#and should be tangled together

[b1cr1ptic]

PSD NAME RELEVANT (,,,,,,,,,,, yea)

[d0d0-b0i]

the fact that these were sent to me back-to-back was a sign. do not separate !!

[formosusiniquis]

I don't trust myself to write Leverage fic, I just don't think I could capture the nuance of everyone. But I think if I did it'd be a road trip fic.

It's sometime in the mid-s2 era. Everyone's kinda gone to ground after either Nate's whole going to prison thing or after Sophie has had to fake her death. Either way Hardison, Parker, and Eliot have lost that stabilizing mentor energy they had previously. Not that the three aren't perfectly capable on their own, but it's a rapid, dramatic, and emotional shift in the dynamic you're used to and you've got to part ways with the people you care the most about in the world.

So after some time passes -- enough that everyone can do what they need to do to be sure that they're safe but not enough time to feel settled to leave the safe house and go home -- someone (Alec, probably with his slightly more average childhood, but maybe Eliot who didn't gave the best childhood but we see these moments of average stability throughout the series) suggests a road trip.

So they gather together: Hardison and Parker and Eliot to reclaim the stability that they've lost. While Nate mourns Sophie, or she rages at Nate. And Hardison and Eliot take Parker to the places she asked about in the Three Days of Hunter job. The places where there are real conspiracies, the places that are really just tourist traps, the places that they decide along the way that they want to break in and see.

And along the way they find the things they needed to so they can go back. The trust, the camaraderie, the joy. Things they hadn't ever really lost with eachother but can be hard to separate from the inside this codependent knot of reclaimed family. And maybe it's a ship fic, maybe it's not, maybe when you fit together the way they do it doesn't matter. Either way by the end they're ready to go home and get back to work.

But mostly it's about Parker getting to see Area 52.

[crimeronan]

watching alfie become catastrophically enamored with lunter over the course of thanks to them was so fucking funny i LOVE showing toh to new people. everyone gets something slightly different out of it. and it is Literally Always Hilarious.

[sonknuxadow]

i have to wonder. if we were in an alternate timeline where tangle and whisper were originally conceptualized as girlfriends from the start and had already met offscreen before the events of the comic even began. would they have been allowed to be a for real canon couple instead of just having hints here and there . much to think about

[unknownarmageddon]

daily hozier!!!

YEAHH!!

[fizzytoo]

feeling a very AAAAAAA about adrien and rua

[keeps-ache]

Cap's now :) and i made it at a reasonable hour! yippee!!

[spottedenchants]

We Should Explore Other Things 👀?

This one!! This one is the fleshed out version of 'that night' as it is described in Affection From / Your Presence :3

~

He’s missing the entirety of the spell’s verbal component. Surely that’s too glaring an error to be anything but deliberate.

Still, Essek asks, to be sure.

“You are trying to streamline the spell for proper use?”

“More pushing the boundaries of it. Seeing how it falls apart, stays together.”

“Hm.”

That makes more sense then, if this is for Caleb’s entertainment rather than him seeking sustained viability. Though the concept is far from a disappointment, Essek's enthusiasm flags a smidge.

No, what is he thinking- that is rude of him. 

Caleb is putting his magic to actual use elsewhere, outside this present space. That he can dedicate some of it to fun, and also be so willing to share in the process… surely that’s nothing short of a blessing. Essek can be glad for him.

~

Send me an ask with the WIP title that most intrigues you and I’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it.

[fortune-maiden]

This is one of those things I didn’t really pay attention to on the first watch but... the mark glows!

I wonder if they get any other powers from it

[trollbreak]

You ever sit there like. Craving a very specific dynamic but you can’t go to your usual set of characters for it bc it’s slightly to the left

[rogersstevie]

omg omg i don't need to spend more money on myself rn so i'm gonna hold out but i saw an instagram ad for what looked like a really excellent jewelry box and i was worried it would only be on am*zon but i found it elsewhere ofc i wish i would have the different color options but like i'm not buying from them so. hopefully it will stick around bc i'd really prefer to wait till after christmas

[fragileheartbeats]

𓈒ㅤׂㅤ 𓇼 ࣪ 𝐔𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ⭒⠀

♡ ⭒ㅤ𓈒 上下 ㅤ𝅄ㅤ ㅤ྄

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀꒰͡ ⠀ ִ 𝐽 𝐽 𝐾 𝑀 𝑒 𝑛 𝑥 𝐹 𝑒 𝑚 𝑅 𝑒 𝑎 𝑑 𝑒 𝑟 ⠀ׂ ⠀ ͡꒱

♡ㅤ𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮ㅤ۫ㅤ𝅄ㅤೀ

— 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘶, 𝘔𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘮𝘪, 𝘠𝘶𝘫𝘪, 𝘚𝘶𝘬𝘶𝘯𝘢, 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰, 𝘚𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘶, 𝘛𝘰𝘫𝘪, 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘰, 𝘠𝘶𝘵𝘢, 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦 <3 (All characters are adults)

˚꒰🌼꒱‧ Hi there! Before you read this, you should know that English is not my first language. Hope you enjoy!

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔 𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎 | 五条 悟 ─ 𓇼 . ♡𝆬

It was a typical evening, with the moon looming large in the star-studded sky, and a warm breeze gently caressing the couple's skin. As they stood in front of the fireplace, he couldn't take his eyes off her, her curvaceous body on full display in a barely-there lingerie set. He felt himself grow increasingly aroused as her hand grazed his chest, her lips leaving trails of hot kisses down his neck. Unable to resist any longer, he lifted her up and carried her to the bed, laying her down with a thud. He watched as she writhed under his touch, teasing and tantalizing him with her every move. But it wasn't long before the tables were turned, and she straddled him, her warm breath tickling his ear. 'You ready for me, Satoru?' Y/n purred, her voice sending shivers down his spine. He could only nod, his mouth too dry to form words. He was completely under her spell, eagerly waiting for her next move. Without any hesitation, she lowered herself onto his throbbing member, taking him in inch by inch. A loud groan escaped his lips as she started to move, her hips grinding against him in a tantalizing rhythm. His hands gripped her thighs, trying to hold on to the now intense pleasure coursing through his body. Her movements were slow and deliberate, each time she rose and fell, taking him to new heights of ecstasy. Their moans and breaths were the only sounds in the room, and the anticipation was building with each passing moment. He couldn't take it any longer. 'F-faster,' he stuttered, his words barely audible. With a wicked grin, she obeyed, picking up the pace and driving him wild with desire. The feverish intensity between them only grew as y/n leaned down to capture his lips in a searing kiss, their bodies moving as one. As they both reached the peak of their passion, he felt himself losing control, his body wracked with pleasure. 'I-I'm gonna... I'm gonna cum,' he stuttered, his voice hoarse. With a final thrust, they both exploded together, their cries of pleasure echoing in the room. They lay together, tangled in each other's arms, their bodies spent but their hearts overflowing with love. With a satisfied smile, he buried his face in her hair, whispering, 'I love you' over and over again. In that moment, nothing else in the world mattered except for the two of them, lost in their shared pleasure and love. And with the moon still shining bright, they fell asleep in each other's arms, ready for whatever the next day had in store for them.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐈 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐎 | 伏黒 恵 ─ 𔒌 . ♡𝆬

Megumi laid on his back, breathless as his lover, rode him with a wild abandon. His hands gripped her hips tightly, pulling her closer, as he let out a loud moan. Tears streamed down his face, a mix of pleasure and overwhelming emotions. Her body moved seamlessly on top of his, her hands tangled in his hair as she rode him harder. She leaned down to capture his lips in a heated kiss, their moans muffled against each other's mouths. His body trembled as she hit a particularly sensitive spot, causing him to let out a cry of pleasure. But it wasn't just the physical pleasure that had Megumi in tears. It was the intensity of their connection, the way their bodies moved together as if they were made for each other. He held her tightly, wanting to be as close to her as possible, not wanting this moment to end. 'Y/n,' he gasped out. 'good...so good.' Her only response was a throaty moan as she continued to ride him, her movements becoming faster and more frantic. Megumi's breathing became erratic, his body trembling with every thrust. He couldn't hold on much longer, the pleasure was too intense. With one final cry, he reached his peak, spilling over the edge with a mind-blowing orgasm. He held onto her, his body shaking as she rode him through his release. He whispered her name, his voice filled with love and adoration. 'Y/n, Y/n, Y/n,' he repeated, his voice stuttering with emotion. 'I love you, I love you so much.' Y/n slowed her movements, her body still as she leaned down to kiss him tenderly. She could feel his tears on her cheeks, and it only made her love him even more. She brushed her thumb across his cheek, wiping away his tears as she gazed into his eyes. 'I love you too,' she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. 'You mean everything to me.' They stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, for what felt like an eternity. They didn't need words to express their love, their bodies and actions said it all. In that moment, they were lost in each other, and nothing else mattered. Megumi's cry of pleasure had turned into a cry of love, a testament to the deep bond between him and Y/n. And as they lay there, spent and breathless, they both knew that this was just the beginning of their passionate and intense love story.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐘𝐔𝐉𝐈 𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈 | 虎杖 悠仁 ─ 𓐐𓎩 . ♡𝆬

As she climbed on top of him, straddling his hips, his whole body quivered with anticipation. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, 'Do you want me to ride you, baby?' He could only nod eagerly, his breath hitching at the thought of her taking control. She moved her hand down between their bodies, guiding his hardness into her slick heat. With a moan, she sank down onto him, her movements slow and deliberate. He gripped her hips tightly, his eyes squeezed shut as she began to move. She started off with a gentle rhythm, her hands splayed across his chest for balance. But as their passion grew, so did her pace. She threw her head back, her long hair cascading down her back as she rode him faster and harder. He couldn't hold back any longer, his body trembling as he neared his peak. 'Fuck, baby,' he groaned, his words coming out in stuttering bursts. 'You feel… so good… oh God…' She grinned down at him, her own pleasure evident in the way her jaw was tense and her eyes squeezed shut. With a final thrust, he reached his climax, his whole body shuddering beneath her. 'Wow,' he gasped as she collapsed onto his chest, both of them panting and sweating. 'That was amazing.' She chuckled, her breath tickling his skin. 'I'm glad you enjoyed it,' she said, her voice husky with satisfaction. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. 'How could I not?' he replied, a lazy smile playing on his lips. 'You ride me like a pro.' She laughed, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck. 'I love you,' she whispered, kissing his skin softly. He stroked her back, savoring the feeling of her skin against his. 'I love you too,' he murmured, his heart swelling with love and contentment.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐀 | 宿儺 ─ 𓇢𓆸 . ♡𝆬

'Look at you, my little slut,' he growled, his voice dripping with superiority. 'Riding me like the whore you are.' She gasped, her cheeks flushing red with embarrassment and arousal. But he didn't let up, holding her hips in a firm grip as he guided her movements. 'You think you're in control, don't you?' he sneered, thrusting up into her hard. 'But we both know who's really in charge here.' His words only made her moan louder, her body responding eagerly to his touch. He reveled in her, reveling in the way she surrendered herself completely to him. 'Tell me how much you want it,' he demanded, punctuating each word with a forceful thrust. 'Tell me how much you crave my cock.' And she did, her words coming out in a desperate, needy plea. It only fueled his desire. 'You're just a little plaything for me to use,' he hissed, gripping her hips tighter. 'A filthy little whore to satisfy my every whim.' But as their bodies moved together in perfect sync, it was her moans and cries that drove him over the edge. With one final command, he gave into his pleasure, his body shaking as he released himself inside her. Afterward, they lay together, tangled in sheets and each other's arms. 'You're mine,' he whispered possessively, his lips brushing against her ear. 'Never forget that.' And she never would, always eager to please him again and again, knowing that he was the one who truly owned her.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐈 | 七海 建人 ─ ☘︎ . ♡𝆬

He gazed up at her, admiring her beauty and the love that radiated from her eyes. 'This is all I've ever wanted,' he whispered, as she slowly lowered herself onto him. He closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of her warm, wet embrace. With each movement, they both moaned in pleasure. She leaned down, kissing him softly as their bodies moved in perfect synchrony. He ran his hands up her back, feeling the softness of her skin, wanting to remember this moment forever. As she rode him, he could feel the heat building up inside him. 'I love you,' he gasped, as his body trembled with pleasure. She only smiled in response, her own body beginning to shake with the intensity of her pleasure. Their moans grew louder, as her bodies moved faster and harder. He reached up to caress her face, bringing her in for a passionate kiss. With one final thrust, they both reached their climax, exploding in pure ecstasy. They lay in each other's arms, spent and content. He looked into her eyes and saw nothing but love and adoration. 'You are my everything,' he whispered, stroking her hair. She smiled and kissed him once more, sealing their love in that moment. As they laid there, tangled in each other's limbs, he couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have her in his life. She was his soulmate. And he would do anything to make her happy, for the rest of his days.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐔 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐎 | 夏油 傑 ─ 𓆉 . ♡𝆬

He could feel the nervousness radiating off his lover as she straddled his lap, her delicate hands gripping his shoulders for support. It was her first time, and he wanted to make it special for her. He gently caressed her cheek, leaning in to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. 'You're so beautiful,' he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of her ear, 'I'm honored to be your first.' She blushed at his words, her eyes sparkling with adoration. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, hoping to distract her from the pain she was about to feel. As she winced, a single tear escaping her eye, he kissed it away and murmured words of comfort. 'Shh, it's okay sweetheart,' he whispered, 'I'm here, I'll take care of you.' He kissed her tongue gently, coaxing her into relaxing as she lowered herself onto him. With one hand on her waist, he used the other to rub her clit, sending waves of pleasure through her body. She moaned, her hips starting to move in sync with his fingers.  'Good girl,' he praised, 'You're doing so well, baby.' She blushed and bit her lip, her innocent shyness only making her more alluring to him. As her confidence grew, she began to slowly ride him, her hands now roaming his chest, playing with his nipples. He could feel his pleasure building. She eagerly riding him with a newfound confidence. He watched as her petite body moved against his, her moans becoming more urgent. She leaned down to whisper in his ear, her warm breath tickling his skin. 'I want to make you feel good,' she murmured. With that, she started to move faster, her hands now gripping his shoulders for support. He could feel his release approaching, and he couldn't hold back any longer. With a final thrust, he came undone, his lover following soon after. They collapsed onto the bed, both panting and sweaty. He wrapped his arms around his lover, pulling her close to him. 'You did so well, love,' he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She smiled, snuggling into his chest. He kissed the top of her head, feeling grateful for the trust she had given him. This was a memory he would cherish forever, and he couldn't wait to make even more beautiful moments with her.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐓𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐎 | 伏黒甚爾 ─ 𓆤 . ♡𝆬

He watched with hungry eyes as his lover straddled him, her hands gripping his chest for stability. She slowly lowered herself onto his rock-hard cock, relishing the feeling of his throbbing member stretching her walls. She moved her hips in a slow, tantalizing rhythm, causing the man beneath her to let out a deep growl. 'You're so fucking tight,' he groaned, his hands tightening on her waist. 'Ride me, babydoll. Show me how much you need me.' She complied, increasing the speed of her movements and bouncing on him with reckless abandon. His hands roamed her body, squeezing and caressing every inch of her skin as she rode him. 'I want you to scream my name,' he whispered, his voice thick with desire. 'Louder, baby. Let the whole neighborhood know who's cock make you feel good.' His words sent her over the edge and she screamed his name, her body shuddering as waves of pleasure washed over her. His eyes rolled back in his head as he felt her walls clench around him, pushing him closer to the brink. 'Fuck, I'm gonna cum,' he said, his hands gripping her hips tightly. 'So fucking close.' With one final, powerful thrust, he spilled into her with a loud moan, his hips bucking uncontrollably as he rode out his orgasm. The two of them collapsed onto the bed, their bodies tangled together in a pool of sweat and satisfaction. He wrapped his arms around his lover, pulling her close to his chest as they both tried to catch their breath. 'You're amazing,' he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'I can't get enough of you.' She smiled and nuzzled closer to him, feeling loved in his embrace.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐎 | 脹相 ─ 𖤣𖥧 . ♡𝆬

The sun was setting behind the tall buildings, casting a golden glow over the city. In a small apartment, he lay on the bed, his heart racing with anticipation. He could hear the click of heels approaching and knew that she was about to enter the room. The door opened and in walked his master, clad in a black leather corset and thigh-high boots. She had a mischievous smirk on her face as she sauntered towards him, her hips swaying seductively. His arousal was evident as his master climbed onto the bed, straddling him. 'Hello, my little pet,' she purred, running her fingers through his hair. He let out a low moan, his body trembling with desire. He knew he was in for a wild ride. Her hands roamed his body, teasing and taunting him as she leaned down to whisper in his ear. 'You belong to me, and I'll make sure you remember that tonight.' His breath hitched as his master began to ride him, her movements slow and deliberate. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, their passion building with each thrust. His hands gripped the sheets as his master whispered dirty words in his ear, sending shivers down his spine. 'You feel so good inside me,' she moaned, her pace quickening. He couldn't hold on any longer as he reached his climax, her name escaping his lips in a cry of ecstasy. She continued to ride him, drawing out his pleasure until he was completely spent. As they lay entwined in each other's arms, he whispered sweet words of love and gratitude to his lover. She smiled down at him, her eyes filled with affection. 'You are mine, my little pet,' she said, stroking his cheek tenderly.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐘𝐔𝐓𝐀 𝐎𝐊𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐔 | 乙骨 憂太 ─ ✉ . ♡𝆬

Her hands gripping his wrists, her nails digging into his skin, all while she rode him with determination, left him helpless to her embrace. 'Who do you belong to?' she whispered seductively in his ear, her lips barely grazing his skin. 'You,' he gasped. 'Say it louder,' she demanded, her pace quickening. 'I belong to you!' he cried out, his voice echoing through the room. She leaned down, her lips crashing onto his as she continued to ride him, her powerful movements driving him closer to the edge. The way she controlled him, taking him to heights of ecstasy he never thought possible, consumed him completely. 'Tell me what you want,' she panted, her eyes locking with his. 'I want you,' he groaned, his body trembling with desire. 'That's all?' she teased, her hands moving down his chest, towards his most sensitive area. 'I want you... to make me cum,' he struggled to get the words out, his body begging for release. With one final thrust, she brought him to the edge, his body convulsing as he spilt himself inside her. She continued to ride him, milking every last drop until he was completely spent. Collapsing onto the bed, he couldn't help but smile as he looked up at her, still glowing with satisfaction. 'You are mine,' she stated, her eyes filled with love and possession. 'Yes,' he replied, his voice filled with adoration, knowing he would happily submit himself to her again and again.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈 | 狗巻 棘 ─ ♬ . ♡𝆬

Her hips rolling and grinding against his. He was powerless under her, his body responding instinctively to her touch as she rode him. 'God, you feel so good,' she purred, her voice husky with desire. 'Do you like it when I ride you like this?' He could only nod, his words lost in a jumble of pleasure and desire. She had always known how to push his buttons, how to take control and leave him weak and trembling beneath her. And now, as she moved with a fluid grace, her hands gripping his hair tightly, he was completely at her mercy. 'I love you,' she whispered, her lips brushing against his ear as she leaned down towards him. 'I love making you mine, taking what I want from you.' He shivered at her words, his body responding eagerly to her touch. Every movement sent waves of electric pleasure coursing through him, building him towards a climax he knew he couldn't hold back. With each thrust, she stammered out his name, her voice growing louder and more desperate. He could feel her nails digging into his skin, marking him as hers as she rode him with an unbridled fervor. And as she pushed him closer and closer to the edge, his words came out in a jumbled stutter, his mind consumed by the overwhelming pleasure she was giving him. 'I-I'm gonna...I can't...' he gasped, his eyes rolling back in his head as he felt himself reaching the point of no return. 'Yes, let go,' she growled, her own climax near as she rode him harder and faster. 'Cum for me, my love.' And with those words, he was powerless to hold back any longer. He cried out as he came, his body trembling and shaking as she continued to ride him through his release. They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, their breathing heavy and their bodies spent. She leaned down to kiss him softly, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. 'You're mine,' she whispered. 'And I'll always take what I want from you.' He smiled up at her, knowing that it was true. With her, he was always hers and he wouldn't have it any other way.

MASTERLIST

@fragileheartbeats . Don't plagiarise, repost, or translate any of my works on here or any other websites.

[peachesofteal]

Light on - single mom/neighbor fic Simon Riley/female reader Prompt: Protective Simon. For the beautiful and talented @lethalchiralium

Simon’s phone is ringing. 

Price raises an eyebrow from the end of the table, pausing mid-sentence, confused. Simon’s phone never rings. It’s always on full volume, because he never gets phone calls, except for ones from the 141, and they’re all here. At this briefing.  

His fingers find the ringer, ready to silence what he’s sure is a nuisance call, some telemarketer or robot, when he reads your name across the screen. 

You’ve never called him before. Unease tightens across his chest, and without any explanation, he excuses himself from the room and the bewildered looks being cast his way. 

“Hey, you-“

“Simon?” You sound off. Like you’re trying to be calm, but there’s something lingering on the edge of your voice, something scared. His spine goes stiff. 

It’s enough to propel him into action, his fist thumping against the window of the brief room, jerking his head south. I’m leaving, the motion signifies. Emergency.

“What’s wrong?” 

“N-nothing. Just… there’s this guy that’s been like, half a block behind me since I got off the train.” He closes his eyes. The fucking train. He wants you to stop taking the train. He needs you to stop taking the train. 

“He followed you from the platform?” 

“Well, he could be walking this way too…” 

“Where are you?” His keys are already in his hand, and he’s running down the hallway, past bewildered administrative staff and everyone else, bursting through the back door and into the truck. His phone chimes with multiple text messages, Price, Johnny, Gaz. All wondering where the hell he ran off to. Only Johnny’s text scratches the surface: Is it your neighbor? He waits another second in silence, hoping you’re trying to get your bearings. “Sweetheart?” 

“I’m… I think we’re coming up on seventh and Warsail. ‘m not too sure. I’ve kind been walking in a roundabout way.” We’re coming up on seventh… we. 

The baby is with you. 

His foot slams the accelerator onto the floor, counting his breaths as he maneuvers each turn in the road. Do you have the stroller? Are you carrying her? Did this guy peg you as an easy target because he knows what Simon knows, that women are more likely to go along with instruction if their child is threatened? That you’d never leave Emmaline behind? That you’d do anything to protect her? 

He feels sick. 

“Are there other people around?” He’s calm on the phone, trying to visualize the street, the buildings, the alleys. Easy spots where cars could reach the highway in seconds, and then be gone. Cramped alleys that connect to others like tangled webs, able to swallow a human being easy, disappear them into the darkness. It makes his stomach turn over. His fingers tighten around the steering wheel so hard; it hurts.

“Yeah, it’s close to the end of the day, so-“ 

“Stay where others can see you. Are you sure you’re on seventh and Warsail?” 

“Yeah. We’re in that park. I-I… wanted to take Emma to see the ducks.” Your voice wavers. “Simon he’s still behind us.” He’s turning the corner now, a block from your cross streets, and instead of yielding for oncoming traffic like he should, he floors it through an intersection, abandoning the truck still on, half parked in an empty street spot.  “Stay where you are, sweetheart. Okay? I’m coming.” 

“You… wait, what? You’re what?” He doesn’t hang up, but keeps the phone against his ear, and takes off down the street in a sprint, fully subscribed to the worst-case scenarios that have been building in his mind, images of you and Emmaline bloody and bruised, or worse. He gets them confused for a moment, memories mixing with the present, two things swirling together until they become indistinguishable, noise and panic roaring too loudly in his head. 

It all comes screeching to a stop. 

He spots you in the park. You do have the stroller, and you’re by the little pond, headphones in, Emmaline in your arms, her little beanie pulled down over her ears. You’re glancing around, nervous, saying his name into the mic. He scans the rest of the faces, passing over anyone who doesn’t strike him as a creepy git, until he finds his target: a skinny, younger guy lurking on the edge of the fence line, watching you. He hangs up the phone and moves across the park involuntarily, rolling his shoulders, and he vaguely sees you from the corner of his eye, mouth dropped open in shock, faintly calling his name. 

“Hey, mate. C’mere.” He shouts, half the people in the vicinity startling in his direction. Everyone seems to move away, like a magnetic force, pulsing outwards as he overtakes the guy with an easy grab to his upper arm. “You like stalking women with babies?” He hisses in his ear, voice low with barely contained rage. The guy is younger than him, but rail thin, and coked out. Probably looking for money. Simon jerks him closer, and he actually yells for help, like he’s a victim. It’s enough to ground the situation, making Simon realize he has an audience, and he grits out a final warning before shoving him away. “I ever see you around my girls again… I’ll fuckin’ kill you. Piss off.” 

“What did he say?” You’re frantic, rubbing Emmaline’s back in a circular pattern, over and over like you’re trying to calm her, even though she’s perfectly content. It’s you who needs soothing, he realizes, and he takes your hand without questioning it, letting his instincts guide him in regard to you without overthinking it. 

“He was high, love. Looking for money.” He doesn’t want to scare you but… he doesn’t despise the idea of instilling some hypervigilance. Maybe this will convince you not to take the train. 

“Oh my god.” 

“Think I scared him off for good though.” He looks around, and then slips off his mask, wide thumb stroking a soft touch on Emma’s cheek before giving you a gentle squeeze. “It’s alright now.” You visibly relax, but don’t let go of his hand, tilting your face up to his, all bright and beautiful, still coming down from the adrenaline of your fear with a whisper on your lips, meant for only him to hear. 

“Our hero.”

[theostrophywife]

agora hills.

pairing: lorenzo berkshire x reader.

song inspiration: agora hills by doja cat.

author's note: as always, this unhinged fic idea started in chlo and i's endless chats about these pesky men. enzo has a special place in my heart because he's so golden retriever sunshine (don't be fooled by that face though he's filthy).

Enzo Berkshire was your best friend. 

Despite what your friends seemed to think, the relationship between you two had always been strictly platonic. Perhaps it was easy to misinterpret your actions as romantic. After all, you and Enzo were very touchy and affectionate people. It was typical of you two to hold hands in the halls, cuddle in the common room, and even share the occasional cheek or forehead kiss, which you deemed completely normal. This type of behavior has been the standard since you were eleven years old. 

Still, you weren’t blind. You knew your best friend was attractive. Enzo had always been handsome in your eyes, but then fourth year rolled around and everyone else started to notice it too. To be fair, he had grown at least a foot over the summer and quidditch definitely helped him pack on lean muscle. Needless to say, girls flocked to him like a swarm of bees to honey, but he never really seemed interested in any of them. Not that you were paying attention. It was a natural thing to notice when you spent every waking moment with someone. 

The point of the matter was that you had absolutely no romantic feelings for Enzo whatsoever. Or so you thought. Until the bloody dream that flipped your friendship on its head. 

It was a normal day. You and Enzo were studying in your dorm like you usually did after class. Enzo was sprawled out on the rug scribbling away for his assignment on Ancient Runes. You were on your bed reading up on History of Magic. You knew you should be focusing since there would be a test tomorrow, but the chapter was boring and you were absolutely knackered from attending classes all day. 

Before you knew it, you were fully knocked out. A part of you was aware that you were dreaming, but the surreality of it blurred the lines of reality. 

In your dreams, you were still in your room studying with Enzo. Except your best friend was no longer hunched over his homework on your rug. Now Enzo was standing at the edge of your bed, blocking out the afternoon sun. You stared up in confusion as he took the book from your hands. 

“Enz? What are you doing?” 

Enzo stared intently at you, his soft hazel eyes flickering down to your lips. It was a little like being hit with a beam of sunshine. Your heart stuttered in your chest as he ran his thumb across your bottom lip. 

“I want to try something.”

You held your breath as Enzo leaned over. The bed dipped from his weight as you sat frozen in place. He rubbed soothing circles along your wrist, causing you to melt into his touch. It was a familiar sensation, one that always calmed you down but right at that moment, you felt anything but. The beat of your heart echoed so loudly that you were sure he could hear it. 

Enzo leaned in close, his face mere inches away from yours. He stroked your cheek gently. “I want to kiss you,” he murmured, the low whisper of his voice conjuring goosebumps along your arms. “Can I?”

You blinked, swallowing thickly. He was so close that you could smell the woodsy smell of his cologne, combined with a hint of fresh laundry and citrus. 

“Yes,” you responded breathily. 

Before you could think better of it, Enzo was kissing you. It was soft and sweet, his kisses gentle while he tested the waters. The quick little pecks soon evolved into deeper kisses as your body responded to his touch. Your hands moved outside of your own volition, fingers tangling in Enzo’s hair as you pulled him closer. He groaned and tilted your head back for a better angle, your bodies pressed close together and radiating heat underneath your clothes. 

Enzo scooted back on the headboard and pulled you into his lap without breaking the kiss. You gasped when his hands roamed underneath your skirt, gripping your thighs so that you were fully settled over his length. What started as a sweet innocent kiss escalated into a full on heated makeout session. Kissing till your lips were swollen. Moaning into each other’s mouths. Grasping at every inch of skin the two of you could reach. 

When you felt him grind his hardness against your backside, you gasped. Enzo took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth, swirling and sucking until you were panting above him. 

“Y/N,” he grunted huskily. “I need you.”

The desperation in Enzo’s voice made you shudder. You didn’t even think twice before unbuckling his belt and tugging his boxers down. Enzo groaned as he stroked himself, pulling your panties to the side. You whimpered as he teased his tip at your entrance. 

“I want you so fucking bad.”

“I want you too, Enzo.”

Friendship be damned, Enzo gripped your hips and watched as you sank into him. His eyes rolled back when he felt your warmth and wetness hug around his cock. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, resting his head in the crook of your neck. “Gods, you feel so fucking good. Better than I imagined.”

You clenched at his words and he inhaled sharply before rolling your hips to set the pace. Once you established a steady rhythm, Enzo pinned you with his lust blown gaze and watched as you rode him. He lavished you with sloppy kisses, stopping every now and then to moan into your mouth while you continued rolling your hips against him. 

“That’s it, princess. Feels good, yeah? Keep rolling your hips just like that,” Enzo said, thrusting upwards to fuck into you. “Wanna feel you cum on my cock, pretty girl.”

The filthy words sent you over the edge. Just as Enzo hit that perfect spot, your eyes flew open. 

You were startled to find yourself back in your dorm, warm, sweaty, and alone in bed. You nearly fell off altogether when you found Enzo still sitting on the rug below you. While you were dreaming about doing filthy things with him, Enzo was completely oblivious and focused on studying. Like you should’ve been. 

Enzo perked up, concern written all over his face when he saw how flushed you were. He immediately rushed over to your side. Your cheeks were so red that he thinks you might be running a fever. Enzo pressed the back of his hand against your forehead and you bit down on your bottom lip to keep yourself from moaning. 

“You’re burning up, Y/N.” Enzo sounded genuinely worried. If only he knew the reason why you currently shared the same temperature as the common room fireplace. “Maybe I should walk you over to the infirmary?” 

“No!” Your voice echoed shrilly in your dorm, causing you to wince. “I’m fine. I just…I just need fresh air.”

“Oh good, I’ll come walk with you.”

“No,” you said rather harshly. Enzo frowned. “I, uh, I think I should go alone.”

Now Enzo was truly perturbed. He pouted at your refusal. Why didn’t you want him to come? You always walked around the Black Lake together. 

“Are you sure you’re alright, Y/N?” 

He squinted at you, hoping to catch your gaze. You completely avoided looking him in the eyes before scrambling out of bed. 

“I’m fine, really. I’ll see you later, Enz.”

You were out the door before Enzo even had a chance to respond. 

You were acting like a bloody idiot. 

After that unfortunate afternoon, you spent the next few days avoiding Enzo. The dream had completely flustered you. It was impossible to be in the same room as your best friend. You couldn’t even look Enzo in the eyes without thinking of him being inside of you.  

More than that, it was making you rethink your entire friendship. You adored Enzo. He had been a constant in your life since first year. The two of you were inseparable and he was pretty much the most important person in your life. You had never once thought about him in a sexual manner, but obviously you were attracted to him given the filthy thoughts that flooded your mind like a plague. 

You were praying to Merlin that this stupid little lapse of yours would pass and take all the hormone addled aftereffects with it. Perhaps it was just lack of physical affection that was causing you to think this way. After all, you had broken up with your last boyfriend months ago. There was the casual hookup every now and then, but those never really satisfied you in the way that you wanted. It certainly wasn’t anything like how Enzo had been in your dream. 

As you cataloged and compared your most recent stints, the intrusive thought slipped in without warning. There were no secrets between you and Enzo, so you knew that it had been awhile since he hooked up with anyone else too. Come to think of it, except for a couple flings here and there, Enzo has never really had a serious relationship. 

You never really thought much about it. It wasn’t like you were running headfirst into commitment either, but now you couldn’t help but wonder why Enzo had never had a girlfriend. Were relationships just not his cup of tea? If so, why the bloody hell not?

By the time you had unraveled that string, Pansy was snapping her fingers in front of your face. You shook your head and rejoined the present. Before your little spiral, you and Pansy had been discussing the homework for Charms. 

Your friend narrowed her eyes on you. “Alright, spill,” Pansy said. “There’s clearly something on your mind.”

You peered around the common room. For the most part, it was empty. Only a few of the other Slytherins lingered in your midst, but one could never be too careful in the viper’s nest. 

Once you were sure the coast was clear, you leaned closer to Pansy and spoke in a low voice. “Have you ever had a dream about one of the guys?”

Pansy leaned back on the velvet emerald couch with an expression of intrigue. “What kind of dream?”

“You know,” you urged, picking at the cushion in your lap. “The sexual kind.”

She shook her head, her glossy bob shimmering in the faint light. “No, I can’t say that I have.” 

“I have!” Theo said cheerfully as he plopped down between you. His presence startled you, but he looked utterly unperturbed as he butted into the conversation. “About both of you, actually.”

You wrinkled your nose and smacked him on the arm. “Gross, Theo.”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Pansy said with a look of disgust.

Theo was deeply offended by it all. “What? I’ll have you know that I was very loving and gentle,” you groaned and made a gagging sound. “I also had one about Reg and that one wasn’t as gentle, if you know what I mean.”

He grinned cheekily, which only made you lament further. Pansy shook her head in disbelief. “Really, Regulus? He’s the human equivalent of a grumpy black cat. All the first years are terrified of him.”

Theo shrugged. “What can I say? I’m into that. All that surliness and those curls, y’know…”

It was Pansy’s turn to smack him. “For Salazar’s fucking sake, shut it, Theodore. I want to know who Y/N had a dream about.”

“Was it Riddle?” Theo prompted.

“Which one?”

“Mattheo, obviously. Tom looks like he hasn’t had a woman’s touch in years.”

“That’s mean!” you cut in. “I’m telling Tom you said that.”

“Please don’t. I value my life, thank you very much.”

Pansy scoffed. “It’s not either one of the Riddles then.”

“Was it me?” asked Theo. 

“Gods, no.”

He rolled his eyes in response. “It can’t be Blaise because him and Pans are shagging on the daily.” Theo’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me it’s Malfoy.” 

“Absolutely not.”

“But he’s close, right?” Pansy said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. You nodded weakly. She gasped. “Oh my god, Berkshire? Really?”

You buried your face in your hands. You were truly going to die of embarrassment. Pansy continued with her assessment. “Well, you two are practically attached at the hip, so it makes sense. Still, I truly didn’t expect it to be Enzo. He’s so sweet, I just can’t see him that way.”

The shit-eating grin on Theo’s face made you cringe. “Was it good? It had to be, right? Is that why you’ve been avoiding him all week?” 

“What? I haven’t been avoiding him.”

“Sure you have,” declared Theo. “Berkshire’s all broken up about it. Thinks he’s done something to upset you. The whole time you’ve been nursing filthy little fantasies about sweet baby boy Enzo. Oh, I can’t wait to tell the guys about this.”

Panic seized you and Theo yelped as you held his arm in a death grip. “You can’t say a fucking word, Theo. Do you hear me? It’s already humiliating enough to have a sex dream about my best friend. I will literally murder you if you tell any of the boys.”

Theo sighed. “Fine, I won’t tell. Now let go of me, woman.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Pansy. “You can’t keep avoiding Enzo forever.”

You sighed. You were completely and utterly at a loss. Pansy was right. Enzo was already starting to suspect something and you felt bad that he thought he’d done something to upset you when you were the one in the wrong. How could you possibly act normal after all of this?

“Maybe you should ask him if he’s ever thought about you that way,” Theo suggested. “That way the ball’s in his court.” 

You scoffed. “I’m supposed to just come up to him and casually ask, Hey Enz, have you ever had a sex dream about me that was so filthy that you couldn’t make eye contact for days after?” 

“I guarantee you the answer will be yes.”

As you chided Theo for being his usual ridiculous self, Pansy discretely nudged you. Enzo rounded the corner and waved at the three of you. Theo and Pansy shared a look before leaving you to your own devices. Bloody traitors. 

Enzo was unbothered by their sudden departure. “Hi, love. I haven’t seen you all week. You haven’t been avoiding me, have you?” 

His tone was light and playful, but it still made you nervous as all hell. “No, not at all,” you internally cringed at the forced cheeriness in your voice. “I’ve just been…busy. Yeah, that’s it. No other reason.”

For Salazar’s fucking sake. You were horrible at this. Lying to Enzo wasn’t something you were used to. 

Enzo nodded. “Okay, well we’re still on for movie night, right?” 

“Oh, yeah, about that—“

“It shouldn't be a problem,” he added thoughtfully, shooting you a cheeky grin. “Unless you’re actually avoiding me.”

Fuck. Your mind was screaming at you to say no. To make up some lame excuse. To do something other than gape at Enzo. 

Unfortunately, your brain decided to stop working as soon as those dimples of his made an appearance. Merlin’s bloody beard, you truly needed to get a grip. 

You forced yourself to smile back so he wouldn’t think anything was amiss. “”I was just going to ask what snacks you wanted.”

“Just you,” Enzo said, his grin growing wider. Did his voice suddenly sound deeper than it had a few seconds ago? No, it was likely just your delusion. “That’s all I need.”

Later that night, Enzo arrived with the projector and a handful of movie choices. You spent the entire afternoon pacing and working yourself into a fit. He was entirely unaware of the cloud of anxiety hanging over you as he loaded up your favorite movie. 

Your dorm had never felt as cramped as it did at this moment. Enzo plopped down on your bed. The scene of the crime. You climbed in on the other end and resigned yourself to sitting perfectly upright and rigid while he made himself comfortable. Enzo looked at you strangely. Usually, the two of you would be cuddling. 

“What are you doing all the way over there?” Enzo asked, spreading his arms out. “Come cuddle.”

You sighed internally. This felt like tempting fate, but what could you do? If you refused, Enzo would definitely know that something was up. As slow as a snail, you scooted closer to his side. He took one look at you and shook his head before hauling you over to him. Besides being manhandled, the position was quite familiar. You tucked against his side, head resting on his shoulder while he nuzzled his cheek against your hair. 

Enzo pressed play and you started to relax while the movie unfolded. The peace didn’t last for long. As the opening scene played, Enzo absentmindedly tugged at the hem of your shirt. Again, his affectionate nature wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Yet you couldn’t help but hold your breath as he rubbed soothing circles against your hip. While the gesture usually comforted you, it had the opposite effect now. 

“You’re so tense, love,” Enzo murmured. His voice sounded so deep and delicious.

“It’s been a stressful week.”

“I bet.” 

You shuddered as he trailed his fingers over your spine, drawing patterns along your skin. Temptation wasn’t knocking at your door. It was kicking it down altogether. Enzo shifted, brushing his knuckles just below the hook of your bra. 

“This can’t be comfortable,” he said, hooking a finger around the band. “Maybe you’ll feel more relaxed with it off. Don’t you think so, sweetheart?” 

There was no time to analyze what the fuck was going on. All of your efforts were spent solely on fighting the urge to moan. Enzo toyed with the band, waiting for your answer. 

“Yeah,” you said breathily. “I think—I think you’re right.”

“Course I am. Let me take it off for you then, yeah?” 

“Okay.” 

Enzo unhooked your bra with a flick of his fingers. Almost like he had long mastered the art and this was merely just child’s play. He helped you shrug out of your bra and carelessly tossed it to the side. You sighed softly as Enzo switched to long, purposeful strokes. He started at your hips, then your stomach, gradually moving up until he was barely an inch away from the underside of your breasts. Your eyes fluttered close, completely lost to his touch. They opened again when Enzo nuzzled his nose against yours. 

“Hi,” he said with a smile. 

“Hi,” you whispered. “What are we doing, Enzo?” 

“Nothing that I haven’t thought about a million times over.”

“You’ve thought about me like this?” 

“I’m always thinking about you,” Enzo admitted. “Sometimes it’s just cuddling or holding hands. Just sweet stuff cause I love touching you like this, but other times…other times I dream about you like you dreamt about me.”

Your breath hitched. “You know about my dream?” 

“I heard you in the common room earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I don’t know what came over me. That’s why I haven’t talked to you much this week. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Enzo took your hand and slid it down the front of his gray sweatpants. You gasped when you felt how hard he was against your palm. “Do I feel uncomfortable to you, sweetheart?”

You shook your head, biting down on your lip. You didn’t trust yourself with words at the moment. Enzo nuzzled against you, littering soft little kisses in his wake. He pecked and nipped at your neck, your collarbone, your jaw. 

“You drive me fucking mad, you know that? I want you so badly I’d literally get on my knees and beg if you asked.”

The tension was too much for you to bear. You pulled him in by the front of his shirt and pressed your lips against his. Enzo groaned into your mouth. The hand underneath your shirt crawled up until he was cupping your tits, rubbing his thumb over your nipples. Enzo tried to keep the kisses soft. He intended to savor it, but every ounce of self control went out the window the second he heard you moan. 

Enzo flipped you over so that you were straddling his lap. He looked down and realized that you were wearing one of his old shirts and the sight of it made him even harder. The tiny shorts you were wearing was a pesky little barrier, but it didn’t stop him from grinding his hardness against your ass. He tugged at the hem of your shirt. 

“Take this off, right now. I need to feel you, pretty girl.”

He watched as you peeled off the shirt. Enzo did the same, tossing both articles of clothing over the side of your bed. He groaned at the skin to skin contact. Enzo smiled as he drank it all in. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“You’re not bad to look at either, Enz.”

Enzo chuckled. “Cheeky girl. Come on, then. Shorts off too.”

You took off your shorts as Enzo slipped out of his sweatpants and boxers. He kissed you again, sloppy, filthy, and downright obscene. There was plenty of panting and groping as the two of you explored each other’s bodies. Enzo practically purred into your ear as you rubbed over his shaft. He felt like velvet in your hands. When you flicked your thumb to spread the bead of precum over his tip, Enzo released an animalistic growl. 

“Oh fuck,” he whimpered. “Gods, I need to be inside of you right fucking now or I’ll die.”

There was no time to slide off your panties. Enzo merely yanked it to the side and guided you over him. He kept his eyes on you as you sank down slowly, taking him inch by inch. Enzo groaned, digging his fingers into your hips while you adjusted to his size.

“Goddamn, you’re so wet and so fucking tight.” 

You had no idea that such filthy words could sound like music in your ears. Enzo may have been sweet as sugar, but you knew that he wasn’t innocent. He was far too cheeky to be anything but downright dirty in bed. 

Enzo was also extremely responsive. He made sure to praise and worship like your body was an altar and he was the most pious believer. 

“Enz, gods,” you moaned as he flicked his tongue over your nipple. “You’re really good at that.” 

“Yeah?” He asked cheekily. “You think so?” 

You chuckled. It was such an Enzo comment. If you weren’t actively losing your mind, you might’ve rolled your eyes at him. Whatever fantasy your mind has conjured paled in comparison to reality. Sex with Enzo was easy. You knew him and you trusted him. It was like breathing air. 

Every moan and whimper only helped you grow more and more attuned with each other’s bodies. The sounds you made were a special language of its own, one that only you and Enzo understood.

“That’s it, princess. You’re taking me so well.” 

“Like that?” you asked, rolling your hips. 

Enzo groaned in response, which made you smirk in satisfaction. He chuckled and kissed you deeply. “Ride me harder, sweetheart. Fuck…yeah just like that.” 

He moaned into your mouth, meeting the roll of your hips with thrusts of his own. Enzo pressed his forehead against your, his long lashes kissing the tops of your cheekbones while he pressed you closer. The deep angle in which he drove into you had you clawing at his back. 

“Oh gods, oh fuck. I can feel you clenching around me, pretty girl. You’re gonna cum for me like a good girl, yeah?”

“I’m so close.” Enzo flipped you onto your back and fucked you into the mattress. The tension uncoiled in your core until you were panting, chasing after that sweet release. “Oh—oh gods, Enzo.”

The orgasm knocked the very breath from your lungs. It was a total out of body experience. Your back arched, your toes curled, and you screamed his name, but none of it registered past the pleasure of coming. As soon as Enzo felt you creaming him from base to tip, he came too. 

It was strangely beautiful to watch. Enzo was mesmerizing. With his sweat slicked skin and swollen lips, strands of his dark hair clinging onto his flushed cheeks. You’ve never seen such a pretty sight. 

The two of you stayed curled up into each other. Enzo slowly pulled out and placed a tender kiss on your temple. This time, there wasn’t a single hint of hesitation as you cuddled up against his side. He was warm and comfortable, lulling you into sleep as he tangled his long legs with yours. 

You didn’t know how long you drifted off. It only felt like a few seconds later when you found yourself on your stomach, blinking sleepily up at Enzo. He smiled, kissing along your spine as he pried your legs apart. You groaned into the pillow as he thrusted lazily from behind. 

It was dark as night outside when you were finally done. You couldn’t even remember how many times he made you cum. All you knew was that you were in complete bliss as you and Enzo sprawled out on your sheets. 

You looked up at Enzo. He looked down at you. The two of you burst into a nervous fit of giggles.

“Shit. Did we just—“

He nodded, curling a strand of your hair through his fingers. “Yeah, we definitely did. Two. Three. Four times? I honestly lost count.” 

You chuckled softly. There was a moment of silence as you collected yourself. Enzo lowered himself down so that you were facing each other. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” He asked, nudging your cheek with his nose. “Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours, pretty girl.” 

Despite your steamy activities, you had never felt more shy than when he brushed his lips across your knuckles. 

“I care about you, Enzo and I know you care about me too. Tonight was….fuck. Tonight was great. I just want to make sure this doesn’t change our friendship.”

“Of course it’s going to change things,” Enzo said matter-of-factly. “You think I can stay just friends with you after that?” 

You swallowed thickly. “I don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you don’t really date. I mean, half the school’s asked you out and you’ve turned them all down, so I’m not expecting to be the exception. It’s alright if you just want this to be casual.”

“I don’t. I’ve said no to everyone because I’ve been waiting for you. You are the exception, Y/N. It’s always been you.” 

“Really?” you whispered, biting back a smile. “You mean that?” 

Enzo nodded and kissed your fingertips. “Sweetheart, you’ve had me in the palm of your hands since we were eleven. Of course I mean it.” 

You didn’t try to hide your smile. You were absolutely beaming. “So you don’t want things to be casual?”

“There’s nothing casual about what I feel for you.” 

“Okay,” you said, processing his revelation. “I don’t want things to be casual either. It might be selfish, but I think I want you all to myself, Enzo.” 

He released a sigh of relief. “Oh thank fucking Merlin. I want you all to myself too, Y/N.”

[unclewaynemunson]

“I need to tell you something.”

Shitfuckno. Eddie doesn't even know why he's still surprised. This is how it always goes, after all. He should probably just give up and stop dating altogether – again.

Steve looks at him exactly as ominously as the words I need to tell you something require. Perfect Steve. Funny Steve. Sweet Steve. Sexy Steve. Steve, who Eddie had genuinely believed to be different.

Eddie sighs, barely suppressing a dark chuckle while he turns away from that perfect face. He doesn't want to look at Steve when he'll tell him the undoubtedly messed-up shit he's about to spill.

“Lemme guess, you're married?” That was what the last guy he dated told him, seven months after they got to know each other. It can't be much worse than that, can it?

Steve grabs Eddie's hand, causing him to involuntarily jerk up his head and meet his eyes.

“How did you know?”

Jesus H. Christ. Not again.

Eddie roughly pulls his hand out of Steve's grip and laughs a joyless laugh.

“Apparently I'm a good guesser.”

He stands up from the park bench the two of them had been sharing. “Well, Steve, this has been a blast. You should go back to your wife, or husband – don't tell me, I don't even wanna know – and I should um, get going. Maybe tell the next person right away what they'll be getting themselves into. Would save them a lot of wasted time, just in case cheating and going around other people's backs isn't really their thing, y'know.”

“Eddie, wait, let me explain!”

Eddie picks up his pace, but Steve, stubborn as he is, easily keeps up with him.

“I'm really not interested, man.”

“It's not – I'm not cheating on her!”

“Okay, so you have an open marriage, good for you. Still the kind of information you could've shared with me, say, three months ago, don't you think?”

“She's a lesbian.”

And that makes Eddie freeze on the spot. It takes Steve two steps before he realizes Eddie has stopped moving; he walks backwards until he's standing right in front of Eddie.

“She's my best friend,” he says, immediately using Eddie's stunned silence to his advantage. “Robin, my roommate – I told you all about her. We wanted to buy a house together and that turned out to be very complicated when you're not... Well, when you're not romantically involved. So we got married. For the, um, practical reasons. We never – we're like siblings. I love her like a sister. But she's also my wife. Platonically.”

It takes a few seconds until Steve's words sink in. Then, Eddie leaps forward and basically collapses into Steve's arms, needing to hold onto him to prevent himself from crashing to the ground.

Steve's arms are warm, strong, and as safe as ever.

“Eddie, are you okay?” Steve asks softly. His lips brush against Eddie's ear while he speaks, and worry colors his voice.

Perfect Steve. Too-good-to-be-true Steve.

“Jesus Christ, Steve,” is the only thing Eddie manages to say.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,” Steve says. “It's just – I've gotten some, um... Less than ideal reactions, in the past, whenever I told this when I was seeing someone. So I thought it'd be better to wait until things were getting serious.” He sighs, tangling his fingers in Eddie's hair. “I didn't wanna scare you off. Are we – are you okay?”

Eddie nods. He lifts his head from where it's resting against Steve's shoulder and raises his hands to squeeze them around Steve's face.

“We're okay,” he says. “And I'm sorry I didn't want to listen to you. I–” He stops; he can't find the words right away. It's still difficult to talk about those things; to let himself be vulnerable. But Steve has been honest with him, so it's only fair to return the favor.

“I've been hurt, Steve,” he confesses. “More than once. I've had some really shitty experiences with dudes not being honest with me. I thought that that was what was happening again, and I couldn't – I couldn't go through that again. Especially not with you.”

“Jesus, Eddie, I'm so sorry.”

“It's okay,” Eddie rushes to say, pulling Steve even closer towards him. “I trust you.” And as soon as these words leave his mouth, he knows it's the truth.

“I do want to be absolutely clear about one thing, though,” Steve says.

Eddie leans back in Steve's arms to give him an expectant look.

“Robin is my wife. I'm not planning on that to change anytime soon. We've been through a lot together. She's been the most important person in my life for years. We own a house and a dog together, and I love her more than anything. I like you a lot, and I promise you I'm all-in with you, but... Robin is still my number one. And that's not gonna change overnight. I need you to be okay with that.”

Eddie swallows. He looks into Steve's eyes. All he sees is a man who is honest, who loves his friends deeply, and who refuses to make any compromises when it comes to love – whether it be the platonic or the romantic kind.

It doesn't scare Eddie off; it only makes him fonder of Steve.

He smiles, glances around to check if they're alone, and presses a quick kiss against Steve's lips.

“I think I can live with that,” he says. “As long as I'm the only one who gets to do this.” He closes his eyes and lets his lips meet Steve's again.

The sigh that Steve breathes into their tentative kiss is one filled with relief.