloves that looked like the kid had torn the fingers off of himself. And he was quiet; so fucking quiet.If there was one thing David knew about Philly boys, it was that you could never get them to stop yapping even if krauts were peppering them in an empty field. He was unsettled by not hearing Babe’s squeaking, weird little giggles or Bill’s cartoonish cackling carrying on the wind. Honest to God, it didn’t even feel much like Easy anymore. No Luz attempting what had to be the worst British accent he’d ever heard or Toye bitching about whatever new thing had popped into his head. None of Muck trying out an hour's worth of garish standup while Penkala and Malarkey giggled like prepubescent hyenas. Just empty uniforms and the stench of stale cigarette smoke remained.

  Tracking down Lipton was a welcome distraction, as were the multiple near-death experiences on his way to the abandoned house he was posted up in. Something downright neurotic in him took comfort in the return of the bone rattling violence. Even as he was forced to dive away from a near-direct hit, which sent stabbing hot pains through his thigh, his heart soared with a sick kind of glee at the taste of dirt in his mouth. This solidified that he was really, truly back in the fight; it was as terrifying as it was liberating.

  Lt. Speirs previously from Dog Company and Lipton signed David’s execution by reconfirming that, yes, he was being reassigned to 2nd platoon. And, as a bonus, he’d acquired a squeaky clean West Pointer to babysit! Oh joy. Well, at least by comparison, David no longer felt so much like a replacement. The moment he’d laid eyes on that fancy graduation ring, he was filled with a perverse sense of relief. Oh, the toccoa boys are sure gonna have a field day with you, Lieutenant Jones. David felt like a little kid who’d desperately joined in on hazing the new kid, all in the vain hopes that the other boys might pick on him a little less.

  Any sort of relief David was feeling vanished as he faced down his former friend’s critical gazes, bitterness radiating off them in thick, rolling waves. Wordlessly, he tossed his bag unto an empty upper bunk, and took a deep breath before turning back to the men.

“This seat taken?”

  For some reason, that had Ramirez chuckling and had Chuck swearing and rolling his eyes. Everyone in the little huddle swung their gazes over to Liebgott, who seemingly always had something to say, especially for Webster. He fidgeted anxiously as Joe took his sweet time sucking on his Lucky Strike like a popsicle, blowing a stream of smoke out of pursed, cherry lips so slowly that David dug his nails into his uninjured thigh.

“They’re all fuckin taken, Web. This look like a fuckin presidential fuckin suite to you? I know you’re so used to yer cushy hospital digs what with big canned nurses shaking their tits in your face-“

  He walked away before he’d even heard the end of Joe’s rant, dripping with acidic hatred that made the blood in David’s ears ring. He knew if he stood around any longer that he’d punch Joe right in his handsome, artfully carved goddamned face. And as badly as Joe wanted it, he wasn’t the enemy right now.

Far fucking from it actually.

****

   David could feel drying blood underneath his fingernails as he stumbled back into the dilapidated house, wondering if it were Kraut blood or Jackson’s. His head leant against the side of his/not his bunk with a dull thud that didn’t even register. Mentally, he was still kneeling by Jackson’s side, framing the sides of the boy’s head with his fingers as he pleaded for the kid to calm down. He’d told Jackson it was gonna be okay, that everything would be fine once Doc showed up. But jokes on them; Doc had shown up and Jackson was dead, dead, dead.

  He repeated it aloud when they were quietly asked about the mission’s “success”. The mission’s fucking SUCCESS; god David had to laugh. Two German prisoners captured sure, but it felt like a monumental fucking loss from where he was standing. 20 fucking years old…

“Yeah we heard.”

  Came Joe’s voice, breaking through the haze of blood and shouting and gunpowder. It was surprisingly gentle, softer than he could ever recall hearing him speak before. And for some reason that is what nearly made David crumple. Not watching a kid begging to live, not listening to McClung tearfully screaming and pointing a shaking sidearm at the German’s heads, just Joe Fucking Liebgott not treating him like a smear on the treads of his government issued boots for once. Quietly, David excuses himself, walked casually to the ransacked bathroom, and violently puked up bile until he couldn’t even feel the muscles in his throat.

   A few hours of shaking and vomiting later, and he shuffled in the pitch black room towards the bunk beds. Blindly, he made sure to step as lightly as possible (which was quite a feat for the heavy-footed man), and reached out with searching fingers for his bed. The moment fingertips made contact with scratchy, piling sheets, David hauled his weary body on to the mattress, only to be met by the sensation of something sharp digging into his side. For one crazed moment, he thought he’d stabbed himself with a bayonet that wasn’t on his person, and his hand trembled as he flickered his lighter on expecting to see crimson staining through his jacket. Honestly, he’d have preferred the sight of him slowly bleeding out to what he did see bathed in the orangey dim light.

  Half moon eyelashes so dark and thick they looked like ink blots curved against moonbeam cheekbones. Thin, dark eyebrows not scrunched down in irritation for once, and a smooth forehead oddly absent of worry lines. And of course, chapped but also sinfully flushed-looking lips, thin but shapely, barely parted and emitting sweet sighs. Liebgott, with his ridiculously bony elbows jabbing into his ribs he was so close, looking like a goddamned Rembrandt. Too stunned to speak (or even breathe), he gently grasped Joe’s elbow (“ Christ, so fragile; felt like it might snap if he wasn’t careful”) with the intention of putting some space between them. Cherubic, slumbering Lieb had other ideas, apparently, because the second David started to apply pressure, skinny little fingers were suddenly clutching his bicep and hauling David closer. Mary, Mother of Jesus , it took everything in him not to scream as the unconscious bane of his existence wrapped himself around David with all four of his sinewy limbs.

  He whipped his head to the side fearfully as sleeping Joe wedged his thigh between David’s with such a kittenish little sigh it made David’s face flush neon. Small mercies, all of the other men were slumbering, albeit restlessly. Upon second glance, actually, David was relieved to see he wasn’t the only one sharing a bunk. Heffron lay curled up small and sad on Chuck’s big, barrel chest, but there was something distinctly platonic about the pair somehow. Unlike the little wriggling motions that Joe was using to systematically ensure David’s early grave.

  He double, then triple checked that the slighter man was actually asleep and not fucking with David’s head in the most goddamned insane fashion imaginable as bony, calloused fingers knot themselves into his dog tags with a white-knuckled grip. This had to be a joke, or a hallucination. Maybe he’d been hit by some wayward shrapnel and he was actually bleeding out on the bank like that kraut.

  David couldn’t have imagined this even in his four-month stockpile of wet dreams, which Joe had increasingly intruded upon (read: starred in). In those, it was never this based in reality. Usually it was just snapshots: a long, arcing throat with rather specific scarring; the sharpest and deepest Cupid’s bow lips he’d ever seen wrapping themselves around an insult (amongst other things). Dark, bottomless eyes half lidded and digging all the way to David’s core. A scratchy, hissing drawl: “And whattaya gonna do about it, Web?”

  Actually feeling the faint press of those lips through the fabric of his t-shirt and those gorgeous, dark waves tickling the side of his throat made his head spin in a feverish haze. Not to mention the thin, surprisingly-muscular thigh that was occasionally flexing right up against David’s crotch. For the first time, he was thankful for the sharp stinging of his still-tender wound, as he was sure it was the only thing keeping his body from betraying him. Though, again, the downright coquettish way Liebgott was sighing in his ear was trying awful hard to overcome that hurdle. Blue eyes stared their own makeshift skylights into the slatted roof above their heads as David tried to freeze every muscle in his body completely. After the disaster of a patrol, he’d been pretty certain he wouldn’t be sleeping that night. But this little unconscious stunt of Joe’s had absolutely guaranteed that.

  David woke up the next morning half expecting rust coating the back of his throat as Joe shoved his bayonet down it, or perhaps to the sight of the tendons in those skinny arms flexing as he strung David up from the nearest tree. Instead, David woke up shivering in an empty bed feeling oddly lonely. For 24 years, he had woken up in a bed by himself, but this is the first time it had felt wrong.

  Carefully, he shifted himself into a sitting position and tried to shake the feeling of phantom knuckles brushing against his chest, and warm, moist air wetting his throat from lips that were no longer there. Christ, what was happening to him? Still feeling half asleep, he turned his head and was pinned in place by a bewildering sight:

"C'est bon, mon garçon, ça va. C'était un accident ... juste un accident."

  Had he not had such a distinctive, thick accent, David would’ve found it hard to believe that was Doc pressed so close to Heffron. Sleep-hazy eyes watched, transfixed, as cracked, pale lips pressed sweet french notions into the crown of Babe’s trembling, red-brown hair. Babe’s gangly, long-limbed body was curled up impressively small, with what appeared like all of his weight pressing down on Gene’s chest. The medic, for all of his scrawny stature, hardly seemed to mind having his back flattened to the mattress by his fellow paratrooper. Dark blue eyes shone with so much love, it rattled David to his core. Did the two of them not know David was still in here with them? Weren’t they terrified of being court marshalled, or worse? His skin tingled, feeling starved for the ghost of Liebgott’s skin on his, as his gaze tracked Roe’s fingers carding through Babe’s thin locks. The two men were so tightly pressed together from chest to toes that they melded into one being. And just when David felt like his reality couldn’t resemble more of a fever dream, something impossible happened.

“Regarde-moi, ange.” Doc rumbled in a low, sleep-scratchy voice before slowly moving one palm up to cup Babe’s chin. And then, as though it were nothing, suddenly they were kissing. And the way the duo kissed, searching and deep….that didn’t look like the first time they’d done that before. His cheeks flushed when a soft, sweet little moan slid out of those pressing lips-he wasn’t sure which. Okay, so now David was almost positive Doc hadn’t spotted his sleeping form across from Babe’s bunk. He decided to take pity on the guys; this was obviously a very private moment that David had no business seeing. Shifting his weight and clearing his throat, he sat up very gingerly so as not to startle the men too badly. In spite of his best efforts, he felt like a real bastard as he watched all the muscles in Babe’s back stiffen, the redhead ducking his face fearfully into the side of Gene’s neck. “For a grown man, Heffron was weirdly adorable.” David thought to himself absently, unable to connect the small, fragile boy with the sharpshooting killer on the battlefield.

  Gene slowly turned to regard David with a calm, unaffected aire that confused and frightened the groggy young man. The stony faced medic shushed Babe’s faint fretting while those strong, capable hands rubbed paths through fluffy, auburn hair and down the other man’s back. Those dark-washed denim eyes continued to pierce David’s gaze all the while, as though threatening David to open his big, stupid mouth. Of course, David intended to do no such thing (his nighttime activities from last night really gave him no grounds to) and he tried his best to silently convey that in his face. His mother had always told him “his face said everything for him”, so hopefully he’d be able to recall that skillset. Something must’ve clicked, because he watched the icy stare thaw and soften ever so slightly. And then, then: the smug bastard had the gall to wink at him. Well, that certainly went to show David just how threatening Doc Roe found him!

  Once he’d scrambled out of the house with still-wrinkled ODs and a truly wild look in his blue eyes, David had been kind of counting on Joe not being anywhere near him. In his mind’s eye, he imagined the slighter man brooding in some distant alleyway all by his lonesome, smoking like a coal train with that patented scowl on his face. ‘ Probably brainstorming how best to kill me slowly and painfully…’ He thought stormily, feeling his stomach twisting yet again. He wasn’t sure why the thought bothered him so much; it’s not like that would be out-of-character or even unlikely that Joe had not been doing that from the minute they’d met. But somehow...after what they’d shared last night… the thought stung something fierce. This was what was swirling through David’s head as he clomped through Haganeu, startled out of his thoughts by bumping roughly into Martin.

“Webster, you gotta be pullin’ my leg. After that shit you pulled the other day?” The shorter man looked-okay, well, he always looked pissed, but this was a special brand of vinegar that made him itch to immediately cry uncle.

“Aw, Christ, sir. I’m terribly sorry, honestly, sir. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going…”

“Clearly,” Johnny scoffed, but to David’s surprise, his tone softened as he mumbled, “Well, I’m guessing you probably didn’t get much sleep last night. I...I didn’t sleep a wink.”

  He blinked dumbly at Martin’s abrupt change of heart. Sympathetic words from virtually anybody (but especially Srg. Martin) were so unfamiliar to him that they almost didn’t register to him. Tears threatened to prickle ludicrously at what might’ve been the only show of kindness David had yet to receive since he’d been cleared to go back, and he shook them off so he could offer Martin a respectful nod.

“I mean, if I said yes, that’d mean I was disobeying Major Winter’s direct orders.” He smiled cheekily, also feeling a bit of a rush addressing Dick by his new title. Inside, he wriggled and preened like a puppy when Martin replied with a faint grin of his own. With a faux-exasperated huff, Johnny reached up and rustled David’s mop of wavy, bed-messy hair before moving past him with a shake of his head.

  The brief interaction made David feel a bit lighter, no longer feeling so weighed down by what he knew was coming: a complete and utter shitstorm. Just then, a nasally, california drawl spiked his eardrums; as if his thoughts had summoned the bastard!

“No, no, see, Bobby COULD get with any chick ‘e wanted to, but he’s a lil bitch!”

Oh goodie; Joe appeared to be in yet another scintillating conversation. David couldn’t quite make out Chuck’s reply, but he most definitely heard Joe’s:

“You daydrinkin’ or somethin’, Chuckie?! Iceman’s like, the most badass one! Cyclops is just posturing! He’s a goddamned nerd!”

  Okay, so maybe David was struck slightly that Liebgott even knew what the word ‘posturing’ meant. And that surprise must’ve registered in his face as he did his best to inch past the cluster of 2nd platoon boys, because Ramirez suddenly called out:

“Somethin’ wrong, Webster?” with a mean, little smirk that had Grant rolling his eyes. David had always appreciated how little Srg. Grant tolerated the rest of his platoon’s relentless pestering of David. Not enough to speak up on his behalf, of course. After all, David was pretty sure that Joe was his best friend aside from maybe Talbert.

Liebgott’s eyes slowly swung over to acknowledge his presence, and David flinched in preparation for the barrage of insults he was sure were heading his way. Both parties had stopped walking, everyone apart from David and Joe shifting in slight discomfort as the staredown continued.

“You look like shit, Harvard.” Joe offered finally before bodily knocking his shoulder with David’s. And this one was purposeful.

  The group marched on, gravel crunching beneath their feet in the silence while David stood frozen in the same spot. W-what? That was it? Joe wasn’t even going to-to acknowledge what they’d done?? No, fuck that, what JOE had done to HIM! It wasn’t exactly like David had crawled into Joe’s bunk and-and….

Oh.

 Well, it was kind of like that. But, still! He’d been more than willing to leave and sleep on the frigid basement flooring, but then Joe had started rubbing and sighing and had latched onto David’s arm! Yeah...held him captive...with his slumber-sweet breath and surprisingly petal-soft skin. Jesus Christ, what was he kidding himself? Truth was, they were both at fault here, but only one of them had done so consciously. Did Liebgott think he was some sort of perverted creep now? God, he really wished that Joe had at least made some mention as to his feelings on the situation. Perhaps if he could manage to get the stubborn guy alone.

  David saw his chances and took it after Dick had informed them that they wouldn’t have to do a second patrol that night, snagging Joe by that sharp, little elbow on his way out the door. He ignored the look of unfiltered disgust on Joe’s face for the time being, swallowing his nerve before he had a fucking heart attack.

“Joe, can we talk? Please?

  He pleaded softly, ignoring how Babe was openly staring at them both as he brushed past them. The tips of his ears and high planes of his cheeks flushed at the sudden reminder that Babe knew . What made it worse was Joe’s gaze tracking the color as it spread across David’s face; he seemed unaware that he was even doing it.

“Why should I listen to anything you have to say, Web?” The question came out choked up, and obviously not as vicious as intended.

  Rather than replying, he simply tugged on Joe’s arm and ushered him away from where Nixon and Winters were still idly watching the interaction. The pair shuffled into a nearby alleyway, and David bit his lip, struggling not to comment on how easily he was able to move Joe around. That undoubtedly would set him off, and cause Joe to storm off before they’d even had a chance to talk.

   Instead, he let go of Joe’s arm hastily, and shifted so that his weight was pressing along the brick wall opposite him. Something on Joe’s face shuttered for a half-second, but his expression smoothed over into what he probably thought looked like apathy. Again, David fought off a smile; Joe’s face was always like an open book, and the older man never seemed to not be smouldering over some little thing. Maybe he was going insane, but David had always found it weirdly cute. If he wanted to really ensure his death, he might’ve even gone ahead and referred to it as a pout. That’s what it was really; Liebgott was never not pouting .

“The fuck ‘r you smilin’ for?”

  Oops, guess he’d failed. He wiped the grin off bodily with his palm and tried affecting an air of seriousness. Clearing his throat, his sky blue eyes rolled heavenwards as he searched for the right phrasing:

“I wanted to...apologize, for my actions the other night. It was inappropriate of me-”

Joe prickled instantly: “Jesus- don’t you talk to me like I’m some skirt, Webster! I-you, it’s not like you took my innocence or-”

   He seemed to register the words he was saying and his mouth shut with an audible clack. And David watched in fascination as Joe Liebgott blushed like an embarrassed little boy, shuffling his feet and looking away from him. He’d always thought a healthy flush looked particularly fetching on pale skin, the rosy color bloomed oh so beautifully, in his opinion at least. He continued to watch in baffled silence as Joe began to babble to fill the quiet:

“Not that- I’m not- and you, you didn’t… we didn’t- Look, nothing happened! Okay?”

  His ears got much redder than the rest of his face, and David let himself think it freely now. Cute . It was fucking endearing, the way Joe continued to huff and puff, brown eyes fluttering around the dirty alley. He felt a surge of warmth in his chest, feeling perhaps a little gluttonous as he soaked in the way dark brown locks shone in the dimming sunlight. With Joe refusing to acknowledge David’s existence, he was free to admire the man to his heart's content, appreciative that he was here  in the flesh.

    A sharp, defined collarbone peeked out of Joe’s jacket where the hem had gone askew, and long, pretty fingers toyed with his dog tags subconsciously. His memory recalled how those fingers felt: not rough, like he’d expect of a man so used to heavy artillery, but soft as silk. David recognized, obviously, that Joe was plenty manly. He acted with far too much aggression and seemed to compulsively throw his weight around (not that he had much to speak of). But physically, there seemed to be a disconnect. Joseph Liebgott had been sculpted into a thin, delicate form that clashed harshly with his mean attitude and meaner words. Call a spade a spade, but Joe was pretty . Handsome, sure, but pretty was more accurate. Pretty evoked images of sculptures and artwork to David; something finely crafted and meant to be….

To be appreciated.

“Do you have any memory…? Of anything you did last night?” Anger quickly bled into concern across Liebgott’s delicate features, much to David’s confusion:

“Do? Shit, David, I...I didn’t do somethin’ stupid, did I? ‘S that what’s got you all upset?”

  Wait, what? Now Joe thought he’d-ugh- taken David’s innocence?!? Any fondness he had for the shorter faded into irritation. God, he could be thick sometimes! He fought the urge to shake Joe, less inclined to fall through with this now that he knew how easily he could push Joe around. Hypothetically, of course. Although…

“Wha- I’m not upset, Joe!”

“The fuck you’re not!”

“But, really, I’m not-”

“You’re shoutin’ in my face, Webster! Clearly, something’s got yer panties in a bunch!”

He could feel his face heating up as his anger built, ticking upwards the more they shouted at one another:

“My p- You know what? Fine, yes, I am upset! Because you refuse to talk to me about what happened!”

“NOTHIN’-”

“WE SHARED A FUCKING BED, JOE!”

  Joe surged forward anxiously and covered David’s mouth with his palm, and oh, touching was so much worse. In his haste, Joe’s body was pressing into his own from chest to thigh, and David tasted the acrid nicotine tang and salt of his fingers. As Joe hissed in a tense, barely-audible voice, their noses nearly brushed.

“Are you trying to get us both shot?? Shut the fuck up with that shit!”

He waited patiently until Joe finally removed his hand before saying: “So, you do acknowledge that something happened.”

  He practically felt Joe holding himself back from smacking him, but David didn’t back down. Once more leaning his head back against the bricks, he stuck out his chin pointedly and kept his lips pressed together. Quick, clever eyes took in the picture of defiance he made, and something shifted in Joe. They landed on his lips heavily, blatantly, and David felt the backs of his knees starting to sweat. A sly, wide smirk stretched across Joe’s full mouth that made David feel small somehow, but he couldn’t tell if he hated that as much as he ought to. They were already so close, but Joe shifted his weight so that both sides were pressing him back into the rough, dirty wall rather than just the one. He could only follow along helplessly as he watched Joe’s hand come up to cage him in on the sides of his head, and what the holy hell was going on??

“So, what if we did? Hm, David? Would that upset you, if I did remember?”

He scoffed but it sounded weak even to his own ears, “Yeah right, Lieb. You were asleep.”

Joe hummed, pressing impossibly closer, until he could feel just the barest scrape of chapped lips up against his own, near-black eyes boring holes into David that shone with a delicious mischievousness that had him shivering:

“Guess you’ll never know!” He said brightly, pulling away like he hadn’t pasted himself to David’s whole body with ease, and with a wink, he was gone.    

[sellyoursoulforagoodfic]

JKR

Joker x reader

Summary:You’re an assassin from out of town that ends up in the middle of the nonsense that is the Joker’s reign of terror during The Dark Knight. Where do you go from here?

Word Count: 2570 

“Does it ever stop raining in this fucking city?” Y/N muttered to herself as the thunder shook the building for what had to have been the millionth time.

“‘Fraid not, my dear!” a chipper-sounding voice answered from the cell next to hers. “Most of the locals know that, though, so let me guess. You’re new in town?”

Her eyes drifted over to look at the speaker and was surprised by what she saw: a man in a surprisingly vibrant green vest with worn-looking clown makeup and green hair that looked downright dingy compared to the vest. “You could say that. And who are you supposed to be?”

A wicked smirk tugged at his red-coated lips. “Oh, no one really. Just the foil to the bit Bat.”

“Who?”

“You really are from out of town!” he cackled. “What’s a beautiful adventurer like you doin’ in a place like big, bad, Gotham?”

“Business,” was her vague answer.

“Must be some interesting business if they have you locked in here with little ol’ me.”

Her attention was stolen by the telltale clanging sounds of approaching guards. “You could say that.” It was her turn to smirk.

“Do you happen to have the time?” he asked abruptly.

The upward quirk of her lip immediately fell in confusion, but she looked around for a clock nonetheless. From her cell, she could just make out the reflection of red numbers in the glass opposite her. “It’s 8:43. Why?”

“Too soon, then,” he muttered, seemingly to himself. His dark eyes seemed to light up when he looked back up at her. “Ooh, are they coming for you?”

Her jaw clenched. “If they are, they’re gonna regret it.”

“Got somethin’ special planned for ‘em?”

She chuckled as she untied her boot to allow her fingers enough room to reach the pocket hidden within. Then she promptly withdrew a small knife. “You could say that.”

“Now how did you get that past the scanner?” He sounded a little impressed despite the little faux pout on his face.

“Ceramic. No metal in it to be spotted on their scanner.”

“Oh, you are a curious one,” he mused, clapping with glee. “Might I ask the name of such a femme fatale before she makes her daring escape?”

“Y/N.”

And then everything turned to chaos.

The guards burst in wearing full riot gear and immediately swarmed Y/N’s cell. The next few minutes saw her doing everything from slashing throats to using guards as meat shields against their teammates’ shots. All this while her neighbor clapped and laughed in unfiltered joy. By the end, she was left standing alone amongst a sea of dead and dying guards.

“Well, that’s my cue to leave,” she announced as she armed herself with a handful of stolen weapons. “Have fun with … whatever it is you’ve got planned.”

“Oh, I will. See you around, Y/N.” His voice shifted lower, became husky as he said her name, drawing a little chill down her spine.

The next several hours were a clusterfuck to say the least. Y/N had been hired by some Italian mobster to take out one Harvey Dent. That was why she was in the city in the first place. She’d gotten arrested during the old Commissioner’s funeral because they’d heightened security due to some threat, and she was caught in the guards’ paranoia. Rightfully so considering her intentions, but it still annoyed her to be waiting around in jail for a chance to escape while her plan just fell to pieces before her.  Then she found out Dent was already kidnapped and half-blown-up in an explosion.

So basically, she was pissed that her straightforward plan to assassinate some DA was becoming more and more difficult by the hour. Changing her plans for a bout the fiftieth time since entering the godforsaken city, she found out what hospital her target was being treated at, and resolvedd to pose as a nurse and drug him. If all went well, it would look like incompetence of a real nurse and that would be the end of that.

Only to run smack into another nurse right outside the door. “Excuse me,” she muttered, keeping her head down. “His doctor told me to prep him for–What the he–” She cut herself off as she recognized the eyes above the surgical-mask-wearing-person that’d just dragged her into an empty room.

“Now, I really doubt that, doll,” he teased, removing his mask. “Ain’t I a lucky one to run into you in such a convenient manner?”

Her eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question, Missy.” As he spoke he pushed her slowly until her back met the wall, effectively trapping her.

As soon as her back hit the cold surface, she raised a knife to his neck. “I am trying to do the job I was hired to do, and I’m starting to get the sneaking suspicion that you’re the one that keeps fucking up my plans.”

“Ooh, let me guess, you’ve killed people for less?” He started cackling again, seemingly excited by the thought.

She smirked. “You could say that.”

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t let you kill poor Mr. Dent. I need him for a little game I’m playing with the Batman.” He traced a finger along the blade of the knife just lightly enough that he didn’t cut himself.

“See the problem with that,” she dug the knife in a little deeper, drawing a thin line of blood along the side of his neck, “is if I don’t get this job done, I’m going to have Gotham’s infamous mob after me.”

“And what if I told you that I had that, uh, mob under my thumb?”

“I’d say that when I get paid for a job, I fucking do it.”

He leaned forward until their noses were brushing, inadvertently making the cut deeper. Not that he seemed to care. “Loyalty. I like that.”

She scoffed. “I’m not loyal to those assholes. I just keep my word.”

“Then how about you just … delay his execution for a bit? Let the boy enjoy a little revenge before you kill him?”

Y/N let her eyes roam around his face while she thought about it. He was an interesting one, and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t curious about what he had planned. “That, I can do. You keep shitting all over my plans anyway. Which reminds me, it was your guys that shot at the mayor, right?”

“In a manner of, uh, speaking.”

Her eyes lit up as she realized what he was implying. “So you’re the guy I didn’t recognize! I had info on everyone that had checked in to be in that line, and then you showed up instead of the last one.”

“Right you are, dollface, but I’m afraid we’re gonna have to continue this later. I’ve got chaos to spread.” He leaned forward enough just enough that their lips grazed together in the ghost of a kiss.

Y/N was surprised, but not mad at the development, so she allowed the hand holding the knife to fall to her side. “For the record,” she cleared her throat in a poor attempt to hide the fact that she enjoyed that little touch, “the suit looked way better than the nurse getup.”

Again, he cackled, this time backing away a little. “I like you. You should make a quick getaway, sweetheart; things are about to get hot around here.” And then he donned the mask once more and danced out of the room.

The next couple of days went by in a strange blur for Y/N. She mostly spent the time following Harvey around right up until Batman shoved him down a hole in a fatal fall that was significantly aided by the tiny poison dart she shot into his neck once he landed. After that, she mostly lamented the fact that the one interesting person in the city, the Joker she’d since learned, had been captured the night the whole city was threatened.

Never one to do anything she wasn’t getting paid for, Y/N wouldn’t be breaking her amusement out of Arkham, but she did keep her ears open for information about the man. Instead, she tripped over the realization that one Bruce Wayne was Batman when she talked–interrogated–to the man that almost spilled his secret identity on  the news.

Be that as it may, she didn’t expect to return to her apartment from buying groceries to find Wayne himself lounging on her couch. “Apparently I need to call pest control,” she muttered automatically, “someone’s let vermin in.” She slammed her bags down on her kitchen counter in irritation before returning to the living room to stare at her unwelcome guest expectantly.

“I trust I don’t have to tell you to keep your … new knowledge to yourself,” he responded casually. “And you can put that knife away, I’m not here to fight.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” she said despite the fact that she returned the purple-handled pocket knife to her waistband. She’d been amused when she saw it at the store, and bought it on a whim. “I know what you did to my employer. Cost me a paycheck.”

“On the contrary, I’m here to thank you. You helped us save Harvey’s reputation by killing him”

“And made him a fucking martyr. Lovely.”

“And made quite the name for yourself here while you were at it: Red Queen, Killer of Gotham’s White Knight,” he proclaimed. This was immediately followed by a shrug. “At least that’s what the paper said.” His eyes narrowed. “They left out the whole ‘friend of Joker’ part at my request.”

“And yet the name is still derivative. Interesting,” she deadpanned. “Wonder how long it’ll take someone to connect the dots. That being said, I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about. All I know is that the news said Mr. Dent died from a fall.”

Another shrug. “They found a dart later, and his system was full of morphine. Enough to kill several men.”

“First I’ve heard of it,” came her cool reply. “And besides, if that’s true how can you possibly be sure that that assassin was connected to the Joker. Let alone that it’s me.”

“If it’s so absurd, how about you explain this,” Wayne prompted, slapping a tablet onto the coffee table between them.

Against her better judgement, Y/N caved to her curiosity and picked up the device. Displayed there in full technicolor was a crystal-clear image of the barely-kiss between the Joker and herself.”

“Now I’m no expert,” his voice was almost mocking now, “but that’s you, and that doesn’t look like you don’t know him.”

“Your point?” Annoyed, she threw the tablet back at him like a frisbee, which he caught much to her displeasure.

“We’re at an impasse on the police front. You know who I am, and I know where you are. The commissioner isn’t looking for you because he’s busy with everything else that’s happening.”

“I don’t tell; you don’t tell. I’m not an idiot, Mr. Wayne.”

“Then as long as you stay away from the Joker we can keep it that way.”

“I don’t appreciate being threatened in my own home, Mr. Wayne,” this time his name was said through gritted teeth.

“And I don’t like assassins coming into my city and shacking up with people like the goddamn Joker. Stay away from him.” With that, he stood and straightened his obviously-expensive suit. “I hope we don’t meet anytime soon, Miss Y/L/N.”

“Fuck off.”

No less than five minutes after the bat-obsessed vigilante left, Y/N heard the front door open again from her place in the kitchen. Cautiously, she retrieved the loaded sawed-off shotgun from its place under the counter. “What’s the matter, Mr. Wayne?” she taunted as she crept from the kitchen to the living room. “Forget something?”

“Replace me already?” a different, familiar voice mocked right back. 

Gun still aimed at approximately chest-high, Y/N rounded the corner. She relaxed somewhat upon recognizing the intruder. “Joker?”

“A shotgun?” He used one finger to push the barrel away, grin beaming all the while. “Woman after my own heart.”

She rolled her eyes but relaxed her grip on the gun so that it hung limply by her side. “I’m not even gonna ask how you found me.”

“But it was so interesting,” he whined playfully. A smirk pulled at his lips.

“Joker,” her voice was warning.

“Oh alright, but you have to tell me about what good ol’ Mr. Wayne wanted. I had to wait out in the cold for him to leave. For hours, Y/N.”

“It’s 70 degrees out.”

“Oh, come on, dollface. What’s with the attitude? I thought we had something special.”

“You damn well why Wayne was here,” she snapped. “First, I make a fucking martyr because I listened to you, and now I’ve got a billionaire breaking into my place threatening to stay away from you! Special or not, I’m in the middle of a Gotham City Shitstorm because of you, and I never even got paid for it!”

“I’m not that blind, sweetheart.” His tongue darted out to lick at his bottom lip. “You love the chaos. You live for it. I’ve seen your record. You only take jobs that you think will be interesting, because you thrive under the pressure.” As he spoke, he stalked closer, forcing her to step back, until he had her pressed against a wall just like last time. “Am. I. Wrong?” Those last words were muttered right beside her ear, breath causing goosebumps to form along her skin.

By that point, Y/N had quietly drawn that knife back out with her free hand and had the tip of the blade pressed lightly against his groin.

“I’d ask if you’ve got a knife to my balls or if you’re happy to see me, but I know you’re happy to see me,” he stated casually.

To that, she rolled her eyes.

“You haven’t answered me yet, sweetheart,” he taunted. He turned his head so those scarred lips brushed against the bare skin of her neck. “You crave the adrenaline from jobs like this, don’t you?”

She shivered. “You could say that,�� she smirked as she repeated her answer from the first time they met. 

The Joker used surprisingly gentle fingers to pry the shotgun out of her hand before setting it on a shelf beside them. “So join me. Just,” sharp inhale as her now-free hand slid up to grasp at the front of his vest, “imagine how much fun we could have playing both sides of ol’ Batsy.”

In a flash, she used that free hand to reach up while he was distracted to grab his hair and yank his head back so she could look him in the eye. Granted, she didn’t expect the quiet moan and ensuing giggle from him. Arousing as that was, Y/N chose to ignore it. For now. “And what do you get out of it?”

He practically purred at the question. “You.”

A laugh escaped her at the simplicity of the answer. Impulsively, she started leaving open-mouthed kisses along his exposed throat. “I think I can live with that.”

From there, he positively howled with insane cackling. “Ol’ Gotham won’t know what hit ‘em!”

[hannie-dul-set]

(thirteen times) i love you— 01

— wherein y/n (a hopeless romantic) seems to fall in love with nearly ever guy she meets. so, she writes letters for them to compensate. these letters weren’t meant for them to read, but what happens when they all end up receiving them?

01 // the day it all went down

word count: 4.3k

a/n: the first part is finally here!! heheh. be warned that this is nothing but an absolute shitfest rip HAHHAH please lmk what you thought about this part!!

part 2 will be on July 9th, 8:00 PM EST!

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masterlist

The soft breeze hits your skin as you walk down the dusty pavement. Clutching your books to your chest, you let out a long breath. Yet another agonizingly long day at school, I guess.

Your pace begins to slow down the moment your temporary prison appears into your field of vision. It wasn't as if you hated school— what you hated was going through the same mundane pattern nearly every single damn day to the point that it could bring a person to the brink of insanity. If that hadn't happened before, then you surely will be the first.

"Y/N! It's good to see that you're alive!" A chipper voice (thankfully) interrupts your blaring thoughts.

You groaned, "How the fuck is that a good thing, Hyerim? If anything, my impending death might actually be what the world needs right now."

"And how exactly would your death contribute to helping the earth?" Hyerim rolled her eyes, adjusting the strap of her bag as the both of you entered the campus.

A few acquaintances greeted the both of you while you passed the corridors. "Is Jiyeon not here yet?" You questioned, brushing a stray hair behind your ear.

"Said she's gonna be late," Hyerim shrugged, "And you still haven't answered my question, missy."

With a sigh, you divert your attention towards your locker which is a few feet away from you. Your eyes narrow. What the fuck? You continue to squint at the object— or more like the person leaning against it, whom which you assumed is waiting for you for god knows whatever reason.

"Hellooo? Y/N, you okay?" a waving hand blocks your vision. You turned to your friend who's giving you a worried look.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," you assured her. Hopefully. You glance back at the male who was still in the same spot as before, but this time, he seemed to have noticed you. For fucks sake, go away! Oh lord jesus, am I in trouble? You gulped and looked back to your friend.

"Hey, I gotta go. I'll see you later," you bid her goodbye, walking past her "And to answer your question— overpopulation."

You heard small 'what the fuck' from your friend before you had finally left her presence, causing small grin to form in your face. Although, your brief moment of joy was cut short once you remembered the apparent doom that was waiting for you at your locker.

You made your way towards the man. With every step you take, your heart races further and a new thought of dread plants itself in your mind.

What does he want from me?! As far as I know, I haven't done anything wrong! But why else would he be here? Wait, what if I actually did something that I don't know of? Jesus— okay, relax Y/N, it probably won't be that bad. Oh god, never mind, he doesn't look happy. You know what, my death would really, really, really sound nice right now. Maybe if i just jump—

"Oh. There you are, Y/N. I've been waiting for you for quite some time now."

Lord, please take me.

"May I know why, Seungcheol?" you look up to meet his eyes, features remaining calm in the hopes of masking the internal turmoil that's going on in your head.

It takes him a while to respond. He bites his bottom lip, eyes wandering in every direction besides you. Based on his actions, you could tell he was nervous— that didn't exactly sit well with you. Why the hell is mister student council president waiting for you, and not to mention he's nervous? The last interaction you've had with him was literally months ago. None of your thoughts seemed to line up, so all you could do was just to anxiously wait for his response.

He let out a deep breath, "Look, Y/N, I'm really flattered that you like me and—"

Your brows furrowed. What?

"—and I appreciate the fact that you think I'm handsome and all—"

The hell is he saying?

"—but you know I have a girlfriend and I really don't think she'll —"

"Seungcheol, what are you talking about?" you cut him off, your face filled with confusion.

You see him pressing his lips together. He reaches his hand into his pocket and takes out something from it.

A look of horror shrouds your face upon seeing the familiar object. Your eyes widen and you could feel your breathing starting to become erratic.

Oh my god no no no, please, for the love of god, don't tell me—

"I got your letter, Y/N," a yellow envelope appears in his hand, "I'm really sorry, I really do appreciate the sentiment but I don't think Minyoung will be happy if she sees— wait, Y/N, are you okay?"

You shake you head, hyperventilating. Your eyes still focused on the dreaded envelope in Seungcheol's hand. This can't be happening, this cannot be happening.

Seungcheol's hands meet your shoulders, "Hey, do you want me to take you to the infirmary?" he looks at you, eyes filled with worry.

"I'll— I'll be fine, y-yeah, I'm okay—"

You freeze.

"No, you're obviously not fine, Y/N. I'm taking you to the infirmary."

What if the rest has theirs?

"I— I have to go—" you shake his hands off of you and you ran off, leaving a confused and rather bewildered Seungcheol behind.

As you raced through the halls, all of the students that you came across seemed to be giving you worried glance. They probably thought you were having a breakdown— which in fact, you are (surprise.) You must've looked absolutely terrible for them to even notice. You had no idea where you were headed— anywhere where you could lose your mind without anyone seeing would be nice. You take a swift turn, but instead of moving forward, you were stopped back a rather broad and muscular chest.

"Oh damn, you alright there, Y/N?" you slowly look up and you were met by the face you someone you really didn't want to see.

"Earth to, Y/N? Have you lost the ability to speak or maybe I've just rendered you speechless?" you nearly slapped the shameless grin on the man's face, but you remained still.

"Or maybe she just doesn't want to talk to you, Gyu."

You snap your head to the direction of the voice. Your face contorting in horror upon seeing him. Any moment now, death.

Kim Mingyu and Xu Minghao. Whatever higher being there is from above must be enjoying the shit show that your life is slowly becoming into.

You let out a small shriek as you scrambled away from the both of them.

"Okay I knew she didn't like me, but that was just rude."

Quickening your pace, you dashed your way to the back of the school. It was almost time for your first class, but all you wanted to do was just to sit down, cry, and wallow yourself in self-pity.

The doors of heaven made its way into your peripheral vision and you swear you were about to burst into tears of joy. You let out a breath and a smile of relief plastered itself on your face.

But of course, your moment of bliss just had to be cut short.

"Y/N."

You felt someone grab your arm and you let out a squeak. You'd recognize that voice anywhere.

"Sorry, it's just that I read your letter and I—"

"I, uh, I can't talk right now, Seokmin. Gotta go, bye—" for the third time today, (and possibly more to come) you ran.

It seemed like the back of the school wasn't an option to have your breakdown, anymore. You continue on running until your legs brought you in front of the infirmary. Good enough, you thought to yourself.

You tried to catch your breath as you entered the room. From the corner of your eye, you could see a nurse on duty giving you a skeptical look.

"Don't worry," you heaved, "I just— I just need to rest for a bit."

Planting yourself face-down onto one of the nearby beds, you let out a scream. Why the hell is this happening? You were just about to begin sobbing until you heard the door swung open.

"Oh, Joshua. What brings you here, sweetie?"

Of course that's gonna happen. What did I fucking expect?

You silently thank the people that invented the curtains around medical beds because if it weren't for them, you'd be fucked (more than you already were.) Although, he would still be able to see you if he comes closer and you were not willing to let that happen.

So, like any other person would do, you climbed under the bed.

You could see the nurse's alarmed expression looking at your figure. You placed your index finger on your lips.

'Please, don't tell anyone that I'm in here,' you mouthed, your face brimming with desperation. She seemed to understand your message since she diverted her attention to Joshua.

"Ah, I was just wondering if you hand any pain killers? My head started to ache while I was heading to class."

"Is that so? Just give me a moment, Joshua, I'll go get them."

"Thank you."

A pair of feet appeared in front of you and your heart started to race. You placed your palm on your mouth in case you accidentally slip out a sound.

"Here you go, dear."

"Ah, thank you so much. I'll be going now, Miss Lee."

"Alright. Remember to take care of yourself, Joshua."

The pair of feet shuffle away, causing you to let out the breath that you've been holding back.

"I won't," you heard the door swing open then put immediately to a close.

Slowly, you crawl back out from your hiding spot, hitting your head in the process. But did you care? No, because thank the fucking gods— your ass is saved for now. You stood up and started fixing your clothes and hair (and your mental state, but that's far from redeemable due to today's mishaps.) The bell rang, and you heard a cough coming from behind you. Turning around, you see the nurse looking at you with an unamused expression.

"Before you loiter around any further, I'd have to tell you that you need to get back to class, sweetie," despite the endearment at the end, the tone of her voice is less than endearing; a stark contrast from when she was talking to Joshua, earlier. But then again, he wasn't acting crazy and crawling underneath furniture, so you couldn't really blame her.

You nodded, and without a word, you scurried out of the room.

A groan exited your mouth as you made your way to your first class— chemistry. There weren't much students left in the hallway since the bell had already rung, so you're free to trudge your body around like a zombie. You've reached the door to your class, but before you could open it, you paused.

Fuck.

You curse at yourself.

Junhui is in this class.

Silently letting out a few prayers, you finally opened the door. Two pairs of eyes immediately stared at your direction— you professor, and the devil himself, Junhui.

Jesus, it's like he has been waiting for my arrival or something (guess what: he was.)

"My apologies for being late, sir, I just came from the infirmary," you explain.

"It's fine, Y/N, just go to your seat," you professor brushed you off and you nodded, following his instructions.

The class went on agonizingly slow, but perhaps that was just you hoping for it to end quickly. But, can you really blame yourself when there's literally someone drilling holes at the back of your head the entire god damned time?

Your look at the perpetrator from a few seats behind you, and were met by his intense gaze. You let a barely audible curse slip past your lips and turned your head back to the front. Can he like, stop? You could feel the warmth spreading on your cheeks from the brief interaction. Burying your face in your arms, you could only wait for the saving sound of the bell.

As if it were an ensemble of angels singing— the bell rang.

A bunch of students immediately stood up, you being one of them. You raced towards the door before Junhui could catch up to you. You exited the classroom, but before you could let out a sweet sigh of relief, you felt a hand on your shoulder.

"Hey, Y/N. Is it okay if we talk for a sec?" you paled. No, it is not okay if we talk for a sec— or ever, actually. You turned your head to face him, but before you could utter out an excuse, someone decided to interrupt.

"Sorry, Jun. But I need to borrow Y/N for a while," you thought you were finally saved, but it turns out that your savior would actually end up being your demise, as well.

Wonwoo dragged you away from Junhui without giving him a chance to respond. 

Is this some sort of sick fucking joke?

The tall male finally stopped dragging you and you both ended up in a quiet hallway. You look up at him, trying to formulate a decent excuse in your head since you already anticipated what he has to say.

"Sorry for interrupting you, but I just had to inform you to head to the clubroom after class," Wonwoo explained. "I know I could've just told you there, but you looked like you'd rather die than be that situation— whatever that was."

Huh. You thought. Hasn't he read the letter?

"Anyways, I'll be seeing you later, Y/N," he bade you farewell and left your confused self in the hallway.

You let out a heavy sigh. Thank god you we're saved just now but you know that won't last any longer. Walking at an agonizingly slow pace to your next class, you could only anticipate the next stage of torture that life has planned for you.

You made a quick stop at your locker before heading to class. Letting out a yawn, you opened it and took out everything you need. You weren’t gonna lie, this whole fiasco was starting to make you feel like a dead log . All you wanted was to sleep for ten days (and maybe cry along the way) and wake up knowing this entire thing was just a shitty dream.

You closed (read: slammed) your locker. Turning your heels, you see the presence of another person a couple of feet away from you. You groaned. Can I get a fucking break, please?

At the end of the hallway was Lee Jihoon.

You expected him to march up to you, letter in hand, and gently tell you to fuck off because he isn’t interested. But instead, the moment the male met your eyes, a flustered look crept onto his face along with a not-so-subtle red blush. You heard him mumble a low ’fuck’ before he literally ran away from you as if you had some sort of contagious disease. The tables have turned, apparently.

If you hadn’t been doing the exact same thing during the entirety of the morning, you’d be offended by his actions. You sigh, spending the next few minutes walking to your next class in silence.

Surprisingly, you weren’t late. You took a seat on the second row and waited for the class to start. An uneasy feeling started to flourish in your head. This is weird, you thought. This had been the longest time of peace that had passed before everything inevitably turns to shit again.

Just as the thought enters your mind, the door swings open, revealing none other than Boo Seungkwan.

You grumble, of course this was bound to happen. You prepared yourself for yet another uncomfortable Junhui situation to commence, but it ended up being far more worse than anticipated.

As if the universe slowed down just for this moment, Seungkwan marched towards the desk literally right beside you and, god-forbid, he sat down.

I really wish I were dead, right now.

To make things even more terrible, the male decided to strike up a conversation.

“Morning, Y/N.”

You contemplated grabbing your pen and just stabbing yourself with it, but you didn’t— that would take much too long. Instead, you ended up responding with a small ‘hi,’ which sounded more like a squeak than anything else.

Seungkwan hummed at your response and started fixing his things. You prayed, hoped, and wished that he hadn’t read the letter yet, because god you wouldn’t be able to escape this just like the previous times.

The professor started the class, and the next couple of minutes were spent with him introducing a new lesson.

You assumed your prayers have finally been answered since so far, Seungkwan hadn’t mentioned anything about the letter. You thought you could finally rest easy and focus on the class, but of course, the world decided that you haven’t suffered enough just yet.

“Psst, I was waiting for you to mention the letter you sent me, but it seems like you have zero plans so—”

“Sir, may I go to the restroom!?”

You shot up, cutting off the male beside you and catching the attention of everyone in class. You bit your bottom lip. Clearly, you didn’t think this through, but you didn’t care— you just needed to leave.

“Go ahead, Miss Y/N, and please don’t yell the next time you ask.”

In a rush, you immediately left the room. You weren’t planning on going to the bathroom— for fuck’s sake, you were going home. You didn’t think you could handle the possibility of meeting any more of the recipients of your letters. You were aware you’d have to confront them in the future, but that’s in the fucking future, right now your main agenda is just to cry.

You briskly made your way around the halls, avoiding the handful of people that were around. It was an easy task since people seemed to avoid you the moment you step into their presence. From the corner of your eye, you spot the same dreaded yellow object that had been the root of your ongoing despair. Your breath hitches, bringing you to a halt upon seeing the envelope nestling in Kwon Soonyoung’s grasp.

Taking a deep breath, you hoped to sneak past the male without him noticing you in any possible way. You inched your way past him, taking one step at a time. You were about to take a turn, successfully avoiding the giant landmine that was in the form of Soonyoung, he decided to crush your hopes by looking straight at your direction. His eyes widen, opening his mouth to say something, but you didn’t give the guy a chance—

You ran.

The effect your previous marathons might’ve finally taken a toll on your body since you weren’t running as quickly as before. Your breathing started to become short and even more labored. For the meantime, you decided to stop. You wanted to escape him, not pass out. Leaning against the wall, you pant profusely, you weren’t sure if you would be able to handle this any further— physically and mentally.

You start to move again, although at a much slower pace this time. No matter what happens, you’re going home, only by then you would be able to think about a solution to your problem.

“Y/N! Wait up!”

The blood on your face drains. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck— just fuck. You could hear his footsteps getting nearer and nearer. Adrenaline rushes through your veins and you prepare yourself to start sprinting once again.

Why the fuck is this happening to me?

You sort of wish Seungcheol was just there to reprimand you earlier rather than bringing about this shit storm. It wasn’t his fault by any means, but you couldn’t find anything or anyone else to blame. God, you may have wanted a break from your daily mundane routine but isn’t this a bit too much?

Amidst your rush, a voice brings you to a halt.

“Y/N, what do you think you’re doing?”

You look up to the owner of the voice, mentally spewing out a string of curses (you couldn’t say it to his face unless you wanted to be in even deeper trouble.)

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class? Why the hell are you running around the hallway?”

Jeonghan begins to scold you, although none of it seems to register in your mind. You could only focus on the sound of Soonyoung’s footsteps, who in fact is only seconds away.

“Look, Jeonghan,” you heaved, cutting him off, “I— I’m sort of in— in a situation right now,” you looked at the male in desperation, your breathing still noticeably unstable. You turn your head behind you, seeing the shadow of the male inching closer. “Fuck.”

You faced the male in front of you once again, “Sorry, Jeonghan, but I really— really have to go,” for the umpteenth time today, you ran, but it seemed like Jeonghan didn’t plan on letting you go just yet.

“What the— Y/N, I’m not done with you yet, hold on—”

Instead of one, you now have two males chasing after you. That doesn’t sound too bad if it were in aromantic context, but literally two guys— both of them being exceptionally athletic and fast— are trying to frantically catch you via a running competition. Now that sounds terrible.

Your legs were seriously about to give in— maybe this is a sign to start going to the gym. But due to some miracle (or maybe you were just really fast when desperate), you managed to put some distance between you and the two boys, but you know that wasn’t going to last long. What you need was a hiding place, but where the fuck could you possible hide?

“Yo, Y/N, over here,” you turn your head and see Vernon, who you hoped hasn’t read your letter yet— you probably wouldn’t be able to handle another guy coming for your ass.

Taking the risk, you march up to him, hoping he could help you in some way. He points at his locker and you furrowed your brows in response, how is that supposed to help you?

“Hurry, get in, I’ll tell them you ran off somewhere else,” Vernon ushered you inside the compartment. You gape at him. Were you really gonna let him lock you in his locker in order to get two guys off of your tail? To answer: yes, yes you were.

You struggled to let yourself fit, but although extremely cramped, you managed. From the holes of the locker’s door, you were able to see and hear what was going on outside. A few seconds pass, then Jeonghan and Soonyoung appeared into view.

“Vernon, have you seen Y/N around?” Jeonghan asked, his breath hitching just the slightest bit.

Vernon, for the love of god, please be on my side.

“Yeah, she ran off in that direction,” he pointed towards somewhere you couldn’t see.

“Thanks, man,” Soonyoung replied and the both of them finally disappeared.

You closed your eyes, hoping to find some semblance of peace as you wait for Vernon to release you from the confined space.

“Alright, Y/N, they’re gone,” you heard a click and the locker door creaked open, “You’re safe now.”

Getting out was as much of a struggle as getting in, but once you were fully free, you found refuge on the floor underneath you. You let out as sigh as you leaned against one of the other lockers.

“Hate to ruin your moment, Y/N but why the fuck were they chasing you?” Vernon asked, confusion present in his voice.

You decided to pull yourself up, the male helping you along the way, “It's— It’s a long story,” you managed to utter out. Vernon only looked at you, probably even more perplexed than before. You brush off all the dust and the dirt before taking your leave.

“Thanks a lot, Sol. God, you don’t know how much I owe you for that,” you breathed.

“An explanation would be appreciated,” he chuckled, “But I won’t bug you right now, you look absolutely fucked out.”

You gave him a tired smile in response, “I’ll be going now. See you around,” you wave at him then immediately made your way outside.

The sun hits your skin. You almost cried knowing you finally managed to make it out alive. A few more agonizing minutes until you could have your long awaited breakdown. Surprisingly, the guard by the gate didn’t question why you were leaving school grounds— your postwar appearance probably says everything.

While you were trudging your way home, you felt a buzz in the pocket of your skirt. Letting out a groan, you fish for your phone. A look of dread shrouds your face upon seeing the message. Just when you thought your misery was over.

[chan: y/n we having a tutoring session later right? 👀]

[you: sorry chan, i won’t make it today]

[chan: aw is that so :((( i wanted to talk to you about something

chan: tomorrow then!!!]

You let out an exasperated groan and shoved your phone back into your pocket. Whatever happens within the next few days— you’ll deal with them sooner or later (hopefully, never).

Your house comes into view and you immediately broke into a sprint. Upon reaching your front door, the tears that you’ve been holding back the entire time threaten to break out. A few more seconds, Y/N, you could make it. You opened the door, and after slamming it close, you drop to the floor.

You know you’d have more shit awaiting for you tomorrow, but as of now— you only had the energy to bawl your eyes out, drown yourself in your own misery, and hope for the best to come.

[ohmeohmayohmy]

With the Slightest Smile, Chapter 2

Sorry, it took a little longer than expected, but here she is!

Taglist: @reedusteinrambles @amygummy

Note: There are probably some errors in this, my round of editing was rushed. The beginning of it might feel slow, but I promise this chapter is important for future reference. It’s not super eloquent, but the details needed to get across. Hopefully the fluffy Flashback!Brian x Reader makes up for it a little bit. Also, the photo is not mine, found on Pinterest.

Warnings: Again, just small amounts of language.

Words: 5.5k+

________________________________

July 10, 1973

The flight to London seemed longer than it normally was, but you assumed it was just the anticipation of the matter. It had been almost a year since you had been home for longer than a week, and this time you were actually moving back. The job you had in Helsinki was just the experience you needed as a new member of the workforce, but when you heard back that your application to the Great Ormond Street Hospital was accepted, you couldn’t pass it up. You became a nurse to help children, and this was your big chance.

Of course, in your line of work you didn’t have a lot of spare time, so keeping in touch with your friends and family back home became rather difficult: your budding star, a certain mister Brian May, proved to be the most elusive. At first, the distance was almost unnoticeable, calls were made often and letters exchanged at least once a week. But the phone eventually stopped ringing, and the letters circulated maybe once or twice a month. It pained you to recognize how you could feel him slipping away. You didn’t have this same problem with others, like your parents or Stella, and you always felt guilty that the person most important to you was falling by the wayside.

He wasn’t to blame, you were the one who stopped returning calls after a while. The fact that Brian wasn’t there with you became all the more prominent when you two were talking on the phone, so you decided it just seemed easier to not confront it. Real mature. When you had the opportunity to talk with him, however, he never gave the impression that he held any resentment, only pure happiness.

You felt ashamed that there were many big moments in his career that you had missed since leaving, but when you received the call about his band’s first album, you decided to leave a couple weeks earlier than originally planned so you could be in your rightful place, at his side. Much to your disappointment, Brian said he wouldn’t be able to pick you up from the airport because of some last minute album business, so Stella happily volunteered. This was some relief, at least it wasn’t your father.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Heathrow Airport,” a chipper, feminine voice called from the com. You were taken out of your thoughts. Already?

* * *

“Y/N!” A tall, familiar woman called over a sea of travellers.

You waved your arms, trying your best not to get swept up in the chaos. Stella laughed as she made her way to you with ease, you figured it was easier to work a way through crowds when you towered over most of the people around you. Finally reaching her, you gathered Stella into your arms, thankful for her ability to ground you and make you feel safe. She squeezed you back before breaking away to lift your carryon over her shoulder.

She cocked her eyebrow, “Is this it?”

You shrugged. “Decent portion of it. I have a couple boxes coming, but I got rid of most things.”

Stella laughed again, her cadence hearty and warm. “Just don’t tell my mum you did away with that sweater she got you.” You gave her a knowing look, then joined her in laughter.

“So, how’re you?” You asked once you were clear of the mess of people.

Stella pushed her free hand through her beautiful hair. “‘M better knowing that you’re here.”

You admired her locks, smiling to yourself at the sight that she had begun to embrace its natural form. She always felt a little self conscious when you were in school, but you loved seeing her growth as a bold woman of industry.

“And how are you?”

“I’m better, too.”

It was true. The fact that you were once again in proximity to everything you came to appreciate more in your absence gave you some peace. And you felt that seeing Brian again would take away all the anguish of being apart, knowing this time you wouldn’t have to leave just after arriving.

Stella noticed the secret smile on your face as she took out the key to her minty green Volkswagen Beetle.

“Sorry I’m not lover boy,” she teased.

You turned to her, your face betraying your embarrassment to her. She looked at you as she carefully put your duffel bag in the trunk, then winked as she slammed the top down.

“I- I don’t know to whom you are referring,” you protested with excessive diction. It was your tell, and Stella knew it. It’s not that you felt that way about Brian, it was more the suggestion that everyone thought something was going on. Which there isn’t.

“Oh, of course not.” She lightly joked, but she knew it was a sensitive topic and didn’t want to press you too hard upon your first half hour of being home. Maybe in the next day or so, but you were tired and not likely a good sport about such things.

You smiled at her, showing there were no hard feelings over her insinuations, and hopped into the passenger seat. Since you were accustomed to Finland’s driving rules, it had taken you a moment to determine your designated side, but in real time there was only a second or two of delay.

Stella began to back out of her parking spot. “Excited to be back in that old apartment?” She inquired.

Oddly enough, you were.

“Mmhmm.”

“You know you can live with me, right? No offence to our dear Brian, but that place is shit. Not even fit for that little goblin mate of his.”

You let out a snort. Stella hated Roger with what seemed a burning passion. But she had a point.

After you left, he planned to move in to your room, but after one weekend, he decided it best to move in with their other friend, Freddie. Brian didn’t mind, he didn’t like the idea of someone else living in your room. He never told you that, just in case you might come back. Fortunately for him, the rent wasn’t very high so he could afford it by himself after he put in a few more hours of work a week.

“Thank you, Elle, but I am perfectly fine with it.”

“You’re fine with having a rockstar for a roommate? What about all those girls he brings home? You’re gonna have some awfully long nights.” Her tone wasn’t playful anymore, and veered towards accusatory.

You rolled your eyes.

“Brian’s more respectful than that.”

“Of women? Or of you?”

You shot her a dirty look. While you normally enjoyed Stella’s brashness, the implications of her questions made you uncomfortable and defensive of Brian.

She met your gaze and was taken aback at the hurt expression scrawled across your face. “You know I’m protective, ’m sorry. Brian’s great, I didn’t mean to insult him.”

The words stung a little bit, but what hurt more was that you were sure there was some truth behind it. You just never let it cross your mind, not wanting to lose that image of Brian, sweet Brian, you held so dearly. But there was some weight to her words, you both knew it.

Trying to lighten the mood, Stella turned up the radio. It was playing “My Girl”, and as she was belting out the lyrics, you were transported.

--May 19, 1965--

The teacher dismissed your class right on time, and though you were usually one of the last students to leave the classroom because you liked to put your things away neatly in your bookbag, you found yourself rushing out the door almost instantaneously. You felt bad, thinking it unfair and rude to Ms. Moffett, but you had places to be. Somehow you’d manage to make it up to her.

Running down the steps outside as you finished slinging the straps around your shoulders, you saw Brian’s tall figure already waiting for you on the grass. He had his acoustic guitar resting its body on the ground while he supported the head with his right hand. In his left, he held a small bunch of flowers, and on his face, he had the biggest smile as he watched you approach. You basically ran into his arms, which he braced for by gently setting the instrument on the ground as you had been quickly getting closer. The moment of impact, Brian wrapped his arms around your waist and twirled you around in the air a few times, you giggled and told him to let you down, but claimed he was only stopping because of his own dizziness. Once you were firmly standing, he handed you the bouquet. He didn’t let on that he had already felt dizzy when he first touched you, before the spinning. Because of you, he felt hopelessly toppled.

“They’re beautiful, Bri.” You kissed his cheek as he attempted to find his bearings.

“There’s more to come, love,” he said, slightly out of breath. You groaned as he pulled you into another embrace.

Every year, you gave vocal protestations about him going out of his way to celebrate your birthday, but you secretly loved the fuss he made. It wasn’t the gifts or the attention, but the time Brian obviously put into it and his willingness to make you feel special.

Behind you, you heard a few girls chattering shrilly among themselves. Turning around, you saw some classmates from literature whispering to each other, looking up at you and Brian periodically. Your face heated and you pushed his arms off of you. Normally you wouldn’t mind that he was being affectionate, but you didn’t want anyone at school getting the wrong ideas. You wanted them to know as little as possible about you.

Brian frowned when he noticed your embarrassment.

“We should go,” you muttered.

He nodded, picked up his guitar, and draped his arm around your shoulder. You shrugged him off as you walked away from the school. The girls laughed.

* * *

The afternoon passed calmly, the pair of you sitting in your garden, which was thriving in bloom. You loved the smell of springtime, and loved even more that your mother wasn’t barging into these private moments with Brian.

Looking over at him enjoying one of the sandwiches you made together, you felt immense appreciation for your best friend. You studied the serenity in his smile, his eyes twinkling as he sat quietly, with an appearance of having a conversation with himself. His nose crinkled in thought, lost in the moment. And you were lost just observing him.

The focus was shattered as your mother opened the door and peered out at you. You and Brian, startled, looked up at her with surprise. She smiled at the sight.

“Would you kids come in for a moment?”

Shuffling, the pair of you got up and entered the house, following your mother into the living room where your father was waiting by the coffee table. On it, there was a single box wrapped in pastel blue paper and accented with a silver bow. Your mother joined you father and snaked one of her arms around his waist, and he pulled her closer as she put her other hand on his chest. They look so in love.

“Happy birthday, darling!” Your father extended his open arm out to the side. You walked over to them and kissed each of them on the cheek.

“Thank you.”

“You haven’t even opened it yet,” your mother chirped.

You let out a gentle chuckle, humoring her.

Bending down, you lifted the box into your arms. Carefully, you removed the ribbon and tore the wrapping to reveal a brand new camera. You practically squealed then looked at it in joy, unable to say anything. Your parents beamed, and Brian was entranced by your expression.

“Thank you!” Your enthusiasm in the phrase much higher this time. They all laughed.

* * *

“Strike a pose, darling!”

Bashful, Brian crossed his arms, attempting to look cool. It didn’t work, your silliness forced a smile to break across his slender face.

“Beautiful, Mr. May!”

Your photoshoot was taking place on the stairs outside of the municipal library, people would stop to look at the two teenagers laughing at each other. Brian looked a bit uneasy, blushing.

You didn’t mind the passersby, but you thought maybe Brian’s timidity was because of the spectators. He didn’t notice them, his eyes never left you.

He just couldn’t get over you calling him beautiful.

Setting your camera down cautiously, you sat on the bottom step and picked up the guitar Brian brought with him. You couldn’t really play, perhaps a few chords that you had seen him do.

He came down the stairs and dropped next to you, watching your fingers move clumsily from C to F chords repeatedly in good humor. You smiled at him as he bobbed his head to the beat you were forming, singing nonsense syllables as if it were a well-known song, slightly wincing each time your F chord buzzed. Fuck barre chords.

As if he could hear what you were thinking, Brian snorted as he gently took the guitar out of your hands. You gave him a look to show you were pleased and began to clap your hands like his own personal fan girl. He blushed again.

“Haha, thank you, dear devoted fans,” Brian said sarcastically. “I’d like to dedicate this one to the birthday girl sitting beside me.” He grinned and you reciprocated.

“Birthday woman.” You playfully corrected him.

“’M sorry I didn’t really get you anything this year,” he spoke quietly, shifting his gaze down to his right hand as it got in strumming position.

“Don’t apologize, Bri. You spoil me rotten every other day of the year.” You lightly tapped then stroked his arm, smiling with comfort in your eyes. When he met them, Brian swore he could’ve gotten lost in them forever.

“You could never be rotten,” he replied. Once hearing what he said, Brian grimaced at the corniness in his words, hanging his head. It only made your smile widen.

“Oh, you’re so sweet,” you said, poking fun. You paused to ponder for a moment. “You’re like some kind of cheese.”

“Like what?!”

“Y’know, like sometimes you get cheesy when you’re being sweet. So, you’re a cheese.” Your explanation only made poor Brian more confused, but he loved it nonetheless. It was a unique compliment, one that you deemed him worthy of.

You laughed as you put your head in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent without meaning to. Earthy. Kind of like sage. It was comforting. You felt yourself zoning out more deeply and knew you had to rein back in. You didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable by overstaying the moment, so you lifted your head up to meet his eyes.

“If you’re going to play something, you’d better perform it! It’s my birthday, and I want to be dazzled.”

Brian sighed, but he couldn’t contain his happiness. Being there with you in such a close proximity, despite the public setting, made him feel you were the only two people in the world.

“I have been working on something for you,” he murmured, shying away.

You used your index finger to turn his head back to facing you, encouraging him.

“You should play it from that pedestal,” you motioned to the center of the stairs, where a little pillar shaped piece (that wasn’t supporting anything) was located.

“Don’t have my strap.”

“Then play sitting down,” you suggested.

Brian obliged, getting up from the base of the series of steps and moving to the pedestal, folding his legs in front of him to support the guitar. You stood up to face him.

Softly clearing his throat, Brian shot you a nervous smile. You nodded, reinforcing your encouragement. Suddenly you gasped, and he looked at you with concern. You walked over to grab your camera and returned to your position in front of him. He couldn’t help but flash a toothy smile, which you captured with a snap shot.

He began to pick and strum.

When you recognized the song, you almost teared up, but you hid it behind your new camera as you leaned in for another shot.

Brian May was serenading you with “My Girl”.

--1973--

Stella’s rendition had ended long ago during your fog, but her turning off the car took you out of it. She smirked at your jumpiness. “We’re here, babe.”

You stared up at her, not fully comprehending what she had said. She could tell.

“Arrived.” She pointed to the building before you.

Your mouth formed into an exaggerated O, then you opened your door.

“Thank god.” It was good to be home.

Stella shook her head playfully and unlocked the trunk.

“I’ve got it,” you started to move towards it. She dismissed you with her hand.

“Nah, I can handle it.” Stella flexed her very toned bicep, causing you to chortle into your hand. You missed her.

“I guess it’s good I kept the key,” you said, referring to Brian’s business, and thus his absence. She didn’t respond, but you didn’t notice. Your breath was taken away as you studied the apartment complex. It was the same old shabby building you had left, but somehow it was a sight for sore eyes. Perhaps it was the implication that you were back for good. Or perhaps it was a certain resident you’d grown quite fond of. Who’s to say?

“Shall we?” Stella spoke warmly, holding out her hand. You took it and she squeezed.

“We shall.”

You breathed deeply together as you approached the door.

The hallway was just as narrow as you remembered, but the wood had been covered up by some atrocious yellow carpeting. It smelled the same, and the walls were still peeling the same watery paint color. The stairwell seemed more steep and compact than you thought, but each step you took got you closer to your place. Your room. Your best friend. It was more emotional to return home than it was to leave Finland.

You were beside yourself, hands slightly shaking as you raised your keys to the lock. For once, it didn’t jam and you were let into the apartment with minimal struggle.

The living room looked close to spotless, and you knew Brian must’ve driven himself insane with that much cleaning.

But it was for you. It was all for you.

You just didn’t think of it that way; it was a kind gesture to you.

It was a small confession of love to him.

Tossing your purse and keys onto the counter, you told Stella she could put the bag in your room. She set it down and insisted you do it, rubbing her shoulder. You knew she wasn’t actually in pain, but you also felt bad that you let carry it thus far, so you slung it over your shoulder, shifting your body back a little more than you would care to admit.

You opened the door, and were struck with awe. It was like you never left, except the small bouquet of flowers set on top of a new quilt. You picked up the posy and its accompanying note.

Sorry I couldn’t pick you up. -Bri.

You smiled. He was always so thoughtful.

Setting down the flowers and kicking your shoes off, you removed the light jacket you had on. You weren’t cold, you wanted to keep the germs of airports off of you as best you could. Of course, a shower was still needed, but the urge wasn’t as immediate as it could’ve been.

“Would you like some tea, Elle?” You called to your friend behind the door. She didn’t respond.

“Elle?”

When no reply came the second time, you let out a small huff and opened out into the hallway.

You shuffled down to the living room, and once you turned the corner, a small group of people were awaiting you. Unexpecting this, you let out a quick scream but it didn’t last long as you were enveloped into a hug by Freddie.

“Welcome home, darling,” he cheered as the others around you laughed and clapped. He kissed you on the cheek, and you returned the affection.

This was followed by Roger practically tackling you and rocking back and forth, and John wrapping his arms around you with firm gentleness, placing a tentative peck on your cheek as he pulled away.

“Missed you, boys,” you beamed. It had been too long since you saw them, and while your comment had been sincere, you were distracted. Your eyes searched the space for your best friend, desperate to hold him.

As they chimed in with their various responses, you felt a tap on your shoulder. You spun around, and Brian grinned down on you, quickly locking you in an embrace. Despite the nearly suffocating grip he had on you, being in his arms again felt like a breath of fresh air. Neither of you wanted it to end, so you stood holding onto each other for what seemed like too little time, but was more than enough for everyone else to watch. Freddie coughed gently, and you got the hint. This caused you and Brian to break apart.

“Oh god, I missed you,” you sighed contentedly.

“I missed you too, love.”

Another fleeting moment passed as you admired each other’s familiar features. It was like the last five years of distance never happened.

Stella laughed, interrupting the moment, as Roger came from the kitchen grasping a bottle of champagne. You turned to see the source of the commotion, and grinned at their peaceful interaction. Freddie followed in suit holding several champagne flutes, three in each hand, and passed them to everyone.

“I’d like to raise a toast,” Roger exclaimed as he poured the last drink, his own. “To Y/N, our very own nursing extraordinaire. The hospital is lucky to have you, but we are the luckiest.”

“Hear, hear!” Freddie loved toasts, and made sure to clink his cup with everyone’s in the spirit of things.

As the glasses were lifted, Brian snaked his arm around you, and you all sipped with joy. You looked up at Brian, knowing the night was only getting started, and though you had been exhausted by travel, you felt a new surge of energy in his presence.

_______________

July 13

You were rudely awoken by the shrill buzzing of your alarm clock, at which you groaned. You hadn’t started work yet, since you came back early, so this alarm was self-imposed. The night before, Brian suggested that the two of you go to breakfast before the day got hectic. Since neither of you were exactly morning people, you decided it best to aim for brunch instead.

Shaking yourself from the grogginess you felt, you got out of bed and changed into a bathrobe. It was only 10 o’clock, so you had no rush.

Walking to the bathroom, you noticed the door was closed but you didn’t hear the water running, so you assumed Brian closed it after he had gotten ready for bed. It didn’t occur to you that he was already finished and was just coming out of the bathroom at that precise moment. You opened the door and instantly wished that it had occurred to you. He looked up at you in surprise as he let out an “Oi!” as you slapped your hand over your eyes. He laughed hoarsely, his voice still rough from sleep.

“Ah, ’s alright, Y/N. I’m decent.”

You removed your hand and involuntarily looked down his wet, bare torso with your eyes landing on the small white towel wrapped around his slim hips. You blushed, snapping your eyes back to his face, hoping he hadn’t seen your accidental ogling.

Brian saw it and felt embarrassed, even though he knew you’d seen him like this before, not wanting you to feel bad. Especially since he didn’t mind the way you looked so hypnotized by the sight of him. He just wished it had been a better moment, one where he wasn’t quite as exposed. Or maybe more so. He shook his head to rid himself of that thought. He didn’t want to cause more awkwardness with any sudden...uprising.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” you started but didn’t quite know where it was going, so you ceased speaking. You gulped.

“Don’t worry about it, love.” Brian smiled, trying to make light of the situation. He moved by you, allowing you access to the bathroom.

“I didn’t mean to look at you,” you said in a barely perceptible whisper.

He pretended he didn’t hear you, wanting the moment to pass. As he walked through his door, he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and smiled at the thought of you admiring him.

You didn’t see that, as you had shut your eyes with the pain of embarrassment you were feeling once you stepped into the bathroom. Stupidstupidstupid.

* * *

“Ready?” Brian called from the kitchen.

“Just a minute!” You responded, trying to find your left shoe. Picking up every article of clothing strewn on the floor, you finally found it hidden underneath your sweatpants. After slipping it on, you stepped out into the hallway. “Okay.”

Brian jingled his keys as you approached him.

When you looked at him, you felt another wave of shame rise up inside you, but you tried to not let your face betray you. It did, but Brian graciously did not acknowledge it.

You walked out of the apartment and rushed down the staircase, leaving you both a little more winded than you should have been.

He opened your door for you with a smile and closed it gently once you were seated, then jogged over to his own side. After putting his car in reverse to back out, he sped into the street, something unusual for the most stringent driver you knew.

“Everything alright?” You asked.

Brian briefly turned his head to look at you, “Yeah.” He returned his eyes to the road.

You reached for the radio but he beat you to it, turning it up and tuning in to the station he desired.

“Did I do something?” Is he upset about earlier?

“No, never. ’M only a little nervous for today.”

Of course. You were sure that the awkward moment between you was not the most important thing on his mind. He’s releasing a record, for god’s sake.

You put your hand on his leg and brushed your thumb against it, meant to soothe. It only seemed to set him more on edge. He wasn’t used to you touching him like that, and the intimate gesture made him more nervous. You thought it was because he didn’t like it.

Au contraire.

“I am certain ’t will be a success.”

“Oh,” he frowned, understanding your train of thought. “I meant the release party.”

That makes more sense.

“Well, I’m sure that will be a success too!” You gave a small, breathy laugh.

“It’s not the crowds that bother me, ’s rather the strangers who just won’t get out of your face with their questions that really get me flustered.” His voice lowered in volume. “Especially the girls.”

Finally, you felt you understood Brian’s jitters.

He refused to move his focus from the road and shifted his right leg, keeping his left in place.

You realized you hadn’t moved your hand. You pulled it away with a jolt. He almost released a whine from the loss of you.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about, Bri. You’re beautiful.”

That was not what he meant. He wanted to correct you, tell you he didn’t want that. Not tonight. Not when you would be there.

“You can get any woman you want.” You had no idea the stress your words were putting him under. He was near bursting, choking down what he had to say.

Though it had been years since you moved away, Brian carried that flame in him. That’s not to say that he hadn’t been with girls in the past five years, but they weren’t you. They never compared to you.

“And if you don’t,” you smiled, reaching for the hand on his lap, “you always have me.”

God, how he wanted to have you.

“Well, I’d hope so,” he managed to say. “Can’t be losing my best girl.”

The next few minutes of the drive to Beat-Nick’s were more light-hearted. You joked about Roger’s ridiculously patterned trousers and Freddie’s suggestion of a pre-release party that everyone else vetoed. Brian’s laugh sweet music to your ears. You missed times like this.

Before you knew it, the car was parked a little way down the block from the cafe.

A warm summer breeze swam through the air and passed you as you walked, rustling through your hair. Brian’s curls were jostled, but you could hardly tell. His hair looked magnificent in the wind. You had to resist the urge to touch it.

“After you,” he spoke softly, gesturing through the door.

You smiled and stepped through.

The cafe looked as though nothing had changed. The furniture was arranged in the same layout, the lights still twinkled with warmth. It was wonderful.

You flopped down on one of the paisley-covered couches and Brian joined you. Both of you sat unmoving for a moment, enjoying the space. It wasn’t very busy, but the atmosphere still bustled with summertime joy.

Brian struggled to get up, and as you began to rise, he gently pushed you back into the seat.

“I’ll get it.”

You hated it when he insisted on paying, but you knew it wasn’t a fight you would win today.

Within two minutes, he was back in his spot next to you.

“I’m sorry,” you said.

He looked at you with bewilderment.

“About this morning.”

“Oh, that...”

“I didn’t realize you would be in there, half naked-”

You cut yourself short as a waitress came to your seating area and set the tray of drinks down in front of the couch. Her eyes widened upon accidentally hearing the conversation, and you looked at her apologetically before thanking her for bringing the beverages to you. She nodded, and walked away without a word.

“Don’t worry about it, Y/N. ’S already forgotten.”

Brian didn’t think he could forget it. The way you studied him. It made him feel good. It made him feel beautiful. He had never believed you when you said it before.

You gave him a grateful grin as you took a sip from your tea.

Even though it was summer, you got the standard lavender chamomile brew. Warm tea would always be superior in your mind, and you appreciated that Brian knew that without you needing to say so.

“I suppose the boys are excited for this evening?”

“Well, Fred and Roger more so than Deaky.”

“Poor John, always hated the large party scene. And now, he’s gotta be in the center of it.”

Brian took a drink of the fruit smoothie he ordered. “He’ll be fine, just give him a couple beers and he’ll be dancing like no one’s watching.”

“Or like he’s playing and everyone’s watching.” You smirked. You loved watching John onstage. He was entertaining.

Brian was mesmerizing.

“Fair point.”

* * *

“What about this one?”

You twirled around in front of Brian in a knee-length, flowy dress. The rosy color complemented your skin quite nicely, and accentuated your curves well without being immodest.

“There’s a small-” He flitted his finger midair. You weren’t understanding until you looked to where he was focused. A tear.

“Christ! This is one of my favorites,” you huffed. “Might as well wear a garbage bag if none of them are going to work.”

“I’m sure there’s something,” Brian said kindly.

He’s being very patient.

“Be my guest,” you motioned to your closet.

He moved towards it in two bounds and began to gingerly sift through your clothes. He felt a sense of shame as he rifled through them, smelling your scent embedded in the fibers. Finally, Brian found a black dress. His favorite.

He offered it to you and you took it, shooing him out of the way so you could change.

“Don’t leave, ’m going to need your help zipping it.”

He breathed shallowly, averting his eyes so as not to invade your privacy. He didn’t want to be creepy.

As you pulled up the tighter bodice, you took off your bra, knowing there was no way it would work if you wore it. You flung it over your shoulder, not thinking. It landed next to Brian, who was perched on the far side of your bed. He jumped up out of shock, which startled you. You turned around (fully covered) in worry. Upon noticing what happened, you began to laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“Does the bra scare you, Brian?”

“No! I just, I wasn’t expecting it. Came out of nowhere!”

“Well, not nowhere,” you giggled. “Now, will you zip me up?”

He lightly approached you and guided the zipper up the curve of your back, the fabric hugging your figure perfectly. Once the task was completed, he plunged back onto the mattress. You gave him another twirl, ending in a curtsy and another laugh.

Brian was breathless.

“I guess we have a winner.”

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Give In (III)

Idris Elba X Reader “Zanzee” Mini Series (6 Part Mini Series)

 Warning: Ansgt

 Word Count: 6.7K

 Summary: For the past 5 months has worked on the set of the “Hobbs & Shaw” movie. She works close to all the main actors and is there to answer any whim they may have as the "Set Concierge". She holds herself to a high professional level and refuses to stray from the right side of that pesky, thin grey line that those in the entertainment industry easily jump over.

 Note: Will go through 1 week in the life of Zanzee Grant. Ya’ll I’m afraid this is as close as I will EVER get to a one shot. SMH. I cannot write a one shot to save my life.

 ***Loosely Edited/Proofread***

 ***Interactive Chapter***

 ****Thank you guys for reading. I appreciate it as ALWAYS! If you enjoyed this please LIKE and REBLOG. ❤️ ❤️

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

-Wednesday-

 “Zanzee--,” Tammi began as she walked into your trailer. You flinched and held up your hand feeling as if her voice was piercing through your skull.

 “Jesus, not so loud Tammie,” you growled out.

 “Loud? All I said was your name,” Tammi defended.

 “You’re still talking, god your voice is like nails across a chalkboard only one-hundred times worse. Just please-stop-talking,” you said pressing your fingers to your temples.

 “No need to be mean about it. All I came to tell you was that you’re needed on set.”

 You groaned, dropped your head on the desk and cursed yourself for being reckless on a Tuesday. You had no idea what you were thinking. You knew Wednesdays were always killer. It was as if that was the day production realized they had two more days to make their self-imposed weekly deadlines and they went berserk.

 “Who did you party with last night?” Tammie continued, apparently not getting the hint.

 “No one now leave!” you shouted a little louder than necessary.

 Right now, you didn’t give a shit about pleasantries. It felt like your brain was trying to force its way through the tear ducts of your eyes. You heard the door softly click closed and you released another groan before you sat upright. You rummaged through your purse and found your sunglasses and placed them on your face. Then you gathered all the papers you’d been half-heartedly reviewing and slowly walked out your trailer.

 “Fuck!”

 The sun was high as hell, and your sunglasses weren’t dark enough. More than ever you felt like you should have called out today. You walked across the lot toward the location of the first scene to be filmed trying your best to not think about anything. You’d barely got three hours of sleep, and even when you fell asleep, your dreams made you toss and turn.  You work up feeling unfulfilled yet again but also with a splitting headache.

 You turned the corner and saw everyone from production gathered around. You walked through the bodies toward David. He turned and walked towards you when he saw you approaching.

 “Great, Zanzee, what do you have for me?” David asked with a loud chipper voice. You clenched your jaw and held out the thick booklet you’d put together an hour before. He scanned it, nodded and turned back to the cast and camera.

 “Did we get a response from the city regarding my request?” David asked.

 “The request to shunt down the busiest freeway for an entire day to scene thirty?” you asked with a sarcastic tone.

 “Yes.”

 “Unfortunately, they said they’re doubtful that’ll be possible. They said it would put a major strain on the city, too major,” you explained.

 “Did you tell them it’s absolutely necessary?”

 “Of course, I told them the fate of the free world depended on it, and if they allowed it they would not need to sacrifice their firstborn to you for appeasement,” you joked, but not really.

 David looked at you as if he was trying to decipher if you were being serious or not. You had no energy or want to clarify. From behind him, you saw Idris doing a crack job of hiding his own amusement.

“I can’t tell if you’re serious behind those sunglasses,” David said.

 “I think that’s for the best. Being the most amazing person on this entire set, I turned the denial around. They will not give you an entire twenty-four hours, but they will give you sixteen hours, and it has to be tomorrow,” you said.

 David’s eyes lit up, and he gathered you in his arms and spun you around in the air. Everyone around you clapped and patted each other on the back. The entire thing was not only annoying, but it was also painful. After much longer than you liked he put you back on your feet and patted your shoulders.

 “Seems like all the good things Spielberg had said about you were not exaggerations,” David said. Your ears perked up.

 “Wait, what?” you asked.

 David smiled again but didn’t answer. Instead, he turned back to production and listed off orders at a rapid speed. You looked to the three lead actors who all looked impressed. You smirked and nodded at them. Your eyes went to Idris who licked his lips and pressed them together in one smooth move. That was all it took for your mind to wander and with it your eyes, they traveled down his body and stopped at his waist before you caught yourself and looked back to him. He smiled and looked to one of the interns who approached him. You turned around and walked to the refreshment table in hopes of finding something to perk you up. You saw coffee, other caffeinated drinks, and small snacks. You grabbed a red bull and quickly took several gulps.

“Thirsty?” Jason asked from behind you. You turned and put your finger to your lips shushing him.

 “Ah, hungover,” he corrected.

“No, not hung over that would be unprofessional,” you said.

 “Of course, and we know you’re anything but unprofessional,” Dwayne added.

 You nodded in agreement and took another full gulp of the red bull.

 “Interesting, I didn’t think you had a life outside of this,” Jason said his voice empty of any humor. He was serious.

 You looked at him. You were shocked and wanted to defend yourself against it, but it was then you took the time and acknowledged he was right. You’d been making it impossible to have a life outside of work. You went out on the weekends, mainly Saturday, but otherwise, you kept it very basic and simple. You enjoyed your wine, Netflix, books and kickboxing, anything else fell to the side. No matter how much you wanted to be a bitch about what he said you couldn’t he was right. You had no life outside of this movie; you hadn’t for the last five months. You finished the can in one last lift to your head and tossed it in the garbage without a word.

 “Is there anything I can do for your guys?” you asked. Idris approached then.

 “I think we’re good. You can take the time to take a breather and nurse that hangover in your trailer. We’ll text if we need something,” Dwayne suggested.

 You were not in the mood to argue, you nodded, turned and walked away but not before taking another red bull. Your friends saw your basic life, that was fine with you but here was a stranger who saw it too. That didn’t rub you the right way.

 You spent the next few hours in your darkened trailer getting some well-needed rest. You were also hiding out. You didn’t trust yourself today, when you were hungover your patience was lower, your censor was less, and your ability to recognize proper from improper was iffy at best. Hell, even your thoughts were more erratic, they jumped from work to Idris, then back to work and then Idris before work was pushed to the side allowing you to daydream.

 You barely heard the first knock at your door; you were too deep in your subconscious. From the edges of your mind you heard the knocking, it jarred you from your lying position on your couch. You jumped up, looked around and tried to acclimate fully.

“Z?”

 You heard Idris’ voice just outside, and that made your heard begin thumping madly. You looked around trying to see if anything was out of place. After a few seconds you walked to open the door, and there he stood in the tight black leather of his character’s wardrobe. The racer jacket was unzipped revealing his black men’s tank. You snapped out of it and looked back to his face.

 “Hey, is everything okay? Do you need something?” you stammered.

 “No, no, everything is fine. I don’t need anything,” he informed. You nodded.

 “Okay. What’s up?”

 “I uh—I um, I came to give you what you need,” Idris said. The words probably meant innocently made you shiver thinking of all the things you needed, the list began with his hands on your skin, but it didn’t have an end.

 “Uh, what I need? What exactly do I need DJ Driis?” you teasingly asked and leaned on the jamb of your door while folding your arms in front of your chest. His eyes quickly roamed from your face to where your arms crossed before they came back to your eyes. He quickly shook his head and lifted his hand. You noticed he was holding a cup.

“This.”

 You crinkled your brow inaudibly asking what that was. He smiled.

 “This is my famous and magic potion for a hangover,” he said.

 “Oh, famous and magic huh.”

 “Yep, I can promise you by the time you finish this everything that ails you will have disappeared.”

 You raised your eyebrow at his big promise.

 “What if more than this hangover ails me?”

 “Let’s start at the hangover and see if there’s anything else I can do.” He offered.

 You bit your bottom lip and stepped back allowing him entrance into your trailer. He stepped up and inside. You could smell his cologne weft off of him, and it did things to you. You closed the door and turned to realize all your lights were off.

 “Oh, here.” You said stepping to a lamp, in unison both your hand and Idris’ touched as your both attempted to switch on the lamp. When the room illuminated, you were just a few steps from each other. Neither of you moved or spoke. The same pressurized swell filled the air around you giving you a slight dizzied feeling. He stepped back first and broke the gaze. You busied yourself clearing off a seat so he could sit.

 “There you go.” He sat across the trailer and held out the cup to you.

 “So, what is in this famous magic potion of yours?”

“A little of this, and that. I can’t tell you it’s a secret. I full on plan on manufacturing it and making a profit off of those just like you,” he teased. You smirked.

 “How do I know there isn’t some sort of drug in here? My mom always said never take an open drink from anyone.”

 “True, your mom sounds like a smart woman. I know you don’t know me very well, but I hope you know me enough to know you can trust me. I’d never do anything to put you in harm's way or anything against your will,” Idris expressed. You stared at him, the playful air now changing to an intense one. You didn’t expect him to say that at all. You studied him trying to decipher if he meant the words he spoke. You couldn’t find any hint of a lie or line though. You nodded as you took the cup from him. You looked inside and swished around the smoothie consistency green liquid and unintentionally scrunched up your nose. Idris laughed loudly across from you.

 “I know it looks disgusting, and as a fair warning, it doesn’t smell any better but I promise it’s not poison, and it tastes better than it looks but not much,” he cautioned. You smiled again and swished it around some more.

 “It will do the trick,” he further encouraged. You swallowed and shrugged.

 “What the hell. I can’t feel any worse than I do right now, right?” in a heartbeat you raised the cup to your lips and drank it down. It tasted like every single green vegetable under the sun, mixed with the sourest lemon and a touch of dirt.

 “Drink it all, the good stuff is at the bottom,” Idris urged. You raised it higher and finished its contents. Once finished you made up your face as you swallowed a thick chunk of something. You covered your mouth worried you might puke it back up.

 “Steady; let it go down.” You frowned as you looked at him. He smiled.

“Uuugh.” He nodded.

 “Yeah, sorry about not telling you about the chunk at the bottom, it was better I didn’t.”

 “That is disgusting. Please tell me that wasn’t a raw egg.”

 Idris shrugged leaned back and watched you.

 “How do you feel?” he asked.

 You wiped your top lip and sat still trying to gauge how you felt. Slowly you felt the tension in your head break apart, the pain in your neck and shoulders subsided some, the ball in the pit of your stomach that threatened vomit every thirty minutes faded and the throbbing behind your eyes went allowing you to stop squinting. You looked at him. He sat there with a pleased look on his face. A look that said this was what he expected.

 “What in the hell was in that?”

 He snorted and shrugged again.

 “I told you, some of this and some of that.”

 “Wow, that’s incredible. The throbbing in my head is gone, I don’t wanna puke anymore, I can look at you, like really look at you. Wow,” you continued to marvel. He smiled to himself.

 “Told you, everything that ails you will disappear,” he cockily responded.

 You scoffed, shook your head and sat back on the couch.

 “Who said all that ails me was gone? It’s just the hangover symptoms,” you clarified.

 “Okay, and I said let’s start with the hangover, and we’ll see whatever I can help with. What else ails you Z?” Idris inquired, his voice deeper than before. You looked at him but only for a moment before your eyes went back to your hands.

 “Is it work, this production?” Idris asked. You nodded.

 “Yeah, I know it must be hard working in a huge production being at the beck and call of everyone. Actors have it hard, but crew members have it equally as hard,” he voiced.

 “No, it’s not working in production. This I can handle, this is easy work. I feel as if I could do most of this job in my sleep. It’s not working as part of the crew that’s hard,” you said raking your hand through your curly hair.

 The silence in the trailer stretched on for a few moments.

 “Then what else is it about this production that’s so bad?”

 You risked looking at him; his eyes were glued to you. He didn’t move an inch; he simply waited for you to speak or move. You flared your nose and closed your eyes deciding against saying anymore. You stood.

 “Nothing. It’s nothing. I’m fine. Plus, production is almost over, two months left. It won’t matter then. It’s fine,” you lied walking closer to the door. Idris got up from the chair and approached your back.

 “You can tell me Z.” his voice was gentle, and it made you want things you shouldn’t want, things that went past his body. You turned realizing he was closer to your body than you anticipated. His eyes roamed your face before they finally stopped at your lips. After almost a minute he took a step closer to you only leaving about three feet between you. You looked down assessing the space between your bodies when you looked up the look in his eyes gave you butterflies. You licked your lips and did your best to fight the urges overtaking you. The feeling was strong, and you felt your body sway slightly. Idris placed his hand on your waist steadying you but also igniting a deep hidden desire you’d worked hard to stifle for the last five months.

From the depths of your throat, a soft moan escaped your lips. Idris’ eyes dropped down to your breasts, and you saw a flurry of emotions flit across his features before you saw the tight clench of his jaw. He firmly squeezed your waist before he dropped his hand away and took two steps back increasing the space between your bodies. Your core felt the pain from the separation.

 “Glad I could help with your hangover. Guess its not in the cards for me to help with everything else,” Idris whispered searching your eyes.

 He didn’t move for almost a minute. You felt like he was giving you time to react, time to object, to turn the situation around. You wanted to so bad. You stepped closer to him until the space between you was only big enough for a pillow. You zeroed in on his sinful looking lips. You decided to go for it and blame it on the alcohol and hangover like Jamie said. You attempted a step, but your trailer door opened just then.

 “Z—,” Tammie interrupted. You quickly turned away from Idris covering your mouth.

 “Uh, yeah.”

 Tammie didn’t speak; instead she just looked from the two of you almost expecting one of you to explain.

 “What is it Tammie?” you asked annoyance shining through your tone.

 “Uh, David needed to see you, something about the freeway scene for tomorrow,” she informed.

 “Okay, thanks I’ll be right there,” you said, your back still to her.

 “Okay, later.” She stepped back out and closed the door. You place both your hands on your had and lamented on the colossal mistake you’d almost made.

 “I better get back out there,” Idris said breaking the silence.

 “Yeah you better,” you agreed. He nodded his head and walked out the door before he closed it, he hesitated but closed it nonetheless.

 Once you were alone, you scolded yourself as you prepared to go to David. If Tammie had walked in ten seconds later, she would have found you forcing yourself on Idris Elba, thirty seconds later she would have found you with your hands down his pants and two minutes later she would have caught you on your knees with a mouth full of DJ Driis. The thought of how close you’d come to being one of those girls made you want to vomit. You shook it off and pushed everything to the side you didn’t have time right now to lament on it. You had to actually go do the job you were hired for.

 The rest of the day because you were feeling better you stuck around set as the scenes were filmed while you worked on other arrangements. Throughout the rest of the day, you noticed Idris struggle on more than a few scenes, something that was rare. He never missed a line, never forgot a move, or mishandled a prop; he was the epitome of a pro. When he messed up, you saw him scold himself harshly. It was as if he too was affected by what happened before. Even after an impromptu forty-minute break he still had flubs. Dwayne and Jason teased him to lighten the mood, but you could tell he was uncomfortable and increasingly uneasy about it. You said nothing.

Before wrap was called for the day you were able to finish the plans for the cast and crew dinner on Friday. That feat alone helped lift some of the tension from shoulders. It didn’t take it all because your new task was making sure everything was going smoothly for the freeway scene which meant permits, security, police, and all the other little nuances that are associated with set work. Tammie sent you a text a few hours before wrap inviting you to the nightly crew unwind.

 Alcohol was the last thing you wanted tonight. You wanted something or someone a hell of a lot more. You didn’t know how to handle it. Your mind wandered back to the feeling of wanting more than Idris’ body, and that was the root of your distress tonight. You could handle wanting to have sex with him, but wanting more was something unexpected, something you weren’t sure you could accept. You drove yourself crazy the rest of the night watching him film; you were convinced anyone who looked at you could see how bad you wanted him.  Before you finished up for the night, you found Tammie and accepted her invitation for that night. While alcohol wasn’t what you truly wanted, it was what you had to settle for.

~~~~~~

Once you made it to Sin, the bar where everyone was meeting and stepped to the crowd, they all cheered your name. Clearly, they’d already had a few rounds.

 “Finally, where have you been?” Ethan asked as you approached the group.

 “I left set and had a few errands in prep for tomorrow’s scene. I’m here now though. What’d I miss?”

 “Three rounds. Catch up,” Tammie informed pushing her shot to you. You took it, sniffed it and held it up in the air before knocking it back. You grimaced and blew out trying to cool your inflamed taste buds.

 “What the hell was that?”

 “Vodka,” Tammie answered.

 You shuddered, you hated Vodka. You raised your hand to the bartender and ordered two tequila shots instead. That was more your speed. While waited you listened in on the conversation which was on set gossip for the day. Every set assistant had their fair share of actor gossip; they had the best gossip. They knew everything about these celebs, starting from their underwear size to the brand of condoms they preferred if they even liked condoms, many didn’t. Another reason you stayed far away from the cesspool and kept your cookie on constant lockdown from them.

 “What about you Z, any juicy gossip about your Three Musketeers?” another set assistant asked. You looked at Tammie who gave you an interested look no doubt thinking about what she’d walked in on earlier.

 “Is that what you guys call them?”

 They laughed in unison, and you shook your head wondering if the reference was from the candy or the actual Three Musketeers.

 “Um--no, no gossip. They’re pretty tame,” you confessed.

 You didn’t feel like divulging any details, but you sure weren’t opposed to hearing some. You smiled and zeroed in on the gossip of the minute about another set assistant Molly who’d tried to proposition one of the actors. When you got your shots, you drank them both down with no time to spare. You were on a mission to forget everything from the last few hours. Everything. Well, until you were lying in bed that night at least.

 Thirty minutes, seven shots, one tumbler full of bourbon and several sordid tales of celeb escapades or sexcapades with the assistants you shied away from the group to go to the bathroom. You needed to stretch your legs. Once inside the dingy bathroom, you stared at yourself in the mirror and allowed your mind to wander to the dangerous side of what if. What if you did give in this one time, to just him? What if it wasn’t that bad? What if despite the rumors about him he was truly different and not that bad? What if you were missing out? As soon as you began down the rabbit hole of possibilities, you shut it down with a hard hit to your forehead.

 “Don’t be stupid Z. You work for him, and he’s an actor, be professional, be professional. Two months left, barely six weeks. You can keep your shit together that long,” you recited to yourself in the mirror.

 By the time you walked out of the bathroom, you felt more confident in your ability to keep your legs and your mouth closed. You made your way back to the bar with the other assistants when Ethan approached you.

 “Everything all right?” Ethan asked.

 “Yeah fine,” you responded signaling the bartender for another drink.

 “You know Z; I’ve been trying to get the guts to ask you out for months,” he confessed. You looked at him and tried to give a surprised expression. You studied his face. You knew it all along.

 “Really?”

 “Yeah, I know not very professional, but hey when you see something you want you have to take a chance right?” Ethan questioned.

 You looked up and saw Idris across the bar sitting with Jason and Dwayne. You froze as your eyes met. Whatever Ethan was saying before was now a distant memory. You both stared at each other as if speaking in your minds.

 “You know what I mean?” Ethan asked breaking you out of your daze and forcing your attention back to him.

 “Um, uh…I guess,” you responded completely unsure what he said.

 He smiled as if he’d gotten the best news. You looked behind him to see Dwayne wave you over, you quickly looked away and tried your best to ignore him and focus on Ethan. His mouth was moving again, but you didn’t hear one word he was saying.

 You kept thinking there was no way you could go over there after all that’s happened. Nearly knocking yourself out from his dick was an accident, walking in on him practically naked and wet also an accident, although ogling him after that was more of a choice, but tonight in your trailer, that was something more. Wasn’t it, you thought?

 You especially couldn’t not after all you’d had to drink tonight. Sober you had control, tipsy control was just a seven-letter word. You could seriously do something you couldn’t take back. You chanced a look back to them and saw now Dwayne and Jason waving you over. Idris just sat there rolling his glass of brown liquor in a circle on the table his eyes glued to you. He looked as if he was daring you to come over. You released a sigh in time for Ethan to look back to see where you were looking at.

 “They’re everywhere huh.”

 You snorted and nodded.

 “Seems that way. Go hang out; I’ll catch you later,” you said before you sashayed over to them. Approaching their table, you noticed Idris’ eyes roam your body causing heat to run down your spine. You straightened your back and pressed forward.

 “Hi.”

“Hey, fancy seeing you here,” Dwayne happily chimed in. You scoffed.

 “I think it’s the other way around, Gods among men. Did you guys need something?” you asked.

 “Not at all. Calm down Zanzee; you’re off the clock. We did need you to sit with us, have a drink, or two,” Jason said nodding to the last empty seat at the table.

 “Well I’ve already had more than enough to drink for one night,” you responded. “Plus, I’ve learned my lesson about drinking during the week.”

 “How much is enough? Anything under six drinks is too few,” Jason announced before he chugged down the drink before him.

 “Six? Armature,” you joked. The group of them laughed at your remark. You chanced a look at Idris who sat quietly as he drank his amber-colored drink.

 “Sit, what’s your poison?” Dwayne asked waving down a waiter.

 “We won’t take no for an answer,” Jason said. You raked your fingers through your curly hair and sighed in defeat. You pulled out the empty bar stool from the table and climbed into it. As you did Dwayne and Jason clapped and cheered at their victory. Idris remained silent.

 “So what’s your poison?”

 “Mai Thi? Manhattan? Apple Martini?” Jason teased.

 “Not at all, I’ll take a half of bourbon,” you announced. All three of them looked impressed.

 “Ah, I see why you had a hangover now,” Dwayne said. You shrugged.

 “I only drink the best, but last night’s culprit was tequila.”

 “Oh, you’re a tequila woman,” Jason confirmed leaning back in his chair.

 “Why do you say it like that? Is there something wrong with a tequila woman?” you asked.

 “No, no, not at all. It’s just women who prefer tequila are a whole different breed,” Jason informed. You snorted.

 “What can I get you guys?” the waitress asked.

 “Three whiskeys, and the lady will have a half of bourbon,” Jason listed off.

 “Add a half of tequila to that order please,” you interjected. The waitress nodded and walked off.

 “Please do tell me all about a woman who drink tequila.” You crossed your arms before you and waited for the read.

 “Tequila women are just normally free-spirited, and confident. They’re passionate women, honest to a fault, independent, and from my experience, they go after what they want,” Jason explained. You looked down and swallowed; it sounded like you. You did go after what you wanted, all the time. You went after this job, fought for it, you’d gone after everything you had. You looked up and saw Idris finish his drink while looking at you.

 “Interesting read,” you muttered. The waitress came over and placed the drinks before you. You took up the glass of bourbon and took a hearty sip.

“But you also like your bourbon, so that makes you an entirely different breed. Isn’t that right Z,” Idris said before taking his own heavy sip of his whiskey. You looked over him.

 “How so?”

 “You can clearly handle your liquor. Bourbon says you’re smart to know it’s different from others like scotch. Bourbon’s not cheap, and its flavors are varying, I’d say a woman who likes it is a little reckless if not a lot, she probably tries to keep it under control though so she can come off uptight but watch out underneath is another story. Bourbon is not a typical drink. It’s often too strong for most, it’s a risky drink, you’re a risk taker, you like to be different. Bourbon is an acquired taste no one has it once and loves it; it grows on you, it says you keep trying and trying and never give up. Kinda’ plays nice with the other traits of a tequila girl. Sums up to one hell of a woman,” Idris finished.

 Your mouth was dry, your heart pounded erratically, your stomach was filled with butterflies, and your panties were soaked. No one else spoke or moved.

 “Wow…that was specific mate,” Jason broke in. You looked away and knocked back the rest of the bourbon scrunching up your face slightly. You didn’t know if you should lean over the table and stick your tongue down his throat or drag him to that dingy bathroom and let him bend you over the sink. You bit your bottom lip, lifted the glass of tequila and gulped it down.

 “Maybe slow down a little,” Dwayne cautioned. You scoffed and shook your head grimacing against the slight burn that traveled down your throat into your belly. You rose from the seat.

 “Thanks, but I’m good. Matter of fact, I think it’s time I turn in. Tomorrow’s a big day. Good night.,” you rushed out. You turned, walked to the door and quickly hurried out.

 Once outside you took several gulps of fresh air and tried to still your spinning head. You had no idea how one man held so much hypnotizing sex appeal. You took your phone out and quickly ordered a Lyft. You were pleased when the estimated wait was less than two minutes. Almost instantly a white Acura pulled up; the diver poked his head out.

 “Zanzee?” he asked. You nodded.

 “That’s me,” you hurried to the door, opened it and scooted inside as you were going to close the door another body slide in beside you.

 “Excuse me—” you began before realizing it was Idris next to you.

 “What’re you doing?”

 “I’m not the kind of man who allows a woman he cares for to make it home alone especially one who’s had as much to drink as you have,” he explained. Your heart skipped a beat, and you just stared at him.

 “Eh-em, what am I doing lady?” you looked away from Idris, cleared your throat and slide over giving him more room to fit, he then shut the door.

 “Uh-, 19 Hargrove Road please.”

 The car lurched into motion. You leaned back and looked out the window.

 “I’m fine; you didn’t have to. I really haven’t had that much to drink,” you protested.

 “Good, so you won’t be puking in my lap. Still, I was raised proper, and I’ll see to it you get home safe,” he shot back.

 You took a deep breath in and held it, as you slowly released it you glanced through your phone at your missed messages. You saw a few from our friends asking you about plans for Saturday, and a few from your mom asking about family dinner next Sunday. You typed in a response to your friends knowing the chance of them being awake was higher than your mom. You could feel Idris’ eyes on you, but you didn’t trust yourself to look at him instead you pressed your side to your side of the door taking special precaution not to have any part of you touch him. You knew you wouldn’t be able to handle that.

 After a quiet thirteen-minute drive the Lyft car pulled up to the front of your apartment building. You thanked the driver, and Idris stepped out first. He held out his hand offering it to you, you bypassed it, grabbed the handle hanging from the roof of the car and stepped out on your own. After Idris shut the door, the car drove off leaving the two of you standing at the bottom of your steps.

 “Nice place,” Idris began. You looked up at the two-story building that held only two apartments, one of the right, the other on the left. It was more townhouse style.

 “Thanks.”

 He nodded and looked to his feet as the awkward silence wrapped around you both.

 “So, thanks, I think I got it from here,” you said walking up the steps to your door. You dug in your pocket and took out your keys while you battled with the lock you felt him still standing there. Everything your mother taught you was swirling in your head. “If someone does something kind for you, repay the favor,” “The proper thing to do is invite a guest in,” “You always thank someone for any kindness paid to you.” You groaned under your breath.

 “Did I do something wrong Z?”

 You paused your actions and shook your head. He was kind to a fault.

 “What do you mean?”

 “I don’t know, I kind of feel like I did something to you that was wrong, or I said something wrong. Did I? did I say something wrong back at the bar?”

 You turned to look at him and felt guilty.

 “Not at all, you’ve done nothing. It’s just that it’s late and-,” you trailed off. He stepped onto the bottom step.

 “Did I say something?” He repeated fully aware you didn’t answer the question. You chanced a look at him.

 “No,” you whispered before swallowing harshly. He took another step up.

 “Out of curiosity, which one do you prefer, Bourbon or tequila?”

 You smirked and licked your lips.

 “Love them both equally.” He took two more steps, now just one below you.

 Z-,” he began before he stopped as if he were trying to find the words. After a few moments, he shook his head, words failing him.

 “I…you-, damn it, you’re beautiful Zanzee,” Idris rushed out.

 You felt as if you’d been kicked in the gut you almost keeled over. You forced your back straight and tried to control your breathing.

 “Say something.” You opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

 “What do I say?” you whispered.

 “What’re you thinking?”

 You searched your brain for some thought, but it was blank.

 “I don’t know,” you responded in another whisper.

 “Then what do you feel?” He asked.

 You couldn’t tell him what you felt. You couldn’t tell him anything about how you felt or thought you felt. You sucked your top lip into your mouth and nibbled it trying to stop the words from forming. His eyes dropped to your lips, and he took the last step to you. You sidestepped giving him enough space to stand next to you.

 “Idris-,” you began before you stopped to gather your thoughts better.

 “What do you feel Z?” he repeated. Again you opened your mouth to speak but didn’t. You dropped your head down, but he caught your chin and lifted your head to look into his eyes.

 “Fuck.” You hissed out. Once he heard it, he smiled, and any thought of professionalism died there.

 “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you curse. You’ve always been so reserved, so controlled.”

 “Don’t you mean uptight?” you teased, he smiled.

 “Are you uptight?”

 “Some might call it that.”

 “What do you call it Z?”

 “Controlled, methodical, disciplined,” you filled in. He nodded while focusing on your lips again.

 “Good attributes to have, but you can’t be controlled your entire life. Don’t you ever worry about the things you’re missing out on by being so disciplined?” He asked.

 As of late, it was all you worried about, all thanks to him. You weren’t going to tell him that though.

 “If it’s meant for me there’s no way I can miss out on it. It’ll always be mine.”

 No more words were needed; you just stared at each other your eyes doing the talking. His hand trailed from your chin along your jaw to your ear where he tucked some of your unruly curls back. His fingers then dropped to the crook where your neck and shoulder met. His eyes followed his fingers, and before long his hand was trailing down your back to your waist.

 “I don’t ever do this; I don’t-this isn’t who I am. I’m not the man who prays on set assistants or interns. I like to stay far away from things like this but…,”

 “But?” you questioned.

 “There is something different about you Zanzee, something that I saw the first day of production, something that I keep seeing more and more. Over the last months working with you, I am more drawn to you than any other woman, and I don’t know why. I don’t know why I want to touch you, I don’t know why I want to take care of you, or why when we’re near each other I have to fight my body from drifting to yours.” Idris spoke as he looked over our features.

 “It’s the draw of what you can’t have,” you spat out. He arched his eyebrow.

 “Is it? Is that your way of saying that what I feel you don’t?”

 “I never said that just presenting a plausible reason.”

 “So, you feel what I feel?” he asked again.

 You wanted to say yes, but you couldn’t. You knew this story; you read about this story time and time again in tabloids. You’d seen it play out before your eyes. You knew the beginning, middle, end and after effect. After you opened your thighs somehow, it would get out, and you’d be labeled as this set groupie, another one of his many flings. You couldn’t live with that sort of title or reputation.

 “No matter what I may or may not feel it doesn’t matter, just as what you think you feel doesn’t matter. We work together, you the actor me your set concierge. Those are the facts that cannot be changed. I work for you, that’s all,” you explained with more calm in your voice than you expected. You sounded sure although you felt anything but. He studied you for several long moments.

 “What’re you saying Z?”

 “I can and will do anything for you as your set concierge, anything in the scope of my job but anything beyond that isn’t something that I can do. I’m a professional, I hold myself to certain standards and expectations. I refuse to lower myself as countless others have. That’s not the woman I am,” you finished.

 You watched his expression go from gentleness to confusion, to understanding and then finally sadness. He nodded dropped his hands from your body and took two steps back.

 “Right, I’m sorry Z, this was inappropriate. I’ve crossed a line, and I apologize for that. It won’t happen again; please forgive me,” Idris said his voice full of emotion.

 You had no words, seeing that he nodded curtly and walked back down the steps.

 “Good night,” Idris said as he walked down the sidewalk and into the night. A heavy feeling rested in your stomach, a feeling of worry that you had missed out on something that was meant for you.

 To Be Continued….

A/N: Do Not Come for me y’all!

Tag List:

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[imagines-for-the-fangirls-soul]

A Goddamn Virgin - Babe Heffron

I came up with this because I just finished my latest rewatch.

No disrespect meant to the actual heroes. Just a fic about the actors’ portrayal in the HBO miniseries.

Pairing: Babe Heffron x reader Word Count: 7,202 Synopsis: The reader joins the war as an alrady engaged nurse to Easy Company. After befriending Bill, the reader meets Babe and they start a relationship that can’t be undone. (I’m so bad at summaries.) Warnings: Smut

“Y/N, you gotta come here!” Bill called from across the room, waving you over ecstatically. You laughed to yourself and followed through the room of crowded men. Bill was sitting at one of the benches with men you had known since the beginning, and a handsome red-head you hadn’t seen before. 

“What?” Luz slid down the bench, leaving a seat for you.

“I just wanted to introduce you to my new friend here.” You looked over at the red-head who held out his hand to you.

“Edward Heffron.”

“Nice to meet you. Are you from-”

“Philly,” Bill said with a smirk, he had recognized the accent as instantly as you had. “Y/N, here, also hails from Philly.” Edward nodded in appreciation.

“Not originally.”

“Right, right.” Edward looked at Bill, and the veteran soldier slapped his arm. “Y/N is engaged to someone from Philly.”

“So how did you get here?”

“My fiance convinced me to join the fight with him. He had no idea that I’d be assigned to the Airborne.”

“Where did he get assigned?”

“Army.”

“Y/N is a nurse. If you’re lucky, you won’t see her around too often.”

“Aww, Bill, you don’t like having me around?”

“No, he just doesn’t want another man competing for your attention,” Luz said, elbowing your arm. Bill had a few choice words for George, but the replacement only smiled and turned a slight shade of red. 

“Oh ho!” Joe cried out as your dart hit right on the nose. Buck gave you a high five and you smiled over at Heffron. 

“Not bad,” he said with a smirk.

“Not bad? I’d like to see you do better.”

“I wouldn’t start with her, Babe,” Bill said, walking over to the group.

“Babe?” you asked.

“Yeah, didn’t you hear?” Bill asked, grinning. You shook your head and watched Babe turn a shade of red. “Babe here got a letter from a broad back home?”

“Oh you did?” you asked, enjoying watching him smile.

“Maybe.” You laughed as Bill described it to you. The letter was from someone named Doris, and she dedicated it to “Babe,” hence the nickname. 

“Come on,” Babe said, “Are we gonna play darts or not?”

“Sure, Babe,” you said, winking at him when you said his name.  He rolled his eyes, and when you were beside him aimed his dart. 

“Bullseye!” he called out, making the men around you cheer.

“Not bad.” He laughed at your mimicking of what he said earlier.

“You’re really competitive.”

“I know,” you said, cocking your head. “Wanna bet?” Babe laughed and shook his head.

“What could you even offer up?” Your eyes were locked on his, the excitement of a competition and the chance to flirt hanging in the air. 

“Alright, Y/N, we can’t have you corrupt our dear old Babe here. That’s our job,” Bill said, butting in. 

“Fine, but he owes me a rematch once he’s nice and corrupted.” 

“Do you want some help?” It was at the accent in the voice that made you turned. Babe stood behind you, already holding the box of bed sheets and supplies you had given to Gene a few moments earlier.

You hadn’t seen Babe since Bill’s lost his leg. Before then, every time you vistied Easy, you made sure to spend some time teasing and flirting with Babe. He didn’t seem to mind, and he was one of the only bright faces you could look forward to. The two of you had created a special relationship you hadn’t ever had with anyone else.

“What are you doing here?” you asked with a smile.

“Gene needed help. I was the lucky bastard that got to come along.”

“Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” you said as Babe followed you out of the room. For soldiers that were still on the line, it was best to keep them out of the operating and holding room as much as possible. 

“Yeah?” he asked with a sloppy grin.

“Yes, but don’t go getting any ideas,” you said, walking him outside. 

“Oh, don’t worry, I know you’re taken. Bill made sure I knew that from the minute we met.” You smiled sadly. It had been a while since you thought about your friend, Bill. With all of the work you had at the aid station in Bastogne, it was easy to forget that Bill and Joe got their legs blown off.

Babe might have noticed the change on your face and took a seat on an overturned crate in the snow. He motioned for you to the do the same. “You’re a sight, too, Y/N.”

“How is everyone?” you asked after smiling in response.

“As well as they can be.”

“How are you?” He shrugged as a response. “As much as I miss you guys, I’m glad I haven’t seen many of you here.” Babe nodded and set his jaw. There was a look on his face that he was hiding something, and you wondered if you should push it or not. You weren’t very close, your entire friendship with Babe stemmed from knowing Bill. 

“Is there something I don’t know?” you asked, taking a leap by putting your hand over his. His face tightened. Tears might have begun to form in his eyes, but if they were ever there, he kept them down before you could fully see them. 

“This kid, Julian. He was a replacement in my foxhole. He got hit and I couldn’t save him.”

“I’m sorry.” He nodded, frowning.

“He was a kid. Looked like he never shaved. Told me he was still a goddamn virgin. Can you believe it?” He looked up at you, expecting you to laugh. You didn’t, instead just stared at your feet with a small smile. “Sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” you asked.

“I didn’t mean to make you-”

“Oh, you didn’t. It’s just- I am-” You stopped and laughed at yourself. Babe was confused, but then his face softened.

“Y/N, don’t tell me-”

“Yes, Babe, I am still a virgin,” you admitted, rolling your eyes. His mouth opened slightly and you watched the gears turn in his head as he tried to wrap his mind around what you just said. 

“You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re engaged.”

“Yeah.”

“And you’ve never?”

“No, Babe. That’s what being a virgin means.”

“And your fiance, he never tried to-”

“Jesus, Babe. Yes, of course, we’ve talked about it. And, don’t get me wrong, we haven’t been completely chaste.” Babe’s eyes brightened and you rolled your eyes.

“Are you trying to make me feel better or seduce me?” You laughed and shook your head.

“Make you feel better, but who knows. It’s certainly not coming off that way.” Babe laughed and you finally saw the weight of Julian leave him. Gene called out to him, and he turned his back from you. You felt the heat in your cheeks and wished it away. 

“Well, Y/N, if you ever want to not be a virgin, you know where to find me.” You rolled your eyes and stood with him.

“Good to know.” Babe laughed and picked up his box of supplies. 

“Thanks, Y/N. You’ve made me feel a whole lot better,” he said with a wink.

“Goodbye, Babe.”

“Y/N!” You turned at the sound of your name, but of course, you knew who it was. You would recognize that voice anywhere. Babe was hustling towards you, walking away from his friends who were in line to take a shower here in Hagenau.

You had noticed him a moment before, but considering how you acted around him the last time, you weren’t sure you wanted to relieve that humiliation. Besides, he was standing with the rest of the men in his platoon and they all looked pissed and exhausted.

“Hey, Babe,” you said once he rached you.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“What can I say? I can’t stay away from you.” You laughed awkwardly as Babe smiled. You didn’t know why being around him brought out this side of you. You reminded yourself over again that you had a fiance, but it was hard to think about him when you hadn’t seen him in over a year.

“Come to take me up on my offer?” You opened your mouth and then stopped yourself.

“No, Babe.” His smile faltered a little. “How are you doing?” He shrugged and you touched his shoulder softly. “Maybe I’ll catch up later, okay? I have to meet with my boss.”

“Sure. Or I can stop by to see you.” You raised an eyebrow at him and nodded.

“I’d like that.” Babe licked his lips as he went back to his platoon. You clenched your fists, not liking the feeling that you were getting when around Babe. 

An hour or so later, Babe found his way to the house you were staying in. He walked in with a smile and started talking but you shook your head to get him to shut up. Your boss walked into the room and forced a polite smile on his face.

“What can I do for you, soldier?”

“He just had a wound he wanted me to look at,” you lied. Your boss nodded.

“Okay. If you’ve got things handled here, I think I’ll go catch up with some of the boys back at company CP.” You nodded and looked at Babe until he left the room. Once he was gone, you invited Babe to join you on the couch.

“Sorry about that, he’s just a pain when he think I’m not working.” 

“No problem.”

“So, do you have any wounds you actually want me to take a look at?” you asked.

“No. I’m fine.”

“Well, Babe, you don't look fine.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your hair doesn’t have its usual bright-chipperness. You aren’t smiling like you usually do. And you haven't made any jokes about my virginity.” Babe laughed, throwing his head back in a way that made your heart flutter.

“I showered, which I thought might brighten my hair, but if you think another will help we can go-” You rolled your eyes as Babe laughed aloud. “I”m sorry.”

“As long as you’re smiling, it’s okay.” Babe laid his arm around the back of the couch. 

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m alright. Missing home.”

“And your fiance?” he asked, looking up at you. You sighed.

“Sometimes. And sometimes no. There’s just so much leading up to our return that it’s more terrifying than staying here. Please, don’t think I’m being insensitive,” you said as Babe made a face at your comment, “I know the dangers here, and I wish every day that the war will end. I've just gotten used to these people, and being here, that I’m afraid of what I’ll see when I return home.”

Babe nodded somberly. “I know. I’m feeling the same way too. When I get home, there will be nobody who will understand.” You reached out and put a hand over his.

“There won’t be nobody. You do live in the same town as Bill and I.”

“Yeah, but the second you get home you’ll be making babies.”

“Don’t remind me,” you said, falling back on the couch. “As if it’s not scary enough going home, I have a lot to live up to.”

“What do you have to live up to?” Babe asked, watching you. 

“You know.”

“No, I don’t. Your fiance would be insane if he doesn’t go crazy when he’s with you. Like I’ve said before, Y/N, you are totally gorgeous.”

“You’re such a flirt,” you said with a smile. Babe blushed and held out his hand. You took it and he squeezed your hand.

“Everything will be fine. As soon as you get home, everything will go back to normal. But, if you are really that nervous, I could help you become more familiar with it.”

“Could you?” you hummed.

“If you’d like.”

“Are you sure you aren’t too tired?” Babe laughed and stood up, holding out his hand. You took it and he pulled you up.

“I can never be too tired for you.” You smiled and let him pull you closer. “The most important part is the build up. You want your partner to be just as excited as you are.”

“And that involves dancing?” you asked as he entwined his fingers with yours. His arm was on your back, keeping your chest close to his. There was no music, but Babe was feeling the rhythm nonetheless. 

“Sometimes.” He swayed your bodies back and forth making sure to keep his eyes on your face at all times. 

“Who taught you all of this? One of your past girlfriends?”

“You don’t believe I just knew this all from the start?”

“No,” you said with a smile. Babe spun you around, making you giggle softly.

“I never had a lot of girlfriends. In fact, no one really took a second look at me until I joined the Paratroopers.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re hot.” Babe cackled, throwing his head back again so much that you fell forward with him. 

“See, I told you you would be fine.” You pulled yourself back up into his chest, and your eyes locked at the same moment.

“So what happens next?” you asked. 

“Hopefully,” he said, coming to a stop, “You’ve created the right kind of mood that would invoke a physical reaction.”

“Like?”

“Like a kiss,” he said, moving again, dipping you softly as he spun you in a half circle. 

“And who initiates that?” Babe smirked and shook his head.

“You’d never think that the beautiful ones are the ones who don’t know what they’re doing.”

“Hey, if you want me to find someone else,” you offered, backing away from him. He didn’t let go of his grip on your hand and pull you back to his chest.

“No, I never said that.” You smiled and looked up at him. You had never realized how tall Babe was. He definitely wasn’t the tallest in the company, but standing this close, you saw that he was a good bit taller than you. He was much taller than all of the other men you had met from Philly, including your fiance.

“What?” he asked. You shook your head. You didn’t know why you had a million thoughts on his height or a million more on everything else about him.

“Just thinking.”

“About what?” he asked, his face growing more serious.” You looked him in the eye, wondering if he was feeling the same tension when you were together that you were. Of course, Babe always joked with you about how gorgeous you were and having sex, but you couldn’t fully tell if his feelings were genuine.

“Nothing.”

“Your fiance?” You looked up into his eyes and shook your head.

“No.”

“Why not?” he asked, “I thought we were doing this to-”

“We were- are. It’s just, you’re nothing like him.” Babe set his jaw, and you made up your mind right then and there. Babe wasn’t like your fiance. He wasn’t like anyone you had ever met before. He made you feel in a way you had never felt before. In fact, Babe was so much unlike your fiance and every other man you had met, that you weren’t thinking about anyone or anything else when you leaned in to kiss him. 

Babe was taken by surprise, but quickly recovered and found his balance by putting his hand on the back of your head. You smiled into the kiss, realizing that his lips were as soft as they looked. He deepened the kiss with a slight turn of his head and you started to feel more than butterflies in your stomach.

Feeling like you never had before, you pulled away for air. You stared at Babe and watched him open his mouth to say something. You shook your head, your eyes locked together.

You kissed him again and this time Babe was more sure of himself. You let his arms wrap around your waist as yours went on his cheek and neck. Babe said he never really had a girlfriend, but the way his tongue moved contradicted that.

He backed you up to the couch you had been sitting on before, and you fell onto it. You looked up at him and laughed. He stood wide-eyed and breathless. You said his name softly.

“Sorry,” he said, leaning over you again, planting a few kisses to your face.

“Babe.” 

“I’m sorry, I just never thought this would happen. Even in my wildest fantasies-”

“We don’t have to,” you said. Babe shook his head and sat down next to you. He took your hand in his. 

“No, believe me, I want to.” You blushed and gave his hand a squeeze. “I just- I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“I’m worried that if we do this, there will be no hiding my feelings for you.”

“I understand.” Babe bit his lip and searched your face for a good minute before speaking again.

“So, let’s just do it as a teaching lesson.” Your eyes brightened as his eyes landed on yours again. He leaned in closer, making sure his movement was more deliberate this time. He moved slowly as his lips connected with yours.

With his hand on your cheek, he was in control of your movement. You let him have it gladly. Even if you were more experienced, kissing Babe was an adventure you were happy for him to lead. Each move he made, each time he kissed you and re-kissed you was a surprise and sensation you weren’t expecting.

Your hands went to the collar of his jacket, hoping to show him that you weren’t completely helpless. You started to work the buttons on his thick coat, and Babe smiled through his kiss. Once his jacket was off, Babe pulled you into his lap and planted his hands on your hips.

His eyes trailed your body, moving from your face down. His hands rubbed your skin as he analyzed every detail of your body. You made a quip about him looking instead of doing and his lips met yours again. After a few kisses there, they traveled along your jaw and down your neck.

You breathed in pleasure, grinding your body into his lap. Babe smiled against your skin and sucked hard on your collarbone. You moaned and gripped his shoulder. Babe laughed and made his way back up your neck. He peppered kisses all along it, leaving a few hickies in his wake.

“Am I being informative?” Babe asked with a sweet smile when you pushed him away to catch your breath. You rolled your eyes and sat down in his lap. Before, you had just been straddling him. 

“Fairly so.” He gripped your hips and pulled you flush against his skin. When he did, you felt a pressure in his lap you hadn’t felt earlier.

“Are you enjoying this?” you asked, smirking slightly.

“Very much,” he said, keeping his hands on you, grinning up at you. “Are you?”

You cocked an eyebrow at him. Babe knew you were enjoying yourself. He had complete control over the situation, and you were determined to show him that he wasn’t the only one able to drive someone crazy. 

“Yes. In fact, I’d like to thank you for being so helpful.” You stood up and dropped down to your knees, watching Babe’s face turn the brightest shade of red you had ever seen. He scooted to the edge of the couch, keeping his eyes locked on yours as you unzipped his pants. 

As you had felt earlier, Babe was already pretty hard for you. You helped him out of his pants, and started massaging his dick. He watched you, a calmness seeming to wash over him. In the rhythmic motion your fiance had taught you a long time ago, you gave Babe the best hand job you had ever given.

When you told him that you and your fiance hadn’t been completely chaste, this is what you were referring you. You kissed along the edge, working your way up to his tip. Babe bucked his hips and you smiled before taking him in your mouth.

“Fuck, Y/N,” he groaned, gripping your hair. You couldn’t help but smile as you sucked his dick. You would never tell anyone this, but Babe was a few inches longer than your fiance.

You continued sucking and kissing and massaging his dick for the next few minutes before Babe pulled you off. He laid on the couch, running his hand through his hair and staring off at the wall for a few moments. You laughed and he looked up at you, smiling.

“You sure you’re a virgin?” You giggled and Babe stood up, kissing you again. “Let’s go downstairs.” You nodded and led him down there. You found a private room and kicked open the door. Before you could even reach the bed, Babe ripped off your dress and panties and threw them in a pile by the door.

He was backing you up to the bed, laying you down carefully. He kissed you a few more times, rubbing against your entrance. While he kissed you, his fingers traveled down your whole body and he started fingering you. At contact, you moaned and threw your arms over your head. 

He took his hand away and licked his fingertips. You let out another groan and grabbed his face with your hands, kissing him deeply. He started to push himself into you, but you shook your head.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, looking at you with concern.

“Absolutely nothing,” you said, kissing him again. “Just, you’re exhausted and this is probably the first time in a long time that you’ve got to relax, yeah?” Babe shrugged and you pushed him onto his back. 

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I want you to relax,” you said, throwing your leg over him again. You fit him inside you and moaned out softly. Babe quickly backed up to the headboard and smiled.

“You’re amazing.” You smirked and kissed him softly as you started rocking your hips. His hands gripped your waist, leaving small nail indents. After a few beats, Babe started pushing into you. You let him take the lead for a while, enjoying watching him move and his face as he trailed your body with his eyes. 

Everyone had always told you what having sex for the first time would be like, but you never imagined it like this. It was supposed to hurt, women had told you, but you only felt slight pain when you first took him in. One of your married friends said that it was always what the guy wanted, but Babe had spent most of the night pleasuring you. 

You took control of the situation again as the pleasure started to take hold of Babe. His hands gripped your waist even harder, and he started kissing your breast. It wasn’t too soon after that you started to feel yourself losing control, too. 

Over and over Babe thrust into you, a new round of pleasure flowing over your body. You threw your head back as he pushed hard five more times. Babe pushed you off quickly and came on the sheets beside you. You smiled as he laid you down on your back.

“Here comes your most important lesson,” he said, kissing your abdomen. You ran your hands through his hair as his mouth traveled downwards and he soon started licking your clit. You felt yourself tighten up as he continued to kiss and suck expertly against you. Your legs started to thrash and your hips bucked before you came, crying out softly.

It was still freezing outside, so not too soon afterward you wrapped up in the blankets. Babe was staring up at the ceiling, a smile still on his face. You looked back at him, your face on the warm sheets.

“What?” he asked, looking down at you. You shrugged.

“Thank you.” Babe rolled his eyes and scoffed lightheartedly. 

“You don’t have to thank me for this.” You scooted up and wrapped yourself around the pillow. Babe looked over at you and turned so you were facing each other.

“I’d like to thank you anyways.” Babe blew air out of his nose and looked down. “By the way, if you couldn’t tell, you are amazing.” Even after everything that just happened, Babe still had the decency to blush.

“You flatter me. Don’t put yourself to shame though, Y/N. You were wonderful. You’re going to drive your fiance crazy when you get home.” You sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“Please, don’t apologize. I brought you both into my mess.” Babe brushed your hair behind your ear, making you turn to look at him. “Can I tell you the truth?”

“Yeah.”

“We did this because I was nervous about doing it with Anthony for the first time, but I didn’t think about him once during.” Babe didn’t say anything, but swallowed. That was the first time you had ever used your fiance’s name around any of the men. “Should I have?”

“I don’t know.”

“I always thought the man I’d lose my virginity to would be my husband, but . . .”

“Just because things didn’t play out the way you expected them to doesn’t mean that you still won’t get the happy ending you desired.”

“Do you still believe in happy endings?”

“I have to to get through all of this. We have to go on a patrol tonight, and if I don’t believe in happy endings, I’ll never get through tonight. If I don’t believe that I’ll get home in one piece, then I never will.”

“You have a patrol tonight?” As he nodded, you leaned forward and kissed him deeply.

“What was that for?”

“I don’t know. Maybe something to look forward to when you get back.”

“Yeah?” he asked with a lazy smile.

“Yeah.” 

“Thank you,” he said after he got out of bed and got dressed.

“What for?”

“For still being my friend after Bill left.”

“Well, Babe,” you said, lying on your stomach, “I may have met you because of Bill, but that’s not why I became your friend.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Good luck.”

Babe came back from the patrol without a scrape, but the mission had put an emotional strain on him. When he came back to your house, you saw the look on his face and the actions of last night happened all over again.

This time, Babe was on top, always in control of the situation. He was frustrated, and you could feel it in everything he did. However, he was never anything but gentle with you.

“Will you tell him about me?” he asked, afterward. You looked at him, taken aback by what he was saying.

“I think so. One day.” Babe set his jaw and nodded. “I have to tell you something.” He didn’t say anything and didn’t look at you. “Anthony is getting shipped back. He took the better part of a grenade, and he’ll be fine, but he wants me to be there when he gets home.”

“That’s great, Y/N,” he said, getting out of bed.

“Babe,” you said, following him towards the door. He only had his pants on, if he walked outside his bare chest would be exposed to the cold. “Please don’t end this like this.”

“I’m not ending it.”

“I don’t even know if I can leave, nonetheless if I want to.”

“Wait, why wouldn’t you want to?” he asked, shaking his head.

“Because of you,” you said, shoving him softly. Since Babe got back from the patrol, he wasn’t acting like himself. He was reserved and angry. “I didn’t sleep with you because-” you stopped yourself and groaned, walking away from him. You started to gather up his things, not wanting to talk anymore.

“You didn’t sleep with me because what?” he asked, coming deeper into the bedroom.

“I didn’t sleep with you just because you wore me down. Since I got here I have had boys in my face, flirting with me, doing more than just asking. You told me that you were worried you couldn’t hide your feelings. It’s very clear that you don’t want to be around me right now, and that’s fine, but please don’t push me away because you can’t hide your feelings. You aren’t the only one.”

Babe looked into your eyes, his eyebrows scrunching. He shook his head and you laughed cynically, closing your eyes. 

“I’m sorry,” you said. “About all of it.” You were beginning to cry now. “I’m sorry I flirted with you constantly, I’m sorry I always threw my fiance in your face, I’m sorry I slept with you.”

“Y/N,” Babe said, shushing you, cupping your cheeks. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because I was selfish. I saw that you liked me, and I used that. I hurt you, and I hurt myself, and I’m sure I’ll hurt more. I love you,” you said, breaking down and falling into his chest. You sobbed, not really for him, or even your fiance. You cried for you because you knew what had to happen.

Babe held you to his chest, brushing your hair. He didn’t speak, and he didn’t try to stop your crying. He just held you because he knew what was coming as well.

“Y/N,” he said, pushing you back a little, “Don’t apologize to me. You didn’t use me. I knew what I was getting into.”

“I have to go home.”

“I know.” You shook your head and Babe dropped his hands from your arms. “Look me up in Philly.” You smiled a little and wiped at your eyes. 

“Get home safely,” you said. He picked his things back up, and started to leave. He reached for the door once more, and you stopped him once more. You grabbed his cheeks and kissed him with everything you had. 

“I lo-” You shook your head and opened the door for him.

“If you don’t say it, I won’t have to hear it.”

“Goodbye, Y/N.”

Life back in the States was already back to normal. Many veterans were returning home, eager to get their lives back on track. That included Anthony. 

The grenade that hit him shattered his shoulder and cut up his entire back. His arm was in a sling when he got home, but he still hugged you tightly. It was good to be back in his arms, you told yourself. They were strong and his muscles were defined. They were comforting, but they weren’t soft. Not like . . .

Once he got home, he wanted your wedding to happen right away. For the next months, as everyone around you planned, you watched the paper. Each day, a new soldier was coming home. Bill came home and was transferred to a hospital nearby. You had visited him only once. 

One day, after checking the paper, you vowed to never do so again. Maybe he would never come home, but if he did, you didn’t need to think about him. You were marrying Anthony and that was all that mattered.

Months later, it was June and sunny and you were getting married. You stood in front of the mirror, the stereotypical bride, admiring your dress. The women around you complimented you, but it all passed through you. 

There were certain silly things you were focusing on. One of your bridesmaids had a cold, and her nose was bright red. Another one was talking about how excited she was to dance, she could always feel the rhythm in any dance. Your mother raved about how Anthony would look when he saw you, breaking into a heartbreaking grin. 

You only nodded slightly at what your mother said. She soon led you out into the hall and to your father’s arm. He told you how proud he was of you. He had never said that when you came home.

The music started up and you saw Anthony. He stood at the end of the aisle, watching you with a serious look in his eyes. He cleared his throat, but other than that, he made no bright exclamation. Your father drew up your veil and you smiled at Anthony. He smiled back and took your hand. 

Maybe if you had been a different religion, you would have gone through with the ceremony. However, Catholic ceremonies were long and boring, and while the priest dragged on, you couldn’t help but let your mind run back to Hagenau. 

“Y/N?”

“What?” you asked, focusing your eyes back on Anthony.

“Do you take this man?” the priest asked again in a hushed tone. There was an uncomfortable mumbling passing over the cathedral. You searched Anthony’s eyes and he shook his head in confusion. 

“Y/N?”

“I need to talk to you,” you whispered. He laughed softly and looked around, slightly confused. “Please.”

“Alright,” he said, taking your hand. He walked you back up the aisle, not listening to the calls from both of your mothers. He led you out into one of the spare rooms in the cathedral and sat down on the couch. “What is it?”

“There’s something I never told you about the war.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought I could forget about it and move on, but- I met someone. The company that I was around a lot. I got to know the men pretty well and I fell for one of them.”

“What do you mean you ‘fell’ for one of them?“

“I cheated on you. I fell in love with another man.” Anthony rubbed his thighs, trying to keep his cool.

“Did you kiss him?” You nodded and dropped your head into your hands. “What?”

“I didn’t just kiss him.” Anthony stood up and grunted something to himself as he turned away from you.

“Even after all the times I tried to get you to, after I proposed and everything? You wouldn’t until we were married, and then some prick manipulates you-”

“No, Anthony, he didn’t manipulate me,” you said, walking towards him. “It was my decision. It was what I wanted.” He rolled his eyes and looked up to the heavens for answers. It was a while until he spoke again.

“Why now? Why not tell me when I got home? Why not keep it secret forever? Do you still want to be together?” You felt the tears fill in your eyes and dropped down on the couch. “Baby?” he asked, crouching down in front of you.

“I’m sorry.” He sighed and used your knees as a way to stand.

“Yeah, me too.” 

“I do love you.”

“I love you, too, Y/N.” He kissed your forehead and walked towards the door, having to do the difficult job of telling everyone who came out for the event. You gathered yourself and sneaked back to the dressing room. You took your mothers keys and quickly escaped from the uproar that was about to happen.

A month later, your mother had all but threatened to kick you out. She had been staying in a hotel, ready to head back down south once the wedding was over. Each day she tried to get you to change your mind and each night your father tried to talk you back to your ‘senses.’

One afternoon, after they tried to gang up on you and bully you back to Anthony, you decided to head out to a bar. You ordered yourself a beer and sat at the bar alone. A group of men were watching the sports game on the tv in the corner, and you turned your head at one of the voices.

“Bill?” The bar was relatively empty, and those that were in there were silent as they watched the game. Because of this, Bill turned his head at the sound of his name. 

“Y/N?!” You smiled as he came to you on his crutches. He took a seat and you hugged him tightly. “What’s a gal like you doing here?”

“Hiding,” you said, ordering a beer for Bill. He nodded like he knew what you were talking about. “You heard then?”

“Word travels fast,” he said with a nod. “So you left him after everything you've both been through?” You nodded and took a swig. “Can I ask why?”

“After you left, Bill, I fell for someone else. I cheated on Anthony, and I thought I could forget about him, but I couldn’t. When I was in the cathedral, I saw him everywhere. When I walked down the aisle, I kept picturing another man in Anthony’s place.”

“Shit. No man wants to hear that.”

“He took it surprisingly well to tell you the truth. Maybe he met someone, too,” you said with a shrug.

“Well, he’ll never find one like you.”

“Hopefully he’ll find better.” Bill scoffed and put his hand on your arm.

“Don’t beat yourself up. No one talks about it anymore. You made the right call. You told him the truth and did what was best for you both.”

“Mind telling my parents that?” Bill laughed.

“Still haven’t forgiven you yet?”

“I don’t think they ever will, to tell you the truth.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. And if they’re giving you such a hard time, why don’t you just go back to that guy you met?” You looked over at him with a confused smile.

“You really don’t know?”

“Jesus, know what?”

“Know who I’m talking about.” Bill shook his head and you laughed. “Maybe he isn’t back.”

“Who?” You let out a breath.

“Babe, Bill. I fell in love with the idiot replacement you had to take under your wing.” His features changed from surprised to angry to joyous and back to surprised.

“He never said anything to me.” You smiled. “Although, he did seem like he was holding something back when he got home. He wasn’t the same but no one is. Why don’t you go to him?”

“I’m afraid I screwed that up.”

“Y/N, come on, I’m sure-”

“No, I did. I told him we had to move on, and I hope he did.” You put money on the bar and smiled at Bill. “I’ll call you.” He raised his glass to you and watched as you walked out of the bar.

Bill called you up three days later and asked if you wanted to meet him for dinner. He even promised that he would pick you up and you could tell your parents it was a date, in the hopes of getting them off your back. You agreed, of course.

You walked down the street together, reminiscing with Bill about the good ol’ days when you first met.. He told you about a woman he was talking to. And just as you got to the bar he asked you how you were doing.

“I’m fine.” Bill beamed as he opened the door and you looked at him in confusion. “What?”

“Y/N?” Inside the bar, someone said your name. Again, it was the accent in the voice that got your attention. Babe sat at the bar, looking back at you with a smile.

“Bill,” you called, waiting for him to come up behind you. He was grinning proudly. “What the hell?” you asked, turning to face him. 

“Just talk to him.”

“You tricked me.”

“Because you wouldn't have come if I told you why I was bringing you here.” He pushed you forward so you were closer to Babe. He looked like he did at the beginning of the war, allbeit more grown up and serious.

“I’m sorry Bill dragged you into this,” you said. 

“Ah, don’t worry about it.” He smiled at you and you felt the familiar butterflies. “Can I get you a drink?”

“God, yes.” You took a seat by him and when the beer came sliding your way you took a long swig of it. 

“How’ve you been, Y/N?” Babe asked, biting his lip. You looked at him knowingly and shrugged.

“How are you?”

“Good.”

“When did you get home?”

“A few months ago.” You looked at him and he smiled sympathetically. “I heard.”

“Who didn’t?” He looked down at his glass, sighing. “I told him.”

“Good,” Babe said, nodding his head. You settled into an uncomfortable silence, each staring at their glass.

“Hey, Babe, Y/N!” You both turned and saw Bill standing across the bar, right next to the dartboard. You shook your head but stood, Babe following close behind.

“You’re relentless,” you said once you reached Bill. He handed you the darts with a smirk.

“You still as good as you were?” he asked, making his way back towards the bar. Babe tried to say something to him, but he shook his head.

“You guys play.” You rolled your eyes and took aim, hitting all your marks.

“Not bad,” Babe said, walking up to grab the darts. You smiled and tried to hide it behind your mug.

“Think you can do better?” you asked with a smirk. Babe cocked his head and straightened himself next to you.

“I think I might.” You waved your hand and watched him aim, hitting his marks as well.

“Not bad.” 

“Wanna bet?” Babe asked once you brought the darts back.

“Sure I won’t corrupt you?” Babe laughed and scrunched up his nose.

“Nah, I’m sure I’ll be fine. What else can you do?” You frowned a little and he took the darts from you, holding your hands for a moment too long. “Call it.”

“Seven.”

“What’s the bet?”

“How about another drink?” Babe nodded and hit his mark. You put your hands up and shrugged, making Babe laugh. He gave you the darts back and you looked at him. “Call it.”

“Nine.” He paused and you looked back at him.

“What’s the bet?”

“Miss and you’ll go on a date with me.” You had turned back to the dart board, ready to aim, but stopped. He was smiling shyly. 

“Fine.” You threw the dart and it landed right outside the bull’s eye, on fifteen. When you faced him again, you saw Bill smiling at you in the background.

“Well, Y/N,” Babe said, walking towards you, “Looks like you owe me a date.”

“Looks like I do,” you said, looking up at him. He smiled and you shook your head.

“What?”

“I can’t believe you don’t hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Y/N. I never did and I don’t think I ever will.”

“I left you.”

“Well, you’re back now,” he said, tucking your hair behind your ears. “So, I’m gonna tell you what I should have told you when you walked in. I asked Bill to bring you here.”

“You did?”

“Yes, because there’s something I need to tell you. I should have told you back in Hagenau.” You raised an eyebrow as he leaned in closer so that your noses were practically touching. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” you said, letting him close the gap between you in a bone crushing hug as he kissed you more passionately than he had any other time before.

[mystical-flute]

Black Coffee & Pumpkin Pie - Ch. 4

Ao3 || Ko-fi

"You're sure you're ready to introduce me to your family?" Alice asked, still sitting in the passenger's seat of Margot's car, playing with the lace on her shirt.

Margot smiled and kissed her head. "Of course I am. It's been almost a year after all. It's time for you to meet them. They'll love you, I promise. My family is super accepting, don't worry. None of them are anything like your mom."

Alice shivered a little at the memory of introducing Margot to her mother. It hadn't ended well, and she and Margot had been traveling Europe trying to forget the tantrum her mother had thrown. Despite Margot's assurance that her family was going to be more accepting of their relationship, Alice still felt a bit uneasy.

"Are you okay?" Margot asked with a small frown.

Alice nodded. "Yes. I trust you, Margot. With my life."

Margot looked out the window and smiled as a car pulled up behind them. "That's my mom. I'll be right back. I'll wave to you when I'm ready." With that, she hopped out of the car and ran up to her mother, leaving the door open so Alice could hear their conversation.

"I had no idea you'd be home. If you'd called ahead of time I would have been home by the time you got back. I hope you haven't been waiting too long," Margot's mother said with a smile.

"No, not too long at all. Traffic was a nightmare getting through Augusta or we would have been here sooner."

"'We'? Margot, who is 'we'?"

Margot's cheeks flushed a brilliant pink, before she waved Alice over. With a bright smile and a bounce in her step, Alice hopped out of the car and waved.

"Mom… this is Alice Jones. My girlfriend."

The mother paused for a moment, looking at the pair of them together, before giving the women a warm smile. "Oh. Oh Margot I'm so happy for you! Hello Alice. My name's Zelena. Welcome to Storybrooke."

Alice gave Zelena a relieved look. "It's so nice to meet you Zelena. Margot told me so much about you and Storybrooke that I just had to come with her when she said she was ready to come home."

And to get away from my crazy mother.

Chuckling, Zelena shook her head. "That's my daughter for you, wanderlust has her heart, but it looks like you've managed to fight it off. But Margot," she said, her tone turning urgent as she looked at her again, "it really is a good thing you've come home. I don't know if my message got through, but Bobby's been in the hospital for a week now. He was in the abandoned mines and got trapped."

Margot's face fell. "What? Oh no! I should get to the hospital right away."

"I'll take you. Here darling, get your things in the house and we'll go. Alice… would you like to come with us?"

Alice was surprised at the question. "I – me? I dunno, that seems like something you guys should do by yourelves. Trust me. I can even make dinner if you want. Though… it'd only be marmalade sandwiches but – "

"Alice, I want you there. If it's as bad as Mom says, I'm going to want you there with me. Besides, I'm sure the family wouldn't mind meeting you, even if it is under this set of circumstances," Margot said softly. "You might be the thing they need to cheer up somewhat."

"You think so?"

"I do."

"Well… alright then," Alice said with a weak smile.

Soon enough, Zelena was leading Margot and Alice down the hall to Bobby's hospital room, where two adults, whom Alice could only assume were his parents.

"Aunt Mary? Uncle David?" Margot said softly.

"Hm? Oh! Margot! Zelena, you didn't tell us she was home," Mary-Margaret said with a small smile as she stood and embraced her.

Zelena smiled. "It was a surprise to me too, Mary-Margaret. You know I would've told you otherwise. And she brought someone along with her, I hope that's okay."

Alice shuffled nervously as she looked at the pair. Maybe it was a bad idea for her to come right now…

"Oh – no, of course it's fine. We trust her," the dark-haired woman said as she rose from her chair. "My name is Mary-Margaret Nolan, and this is my husband David. And, you are?"

"My name is Alice. Alice Jones. It's nice to meet you both. I'm sorry it isn't under the best circumstances though," Alice said with a shy smile and she shook both of their hands. "I'm Margot's girlfriend."

"It's a pleasure, Alice. Welcome to Storybrooke," David said. "If there's anything you need, feel free to find me at the sheriff's station. I'm the seriff."

Alice gave David a bright smile, lighting up at the mention of a sheriff. "Oh! My papa's a detective in Seattle! I think you'd really like him!"

David smiled. "Is he now? Always nice to hear of another police officer."

Alice nodded, before looking at the boy in the bed and biting her lip. "So… this is your son, right? What happened?"

"Storybrooke was a mining community when it was first founded, but we eventually closed them down. Despite how well-sealed the mines were, teenagers always managed to find a way inside. We'd hoped, with David being the sheriff and being at every rescue, that our kids would know better than to go down there but…" Mary-Margaret explained with a resigned shrug. "The mine shaft he was in began to collapse, so there was a lot of dust that got into his lungs. We're hoping the damage isn't permanent."

She could only stare at Mary-Margaret. "Oh – I'm so sorry, Mary-Margaret. I hope he gets better soon."

"Thank you Alice. It was so nice of you to come."

"Can I ask another question?"

"Of course; I have nothing to hide."

"Are you and Zelena sisters? Margot talked about all of you but, no offense, you don't look all that much like Zelena," Alice asked. She was insanely curious about that fact, despite knowing that it could be a little offensive, and she inwardly kicked herself for saying it out loud to a woman whose son was laying in a hospital bed.

To Alice's surprise, Mary-Margaret actually chuckled softly and shook her head. "No, Zelena and I aren't sisters. The story is a little more complicated than that. See – "

Mary-Margaret was cut off from her story at the sudden sound of choking. Robert Nolan's eyes were wide open, and he coughed around the tube in his throat.

"Doctor Whale!" David screamed, and Alice stepped out of the room with wide eyes to give the family some privacy as a doctor and several nurses raced by her.

"Well, this is going much better than it did with my mother!" She thought, pleased with how things were turning out. "Despite something happening with Bobby, of course. I hope he's okay. That sounded bad…"

She paused when she saw a pair of men walking down the hallway. Was that…? No, it couldn't be.

Could it?

"Bae?" she said with wide eyes as she looked at one of the men.

Neither man seemed to pay much attention, with one of them turning and walking down another hallway.

Huh.

"Hello to you too!" the second man said, waving to her. Briefly, Alice was confused, wondering when she'd greeted him, until she realized that 'hey' started a lot like 'Bae'.

Alice cleared her throat. "Yes, hello. Are you going to visit Robert?"

"I am," he replied. "Come with a card from the fire station and everything. You were visiting him too, I assume? I don't recognize you though."

"Oh – I'm Alice. I'm Margot Mills' girlfriend," Alice replied with a small smile. "I came here with her."

"Pleasure to meet you Alice. I'm Ali. Margot huh? I didn't realize she was back in town. Anyway, are they accepting visitors?"

Alice could only shrug. "I dunno. He started coughing and the doctor and nurses ran in so I stepped outside. I don't know what happened after that."

Ali frowned. "Oh geez. I'll go check. Thanks. And it was nice to meet you again."

"You too Ali!" Alice said in a chipper tone, continuing down the hallway, a spring in her step. She glanced down the hallway the man that she'd seen with Ali disappear down. She didn't see him again though, which caused a small frown appear on her face. Why did he seem to be so familiar, despite the distance they'd had?

Ah, well. Maybe she was wrong. That happened sometimes. Instead of dwelling on it, Alice paused in front of a vending machine, glancing through the options.

"Would you like anything, Alice?"

She started, looking over to find Zelena next to her.

"Oh – I don't know. I'm just browsing," Alice said.

"You look like you're deep in thought. Is everything okay?"

Alice shrugged. "Well, yes or no? I'm not too sure actually. Ali, that man that just went into Bobby's room? There was someone else with him."

Zelena frowned. "Was there? Ali was the only one to come inside…"

"Yeah, but that's because the other guy walked down another hallway. I would just shrug it off since maybe he's here to visit someone else but… I don't know, Zelena, if I didn't know any better, I'd say he looked a lot like my cousin before he ran away…"

She didn't notice the look in Zelena's eyes, quickly masked by a face of concern. "Your cousin ran away? Well… you know Alice, I'm a private investigator, if you'd like, I can help you find him. Why don't you tell me all about him?"

Alice beamed at the woman. "Thank you Zelena, that would be amazing!"

-----

Neal felt his hands shaking as he ducked down a far hallway from where his intended destination. Shit. Shit. What the hell was Alice doing here? Why was she here?

More importantly, what was he going to do?

Tugging at his hair, Neal exhaled slowly. Dammit all. As much as he'd liked hanging around Alice before he'd run away from home, he really didn't want her to blow things for him right now. Looking around, Neal dropped into a free chair in the small lounge he'd found and put his phone to his ear.

"Neal, honey, what's the matter?" Eudora's voice came from the other end of the line.

"Mama…" he breathed, keeping his eyes peeled for anyone that could be coming near. "I need some advice. Badly."

"Of course, what is it?"

"It's my cousin. My stepfather's niece. She's here in town. I haven't seen him since I ran away from them and… I don't want her to recognize me."

"So let me guess, you ran down another street so she wouldn't see you or talk to you?" she guessed with a small hum. "Thus making her more suspicious if she had any to begin with?"

"Well, I…"

"Neal… you know you're going to have to tell your daddy you're there soon, right?"

"I know, Mama. But I'm still trying to find information on him before I tell him I'm here," Neal sighed. "He seems shady, like Mom and Killian would say."

"That doesn't mean they're right about everything regarding him. You know that."

"I know…"

"Besides, maybe you can recruit her to help keep your secret. You told me she was the only one out of your family that you trusted in the end. I'm sure you can trust her now, Neal. And remember, if you ever want to come home…"

"I know. I can go back to New Orleans."

Eudora chuckled an affirm. "You should come back soon though. I'm sure Tiana would love to see you back home. And we could really use your help at the restaurant."

He laughed softly. "I'll see what time off I can get, mama. I promise."

"Of course. I wouldn't want to take you away from your work, honey. Call me soon, okay?"

"I will. Bye, Mama."

Neal ended the call, feeling slightly calmer now that he'd spoken with Eudora. Maybe she was right. Maybe letting Alice in on his plans wouldn't be such a terrible idea.

He just hoped she wasn't too suspicious of him already.

A few days later, Neal found himself sitting at the counter at Granny's.

"Did you want anything else, Neal?" Emma asked with a smile as she slid over his plate of food. "Maybe some mayo so you can make that ketchup-mayo stuff you seem so keen on?"

He laughed. "You actually remembered that? But yeah, sure, I'd love some, if it isn't too much trouble."

"Not at all. It's my pleasure."

He laughed. "Wow, you're really working for a big tip aren't you?" he teased.

"Well, you know, cars are expensive. And I might be planning a trip with some of my friends and I want a little spending money," she hummed in response.

His brow raised as she slid a small thing of mayo over to him. "A trip, huh? Where are you going?"

Emma beamed. "My friends and I are planning to head to New Orleans actually. For spring break. I'd love to be able to go over the winter break but with Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years in December, it's a bit hectic."

Neal smiled, stirring the ketchup and mayo together. "New Orleans, really? That's ironic. If you want me to give you some good, local places to go to just let me know. Those are the best places to be, not necessarily the tourist traps."

"Really? That'd be great! Thanks Neal!"

"Course, any time."

"I get off at five if you want to come by the farm and talk about it."

He blinked in surprise. "Uh. Are you sure? Aren't your parents going to be busy with Robert and everything?"

She waved off the worry. "My parents won't mind. Besides, Bobby's actually doing better, so they've relaxed a lot in the last few days. He woke up! And the doctors say his levels are going back to normal! It's really amazing, even if I still want to kill him for scaring us like that in the first place."

"I can't say I blame you," Neal replied with a small laugh and taking out his phone to check the time. "Alright. I'll hang out here at 5:00 and you can show me the way."

"See you tonight," Emma said with a small wink and a giggle that had Neal's heart beating just a little bit faster.

Neal nodded as she wandered off to check on some of the tables, and began eat until the door opened, and Alice walked in, holding hands with another woman.

He hid a smile behind his glass and nodded to Alice once when he caught her staring.

"Is that you, Bae?" she murmured, leaning against the stool next to him.

He glanced around, making sure no one was around before answering. "Yes. It's been a long time, Alice."

"Where have you been? Do you know how worried we've been about you?" Alice whispered. "Why did you do that, Bae? Why did you leave?"

Neal exhaled. "Please, don't call me that. I go by Neal now. I'm here to figure out my past."

"What?"

"My dad and everything. Alice, please don't tell anyone. You're the only one I trusted before I ran away. I'm trusting you again with this."

Alice's eyes got wide. "I – yes, okay. I'll keep your secret. I promise. I won't even tell Papa you're here. I'm just… I'm just so glad to see you B – Neal. I'm so glad you're okay."

Neal smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. "I'm glad to see you too, Alice. I missed you."

"Alice! You ready to sit down?"

Alice looked over and grinned at the woman that had called her, nodding. "Be right there!" With another glance at Neal, she whispered "girlfriend", before heading over to the booth where the other woman waited.

Neal leaned against the counter with a smile. Damn, he was glad to have an ally in this town.

"This must be a bit of a culture shock for you, huh?" Emma asked as they made their way up to the large farmhouse later that evening. "Coming from New Orleans and all."

Neal nodded. "Yeah, kinda. What's your dad even farm, anyway?"

"Vegetables, mostly. But we have sheep and a couple cows. You'd never guess that Dad's such a country boy when you see him in action, but he really is."

He chuckled. "Well it's a nice farm. I'm sure my sister would be in awe of the fresh produce here. She loves to cook."

"You have a sister?"

"Yeah, Tiana. She's the one that encouraged me to come here, actually."

"What, was she that desperate to get rid of you?" she teased, pushing the front door open. "Mom, Dad, I'm home!"

"Hey sweetheart. Your dad took Eva to the hospital to visit Bobby," Mary-Margaret said as she appeared from what Neal could only assume was the dining room. "Oh? Who is this?"

"I'm Neal Cassidy. I just arrived in town a couple of weeks ago. I'm a firefighter. Emma asked me here to help her plan her trip to New Orleans."

She smiled. "Oh yes, of course. Regina mentioned you the other day when she was over. It's so nice to finally meet you. I'm Mary-Margaret, the principal of the elementary school. I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but thank you for helping to save my son."

"All part of the job, ma'am. It's nice to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you from the guys at the station," he said politely.

Mary-Margaret laughed lightly. "Oh I'm sure. Alright, I'll let you guys plan the trip Emma. But Neal? Just make sure they're safe?"

He nodded, taking a seat at the table with Emma. "Of course I will. I promise."

They were left alone, Emma pulling out a piece of paper and a pen. "Okay! Spill all the details about New Orleans."

So he did, and the dining room was filled with laughter, their chairs slowly getting closer and closer, their cheeks flushing pink at the shared charge in the room.

Finally, Neal decided to do something about it. "Hey uh – Emma… did you maybe wanna go to the Fireman's Ball with me? It's coming up soon and I really don't know what I'm doing."

Emma looked up at him and grinned. "I'd like that Neal. I'd like that a lot."

While he couldn't have imagined that this was where the night would go, Neal had to admit, he didn't exactly mind, and he returned to Granny's that night with a clear head and a spring in his step.

He may not have had much information on his dad yet, but he wouldn't complain that someone had caught his eye.

[snarkysarcasm]

Your fics are wonderful. If it tickles your fancy, here is a prompt: Holly is caught stealing her cat (or pet of your choosing) from an ex-girlfriend. Gail is the arresting officer.

So better late than never right?  Especially if I write an extra long fic as a form of penance?  Warning, an excessive amount of fluff and words below….

An entire day partnered with Chloe Price and Gail was contemplating the merits of throwing herself from the moving squad car.  

While she was the one driving it.

If she actually believed in Gods, she would’ve thanked them when the radio suddenly crackled to life and finally cut off Chloe’s incessant chatter before Gail could make good on her thoughts.  

“Burglary in progress.  One-six-seven Balsam Avenue.  Suspect is still on scene.”

Gail snatched the radio out of Chloe’s hand before her chipper partner could respond.  She couldn’t help it.  Chloe just brought out the mean girl in her.  

“Car 1504 responding.  En route.”

“Ooo swanky.”  Were the first words out of Chloe’s mouth as they pulled up to the large home.  “I bet they have gorgeous hardwood floors.”

“Are you even capable of keeping your mouth shut, Price?”

Hands on their weapons Gail and Chloe made their way to the front of the house.  Before they could reach the porch, the door opened and a person started heading towards them.  

Both Gail and Chloe had their weapons drawn in a flash and aimed at the woman who had just exited the house.  

“Police! Freeze!”

A small cushion, something that looked like a feather attached to a stick, and what appeared to be a red lunchbox went clattering to the floor as the woman’s hands shot into the air.

“This isn’t what it looks like, officers.”

That much was true.  The woman certainly didn’t look like a burglar.  Puffy green jacket, plain grey t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of combat boots.  The dark-rimmed glasses that were perched on the woman’s tan face honestly made her look more like a librarian than a thief.  

“We had reports of a burglary.”

“I’m not burglarizing anything, I’m just here to get my cat.”

As if on cue, a purring, white feline with tan and gray patches appeared and started doing figure eights around the woman’s ankles.

Gail holstered her gun, and nodded towards Chloe who lowered her weapon but kept it out.

“We need to see your ID.”

“Okay it’s in my pocket.”

“Do you have any weapons on you?”

“No.”

Gail did a quick pat down and produced a wallet from the woman’s pocket. Chloe finally holstered her gun as well when they realized that the “suspect” didn’t appear to be a threat.

“Holly Stewart.”  Gail read aloud.  She skimmed the license before handing it to Chloe who went to check it in their system,  “This isn’t your address, Ms. Stewart.”

“Doctor.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry,  I didn’t mean to sound rude but it’s Dr. Stewart.  After four years of medical school and four years of residency plus fellowship and being called a nurse the entire time, it’s just habit at this point to say it.  So i’m sorry…”  The woman adjusted her glasses, then glanced at Gail’s name tag.  “Officer Peck. I’m Dr. Stewart and I’m a forensic pathologist. I was just hired by the city, but I left my work badge in my car.”

“Oh.”  Gail said simply as she processed the information.”Okay, Dr. Stewart.  Did you break into this house and attempt to steal a cat?”

“Technically, I didn’t break in.  I used a key that the owner gave me.  And M.M. is my cat.”

“If that’s true why didn’t you come get it when the owner was actually home?”

The woman fidgeted, hands coming up to adjust her glasses.  “Yeah, so about that…”

As if on cue, an irate blonde came storming out of a car that had just sped onto the driveway.  “Seriously, Holly?”

“What? I told you I would come back for her.”

“You waited until I was at work.”

“Well excuse me for not really wanting to see you.  What are you doing here anyway?”

“The police contacted me because someone was breaking into my house.”

“Rachel said that she was going to let you know that I was coming today.  Did she?”

The blonde ignored her question, “So you’re really here for the cat and not to see me.”

“Yeah, what part of me coming here while you were at work gave it away?”

Chloe coughed to hide her chuckle, but Gail just outright laughed at the woman’s snark.  It was impressive to say the least, especially when having two officers standing by waiting to arrest her.  Clearly, whatever nervousness she had been feeling was replaced by anger at the sight of whoever owned the house.

The blonde woman glared at Gail before turning back to the would-be burglar, “Will you just talk to me?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.  We’re over and I really don’t want to see you ever again.  I just want M.M. and that’s the only reason I’m here right now.”

“Should we interrupt?” Chloe mumbled to Gail who had somehow gotten just as caught up in the drama unfolding in front of her as her partner.

Gail cleared her throat.  “Okay, clearly you two have more issues than Time magazine but unless there is an actual crime taking place we need to go.”

Both women turned their glares onto her, but she merely cocked an eyebrow and the would-be-thief, Holly’s, features immediately softened and became contrite.

If anything, the homeowner’s hardened further, “There is a crime, she broke into my house and attempted to steal my cat.  It’s a good thing you got here when you did officers or she might have gotten away with it.”

“Are you going to call her a meddling kid next?”  Holly snorted, but Gail’s impassive face didn’t give any acknowledgment away this time.

“You asked if there was a crime and I’m reporting a crime.”

“You can’t be serious!” Holly protested.

“I am, officers, I would like to press charges.”

Gail didn’t want to, but she had little choice.  She exchanged a look with Chloe, before she pulled her handcuffs from her belt.

“I’m sorry, Dr. Stewart.”  Even Gail was surprised at home much she meant the words and she started to maneuver the woman’s hands behind her back.  Sometimes her job really sucked, but if there was one thing the Pecks had managed to ingrain in her were the rules.  And if the person wanted to press charges she had little choice.

“Oh you don’t need to apologize.  A blonde and handcuffs, she’ll enjoy it a lot more than you realize,” The homeowner said.

Holly, Gail, and Chloe all shot the smug woman the same disgusted look before Gail started to pull Holly towards their cruiser.  

Holly continued to shoot her ex a withering look that had even Gail impressed.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this, Ash.  I could lose my job.”

“You could just talk to me and then I wouldn’t have to do this.”

“You do have the right to remain silent, Dr. Stewart.” Gail reminded her but Holly was only focused on the woman responsible for her predicament.

“You really think I want anything to do with you after today?”

“Well maybe a night in jail and unemployment will change your mind.”

Gail stopped just as she was about to reach the squad door.  “Really?  Right in front of us?”  She couldn’t believe that the woman had the gall to actually try to blackmail the doctor into talking to her.  Gail didn’t make it a habit to get in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel but fuck it.  

“You know what, Dr. Stewart?”  Gail unlocked the metal bracelets. “You’re free to go.”

“You can’t just let her go if I want to press charges?”

“Considering I just heard you try to blackmail her in order to get her to talk to you while using police resources, you’re going to be lucky that I don’t ticket you instead with a disorderly conduct charge.”

The woman, Ash, took a step towards Gail.  “Did you just threaten me, Officer Peck?”

But Gail was unfazed, “Of course not.  Did you hear a threat, Officer Price?”

Chloe shook her head, “No, I heard a warning.  Sounded like you’re being extra nice today, Officer Peck.”

Realizing she was outnumbered the blonde woman huffed before she grabbed the cat and headed towards the house.

“Hey!”  Holly protested.

But Gail placed a gentle hand on the woman’s arm.  “You’re going to have to let her go tonight.”

“But…”

“Listen we’ll get her back to you but not right now.  You are technically trespassing if she owns the home and doesn’t want you here.”

“Right.” Holly looked back at the house and blinked back the tears.  She cleared her throat.  “Right.  Well thank you, officers.  Now that I’ve been properly humiliated I am going to head home before this day gets any worse.”

Gail found herself watching the morose woman as she headed to her car, an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.  Some people (*cough* Chloe) would have called it sympathy.  Gail blamed it on the burrito she had for lunch and listening to Chloe all day.  And yet she didn’t look away until the car turned the corner.  

Standing on the edge of the ravine, Gail had been assigned the perimeter while Marlo flirted with her boyfriend and Traci looked over the body of bones a couple of teenagers found while being idiots in the woods.  She was zoning out until a blur of brown hair, puffy green jacket, and a familiar red lunchbox flew by her.

“Hey, Lunchbox.  You’re not allowed down there.”

“Thanks appreciate it.”

“No, I said you’re not allowed down there.”

When the woman turned around, Gail kept a straight face as she glared at the part-time thief, Dr. Holly Stewart.

Recognizing the police officer, confusion overtook Holly’s features.  “Oh no.  I am.  I need to get some samples.  I’m the forensic pathologist.” She held up the red forensic kit and reminded the officer.  She probably shouldn’t have been surprised, or maybe she should’ve been relieved that the gorgeous blonde police officer didn’t recognize her after she almost arrested her.  Though truth be told she was also a little disappointed.

“Unless you actually brought your ID this time, I’m still not convinced you are.  For all I know, you just like to make it a habit out of trespassing.”  

One corner of Holly’s lips quirked up into a smile.  She pulled out her work badge and showed it to Gail.  “I’m not trespassing.”

Checking the ID, Gail nodded, but kept her hands on her hips.  “Didn’t realize the city made a habit out of hiring cat burglars.”

“Luckily I am a much better scientist than I am a criminal.”

“So what are you doing here?”

“You’re not up on your medical jurisprudence?  We need to determine cause of death.  I test the water for diatoms, and if we find diatoms in the bone marrow Oh, did you notice if the femur is still intact?” Gail simply shrugged, but the woman seemed undeterred,  “I’ll check later.  If the diatoms match, we know the person drowned.  If there aren’t any diatoms, then we know the cause of death was something else.  I’ll need to consult with the forensic anthropologist, I’ll grab some leaves, bugs, dirt so they don’t have to come back.  It helps in identifying the postmortem interval.”  

Gail hated the fact that she actually enjoyed the mini science lesson, even if she only understood half of it.  But she would never admit that.  Instead she glared, “Why are you saying all these words?”

But Holly simply smiled wider at her. “You asked?”

“And I’m regretting that decision.”  Gail was surprised when Holly’s smile didn’t falter.

“All right. Uh.  I need someone to stay here and someone to go to the morgue.” Sam’s annoying voice broke up the conversation.

Unfortunately Marlo was faster at raising her hand.  Left with no choice,

“I’ll go to the morgue.”  When Holly looked up at her, Gail added, “It’s never too late to learn about medical jurisprudence.”

“So at what point did a woman with a doctorate and who writes about arteriosclerosis decide that it would be a good idea to break into her ex-girlfriend’s house?”

After spending an entire day in Holly’s lab, learning about diatoms, and what a person could tell just by looking at a table filled with bones, Gail realized at the end of her shift that she didn’t hate the doctor.  In fact, she kind of liked her.  It was what prompted Gail to suggest they grab a drink when they were about to part ways.  

Which was how she was now at a booth at the Penny at least three shots in.

“Ex-fiancé’s”

“Rough.”

“Tell me about it.  Caught her with the wedding planner on the couch I bought her when she moved into that house.”

“Damn and I thought being left at the altar sucked. That is definitely worse.”  They clinked glasses, the tequila making the words come easily if a bit slurred.

The way Holly nearly lost her glasses as she startled at the revelation was annoyingly adorable, “Who would leave you at the altar?  I mean, God, look at you.  Did he lose his mind or his vision?”

“It was Vegas. Pretty sure the booze wore off and he realized I wasn’t girlfriend material let alone wife material.”

“He’s an idiot.  You’re amazing.  Gorgeous, funny, sarcastic as hell, you’re exactly…”  When her brain slowly caught up to the words tumbling out of her mouth, Holly froze.

“I’m exactly what?”

“Girlfriend material.”

“That’s not what you were going to say.”

“How do you know?  Are you a mind-reader too?”

“Come on Nerd, what were you going to say?”  Gail poked at her with her boot, but Holly swatted at her.

“I don’t know if I need more or less tequila for this conversation.”

“The answer is always more.”  Gail waved to the bartender for more shots.  “Now tell me.”

“Fine.  I was going to say you’re exactly my type.  Happy?”

“Kinda.” Honestly, Gail was flattered.  It wasn’t the first time a lesbian was attracted to her.  And when she thought about it Holly was pretty sexy…in a nerdy librarian kind of way.  Which, hey, maybe that was her thing.  It could be.  Maybe.  

But then a thought occurred to her. “Oh ewww.  If I’m your type, then how the hell did you end up with your ex? Are you saying I’m anything like her?”

“I don’t know. Would you cheat on me and then keep my cat just to try to get me to talk to you?”

“No.”

“Well then you’re already leagues above her.” Holly and Gail clinked their glasses again.  But even after taking the shot, Holly’s mood had shifted.  

“I just can’t believe she is holding M.M. hostage like this.”

“So I’ve been meaning to ask, is the thing named after the candy or the rapper?”

“Neither.  She’s named after Maud Menten.”

“Who?”

“Maud Menton?  Canadian physician-scientist who is half of like the most famous equation in enzyme kinetics and histochemistry ever: the Michaelis-Menten equation where the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is proportional to the amount of the enzyme-substrate complex. She then went on to write “The Alkalinity of the Blood in Malignancy and Other Pathological Conditions” and she was the head of pathology in Pittsburgh.”

Gail sighed, even the babbling was kind of cute.  “I liked you better when I thought she was named after the candy.”   When the corner of Holly’s lips quirked up into a smile at Gail’s joke, she felt a pull in her stomach.

Instead of acknowledging her suddenly growing attraction, she knocked back her last shot and stood up.   “Alright let’s go.”

Gail tossed a few bills onto the table and grabbed her leather jacket.

Holly finished her last drink and stood as well.  “Where are we going?”

“A lesbian should never be denied access to her pussy.  It’s criminal.”

“What?”

But by the time Holly managed to wrap her head around what the blonde had just said she was already out the door.

“Have you two been drinking?”  Oliver asked as he towered over the two women now seated on the curb with cuffs around their wrists.

“Ummm…Don’t we have the right to remain silent?” It was more of a plea than a question when Gail asked.

Oliver shook his head.  He dealt with enough of these shenanigans with his daughters.  Let alone his co-workers.  “Okay so let me get this straight.  While under the influence of alcohol an officer of the law and one of our forensic pathologists decided it would be a good idea to break into Dr. Stewart’s ex-girlfriend’s…”

“Ex-fiancé’s” Both Holly and Gail corrected him.

“Rough.”

Gail perked up, pointing adamantly at Oliver, “That’s what I said!”

But Oliver shot her a look that had her sinking back down onto the curb.  “Well I did,” she mumbled under her breath.

Oliver continued, “Ex-fiancé’s residence in an attempt to steal a cat.”

“Maud belongs to Holly, Oliver.  We were just getting her back.”

“Do you have any proof, Dr. Stewart, that the cat belongs to you.”

“Well…no…I found her outside and after trying to locate her owners and not succeeding I just kept her.  But she was only here because I had moved in when I moved back to Toronto.  It didn’t make sense to get my own place when we were still planning the wedding.”

“And have you asked for it back?”

“Her.”  Gail corrected him, and received another dad look from the veteran officer.

“And have you asked for her back?”

Gail nodded her satisfaction which caused Oliver to roll his eyes and Holly’s smile to light up again.

“I’ve left messages and had my friends contact Ash.  I don’t want to speak with her if I don’t have to.  But I don’t know why she won’t give her back.  She hates her, Officer Shaw, and the feeling is mutual.”

“Alright.  Let me see if I can speak to her.”

When Oliver walked away, Gail nudged Holly with her shoulder. “Don’t worry if anyone can convince her it’s Oliver.”

“I hope so.”

Gail decided that Holly’s ex had to have been a fucking moron to cheat on the woman.  She was interesting, smart, and weird.  And Gail liked her.  Shit, Gail liked her.  

Stuck sitting on the curb, Gail couldn’t help but appreciate Holly’s profile.  Her skin was lit up with the red and blues of the nearby squad car but they didn’t take away from how beautiful she was in the slightest.  Maybe it was the tequila but Gail found herself staring at Holly’s lips and wondering if they were as soft as they looked.  

They heard a couple of voices shouting and then a flash of white was streaking across the yard and up a tree.

Oliver and Holly’s ex followed the cat.

“Maud.  Get your ass down here.” Ash shouted.

But the cat didn’t even look in her supposed owner’s direction.

“Oh, great.”

“Guess we’re going to have to call the hose monkeys.” Oliver grumbled as he reached for his radio.

Holly spoke up before he could place the call, “May I try?” After Oliver nodded, she looked up at the tree and cocked her head to the side, “Maud.”  

The cat’s ears twitched and her tail started moving at the sound of her owner. “Come on down, sweetheart.  You’re wasting the nice officers’ time and if you don’t, poor Officer Shaw is going to have to go get you.”

Everyone was amazed when the cat stood up and started making its way back down.  

But Gail was even more surprised when on its final jump the cat landed on her shoulder.  Gail tried not to flinch as she heard purring in her ear, not wanting Holly’s ex to see her squirm.

Oliver turned back to the woman who had filed the complaint.  “You still want to tell me that you’re her owner?”

“Well there goes my career.”

Gail complained as the cell door shut behind her.  She rubbed at her wrists as she plopped down on one of the benches.  Holly dropped down on the other.  Gail was even more annoyed when Maud hopped into her lap.

“Mine too.  Probably lose my license.  I appreciate everything you’ve done, Gail, but you didn’t have to get yourself into trouble for me.”

Gail looked at the cat and then back at its owner, she was surprised again by how beautiful Holly could look even in the dim lighting of the cell, with cinderblock and bars for a backdrop, and it being the middle of the night.  

She sighed, “I’m loyal, Holly.  I’m not a lot of things.  I’m not really friendly.  I’m not easy-going.  I’m not down-to-earth.  But I am very very loyal.  To this division and to my friends.”

“Are you saying I’m your friend?”

“Gross, no.”

“I’m pretty sure you just did, Officer Peck.”

“That’s former Officer Peck to you.”

Holly snorted.  An easy silence fell between them as they both settled further onto their respective seats.  Whether she wanted to or not, Gail found herself petting the now purring cat that had settled in her lap.  Her mother would probably personally strip Gail of her badge but she couldn’t really find it in her to care.  She’d do it all again. Especially if it meant getting Holly to look at her again the way she was now.

(Well, maybe not the getting caught part)

“You’re staring, Nerd.”

“Sorry, I just…” Holly started to say.

“Just what?” Gail asked, but before she could get an answer, Oliver reappeared, this time with his phone out and flash on.

“You did not just take a picture, you asshole.” Gail growled, but Oliver snapped another one on his phone.  When she tried to reach through the bars, he stayed just out of reach.

“Oh come on, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

“I hate you.”

“Really? That’s how you treat your freer?” Oliver asked as he unlocked the cell door.

“Wait we’re free to go?”

“Yeah, apparently a woman named Lisa convinced Dr. Stewart’s ex to drop the charges.”

“God, I knew I kept that woman around for a reason.” Holly said as she shot out of her seat.  “Come on, Maud.”

The cat followed its owner and Gail out of the cell.  After retrieving their belongings and making sure nothing would be going on their records, they headed out to Holly’s car.

“I owe you, Officer Peck, for being my hero tonight.”

“I got you arrested.”

“You got me Maud back.  And if I’m being honest, tonight was a lot of fun.  But now I owe you.”

“You’re right.  You do.  And you can start with breakfast.  I could murder a stack of pancakes.  Oooo and bacon.  Definitely need bacon.  Come on, Nerd, there’s a diner nearby.”

As they approached Holly’s car, Gail had one more question to ask.

“So I was wondering, Dr. Stewart.  Do you really have a thing for blondes and handcuffs?”

The color in Holly’s cheeks was answer enough as she ducked her head and held the passenger door open for the blonde.  

When Gail passed her, she was genuinely surprised and intrigued by the reply she received.

“Play your cards right, Officer, and you can find out for yourself.”