#and now that everything else has gone to shit i can’t get myself to have control over this thing and it’s making me feel even worse

[fakeoutbf]

.

[sturniozo]

Savage Love Part Thirteen

Matt Sturniolo x Reader Mafia AU

Masterlist

Emma was adamant on releasing the article. After the phone call got hung up I began panicking. I can’t tell Matt or else he could do something drastic about this.

I lay down for a moment to catch my breath and think about what to do. But I’ve got nothing.

I’ll have to tell Matt, but he’s busy tonight. He told me he wouldn’t be able to answer any calls tonight at all and the story publishes tomorrow morning. I shake my head and sit up. I need a drink.

I get to my small kitchen and open my cabinet to grab a glass and pour myself some wine. I’ve only just turned 20, and my older friend, Steph, brought it to my apartment a few weeks before I met Matt.

Steph works on the paper too, as a photographer. She knows every big club and party, much like Emma, but Steph has access to the guest lists. She’s how Emma knew Matt was going to be there in the first place.

I take a sip of the wine. It’s not for my taste, but it’s something. I just need to take my mind off of this and rest. I’ll tell Matt first thing in the morning before the paper comes out.

~

I couldn’t sleep the whole night. At around five in the morning I found myself getting out of bed and getting in my car, which is how I’m now on my way to Matt’s house.

I don’t even know the address, just the path to get there. He’s had me driven from my place to his and back so many times now, I’ve gotten used to the path.

I take the last turn that leads up the driveway to Matt’s house. I park in his driveway behind all of his cars, and I walk to the door. The door is locked so I knock. I answer.

I bite my lip and turn around. His car isn’t gone. I ring the doorbell but no answer once again.

I sigh and sit down on the step in front of his door. I lean my head against the railing of the steps. The darkness is just starting to fade away as the sun rises. I close my eyes for a moment, tired from the lack of sleep.

I must have fallen asleep because I wake up to the sound of a car pulling up and the sun has risen a good bit. Matt steps out of the car and has a scowl on his face.

“Matt!” I jump up and run quickly to him. I go to hug him and he pushes me away.

“Matt? What’s wrong?” I ask. He glares at me

“Go home.” He says in a low voice.

“No, I have something to tell you.” I step closer to him and he walks off. “Matt!” I yell to him.

Matt turns around and angerly walks back to me. “I fucking trusted you.” He spits at me.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

Matt goes to his car and pulls out a newspaper, throwing it in my face. “Fired, really? Cos that article is under your name.”

I open the paper and see it. The article Emma wrote but published under my pseudonym. “No, Matt, that’s what I came here to tell you.”

“That you betrayed me?”

“No!”

“Did you do this just to get your job back?”

“No, Matt I-“

“Or were you even fucking fired in the first place?”

“I was Matt!” Tears form in my eyes.

“Get the fuck out of here!”

“Matt, please!” I sob

“Y/n.”

I look down as tears stream down my cheeks. “Matt, I wouldn’t do this to you.”

“I don’t believe that, look at it! It’s your pseudonym!”

“It wasn’t me, it was Emma!”

“And how would she have known any of that shit, huh? You told her that shit.”

"No, I didn’t mean to- it isn’t like that.”

“Then what is it like?”

“I called her when I saw what was in that room, I was just scared.”

“And you told her to run the article about me? The one you quit. The one that got you fired?”

“How did you know about that?” I ask.

“I know everything.”

“Matt, please listen to me.”

“No you listen to me!” He yells as he steps closer to me. “Get the fuck away from me now.” He spits.

Tears stream down my face. “Matt, please.”

“Go. I don’t want to see you.”

“Matt, I love you.”

Matt just stares at me. I bite my lip and sniffle lightly. “Go.” He says again.

“Please.” I beg in a whisper as the tears pour out of my eyes.

“Just go.” He whispers to me before turning around and walking away.

I swallow the saliva building in my mouth and look down, sniffling. I get back to my car and lean my head against the steering wheel. More tears flow out of my eyes and down my cheeks.

I take a deep breath and start my car, pulling out of his driveway and leaving. I start driving through New York City until I reach the highway that leads back to my home.

Tears blur my eyes and I wasn’t focused enough to see the car that’s been following me since I left Matt’s house. I wipe my tears away, and as I do the car behind me speeds up and crashes against my bumper. I yelp and look into my rear view mirror to see the car ram against my car again.

I’m pushed forward and my head hits the wheel. The week turn and I’m run off the road and crash in the ditch. The airbag goes off and smacks me in the face, forcing my head backwards harshly against the head of my seat.

I catch my breath and groggily move the airbag out of my way, going to undo my seatbelt and open the car door.

But the door opens before I can do it myself, and someone tanks me out of my car. I yelp again and scream, trying to get away.

“I’ve been waiting for something that Sturniolo cares about to come along.” The man says.

“Let me go!” I scream.

“Not until I get what I want.”

“And what’s that?”

“Matt Sturniolos brains scattered on the floor.”

~

The room is dark and cold. The floor is damp and the chair I’m tied to is right in a puddle. I struggle against the binds and let out screams muffled by the gag in my mouth. The man who took me stood in the corner, on the phone with someone.

He walks up to me, the phone to his ear. “Is this Matt Sturniolo?” He asks. After a reply he smiles and puts the phone on speaker.

“I said what do you want?” Matt’s voice says through the phone call.

“I’ve got something of yours, someone, say hello.” The man pulls the gag from my mouth and I gasp for air.

“Matt don’t listen to him, he’ll kill you, don’t do whatever he mmph!” The man shoves the gag back in my mouth.

“Let her go.” Matt demands.

“No, no no no. You will come here and get her.” The man says.

“I’m warning you-“

“No I’m warning you. Come get her, be here in three hours or she’s dead.”

“And where exactly is here?” Matt asks.

“The same place you had my brother killed.”

“Who are you?”

“Sean Cassidy.”

TAGS: @stargirlsturniololover @sturniolobessed @eyelessdemon00 @sturnioloenthusiast @sturniolopookie @urmommysbathroom @qwertytit @whatever1021 @chrisfavoritepepsi @stramboli4life @sturniolosreads @timmyscomputer @iloveneilperry @chrisloyalgf @xxsadlovexx @bernardenjoyer @mbbsgf @nickmillersn1gf @ilovechrissturniolo1 @matthewsturnioloswifey @chrislapdog @stuniolobbg

[shitty-fate-merch-daily]

Have one day left before the end of my first week at my first full-time job.

Man is this really all there is to life? Wake up early chug, my daily dose of stimulant, and fight people on the roads, work for 8 hours, put my life on the line to fight even more people on the roads, lay in bed and scroll for 2 hours, get everything ready for the next day, sleep, and repeat. And on the weekend I have to do chores and shit.

I understand why all the adults in my life are so ambivalent about the suffering of others and the problems in modern society, the few hours I get to myself in the day I can’t bring myself to focus on anything negative.

I got a chance to finally live for myself during college and now I can’t go back to the dehumanizing structure of middle and high school. Honestly I wish I’d never gone, never learned there was something better.

Everyone else just accepts that this is the way that it is so it has to be done. But having an understanding of capitalism and knowing this isn’t the way it should be makes it hard to imagine any future worth looking forward to. All this exhaustion just for like… an actual vacation every two years? Fuck off.

[raya-hunter01]

Will You Be My Lady? Pt. 2

One Shot! Finale

Jey Uso x Black Female OC! (Candice)

Roman x Black Female OC!

Jimmy x Trin

Rating: 18+

Warning: oral, fluff,Sex

Summary: Candice suffers from a painful past with the Tribal Chief Roman reigns. In the aftermath, Main Event Jey Uso is begging for a chance to show her all love and affection. Will Candice go back to her ex or will she allow Jey to show her love?

She’s mine

The loving atmosphere in the club had me on edge and watching Candice singing her heart to of all people my cousin had me pissed off.

“Joe, I’m ready to go,” Sasha said as I groaned watching Jey walk backstage.

“Go, pay the bill, I gotta use the bathroom,” I said giving her my credit card. Getting up I followed the path Jey had gone but discreetly.

I slowly pulled the curtain back and felt my blood boil as I watched him and Candice.

“I can’t believe this shit,” I muttered totally caught off guard with the scene in front of me.

“You know I get what you sayin’ and all, it’s just gon’ be hard not to kiss you when I want to,” Jey said as Candice laughed against him.  She blushed, she used to be this way with me, and now she’s lovin’ up on my fucking cousin.

“Who said you couldn’t?” she said pulling away from him as Jey moaned at her words.  I’ll fuckin’ kill him…..

What the fuck is happening, I mean I know I fucked up, but we always found a way to work shit out.

“So, what you sayin’ beautiful?” Jey asked, leaning her up against the wall towering over her. I saw Candice looking at Jey like she was ready to fuck him right there as she pulled him closer standing on her tiptoes.

I held my breath waiting to hear her response.

“It means It depends on your answer to my question. Can I love you in slow motion Joshua?” she whispered against his lips as Jey took her in a passionate kiss.

I couldn’t take it anymore just as I was about to interrupt the love fest I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Joe what are you doing?” Trin asked as I turned towards her having seen enough.

“Uh, nothing Sasha and I are about to head back to the room. I thought this was the bathroom but I was wrong,” I said trying to keep my face unbothered as she moved me to the side and peaked behind the curtain seeing Candice and Jey still in their own world kissing.

“Joe, let her be, she deserves to be happy. You’re with Sasha and god knows who else, why can’t she have someone,” Trin whispered as I growled….

“Not with him, Trin!” I hissed as she jumped slightly at the harsh tone of my voice. “Not with my fuckin’ cousin, I can’t let that shit slide,” I said angry more at myself than Jey if I was really honest with myself.

“Joe, she has a right to move on with her life. It’s been a year,” Trin said as I turned and began walking away from her. “She’s mine and I ain’t gon’ stand for the disrespect,” I said trying to get away as fast as I could from her nosey ass following me.

“Joe!…. Don’t do anything crazy!” Trin shouted as I waved her off storming past Jimmy completely ignoring him.

“Who the fuck, does he think he is?” I muttered seeing Sasha by the door. “Hey, what’s wrong baby,” she said trying to touch my arm as I snatched it away.

“Not now, let me take you back to the room. I ain’t in the mood tonight alright.” I said walking past her and putting on my coat.

“Well, what crawled up your ass,” she said as I turned giving her a murderous glare. “Look, you can either get in the car or you can stay here and find your own way back,” I said as she rolled her eyes.

“I know that girl Tiffany that you cheated on Candice with does everything you ask because she’s desperate, but I ain’t the one, Joe. She said as I sneered at her invading her space.

“Fine, stay yo’ ass here, and don’t call me again,” I hissed walking away from her.

“You gon' end up alone Joe because this Tribal Chief shit has gone to your head and has brought out the worst in you. What happened to you?!” She screamed as I continued walking away, ignoring her.

I didn’t need any damn lip from her, I’ll call Tiffany and get her ass back in rotation after I get Candice back where she belongs.

----

Trin’s POV

“Where the hell big Uce come from?” Jimmy said as I sat down beside him. “He was spying on Candice and Jey. Jurdy, he just saw them kissing,” I said totally worried now.

“Ah shit, well that ain’t good, warn Candice. I’ll try to get Uce alone,” Jimmy whispered as he pointed at Candice and Jey who were on their way back to the table.

“Hey bestie,” Candice said sitting beside me as Jey kissed her cheek. “I’ll get you a ginger ale,” he said as Jimmy looked at me. “Uh, I’ll go wit you Uce,” Jimmy said following Jey.

“What’s wrong with you? Candice said looking at me as I sighed. “Girl, Joe knows about you and Jey,” I blurted out all at once as she looked and shook her head. “Trin, I ain’t worried about Joe and what he knows. I’m with Jey and there’s nothing he can do about it,” Candice said as I hoped she was right and Joe would cool off and let her be.

Jimmy’s POV

What you gon do Uce i asked as Jey rolled his eyes at me.

"Well I’m glad he saw us, he shouldn’t have been nosey. I ain't hiding how I feel about Candice anymore," I said not caring that he knew.

I wasn’t going to hide Candice, she deserved the world and I was going to give it to her. "I want ya’ll both happy Uce. Just be careful, Jimmy said as we waited on the drinks.

"I'm always careful twin, I got this I," reassured him. Nothing Joe had going on was gonna spoil my night. I had my girl, my career, man everything was perfect right now and I was gon' enjoy it no matter who had a problem with it.

----------

Hilton Hotel

 Atlanta, Ga

Joe’s POV

“Hey, um I was wondering if you could help me?” I asked the desk clerk who seemed to be a fan as to how she was smiling all dreamy at me. Yes, this will be a piece of cake.

 “Sure how may I help you? she asked as I smiled at her turning on the charm. “Yes, I’m in room 541 and I somehow deactivated my key. I’ve been trying to call my wife to let me in but she seems to have fallen asleep” I said as she began typing.

“The room is in my wife’s name it’s Candice Jones,” I said giving her my ID. After a few minutes, my attempt at getting a key to her room was a bust.

 “Well unfortunately there Is nothing I can do for you Mr. Anoa’i. Especially since I see you also have a room in your name on the seventh floor. Also, your name isn’t listed as a guest in room 541 either,” the clerk said as I tried to remain friendly.

“Oh, yea my wife and I always book an extra room, almost like a decoy for fans sometimes. It’s hard for us to have privacy sometimes,” I said rolling the lie off my tongue hoping she would buy it.

“I’m so sorry you guys have to do that. It’s really sad but in order for me to give you a key to that room I would need your wife to come down and give permission for you to get a key. We also can do a wellness check with security if you would like,” she said as I frowned. No, I want the fucking key.

“Uh, that’s ok I’ll keep calling her. I’m sure she will open the door soon,” I said stalking towards the elevator. Damn it! I needed to see Candice, she can’t do this to me…Not with him…No.

-----

Hilton Hotel

Jey’s room

Candice’s POV

“Shit, let me open the door baby.” Jey moaned as I kissed and nibbled on my neck. “You been teasing me all night lookin’ sexy as fuck with all this red outfit on. I can’t control myself,” I groaned, gently biting his neck before swirling my tongue over the sensitive area as he growled.

“Fuck, well who am I to stop you? Damn, that feels so good, lose control baby,” he panted as I smirked against his throat.

“Mmm, you betta hurry up cause anybody walking by bout to see to me on my knees swallowing all dis' dick,” I moaned unsnapping his pants and sticking my hand inside caressing his dick.

 “Fuck, you wildn’, I love dat' shit,” Jey groaned as he finally got the door opened, ushering me inside.

“I want to taste you,” I whispered against his mouth taking him in a short deep kiss as Jey moaned, cradling my head as we explored each other’s mouths only pulling apart to catch our breaths.

“Are you sure? I know you wanted to wait, baby,” he said searching my eyes for apprehension as I smiled at him. “Take off your shirt,” I whispered pushing his pants and underwear down as he made quick work of his shirt throwing it across the room.

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I saw him in all his glory.  Growling Jey grasping my throat, attacking my mouth with his as I whimpered against him with need.

I wanted him so bad this whole waiting thing may have to wait. I needed him, especially with how put it down tonight earlier in that dressing room. I’ve been horny as fuck ever since.

I untied my wrap dress, pushing it off my shoulders, standing before him clad in my lacy bra and underwear set. Slowly I took them off giving Jey a show as he pulled me close to his chest.

His hands caressed my body as he looked at me with want and need.  “You so fuckin’ sexy, he moaned as I kissed him, caressing my tongue against his slowly as he growled with urgency as our tongues danced together as I pulled him closer.

“Shiiiit! I promised I wouldn’t rush you baby, but you makin’ it real fuckin’ hard Candice,” Jey panted as I smirked against his lips. Slowly pushing him against the wall, as I then kneeled before him.

“Mmhm, I see… It’s real hard Jey, I said seductively biting my lip as Jey looked at me in anticipation licking his lips.

Jey’s POV

“Shit, what you gon’ do about it, baby?” I moaned as she looked up at me innocently. Fuck that’s the most sexist shit I have ever seen.

“I’m gon’ give you what you been dreamin’ bout baby,” she moaned teasingly taking me in her mouth, gently grazing her teeth down my dick.

“Fuck, make my dreams come true and stop playin’ wit it. Suck dat' dick shit," I groaned as she took all my dick into her mouth slightly gagging. I then felt her throat relax around my dick.

“Ah fuck, you swallowed it all didn’t you baby,” hissed in shock looking down at her. “Mmhum,” she moaned as my hands went to the back of her head, her mouth vibrating on my dick making my whole body shiver as she worked me over. Damn, she knew what to do wit that sexy ass mouth.

“Got damn, that mouth, Ma,” I panted as her eyes meet mine as she continued to take me deeper and deeper.

“Yessss! Take it all in yo’ mouth baby fuck!,” I praised as she seemed to be on a mission now, sucking my dick greedily bobbing her head faster as I tried to not lose control and yank her ass up off the floor and fuck her against this wall.

 I could only see the top of her head as she was indeed giving me the best head I ever had steadily bobbing as I gasped trying to last as long as possible, but fuck her mouth felt so good.

“Look at me baby, I need to see you,” I gasped as she looked up at me. I almost came on the spot as her seductive bed eyes held me captive as she continued to please me.

I growled in gratitude seeing her this way, that slight arch in her back, her ample ass lookin’ like it was made perfectly for my hands.

Damn, dreams do come true if you wait patiently.

Candice’s POV

I have never wanted a man more than I wanted Jey right now. His eyes and moans tellin' the story of how good I’m making him feel. I can tell he was close.

I wanted him to know that I give as good as I get. He belongs to me now.

“I’m close, wait baby a second,” he moaned as ignored his pleas and began sucking him faster. “Damn, you tryin’ to make me cum ain't you? Shit, make me cum then, you can get all dis' nut baby, I faintly heard him whisper encouraging me as I continued to give him what I knew he needed.

Jey’s POV

“Here it come Candice,” I rasp cummin’ hard in her mouth, groaning as her mouth continued to milk me dry as I rubbed and caressed her back. “Fuck, I needed that," I moaned in satisfaction trying to catch my breath as my body relaxed.

“Are you ok baby?” Candice asked looking at me with a sly smirk, slowly standing up, swirling her tongue around her lips.  Groaning I closed my eyes. “I’m good…Yo', ass is deadly though,” I sighed as she laughed.

 “What are you talkin’ about, I just wanted to taste you and by the way you tasted yummy,” she purred innocently giving me a chaste kiss on the lips as I growled. “You playin’ a dangerous game,” I whispered deepening our kiss.

 “Mmm, I like playin’ dangerous when it’s with you,” she whispered as I smirked against her lips scooping her up and carrying her to bed. Yea, I could definitely get used to this.

Candice’s POV

I wanted him so bad but I said I wanted to wait but what was I waiting for exactly, we’ve known each other for years.

If it ended tomorrow, I would have no regrets and that was the honest truth. I felt safe with him and I knew he would protect me with everything within him and I really wanted him in this moment.

“Hey, where did you go beautiful?” Jey asked caressing my face as I blushed. “Just thinking is all,” I said looking at him smiling

"Aye, we ain’t gotta do nothin’ you don’t want to," he said reassuring me as I took his hand and placed it between my thighs as he groaned caressing my wet center.

"Does this feel like I'm not ready for you?" I moaned as he licked his lips, moaning at the words and the feel of my wet warmth soaking his hand.

“Damn you soakin' wet Candice, shit! Did I make you this wet baby?" Jey groaned in satisfaction never stopping his movements, rubbing my clit torturously slow.

 “Mmm, yes, you do this to me, It’s like I’m on fire,” I moaned not caring if it made me seem weak as we shared a breathless kiss as he overpowered all my senses. 

“Look at me Candice,” he commanded as I fought to open my eyes, the pleasure was too great and became more intense as our eyes met.

“I’m..I'm offering you me Candice, and you know what that is. I ain’t no Tribal chief, I’m just a man that loves you. A man who will spend forever showin’ you how special you are if you let me," he whispered as our foreheads touched.

I couldn't help but moan at his words and his skillful hands that were taking me to even newer heights of pleasure with each passing second.

I whimpered as he began thrusting one, then two fingers inside me as his thumb expertly circled my clit sending powerful tingles down my spine "Jey! Mmm, Oh my god!" I gasped as he silenced me with a kiss as I melted into him.

"Tell me what you want Candice?" Jey groaned as my heart leaped into my throat. Just say it Candice and take a chance.  

“What do you want baby?" Jey asked speeding up his movements as I pulled him closer.

"I want you," I whimpered against his lips as he closed his eyes groaning in satisfaction.

"I want everything that comes with it..... I want it all Josh," I moaned as I exploded in his arms.

"Baby, it’s right here, it’s always been Candice…All you gotta do is take it, baby," he whispered taking me in a passionate kiss, climbing between my legs as my orgasm continued to wash over me.

Jey’s POV

"I want you to make me yours," Candice moaned as I groaned, wrapping her legs around my waist. "Fuck, I’ve dreamed about this," I panted slowly entering her as we both gasped in shock and pleasure at the intense feeling of becoming one.

I stilled inside her as her tightness overwhelmed me as Candice grabbed my chain pulling me to her, claiming my lips in another kiss as I slowly began moving inside her.

"Fuck, you were made for me," I praised taking my time thrusting slow and steady inside her as I felt her tighten around my dick as Candice purred, her head thrown back in pleasure as I made her mine.

"Jey! Please, I need it she begged," as I growled taking her harder as she whimpered my name over and over.  "Who’s pussy is this Candice?" I moaned unwrapping her legs from around me, opening them wide as I went deeper inside her.

"Josh! Oh!  Baby! You know,"” Candice whined as I went even deeper. "Tell me, Candice," I demanded as she writhed in need below me.

"Yours! It’s yours Josh!" she screamed as I took us both over the edge. "Fuck yea it’s mine, and don't you forget dat' shit either," I groaned as she showered my dick with her essence.

"I love you so much," she moaned as I felt my heart swell, she loved me back.  

"I love you too baby," I whispered kissing her gently. All my waiting hadn’t been in vain. That alone made my dick hard as a rock again as I began thrusting inside her again as she gasped in surprise.

"Are you serious? Already?" She moaned against my mouth as I smirked. "Oh, Yea… you got me addicted to you Candice," I moaned as she clawed at my back.

I could faintly hear someone knocking on the wall. I guess we were too loud, but I’m sorry they are in for a long night just like Candice is.

----

Next door

Joe's Room

Joe’s POV

I guess I’ll try to talk to Candice later, that shit at the front desk was a bust. How could I get through to her and make her leave Jey.  

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard knocking on the wall and a woman moaning in pleasure.

Are you serious right now, I’m trying to damn sleep. I hit the wall giving my own message back to shut the fuck up but the headboard hitting against the wall didn't stop, hell it started banging harder on the wall.

"Damn, least somebody gettin' dick down good, I guess," I muttered as I heard the woman’s moan again....

"Wait…I know it isn’t," I muttered as I got out of bed and placed my ear to the wall waiting to hear the voice again.

I knew that moan anywhere…."Candice," I muttered as I could hear her clear as day.

"Jey! Oh, fuck you so deep!” Candice screamed as I jumped back from the wall in horror. "Yea, I'ma go deeper up in this pussy, fuck! Jey moaned.

"You got to fuckin' kidding me!" I hissed, putting my shirt, sweats, and shoes back on. I grabbed my keys, and phone before storming out of the room.

I couldn't stay there knowing what was goin' on next door to me.

I can't believe she let him have her....She was really having sex with Jey. The elevator ride to the next floor was torturously slow but I knew I needed a distraction to block out what I had just heard and Sasha definitely would do for now.

"Sasha open the door!" I shouted banging on her door. "Come on open up, I need some relief," I muttered to myself as she groggily opened the door.

"What do you want Joe?" she asked wiping the sleep from her eyes. "I want you," I said grabbing her in a rough kiss, leading her back into her room slamming the door behind me.

---

Jey’s Room

Candice’s POV

“Yeaa, bend dat ass over and lock them legs behind mine,” Jey ordered as he continued to fuck me with long, hard deep thrusts as I angled my body on the bed arching my back.

 “Oh! Yes, you deep in it! Oh my god!” I moaned as I heard Jey chuckle but quickly gasped as my pussy painful tightened around his dick. “Got damn, ma,” he panted keeping up his thrusts. 

“Yea, this pussy feels good don’t it," I taunted as Jey growled. "Shit yea, it do," he moaned. “Then don’t play wit it Jey, fuck me! We can go slow later, I promise,” I groaned throwing my ass back on his dick as he growled smacking me hard on the ass as I whimpered feeling the constant tingles exploding all over my body.

"I been waiting on you for years girl, I’ma enjoy this. Dat ass looks so fuckin good bouncin’ on my dick. You like how I’m dickin’ you down don’t you baby,” he moaned as I gasped trying to find the words.

 “Yes! I love it!” I exclaimed, with no shame. Shit, my man knew how to use his magic stick and that monster was all I imagined it to be and then some.

“Uh-huh, I can tell baby…You backed up that shit you was talkin’ out in the hall,” he groans. “You swallowed this dick and now you takin’ it all like the good girl you are.” he praised, grunting as we chased our next orgasm together.

“I’m your good girl, only your good girl,” I panted as I felt him slowing down as he growled. "Yea, you my good girl and only mine," his deep sexy voice confessed as I clawed at the sheets. What was he doing to me?

Jey’s POV

“Yea, dats it right there,” I groaned gripping Candice’s hip, pulling almost all the way out before snapping my hips hard bringing her down even harder on my dick. “Jey! Fuck!” she screamed. “Uh huh feels good don’t it baby?” I moaned watching my dick disappear inside her pussy as it pulsated around me.

“Yes, Jey, shit you..I…I,” she screamed grabbing the headboard for leverage as she continued to throw that beautiful ass back on my dick unable to finish her sentence.

“I know it, baby, I'ma take care of you, I promise,” I groaned feeling myself not very far behind her. “Jey….Jey… Oh, baby… Jey,” she moaned almost chanting, clawing at the headboard as my resolve snapped and I began taking her fast and deep again.

Candice’s POV

Oh, my God, my legs are jelly and he feels so good. I was so close when suddenly I found myself on my back with Jey towering over me.

 “I need something from you,” he moaned entering me again as I gasped wrapping my thighs around him, pulling his closer.

“What baby?" I asked gasping as he gently kissed me, "Tell me your mine," he I commanded as I smiled against his lips.

"I’m yours," I moaned as I felt myself about to come undone in his arms again. "I’m yours too shit, promise you never leavin' me,” he groaned as he continued to stake his claim.

"I won’t, I promise,” I moaned as our eyes never left each other. Everything seemed to become more intense by the second as I met his thrusts with anticipation

“Oh my god!” I gasped as he swallowed my screams with his mouth as I came hard.

“Good girl, you did so good baby, Jey praised me as bit my lip in anticipation of his release and still feeling euphoric from my own.

“Are you gonna cum for me?”  I gasped as I felt him getting harder by the second as he took me with wild abandon.

“Hell yea, I’m bout to give it all to you,” Jey moaned as I licked my lips “Mmm, I want you to cum in my mouth this time baby,” I begged as Jey growled at my words, biting his lip. “You do baby?” he gasped in shock as I nodded.

“I want every last drop,” I panted as he, quickly pulled out, leaning over, shoving his pulsating dick in my welcoming mouth.

“Ah fuck!" He shouted cummin’ hard as I moaned at the feel of his warm essence coating my mouth. Sweat fell from his brow as he tried to catch his breath. As his body relaxed, he pulled out of my mouth. “Ooouu shit, That was hot as fuck he praise as I smiled tiredly at him.

"Come on and let daddy see did you get it all baby," he whispered as I opened my mouth, releasing my tongue so he could see his essence on it.

As he watched me closely with hunger in his eyes, I closed my mouth and swallowed it as he grabbed my throat taking me in a possessive kiss.

“You gon’ end up barefoot and pregnant, you keep doin’ that shit, he growled against my lips as I laughed shaking my head at his words because knowing him it was true.

"Any regrets?" I asked as he pulled me close. "Hell nawl girl, you stuck wit my ass now," he said as I smiled at him. "You stuck with me too," I whispered settling into his arms as we finally found rest.

------

Smackdown

Candice’s POV

“Thank you so much so helping us out tonight with the photoshoots. This damn flu is getting everybody. But if I could I had one more favor to ask you,” Paul said releasing me from his embrace. 

“You know you good boss, and that I don’t mind helping. Jey was already scheduled for the show, so I was going to be here anyway,” I said as he smiled at me.

 “Yea, I heard about the new development, and good for ya’ll.  You both deserve some happiness,” he said as I blushed.

“So uh, what else did you need me to do?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“Oh! yeah, could you sing the National Anthem tonight? Samantha is sick so Braxton is going to announce for us tonight, but he sings like a dying cat,” he said as I laughed.

“Sure, no problem, I would love to,” I said as he sighed in relief.

“Thank you so much, now I gotta make sure these cameras are ready to go for the show,” he said looking at his paper quickly before rushing off, waving at Jey who was walking up.

“Hey, you! What they got you doin’ tonight?” I asked as Jey frowned. I’ma open the show and introduce Cody. Joe gon’ come out talking about why are we on his show, and exchange a few words, he said as I could see the internal battle he was having.

“Are you ok with that baby? I asked as he sighed, taking me in his arms. “I’m ok baby, and I don’t want you to worry yo' pretty lil head bout me. Joe and I both know how to keep business and personal separate,” Jey said gently caressing my chin.

"I sure hope so," I said as he gave me a chaste kiss on the forehead as I relaxed in his arms. Hopefully, Joe could remain professional, and the program would go smoothly. 

---

Smackdown

Jey’s POV

Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for our National anthem Byron Saxton said as the house lights shined brightly on Candice as she began to sing.  

Standing there in Gorilla I couldn’t help but beam wit pride watching her in her element. My baby was truly talented, and the crowd was eating it up.

“She got them in the palm of her hand. I always knew she belonged on somebody’s stage; I’ve always told her that,” Joe said walking up to me to get a better view of the TV. “Yea, she really does, I’m proud of her,” I said not looking away from the TV.

 I don’t know the real reason for this small talk all of a sudden but I just hope he keeps this shit professional out there.

“Well let’s go tear it down out there lil Jey,” Joe said as I watched Candice wave to the crowd before she left the ring to go stand beside Saxton.

 Turning to look at Joe I scoffed at his attempt to get me off my game. “A’ight big Uce, I’m down, but if you go out there wit that lil Jey shit we gon’ have a problem,” said as he smiled at me.

“Well, why is that? You call yourself standin’ up to me now? Oh, i get it Candice got you feeling yourself, huh," he asked smirking at me.

 “Nah, Uce, I just ain’t the same scared lil Jey from when we was kids, and if you go out here throwing shots. I’ma get you…You feel me, I don't give a damn if this is a live show. I will rock yo’ shit, you understand,” I said watching the smile drop from Joe’s face.  

"Yea, I got you, Candice is off limits because this is about business," Joe said as I gave him a leary stare before walking away to go further to the curtain to get ready for my entrance.

I didn’t trust his ass as far as I could throw him. "Go kill it Uce, and keep your head in the game," Cody said as I dapped him up. "Thanks, see you out there, Uce," I said smiling as I heard the crowd as Saxton began to introduce me.

Candice’s POV

"Main Event Jey Usooo! Byron screamed as Jey’s music dropped and the crowd went nuts. Damn, there he goes I couldn’t help but feel a tingle down my spine watching my boyfriend. His ass knows what he be doin’ the guys are hyped and the girl’s panties are wet as fuck.

“Damn baby I see you," I muttered watching him bounce his body in excitement coming down the aisle. This was my first time watching his entrance live with the crowd and it was something to behold.

The crowd sang and bounced their arms in the air along with him. I was so proud of him; he really had made it. He came over to the ropes as Saxton gave him the extra microphone.

 I smiled at him as he winked at me before returning to the center of the ring. Damn it now I’m blushing. Get it together girl.

I hope the camera didn’t pick that up. That’s all we need is a post from fans asking who was Jey Uso winking at.

Before he could even start talking and introduce Cody, Joe’s music interrupted him. “What the hell? He was supposed to wait until Jey was about to introduce Cody and not run his ass out her before Jey could even speak,” I whispered to Braxton having a bad feeling as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Maybe they changed it," Saxton said as I turned to look at Jey. He was not amused as Joe made his way to the ring flexing with the title around his waist.

He spotted me as he climbed in the ring and ever so slyly, he licked his lips and smirked at me as Jey’s head snapped in my direction angry as I shook my head at Joe’s antics.

I looked at Jey and gave him a nod, encouraging him to keep his cool. He sighed, turning back to face Joe running his fingers over his face.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a tense scene as this is the first time since Jey Uso quit smackdown that he has seen his cousin Roman reigns I heard Cole say.

“You can go behind me through the crowd and go to the back without anyone seeing you if you want,” Saxton whispered as I nodded but couldn’t move from the spot, I was stuck in.

Joe’s POV

“Lil Jey, what you doin’ on my show?” I asked knowing I was getting under Jey’s skin as I saw his jaw twitch. “I mean you quit! Cody got you signed to Raw. So why are you at my show lil Jey? I asked smugly.

 “Aye, I got a tag match tonight with Cody, I ain’t sweatin’ you Uce and It ain’t gon’ be too many more lil Jey’s a’ight,” Jey said rocking back in forth trying to control his temper.

“You always wanted to be me. When we were kids, I beat your ass in everything. Even now you still want to be me don’t you lil Jey? I asked as Jey frowned.

“Man, ain’t nobody tryin’ to be you Uce, I’m my own man,” Jey said frustrated as I laughed.

 “Nah, even to this day you always wondered if you measure up to the Tribal Chief.  You just seem drawn to things that you can’t have..That I won’t let you have,” I gloated laughing caressing my title as I saw the realization wash over Jey’s face.

He knew I was talking about Candice and I wanted him to know.

“Aye! What did I tell you?  Watch yo’ mouth before we have a problem," Jey said angrily pointing at me as I laughed.

 “Maybe I want a problem lil Jey, because it seems you just like takin’ things of mine that don’t belong to you. My precious, beautiful luscious things,” I said gently bouncing my title up and down on my waist my eyes slowly traveled to Candice.

Her eyes pleaded with me to stop as I could tell she was uncomfortable, but all things were fair in love and war.

Jey’s POV

This motherfucka lookin’ at Candice trying to be slick wit his lil words. If hints about her one more time, damn this show and staying in character, I’ma fuck him up. She’s mine now, not his.

Dropping my microphone low so nobody could hear, I leaned over and put my hand behind Joe’s neck, as he wore a frown almost outdone I lowered my microphone.

“I ain’t doin’ this bullshit wit you out here, But I promise you If you say her name out here in front of all these people, I’ma get you Uce..You gon’ have to see me,” I said deathly calm as Joe’s face contorted in anger mouthin’ words I couldn’t understand but I didn’t care.

“Now get back on script so I can go my way and you go yours, wit yo’ miserable ass,” I said wanting to finish the segment and leave.  

Candice’s POV

I can only imagine what Jey said to Joe as things were getting more tense by the second.

“You think you a big man, huh, Lil Jey? You can’t compare to me…This is all mine cause I’m the champ, I run this show! Joe exclaimed in the microphone gesturing to the arena.

This is my camera!” he yelled talking into the camera. Thank God they seem to be back on track with their segment. This had truly been a trainwreck thanks to Joe who was now at the commentator’s table.

“I own these commentators that talk about me and nobody else!” Joe yelled pointing at Cole and Wade before he slowly began walking toward Saxton and I.

“Aye, watch it,” Jey said seeing Joe coming towards us.

“I even own the ring announcer! I’m trying to get you to understand Jey everything belongs to me, and you can’t have it!” he said in his commanding deep voice almost making me jump.

I saw Jey getting out of the ring, heading towards us as I froze.

Joe now stood in front of me almost as if he was contemplating what to say as he bit his lip looking me over. Joe wouldn’t put me out here like that in front of all these people.

He knows how private I am about my personal life. He isn’t going to do this to me, he just wants to rile up Jey.

 “Candice…… Aulelei, how bout you tell lil Jey how I own every inch of you,” Joe bragged smirking at me as I slapped him before I could stop myself.

“You son of a bitch, I can’t believe you did this!” I shouted as Jey grabbed Joe’s arm, turning him around, punching him in the face.

Joe almost collided with me from the force of Jey’s punch. Thank god Saxton was fast-moving and moved me out of the way.

 “I told yo’ ass not to say her name!” I could hear Jey yell as they traded blows. “Somebody stop them!” I yelled as Paul Heyman came over to me offering a comforting arm. “Let’em fight it out sweetheart it was bound to happen,” he said as I groaned in frustration.

I didn’t want Jey to get in trouble because of me.  As they brawled back and forth backstage officials ran from the back.

The crowd was eating it up thinking it was part of the show.  “Let’s get you outta here, ok,” Heyman said gently guiding me behind Saxton as we made our way through the crowd to the backstage area.

Jey’s POV

“Jey, that’s enough!” an official yelled as I threw Joe onto the announcer’s table and pounced, punching him over and over as I felt someone lift me off of him.

“Aye, let me go!" I yelled as Joe charged towards me as we fell threw the ringside guardrail trading blows. "I’ll kill you!” Joe roared. “We need more help!” another official yelled as I felt like an untamed animal trying to tear apart my cousin.

You gon’ learn today, stop fuckin’ wit people.

Joe’s POV

“This shit ain’t over!" I yelled as Jey, and I were trying to tear each other apart.

“You damn right it ain’t cause every time you disrespect Candice, I’ma beat yo’ ass again!” Jey yelled as he got the last lick, kicking me in the face as security lifted us both up off the floor separating us.  

Jey held his hands up in surrender as security grabbed his arms leading him backstage. “Damn, his lil ass can hit hard,” I muttered regaining my bearing and grabbing my title as the crowd booed me.

“Shut up!” I hissed heading to the back wiping the blood from my mouth as several officials walked back with me.  

Candice’s POV

The backstage area was even more chaotic as a group security and officials were leading Jey backstage.

“What the fuck ya’ll all on me for! He been askin’ for this ass whoopin’!" Jey shouted pulling away from security.

“Calm down Jey, this ain’t helping, go check on Candice” Heyman said which seemed to snap Jey outta his rage as he came towards me. "I’m so sorry baby," he whispered taking me into his arms as I felt relieved he was ok.

“I’ll beat yo ass Jey that was so unprofessional! Joe yelled coming into Gorilla as I rolled my eyes at him trying to pass the blame like he didn’t do shit.

 “Unprofessional, are you serious? They shoulda’ let Jey whoop your ass some more because you deserve it with that shit you just pulled!” I hissed mad as hell as Paul stood up from the monitors and I could tell he wasn’t happy either.  

“Joe, in my office Now!” Paul shouted as Jey grabbed my hand as we stood side by side waiting to hear what our boss was going to say next.

“Candice I’m really sorry about all this, Jey take her back to her office, I'll handle this,” He said as Jey nodded before leading me away from the chaos.

Joe’s POV

“What the fuck do you need to talk to me about?" I asked shaking my mouth, tryin' to loosen up my jaw as I could feel Paul’s anger spilling off of him in droves.

“I need to see if I’m going to have you as world champion on this show, or if I’m going to vacate your title for that shit you just pulled out there with Candice and Jey,” he said his voice booming angrily throughout the small space.

“I’m sorry boss, I don’t know what came over me,” I said trying to smooth things over as he looked at me not buying what I was selling.

“No your not, my show is in the shitter tonight because of your selfishness. Candice feels violated, Jey’s pissed off , and I don’t blame him quite frankly.

“It wasn’t my intention boss, I just got carried away,” I said honestly wiping the last bit of blood from my mouth.

I knew I was going to have a black eye in the morning with how It was hurting but my pride was hurting worse.  

 “Because of the shit you pulled Cole is out there having to explain to the audience and the people at home how that wasn’t a part of the show and to respect everyone’s privacy at this time even though you brought them into ya’ll business Paul hissed.

Your right, that’s not how we handle business,” I said as he interrupted me.

“You jeopardized this show and put Candice in a situation she didn’t ask for. You damn right that ain’t how we handle business or what we stand for, so for the moment you’re suspended. Now get outta my building,” Paul growled walking off as I sighed looking around at the crowd that had formed looking at me in shock.

Damn, what is wrong with me...

Jey’s POV

“I’m ok Candice,” I said trying to reassure her as she looked me over. “I don’t want you to have to go through this type of shit because of me Jey, “she said trying to keep her tears at bay.

"Aye, don’t cry baby, I’m good, and it’s not because of you. This all on Joe,” I said taking her in my arms as she held on to me tight.

“This should have never happened,” she whispered as I comforted her.

I knew in my heart this blow-up was bound to happen wit Joe and in a way, I’m kinda glad it did.

Tonight, he found out I ain’t no punk and I fight for what’s mine. I don’t think he will be a problem anymore.

“I’ma talk to bossman right quick, then come back and watch you do your thing ok?” I said making her smile as I kissed her gently.

" I’ll be here waiting," she whispered letting me go as I opened the door, I came face to face with Joe.

“What you doin' here? What, you wanna go again?” I asked as Joe shook his head. "Nah, I come in peace," he said, sighing I allowed him inside, as I went to stand beside Candice.

“I just wanted to apologize to you both and tell you I’ve been suspended. I thought you should hear it from me,” he said as I looked at him really not knowing how to feel.

The silence became defining as I tried to find the right words to say

. “Joe, maybe the time off can help you clear your mind, and get stuff straight. All this stuff you’ve been doing isn’t you, and you better than this,” Candice said holding my hand as Joe glanced down at our intertwined hands and sighed.

“You really love her don’t you Jey?” He asked as I looked at Candice, then back at him.

“I always loved her, you know that Uce,” I said honestly as rubbed his hand over his face. He was fighting an internal battle I couldn’t help him with.

He had to let her go, she wasn't his anymore.

 “Are you in love with Jey, Candice?” Joe asked as I felt her grip tighten on my hand. “Yes, I am in love with Jey,” she answered without hesitation her eyes firmly on me as I kissed her hand.

“Well, I guess that’s it, huh," Joe said as Candice looked at him in confusion.

"Uh, Jey, take care of her, she's very special. And if you don’t,” Joe started as I interrupted him, “I’ll be expectin’ you Big Uce,” I said as he nodded and left without another word.

“Did he just do what I think he did?" I asked Candice as she seemed to not be believing what had just happened either.

“I guess only time will tell,” she whispered as Finn Balor walked in.

“Candice are you ready for me? he asked with a smile as she waved him further into the room.

“Yes, I’m ready, if you can stand over there we can get started,” she said giving my hand a final squeeze before going to pick up her camera.

 “Alright Finn let’s work,” she said laughing as he flashed her a goofy grin and began posing. I loved watching her work, but my mind was still on Joe…

I mean was it over and done like that or did he have something else up his sleeve?

I guess Candice is right only time will tell. But for now, I had my lady and that was all that mattered.

Taglist: @reci24 @southerngirl41 @vebner37 @jeyusos-girl

@melaninsugababy @romanreignkisser @bebesobrielo

@arination99 @2-muchsauce @bakugoumarianawrites

@empressdede @alyyaanna @christinabae @anonandwannakeepitthatway @venusesworld @jeyusosgirl  @theninthwonder

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Unsolicited 12

Warnings: bad self-thought/talk, bullying, insults, low self-esteem, money problems, oral/noncon, coercion, cum, some untagged sexual and dark elements.

Wouldn’t mind some feedback! Lloyd was driving me nuts so I had to do it. Thank you in advance 💜

Masterlist

“Why would you do that?” You shimmy to the edge of the bed, “why–”

“Relax, the guy’s probably planning on getting some mile high action on the way home,” Lloyd scoffs, “I’m just speeding things along for you–”

“You asshole!” You stand and shove him, “you fucking bastard! You have to humiliat–”

You raise your hand but gurgle as suddenly his hand is at your throat, “keep your hands to yourself,” he snarls as you grasp his wrist, “you start hitting, then I start hitting, and trust me, you don’t want that.” He pushes you so you fall onto the bed, touching your tender neck as he stretches his fingers and huffs, “I’ve been real fucking nice so don’t push it.”

You sit up again, staring as your eyes burn. Hold it back. You blink away the tears and watch him as he cracks his neck again. 

“I’m sorry,” you say to ease the silence.

He grips his hip and turns back to you, “you don’t want to know what I really am so don’t make me show you.”

“I said I’m sorry,” you gulp, “daddy.”

“Ah, don’t pout, sweet cheeks, that only gets me going,” he tisks, “don’t you worry about the old ball and chain, he’s my problem and I’m especially good at solving problems.”

You nod and slowly stand, cautious as you stare at him. You expect him to grab you again, but he doesn’t. He’s calm, startlingly so as just a moment ago his eyes flared hotly and his brow furrowed meanly.

“What I need from you is a whiskey, neat, waiting for me on my night table. My room is at the end of the hall. Now, the good cask is down in the parlour, that’s the room to the east, that’s left of the stairs when you go down,” he speaks to you like a child, “in the cabinet with the golden cork. So, run along and fetch me my nightcap.”

“Alright,” you back away. He growls and you pause, “yes, daddy.”

He lets you go as he lingers in the room. Not your room, just the space he allows you. Like everything else, it will only be permitted at his discretion. You go into the hall and follow his directions, finding the full-bodied bottle easily. You retrieve one of the short tumblers from the lower shelf and snap the door shut with your elbow.

You go back upstairs and pass the door, left open, and the room empty. You don’t wonder where he’s gone and continue down to his room. You knock with your knuckles, assuming he’s inside. You don’t hear him and try again. You enter when the silence remains.

You go to the bed and set down the bottle and glass. You uncork it and pour. What do you do after? Just leave, go back to cleaning, or hide in the room as you wallow in dread. You replace the cap on the bottle and retreat. As you do, Lloyd emerges from a door to your right.

His shirt is gone, his chest is bare and lined with hair, torso lined with muscle, full and taut. Another wave of uncertainty flows over you. Look at him, look at you. He’s toying with you. He might be a douche but damn, you can’t say he has nothing going for him.

“You feeling dirty?” He winks, “shower’s big enough for two.”

You tear your eyes away. Did he really just catch you leering? You cross your arms.

“I didn’t finish mopping.”

“Mopping. Fun.”

“Isn’t that what I’m here for–”

“You’re here to do whatever I want you to do,” he sneers, “baby, tell me I didn’t hurt your feelings. I was only defending myself. You got violent first.”

“It’s not that–” your voice cracks and embarrassment coils around your chest, “it doesn’t matter. You don’t give a shit and you’re right, I’m here to do whatever you want. So, tell me what you want.”

He looks smug as he brushes his hand over his chest, considering you as his eyes drift up and down your figure.

“I want you to take that off.”

You lift your chin, nearly recoiling. It’s a daunting task. That’s it, he sees everything, every flaw, every shortfall. You clamp your lips tight and look above him, past him. Your fingers flutter to the thin straps and you guide them over your shoulders and you shrug out of the frilled sleeves. You uncover your tits and bite down as you push the fabric down your stomach.

You stop and take a breath. With a single swipe, you shove the dress down and let it crumple at your feet. You stand straight, keeping your attention on the wall. The paint can’t judge you.

He’s quiet as you wait for the first taunt. ‘How long till they touch your toes?’ or ‘is that where you store all those second servings?’ Nothing worse than what you’ve said to the mirror.

“Fuckkkkkk,” he shifts and groans, “well, baby, am I surprised? Not really but you are fucking something else.”

You flinch and meet his eye, or try to as he ogles you.

“I mean, a bit extra but fuck I never complained about too much,” he bites his lip.

You cross your arms over your stomach, “haha, I get it, okay? I’m not gonna stand here and listen to this. I have seen myself. I don’t appreciate you mocking me, and I am aware that you don’t care what I think.”

He tilts his head and squints, “what? Baby, baby,” he cross the room, “I’m being fucking serious,” he stops not far away and looks down, the bulge beneath his pants obvious, “now you got me all fucking dirty today and you are here to clean up so let’s go hop in the shower and you can rub me down. Ah– scrub me down.”

You frown as your skin tingle, spattering with scalding humiliation. You still don’t believe him. He takes your wrist and pulls your arm away from your stomach. He turns and leads you towards the open door. You drag your feet as he takes you into the blindingly white bathroom. What kind of person can live like that? Fuck, you’ll be the one making sure it stays white.

“Go on, turn it on,” he lets you go and works at unbuckling his belt.

You don’t argue. You’re going have to learn that habit. It’s easier when you just go along with it. If you make it too easy, he might just get bored.

You slide back the clear glass door of the shower and bend, planting a hand on the wall to ease the strain. You twist the handle until water streams out from above and try to stand. You cry out as your hips reverberate with agony and you nearly collapse. You push yourself up, but only so far as you brace the tile firmer. You can’t. Fuck.

“Baby cakes,” Lloyd taps your ass and you whimper, “you getting in position for me already?”

He brings his large hands around your hips and draws you back, rubbing his dick against your ass. You whine and clasp his wrist.

“Ow, ow, ow, please stop–” you beg.

“Stop?” He repeats darkly.

“I’m hurt!” You cry out as your hand slips down the tile, “I’m not fucking kidding, stop.”

To your surprise, he listens. His grip on your hips lightens and he feels along them. You groan and shudder as your muscles tense and the pain worsens. Your legs shake.

“I can’t–” you swallow, “I can’t stand. Sometimes my back locks up and— now you know. It probably means shit to you, you can do whatever you want because I’m telling you, I can’t fucking move.”

He runs his hand across your lower back and turns them, brushing his knuckles along your spine and back down. “Shit,” he says lowly and curls his fingers around your hip once more, “that’s too bad, baby, but I did get a bit over eager.”

He bends and pushes and arm against your knees, scooping you up and turning away from the shower, “I think a bath… might help.”

“H-help? No, just put me down, I just need a minute. I can lay down and–”

“Don’t press it, I’m usually not the doting type,” he warns as he carries you to the ovular basin and lowers you into it awkwardly, “you’re entirely right that I could leave you on the floor of the shower but you earned this and I can’t play with a broken toy.”

[jpmarvel90]

I'm just so tired

Masterlist Scarlett Masterlist

Word Count: 3342

Relationship: Scarlett x Reader

Summary: Y/n is struggling with a demanding job whilst Scarlett is away filming, with no idea the toll it's taking on her girlfriend.

Y/N’s POV:

It’s 9pm and I’m finally driving home from work. I really hate my job. After I left college, I got what I thought was my dream job working at a global marketing firm. But boy was I wrong. The management team treated their staff like shit and the pay was crap. When I first started working there, I had to get a second job at a café just to be able to pay rent.

Thankfully, my second job brought me the one greatest happiness in my life, and that’s my girlfriend, Scarlett Johansson. Yep, you heard me right, me a small town girl working two jobs, is dating THE Black Widow. She would come into the shop 3 times a week on her way to set and would always take the time to chat. Over time our chats became more flirty before she finally asked me out on a date.

That was just over a year ago. I’ve had a promotion at work, so I was able to quit my job at the café, which in turned allowed me to have more time with Scarlett. That was until my stupid boss started to hammer me with more work than anyone else, setting ridiculous deadlines. Unfortunately finish at 9pm was not a rarity.

I feel so run down and lost. I thought I had everything planned out, but I any enthusiasm I had for doing this job, for being in this marketing world was gone. I could feel the tears starting to roll down my cheeks as I drove home. All I wanted to do was get home and cuddle my girlfriend. But I can’t. She’s been in Atlanta filming for the last month.

We’ve spoken as often as we can, but as filming has picked up it’s become hard to talk. I dropped her a text before I left work to see if she was free for a call this evening, but I didn’t expect a response. So here I am trudging up to my apartment ready to collapse on my bed.

Just as I open my door, my phone starts to ring, and the name causes me to smile for the first time today.

Y/N: Hey Babe, how are you?

Scarlett: Hey gorgeous, I’m doing better now I’m talking to you. How was your day?

Y/N: It was busy, I’m just getting back to my apartment now.

Scarlett: Babe, it’s like nine thirty. Why are you so late?

Y/N: Oh, it was just a busy day and I’ve got a deadline tomorrow so needed to get it done. Anyway, how is filming going?

Scarlett: Filming’s fine. You sound tired. Are you sure you’re ok?

I paused for a moment, trying so hard to stop my tears from falling. I hadn’t told Scarlett how bad work was. She had so much going on that I didn’t want to bother her with it.

Scarlett: Babe? I want to see your face; I’m switching to face time.

Y/N: No, I’m fine. It’s just been a rough couple of weeks. I’m fine….

Facetime request

I reluctantly accept knowing that either way she’s going to know something is wrong.

Y/N: Ah man, did you have to tease me being in costume?

I try to lighten the mood and move the conversation on but it’s not working.

Scarlett: Have you been crying? Babe, please tell me what’s wrong.

Y/N: I’m just tired. Like I said, work has been busy, you know what my emotions are like when I’m tired.

Scarlett: Y/N, don’t lie to me. In the year I’ve known you, I think I’ve only seen you cry twice. Just because I’m not with you, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be there for you. Now please, tell me what’s wrong.

Her face contorts into a worried frown and it causes me to cry but I’m able to prevent a full-on crying session from ensuing. 

Y/N: I’m just so tired. I don’t know how much longer I can push myself. I’m not getting anywhere at work. I’m getting more work but no benefits. I just feel like my whole life is revolving around work, there’s no time for anything else.

Scarlett’s face turns soft, and I can see her own eyes are glossing over.

Scarlett: Oh baby, I’m so sorry. Hopefully this will all pass, and they’ll see what an amazing worker you are. You are so great at your job, it will all come together.

I just nodded as I compose myself. I want to move on from this subject. I don’t want to worry her anymore.

Y/N: I know. I’m just being silly. It’s almost the weekend and I can take a break. Anyway, we barely talk at the moment, so I don’t want the time we do have together to be taken up by me being an emotion mess. How is filming going?

Scarlett rolls her eyes and lets out a little chuckle.

Scarlett: It’s going really well. We’ve almost finished the night shoots which will mean that I’ll be able to call you more. I miss talking to you every day.

Y/N: That’s great. I’m glad it’s going well. I miss you so much. We’re over halfway, not long to go now.

I smile, trying to keep my eyes open.

Scarlett: Babe, go to bed. You’re tired.

Y/N: Noooo, I’m awake, I’ve not spoken with you in 3 days!

Scarlett: I promise I’ll call you tomorrow. But you need sleep.

Y/N: Urgh, fine! But you’re bring that suit home.

I huff but giving her a cheeky grin and eyebrow wiggle.

Scarlett: If it’ll make you go to bed, deal! Now off to sleep!

Y/N: I’m going to hold you to that! Ok, I’m off. I miss you and I love you!

Scarlett: I love you more. Speak tomorrow.

I close off the call before grabbing a quick protein bar. These work hours are really playing havoc with my eating habits! Walking into my room, I barely have the energy to change. I leave my clothes in a pile on my floor before collapsing into my bed.

*beep, beep*

Urgh, I’m woken up at 5:30 by my obnoxious alarm. One more day and then it’s the weekend and I can spend it sleeping in. I jump in the shower and then make myself a proper breakfast, so I know I’ll be getting at least one decent meal today. 

I feel like I’m just coasting through the motions as I get ready and head off to the office. My heart sinks as I see the new paperwork sat on my desk for the admin of the latest marketing campaigns. I guess it’s another late finish for me today!

Scarlett’s POV:

It’s times like this I hate being so far away from Y/N. I just wanted to reach through the phone and give her a hug. I know she’s hiding how bad she’s really feeling. I’ve barely seen her cry and it breaks my heart that I’m not there for her when she is clearly struggling.

Whilst still deep in thought about my girlfriend, I’m called back to set to finish up the scenes for tonight. As I’m walking back over Joe pulls me aside. “Hey Scarlett, we’ve had to change up the schedule to fit in a couple of reshoots on the stunts. That means after tonight we won’t need you for a few days. You’ll be due back on set on Wednesday next week.” I feel relief wash over me.

I can’t wait to have a long weekend off. “Am I needed for anything else or am I completely free until Wednesday?” I ask, starting to get an idea. “Yep, get some rest and enjoy your time off!” He responds rushing off to his next location.

I work as hard as I can to get the final scenes completed and they go really well, and we get them done pretty quickly. I decide that I’m going to fly back to New York and surprise Y/N. As soon as I’m in my trailer I’m on my laptop searching for available flights. I book one which will get me in with enough time to set up a surprise.

Timeskip

I finally arrive at Y/N’s apartment a little before 4. I let myself in and get to work with preparing her surprise. The best thing about Y/N’s apartment is the roof access she has. Every Friday night she comes up here with a glass of wine and chills. The views are pretty cool and whenever I’m home, I join her.

Knowing how stressed and tired she’s been, I decide on setting up a movie night. I arrange a big projector which I have help setting up from my brother. I then arrange a makeshift bed with loads of comfy pillows and of course, get Y/N’s favourite snacks.

By the time I’ve finished it’s 6 and Y/N should be home any minute now. I plan to hide up on the roof and wait for her to join me. Time goes by and it’s now just after 9 and Y/N still isn’t here. I decide to drop her a text and pretend that I’ve got some time between filming.

Scarlett: Hey Babe, I’ve got an hour break if you’re free to call? Are you home?

Y/N: I’m just leaving work. I’ll call you when I’m home. Give me 30 minutes.

She’s working late again. I thought her deadline had already passed. I start to wonder how bad work really has been for her recently. We’ve always been honest with each other, but I feel like she’s been hiding this from me. I just wish I knew why.

From the roof I hear Y/N’s car pull up and I get ready for when she comes up to the roof. For some reason I’m getting nervous, I can’t wait to see my beautiful girlfriend again. About 5 minutes later, sure enough I hear the handle of the roof turn and I stand up facing the door.

I watch as Y/N walks through the door, wine glass in hand, in a pair of black shorts and one of my hoodies. I smile at how cute she looks, but it doesn’t go unnoticed how tired she looks too. She has bags under her eyes and her whole body seems deflated. My poor baby.

As she turns the corner her eye’s light up as she sees what I’ve set up. “Oh my God.” She whispers, before noticing me stood in the middle. Without saying anything further she runs and jumps up into my arms. I hold her tight. “Hey Baby. I’ve missed you.” I say into her hair.

I place her on the floor, and she looks at me directly in the eyes, I can see that she is holding back her tears. Her eyes flick down to my lips, so I pulled her close, putting a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before connecting our lips in a soft kiss full of love. I can feel that her tears are falling now, so I hold her tight letting her know I’m there.

After a minute or so, she pulls back, still clasping my hands. “What are you doing here?” She asked. “Our schedule was changed last minute so I’ve got 5 days off. After speaking with you yesterday, I knew I had to come back to you.” She smiles at me as I talk. Her eyes searching my face like she’s taking in every detail.

I lead her towards the makeshift bed, and we lie down together. She snuggles into me, her head on my chest and an arm over my stomach, slowly tracing random patterns just under my shirt. “Babe, please tell me what’s going on. Please tell me the truth.” I ask calmly, hoping she’ll share.

I look down to her as she takes a deep breath before she sits up. I turn to face her and take both of her hands in mine. “I hate work.” She blurted out. I furrow my eyebrows at her but allow her to carry on. “I work my ass off and it gets me nowhere. Each day I go in and there is more shit they want me to do in short timelines. I try and explain, and they just tell me I’m lucky I work there and that there are hundreds of other people that would do anything to be where I am.” She looks at her lap as she’s talking as if she is ashamed.

“I try so hard to prove myself above everyone else, but it gets harder every day. I’m exhausted and I just have no motivation for anything anymore. I just feel like the dream I had has turned into a nightmare.” Her voice breaks as does my heart. I can’t believe my baby has been feeling like this and I didn’t know.

“How long has this been going on?” I ask. She hesitates. “I mean it’s always been tough but these last 4 months have been unbearable.” There’s a silence as I take in that she has been feeling this broken for 4 months I hadn’t even noticed. What kind of girlfriend can’t see the person they love is hurting?

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask holding back my own tears. “I didn’t want to worry you. You work so hard and do so many great things. I felt stupid for breaking down over this.” Her words are like daggers to my heart. I feel such guilt for not providing her with an environment where she can share these feelings with me. I pull her onto my lap and hug her so tightly. “Listen to me. You are not stupid. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. But I want to know when you’re feeling like this. I’m your girlfriend, I’m meant to be able to help you. It breaks me to think you’ve been going through this on your own.”

I can no longer stop my own tears as I cling to her for dear life, like I’m going to lose her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just didn’t know what to do.” Y/N says into my chest. I pull her face into my hands so she’s looking at me. “No, you do not need to apologise. Just know that I am here for you, even when I’m miles away. I want to know how you’re feeling. Both the good and the bad. Ok?” She nods and I place a gentle kiss on her lips.

“I don’t know how I’m going to solve this.” She said, rubbing her thumb over my knuckles. “Quit your job.” I said without hesitation. “What? I can’t do that I need to pay rent, buy food!” She argues. “Firstly, you clearly haven’t been spending money on food, don’t think I haven’t noticed how thin you’re getting.” I lightly scold. I know she’s not doing it on purpose, she’s probably been too tired to eat working so late.

“Secondly, move in with me.” I ask almost at a whisper. She lifts her head and looks at me with confusion. “What?” she questioned. “I said move in with me. We’ve been together for a year. It’s about time.” She still looks confused as she rubs her hand against her forehead.

“Scar, you don’t have to ask me to move in out of pity.” She spoke cautiously. “Hey! No no, that’s not what this is. I had planned to ask you when I got back from Atlanta. You’re it for me. I don’t want to wait any longer, I want you to move in with me.” I say with conviction to show I mean it.

Her eyes fill with tears again, as she slowly nods her head. “Ok, I’ll move in with you. I’d love that.” She pulls me into a big hug and whispers “I love you.” I don’t want to ever let her go. “But I can’t quit my job.” I’m shocked by her response. “But babe, it’s not good for you.” She shakes her head. “I don’t want to be reliant on you. I want to be able to contribute to bills and treat you to fancy dates and surprise gifts.” She explains.

“You don’t need to do that. I want to take care of you. You don’t need to buy my love.” I pause thinking for a moment at how we can work this out. “How about, you quit your job on Monday. You can fly to Atlanta with me and then when I’m done filming, we’ll take a month to go travelling for a bit. Then when we’re back, you can look to get a job that you actually want. One that isn’t going to drive you into the ground.”

I can see her thinking for a while before responding. “Ok, I like the sound of that.” She says. I squeal in excitement and tackle her in a hug, resulting in us being a tangled mess on the bed. “We’re moving in together!” I exclaim. “God, I love you.” Once again I pull Y/N towards me into a passionate kiss. She giggles against my lips as I roll her over. “I love you too. Thank you for all of this. Shall we watch a movie?” She asks, looking at me with her love eyes. I nod and start the first movie. We snuggle up on the bed and spend the night watching movies.

We didn’t wake up until 12 the following morning. I woke up before Y/N and just watched her sleep, grateful she was finally getting rest. Once she wakes up, we lie in comfortable silence for a while before she slings a leg over me straddling me. “I’ve missed waking up to you.” She says, placing feather like kisses over my face causing me to giggle.

We hold eye contact for a while whilst she rubs her thumb over my cheek. “I can’t wait to move in with you if all my mornings start with you straddling me.” I tease, giving her hips a squeeze. Y/N leans down kissing up my neck then along my jaw before meeting my lips. “I’ll wake you up this way every morning if that’s what you want.” She whispers before smashing out lips together into a deep kiss. She gives both my top and bottom lips equal attention before swiping her tongue across my bottom lip asking for permission, which I instantly give.

Her tongue invades my mouth deepening the kiss with every move. I let out a small moan which results in Y/N pulling back and smiling at me. I hook my leg around her waist and flip us so I’m on top. I leant down and whispered seductively into her ear. “I brough home the suit.” Her eyes widen and a big grin appears on her face. “Well, what are you waiting for?” She responds. I jump off the bed to be greeted with a slap to my ass. I squeal and run to get dressed.

This was what I had always wanted in life. Someone who I adored and who adored me. I couldn’t wait to spend the next few months with Y/N and then the rest of our life together.

Timeskip

Y/N’s POV:

It was three months after Scarlett surprised me on the roof and asked me to move in with her. Whilst travelling she had proposed to me on a beach in Bora Bora. I of course had said yes. Once we got home, I started looking for jobs and I’m now working for a local company. It’s small but I love it. I’m actually paid more than I was, and I have much more responsibility. But the best thing is I’m happy. I’ve got a great work/life balance. I enjoy going to work and then I get to come home, at 5 every day, to my beautiful fiancé who I cannot wait to marry. My life feels like a dream and I hope that I never wake up.

[goodnightmemes]

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON TWO SENTENCE STARTERS

❛ The only thing you should ever say to the police is, "I want my lawyer." That's why I put it on the cookie. ❜

❛ Before you go, you should take some Hawaii 5-0 punch. It's just regular Hawaiian punch, but I gave it a snazzier name. ❜

❛ I might have to break up with him. Unless I get lucky and he just disappears. ❜

❛ I don't want to talk about the future, anyways. I'm all about living in the moment. ❜

❛ You're, like, holding on to me or whatever. That's, like, haunting 101. ❜

❛ I had to cut back the rations again. There's not much left. ❜

❛ The thought of you with someone else always scared me. But it also turned me on. ❜

❛ I'll make a solid kidnapper out of you yet. ❜

❛ There's no such thing as false hope. There's just hope. ❜

❛ I'm not scared of you. I'm never gonna be scared of you. ❜

❛ This is how you're choosing to say "I love you," for the first time? ❜

❛ You weren't the only smart one. You just liked to think you were. ❜

❛ What if my only way of dealing is to numb myself into oblivion? ❜

❛ They're too focused on their own shit to even notice that I'm gone. ❜

❛ Well...you're not a picture of normalcy yourself. ❜

❛ I can feel your heart beating. ❜

❛ Everyone has their role. ❜

❛ Stop reliving this! You're in the vise grip of your trauma. ❜

❛ Every time that you try to save someone, a lot of bad shit happens. ❜

❛ Serial killers love puzzles. It's a documented fact. ❜

❛ For fuck's sake, shut up! Don't you see how much damage you are doing? ❜

❛ I don't even know where you end and I begin. ❜

❛ Believe me, if I could relax about anything ever, I promise you, I would. ❜

❛ As I'm sure you can imagine, emotions can run high in a place like this. ❜

❛ You never know when you might need to leave the country sans passport. ❜

❛ It made me feel like...I didn't know what was going to happen. And I liked that. ❜

❛ You can't blame yourself. We all did it together. ❜

❛ Dude, I don't even remember what socks I put on today. ❜

❛ I guess I'd kind of do anything to see him again, you know? ❜

❛ Moving in with you means everything in my life changes. ❜

❛ I think shit is gonna get a lot worse out here. ❜

❛ Thing is...it's one thing to point a gun at a person. It's another thing to use it. ❜

❛ There's a look people get when they realize they're going to die. It's that one. ❜

❛ My hand wasn't shaking because I was afraid. It was shaking because of how badly I wanted to do this. ❜

❛ I'm gonna live how I want to. How I know I'm meant to. And I'm gonna be the person that I know I am. ❜

❛ They're all lucky to have you. It's pretty rare to have a friend who's relentlessly got your back. ❜

❛ In small towns, everyone knows who and where the weirdos are. ❜

❛ I don't normally hitchhike and...look like this. ❜

❛ I know that you're depressed. I know that you can't see it, but I can always tell. ❜

❛ Yes, I am still depressed because it's kind of a forever thing, but I'm doing real work. ❜

❛ And I swear to God, if you lie to me again…I am so fucking over secrets. Like, I can't. ❜

❛ Oh, my fucking God. So, you… you killed a person? ❜

❛ Maybe one day I can talk to you about it, but for now, can that just be enough? ❜

❛ I don't understand why you won't see what's right in front of you. ❜

❛ I'm sorry I disappointed you. I love you even when you try to control me. But I'm okay now! ❜

❛ I think we need to get you out of here. ❜

❛ But I just got here. I don't - I don't want to leave you. ❜

❛ As parents, it's part of our job. We have to protect her, we have to shield her from making the same shitty mistakes we made. To throw our fucking bodies in front of her if that's what we have to do. ❜

❛ No, you can't deny this anymore. There is something deep inside of you that is connected to all of this. ❜

❛ So, you gonna tell me why you're here, or are we just gonna pretend this isn't super weird? ❜

❛ I'm doing a fucking thing here. I don't need you getting in my way. ❜

❛ If I happen to mention sacrificing anything on an altar, well, just ignore that part, okay? Thanks. ❜

❛ Do you get how lucky we are? Some people never find someone they trust enough to share their deepest secrets. ❜

❛ You think I'm capable of murder? ❜

❛ You're charming and impulsive, which are traits of most serial killers. Only, you pull it off. ❜

❛ Look, all I'm trying to say is, I like you regardless of your extracurricular activities. ❜

❛ That's medication for me to mind my own business. You should take two. ❜

❛ Maybe you don't have to be dying to have regrets. ❜

❛ I'm mixing my pop culture metaphors 'cause I'm fucking upset! ❜

❛ I can't ask you for your help 'cause I don't want to hurt any more of the people I love. ❜

❛ You should know better than anyone we can't define a person based on their past. ❜

❛ I don't need your fucking prayers, I need you to have my back. ❜

❛ We weren't alone out there. ❜

❛ You should get the hell away from me. I'm poison. I ruin people. ❜

❛ We did so much fucked up shit out there. And, yeah, maybe it was to survive. Maybe. But I don't think we deserved to. ❜

❛ Women have been having babies for millions of years. You're gonna be fine. ❜

❛ The wilderness recognizes your sacrifice. And so do I. ❜

❛ The power of that place. The god of that place. We did terrible things in Its name. ❜

❛ It's all your fault. There's just something wrong with you. You always do this. ❜

❛ Aren't you probably the last person who should be giving me legal advice right now? ❜

❛ I know I have no right to ask you this, but truly, what is going on with you? ❜

❛ I just want to know you haven't given up on love. ❜

❛ Maybe I have given up on love. But don't flatter yourself. It's not because of you. ❜

❛ You know I don't deserve your friendship, right? I just hurt people. ❜

❛ Suffering is inevitable. And only by meeting it with compassion can we truly begin to grow. ❜

❛ I never even wanted to be a mom. ❜

❛ I did not start out a bad person. But in case you haven't noticed, life doesn't tend to turn out the way you think it will. ❜

❛ Oh, no. What happened? Fuck, are we going to jail? ❜

❛ It's you and me against the whole world. ❜

❛ You lost a lot of blood and you were unconscious. We thought we lost you. ❜

❛ I kept surviving all this shit that should've killed me, and I just...I figured it meant something. You know, like maybe it meant that I had some kind of purpose in all of this, but, uh...Yeah. I'm not fucking seeing it. ❜

❛ I need to know why the fuck I'm still here. ❜

❛ Shouldn't you be in therapy? ❜

❛ I'm not like you, okay? I don't think of killing as a joke. ❜

❛ I really am very grateful that your hobby seems to be figuring out how to be the perfect serial killer. ❜

❛ I've always kept my daughter at arm's length. I think just out of fear that she would...die, I guess. Or maybe that she was never even real to begin with. ❜

❛ I can't have another death on my hands. ❜

❛ I can't wait for you. I don't have that kind of time. ❜

❛ Tell me, is there anything of value in this life that doesn't come with risk? ❜

❛ Does a hunt that has no violence feed anyone? ❜

❛ What, do you want to casually reminisce about our time in fucking oblivion? ❜

❛ Well, if I'm repressing things I don't know about, I am very okay with never figuring it out. ❜

❛ I know there's a lot of pain. You need to let it out. ❜

❛ I don't understand. You measured the grave to the standard six feet? ❜

❛ You're lying to me. And I want to know why. ❜

❛ Maybe [name] dying wouldn't be the worst thing. ❜

❛ When they get a whiff of how much of a liar your mom is, they'll realize that the ❜ psychopath apple doesn't fall far from the fucked-up, man-eating tree. ❜

❛ So, this is what you've all been doing with your lives? Chasing blackmailers and murdering lovers? ❜

❛ I think we can agree that it's in everyone's best interest that [name] is gone. ❜

❛ If I die, don't waste my body. Promise me. ❜

❛ I thought you loved all of me, like I love all of you. ❜

❛ We put ourselves in danger for you. You've been using us! ❜

❛ I've been trying to fix...No. I have been telling myself that I've been trying to fix things and make the problems go away, but the truth is, I've just been doing stuff that makes it worse. ❜

❛ We're all pretty messed up. It's time we finally fucking talk about it. ❜

❛ This isn't something that therapies can fix. ❜

❛ I think that you might be taking this whole, like, cult leader persona thing... a tad far. ❜

❛ I never meant... I didn't want this. ❜

❛ You started this. It's done. And it's going to save all of our lives. ❜

❛ I appreciate you trying to teach me...forgiveness. It's a nice idea. ❜

❛ I let him die in my place. It was supposed to be me. ❜

❛ You're a good person. You really don't belong in this place. ❜

❛ I'm not ashamed. I'm glad I'm alive. And I don't think that any of us who are still here should feel ashamed of that. Ever. ❜

❛ That was a beautiful false confession. I could see it came out of real love. ❜

❛ You want to help me move this body? ❜

❛ It's up to you. You can submit. Or you can run. ❜

❛ You know there's no "it," right? It was just us. ❜

❛ I never wanted to be in charge. ❜

❛ No. I'm not supposed to be here. ❜

❛ This is exactly where we belong. We've been here for years. ❜

❛ It's not evil. Just hungry. Like us. ❜

[artists-ally]

{Flatline} Harvey x OFC {Pt. 3)

Uh ohhhh guys it’s Pt. 3 🤭🤭🤭 I am so excited for this. It’s honestly one of my favorite things I’ve written and I hope you all agree. There is a poll at the end so make sure to vote for that <3 enjooyyyyy p.s. I hope this does good justice for this series.

Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Character Playlist

Word Count: 12,795

Warnings: language, angst, anxious thoughts, one singular mention of sexual h*r*ssm*nt in regards to Harvey’s actions with Claudia, smut 18+, the tiniest bit of food play, dom/sub dynamics, praise kink go brrr

***Italic sections indicate flashbacks***

Summary: The aftermath of Harvey breaking his promise to Claudia.

Tagging: @rosedpetal @maxdamax @ashcosmo

~~~~~~

HARVEY'S POV

My legs were numb. That sort of numbness when something happens that you can’t explain. It felt like my life just flashed before my eyes. That image of Claudia’s shaking lip… hearing her broken voice… I don’t think I’ll ever get it out of my fucking head. 

“Harvey, I requested those trades be made an hour ago. Do you wanna tell me why… Harvey?”

I could see Jessica in front of me, but I couldn’t hear a damn thing she said. 

“Harvey, what’s going on?” She closed the door, and I put a hand out to steady myself so I wouldn’t fall on the floor. “What happened?” “I fucked up,” I whispered. 

“Yeah, no shit. You tanked our only opportunity to get a leg up on this Gustoson case. You’re damn right you fucked up-”

“No no,” I sat on the arm of the chair. My hands began to shake so I folded them together. Jessica saw. 

“What the hell did you do?”

“I yelled at Claudia…”

She just blinked at me. “Is that seriously what you’re concerned about? Yelling at an associate? Okay, you yelled at an associate, what’s new? That might as well be in your job description.”

“No no no I didn’t just yell at her I threatened to do the one thing that I promised I would never do and now she’s gone. She left. I can’t- I don’t- I never meant to hurt her but she suggested that we file a motion to dismiss and I got so caught up in my anger about her accusing me of using her that I lost my-”

“Using her? Harvey, what is going on?” “I’ll tell you what’s going on,” Donna barged in. 

“Donna please don’t-”

“Harvey and Claudia have been ‘working together’ for the last month and a half, when in reality he has been a selfish, lying, arrogant brat who has crossed so many lines it’s beginning to look like a Rorschach Test.”

“You know?” I felt my heart suffocate myself. I thought I was gonna throw up.

“In all honesty Harvey, no I didn’t. Not until Claudia just broke down in the elevator and told me everything. I cannot believe that you would use her like that. For your own personal satisfaction are you out of your fucking mind?” “Harvey, what the hell is she talking about?” Jessica’s voice was full of hostility. 

“He thought that it would be a good idea to boost Claudia’s confidence by getting into her pants.”

“Donna it wasn’t-”

Jessica scoffed, covering her face. “What the hell is wrong with you? This has got sexual harassment written all over it, Havrey. Could you really be that delusional?”

“For fucks sake it wasn’t like that!” I screamed. Genuinely screamed and paced around. “I didn’t use her, not intentionally. God dammit I haven't been able to think clearly since the first day that I saw Claudia. She is an incredible lawyer and all I wanted to do was give her something else to focus on because she was afraid to be in a room with me. I just- all I wanted to do was help her find a little bit of confidence and oh my god this sounds so much worse when I say it outloud.”

Donna and Jessica exchanged a look while I slowly felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest and stomped on the floor with cleats. 

“Okay Harvey, sit down and tell us what happened,” Donna steered me away from putting a hole in the wall to my desk.

“I don’t even know, Donna.” “Well while you two enjoy going down memory lane, I’ll be fighting for our firm's life. If you two don’t get your shit together, and by you two I mean Harvey, then… I don’t even know then.”

She all but slammed the door on her way out, patrons on the other side sending worried glances our way. I turned my chair so they wouldn’t see me. 

“How long has this been going on?” Donna asked. 

I dug my nails into my skin. “Almost two months.”

“Two months? Harvey, how could you not tell me?” “Because I didn’t want to,” I admitted. “And partly because I kind of thought you already knew. You know, the whole ‘Donna superpower’ shit you do.”

“I know I can’t believe I missed it,” she took the chair in front of me. I glared at her so hard I thought I’d light that hair of hers on fire. “Okay bad time for a joke. So, bachelor, why don’t you start from the beginning. And please, I don’t need to know the dirty details, despite my curiosity. Claudia is like a little sister to me and I really don’t want to picture you and her and oh my god I already am. Ugh, please start talking so I don’t have to be tortured.”

So dramatic. I was good looking, and so was Claudia. Why wouldn’t anyone want to picture us together? Then my eyes snapped to the chair she was sitting on. Oh god. Donna was in the chair that I was the first time Claudia and I-

“Get up,” I blurted out, reaching for her and placing her in my desk chair. God dammit we used that one too. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

We sat down on the couch and I rubbed my strained eyes. Here goes nothing. 

“When Sheila first sent over the recruits from Harvard, I interviewed all of them. Except for one. There were thirteen associates but I only had twelve meetings set up. So I asked Louis if he was interviewing any of the newbies and he said just one. Obviously this person was some sort of idiot to be going to Louis instead of me, so I popped in.”

“Well, Claudia I think that you have some unbelievable potential at this firm and I’d just like to- Harvey, what are you doing here I am in the middle of an interview.”

“Oh I know, I just wanted to drop by and see how it was going.”

In front of Louis was this warm, chestnut brown head of sleek, silk like hair. She was wearing a lavender blouse and a black maxi skirt with a slit to the knee. She had on these black flats with pearls on them. Summer had just ended, and there was some remaining sunburn on her nose and cheeks. Her eyes were surrounded by prominent lashes and eyebrows, a fine line of makeup between the two; lavender, to match the top. 

“It’s going great, now will you get the hell out and tend to your own interviews and stop barging in on my only one?”

“Harvey Specter,” I introduced, sticking out my hand. She looked from it over to Louis, who was just shooting me daggers. 

“You just can’t help yourself, can you?”“Louis, I’m not trying to woo your associate, I’m just introducing myself to her. We are kind of name partners, you know. It’s the courteous thing to do.”

Again, all she did was look at my hand before slowly standing up. I didn’t miss the way she tried to subtly wipe her hand on her skirt. 

“I’m Claudia. Claudia Martin.”

God dammit that was a pretty name. It sounded so sophisticated, so mature and would sound really nice next to mine. Or with mine. Harvey Specter and Claudia Martin. I don’t know why I thought of hearing or seeing ‘Claudia Specter’ one day, but I did. And I didn’t hate the way it sounded. 

“Welcome to Pearson Specter Litt,” I gave a nice smile. It was clear she was already intimidated to be here, I didn’t need to add to that fire. She barely looked me in the eye for two seconds, but those two seconds made my head spin. 

She had the most gorgeous eyes I think I’ve ever seen in my life. They were amber in the middle but had this ring of hazel around the outer rim. It was just… not something I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t want her to look away because I just wanted to keep looking at them.

And that blush… that I knew wasn’t her sunburn. Not the way it creeped up the side of her face, or at the base of her neck. 

Jesus Harvey, stop staring at her. You’re probably giving off major stalker vibes.

“Well I’ll be around if you need anything, Claudia. Don’t be shy,” I smiled, the best charming one I could. Her full lips were in a tight line, her fingers picking at each other before she sat back down with Louis.

“Okay so you sabotaged Louis’ meeting with Claudia and thought she was beautiful? Why didn’t you just say that?” Donna interrupted. 

“Didn’t you ask me to start from the beginning?” She snapped her lips closed. “So let me tell the goddamn story. Yes, I thought she was stunning. I mean, no one in their right mind would think otherwise. She is so pretty and so smart and twice the person I wish I could be. There is just something about her that I can’t shake from my memory.”

“Yeah we get it, you’re head over heels for Claudia. Now on with it I don’t have all day.”

I rolled my eyes. 

“That was the first time I met her. It wasn’t long after that she started working here when I talked to her again. She was just sitting at her desk, Griffin and whoever else crowded around the opposite end of the bullpen. She was excluded and it made me feel bad.”

I’ve always thought Griffin would be at the top of my list for top associates. He was like me; only shorter, not as good looking, and had blue eyes instead of brown. Did I mention he wasn’t as good looking? Anyway, I had only one intention: get Claudia alone so I could talk to her.

Every day since she started a few weeks ago, I have watched her get off the elevator, walk through the office, and disappear around the corner. It wasn’t fair that she got to look like that, walk like that, and no one was around to appreciate it. 

She was so fucking eye catching. And I didn’t want the other slobs at this firm to get to her before I could.

“Claudia, do you mind helping me with something for a few minutes?” I asked, voice just loud enough for Griffin to hear. 

She looked up, pen cap between her rosy lips, and blinked. That flush creeped onto her cheeks. I tried not to smile. 

“Sure,” she nodded once and stood up, following me out. 

I was not so subtle with the look that I gave Griffin, and he wasn’t so subtle with the way he spoke.

“Is there something you need, Harvey? Claudia is in the middle of a very important depo documentation. I’d hate for her to fall behind.”

What a dick. “No, Griffin. It seems like you’ve got more important things to do with your book club than working on whatever Louis assigned you, so Claudia will work just fine. I prefer an actually hard working associate to someone who’s discussing whatever mediocre steak dinner you had at Texas Roadhouse last Wednesday.”

“Griffin’s eyes simmered and shot daggers into Claudia. But he didn’t open his mouth. I thought about punching him in the face for looking at her like that, and that’s when I realized I was fucked. That I was willing to do that for Claudia when it was literally the second time I’ve ever talked to her.”

“I’ll say,” Donna huffed. “What happened next?” “I just had her deliver some letters for me to the courthouse. I asked her something about Griffin, if they were ever acquainted with each other.”

“And what did she say?”

“She told me that Griffin was a total douchebag and tried to use his social status to get a leg up on her in class discussions, cutting corners to discredit her. It was so unfair and I just-”

Donna put a hand on my knee. “Relax, Harvey. Griffin isn’t here, stop looking like you want to put him through a wall.” “Well, Donna, I do want to put him through a wall because he has been an asshole to Claudia for no other reason than she was good at her job. It makes me sick.”

“When did you start becoming so protective of her? I’ve never seen you like this with anyone other than Mike, Louis, Jessica and myself. You must… really really care about her.”

“I think it was during the mock trial. She was always off to the side, always attentive, but never spoke up. I couldn’t stop myself from glancing over at her every once and a while to see if she wanted to be included. But she never did.”

“This case may seem simple, but the husband is a grade A asshole. He has done everything to cover his tracks and is gonna come at us with everything he’s got. Find me some evidence and make it good.”

They all branched off, heading this way and that. Claudia went to the only logical place, right to me.

“Hi, Mr. Specter-sir. I just have one question about-about the case if you’ve got a minute. If you have somewhere to be I understand and I can ask later,” she said quickly.

“Of course, what do you want to know?” I couldn’t help but think her stuttering was cute. I knew she was nervous, specifically around me; she always seemed so tense with me, so I made sure to always speak quietly and calmly with her. 

“Was Mr. Saros the one who paid off that investment banker? Did the money come from his account directly or a different one?”

God she was so good. “It came from him and his wife’s joint account.”

Claudia had a slight grin to her lips, and she nodded before striding away. She was going to crack this wide open. I just knew it. 

I went back to my office to wait it out, to see if any one could come up with an idea before Claudia. Before I knew it, it was three o'clock and I had a meeting to go to for another case Mike and I were working on. When we got in the car, Mike was looking at me with a knowing smile. 

“What?” 

He shook his head, “Nothing, just wondering how long you’re going to pretend you’re not in love with Claudia Martin.”

“The first year associate?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know who she is. I see you watch her like a starving animal every time she comes into the office. And every time she leaves. And every time she asks Donna something.”

Uh oh.

“Oh please, I have far better things to do than get involved with a first year.”

“You didn’t deny that you were in love with her.”

“Do you want to get smacked? Or I could kick you out of this car at sixty miles per hour, see how you like the taste of asphalt.” Mike did not know when to stop pushing my buttons. 

“I think you just proved my theory.”

“What theory?”

“That you are in love and you are incredibly protective of Claudia. I heard about what you said to Griffin when he offered his help because Claudia was ‘too busy’. You know he pawned that work off to her, right?”

My eyes narrowed and my jaw clenched, as well as my fists. I fixed my gaze out the window and took some deep breaths. Jesus… he had a point. A huge point. God dammit I’m in trouble.

“Mike knew before I did?” Donna sounded mildly offended. 

“Well, not really. I never told him what we were doing. But I did tell him that I liked her. And when he told me that Griffin was pawning off his work to Caudia it sent me into a spiral. Shit, Donna… I am in so deep with Claudia. I really fucked up. I mean really bad. I made a promise to her that I wouldn’t treat her like the other associates because she wasn’t like the other associates. She was Claudia. And Claudia was- is- so much better than the rest of them.” “Why would you make a promise like that if you knew you wouldn’t be able to keep it?” “I had every intention of keeping it, but then all the shit with started happening when Louis found out about Mike being a fraud and he took that fucking case with Gerard and I couldn’t hold it together.” “Why did you even make it in the first place?” Donna asked, but I really didn’t want to tell this story.

I sighed, the type of sigh that fills your whole body.

“I was going off on Griffin one day, for being an asshole to some of the other associates, about pawning off his work to Claudia and she saw.”

“Griffin, I don’t care whose idea it was. You were the one to destroy his work, so you’re going to face the consequences.”

“It was just a prank, the entire document wasn’t supposed to be deleted.”

“You think tampering with another associate’s work is a prank? I hope when you go home tonight you think long and hard about who you wanna be as a man because as of right now, there isn’t going to be anything for you to come back to tomorrow. And you better pray to whatever you believe in because if there’s one person you don’t want to make an enemy out of, it’s me. Do you understand that?”

He clenched his jax, shoving his hands in his pockets. “yes.”

“You are going to be Louis’ personal associate.”“No, no way you can make me work for that man. He’s a total airhead.”“Yes, he is, now you two have something to talk about. You can bond over your selfish, outrageous egotistical behavior, it’ll be just like looking in a mirror.”

“Harvey I’m-”

“I don’t care what you are Griffin. You have no right to treat the other associates like that, especially Claudia. If I ever catch wind of you throwing your work load on her again so help me God I will make sure it is the last thing you do at this firm.”

If my point wasn’t clear enough by my words, the look I gave him would certainly do. He left my office without another word and I followed his movements all the way. But my eyes met Claudia’s. And they were wide and panicked. She quickly scurried away, head down and steps fast. She looked so afraid. 

She wasn’t afraid of me was she? I mean, all I had done was rip Griffin a new one for being an asshole. And he deserved it, Claudia would never do something to deserve that kind of lashing. 

“And so I promised her. I fucking promised her that I would never flip out on her and then I went and did exactly. God Donna… I am so fucked up.”

Her slim hand rubbed up and down my shoulder, but I only wanted it to be Claudia’s. I wanted her right next to me so I could go through all of this with her and explain that it wasn’t just some fling. Not to me. Never to me. I never wanted it to be temporary, she was… she’s it for me. 

The familiar prick crept into my eyes, my nose, and the tears fell. Donna has only seen me cry a handful of times, but never over a girl.

But Claudia wasn’t just some girl. She wasn’t just some hookup or some prize to be won. She was Claudia Martin. My Claudia. The quiet, shy first year associate I had worked so hard to get out of her shell. It wasn’t just for my pleasure, I truly didn’t want to see her fall behind just because she couldn’t ask me a question.

I saw that look in her eye; hunger and determination. Just like mine. I wanted it to shine brighter than her smile. Which was equally as devastating as her work in the courtroom. But I just wanted her to feel comfortable around me and I didn’t know what else to do. She was like a frightened baby deer around me. A constant nervous wreck at the drop of my name. I didn’t want her to be afraid of me, I wanted nothing more than to be a safe space for her. 

And maybe it’s just because I’m an idiot, but I’m realizing now that maybe I’m the one who needed the safe place. To just have someone to go to all the time. To share all of my proud moments and sneak little kisses and touches here and there. 

I need Claudia. I need her.

Maybe I took it too far. Started at the wrong place. I should’ve offered to take her out to dinner instead of inviting her up for a drink in my office after her first case. I shouldn’t have done it so backwards, and it kills me that I’m only drawing that connection now. Why couldn’t I have thought of that earlier? She would’ve been so much better off without all the backwards, fucked up shit that I did.

But it was so nice. To finally have the one thing I have been craving for so long. She was so soft, and she was so sweet under my touch and I couldn’t help myself. As soon as I first kissed her it was end game. I didn’t want to kiss anyone else. I wouldn’t ever kiss anyone again, not the way I kissed Claudia. More than lust. More than just a desire. 

Her lips on mine made my head go blank. I had an awful habit of having work thoughts creep their way into my head every once in a while. But never with her. Even when we were only talking about work, I couldn’t think about it. I only thought about her. About how brilliant she was, about how soft and warm and perfect her lips were on mine. About how she always made me feel at ease and comforted. I doubt she could ever make anyone afraid. Except maybe an opposing counsel. 

If I ever had to face her in court… I know I’d lose. For one, I’d give her anything she wanted simply because she could put me on my knees with a single look. And normally I’d hate to let a woman have that much control over me, but for Claudia… I’d let her do whatever she wanted. And Second, she knows what to do. All the time. She never misses a beat, and is always listening. Even when you think she isn’t.

I am so in love with Claudia. I felt my heart crack open. My voice more or less does the same. 

“Harvey…” “I am in love with her, Donna. And I think I have been for a long time.”

She was quiet, and a throat cleared. Mike was there in front of me, his hands in his pockets, a look of worry on his face. “Is everything alright?”

I saw Donna shake her head out of the corner of my eye. She didn’t say anything, but I knew she wanted to. 

“I broke my promise to Claudia.” That was all I said. I heard his sharp inhale, and he came and sat in front of us. “God dammit Mike… I really messed up. I hurt the one person I couldn’t afford to and- and I don’t know what to do.”

“Go talk to her,” Mike said. “If you’re serious about how you feel about Claudia, then you need to go tell her that it was never… whatever you were doing before. She has anxiety, Harvey. She is going to let her brain tell her things about you that aren’t true. And you need to be there to soothe the fire before it does irreversible damage.” “Well, what do you and Rachel do when you get into an argument?” 

“Harvey,” Donna said, “You aren’t Mike, and Claudia isn’t Rachel. Whatever they do might not work for you. You need to do what feels right for you and your relationship.” “I don’t know if you know this Donna, but I haven’t done something like this before. I don’t know how to talk to her. How to not make her anxious around me.” “We’ll help you,” Mike nods, as well as Donna. “We can come up with a plan but right now we’ve got a bigger problem on our hands.” What could be more devastating than hurting Claudia? 

Nothing. The answer was nothing.

____

CLAUDIA’S POV

I toed off my shoes, leaving them in the growing pile by my front door. I sighed at it. Why couldn’t they just put themselves away? 

My splitting headache was doing nothing to help either. 

Before I could even get a thought about what I could cook for dinner, the doorbell rang. I swear to god if Greg was here asking me about those flowers on my wreath again I was going to smack him with it, throw it over his head and shove him back inside his apartment and-

“Claudia, it’s Mike. I know you’re here, can we talk?”

Mike? What the hell is he doing here? 

I seriously debated giving my best housekeeper impression and deadbolting the door. But it was Mike, and he hadn’t done anything to deserve a cold shoulder. Oh god, what if Harvey was with him and I was getting set up? Oh shit.

“No, Harvey isn’t with me. I promise.”

I stalked to the door, pulling it open and glaring up at Mike. “The last time someone made me a promise I regretted it.” He just pressed his lips in a flat line. “What are you doing here, Mike?”

“I’m here on behalf of Harvey.” “Why?” “Because he’s worried about you.” Why is he worried about me? He made it very clear he didn’t give a shit about me. “He’s beating himself up over what he did.”

“Good,” that I didn’t restrain. 

“Claudia, he is really shaken up right now. He didn’t mean to do what he did. Now, I’m not going to stand here and pretend I know all the details about what he did but-” “He used me, Mike. Plain and simple.” All I got was a raised eyebrow. “He told me he wanted to ‘build my confidence’ which I was actually naive enough to believe, and it led to my worst fucking nightmare. But he just got what he wanted, to get his dick wet and then was done with me.”

“Claudia, trust me, it wasn’t like that. Harvey would never use you like that. He wouldn’t dream of it, trust me.”

“Are you sure because it seems like that’s exactly what he did. He saw that I was hard working, manipulated me into working with him, and treated me like shit when I was just trying to find a solution to his goddamn problem. I have more self respect than that. To let him continue to get away with that.”

“Can I ask what he did?”

My throat closed, and my palms began to sweat. I knew my annoying blush was there by the way his eyes dipped to my neck. 

“After I won my first case with him, he invited me up to his office for some drinks. Said something along the lines of wanting to get to know each other so I didn’t have to feel so nervous. So I went up, and one thing led to another and… I don’t know why I let it happen. I knew it would end badly. I can’t believe I let myself believe that he would be into me beyond anything other than his pure primal satisfaction. But he seemed so genuine and so caring. Like he genuinely wanted to help me, and some part of me obviously thought it was a good idea because it happened again. And again. And again. God, I sound like the biggest loser right now.” “No you don’t,” Mike gave me a soft smile. “If it means anything, those feelings weren’t one sided. I know it doesn’t mean much of anything coming from me but… Harvey is really really fucking sorry about what he did.”

I was physically shaking. Through my trembles, I managed to speak, despite my thoughts trying to shut me down. “It hurt so bad, Mike. I really like Harvey, and I thought he might feel the same way. I guess I was wrong. So… so wrong.”

“No, Claudia you’re not wrong. Harvey is a grade A asshole but he wouldn’t-”

“If there is any chance of Harvey sorting this out, you need to tell him to grow a set and tell me himself,” I have no idea where this confidence came from. “He needs to stop getting other people to do his job for him. If he can’t recognize that now, of all times, then… then I don’t think he deserves me.”

Mike blinked long, rubbing his fingers over his mouth. “Harvey didn’t ask me to come here.” “What?” What? 

“Yeah,” he sighed. “I knew Harvey wouldn’t come tonight. I’m not sure he’ll come at all but… Claudia, he talks about you like I’ve never seen him talk before. He gushes over you to the point where it’s annoying. And when I went to go and talk to him about what our next move was for this case… Claudia, he was crying. He was sobbing with Donna in his office and-”

Good, I wanted to say. But it kind of crushed my soul. Harvey was crying over what he did to me. 

“I’ve never seen him cry before,” Mike looked hurt, too. “He regrets what he said. I know he does.”

“I believe you.”

“Good,” he nods. “I don’t want to do his job for him and I think-”

“But that doesn’t mean I will forgive him for what he said,” and with that, I closed the door, locking it for the night.

_____

Saturday and Sunday were so agonizing. The last thing I wanted to do was go into an office after a weekend of anything but rest and relaxation. I was tired and hadn’t showered and needed some restful sleep. Not to be woken up three times a night by dreams of Harvey touching me. Those certainly didn’t help. 

My mind kept replaying our first time together. Specifically when he said 'Oh, Claudia, you really are that innocent, aren’t you?’ Innocent and naive… just like he said that night. Who was I to think that Harvey would take any interest in me besides the fact that I was good at being a lawyer? I wasn’t special in any way, I think he just knew that I was easy to manipulate into doing what he needed. 

There was no way in hell I’d ever do another thing for Havrey, the all powerful jackass, Specter again.

As I set my stuff on my desk, Griffin walked up. Great. Just great, what did this prick want?

“Hey umm… Hi Claudia,” he rubbed the back of his head. “I just- I’m sorry. About all the things I’ve done to you. You didn’t deserve it and I want you to know that you have always been six-times the lawyer I wish I could be. I was jealous and took it out on you. And I shouldn’t have so… I’m sorry.”

Did I just hear that right? Did Griffin Harper just apologize to me? What the fuck is going on?

“Oh,” great way to start, idiot. “Thank you, Griffin.”

He just gave me a short nod before scurrying away. Well, that was… unexpected. Certainly I couldn’t ever let us be friends, but it was nice to know he wasn’t my mortal enemy any longer. 

I went about my business, plagued with thoughts and reminders of Harvey ever which way I went. Louis and Jessica sent me an email with some files to print out so I scanned them, proofed them, and sent them to the printing room. 

God it sent a shiver down my spine to be back in here after he… don’t finish the thought don’t finish the thought-

“Hey, Claudia,” Donna snapped me out of my heated thoughts. “How are you?” “You can cut the bullshit now, Donna.”

She sighed, “it was a genuine question.” “And that was a genuine answer. I’m not in the mood.”

“Claudia-” “No, Donna. What Harvey did wasn’t okay, and I’m not going to stand here and pretend like what he did didn't hurt. Because it did and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it ever since. I don’t need you here to remind me.”

“Have you ever considered that Harvey may want to fix it?”

“No, Donna. I haven’t. And I’m not going to,” I stood my ground, squaring off my freshly printed papers before making more copies for Louis. 

“What are you talking about?”

I scoffed. “Do you really think that I wouldn’t figure out what was going on?” “Again, what are you-” “I know Harvey just thinks that I am gullible and naive and easy to push around because he makes me nervous. And it’s true. Whenever I am near him I can’t keep myself composed and I’m sick and tired of being walked all over. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to let myself see otherwise, but I’m even more upset that you didn’t come clean and tell me.” “Claudia, no one is walking over you. And I didn’t know about any of this until you told me on Friday. Harvey came to you because he knew can rely on you and your abilities to get things accomplished. He wanted the chance to work with you and get you to trust him a little. You have to know that by now,” Donna was standing right next to me, blocking my way out. 

“Maybe I do, but that doesn’t mean that I believe it. Donna, I am not some corporate power house that is gonna bring firms to their knees. Not like he does.” “Nobody does what Harvey does.” “And that’s my point,” I grit my teeth. “Harvey was trying to make me into a mini version of him, just like he did with Mike and it’s not what I want to be. Donna, I am not assertive. I am not reckless and willing to go behind peoples backs to get the job done. I like rules and regulations and the law. They are there so people abide by them, and Harvey, more often than not, doesn’t do that. Yes, I look up to him as a role model because I admire his tenacity. But that doesn’t mean I like or agree with the things he does.”

“And you think that I like it when he goes and cuts someone’s legs out from under them?”

“I didn’t say that. But that means you know how I feel. I can’t- I don’t… I don’t want to be around someone like that. It makes me feel like I’m suffocating. And worst of all he gave me his word that he wouldn’t lash out and treat me like the other associates. I cant believe that I was stupid enough to believe that Harvey would-“

Both of us stopped as someone pushed through the door. 

Harvey…

“Donna,” Harvey’s mouth was pressed in a flat line. He jerked his head over his shoulder. Donna gave me a sympathetic look and turned on her heel. Where was she going?

“Wait, Donna don’t-” I whispered.

“You’ll be fine,” she gave me a firm look, patting my shoulder as she walked around Harvey. Oh my god… she set me up.

My heart felt like it was ripping out of my fucking chest. The last thing I needed right now was to be in an enclosed space with Harvey.

He stared at me, fussing with the cufflink on his shirt. “Claudia.” “I’m sorry, Mr. Specter, but I have to get these to Louis.” I tried to go around him, like Donna had, but he just let his body fall against the wall. Blocking the way. I couldn’t bring myself to look up at him and ask him to let me go. 

“I want you to listen to me.” His voice was stern, in a demanding way, but not in a pissed off way. 

“No, I am in a rush. Now if you’ll excuse me-”

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “Come on, Claudia. Please just talk to me. I tried to call you but you didn’t answer and-.”

“I know, but I don’t want to talk to you. I want you to get out of my way so I can go do my job.” 

“A little feisty today, aren’t we?” He pushed off his shoulder, taking a step towards me, I took one back. And another as he took one. 

“No, I need to-” “Get those copies to Louis, I heard you,” Harvey acknowledged, but didn’t stop walking closer to me. My back eventually hit a copier and I almost fell over, but Harveys arms came to either side of my body, blocking me in. “And I don’t care.”

His face was inches from mine, chest inches from mine. I felt desperate for a breath. I forgot how to think, how to appear unphased. Everything he’s taught me has vanished from my mind. His eyes, much darker in this low over-head light, seemed to pierce my soul. 

“What… What are you doing?” My voice was barely audible. 

“I want you to know that I wouldn’t ever, ever, take advantage of you like that. I can’t even believe that you would think that. You think I enjoy making you a nervous wreck? Well, I don’t. It honestly makes me sick that even after all this time, you can’t trust me.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you.”

“Then what is it? Because clearly I am not understanding,” his tone deepened, voice scratching in his throat. 

I couldn’t- I didn’t know how to admit to him-

“I- I umm… Mr. Specter I can’t-”

“Stop calling me that, please, Claudia. Stop seeing me as your boss for one second and see me as literally anything else.”

I swallowed. Nothing went down. “Harvey… you are… you scare me more than anyone else I’ve ever met.” “Why?” his brows knit together. “What is it about me that makes you so afraid of me?”

“Everything.” I was shaking, visibly shaking in front of him. I looked anywhere but his eyes because I knew if I did I’d crack open and bleed my heart all over him. 

His exhale was sharp enough to rustle the small hairs framing my face. “Claudia just-”

“I can’t be around you without feeling like I’m gonna drown in your presence.” 

He was stunned silent for a beat too long. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Harvey I told you I didn’t want to-”

“Please, Claudia, tell me why you are so afraid of me.” He was begging. Begging for me to explain.

“Because I know that if I let myself think for one fucking second that you actually like working with me I’ll drop my guard around you. And I cannot afford to do that because there are things I keep locked inside that I would rather take to my grave than ever let someone know.”

“And what, you don’t think I’m equally as terrified to have these feelings for you?” “Not like mine.” Harvey gave me a very concerned glance. “There, you asked me to tell you. Please just let me go.”

“No, not until you tell me what is haunting you so much you’re willing to let it eat you alive rather than just let it out for once in your life. Look, I get that you’re a private person, and it’s hard for you to trust people, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep everything bottled inside and let it rot you from the inside out-”

“For the love of guard Harvey it’s you,” I shouted, far louder than I meant to. “It is you that is driving me insane. I cannot go a single moment of my day without thinking about you. I am terrified that you are going to see right through me and figure out that every thought that goes on inside my head has to do with you because for some reason, known only by some sick and twisted higher power, I want you to see me the way I see you. I want you to want me as much as I want you and-”

I stopped because I ran out of air. And then it hit me so hard I saw stars. What the fuck have I just done? My vision began to black out, my heart beating too fast for my lungs to keep up with. 

Harvey had backed up a step, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. 

I was going to throw up, I was sure of it. I tried to speak, but my mind had melted and oozed out of my ears. 

I ran, I left the copies on the floor; at some point I dropped them. And ran. His hand caught my elbow and I shrieked, whipping around just as Harvey slammed the door closed, pinning me, yet again. 

“You do not get to drop that ball and run away,” his voice had a darkness I’ve never heard. “Claudia, in what way do you want me?”

Frozen. My mind was utterly dysfunctional and useless. I couldn’t think, I’m surprised I remembered how to breathe. God his eyes…

“Claudia, please answer me.” Now his voice was tender, filled with warmth. His fingers tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You have to tell me in what way now or I’m… you have to tell me.”

“Why does it matter? I've already ruined everything I’ve had going for me.” I was meek with my words. Wimpy. Cowardice. 

“Because it matters to me.”

“I want you, I want Harvey.”

“As in you want me, and not as your boss, Claudia?” He clarified. I had to shut my eyes, to turn my cheek to him so I wouldn’t see his reaction when I nodded in confirmation. “Fucking hell…”

“I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. Just… just let me go and I can hand Jessica my letter of resignation right now and you never have to see me again-”

“Are you out of your mind?” Harvey’s caramel eyes were wide. “Claudia, I don’t want you to go. Not for one fucking second. Why do you even have a letter drafted?”

“But I just-” 

His fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at him when I spoke. God dammit… Harvey’s thump caressed my lip, pulling it down and watching it spring up. Slowly, ever so slowly, he dipped it inside my mouth. I couldn’t help the soft noise that startled out of me. 

“Claudia… you have no idea how much I have been praying to hear you say those words. I have been driving myself out of my mind with what to say. How to say it and I- I don’t know how to tell you everything I’ve been wanting to. For weeks now.

“I have been thinking of you nonstop. I keep making up excuses and things to come see you during the day. I want nothing more than to get the chance to treat you right, and I want you to want it too. I promised myself I wouldn’t make a move unless you made one first because I knew how petrified you were of me. I can’t- I won’t have you be afraid of me if we do this.

“But I fucked up. I got ahead of myself and I didn’t go in the direction that I should've. I should've just asked you out to dinner, been a true gentleman rather than selfish. You have no idea how long I have been practicing what to say. I just made everything so much worse. And I wish like hell I could take it all back and do it all again because I am so so so fucking sorry for breaking my promise.”

I stared up at him, at the tears spilling over his lashes, and the flush on his cheeks. His lip quivered. He looked so vulnerable. So open and honest. Every part of me wanted to take it to heart, but that voice in the back of my head was telling me not to believe it.

“Harvey I-”

“Please, Claudia,” Harvey knelt to the ground, sitting back on his heels. “I will do whatever you want to gain your trust back. Anything… anything. But I can’t let you walk away from me. I want a real chance to make you happy, to give you every part of me. I will do or say or answer whatever you want but please do not leave me. If you truly don’t want me, tell me, and we never have to talk again. I will make it like I was never here in the first place if you told me to, but I don't think you want that. And I don’t want it either.”

Harvey was on his knees. Begging me to open my heart up to him. 

“Please don’t make me regret this, Harvey…”

He let out a breath, and a smile accompanied the tears that fell down his face. He reached for my hand, and I let him grab it. His fingers were warm and smooth in mine, familiar and comforting as he gently tugged me towards him. 

“I'm so sorry, Claudia. I will regret nothing more than the words I said to you. But I want to fix it, I want to be better. Not just for you, but for myself. But you are what makes me want to be better. I need to learn to control myself and take a page out of my own book to make that happen.”

Harvey rested his head on my stomach, and I let my fingers thread through his spiky hair. 

“But I don’t want you to be afraid of me anymore. I can’t- I won’t let you be afraid to ask me a question. I want to be there for you, work related or not, but I can’t do it if you don’t meet me halfway. I do remember you making me a promise back, to not see me as a monster.”

My hand stopped, and he looked up. I wanted to agree, but I was still upset, and he must’ve seen that. 

“Okay, that was a bad time to bring that up.”

“Yup.” 

Harvey huffed a laugh, standing back up. His smile was sweet, his finger gentle as it swept some hair away from my face. 

“You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, Claudia Olivia Martin.”

“How did you find out my middle name?”

“Donna,” he smiled wider. I just rolled my eyes. “I don’t really know how to do any of this, so I asked her for some help. I knew I had to do it myself. I just didn’t really know where to start and she’s… well, she’s Donna.” “Yes, she is Donna,” I smiled up at him. “But it’s gonna take me more than that to convince me.”

“Oh I have like seven other things lined up and ready to go. If you'd like to hear them. First, you are the most stunning, breathtaking, gorgeous woman I have ever met in my life. Second, I admire every part of you. All your good habits, your bad, your anxious thoughts and brave approach to life. Because they all make you you. Three, I am the biggest fucking idiot. For starting all of this off wrong, for yelling at you. For leading you to believe that I just wanted to get in your pants.”

“You’re also an asshole. A bit of a coward and a bitch. Did I say that you were an asshole?”

“Okay okay,” he placed his hands on my hips and I let him, doing nothing to hide the giggle that bubbled out. “Yes, I am all of those things. And, for the record, I did want to get in your pants, just not that way.”

“Of course you did, who could resist all of this?” My heart sped up when he looked at me over, a huge grin spreading his cheeks wide and bright. 

“Looks like you’ve gained a little confidence, huh?”

“Well, I did have a not so awful teacher. That was before he betrayed me.” “Are you gonna stop rubbing salt into the wound?”

I faked a ponder, “Nope.”

“Claudia,” he pressed a tentative kiss to my cheek, then gauged my response before placing one on the other. “Olivia,” another kiss. “Martin.” He kissed my forehead, then the tip of my nose. “I will never be able to take back what I said, but I hope you find it in your heart to give me a second chance. Even good people are great at making bad decisions. I know I can be a better man, and I know you know that too. Just one,” a kiss to my left cheek, “More,” right cheek, “Chance.”

His lips hovered over mine, waiting for permission before he pressed them into mine. My heart was beating so fast. So strong, all because of him. All for him. 

My eyes met his, “Okay, Harvey.”

Those devastating eyes ignited. His smile grew so wide I got lost in it with my own. I was pressed flat to him, my hands on his shoulders, his hands on my lower back. My ears were buzzing with my pulse and I hoped he felt how fast it was. Who knew Harvey had such a way with words? I wondered how long he practiced all of this in the mirror. Who knows, maybe he was secretly a hopeless romantic and-

“Claudia,” Harvey snapped me out of my daydream. 

“Hmm?” “Please tell me I can kiss you.”

Oh. Right. 

“And what if I say no?”

“Then I won’t.”

“And if I say yes?” “I’ll make sure it is the best damn kiss you’ve ever and will ever have.”

Sounds pretty good to me. I pressed up on my toes, arms wrapping around his neck, and finally let our lips say hello. It had been too long, It felt so right, so perfect. And I realized it felt like all the other times we’ve kissed; I didn’t want to kiss anyone else. I wanted to kiss Harvey. Harvey goddamn Specter. 

I should find out what his middle name is from Donna to surprise him. 

“Come over tonight,” he blurted out.

“What?” “Come over, let me cook something for you. We can make it our first date. A real date. Let me start this off on the right foot. Unless tonight is too soon and you need more time to heal and process or-”

“Just stop talking,” I literally put my fingers over his mouth. “I’d love to come over for dinner, Harvey.”

If I hadn’t been in his arms I’m sure he’d jump up and down out of excitement. He kissed me again, and again, and again. The slight stubble on his chin tickled my neck enough for me to tuck down into my shoulders when he kissed below my ear. 

“Hey, Claudia, I just want to make sure- oh. Well, this seems to be going well,” Donna had a proud smile on her face, arms crossed over her chest.

“It is,” Harvey beamed down, never taking his eyes off of me. 

“Good, I’m glad to hear it.”

“How much of this was your idea?” I asked. 

“I suggested he get a horse and carriage to surprise you on your way out but he knew you wouldn’t want a grand gesture,” She said. “So I think that should say it well enough as to who came up with all the ideas.” When I looked back at him, he had a flush to his cheeks, and hid his grin. 

“Wow, Harvey, I’m impressed.” “Well,” he shrugged. “I don’t know… I wanted it to be authentic and special. Something that you would take to heart and genuinely appreciate. So it’s the best I could come up with over the weekend because if I didn’t do it soon I was going to explode.”

“Seriously, Claudia. This idiot wouldn’t leave my house for two days. I had to kick him out so he could get a shower and change. Did you even sleep?” “You haven’t slept?” He shook his head. “Harvey, what- okay. We need to do our dinner another day because if you try to cook you might set your house on fire and that would-” “Nope, too bad. I’m fine, really Claudia. I can handle making dinner. I’ll leave early and take a nap if that would make you feel better.” “Yes, it would,” I sighed out, looking back at Donna who had a look that meant trouble. “What?” “You guys are adorable.”

I blushed. “Oh, wait! Before you go, what’s Harvey’s middle name? I mean, he went to you for mine so it’s only fair…”

“Don’t you dare,” Harvey pointed at Donna who all but melted the Wicked Witch of the West with her smirk.

“Reginald.”

“Reginald?” I repeated. “Seriously?”

“It’s a family name, alright?” He defended. “Now, if you two will excuse me I have a very important dinner to plan for an even more important girl. Donna, can you-” “Already cleared your schedule.”

“Remind me to give you a raise.” “Oh I’ve already written a bonus check, it just needs your signature.” “I’m surprised you didn’t forge it,” I snickered. 

“I would’ve but having Harvey do it makes it that much more satisfying.”

Harvey just shook his head, but smiled at us both. “I’ll see you tonight, is seven good?” “Sounds perfect,” I nodded, relishing in his warmth as he pressed one more kiss to the top of my head before leaving. 

“So,” Donna swayed on her feet. “I take it that things went well?” “Yeah, yeah it did. I was surprised, today has been so weird. Even Griffin apologized to me.” “Griffin? Really?” “Yeah,” I followed in step behind her towards the bullpen. “He genuinely apologized to me. It was so unexpected. Now this… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t dreading this happening. But it turned out way better than I expected so I can’t complain. I need to stop expecting the worst case scenario all the time and believe that I can handle anything that comes at me.”

“Now that sounds like true growth and confidence,” Donna slung her arm over my shoulder. “And definitely something Harvey couldn’t have taught you.” “No, he didn’t. That was all on my own.”

___

As I packed up to head home for the day, my stomach was on fire with nerves about tonight. Not nerves, excitement. 

“Hey, Claudia,” Griffin caught up to me right before the elevator closed. “Do you want to join us for drinks tonight?”

I just smirked. “Sorry, Griffin. I can’t, I have a date with Harvey Specter.” And I let the door shut before he could get on.

____

This building. For fucks sake his front door cost more than what I make in a year, probably. The door man had given me a bit of a side eye when I asked to be let up to Harvey. Well, here I was. 

The bottle of wine in my hand wasn’t getting any colder as I paced outside of his apartment. Was I making this a bigger deal than it needed it to be? Most definitely. 

I knocked. 

Harvey opened it a few moments later, a smug look on his face. “I was wondering how long you were going to just stand there.”

God dammit. The heat rose up my neck and I looked away. “Just shut up and take the wine.”

He chuckled, plucking it from my grasp before stepping aside to let me in. I gazed up and into his hallway, following it down to the kitchen. Woah… holy windows. The already set sun lit up the sky with blues and purples, making all of this feel very cinematic. 

“You didn’t need to bring this, Claudia,” Harvey smiled nonetheless. 

“I just- I don’t know, isn't that what people do when they’re invited over?”

“Why are you still so nervous?” 

Right to it, I guess. “What makes you say that?” “Well,” he sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. He was wearing all black. He looked… too good for his own good. Or mine for that matter of fact. “For starters, you’ve clearly been running your fingers through your hair. Second, I’ve watched you fiddle with that string on your sleeve at least four times now.”

My fingers ceased their motion. I had been toying with it. “I like to keep my hands busy.”

“I call it a nervous habit.”

“Did you invite me here for dinner or just to pick on me for being anxious?” 

“You have no reason to be anxious here,” he crept closer, taking my hand in his. Harvey gently kissed the back of my fingers. “There is no one here to watch, no prying eyes to hide from. It’s just me, Claudia.”

“And that is precisely what makes me nervous,” I did let a laugh bubble up. “But, you’re right. I guess there is no reason to be so… terrified.”

“Good,” he smiled, placing his hands on my hips. I let mine fall around his shoulders. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” I turned to look behind me, a few pots and a pan of vegetables on the stove. Harvey’s hands still lingered on my sides as I peered over to look inside.

“I didn’t know the great Harvey Specter could cook,” I jabbed, making him roll his eyes playfully. “It looks lovely, thank you.”

“Told you, there’s more to the name than the title it comes with.”

From the table, I watched him plate the stir fry dish and bring it over. I was starving, and I made sure to eat my lunch a little later so I wouldn’t be ravenous by the time this dinner rolled around. I wasted no time taking a forkful and practically inhaling it. 

“I’ll take that as a good sign?” 

I nodded, “It’s amazing. Where did you learn to cook like this?” “Here and there. My brother owns a bar and restaurant back home, we used to like to cook together all the time.” “I didn’t know you had a brother,” I tilted my head. “That’s amazing, though. Glad you put those skills to good use.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

I hummed, “Yeah I have two brothers. I’m the baby of the family.”

“Am I going to have to win their trust one day?” 

My laugh echoed through the spacious dining room, “No, they’re pretty cool. Vince, my oldest brother, is married, has two kids who are in college. My other brother, Caleb, is the one you’ve gotta watch out for. He’s my twin and very vocal about the men in my life, especially when he doesn’t think they’re good enough for me.”

“I see,” Harvey gave me a look I knew all too well. 

“Yeah, he can be a pain in my ass sometimes. But I love him, he always stood up for me when I was too afraid. Whether someone was picking on me in school or tried to get one up on me at a bar, he was always there. He’s just protective of me, they both are, but Caleb… he’s always had my back.” “It’s good to have those types of people on your side,” Harvey’s smile was so bright. 

For about an hour we ate and had dessert. I don’t know how, he probably asked Donna, but he had my absolute favorite chocolate cake. Coated in a thick butter cream, it practically melted in my mouth. I wasn’t shy about telling him how delicious it was. 

“I could marry this cake,” I knew I was being dramatic, but I didn’t care. “If I could take this cake, and mold it in the shape of a man, I would.”

Harvey grinned, looking from the cake on his plate, back up to me as I spooned another mouthful. He dipped his finger in the frosting and swiped it across his cheek. I blushed, so hard, and he just laughed and laughed. 

“You think you’re funny, huh?” I had to put my face in my hands. 

“I do, actually. Why don’t you come over here and clean it off for me,” Harvey spoke dangerous words. I raised my eyebrow in question, but he merely scooted his chair back in response, palms turned upward. 

Now or never, I thought. 

I stood, my bare feet padding quietly to Harvey. This is where I had confidence. Could use his own game against him. Because up until this point, all Harvey knows about me is that I am a nervous wreck in front of him. 

The cards have no longer been dealt in his favor. 

I swung my leg over his, perching on his thigh. I took my thumb and ran it across his face, collecting the decorative icing off his cheek, licking my thumb clean. His eyes tracked my movements, especially when I stuck out my tongue and showed him the mess.

His throat bobbed, and his eyes darkened. 

“Where did that shy, blushing Claudia go?” Harvey’s voice sent a chill down my spine. 

“Away, for now,” I smirked. “There are plenty of versions of Claudia you haven’t met before.”

“And who exactly is this version?” He asked.

“That depends,” I huffed. “Are you going to let me have what I want or are you going to make me earn it?”

Harvey’s hands crept up my thighs, cupping my ass gently. “You’re gonna let me choose?”

“You better choose carefully.”

“And why is that?”

“Because,” I said. “You can either let me take what I want, or try to take what you want. But I’ll let it be known, that isn’t possible. You won’t be able to resist me long enough to uphold that promise.”

“Oh, you think I’m that easy?” Harvey countered, tightening his hold on my body. I let out a whine, enticing him into my game further. 

“I don’t know, Harvey.” I ran my hand down his chest, grinding back and forth on his thigh. I leaned close to his ear, “I can be your every fantasy or your worst nightmare.”

I pulled away from his body, taking a few steps back and towards another hallway. I assumed that’s where his bedroom was, and judging by the screeching of the chair against the floor, I was heading in the right direction. 

The first door I pushed open was, thankfully, the right room. His clothes were hung up neatly in the closet on the opposite side of the room, the city below shining onto the walls. Harvey shut the door quickly, turning on a lamp beside his bed. 

Harvey grinned like the devil and crushed his mouth to mine. I didn’t waste any time letting his tongue tangle with mine. Harvey kissed like the god he was, like a true emperor. He tasted like pure sin, like the cake we were just sharing.

My hands went to the buttons on his shirt, fitting them through the tiny holes and pushing it off his shoulders. 

“Mmm wait, sweetheart,” Harvey broke our lips apart. “I don’t wanna do it this way tonight. Let me take care of you. Please.”

Well, when he sounded like that, who was I to resist him? I let him lay me down, his body between my legs as he placed the most tender kiss on my lips. He moved down my chest, slowly lifting my shirt and placing his mark on my stomach. Up my chest, and my neck. 

“You are so beautiful, Claudia. And I can’t believe I get to have all of you to myself. I can’t wait to make you feel so good.”

I sighed out, letting my eyes close as he explored my body. He was forward with his choices, but he wasn’t ever harsh. He was so soft. So loving and so caring. No one had ever made me feel equally nervous or excited as Harvey did. But now… I wasn’t afraid of him. I don’t think I could ever again. 

“Is it okay if I take these off?” “I wasn’t sure you knew how to ask for permission,” I giggled. He just scowled, but I nodded. “Of course, Harvey. Do whatever you want.” “Don’t-” he swallowed. “Don’t say things like that when I am trying to be sweet and nice to you.”

“I think you’re forgetting that I like it when you manhandle me,” I smiled up to the ceiling before looking at him between my legs. “Sorry, carry on.”

He laid a not so gentle tap to the inside of my thigh before removing my skirt. The chill of the air spread goosebumps across my skin, even more when he placed kisses from my ankle to my hips bone. 

“God I could spend all day between your legs. They’re so perfect,” he praised, spreading them wide so he could fit his torso between them. “You’re so fucking hot, Claudia.” I flushed, beet red, and turned away from him. But his fingers brought me right back. 

“You don’t get to be shy now, sweetheart. Not tonight, let me see all of you.”

“I’m all yours Harvey.” Our eyes locked, and the sparks flew. His lips were on mine, hurried, but not starving. It was intense and passionate and everything I could’ve asked it to be. He lifted my shirt over my head and slipped off my bra from behind. Thankfully his chest was warm against mine.

From one second to the next, Harvey swooped me on top of him and rolled, tugging the sheet with him. When they were freed, he laid me back down and put them over his body. 

“Oh, guess I should get these off,” he grinned, pushing his jeans down his thighs, his briefs going with them. Man… what a sight to behold. Harvey wasn’t shredded, but it was clear his boxing habits kept him in good shape. 

There was something about him that just made me want to crumble and fold. 

Harvey’s lips were hot as they moved all over me, nipping and biting and leaving tiny marks here and there. Before he could lose all his resolve, he reached over to his bedside table and plucked a foil packet from a little jar. Classy. 

“Doing okay, sweetheart?” He smoothed down my hair. 

“Yes, Harvey. I’d be better if…” I locked my legs around his middle, pulling him to me. “You just got on with it.” “Such an impatient little thing,” his grin gave away his facade. 

“Oh please, don’t act like you’re not craving this as much as I am.” “You’re right,” he smirked, lining up and pushing all the way in. a low groan escaped his flushed lips. “But I know you can’t get enough of this.”

I breathed heavily, clinging to him. His hips stirred, slowly pulling back, and sinking all the way in. Harvey rested his head on my shoulder, tongue making patterns on my ignited skin. I tugged at his hair, lips working on their own to find all his sweet spots. 

I raked my nails up his back, not missing when his hips slowed and he moaned. So I did it again. His thumb found its way between my legs and circled around where I wanted it most. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to take care of me. 

Harvey took his time, making sure that I was feeling good and got what I wanted. This was so different from the feverish moments we’ve had in the office. But it was somehow way better. Well, it could use one thing.

As he laced our fingers together, I moved our hands up. He stopped kissing me for a moment to give me a puzzled look. But I slipped his grip from mine and placed his hand on my throat. 

“I don’t need you to go all ‘sir’ on me tonight, but just give me this. Please.” I did the best I could with my eyes to lure him in, and it worked. It tightened, but it was never tight. It was just there, a reminder of the part of him I was going to get to see whenever I wanted. 

He started to let his control slip, and I knew it was hard for him to be so gentle. But I appreciated it so much. I let some of my control slip as well, just because I wanted to rile him up. His breath quickened, and so did his hips. His thumb was relentless between my legs and I could feel my high approaching.

“Come on, sweetheart, let go. Make yourself feel so good for me.” There it was, the Harvey that kept me up at night. That has plagued my dreams for the past few days. 

I met his hips with mine, and my release crashed over me when I wasn’t expecting it. I shook in his arms as he continued to move, chasing his own time. 

“Fuck, Harvey,” I gasped. “Let go for me, you did such a good job making me feel good.”

He cursed, tucking his head down momentarily before crushing his mouth to mine, not shy about how I was making him feel. His body went rigid, and the praise streamed out of his mouth.

“Fuck fuck Claudia… god you feel so good. You are so perfect for me. So soft and warm.”

My lips would surely be bruised tomorrow morning, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was being here with Harvey. About carrying him through the aftershocks of his release. I rubbed at his back, kissed his neck and cheeks. When he lifted his head, he had this dreamy look on his face. 

“You look so hot,” he ran his thumb across my cheek, bringing me in for another kiss. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

“I’m glad I decided to do it. I can’t decide which Harvey I like more. This one or the one who calls me sweetheart.”

“Did I not call you sweetheart tonight?” “You did, but not the way you do when I call you ‘sir’.”

“Ahh, I see,” he smirked. “As much as I would like to think that I could flip a switch right now, I don’t want to spoil this moment with you.”

“If you don’t want to spoil it, then you should take us into the shower.”

And then I was in the shower. Hot water streaming between us from the rain shower head. His hands were soft as he kneaded my body; they particularly felt nice on my ass, especially when he added his lips to the mix. 

“You are so amazing, Claudia. I cannot stress that enough.” “You’re doing an amazing job,” I smiled, kissing him. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“I know,” he grinned, smacking my ass before lathering up his hands and running them through my hair. It was hard to not fall asleep standing up. “Sweetheart, if you keep making those noises it is going to be very very hard to not take you right here.”

My eyes flew open, his very apparent arousal pressing into my backside. Well, alright then. Go Claudia, you sexy son of a bitch!

“And who’s to say that I wouldn’t want that?” “I am trying to hold back, you know. I wanted tonight to be different, to be special. I didn’t want it to be heated and rough and-”

“Harvey,” I turned, pressing a hand to his chest. “I know.” “I wanted to ‘make love’ or whatever they call it in those cheesy romance books you read.”

I laughed out loud, picturing Harvey curled up on the couch with a book in his hand, a fire in the fireplace. “Nobody says ‘making love’ any more, babe.” “Babe?” “Yeah, babe. I figured you wouldn’t like sugar, or honey bun, or baby for that matter.”

“Don’t make me sound older than I am, please. For fucks sake I passed the Bar when you were in highschool.”

“It doesn’t bother me all that much anymore,” I admitted, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I thought it would, but it doesn’t really make a difference to me.”

“Good, I’m glad it doesn’t freak you out,” he smiled. “And, for the record, I hope it doesn’t freak your folks out.”

“It won’t.”

He lifted up a brow, “How could you know?” “Because I already told them about you.” I felt him go tight. “Relax. They knew who you were already and they couldn’t have been more excited that I found a caring, respectful, well respected man.”

He let out a sigh, “and your brothers?” “They don’t know yet, but don’t worry about them, either. It will be okay.”

“When did you become the consoling one? It’s weird.” “I know, right?” I giggled. When I looked into his eyes, there was a fondness to his gaze. He was looking at my body, but not in a way he had before. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Harvey shrugged, “I just love you so much, Claudia. And I am so proud of how far you’ve come in just these first couple of months.”

My heart hitched in my chest, then beat so wildly I wasn’t entirely sure it didn’t burst through my skin and land in his hands. I froze. Mike had been right. Harvey wasn’t just some cock, high strung New York attorney that couldn’t decipher his own feelings. He seemed incredibly in tune with his emotions and that couldn’t be more attractive. 

I just kissed him. I didn’t know what else to do other than kiss him. He had to take a step back to support our combined weight. Harvey’s arms were strong around my waist, his lips reassuring and just as firm as his grip. 

“I love you too, Harvey. So fucking much.”

____

The comforters pulled tight, Harvey's body pressed behind mine… I couldn’t think of a more relaxing way to end the night. Especially after I slipped to my knees in the shower and showed him just how much I loved him. 

“You don’t know how long I’ve been dreaming about having you in my arms one night. All night long.”

I hummed, scooting back so his chest met my back, his legs molding with mine. “I may have fantasized about it once or twice as well.” “Have you now?” “Again, there are several versions of Claudia you haven’t met before.” “And I look forward to coaxing every single one of them out with my mouth… my tongue… my hands… my-”

“Tomorrow,” I whispered, letting my eyes lull shut. “We can do it all again tomorrow. On the table, on the counter, on the couch-” “You’re not helping the situation here, you know,” he tugged at my half-dried hair. “Don’t get me started, sweetheart. I just might not let you get any sleep tonight.”

I clenched my thighs together. This was going to be such a sweet, tortuous game to play. And I got to play it every day. Every night, if I wanted. He wouldn’t be able to resist me. I had a secret weapon.

“Whatever you say, sir.”

His hand was wrapped around my throat, forcing my head to turn back to look at him. He clicked his tongue, eyes more awake than they had been a few minutes ago. “Oh sweet, innocent little Claudia. I guess you haven’t learned your lesson yet. It’s okay, I’d be happy to give you more instruction. I think I recall saying that eventually I would break you down over and over again until all you could remember was my name and how to breathe. Well, sweetheart. What do you think? Because I think you can still form coherent thoughts. I think it’s time we change that, don’t you?” I nodded, “Yes.”

His grip tightened and tightened and tightened. “Yes what?”

I smirked, climbing into his lap and taking him into my hand. “Yes, sir.”

[mentallyinvernation]

The Haunting of Fawney Rig sounds interesting

Hi! This is my most recent wip! Chapter one is actually up if you want to check it out here:

It's basically a ghost-hunting AU where Hob and Matthew investigate Fawney Rigg, which has been abandoned since the death of Roderick Burgess. There are plenty of shenanigans because when are there not with this duo, plenty of spooks, and a grumpy anthropomorphic personification that's mistaken for a demon.

Have a spooky time snippet:

“There’s a man in the basement,” Hob hesitates to divulge, hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles pop white, indecision roiling in his gut as he stares out the window back at the manor. “What?” “There’s a man in the basement.” It’s a testimony to how strange a night they’ve both had that the only reaction that gets out of Matthew is a surprised blink. “Okay.” He breathes out slowly, shoulders slumping. “What’s he doing down there?” “Well, he’s just sort of laying in this big glass sphere, really.” “Cool. Good for him. Hate that. Drive. Please drive. I’m begging you to drive.” “Matthew,” He starts, slowly wrenching his gaze over to his friend. “We can’t.” “Why not?” Matthew demands with a mildly hysterical edge to his tone.  “Because there’s a man in the basement.” “Well, he doesn’t belong to us!” “I think he’s trapped down there -” “You know what else is supposed to be trapped in the basement of this house?” Matthew argues. “A -” “Don’t.” Hob holds up a hand. “I get that you're scared but this is serious, Matthew.” “No, Hob, you’re not hearing me. Believe it or not, I’m aware of how serious the situation is. I’m more than fucking aware. There’s some really shady shit going on right now, and despite everything we just went through, I hope to hell and back that the dude you’re referring to is a demon because do you know what it means if he’s not? If he’s just some regular guy? It means someone put him down there. Like recently. That means people are still coming back here to do weird and fucked up shit, and I refuse to get caught up in it. I’m not dying here. If that guy isn’t a demon, we call the fucking cops about it, okay? That’s the play here. We do not go back into the house of horrors.” He says, angrily stuffing his broken flashlight into the trusty duffel bag while shaking his head. “Man in the basement. No. Fuck off. I’m not doing that. Don’t make me do that.” “We can’t just leave him,” Hob says quietly. “You didn’t see him. It was - Christ. It was pitch black down there. I just - I don’t think I’d ever forgive myself if we left without doing anything. I can’t do that. What if he needs medical attention or something?” “Hob, this isn’t our responsibility -” “It is, though. We know he’s down there. We might be the only people who do know about him. That makes us responsible. Look, just - wait here, okay? You don’t have to go back in. I’ll do it. I remember the way, I’ll only be gone a few minutes -” “No,” Matthew interrupts immediately. “No, absolutely not. Fuck that. Splitting up is like the main horror movie no-no.”

[dreamingonclds]

Everything Happens For A Reason | LN4

Summary: Sometimes the people that love us hurt us the most but, you can't seem to stay away. After an immense break up, you've become the most passionate in your career. Going from casting to casting, concert to concert, audition to audition, you become one of the most famous artists of your generation. You were done picking up the broken pieces of your heart when somebody comes into your life and you place your heart in someone else's hands again.

Word Count: 4571

Pairing: Lando Norris x female! reader ft. Carlos Sainz

Warnings: none

Chapter 6

Previous Chapter

“Are you seriously not coming, Jen?” It's late afternoon and Jen and yourself are back at the hotel. You had invited Jen to come out with you guys and initially, she had agreed to but has since changed her mind.

Carlos had called you shortly after you arrived at the hotel, letting you know that the outing would include the other drivers and friends. You felt the relief of knowing that you wouldn’t have to go alone and that Jen would be there supporting you. But, that feeling didn’t last very long; obviously.

“I’m feeling like shit again, sorry” she shakes her head and lays down on your bed. Jen was never one to shy away from a night out so it’s safe to say you were concerned. Throughout the time that you guys were at the track, she had not mentioned that she felt ill again, nor did you notice. You really thought it had passed but you were clearly wrong, you begin to feel bad that you hadn’t noticed.

“Don’t worry, seriously, it’s not that bad. I think it’s just the traveling, I don’t think Monaco likes me very much.” she chuckles trying to reassure you when she notices you walking towards her to check up on her.

“Jen, why didn’t you tell me you still felt sick; this whole time?”

“I promise I didn’t, I felt good again once we started the tour. It literally just crept up on me, just now.” She sits up on the bed with a small smile, but it’s forced. You take a good look at her face, trying to read her but all you can see is how pale she’s gotten.

“Jen, I’m not going. You’ve gone yellow, we need to get you some medicine” you say and take your phone out to let Mason know how she’s doing

“No, no, no. You're going and that’s final, you know I hate raining on anybody’s parade. I think I just need some sleep.” she places her hand on your arm trying to convince you. “What good does it do for both of us to stay in? You're in Monaco, your young, live it up, we still have the rest of the weekend to have fun” she assures you

“But how will I know that you’re not feeling any worse or if you need something?” you question, crossing your arms, still not feeling good about leaving her

“I’m a big girl Y/N, I can take care of myself. Plus, I have to call Mason anyway, we have to go over some stuff. He’ll be watching me, sort of.”

“Uhh, I don’t know Jen”

“Well, I do know, you’re going! A literal Formula 1 driver, for Ferrari, asked you out on a date and you’re not going to go!”

“It’s not a date Jen!” you bite your lip trying not to smile

“Uh huh, keep telling yourself that. You're going!” she stands up and turns you pushing you towards the bathroom. “Go get ready!”

“Ok mom,” you say giving in

…

You’re currently standing in front of your closet, staring at the multiple outfits you packed away but still, you can’t seem to figure out what to wear. Even after you re-did your hair and makeup, you hoped it would give you a little inspiration for your attire, but nope. You initially had your eye set on a dress but after Carlos told you it wasn’t going to be just you and him; you changed your mind.

It wasn’t that you thought it was a date or anything but, you always found confidence in your clothes when you couldn’t find it in yourself. And considering that you were going out with Carlos Sainz, anybody with eyes knew that they had to dress to impress around him, I mean just look at him. It also didn’t help that after your last relationship, you were left feeling insecure about your appearance. That man really pulled all your confidence from your body and kept it to himself, you want it back. 

There were rare times you felt beautiful, even as a child you had self-esteem issues. You struggled with how you felt about your appearance and never with your mind or your artistry. You knew you were intelligent and talented, that you never doubted; you’re very proud of all your work. Your beauty, however, you always doubted it, even when nobody else did. Anybody with eyes could see and feel how beautiful you were physically, that feeling, you’re dying to find it.

After being alone with your thoughts for a couple of minutes, you thought any more time would become unhealthy. So after no success, you decided you needed another opinion. You didn’t want to bother Jen’s rest so, you went to the best next thing for help.

🌶Chili🌶

Y/n: Hola! What are the vibes for tonight, what should I wear?

Carlos: Nothing too fancy, we’re just going out for drinks.

Y/n: Semi-casual, got it.

Carlos: I’ll let you know when I’m outside the hotel

You didn’t bother replying, not wanting to waste any time, so you simply just liked his message. He didn’t let you know how long he would be so you scrambled to get dressed. You settled on a red flowy tank, some mid-waist jeans, and some small but classy heels.

Soon enough, you heard your phone buzzing on the nightstand, you breathed a sigh of relief. You had been talking to Jen, trying to calm your nerves and you felt like you were going to explode if you had to wait any longer. So, you quickly answered the phone.

“Hola, estoy afuera!” (Hello, I’m outside!)

“Ok, ya voy!” (Ok, I’m going!)

“Ok, it’s 8 pm, I expect you back by like 2 am; the latest!” Jen pointed at you

“No promises” You laugh at her mothering and look at her mischievously, grabbing your things and ready to head out.

“Be safe okay?” she says as you're heading towards the door to leave. But, you hear a knock at the door that causes both of you to look at each other in confusion. Looking through the peephole, you see that it’s Carlos. What was he doing here?

“Hey, what are you doing, I was about to head out?” you ask him after opening the door. You notice he seems a little out of breath as you get a good look at his face.

“Medicine! For Jen, I almost forgot so I ran up” he says holding up a grocery bag and stepping into your room. He goes up to the bed Jen was on and begins taking and showing her the stuff he got. When he first called you, you mentioned Jen’s condition and asked him where you could find a drugstore. Clearly, he was several steps ahead of you.

“Carlos, you didn’t have to do this, we were about to order some to the room,” Jen says while looking at him in awe

“No, it’s okay, don’t worry about it. Thank you for letting her go out!” he giggles as he reassures her as he turns to smile at you, and you happily reciprocate it.

“Well, thank you very much. Take care of her yeah, I’m trusting you” she tells him as you both walk towards the door

“No problem, I’ll bring her back in one piece, I promise,” he says as he leads you out of the room into the hallway

Once you’ve bid your goodbyes, you touch his arm to get his attention. “Thank you, so much, seriously.”

“It’s nothing” He turns to you and looks down, finally getting a good look at you. You’re about 5’3.5, maybe 5’4 on a good day and even with your small heels tonight, he still had about 6 inches on you. Considering you were also wearing a low-cut top tonight, you felt his gaze reach your chest, you felt your ears go hot. “You look beautiful,” he says

You ignore his comment and continue walking as you don’t know what to say. You hope he ignores your lack of response but then you feel his hand on your lower back again. But, this time you can’t ignore it, your top is sort of see-through so you can actually feel his skin on your skin.

“Thank you, you look beautiful too,” you say looking up at him and offering him a gentle smile, he smiles back.

You guys keep up the small talk until you reach the porte-cochere of the hotel. “Oh, Charles and his girlfriend Alex are driving with us” he lets you know as he opens the car door for you and finally removes his hand from your back.

“Good evening guys!” you say excitedly, knowing that there would be another girl around tonight made you feel much better.

“Hi Y/N, how are you? This is my girlfriend, Alex,” says Charles introducing you two

“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m a really big fan, I'm trying not to fangirl right now. The cameras don’t do your beauty justice.” she extends her hand out at you to shake

“Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Enough about me, look at you, you’re stunning!” you say shaking her hand. You guys begin small talk and completely ignore the guys, as they’re both talking with the chauffeur about where you all are heading. As you're talking, you can hear a slight “French” accent in Alex’s voice. But before you can ask her about it, Alex questions your origins.

“Carlos was saying that you’re Mexican, right?” you nod your head yes at her. Carlos was talking to them about you, you thought. “So am I! Well only half, I was raised here in Monaco if you couldn’t tell” she says excitedly as she points to her mouth

“No way! I was going to ask, your accent is so cute.” you and Alex continue your conversation and even exchange socials, quickly becoming friends. 

“Looks like there are already a lot of people here, too many,” Charles says suddenly, cutting into Alex’s and your conversation

“Yeah, I thought so, all the drivers are going,” says Alex

“No like, there’s a lot of paparazzi. I don’t even know how we’ll manage to get inside the place.” Charles turns from his seat and shows his phone to both of you and sure enough, the place is packed. You instantly begin to feel anxious and begin to pick at your fingers, Carlos notices and reaches behind his seat placing a light hand on your clothed knee

“We’ll figure it out,” he says smiling reassuringly

Shortly after, you guys arrive at the bar, the guys hop out of the car first and you instantly hear the mob of people. You step out of the car with Carlos’ help but before you can even mutter a thank you, he is pulled away by Charles to the Tifosi. As the guys get closer to the fans, the fans all crowd closer. Alex quickly hooks her arm around yours, “C’mon let's go” she says as you two are guided out with the help of security

“Thank you,” you say to both Alex and the security as you place your hand on your chest trying to steady your breathing; feeling thankful that she pulled you out of that situation. Alex then swiftly pulls you to the group of wags, introducing you to them and them to you. Your mood quickly rises again, girl talk always makes you feel better. As you're exchanging socials with Lily, you feel a hand on your shoulder. As you turn around you notice the blue-eyed, blonde, all-American boy; Logan.

“Mind if I steal her for a bit?” he says to all the girls

“No, no, not at all,” says Lily as she pushes you to him. You hear a course of giggles and get teasing looks. You can tell these girls are going to be fun to hang around.

“Hey, what's up?” you ask him confidently, earlier in the day, you and Logan bonded over the fact that you were the only Americans around. He expressed that he gets lonely and feels left out sometimes and that you made him feel at home. Already having so much in common, you two easily became good friends.

“Nothin' much, hoping you’d come tonight,” he says shyly, as you follow him to the bar. “Let me buy you a drink” he offers as the bartender comes up to you both. As you both sit down at the stools to wait for your drinks, you see Lando coming towards you with a smile but quickly stops when he notices you have company. You go to smile at him but are cut short when your drinks arrive.

“How are you liking Monaco?” he says taking his drink

“I love it” you take a sip from your drink, “So, much!” he laughs at your honesty

“I’d thought so, everybody always says the same thing; it is great” he admits

“You live here too?” you ask while looking around the bar at the other drivers

“Unfortunately, no; I’m in England”

“I’m sure England is treating you well, it’s one of my favorite places to tour and film at” you share with him

“Yeah it is, it just doesn’t have a “vacation” feeling like Monaco does. And the weather, you get tired of it quickly when you live there long-term” 

“The weather is actually why I like it so much,” you say truthfully

“Really? You should come spend some time there with me then” he suggests

“Yeah?” you ask him teasingly, finishing up your drink

“Yeah” he smirks

Lando POV

“Just go up to them!” says Daniel, Lando had gone up to him asking for advice on how to steal you from Logan. Lando had become frustrated and he started to feel like he wouldn't get the chance to talk to you at all tonight

“What could they even be talking about?” Lando questions, he sees you both laughing and his mind goes wild at the thought of what it could be

“I don’t know but, you’ll never know if you don’t go and talk to her,” says Daniel, beginning to feel frustrated at Lando’s lack of confidence

“You know what, maybe I shouldn't,” Lando thinks back to the near accident earlier. Daniel turns his head, confused and waiting for Lando to continue

“I almost flipped the car on the hot lap earlier, it could've been bad” Lando runs his hand over his face, still feeling embarrassed. He expects Daniel to comfort him but he quickly regrets even telling Daniel after hearing him start to laugh

“Oh my god, that’s so embarrassing. Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t talk to her.” Daniel says laughing and jokingly pushing Lando. Daniel expects Lando to laugh back but begins to feel guilty when he notices Lando looking down.

“I’m just kidding man, she doesn’t seem like the kind of girl to hold onto things like that,” Daniel says while looking at Y/N and Logan

“Look, now’s your chance, go!” Daniel pushes Lando forward once he sees Logan trying to get the bartender's attention 

Y/N Pov

“Hey, can I talk to you for a bit?” you hear from behind you, you turn around and see Lando. Hearing this, Logan turns around as well, looking a little surprised. You take turns looking from the American to the Brit not knowing what to say. You don’t want to leave Logan but you also don’t want to reject Lando.

“Umm, sure,” you say, wanting to leave the awkward feeling behind.

“Sorry mate,” Lando tells Logan

“Sorry Logan, we’ll catch up later, yeah?” you suggest to him

“Yeah, yeah, of course, no worries,” he says not having any other option, you feel bad ditching him but really, you didn’t have any other options either. So you stand up putting your glass on the bar counter and place your hand on his shoulder as a goodbye as you walk away. He gives you a sorry smile as he turns his back on you guys.

Lando leads you to the back of the bar, to booths that are nearing empty. There are still some people scattered around conversing but it’s mostly quiet, a better place for conversation. You begin to think of how to start a conversation but he beats you to it.

“I just wanted to say, I’m really, really, sorry about earlier today; that usually never happens, I don’t know what happened, maybe it was the car or-” he rambles on apologetically

You smile at him empathetically and giggle at his unreasonable concern, you place a tender hand on his knee. He was going on and on, not even looking at you as he endlessly apologized and you knew he wouldn’t stop if you didn’t stop him. “It’s okay seriously, it was out of your control, stop worrying about it, enjoy your night,” you tell him kindly but sternly to get the message across.

He finally turns to look at you, bashfully, and the look in his eyes seems to want just a little bit more reassurance. So, you soothingly rub your thumb over his knee, “I promise, it’s not a big deal” you declare. He lets out a tense breath and you see his shoulders seem to lighten, you take this as a sign that he received your message so you remove your hand from his leg.

“Thanks,” he says softly

“So, how do you feel, with the race coming up?” you try to break the silence, searching for his eyes that have been turned from you

“Umm, I’m actually really dreading it,” he says honestly, you give him a confused look wanting him to continue, “I’ve been doing really horrible so far, seasons not been going well. I can’t imagine this next one going even better, everybody’s going to cook me alive”

“But you’ve been trying your best, right?” you ask him, now it’s his turn to look confused.

“I’ve been giving it my all, I don’t know why it’s not showing” he looks frustrated as he begins to bite his lip and fidget with his hands

“Then that’s all that matters, if you’re trying your absolute best. Who cares what anybody else thinks, I’m sure your team and your friends are aware of the work you're putting in. I’ve only just met you and I can tell!” you tell him from experience

“Patience Lando, that’s key. Waiting isn’t fun but, I can guarantee to you that you’ll get what you want sooner rather than later.” you notice his eyes begin to glisten, your image of Lando was always one that was confident so to see him show you this side of him, you were thankful. Especially because you had only known each other for less than 24 hours.

“We’ll see” he smiles at you but you can tell it’s to mask his troubled thoughts

“Don't be so pessimistic” You look forward to the other drivers who all seem to be having a lively good time

“It’s hard to feel positive about your work when it seems like everybody around you is comparing you to all the other drivers. And my team, I love them you know but, they never point out any of the good work I do, it’s just what I do wrong or what I’m lacking in. And then, the “fans”, they’re on the outside looking in, they have no idea what actually goes on inside!” he talks with his hands and you can feel how agitated and upset he feels. You wish you could relate to him but you can’t so, you offer him a sympathetic smile.

“Not everybody feels that way” you turn to him

“What?” he questions

“I trust you, your work. You’ll prove everybody wrong before you know it.” you assertedly express to him

“You promise it’ll get better” he looks at you unsure

“I promise,” you say confidently as you raise your pinky to him. He raises his pinky and locks it around yours.

“Thanks” he looks at you tenderly, “I really needed that” You can see the genuineness in his eyes

“Anytime,” you say truthfully

…

Soon after your conversation with Lando, you both stand up and head back towards the action. You guys get a couple more drinks and start chatting about anything and everything. Lando was currently telling you about all the video ideas he had for Quadrant, his company. You were actively listening and putting in your own two cents and he gladly received them, writing a few down in his notes. He was laughing at a joke you had just made when you were politely interrupted by a certain Spaniard.

“Hey, what are guys talking about?” says Carlos, walking up, drink in hand. Before either of you could respond, you hear a yell from across the bar.

“Lando!” you turn and see George and Alex waving Lando over. Lando groans in protest but ultimately walks over, leaving you and Carlos. You both giggle at his childlike response before turning to each other.

“So, what were you guys talking about?” Carlos asks once again

“Oh umm, just stuff you know; everything” You knew Carlos probably knew about Lando’s issues but you didn’t want to bring it up in case he didn’t. Plus, Lando’s and your conversation was between you two only. Carlos gives you an understanding nod and changes the subject.

“I was going to come and find you after me and Charles were done, but then we got caught up with some other people, I’m sorry” You shake your head at him understanding where he is coming from

“I saw you with Logan and I didn’t want to interrupt anything” he raises his eyebrows at you in a suggestive way. You blush at what he was insinuating and quickly shake your head.

“He’s great and everything but I don’t think I can do another relationship anytime soon” You look down, playing with the straw in your glass. You weren’t one to open up about your relationships, especially to people you just met but tonight, you had the alcohol to thank for that.

Carlos immediately regrets even bringing that topic up, noticing your instant change in mood. He mutters numerous sorry’s but it’s too late and you end up spilling your guts to him. You had only told the public that your breakup with your ex was mutual and cordial but that was further from the truth. 

Your ex, he was your fiance, you thought you were going to marry him. The only people who knew that were your friends, his friends, your family, and his family. And it was supposed to stay that way but you just needed to rant to somebody who didn’t know you or him. You're sure that tomorrow morning you will regret it but for now, it felt good to unload.

“I’m sorry Carlos, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have told you.” you set your glass down, running your hands through your hair. It had been a while since you thought about your past, you wanted to forget it and leave it behind, to run away furthest from it. But, it always came back and for some reason, it hurt more each time, and it always brought more questions. Questions you so badly wanted answers to but, you weren’t sure you were ever going to get them.

“Hey, hey” Carlos tries to turn you to him as you are stuck staring at the floor, “Look at me, please” he grabs your shoulders and faces you in front of him. You feel the tears begin to prickle in your eyes, so you take a deep breath before you look up at him.

You meet his eyes and your emotions betray you, your tears begin to fall. He hurries and grabs your hand pulling you to a back hallway, empty and away from anybody. You put your face in your hands, not wanting him to see you. You're not one to cry in front of anybody so you didn’t know what to do with your body. He soothingly rubbed your arms up and down until you calmed down.

You used your hands to dry your face and mentally cursed yourself for wearing a sleeveless top. The expulsion of your tears caused you to sober up, you quickly realized your situation and then became too embarrassed to even look at him. You notice a bathroom at the end of the hallway and try to make your way there but feel his arms grab at you.

“Oh, come here” he pulls you into his side, laying his head on yours until your breathing calms down. “Are you okay?” He says before going to stand in front of you, he’s about 6 inches taller than you so he kneels down until you're face to face.

“Yep,” you say looking at him, he chuckles at the irony of your appearance and response.

“I’m going to go clean myself up a little,” you tell him pointing to the bathroom, he nods leaning against the wall

After you clean the smudged mascara from under your eyes and reapply some lipstick, you come out of the bathroom to find Carlos just how you found him.

“I think I’m going to head home now” You pull out your phone to try and order yourself an Uber

“I’ll go with you” he suggests

“What, no Carlos. Your friends are still here, I’m so sorry I ruined your night” you embarrassingly admit

“I don’t think most of them are here anymore, they probably moved down to another bar or club,” he says pointing to the door leading towards the bar area. You were too emotional to even notice that the liveliness had quieted down. Before you can begin to apologize again, you hear him speak up.

“And you didn’t ruin anything I promise, thanks for opening up to me.” you look at his eyes and they’re sincere, you can tell but, you still can’t help but feel bad. You go to open your mouth to give him one final apology but he quickly shuts you down.

“Vamonos” (Let's go) he offers you his arm and you grab it, you walk out to the bar and he is right. There were no more drivers around, only team members but nobody that he would stay for and talk to. He leads you to the car and you both hop in, he gives the driver the name of your hotel. On the car ride back he gives it his all to try and make you laugh, making dumb jokes and sharing silly videos of the other drivers he had. 

As he’s laughing at a video of Fernando he took, you turn from his phone to his face. Taking a good look at his face, you embrace the feeling of comfort he brought with him and gave to you. This man has already done so much for you in the very short time you’ve known him. You were going to try everything to make up this night for him. You felt silly for this but you already didn’t want to lose him as a friend. You weren’t sure if you were even friends yet but he sure made you feel like you were. It scared you to not know why people come into your life when they do but with Carlos, you were excited to find out.

Taglist:

@leptitlu

@norassimpingzone

@tpwkstiles

@hiraethrhapsody

[eskawrites]

listen. @sweepy-stringbean said 'we need the recovery scene after the vecna'd moss back stab' in the tags of a post and i was helpless to do anything but drop everything and write it. so here you go. tenlark sequel to this.

-

If Tenar ever wakes up, Lark is going to kill her.

When Tenar wakes up. Because she is going to wake up. She has to, because she trusted Lark to do a job, and Lark doesn’t think she can do it if Tenar is gone. Because Lark is shit at this, was never meant for it, will never be anything close to half the leader Tenar can so effortlessly be.

But mostly because Lark thinks her own heart will stop beating alongside Tenar’s, and then they’ll all be ruined.

She imagines it, late at night, sitting at Tenar’s bedside after she’s slipped back into the ward once the healers have closed the doors for the night. She thinks about what it would feel like, walking around with a still, dead heart. It would be heavy, she thinks. Perhaps it would sink further into her chest, weighing her shoulders down, pressing against her lungs and making it hard to breathe. She wonders if it would start to rot. If her stagnant blood would turn black, if her skin would grow ashy to match. She would be forever in mourning, her veins thick and black like a widow’s garment.

-

“Queen Regent,” Arren greets her when he walks into her room one morning. She glares at him, and he grins and waves the tray in his hands. “I brought you food. The servants say you aren’t eating.”

“I can get my own food.”

“A queen should never have to serve herself.”

“Will you shut up, Arren?”

He sighs, smile fading, and she would apologize if she wasn’t so busy fighting back sudden tears.

“I mean it all with love,” he says, as if she doesn’t know that. She reaches up and rubs her eyes. “And you really do need to eat.”

“What I need is to find Moss.” She curls her hand into a fist and lets it fall to the table. “What I need is to figure out what he’s planning. What I need is for the council to make themselves useful and aid Ged’s research.”

“Lark—”

“What I need is to get a hold of myself so I can do the job she left for me. No, fuck that, what I need is her.” She looks up at Arren, not bothering to fight the tears anymore. “I can’t do it, Arren. Why did she do this? Why did she choose me?”

“I think you know the answer to that.”

“It should’ve been you.”

“Oh no,” he says, laughing weakly. “I’d be screwing it all up, and you’d be telling me everything I’m doing wrong in precise detail.”

“But I can’t do this,” she says, a sob breaking through her words.

Arren walks over, sets the tray down, and places his hands on her shoulders. “She wouldn’t have chosen you if you couldn’t do it.”

-

“There are people claiming to have seen Moss in the eastern outskirts,” Ged says, every word heavy with exhaustion. “But the guards say it’s only rumors.”

“What do you think?” Lark asks.

“I think that, if the guards thought there was any chance she was there, they would have already tried to arrest her.”

She nods. “We never should have told the people it was Moss.”

“We couldn’t lie to them.”

“I know,” she breathes. It’s why she had given the order to spread the word.

“At least now she can’t hurt anyone else. If someone spots her, we’ll know about it.”

Lark shakes her head. “If only we had that kind of luck.”

-

“And Lady Fina has offered her best scouts to comb the outer villages,” Lark says, rolling up the parchment that contained Ged’s notes from that afternoon’s council meeting. “That’s tripled our patrols while maintaining a strong guard presence to protect the people. As soon as he makes a move, we’ll know it.”

She pauses and looks down at Tenar. Her face is frighteningly pale. Her hair is wild against the pillows, more unruly than she ever lets it get. Lark reaches out as if to brush it into place, but she stops herself and pulls her hand back.

“Of course, he hasn’t made a move,” she whispers. “We know he’s planning something, we just have no idea what. My best guess is that he—he’s waiting for the news of your death.”

She watches Tenar’s face, praying to every god she knows for some small movement. Some recognition of her voice. Nothing comes. Lark closes her eyes, then opens them and looks at her again.

“I’m doing my best, Tenar. I will do everything I can, for as long as I can. But I really, really don’t want to do it without you.”

Tenar remains still, silent, so far away and so close to the end that Lark can’t even see the rise and fall of her chest with her breathing. She does reach out this time, just to press her fingers to Tenar’s wrist and feel her heart beating. It’s quiet and frantic, but it hasn’t given out yet.

“Please,” she whispers, letting her touch linger just this once. “Please, Tenar. Please don’t leave me. Not now. Not ever.”

-

Many people in the palace would say that Queen Tenar has no temper. They say her patience is limitless, her demeanor unshakably calm.

Lark knows better. Tenar has a temper—an impressive one, too. She just has a much longer fuse, and a much stronger ability to hide her anger when it finally ignites.

Lark…doesn’t.

“Lord Vayne, would you quit blowing hot air out of that useless head of yours and listen to what I am telling you. Moss is not an enemy of the palace, and even if she was, sending bounty hunters after her would only serve to get them killed.”

“The men I am speaking of are the best in the land. They—”

“And Moss has helped save this kingdom when every other force at your disposal proved utterly useless. However talented your hired brutes are, they will not best her. Now sit down and hold your tongue while the rest of us discuss actual ideas.”

He glares at her, but he sits. Lark glares back, feeling completely hollow even in her triumph. She looks around the table. Everyone else is looking back at her, faces carefully blank. Arren catches her eye and winks.

The door bursts open. Arren jumps to his feet and draws his sword. Lark grabs her bow from her chair, but she recognizes the guard before she can aim.

“Queen Regent,” he says, ignoring everyone else in the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt—I just came from the ward. They’re asking for you. They say it’s urgent.”

Lark dashes across the room. Someone shouts after her, protesting her behavior or reminding her of some stupid formality she should follow before leaving the meeting, but she doesn’t really hear it. She doesn’t hear anything but her steps pounding down the hall, and her blood rushing in her ears, and the guard’s voice, apologizing again for interrupting, telling her he isn’t sure, they just sent him to collect her.

They reach the ward. The guard stops, but Lark doesn’t. She shoves through the doors. She races past the guards posted in the front room. She slams her way into the room with Tenar’s bed, and then she freezes, because all she can see is healers gathered around the bedside, and white sheets piled at the foot of the bed, and she realize that she doesn’t know why they called for her, and maybe she doesn’t want to know.

But then she hears a small voice, beloved and familiar even if it’s never sounded so frail.

“Lark?”

One of the healers turns, shuffling to the side, and Lark can see her at last. Tenar is still lying down, still terrifyingly pale, but her eyes are open. Her lips are pulling into a weak smile. She breathes in, and Lark can see it in the rise of her chest. She’s alive.

She’s alive.

And Lark remembers, suddenly, how furious she is with her.

Tenar’s mouth quirks up, like she can read Lark’s mind. Maybe she can. Lark wouldn’t be surprised, actually. Tenar glances up at the healers around her bed.

“Leave us for a moment.”

They all nod their assent and walk away, leaving the room empty save for Lark and Tenar and the heavy silence stretching between them.

“Lark,” Tenar breathes, but Lark shakes her head. Tenar lifts a hand toward her. Her fingers shake with the effort. “You can say whatever you want, and I’m sure I’ll deserve it. But come here first, please.”

“You almost died.” Her own words hit her like a blow, but the almost is what lingers, warming her chest slowly but surely. She closes her eyes. She steps closer. “I—I thought—”

“I am here,” Tenar breathes. Her fingers brush against Lark’s, and Lark blindly intertwines them. “I have not left you.”

“But you did.”

The warmth turns to anger, to rage, and she clings to it, holds it close until it is blinding and painful, preventing her from thinking too much about I have not left you and how good it threatens to make her feel. She opens her eyes, and Tenar’s gaze is understanding. Sympathetic. It’s easy, suddenly, to only see the rage.

“You did leave me,” she says. “No, not just that, you named me Queen. Me! Are you out of your mind?”

“No.”

“You are a fool, Your Highness!”

“I disagree, Queen Regent.”

“Shut up!” Her voice cracks, and she almost laughs. She breathes out, and it sounds more like a cry. “I’m so mad at you, Tenar.”

“I know,” Tenar says softly. “And I’m sorry. I truly am. But it was the right choice to make, Lark. I know it was, and I think you do, too.”

Lark does, but that doesn’t stop her from shaking her head. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”

Tenar takes her hand and pulls it up to her face. Lark moves with her, pliant, obedient, willing to be anything Tenar needs her to be, always.

“You’ve done beautifully,” Tenar whispers.

“You don’t even know what’s happened in your absence.”

“But I know you.” Tenar closes her eyes.

She’s sweating, Lark realizes. Exhausted. In pain, probably. Lark leans closer and brushes her hair back. Tenar smiles softly, and Lark feels relief crash so brutally through her that she thinks she might be sick.

“You would have done better,” Lark says, softer now. “Lord Vayne hates me, you know.”

“Lord Vayne hates everyone. Whatever you said to him, he probably deserved it.” Tenar opens her eyes. “I really am sorry. I will—they’ve already told me I must stay overnight, but I can call the council here, I will catch up on everything, I will—”

“You will rest,” says Lark. She runs her fingers through Tenar’s hair again. “I will do everything you need me to do, for however long you need me to do it. And you will rest for as long as your healers tell you to.”

Tenar’s smile turns sly. “Want to bet?”

“Against you? Never.” Lark swallows. “But my point stands. I’ve sworn my oath to you, and to this kingdom. I will be your regent for as long as you need me.”

“Even if you hate it?”

“Well. I do get to tell your council what to do, which is fun.”

“You can tell them what to do anyway.”

“Yes, but now they have to actually listen.” She grins as Tenar laughs softly. But then they both sober, their eyes meeting again. Lark swallows. “I’m glad you’re back, Tenar.”

“I’m not done yet.” Tenar squeezes her fingers. “And I wouldn’t leave you.”

“You keep saying that,” Lark breathes.

“I do not say things I do not mean.”

“Believe me, I know.”

“I know you do. Allow me to prove it to you anyway.”

Lark realizes how close they are, foreheads nearly touching. Tenar pulls at her hand, eyes wide, searching—begging for something in lieu of a command she doesn’t dare give.

As if Lark has ever wanted anything but to obey. She closes the distance, feeling Tenar’s smile when their lips meet, hearing her quiet sigh as Lark cradles her head and kisses her. They part after only a moment, and the light in Tenar’s eyes brings tears to Lark’s.

“What is it?” Tenar breathes. Her thumb strokes over Lark’s palm, pressing gently, grounding her. “My dear Lark, what’s wrong?”

Lark lets out a short, wet laugh. There are so many terrible things waiting for them both just outside the door, but Lark finds that the only answer she can give is to shake her head and lean in again. Tenar kisses her gently, happily. This time when they part, she brings her hand up to cup Lark’s cheek and keep her close.

“Stay here a while,” Tenar says. “Lie with me, and tell me all I’ve missed, and we’ll figure out what comes next together.”

What can Lark do but obey? She follows Tenar’s gentle pull on her hand until she’s lying beside her, arms wrapped carefully around her, and she lets Tenar ask question after question about what has happened, and she feels that—finally, for just a moment—the world is right again.

[pawnshopbleus]

Put Me in a Movie - Chapter Five

Miguel O’Hara x Fem! Reader

Summary - You’re a famous actress and he’s one of the greatest directors of all time. What happens when you get cast in his new movie?

Chapter Four

The California weather was surprisingly cool today. The meteorologist said that it would be in the upper sixties today. It was always hot in Hollywood, so you decided to enjoy this opportunity. Fern was more than happy to join you at work. She happily wagged her tail as she stuck her head outside of the window of your car.

Hair and makeup took less time than yesterday, considering that the hairstylist had everything she needed. There were also no surprise visits from Tasia, which was an extra plus.

Today, you will be filming the scene where James confesses his love for Linda, also known as Polina. Rose overhears this and is hurt because of her love for James. Before Linda can get a word out, Rose comes out and starts shouting out accusations. Some strong emotions need to be channeled for this scene to be right.

You were pretty sure that you wouldn't have a problem with Peter. You enjoyed filming scenes with Peter, whether it be a comedic scene or a dramatic scene. He was great at both and deserved more recognition. Not to mention that he is an absolute sweetheart behind the scenes, completely in love with his wife, and a great father to little May.

Tasia, on the other hand, could be pretty difficult. You've gone on and on about her to Fern, who acted like your therapist. Speaking of, you would need to get a real one soon. Anyways, back to Tasia. She's rude to everyone she comes across (except Miguel), she's messy, and she's a bully to her personal assistant. Sometimes you overhear her berate her personal assistant for a simple mistake. It's gotten so bad that you had to take her personal assistant aside to ensure she was okay. You felt bad for the girl, but there was nothing else you could do. You later found out that her name was Gwen Stacy, a college student who wanted to be a director. She was only Tasia's personal assistant to work her way up. If and when Tasia lets her go, you might just end up hiring Ms. Stacy.

Like any other time you're filming with Tasia, there are many mistakes. You and Peter would get to the part in the scene where Rose was supposed to enter, but Tasia would mysteriously disappear and would later be found in her trailer. Then, she would either forget her line or laugh during a serious moment. Now, you can't fault her for breaking, actors do it all the time, but there has to be a moment when it falls back into place. She was breaking every single time.

"Cut, cut, cut. Just fucking cut already!" Miguel yelled - no roared - when Tasis broke for the tenth time. Everyone jumped out of their skin at the sound of Miguel shouting. He threw the headphones he was wearing onto the floor, causing them to break. "What the fuck is so funny?" he asked. Everyone was silent, too scared to say or do anything.

"Am I talking to myself? I asked what. The. fuck. Is. So. funny?'" He took an intimidating step towards Tasia, who puffed out her chest and stood a little taller. You had to give it to her; even if she was a mean girl, she knew how to handle her shit.

"Nothing. God, you're so overdramatic." Taisa rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Get out." Two simple words were uttered from Miguel's lips.

"What did you just say?" "I said, get out!"

"You don't know who you're messing with. My father will-" Tasia was interrupted by Miguel.

"I don't give a fuck who you're daddy is or what he'll do. Get off of my set before I call security." Everyone watched in amusement as Tasia got fired. Eyes were wide, and jaws were dropped.

Tasia stormed off without another word, her fiery red hair blowing in the wind.

Miguel simply looked around at everyone who stood completely still. Many, including you, were petrified at what he might do or say next. He merely shook his head and sat back in his director's chair. He got out his phone and dialed a number.

"Jessica, I need you."

Chapter Six

[aleksa-sims]

Simself Story

CW: addiction, pregnancy, cheating, divorce

I told him... 😢🤦‍♀️

As the sun slowly rose after we talked all night about what Daniel has experienced the last 4 months, it was my turn, to tell him what I did, while he was gone...

What I can say? 😞... He was devastated. It wasn’t really my pregnancy or the fact that I get a baby by someone else, what has made him so upset, but rather the... circumstances that led to it and how it all came about. All our probs were caused by that damn attack/assault on us, 8 months ago. This thing has traumatized us. We both had difficulty processing it.

My parents told him I was dating Nico. The day he came back, he talked to them. He asked questions. And now, D. wanted to know from me, why I even met Nico? Did I call him? Or he me? How did we get there? Well, the stranger I met online... 🤦‍♀️

Daniel: He did it all on purpose! He pretended to be a stranger playing Sims with you. I mean how sick is that?... Did you know it was him? Did you lie to me? Be honest!

Me: No, I swear I didn't know!!! You know the whole story, I showed you everything he texted me. And he didn’t plan on breaking us up. He never meant to see me, he knew I loved you and we were married. He even helped me make up with you. It wasn’t until weeks after you left, that Nico started giving me more and more clues about his true identity. Listen D., he tried to distract me. I was always sad. I was looking for you everywhere with Alex. I was devastated! And I also relapsed, really bad, I fucked up sm. 🤦‍♀️😞

Daniel: You want to divorce me. Everything breaks dwon.... This is worse than the shit my crazy mother did to me. You and me... that wasn’t planned to end this way! It should never end!

Me: I'm so sorry. I don’t want it to end either. That’s why I married you, I love you, but-...... how’s this gonna work?

Daniel: You love him, not me! Otherwise, you’d just stay here. But you decided to divorce me and start a new life with him. So go! Go to him!..... What the fuck are you waiting for?

Me: No, I’m not leaving. I can’t leave you alone now. I’ll stay with you, as long as you need me.

Daniel: Damn, stay away from me!!.... Leave me alone, or I might say something I don’t want.

I couldn’t leave him alone. So I just stood aside somewhere in a corner, looking down, while Daniel left the living room. I touched my belly.  I apologized to my Baby for the hatred I felt for myself at that moment. I was disgusted with myself. I resented myself for constantly repeating the same, damn mistakes. I never wanted to hurt Daniel!! He deserved me to stay with him and live our fucking lives the way it used to be. I have to find a solution!

Half an hour later, I went over to Daniel to look after him. And.....huh? Is Daniel cuddling his old teddy bear??? 🤨😄

Me: Daniel?..You ok?... You... need a huggie? 😳😬

Daniel: Nah, I just don't wanna see you. And why's that old dust catcher here? He also smells like you.

Me: I found him at your house the last time we were there. Your sister said it was yours once. And the other day when I was home, I found him in my closet. I gave him a little makeover. I cleand him and put some of my perfume on him. And yea, he's cute I wanted to keep him.

Daniel: I hate that teddy bear. He disappointed me when I was 7, just like you now. 😒

Me: Um... that's just a toy, Daniel. How can a teddy bear disappoint you? 🤨

Daniel: I got him when I was five. My crazy mother kept locking me in the closet as you know. He was my bud, who was allowed to accompany me. And whenever I was alone in our damn house, I was less afraid, bcs he was there too. But on my 7th birthday I found out who gave me that teddy bear. It was one of those damn witches my mother met at her fucking clut-parties. That woman also told me my teddy bear was not a boy as I thought, it was a girl! She showed me the label. And well, at 7 I could read. The label said, "Susi the bear." I was totally disappointed. He wasn’t my friend anymor, just a fucking traitor! A damn witch, Susi, like one of my mothers odd followers. 😠

Me: Sorry. I didn’t know, I’m gonna put him away. 😞

Daniel: Take it with you! Maybe your soccer player's gonna be happy about it. Kind of like a trophy for him. He’s an athlete, he should like that. 🤷‍♂️

Me: I’ll save your old teddy bear for my Baby. I thought one day, we could give it to our own baby, but if I had only guessed, I would be pregnant by someone else.... I-...agh, Daniel. I'm so sorry. I wish it was.................... otherwise. 😢I could stay with you, but what should I say to Nico? I can’t hurt him, and I don’t want to hurt you either. Really not! But I’ll find a solution. I won’t let you down.

Daniel: I don’t want....your solution. I want my girl to myself. I'm not gonna share you with him. I ain't like Philip, damn it! So just go!

I went out to our roof. I wanted to take Daniel’s laundry off the cloth-line. I wanted to help him and be there for him. But Daniel was annoyed.

Daniel: Hey! Don't you hear?... What are you still doing here?

Me: I wanna be there for you. I’m just helping you.

Daniel: I don’t need you as a cleaning lady or maid! I need my... wife!

Me: I’m not going! This is my home too!

Daniel: Fine! I’ll give you an hour. If you’re still there, I’ll lock the door. Then, you really have to stay here,.... overnight! I won’t unlock the door until tomorrow.🤨

Me: I have a key, you smart guy. 😒

Daniel: Not anymore, know-it-all. 🤨 Besides, I’m stronger than you.

Me: You’re gonna handcuff me?

Daniel: The clock's ticking. One hour! Decide!

Previous/Next

[sunshine-on-my-mind]

Hey, sweet Meera.

How about some Bucky

And snacks (this is a Baklava Cronut, but any pastry will do)

Kisses

a/n: can i be cringy and say i don’t know which one is yummier? ahahha no sorry but omg i love this. it inspired me to write this AU hehe i really hope you like it.

James Bucky Barnes, spoilt and rich, son of CEO George Barnes, has everything. He is living his best life from on frat party to another from one girl to another, the famous playboy loved his life.

Until one day, few months before his graduation, his father called him in his office.

“You’ve had your fun, now it’s time to get serious” Bucky rolled his eyes

“Dad, I’m not joining your company” the senior Barnes laughed at that

“oh son, you really think you’re fit for my company? you are a spoilt little brat, living his life on his old man’s money. it’s time to change that.”

This made Bucky curious

“Go get yourself a job, any job, I don’t care, but if you can’t get yourself a job by the end of the month, then you’re out.”

“Out? what do you mean out?”

“Out of my will, out of your penthouse that I bought for you, well… everything actually.”

And that his Bucky Barnes found himself working in this coffee shop. He hates it I mean how do people even do this? And the customers are the worst, but he can’t complain or else he will be fired.

“This sucks” he mutters under his breath as he was making ‘oat caramel macchiato with mocha drizzle’ or whatever the shit the customer has ordered.

“Here’s your coffee” Bucky gives a fake smile to the customer, ugh they are lucky to receive even a fake smile from him.

Evening rolled in, it’s almost time for Bucky’s shift to end, finally. He’s cleaning up the counter, muttering curses under his breath when the cafe door opens again.

“Fucks sake wh-“ his rant stops in between when he sees you across the counter. Your eyes focused on the pastries displayed. And his eyes focused on you.

You look up at him and he looks away, he doesn’t want to get caught staring like some creep. Bucky clears his throat and you smile at him. How can someone else’s smile make him feel happy? He asks himself.

“Hi, um, can you help me with selecting a pastry? They all look so good I’m confused.” You ask him with that pretty smile of yours

Now if it was any other customer he probably would have rolled his eyes and said whatever came to his mind but in this case, he does want to talk to you.

“Well I’m a basic guy myself, quite love the brownies and cinnamon rolls, the apple pie too, but um, we started doing these Baklava Cronuts recently and they are quite popular so you can try one.” Bucky says with a smile, a genuine smile, after a while, gosh he doesn’t remember the last time he actually couldn’t stop smiling, he feels shy.

“One Baklava Cronut it is then” you give him your order “and can I please get an iced coffee as well?”

Bucky feels like saying ‘I’ll give you all the pastries and coffees if I could’- a smile plastered on his face.

You take a seat and wait for your order, Bucky told you he’d bring it over.

As Bucky starts making your coffee he cannot help but steal glances at you, you’re sitting there by the window, the evening sun casting a beautiful glow on your face. This is something Bucky would have scoffed at in another situation because he doesn’t really understand love, but there you are and he cannot stop staring.

It’s not that Bucky has not dated beautiful women before, some were models, literally but there is something about you which is giving him butterflies and he is not yet sure if he likes it.

“Here you go” Bucky smiles and places your order in front of you on the table.

“Tha- oh uh, I didn’t order the brownie.”

“It’s on the house.” The smooth Bucky who has flirted with many many women is gone, and remaining is a shy bucky who cannot stop smiling.

“oh,” and that’s when you bite your lip and Bucky feels his eyes are glued to your lips.

“Thank you…” You trail off to find his name tag. “Bucky”

The moment you say his name Bucky is gone. He wants to hear you say his name, again, and again. Has his name ever sounded so good?

“I’m- I don’t know if this is too forward but um, would you like to go out with me sometime?” Bucky is flustered while trying to ask you out. He looks at you with his pretty blue eyes and you felt like you’re melting into a puddle.

“Yeah, I’ll like that.” You smile.

Bucky feels like jumping in happiness. But tries to play it cool, you know scratch that he doesn’t want to be cool he wants to be happy and shy and spend time with you, get to know you.

He gives you his number and asks you to text him when you’re free.

After you leave the coffee shop that day, Bucky feels keeps checking his phone, excited, nervous, anxious, and after finishing his shift when he is going back home, when he feels like he is losing his mind, his phone chimes

you: hey, i’m free this friday if you’d like to meet x

Bucky smiles, almost giggles. Quickly types back.

Bucky: Sounds perfect. Can’t wait to meet you again.

Maybe working at the coffee shop isn’t that bad. He smiles to himself and drives back home, counting days till Friday.

[idontplaytrack]

Bottle You Up

K.C. Cooper x fem! reader

Warnings: fluff, some coarse language

In which reader is down with the flu and K.C. takes care of her.

I gave up on this halfway but I got mad at myself for that and wanted to finish it somehow 💀

KC🩵: Hey, babe. Are you up? I’m about to leave for school. [delivered 7:10a.m.]

KC🩵: Want me to pick you up? [delivered 7:14a.m.]

You hear your phone buzzing on the nightstand, but you felt too out of it to pick it up to check it.

KC🩵: I’m worried. [delivered 7:18a.m.]

KC🩵: Is everything okay? [delivered 7:18a.m.]

Groaning, you blindly reached for the device and squinted to look at the screen. Sighing when you realised who it was, you still responded to the texts anyway. Otherwise she’ll never stop texting and you’ll never be able to go back to sleep.

y/n: All good, just feeling a little under the weather. Have a gd day at sch love u

Tossing your phone aside, you wrapped yourself under the covers tightly, feeling a chill. After way too much tossing and turning, you finally got comfortable enough to fall back asleep and allow your body to rest. You weren’t sure hoe much time has gone by but you did wake up to someone yelling at you from the front door.

“y/l/n! Yo! You can’t must text me that the. expect me to do nothing?!”

It was K.C.. You fell out of bed, forcing yourself to get up and peek through your window. Evidently, she spots you looking and gestured for you to come and get the door to let her in. Groaning with each step you took, you eventually reached the door and pulled it open. “Finally.” She sighs, entering your house.

“What’s the matter with you? Why won’t you just tell me what was bothering you?”

“What?” You asked shakily, finding her words a little harsher than usual.

“You just text me that you were feeling under the weather, then what? You were expecting me to leave you alone? Not a chance.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Well, right now, you look like death.”

“Good, ‘cause I feel like it.” You grumbled, trudging over to the couch and collapsing onto it. She walks over to you and felt your forehead, “Let me guess— you didn’t take any meds for it?”

You didn’t even respond. So, she just went ahead and to grab you the meds from the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, along with a glass of water. “Take this, I’ll go make you some soup.”

You swallowed harshly at her mention of food, reaching out to take the pill and glass. “No.” You murmured, holding the pull in your mouth meanwhile. “What do you mean, no? It’s one o’clock in the afternoon. You need to eat something.”

You swallowed the pill then said, “No.”

“Babe.” She sighs, taking the glass from you and set it down on the coffee table.

“You don’t get it.” You choked on a sob, “My head hurts so bad I feel like I might throw up even if I just move the slightest bit.”

K.C.’s gaze softened as she held your hands in her own, “I’m sorry, love. I’m sorry, I was just so worried because we weren’t hearing from you at all. I’m sorry, I just need to calm…down. What can I do to make you feel better?”

You shrug, sniffling. “I dunno.” You laid your head in her lap, “Sorry. I should’ve…”

“No, no. Don’t apologise for that. You’re not feeling well, you did the right thing by resting up.” She says, her fingers started combing through your knotted hair, “Close your eyes and just rest.”

“I feel like shit.” You muttered.

“The trashcan’s right beside us. And I’m right here, alright? Don’t worry.” She promised.

With her palm on your stomach, the warmth soothes the ache, allowing you a bit more rest while waiting for the pill to take effect. “You’re alright, love. You’re alright.” She coaxed, watching you doze off under her comforting touch.

Your sleep didn’t last too long however, since you were hit with a pang of nausea the moment your eyes opened up again. K.C. gets the trashcan to you right away, allowing you to spill the contents of your stomach into it. “It’s okay, I’ve got you. Just let it out, don’t think about anything else, don’t look at it.”

Completely exhausted and freezing all you could do was listen to her talking to you. She got rid of whatever was in the trash can then returned to your side. She sees you curled up in the fetal position on the couch under your blanket. “Still cold?”

You nodded, mumbling unclearly.

“I’ll turn the heat up a little.” She does and then came back so you could snuggle with her.

“I didn’t want to bother you.” You told her.

“You’re not. Don’t ever think that you are bothering me, alright?” She says.

“Don’t get too close though.”

“Too late, I don’t get sick that easy anyway.” She grins, pressing a kiss to the side of your head. “You know, sometimes I wish I could just bottle you up and keep you safe in my pocket.”

You giggle, “What?”

“Yeah, you know? After fighting bad guys with my family for so many years, this world is freaking terrifying. And you’re my girlfriend, I would love to be able to protect you from all the bad things.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.” You cracked a smile.

She mirrors your smile, “I’m serious, though. Wish I could protect you from everything bad. It just sucks to see you sick and I can’t really do anything about it.”

“I know, I appreciate the thought but you can’t really do that.” You chuckled lightly.

“One can dream, right?” K.C. shrugs, laughing as she held onto your hand and gave it a squeeze.

“You can also give me cuddles.” You looked up at her with a cheeky gaze.

“That I can do.” K.C. nodded, “I see the meds have kicked in. That’s good.”

“They have indeed.” You traced your fingers all over the back of her hand mindlessly.

“I’m glad.”

[thelonesomequeen]

I have a random question. How is everyone doing in these trying times? Like it’s so hard out there right now while my partner and I both make what I thought was good money, yet we’re both really struggling. He just got a second job and I’m looking for another job where I can work from home. We were hopping to have a house by now, but are still living in a dinky apartment. Don’t know if we can ever afford kids. Forget a vacation. Social media has given me extreme fomo and made me feel like a failure compared to my friends despite having an MA. Seriously how are y’all managing? It’s hard out there. Sorry, I know sometimes you like to discuss other things 🫶🏻

The world really is a hot mess. It’s crazy how expensive everything keeps getting while wage remains stagnant for most people. It’s a really rough spot to be in for so many people.

I’m personally within the “ok, but I wish things were a lot better” camp. I’ve found myself in what’s now being called the millennial golden handcuffs. Golden meaning I was fortunate enough to buy a house before prices and interest rates skyrocketed, but handcuffed because I can’t afford to move from where I’m at. The house we live in now is a cute little starter home, but around the 5-10 year mark my husband and I had planned to sell our house and upgrade to something bigger before we had kids so we had the space we’d feel like we’d need to fit a growing family. Well. I’m fortunate to have a house, and I will never take that for granted, but selling it and moving now is out of the question because home prices have literally almost doubled where I live in the last 6 years. I literally could not even afford to buy the same house I already live in right now. It’s seriously insane.

But I feel with you on everything else. I thought my life would look a lot different by now and I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever have the things I originally wanted for myself out of my adult life. I always wanted 2 kids when we were ready to start a family for various reasons I won’t get into right now, this will be long enough as is, but I don’t know if we can even afford 1 child in this economy when I see the prices of diapers, formula, and childcare. And it all just keeps getting more expensive every time you turn around. I try to think about those costs being tacked on to our already expensive bills and I’m not sure that we’ll be able to swing it. Not without making severely drastic changes anyway. I also wanted to see so much of the world by now through travel. Covid ruined a lot of travel plans I initially had, and now that we’re mostly in a post Covid world (yes, I acknowledge Covid isn’t truly over yet) the cost of travel has gone up so much that it’ll eat away too much of my savings that I’m not willing to part with. I’m always worried about needing that money for things like medical or home emergencies and spending it down on something like travel just doesn’t feel like a wise choice right now. And it’s hard to continue to save money when the cost of everything keeps increasing. It’s like a never ending circle where you just can’t get ahead.

I wish I had some sound advice to share with you that would help or make you feel better. (Shit, I need it too sometimes). Just try to keep in mind that sometimes what we see on social media isn’t always reflective of what’s happening in reality. For example, a good friend of mine had two babies during Covid, she and her husband bought a new, massive house for their little family, new cars, she’s always posting stories about new jewelry he bought her, and they’re constantly going on lavish looking trips or going to concerts and sporting events. Looking at their life on social media it’s like “wow, must be nice.” It’s really easy to feel envious when we see those things. There’s times where I’ve even wondered “how are they doing it?” and it turns out they aren’t. After a conversation she and I recently had about life in general while we were catching up, she told me they are $2.5 million dollars in debt between their student loans, mortgage, car payments, and maxed out credit cards. They are one small emergency away from losing everything they have because they can’t take on another expense. Their life looks beautiful on Instagram, but that’s a level of debt that makes me feel physically sick and I’d absolutely not want to trade her places for it. The jewelry, trips, concerts, and games are not worth that level of debt to me. Sure, it’s nice to experience those things. But not in exchange for being that financially unstable (IMO-you’re all free to disagree of course). Some of the debt is understandable, they need a home to live in (although their last house was still very nice and perfectly fine for the four of them), they need cars to get to work, and whatever expenses that come with raising their children. That’s understandable debt/finances that most people have. But they could easily be saving thousands of dollars a year on frivolous spending that’s done for the sole purpose of putting up a false facade on Instagram about living that easy high life. I personally don’t know why they feel compelled to do it, they aren’t trying to be influencers, nor are either of their families materialistic like that. But sometimes those great Instagram feeds aren’t always what they seem. 🦎